Kamloops Connector February 2022 by KamloopsThisWeek

February is Heart Month!

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VOL. 30, NO. 10, FEBRUARY 2022 POWERED BY KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK | A PROUD PART OF ABERDEEN PUBLISHING

Have you heard of The Gleaning Abundance Program? Page 2

KAC’s annual juried art show is back again! Page 3

BCICF provides small grants with big impacts Page 9

Did you practice? by Clear Impact Page 11

The Long View Page 18

Digital Literacy program gears up for seniors

igital literacy has never been so important as more and more people are being thrust into scenarios where they can no longer communicate without some digital skills. Our lives are increasingly conducted online and through the use of various electronic devices. The pandemic has exacerbated this trend in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Suddenly being cut off physically from loved ones because of COVID-19 protocols in one’s assisted living residence or not having the means or wherewithal to hop online to order groceries or seek out important information let alone navigate a cell phone to make an appointment or call a friend is a bewildering place to be. It needn’t be this way and there is help available.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library, Kamloops Community Response Network, Literacy in Kamloops, and Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning have joined forces to offer a digital literacy program for adults and seniors in the Kamloops area. “The most simple definition of digital literacy is the use and understanding of digital technology. It includes all of the various digital tools that are available to us and the various ways that we use those tools. It’s important for seniors, especially during our current situation, because it empowers them to stay connected and engaged with their family and community,” explains program coordinator Nakita Gideon-Syme. The program is very much geared towards the

individual and the lessons will focus on practical applications on whichever devices the learner has or is interested in learning about. Lessons are designed for computers, tablets and smartphones. The program can assist absolute beginners or those more comfortable with technology perhaps wanting to learn something more advanced. “The program is based on ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Youth Teaching Adults digital literacy program. Volunteer tutors work one to one adults wanting to increase their digital literacy. Originally, the program was designed to have youth from the community tutoring adults in-person. However, with COVID precautions, we are currently offering the program with adult tutors working virtually with

a learner. In the future, we hope to expand the program to in-person workshops and include youth volunteers,” said Gideon-Syme. Accommodation can be made for in-person learning if the tutor and student are agreeable and can meet in a public setting such as the library, with COVID precautions taken. The Kamloops Community Response Network’s mandate is to form “a coordinated response to the abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults.” They are involved with the digital literacy program to help prevent the neglect and isolation of seniors, especially during COVID-19. Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning (KPAL) is offered in partnership with Literacy in Kamloops

(LinK), The Kamloops & District Elizabeth Fry Society, and the Government of British Columbia. KPAL offers free one to one tutoring for adults. Tutoring sessions focus on reading, writing, or math for adults that want to improve their skills in these areas. KPAL is currently adding new programs and tutoring resources to improve literacy for adults in other areas, including digital literacy, financial literacy, and health literacy. Adults

interested in accessing KPAL tutoring or volunteering with KPAL can contact Nakita GideonSyme at 778-257-9223 or kamloopspal@gmail.com. Seniors can access the digital literacy program by contacting Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning at 778-257-9223 or kamloopspal@gmail.com, Thompson-Nicola Regional Library, or Literacy in Kamloops at 250-319-9653 or literacyinkamloops@ gmail.com.

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2 FEBRUARY 2022

Have you heard of The Gleaning Abundance Program? Summitted by the Kamloops Food Policy Council

stablished in 2013, the Gleaning Abundance Program (GAP) has operated in Kamloops for over 8 years. Over this time it has grown and expanded its reach, but has always remained as an essential service provided by the Kamloops Food Policy Council to our city. The GAP gathers people across our region to help fruit tree owners and farmers harvest their overabundance of fruit and vegetables. Participants of the program keep 1/3 of the pick, volunteers receive the other 1/3 in exchange for their help, and local community organizations serving Kamloops most vulnerable and food insecure populations receive the other 1/3 to use in their food programming. Since the program’s inception, we have gleaned over 140,000 lbs of fruit and vegetables! Over half of that amount has been donated and shared across our city. Beyond feeding our community, the GAP helps build local capacity and create key connections. Through engagement of

fruit-tree owners, farmers, and volunteers our program brings together a mix of people to create intergenerational and intercultural connections between children, adult, and seniors. While gleaning, people often share their knowledge about food processing. This informal knowledge transfer also includes the exchange of some delicious recipes! As the GAP program has grown into a well-established service, we have been called on by educators to offer gleaning opportunities to students and youth groups. We have found that some of our younger generation lack the knowledge of our local food system. With questions around where our food comes from or how it is grown. By including youth in the program, we seeks to support food literacy in Kamloops and help inspire food action in our young cohort! While our program’s quantitative measures of success are easy to share, the friendships and social connections are just as important to highlight. Acting as a

care for their fruit trees and “mobile community hub”, develop the skills needed for the GAP provides a venue proper maintenance. for members to meet likeminded people and forge The KFPC is also planning close connections. During to establish a new pruning these past two years, the program in 2022. This new pandemic has put a lot of component of the GAP will stress on our lives. Our allow tree owners to register program has been a relief for their trees, while the KFPC participants. Through safety maintains and gleans them measures, the GAP allows over a few years. Fruit trees people to have a safe outdoor can be a lot of work, but this activity to maintain the new program helps us share essential human connection the burden and the reward of that we are all longing for bountiful, healthy trees! and need. Many tree owners in the Fruit Trees are one of the city that participated in our most important pillars of program have sold their the GAP. Climate change properties. We are currently and lack of maintenance trying to reach more people has put a lot of pressure on many fruit trees in our city. A healthy fruit tree produces an abundant amount of quality fruit that can be gleaned and shared. Knowing this, we have been working on educating fruit tree owners and producers on mitigating the effects of climate change. This fall, we hosted a free online and in-person workshop on climate change resiliency and integrated pest management for local producers. We are also seeking new ways to educate and motivate tree-owners to GAP Apples

to invite them to participate in our GAP. Increasing our program’s capacity helps us make the most of our local food resources. Whether you’ve participated in the program or this is the first time you’re hearing about it, we hope you’ll find great joy in knowing this programming of community food action exists in Kamloops. If you are interested to register your tree or become one of our volunteers, please sign up on our webpage: kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil. com/gleaningabundance/

Zucchini Soup Source: Katie Webster, www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/zucchini-soup/

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 large sweet onions • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt • 4 cloves garlic • ¼ cup white wine • 3 cups vegetable broth

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1: COOK THE GARLIC AND ONION Heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat in a large heavy Dutch oven. Add onion and salt and cook, stirring often until the onions are starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add in garlic, and cook, stirring until fragrant but not burning, about 1 minute. STEP 2: ADD BROTH AND ZUCCHINI Add in white wine, increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 90 seconds. Add in broth and sliced zucchini, cover and bring to a simmer.

• 2 pounds zucchini plus 1 cup finely diced • 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt • 1 tablespoon each chopped fresh dill and basil, plus more for garnish • 1 ear of corn, cut off the cob • 1 scallion • Freshly ground pepper

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally until the zucchini is very tender, about 8 to 10minutes. STEP 3: PUREE THE SOUP Transfer half of the soup to a large blender. Use caution when blending hot liquids! Puree until creamy and smooth, about 20 seconds. Transfer to another pot or bowl. Repeat by pureeing the remaining zucchini mixture. Alternatively, puree with an immersion blender (shown.) STEP 4: ADD IN YOGURT AND HERBS Whisk yogurt into the zucchini soup along with 1 tablespoon dill and basil.

STEP 5: MAKE THE TOPPING Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and finely diced zucchini and cook, stirring often until the zucchini and corn is tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in scallion, and remove the skillet from the heat. (If serving chilled, refrigerate soup and topping separately for at least 4 hours.) STEP 6: TO SERVE Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with additional oil and top with several spoonfuls of the topping. Add on additional dill and basil and sprinkle with pepper and serve.

FEBRUARY 2022 3

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KAC’s annual juried art show is back again!

Art Exposed at the Kamloops Arts Council returns for all 2D and 3D artists to participate in

By Elizabeth Nygren

f you haven’t been in Kamloops long, you may have yet to hear about the Kamloops Arts Council’s annual juried art show, Art Exposed. Kamloopsians will know it well as the yearly art show for emerging and established visual artists in the TNRD (ThompsonNicola Regional District). Artists display 2D or 3D artwork for adjudication with the hope of receiving a prize in one of the seven categories and gaining exposure and recognition from their peers. “Art Exposed gives the public a chance to view local artwork of many different types, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, photography and more,” states the Kamloops Arts Council’s website. “Every nook and cranny of the Old Courthouse is filled with art: the past few years up to 200 pieces are accepted from approximately 120 artists from the TNRD, with a significant number of works selling each year.” Art Exposed is open to all 2D or 3D artists who

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GIBRALTAR LAW wish to participate in the annual art show. Artists can either choose to be in the established category, where they identify as professional, long-term artists, in the emerging category, identifying as artists newer to the art scene, or in the youth category, artists being between the ages of 6 and 14. What makes Art Exposed extra special is that it is a juried, non-curated art show, meaning anyone can submit and be accepted to participate. The KAC website states: “The emphasis is not on competition; Art Exposed offers community artists a chance to share their work in a professional setting, gain exposure and receive valuable feedback, taking their careers to the next level.”

Submissions to Art Exposed are being accepted on the Kamloops Arts Council’s website until February 14, 2022, or until submissions reach 250 pieces. For more information on how to submit to Art Exposed, regarding sizing, fees and the requirements around submitting, please read the application on the KAC’s website. Art Exposed will be at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre, located on Seymour Street, from March 5 - 12, 2022. All are welcome to join in and check out the artwork at this yearly exhibition. For more information, visit kamloopsarts.ca.

Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents “Viennese New Year”

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On Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Kamloops United Church, 4th and St.Paul, the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops will present Viennese New Year. Along with musicians Cvetozar Vutev and Naomi Cloutier, celebrate the New Year in the Classical and Romantic

styles of Viennese composers through violin and piano sonatas and sparkling miniatures that radiate the lyricism of music in Vienna. Check our website or Facebook page for more information.

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4 FEBRUARY 2022

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am about to join the burgeoning ranks of the “doctorless” in Kamloops. Once again. My doctor will be retiring in a few months and try as he may, he hasn’t been able to recruit anyone to take over his practice. With a bit of luck maybe this fact will change before July. In a recent appointment, My two cents Moneca Jantzen he lamented the fact that Editor he doesn’t have anyone to whom to pass the proverbial torch, so while his retirement is most certainly well-deserved, he does so feeling guilty for leaving his patients without a doctor. This has been a long-standing problem in Kamloops and he needn’t feel guilty, particularly because he and his clinic colleagues have given some of us a reprieve since the clinic was established in 2009. I considered myself fortunate back then when I managed to get on with another doctor. I was resigned to visiting walk-in clinics in perpetuity after my family doctor had sadly become ill and eventually passed away. Lots of people were languishing on waiting lists even then, so it was sheer luck that I heard about Dr. Gorman’s new clinic and that I actually became one of his patients. I’m not a big fan of walk-in clinics, but they do serve a purpose. Now it seems even those have become exceedingly rare in this city, although admittedly I am a bit out of touch with that process. My understanding is that the ones that exist are near impossible to get into. I’m not looking forward to even trying. In light of this, I will have to settle with a combination of virtual medical care paired with consultations with my naturopath, chiropractor and massage therapist (assuming I have ongoing extended health coverage) and see how that goes. Touch wood, I am not currently a high maintenance patient but I do have a couple of chronic issues. As I head into my senior years anything could happen so having an assigned doctor would certainly be preferred. The crazy part is that I know I have been privileged enough to even have had a doctor at all. So many people in Kamloops have gone without for years and it can’t help but have a negative impact on one’s health over time. I can’t count the number of times my doctor’s office called me up to prod me towards a routine test, vaccine or exam as opposed to me just calling about more urgent concerns. Goodness knows we don’t need any more barriers to care than we already have. The pandemic has made everything that much more difficult and now we have exhausted and overworked healthcare workers. Rumours abound of delayed surgeries and the like. My heart goes out to anyone dealing with serious illness and not getting the hands on care that they require in a timely fashion. If only there was a simple answer as to why Kamloops hasn’t been able to recruit enough family doctors and nurse practitioners to fill the vacancies left by the old guard. It is remarkable that a prosperous family practice in an ideal location has not yet caught the interest of another doctor. Some creative recruitment solutions are required by our health region’s administrators lest the system continue to crumble before our very eyes. As for the option of someone taking over Dr. Gorman’s practice, he has a note on his website inviting interested physicians to email him at gormanpeter56@gmail.com. How great would it be to send him off on a guilt-free retirement along with thanks for a career well-done?

Voices of Experience www.connectornews.ca Telephone: (250) 374-7467 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Please address all correspondence to: Kamloops Connector 1365B Dalhousie Drive Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6 Publisher Bob Doull General Manager Liz Spivey (778) 471-7537 publisher@connectornews.ca Editor: Moneca Jantzen editor@connectornews.ca Graphic Designer: Dayana Rescigno creative@connectornews.ca Kamloops Connector is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve and entertain adults 45 and over. We aim to publish on the last Wednesday of each month and copy/booking deadlines are either the 2nd or 3rd Thursdays of each month. Please request a publishing schedule for specific information. Kamloops Connector is published by Kamloops This Week, part of the Aberdeen Publishing Group. Letters to the Editor must be signed and have a phone number (your phone number will not be printed unless requested). Other submissions are gratefully received although Kamloops Connector reserves the right to edit all material and to refuse any material deemed unsuitable for this publication. Articles, group and event listings will run in the newspaper as time and space permit. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Kamloops Connector. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Kamloops Connector, Kamloops This Week or the staff thereof. Subscriptions are $35 per year in Canada. Any error which appears in an advertisement will be adjusted as to only the amount of space in which the error occurred. The content of each advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser. Kamloops Connector recommends prudent consumer discretion.

FEBRUARY 2022 5

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Come find your Zen

Zen Wellness Massage

My First Car

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

Win a $40 Gift Card Nicole Clay

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

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

Submitted by Al Paulsen This is a true story about an old car from a car guy that has toyed with vehicles, equipment and machinery for 68 years. The car here is a 1936 Ford 2 door coach, model 68. This was the first car which I acquired when I was 14. Being raised on a farm, I was no stranger to driving tractors and the grain truck, but I wanted my own car. I saw the 1936 Ford parked in the back lot of a dealer in Calgary. My dad and brothers helped me pick up the car one weekend in the summer of ‘53. The car cost $300 and I had saved up money from my paper route and from

collecting beer bottles. The car was in decent shape. It needed some TLC and the engine leaked so I had some work to do, starting with replacing the oil pan. I had the car for about 4 years when I acquired a 1949 Ford pickup and I gave my car to my cousin in Alberta and moved on. In 2019, I happened to be in Acme Alberta, looking for Model A parts for another car I was working on. I was searching in a field full of old cars, when I spotted my original 1936 Ford. It was a bit of an old hulk, but I was positive it was my car! I quickly bought it for Continued on page 15

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 yearround 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 778-471-1805. 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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6 FEBRUARY 2022 Font Size: 30 pt 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum

Talk to your spouse about your retirement vision

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f you’re single, your retirement goals are your own – you don’t really have to consult with anybody, and you can change your plans whenever you like. However, if you’re married, you and your spouse should develop a joint “vision” encompassing all the key areas of your retirement lifestyle. These are a few questions you may want to address first: Where should we live? Once you retire, you may need to consider two key aspects of your living situation: the size and location of your home. Regarding size, you may look

around one day and realize you have more living space than you actually need. This is especially true, of course, if you have children who have set out on their own. If you have a large single-family house, you may want to consider whether you should move into a condominium or even an apartment, either of which might be more cost-effective for you. As for location, you may decide that retirement is the perfect time to move, either to seek a more favourable climate or to be near grown children and grandchildren. In any case, moving to a different area is a major financial decision, so you and your spouse will certainly want to discuss all the aspects of relocation. Will either of us work? Retirement no longer means the cessation of all work. You or your spouse – or perhaps you and your spouse – may

want to use your skills and experience to do some consulting or even open your own business. Adding a source of earned income will almost certainly help your financial picture during retirement, but if either you or your spouse are planning to do some work, you will want to be sure this activity doesn’t disrupt other plans that may be important to you, such as traveling. Also, any source of earned income during your retirement years may well affect important financial decisions, such as when to start Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits and how much to withdraw each year from your retirement accounts. Again, it’s essential that you and your spouse be on the same page about any type of employment during retirement. How will we spend our time? Aside from possibly doing some type of work during your retirement years, how else might you

spend your time? Would you like to travel extensively? Or would you rather stick close to home and pursue your hobbies or volunteer? These don’t have to be either or – hopefully, you’ll be able to explore many pursuits during your retirement. Keep in mind though, that there will be different costs for these various activities, so you and your spouse may need to prioritize your choices to ensure they fit into your overall financial strategies. As you can see, you and your spouse will need to discuss some key decisions about the financial aspects of your retirement. However, with some careful planning, you can make the decisions that can help you work toward your common retirement vision. Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Member – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

Contest winner of Karen Harmon’s book “Fat and Beautiful”

Kamloops Realty

Jessica MARVIN 250.374.3022

je-matt@hotmail.com JessicaMattRealEstate.ca

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RealEstateKamloops.ca Member of Kamloops Chamber of Commerce

ast month we introduced B.C. writer Karen Harmon and her book Fat and Beautiful: A Story of Love, Pain and Courage, a recounting of the experience of her older firstborn sister, Linda Bonner, now a Kamloops resident. Karen will be in Kamloops for a book signing event at Kirsten’s Hideout Cafe on February 19th from 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. at 1390 Columbia Street (not at Chapter’s as first reported). Karen will also be appearing on CFJC TV on February 18th, The Noonday Show. We also conducted a draw for our copy of the book and are happy to let GAIL LOGAN OF CHASE know that she is the lucky winner. Her prize will be mailed out to her along with our congratuations! Thanks to all who entered.

FEBRUARY 2022 7

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One person’s trash is a hacker’s treasure out? How careful? I know people that tear up their bills and government correspondence by hand. There’s an old hacker trick that still works even to this day. Dumpster diving. It’s not glamorous but it can yield gold mines of information. It started back in the early days with various companies. These dumpsters would contain discarded

THAT TECH GUY JEFFREY READE

re you careful with what you throw

company directories, technical documents, or even internal network addresses. I know what you’re thinking, you’re thinking “but I don’t have anything like that in my home.” You have personal information which is worth just as much if not more. Prime targets are apartment buildings and townhouse complexes, or any place with shared garbage.

Social Insurance Numbers, Personal Health information, bank account numbers, you name it and it all ends up in the same place. All that information can be used to steal an identity very easily. None of us have room to keep this stuff forever so how do you destroy it safely? First, shred the paperwork with a cross-cut shredder. This makes

it nearly impossible to reconstruct. Some of them can even shred DVDs. Now the tricky part, hard drives. For mechanical drives with spinning platters inside it’s actually easy and almost cathartic. Pull out the old hard drive, take a hammer and a cement floor and hit the drive a few times. The platters inside are incredibly fragile and will shatter inside the housing. For solid

KAMLOOPS IN FEBRUARY

EVENTS 2022 FEBRUARY

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

FEBRUARY

Kamloops

Celebrating our Local Heritage

It is an occasion to celebrate heritage in all its forms.

WCT PRESENTS BOOM At the Sagebrush Theatre

FEBRUARY

1300 9 Ave, Kamloops

PETER MILOBAR

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

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

“Thank you Kamloops for your support for the past 20 years. We will continue to serve and make a difference in our community.”

BC HERITAGE WEEK

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

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

Enjoy a night out at a local restaurant.

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FEBRUARY

state drives it becomes trickier—you have to physically open the drive and destroy the chips. The point of doing this is to make information so hard to recover that it’s not worth the effort to the hackers. The steps you can take are small but can make a huge difference without you even realizing it. Stay safe and have a happy and secure new year.

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8 FEBRUARY 2022

PRELUDE TO ROMANCE Creative Writing by Rita Joan Dozlaw

rom the wings of the historic Heinz Hall of Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, classical pianist Becca Abram was stunned to see the full house awaiting her Valentine’s Day performance. Assured of her readiness, she brushed past heavy brocade drapery, swaying at the entrance to the hall, and breathed the fresh February air creeping into the chamber from a partially open window. Peering through, she loved the sight of the nearby courtyard of a reddish brownstone, cloaked in winter-white from the snowfall. Her throat palpitated with excitement. Expecting marvellous acoustics in the venue, it thrilled her to be a guest in the city of her birth. She could hardly wait to hear the grand piano’s evocative voice echo off the pinnacles of ceiling rafters, from where the lofty chandelier would cast its prisms during the performance. Widening her eyes at the sight of crystal reflections speckling the tapestries and fine art on the walls, Becca was also in awe of the wake of rolling lights arcing over the stage. The exquisite ambiance caused a tingling shiver down her spine as she

strolled up to the piano like a super model. She was aware of the rhythm of house lights dimming one by one in synch with her stride. On the stage, three candelabras of tall gleaming brass graced a parson’s table. Flickering shadows danced from the tips of the tapers. During the thunderous applause, an awareness came over Becca. Earlier that evening as twilight’s richness filtered through the lead-framed stained glass windows into the concert hall, the crimson and jewel-toned panes had upstaged everything. But, as dusk fell over the cathedral-like venue, the newly glazed colours in candle light cast a perfect backdrop for Becca’s elegant entrance. She fidgeted, as she sat down, guiding the restless red taffeta to cascade effortlessly to her ankles and, for a measure of time, settle over the polished ceramic tile floor. Elegance like that belied the musician’s practical nature which, normally, was a modest, less-starched look. Contrasting with her gown, a shawl of paleblue flowed, like twin waterfalls, from her shoulders and puddled into pools of silk over the tiles. From her cupped hand, she slipped something onto her lap. Poised in

front of the three brass pedals she conjured a vision of her black patent leather slippers tip-toeing up to flirt with the pedals like lovers playing footsie. Her romanticism turned off stress and turned the serious sobriety of a firm jaw into an appropriate smile. Audiences never could have conceived of her playful ideas at such tense moments. Becca paused and lifted the object she’d hidden in her lap. Setting the miniature hourglass on a ledge of the piano, she embraced the perfect moment to tip it, with her lithe hand, and release the sands-of-time, through its neck, grain by grain. The interlude offered three precious moments of deep concentration. Flanking the stage were huge buttresses draped in swags of purple velvet. The swags swooped like silent waves bashing into a wanton sea of streaming lights. Feeling the states of eagerness and calm creeping into her fingertips, Becca relaxed her palms and slowly blinked her hazel eyes. Behind their dark lashes, not to be rude, those eyes acknowledged the adoring patrons as she pled, “Please pardon my back.” Her flushed cheeks exposed a charming shyness when she postured her back slightly to the audience.

prelude to romance… even before Becca began to perform. With palpable respect and silence, they melted emotionally in the melodrama of music from Becca’s sentient fingers. It stirred their affections and passions as she favoured them with an old love song. The selection was unfamiliar to Ms. Rocco, her teacher and mentor, as heard from the wings, and it surprised her. Following the applause, Becca called her esteemed guest to the stage and introduced her. Then, she asked, “How did you like the opening piece?” “That was beautiful, my dear! You changed the program.” “Thank you, yes. The piece, ‘For Your Love’, was first performed by the composer, Ed Townsend, on The Ed Sullivan Show in May 1958. On that same month and year, my hubby Jon Abram proposed to me with the lyrics, ‘would you go anywhere for my love?’ Your advice, Ms. Rocco, was to ‘romance the audience’, and Jon’s in the audience tonight! It’s ‘our song’. That’s why I played it.” Ms. Rocco began to clap and, on her invitation, Jon stood for a resounding

applause. Soon, all was hushed and, submissive to her calling, Becca flared her gown, over the traditional bench, in front of the piano purposed to resurrect more captivating love songs. Beginning with an excerpt from Franz Liszt’s ‘Liebestraum – Love Dream’, she played a medley of the most romantic classical music ever composed. After all it was a celebration— the anniversary of the Valentine’s Day when, on their first date in ‘58, Becca and Jon skated to ‘Love Dream’.

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Becca’s tresses, pulled sleek and taught, were reigned in with barrettes encrusted with semiprecious stones. The style laid bare her alabaster neck. Two thick braids climbed tediously like miniature ladders over her crown to meet the glistening, rarely-worn, imperial-like tiara. A street lamp flashed its gleam into the formal chamber where the magnificent nine-foot grand piano on coasters dignified centre stage. Becca’s mindful sense of humour kicked in as the sand ran out. You, my beautiful elephant in the room, are waiting… as though you’re chained down! I’ll fix that! The imaginative and curative thought relinquished any leftover stress. She raised her chin, extended her tight throat and filled her lungs with breath releasing it with an audible sigh of confidence. For the sacred laying of hands, she leaned her bosom near the rich ebony and ivory shelf. Eyes closed, she blessed the instrument with her ruby-tipped fingers; she felt its power for, she’d unchained the black beauty. The highly personal ritual conveyed an extraordinary Eucharist-like reverence after which the music lovers felt privy to a

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FEBRUARY 2022 9

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BCICF provides small grants Dale Bass, Kamloops City with big impacts ByCouncillor & retired journalist

hen the focus is learning through play, it’s good to have the right equipment for the lessons. For the Kamloops Child Development Centre (KCDC), that means adapting to even the smallest of play worlds, inhabited by children just starting to learn to climb, crawl and slide. KCDC staff asked the BC Interior Community Foundation (BCICF) for support in that goal as the child-care facility continues to expand. It responded with a $1,000 grant to buy a climber and

other small-world play equipment that teaches hand-eye coordination. KCDC office manager Cindy McKinnon said having the ability to accomplish even the smallest of movement, all learned through play, is essential for future learning to read, write and use language. “Small-world play is an important aspect of a child’s development.” The climber helps the little ones gain strength through developing balance and coordination while still keeping them safe from falls.

“The cushioned climber provides beginner crawlers with the perfect place to exercise their newfound gross motor skills,” McKinnon said. This wasn’t the first time the centre received financial support from BCICF. In 2016, it helped staff there buy a water flume for the infant and toddler play area and a dramatic natural play centre in 2018. The grants embodied the BCICF motto Give Today, Grow Tomorrow. The foundation accepts applications for Community Project Grants twice

a year. The next application deadline is April 1 for projects that must begin after June 1. More information is available online at BCICF.ca or by calling the foundation at 250-434-6995. Emails can be sent to contactus@bcicf.ca.

FRANK CAPUTO KAMLOOPSTHOMPSON-CARIBOO MP

or the first time in thirty years, prices are up 4.8 per cent compared to a year ago. Millions of Canadians are feeling the pinch of inflation in their daily lives. Food is more expensive. Gas and home heating are costing more. Rents in many cities are skyrocketing by double digits and homeownership is out of reach for millions

hungry in a time of crisis. But at the same time, the past two years have seen the government handing out contracts with little accountability. For instance, $150 million to SNCLavalin for field hospitals without results. Even the Parliamentary Budget Officer recently said that the government’s planned stimulus is unnecessary. What’s the solution to the inflation crisis? Get our economy firing on all cylinders. First, we need to ensure we have every tool at our disposal to prevent closures and lockdowns. We now have vaccines but are still short on key tools like rapid tests and therapeutics to keep us from

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ch personal r has pledged to mat no do s ou ym on an An McParland to the new Katherine individual donations nd! Memorial Bursary Fu 22. before January 31, 20 n tio na do ur yo ize Maxim www.bcicf.ca/donate info@bcicf.ca | 250.434.6995 Loyal Order of Moose • Women of the Moose • Moose Legion

THE FAMILY FRATERNITY

Canadians are feeling the high prices as prices are up a staggering 26.6 per cent in just one year. These are the impacts that high inflation is having on Canadians. When the Government presented a Fall Economic Statement in December, it painted a rosy picture of the economy. I worry, however, that our economy is being propped up by newly printed money. We’ve seen a drastic increase in government spending. Emergency supports like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy were necessary, and Conservatives supported them to make sure that no Canadian family went

Katherine McParland

lockdowns. We also need to secure our supply chains. This government has made us over-reliant on imports and after two years hasn’t built up domestic manufacturing of critical supplies. A forthcoming vaccine mandate for truckers will also likely impact our supply chains. As your MP, I am fighting to cut back on unnecessary government spending, secure our supply chains, build up domestic manufacturing capabilities and give provinces every tool available to avoid lockdowns at all costs. These measures are necessary to end the inflation crisis.

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10 FEBRUARY 2022

Icy Sidewalks and Injuries – Who is responsible?

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ith our Canadian February comes snow and melting and freezing temperatures, which means ice, slush and so many places to beware of a slip and fall. As private residential homeowners or tenants (occupiers), we are responsible for shovelling and salting our driveways and walkways to ensure the safety of persons who enter onto our property for lawful purposes such as mail carriers, couriers, visitors or emergency personnel (EMS, firefighters or police). Failure to do so can attract liability to the homeowner (hopefully covered by their homeowner insurance) if someone is injured due to a slip and fall while on your property. This is similar to a commercial property, where owners of stores and businesses are responsible for any slip and falls that occur on their property or parking lot due to failure to clear snow, ice or similar hazards. However, there is a greater expectation of timeliness and thoroughness, as well as a greater duty to warn of hazards, for commercial property

owners or tenants than that of private residential property owners or tenants. The legislation that governs this is the Occupiers Liability Act. In addition to a homeowner’s property, Kamloops’ Road RightOf-Way Bylaw requires that we also clear the sidewalks or footpaths adjacent to our residential properties of accumulated snow, ice or rubbish to the extent that it impedes pedestrian traffic. Although not included in the Bylaw, the City website indicates that it is also the responsibility of the homeowner or tenant to clear the windrow (the snow the road plow leaves behind) at the end of the driveway. Note, there is a volunteer program in Kamloops called Snow Angels that pairs neighbourhoodbased volunteers with residents who are mobility impaired or seniors to assist with snow removal. The City can warn and then clear the snow themselves and fine or otherwise penalize a homeowner or tenant for failure to remove the snow from adjacent

sidewalks or pathways. However, if the homeowner or tenant does not clear the snow and ice on the adjacent city property (sidewalk or pathway) and someone is injured in a slip and fall, the BC Court of Appeal in a 2021 case called Der v. Huang unanimously held that the property owner “does not owe a general duty of care to take reasonable care with respect to the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property.” The Court held that even when municipalities enlist residents to assist with snowclearing by enacting a Bylaw, it does not shift the legal liability or duty of care to the homeowner. The duty of care remains with the city or municipality who may then be liable to the injured party. The Supreme Court of Canada confirmed the liability of a city or municipality for injuries caused due to the City’s snow clearing and removal decisions in a 2021 decision called Nelson (City) v. Marchi. It is very important to note that if you are injured on a city,

municipal or regional district sidewalk or pathway, the Local Government Act states you must report the incident and injuries to the city in writing “within 2 months from the date upon which the damage was sustained.” If you fail to do so in that time period, the city is not liable for your injuries except in a very narrow set of circumstances. The first step may be to send an email with the date and location of the slip and fall as well as details of your injuries to riskmanagement@ kamloops.ca. It can be very helpful to contact a lawyer immediately upon realizing you are injured to assist you and ensure that you comply with the reporting requirements, collect any evidence (such as photos at the scene and of your footwear) and preserve your right to make a claim for any damages you may sustain as a result of your slip and fall. As well, they can advise you on the various steps to your claim and what damages you may be entitled to.

FEBRUARY 2022 11

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Did you practice?

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Clear Impact Co-Founders How’s it going? Did you practice your breathing? If you didn’t, that’s ok. Our monkey brain (that cunning and powerful little voice in your head) will tell you “this is stupid or I don’t have time for this” but I’ll tell you one thing— it works. Hundreds of our clients that have gotten “unstuck” are proof of it. (And practicing 3 times a day takes less than 2 minutes, so, yes, you do have time). So if you haven’t tried it, go back to last month’s article and give it a try. And notice what shows up. Now there is another critical foundational practice to master (and it doesn’t take much time each day) if you want to make a shift in your life to enjoy better health, better relationships, more happiness and fulfillment. It’s getting our brain working for us instead of against us. That’s right, your brain is attracting the life you

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live with your common thoughts and feelings. If you spend a lot of time worrying about the future, feeling regret and shame about the past and thinking negative thoughts about all the bad stuff that happens to you then you are actually attracting more of the same. Yup, you are attracting it. And, no, this isn’t some ‘fufu’ spiritual stuff, it’s science. It’s called quantum physics. Science tells us that energy attracts likeenergy. Each of us emits a vibrational energy with our thoughts and our feelings. You know how when you enter a room with a narcissistic bully present you can sense the negative energy? Or alternatively, when you are in the presence of someone with really positive charismatic energy, you can feel the positivity? We are attracting all day every day. If we ruminate on negative

thoughts and feelings, worry, regret, shame, anger, frustration, we will attract it back. On the other hand, when we train ourselves—and yes, it takes practice—to think and feel positive aspirations, gratitude, happiness, we attract more of that. And, most powerfully when we train ourselves to feel love and worthiness FOR OURSELVES, it’s incredibly powerful. We call that “Activating a Vision.” But oops, I’m out of space for today. Check back next month and I’ll explain a bit further how we do that. If you don’t want to wait that long check out our website at clearimpact. io and have a chat with Adam and he’ll fill you in! Mastering these two foundational practices open the door to easily shift to a healthier lifestyle. We’ll get into the meat of that in later articles as well.

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12 FEBRUARY 2022

Merritt Senior Centre

Calendar of Events

250-378-3763 • 1675 Tutill Court | Cyril George, President

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Craft Time 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 6

Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cribbage 1:00 pm

Craft Time 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 15

Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cribbage 1:00 pm

Craft Time 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Pecking at your heart

FEBRUARY 2022

The Merrit Seniors Association

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Cribbage @ Noon Rummoli 7:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm 9

Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Cribbage @ Noon Rummoli 7:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm General Meeting at 1:30

Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Cribbage @ Noon Luncheon 12:00 to 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

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Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cribbage 1:00 pm

Craft Time 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Pool 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Cribbage @ Noon Whist 7:00 pm

’is that loathsome time of year again. The time when some, not all, cringe at the bouquets of roses perched in every window fringed with hearts in every reflux inducing shade of pink and red, while muttering about the commercialism and marketing scams of card companies. Oh heck yes, it is the season of love! Now I am the complete opposite. I love love! Love is the most multifaceted emotion humanity can ever hope to truly understand and master. Love goes so far beyond human connection. I believe it to be the driving force that propels our heart, soul and mind to seek out, discover, embrace, connect with and appreciate the wonders of this life. Recently while exploring the woods with my boys, we had one of the largest pileated woodpeckers I have ever seen (usually they average 16-19 inches) swoop effortlessly onto a

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tree right beside us. Unperturbed by our presence, the insectivore skipped gracefully up and down. Its scarlet crested cranium moved rapidly, tapping its one and a half inch conical bill methodically against the gruff bark of the trunk, seeking out its next meal. To most, woodpeckers represent a nuisance that raps against the side of their buildings gouging holes in their exteriors. They fail to marvel at the complex structure of this magnificent bird’s head that allows it to hammer away without damaging its brain. They forget to acknowledge the reason that woodpecker is even there. It, like all the rest of us, is in search of the necessities paramount to our survival. And before we were ever around, this undulated flier foraged the grounds and perhaps even nested where you now nest. Ironically enough, pileated nesting holes are utilized and play an integral role in the survival of many other species of birds. Owls,

tree nesting ducks, and even mammals such as racoons use them for protection and food sources. Their effort produces reward not just for them, but filters out to the other inhabitants of the ecosystem. Believe it or not, woodpeckers are a symbol of protection in many cultures; caring for the weak or vulnerable. They seek out wisdom and are resilient in the face of challenges, never giving up. It is thought that coming upon a woodpecker is an omen or sign to connect with other people, for all of humanity is intertwined and if we interact with love, then love will expand and enhance the world around us. The woodpecker wants us all to be aware of the opportunities around us, to set our eyes to see beyond the given perception. Remember, the actions of a woodpecker can turn even a lifeless tree into an important food source and safe haven for many. Stay Curious Kamloops!

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READER Survey

Thank you for your continued support of The Connector and our advertisers. This month, we want to hear from you! All information collected in this survey will be kept strictly confidential. If you choose to provide your contact information, it will not be tied to your survey responses in any way. You can scan and email this page to publisher@connectornews.ca, drop it off or mail it by February 28, 2022. One entry per person.

What area do you live in?

q Brocklehurst q North Shore q Westsyde/Batchelor/Rayleigh q Downtown/Sagebrush q Valleyview q Dallas/Barnhartvale q Sahali q Aberdeen/Pineview/Mt. Dufferin Which generation do you fall in: q Millennial/Gen Z (1980 or later) q Generation X (1965-1979) q Baby Boomer (1946-1964) q Silent/Greatest Generation (1944 or earlier) Are you retired? q Yes q No, working full-time q Semi-retired (working part-time) What kind of dwelling do you live in? q Detached house q Townhouse q Apartment (non-seniors residence) q Mobile home q Seniors’ residence Where do you get the majority of your news? q Newspaper q TV q Radio q Internet (News Websites) q Social Media (Facebook, Twitter) q Google Where do you get the majority of your news? q Newspaper q TV q Radio q Internet (News Websites) q Social Media (Facebook, Twitter) q Google Do you own and use the following devices: q Computer (desktop or laptop) q Tablet (iPad, Galaxy Tab etc.) q Smartphone (iPhone, Android etc. Do you use any of the following social media: q Facebook q Instagram q Twitter q Other _____________ Have you purchased any products online in the past 6 months? q Yes q No

Do you plan to purchase more products online in the next 12 months? q Yes q No Are you planning to sell your home: q In the next year q In the next 3 years q In the next 5 years q Not in the next 5 years Are you planning any major home renovations: q In the next year q In the next 3 years q In the next 5 years q Not in the next 5 years Do you plan on travelling: q In the next 3 months q In the next 6 months q In the next 12 months q Not in the next 12 months Do you plan on travelling: q In the next 3 months q In the next 6 months q In the next 12 months q Not in the next 12 months If you are travelling, are you planning to travel: q Within BC q Within Canada q Outside Canada Have you used any services or products advertised in the Connector in the past 12 months? q Yes q No Have you used any services or products advertised in the Connector in the past 12 months? q Yes q No

Which of the following products are you planning to purchase in the next 12 months? q Home q Vacation home q Automobile q Recreation vehicle q Appliances q Indoor or outdoor furniture q Art, antiques or decorative ware q Mobile phone q Computer or laptop q Ereader or tablet q Storage device q Printer q Camera q TV q Home theatre equipment q Wearable technology (eg. Fitbit, smartwatch) q Smart home technology (eg. lighting, speakers, thermostats, video doorbells, security alarms, sleep tech) q Fitness equipment q Mobility Aids q Healthcare Equipment q Hearing Aids q Eye wear q Games, toys or drones q Charitable donations Which of the following services do you use currently or plan to use in the next 12 months? q Eye care q Hearing care q General health practitioner q Alternative health practitioner q Pharmacy q Plastic Surgeon q Medical Alert q Estate planning q Funeral/ Cremation pre-planning q Recreation facilities q Gym q Hair Stylist q Nail Salon q Spa q Tanning Salon q Yard Maintenance q Snow removal q Dry-cleaning q Housekeeping q Security System q Financial Planner q Tax Expert q Lawyer q Travel Agent q Mover q Storage q Real Estate Agent q Jeweller q Computer Technician q Grocery Deliveryq Food Delivery q Pet sitter/Kennel q Pet groomer

FEBRUARY 2022 13

Which services or products would you like to see more advertising from in the Connector? q Eye care q Hearing care q General health practitioner q Alternative health practitioner q Pharmacy q Plastic Surgeon q Medical Alert q Estate planning q Funeral/ Cremation pre-planning q Recreation facilities q Gym q Hair Stylist q Nail Salon q Spa q Tanning Salon q Yard Maintenance q Snow removal q Dry-cleaning q Housekeeping q Security System q Financial Planner q Tax Expert q Lawyer q Travel Agent q Mover q Storage q Real Estate Agent q Jeweller q Computer Technician q Grocery Deliveryq Food Delivery q Pet sitter/Kennel q Pet groomer What is your favourite column in the Connector?

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14 FEBRUARY 2022

Vehicle Safety Features-Before and After By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

uring this time of ice and snowy roads I couldn’t help but appreciate how the safety features on my vehicle made travel so much more reasonable. I could steer, stop, go, and had access to all the necessary warning devices to allow me to respond to out of the ordinary driving issues. Starting out with stopping, this process has evolved from the Flintstones method of “foot drag 101” to wooden block brakes used in the 1800s, to the mechanical drum brake which was developed in 1902 by French manufacturer Louis Renault, but had been invented earlier by Gottlieb Daimler. Daimler had theorized that anchoring a cable-wrapped drum to the vehicles chassis could be used to stop momentum, thus creating the first concept of the drum brake. This was further enhanced by the practice of Pascals Law, brought into vehicle production in 1918 by Malcolm Loughead. The basics of this concept was explained as “Pascal’s Law, framed by Blaise Pascal, states that “Pressure applied to any part of a confined fluid transmits to every other part with no loss. The pressure acts with equal force on all equal areas of the confining walls and perpendicular to the walls.”

This is the standard principle for any hydraulic system. By applying the brakes, through the master cylinder, pressure was able to go around corners and through metal panels that previously would have restricted a mechanical rod or cable. The recipient of this fluid pressure was called a wheel cylinder. By using varied sizes of pistons inside the wheel cylinders/calipers, the fluid pressure or force was customized to each specific brake application or design. The wheel cylinder then activates the brake pad or shoes to stop the vehicle. Today’s enhancements and modifications utilizing Pascals Law now provide us with 2 and 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS(anti-lock braking systems), diagonal braking systems and vacuum or hydroboost activated power brakes. *FYI Just to clarify a myth, ABS brakes were designed to provide steering control of the vehicle, not specifically better brakes and when you do need to use them in a panic stop do not pump the brakes! They work better as a straight apply. One other note, when you first start your vehicle and it starts to move if you notice a slight pulsation in your brake pedal that is a good thing. That is the system’s self check and if no light comes on everything hydraulically

is ok. Since the previous topic was brakes let’s touch on tires. Man’s greatest invention, the wheel was first recorded back to 3500BC, again the Flintstones, in the Neolithic era so it has had centuries to evolve. In 1844, Charles Goodyear invented and by accident, vulcanized rubber. Just a couple of years later in 1846, Robert Thompson invented and patented the pneumatic tire. By 1888 John Boyd Dunlop created air filled tires for commercial use and by 1905 they even got tread. These tires successfully covered the wheel. By 1947 there was the introduction of tubeless tires where the bead of the tire sealed on the inside edge of the rim. This was made possible through better quality construction of both the tires and the wheels. Design had a hand in safety by offering wider tires, stronger side walls and a better selection of treads. In today’s market, we now have available hard compound tires that last an extremely long time although they have limited traction. Medium compounds of tires that provide that fairly smooth ride with some limited tire life. Then there are the soft compounds that can provide plenty of traction but have a very limited life span. There are now tires

that are better in the rain, or in the snow, or for summer application with fuel economy in mind. There are “all season” tires, although they have their limitations in the snow, and while we mentions snow let’s look at that application. Snow tires with heavier lug treads combined with a softer compound are designed for that extra grip at this time of year which I appreciate. These tires are identified by the “snow” symbol marked on the side of the tire. Because of tread designs some tires have to be mounted in the correct rotational direction as also indicated on the sidewall. Just for the record, tires are not only made out of rubber but also rayon, nylon, Kevlar, and polyester combined with either a construction of radial, bias-ply or belted designs. *FYI- If tire tread wear is down to the wear bars on the tread or the remaining tread is 3/32nd of an inch or less please be smart and replace them, they are worn out! Next month’s topics will be restraint systems and crumple zones. Stay Covid safe and if there are any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me at – bigsix8280@yahoo.ca

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FEBRUARY 2022 15

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ros and Cons of Curbless P Walk-in Showers

Flooring SHAWN VANDERWAL Nufloors

ne of the latest trends that we are loving in bathroom design is a sleek and modern curbless shower. If you plan a bathroom remodel or build a new home, this guide is for you. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of curbless showers to help you decide if one may be right for you! Pros Functionality By eliminating the curb, you make your shower an accessible

space for all. This is important if you live in a home with multiple generations or have company stay with you. Children can clear a 4” curb with no problems, however, the elderly may have a harder time. It is nice to have a bathroom that functions and works for everyone in the family. Say goodbye to the door Not only are shower doors expensive, they can be time-consuming to clean. With curbless showers you eliminate the need for one, that is unless you want one, then go for it! Show off your design Your view is physically cut off when a shower is enclosed by a curb or door. With an open shower, there are sightlines into the wet area which can showcase and show off a luxury or creative shower design. Think of all the new tiles and decorative wall panels available on the

market. There are so many options for you to create a space that is beautiful and unique to your style so why not let it shine with a curbless shower. Great for all spaces If you have your heart set on a curbless shower but are concerned your space is too small, do not fret, you do not need to live in a large home to enjoy a curbless shower. Smaller bathrooms with curbless showers simply require a bit more thought on the layout. Cons Little privacy Curbless showers are often open to the rest of the bathroom, so they do not offer much privacy. If privacy is a concern, consider adding different design elements such as obscure glass, glass blocks, or curtains to minimize this problem. Water can escape Since only the slope of the shower floor holds water in the wet

area of the shower it is easier for water to spill over into the rest of the bathroom. To combat this, shower head type and placement are extra important. Logistics This isn’t as much of a concern for new builds as it is for renovation projects. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as tiling your entire bathroom and adding a showerhead. Depending on the scope of the project and your local building codes, the floor where the shower will be may need to be lowered or raised to account for waterproofing and draining. If any of these points have piqued your interest in curbless showers don’t hesitate to stop by our showroom for a chat. With so many new tiles on the market we’re confident there will be a style for you!

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February is

Month

Car buff reunited with 1st car

250-372-1234 • info@cfselaw.ca

Downtown Kamloops - #300-272 Victoria St.

CFSELAW.CA

2022

continued from page 5 transported it back to Kamloops. The first thing I did was check the oil pan that I had originally replaced, and yes, it was indeed my old car! I had a lot of work to do and decided to re-work the car and transform it into a convertible using the sub frame from a Camaro. The whole vehicle was modernized, with a new differential and upgraded rear suspension. With the exception of the new roof, the car is stock original. Ford did not manufacture a 2 door convertible (except for coupes) so my 1936 car is unique. This car has been a labour of love, resurrecting

photos submitted the same car I had owned 66 years prior. Al Paulsen, age 82, is a retired mechanic tech, who started in the trade in 1955 in Alberta. He taught mechanics at the Yukon Technical Training Centre for many years before moving to Kamloops in 1974. Al has been a member of the Vintage Car Club for many years. Above right: The Buffalo tag on the grille is a National Park Pass. These metal tags were issued from 1924 to 1940 as the pass into the National Parks of Canada. They are highly collectable and this one was issued in 1936 for $2.

Payment Dates for Old Age Security & the Canada Pension Plan

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

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

July 27 August 29 September 28 October 27 November 28 December 21

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16 FEBRUARY 2022

KAMLOOPS’ BEST SELECTION OF VQA WINES AND BC CRAFT BEER

Share the Love with our Great Selection! We’re In Lansdowne Mall! 225-450 Lansdowne St. 250-571-1377 Lansdowneliquor.ca lansdowneliquor

ACROSS 1. Balls, speaking fancily 5. “Cheers” was one 8. Proteins that cause mad cow disease 14. O oze through the cracks 15. L unched or merely munched 16. P roduct of hindsight, often 17. M allard’s smaller kin 18. C old War Baltic fleet [Blue!] 20. O therwise... 22. Warm and liquefy 23. H olly, botanically 24. Actors remarks to the audience 26. H en’s perch 28. E xit, basically 30. L ike a lot of marshland 34. S et free 37. Worship, in a way 38. S tarchy Chilean tuber 39. Art Garfunkel’s middle name 40. Web site moneymakers 42. S ubject of a sermon, say 43. S kewered meat entree 45. R esounds, like church bells 48. P astoral poems 50. S kinflint 51. S port with bamboo swords 53. M ost ready to be picked 56. B ranch of Islam 59. C ar 61. M ississippi embankment

62. Mint plant of the western US [Blue!] 65. Serpents spotted by the Nile 66. Really tough test 67. Paid player 68. Tongue in cheek revue 69. Like Alfred E. Neuman’s grin 70. Rough guess, briefly 71. Young hunting hawk DOWN 1. Ancient Rome’s port 2. Good places to snorkel 3. Collectible toy of the late ‘90s [Blue!] 4. Irregular patch of colour 5. Basic Univ. degs. 6. Building block of matter 7. Go backwards 8. Ancient Roman magistrate (var.) 9. Like most 90yr. olds (abbr,) 10. Put a match to 11. Exam you’ll never have to write 12. Actress Campbell of “Blind Horizon” 13. Hell’s river 19. UN workers’ rights agcy. 21. Awful 25. Singe 27. Marine gastropod 29. Night twinkler 31. “Crime and Punishment” author [Blue!] 32. Smallest Great Lake, by volume

33. W here wolves live 34. Trouble-making Norse god 35. Like most birthday cakes 36. Run like heck 41. One unused to standing around 44. Plant known as “dyers’ bugloss” whose roots make a dark red dye 46. Environmental subgroup 47. Mollify 49. In a foul mood 52. Ian and Sylvia, once 54. Photo hue, years ago 55. Tries out 56. Apt name for a dalmatian 57. Knight in shining armour 58. Post WWII’s French ___-China 60. Rower’s needs 63. Derisive response 64. Usual spot to build on

FEBRUARY 2022 17

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Clearwater Seniors’ Activities

FEBRUARY 2022

Seniors’ Coordinator 250-674-8185 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Centennial Hall 6

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

Carpet Bowling @ Evergreen Acres Senior Hall 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Centennial Hall 15

Carpet Bowling @ Evergreen Acres Senior Hall 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Centennial Hall 22

Carpet Bowling @ Evergreen Acres Senior Hall 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Centennial Hall

Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

17 Sit & Be Fit 16 Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Live Stream or @ Centennial Hall. @ Centennial Hall 9:45 am - 10:45 am Writers’ Circle 2:00 pm @ Seniors’ Room, DLCC 24 23 Men’s Shed Drop-in: Sit & Be Fit 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Live Stream or @ Centennial Hall. @ Centennial Hall 9:45 am - 10:45 am Book Club 2:00 pm @ Seniors' Room, DLCC

TUESDAY

Monday 14 Morning Market

OFFICE CLOSED 27

Foot Care (by appt. only)

THURSDAY

Calendar of Events

Day Away

Day Away 24

Foot Care (by appt. only)

SATURDAY

Day Away 17

Foot Care (by appt. only) 22

FRIDAY

Day Away

Monday Morning Market

SUDOKU 31

Denial By Beverley McLachlin

Hiking/ Snowshoeing Legion Take-Out Dinner Order 2:00 - 4:00 pm Group leaves Skate Park Pick-up 5:00 - 6:00 pm parking area @ 9:00 am

Foot Care (by appt. only)

WEDNESDAY

Monday Morning Market

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

FEBRUARY 2022

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

By Marilyn Brown

Simon & Schuster 2021, 365 pages Fiction, crime/courtroom Available in print and e-Book formats

Everything I touch with tenderness, alas, pricks like a bramble.

"SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON COVID RESTRICTIONS"

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

Book Review

parking area @ 9:00 am

Seniors’ Resource Centre - Salmon Arm SUNDAY

SATURDAY

4 5 Sit & Be Fit 2 Men’s Shed Drop-in:3 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Hiking/ Snowshoeing Live Stream or @ Centennial Hall. Group @ Centennial Hall 9:45 am - 10:45 am Writers’ Circle 2:00 pm leaves Skate Park @ Seniors’ Room, DLCC parking area @ 9:00 am 11 12 10 9 Sit & Be Fit Men’s Shed Drop-in: Hiking/ Snowshoeing Legion Take-Out Dinner Live Stream or @ Centennial Hall. Group Order 2:00 - 4:00 pm 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 9:45 am - 10:45 am leaves Skate Park Pick-up 5:00 - 6:00 pm @ Centennial Hall

A breath poem by Master Kobayashi Issa

illy Truitt is the crackerjack, no-nonsense, driven criminal defence lawyer who is uncharacteristically moved by the defendant’s muted recital of the above haiku. Truitt’s reputation allows her to pick and choose her cases; at this point in her career, she chooses cases she can win. Knowing full well that the evidence against Vera Quentin is overwhelming, and contrary to the advice of her associate in her law firm, Ms Truitt listens to Joseph Quentin, the accused’s husband, himself an influential lawyer, who requests Truitt’s help. Vera is accused of injecting a lethal dose of morphine into her ailing mother’s arm, a so-called “mercy killing.” Vera may be chronically stressed, medicated, and suicidal, but Truitt senses she is telling the truth when she denies she killed her mother. The defense team is under pressure: the opening of the court case is a mere few weeks away. Truitt and her team must first get a sense of what actually happened the night of the murder. The crime scene is where to start. The timeline of those people close to the victim are next to be analyzed. The paramedics, doctors, police, caregiver, friends and family are researched and interviewed. It seems like the defence team is going nowhere fast, but Truitt senses that all is not what it seems. She knows she will be facing off against the Crown Prosecutor who was once her mentor, the ruthless and tricky Cy Kenge. The clock ticks. The reader is kept enthralled by the fast pace of the narrative here. Every chapter is short and snappy, as we follow the hectic pace of life of a defence lawyer. The plain hard work, the almost non-existent personal life during trial, and the mental focus necessary in times of conflicting needs, make for a fascinating protagonist in Jilly Truitt. Recommended. Beverley McLachlin knows crime and court rooms. She is a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, the longest serving chief justice and the first woman in that position. As well as with her memoir, Truth Be Told, her debut novel, Full Disclosure, is a publishing success. Full Disclosure begins the story of her character, Jilly Truitt, but this book, Denial, is thoroughly enjoyable even if the series is new to the reader.

www.connectornews.ca

18 FEBRUARY 2022

What if? Submitted by Erin Chambers,

Life Coach/End of Life Doula

elf-judgment. It’s something we all do. We fear. We worry. We judge ourselves before anyone else can. Regardless of the motive, self-judgment usually stops us before we even start. It makes us question ourselves. It makes us compare. It makes us wonder whose way is the best or right way. Sometimes we question our morals or values. All of this stops us in our tracks. We freeze instead of ‘do.’ So what happens when ‘that day’ comes? What happens when we have gotten so lost in the judgment or comparison that we realize we haven’t actually lived our lives the way WE wanted to. We never did ‘that’ thing, that thing that spoke to our heart but we were so scared—we compared, worried about being judged, put so many (we now realize) nonimportant things firs—we never truly did what we actually wanted or said how we felt because we lived by other people’s or societal

rules. Don’t get me wrong. Rules, depending on what they are, truly are important; the right vs wrong, good vs bad sort of stuff, but when it comes to choices about our own lives, we need to live according to our values, according to what feels right or aligns for us, not because of someone’s opinion (which, by the way, was likely given to you without you asking). So, what if? What if we actually did what felt right? What if we said what we wanted to say in the moment instead of secondguessing whether it was appropriate? What if we actually said how we feel when we feel it now, instead of waiting. Waiting until… when? Death? Speak it. Say it. Live true to your values NOW because now is the only certainty. And, by the way, I hold workshops on this sort of stuff so contact me to learn more.

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.

Erin Chambers

An End of Life Doula & Holistic Life & Health Coach 250-309-4779 • beforeyourlastbreath@gmail.com

The long view Colouring outside the lines REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

he eagle sits outside my window, less than 100 meters away, but far above me on the top of the tallest tree. He sat there yesterday, too, for most of the day. While I watched him, he watched our neighbourhood, head swiveling, eyes scanning, seeking something only he could see. I’m not sure what he saw from way up there, but I do know he saw far beyond what I could see from my office window. Beloved writer and Ojibway man Richard Wagamese spoke wisely of that word: Beyond. In his book, Embers (p 108), he wrote: I no longer want to be resilient. I don’t want to simply bounce back from things that hurt me or cause me pain. Bouncing back means returning to where I stood before. Instead, I want to go beyond the hurts and the darkness. The first

step toward genuine healing from my mental illness was when I came to trust and believe that there was a beyond. Now I reach for beyond every day, in every encounter, in every circumstance. I seek to go where I have never travelled. I wake with the vision of a purposeful day, filled with adventures and teachings. Then I take the first step and try to make it Beyond. Faith is formed by recognizing there is a Beyond. Faith is formed by acknowledging there is Something bigger than we are that lies behind and in the midst and beyond this life we know. That universal Something has been given many names from many different spiritual perspectives. Sometimes it’s helpful to set our eyes on the Beyond. To know that beyond this pandemic with all its messiness, there is a time when our days won’t be shaped by masks, sanitizers and social distancing. To know that beyond this day’s difficulties there is a day filled with better. To know that beyond this day of gloom and gray there is a day of sunshine. To know that beyond this day of wet, slushy snow there is a flower

waiting to push up through the wet soil. I appreciate that Richard Wagamese didn’t focus solely on the Beyond, but reminds us that each day asks us to make it a purposeful day, to recognize each day holds gifts for us if we look hard enough. Focusing on this day while remembering there is a Beyond seems important in this month that holds us somewhere between the harshness of winter and the gentleness of spring.

Events that impact the world in a negative way, like this pandemic, often create a stronger sense of community, a recognition that we are all in this life together, and we need to work together to get through and beyond it. Sadly, this chapter in our human existence has emerged as a time when our differences are dividing us, at times in very hateful ways. We lose sight of the reality that at the heart of things – in our own hearts – we are all humans doing the best we can to live this day and to hope for the Beyond. Coleman Barks has translated the writings of the great Persian poet, Rumi, in such a way that

his words speak of a Beyond that is worth considering: Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase “each other” doesn’t make sense. I will never be able to perch on the top branches of the tallest tree, but I hope I am able to find my way to Beyond. Beyond these pandemicshaped days. Beyond these slowmoving winter days. Beyond these days of divisiveness. To that field beyond our differences. I also hope you will meet me there. 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!

FEBRUARY 2022 19

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My Mother & Me The insiGhT story WENDY WESEEN

hen things went belly up at our house, I became buried in the clichés of my mother’s tongue. Admittedly some are useful like “this too will pass” because it always does, but as Winston Churchill said, “it’s one damn thing after another.” The pandemic didn’t only bring us a virus, it brought us phrases and opinions with extraordinarily little original thought. Clichés were handed

to me by my mother. I remember four pintsized girls squashed in the backseat of a ‘48 Dodge. My 3-year-old sister on my knee, a brother on the running board, and Mac the dog whacking his tail against our feet. We taunted each other with ‘she’s looking at me,’ mined our noses for boogers to flick at each other, and sucked candy-coated liquorice, one tiny bullet at a time to see who could make it last the longest. We repeated each other’s sentences until the chaos was like a murder of monkeys stealing cameras from tourists on the Rock of Gibraltar. “One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a letter, four for a boy, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a secret never to be told.” Mom would recite when a flock of crows rose

from the ditch. Black birds determined my future by their very number. No wonder chants and clichés still mess up my life. Anyone worth their salt knows clichés are used extensively in the media and everyday speech. The word “unprecedented” is a prime example, and the most overused word in the world. But anyone worth their salt knows a good writer doesn’t use clichés. Editors and writers are in cahoots about that. “Clichés are boring,” they say, “and as unimaginative as the little red hen holding up a falling sky with its beak.” Asking me not to use clichés is like cutting away half my speech, but they might as well tie me up, hold a cleaver to my throat and gag me with silver duct tape like in the movies. Today sayings

proliferate - “the light at end of the tunnel” that never comes, “having said that” just in case something is in fact untrue, and what’s with the “toolbox,” you know the one missing a tool or two. With repeated use, platitudes are fertile ground to become clichés. They give us something to hang onto in dark places but reinforce a belief that difficult emotions (such as fear, anger, disappointment, sorrow), are negative and shouldn’t see the light of day. I’m not dead set against sayings, but they become gospel with overuse, lose the loveliness they might have and become clichéd rhetoric. But it feels comforting to have pat answers to problems and what to do instead of the messy complexity of real-life decisions.

Plenty of waves of life have crashed on my beach of sandcastles. People I loved died, chronic diseases settled in my bones, marriages broke up, a car accident cracked ribs and the cry of the earth has left me bereft. Sometimes I still get up on the wrong side of the bed, have tempests in tea pots and am unkind when I’m broken. Clever sayings give me permission to take time and space to decide who owns

the monkeys and what circus they swing in. A spoon full of sugar may very well help the medicine go down when I’m sitting between a rock and a hard place. Unpredictable things happen, willy-nilly. Looking too soon on the bright side interferes with finding wisdom in darkness. There is truth in clichés; that’s why they persist. Or is it the other way around?

What are you doing with my knee, Drake?

ask drake DRAKE SMITH Funeral Director

ast month we found out that Alice didn’t really like Murray very much. I planned to share some more about Alice’s feelings and how his death affected her. In the meantime,

I promised another person to write the following column, so I’d better deliver, or else! So, Murray came in one day and said “Drake, what are you doing with my knee?” As I’d never heard that question from a man before, I was taken a bit by surprise. “What do you mean, Murray?” I asked. “I mean, I have an artificial knee and want to know what happens to it after I’m cremated” he replied. We opened our crematorium in Kamloops here in August, 2020. Since that time we have collected a good deal of metals

from people we have cremated. We have a lot of knees, hips, ankle screws, and much more. The metal includes titanium, cobalt, iron and even fillings from teeth. We separate these materials from the cremated remains before placing the processed cremated remains into an urn. “If we don’t remove the metal before processing the cremated remains we would probably destroy our cremation processing equipment, Murray,” I advised. Our container holding these metal pieces has become fuller

and fuller; sooner or later it will need to be emptied, but how? I did a little research and found a company called OrthoMetals. Their headquarters are in the Netherlands, but apparently they provide recycling service to 130 countries around the world. According to an article posted by the CBC (https:// www.cbc.ca/news/ science/crematoriumsrecovering-preciousmetals-deadbodies-1.4623039) OrthoMetals collects metals from crematories and re-purposes them. For example, a titanium knee is

collected and may be re-purposed to become an aeroplane part. Gold fillings can be used to produce electronics. The article points out that the titanium knee may originally cost four thousand dollars, but the crematorium receives about 20 cents (not a typo!) for the recycled knee. Over the year, however, the crematorium may receive a cheque from OrthoMetals for thousands of dollars. Almost all the 1,200 participating crematoriums around the world donate the money they receive from OrthoMetals to

local charities; only 40 crematoriums keep the money. We’re looking forward to donating to local charities. I’ve contacted OrthoMetals and will keep you posted when they come to pick up the recyclable metals. “So, Murray” I said, “That is what I’m doing with your knee, unless Alice tells me otherwise.” Murray sprung to his feet (great knees) and announced “I’m going home to tell Alice!” Glad to be of service, Murray!

www.connectornews.ca

20 FEBRUARY 2022

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

It’s All About Communication

Treating Hearing Loss

Daily communication, whether about big things or small things, is more important than you think. One of the most fundamental building blocks of a healthy relationship is good communication. Whether with family or friends, almost all activities include lots of talking, from meeting friends for dinner to going to a concert, taking in a ball game, chatting with coworkers during coffee break, or hanging out with your family at home. But if you’re living with untreated hearing loss, you lose your ability to communicate easily, and the most valuable connections in your life start to suffer. A loss of hearing is nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about, it’s completely natural and extremely common. Hearing loss will most likely affect us all at some point in our lifetime to a varying degree. It’s important to be open about it with one another on the front end. This will help improve communication with minimal interruption or need for repetition. If both parties are on the same page about each others’ hearing needs, it makes for better conversation all around.

If you want to get the most out of your relationships, and give your loved one a gift they’ll truly appreciate, then it’s time to treat your hearing loss. Only 1 in 4 Americans who would benefit from a hearing aid seek treatment. That means that 75% of Americans who have difficulty hearing are putting their relationships in jeopardy! Almost half of those with untreated hearing loss report that the breakdown in communication resulted in the loss of the relationships they cared about the most. The good news is, people who treat their hearing loss report improvements in their relationships, are able to communicate easily, and get back to sharing all the little things in life. This positive effect extends to all your relationships, whether with your spouse, your family, your friends, colleagues. Tired of letting your hearing loss impact your life? If you want to improve your relationship, visit us at Kamloops Hearing Aid Centre.

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

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

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