Kamloops Connector May 2022 by KamloopsThisWeek

May 2022

Happy Mother’s Day www.connectornews.ca

VOL. 31, NO. 1, MAY 2022 POWERED BY KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK | A PROUD PART OF ABERDEEN PUBLISHING

Land Back and the Connection to our Food System Page 2

KAC: Bring Local Art into your workspace Page 5

WCT - Celebrating Viola Desmond Page 10

It’s all in your head - Clear Impact Page 11

Bagging Up History Page 18

Make Mother’s Day special

Twyla Jensen captures a peaceful spring day on Kamloops Lake in her KTW photo contest submission. Cool temperatures have prevailed but May should bring some warmer days.

other’s Day has felt a little less than normal over the last couple of years. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of many Mother’s Day gatherings in 2020, and while things felt more familiar in 2021, this year may mark the most normal Mother’s Day celebrations since 2019. Pandemic-related restrictions have now been lifted in many jurisdictions and decisions to continue preventative practices are largely left to the individual. Carry on as you wish, keeping in mind that the pandemic is still evolving. Here are some suggestions to help make Mother’s Day special in 2022. • Revisit old traditions. There’s many ways to let Mom know she’s special, but after two years of living under the cloud of the

pandemic, few things might be as meaningful to Mom as a return to pre-pandemic traditions. • Book a special trip. Millions of people cancelled or postponed travel plans during the pandemic. Now that many places, including foreign countries, have lifted travel restrictions, families can feel safe taking off for parts unknown. • Make it a family affair. Even Mother’s Day celebrations in 2021 were likely smaller affairs than some moms might have preferred. If Mom spent some time wishing more family could be around on Mother’s Day over the last two years, make a concerted effort to include as many family members as possible this year. • Get out of the house. A home-cooked meal might continued on page 17

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2 MAY 2022

Land Back and the Connection to Our Food System By Bonnie Klohn, Kamloops Food Policy Council, Organizational Leadership Team Member

f you regularly eat, it is important to understand the underpinnings of where food comes from: the land. That is why this month the Kamloops Food Policy Council’s book club is focused on the topic of Land Back, Indigenous consent, and the connection to food. May’s book club selection is the Yellowhead Institute Red Paper on Land Back (available for free online, along with many other helpful resources on the Yellowhead Institute website). You may be familiar with the social media hashtag #landback where many Indigenous voices have shared their visions for what Land Back could look like. The Yellowhead Institute Land Back uses consent as the primary lens through which it looks at Land Back. The simple principle being that so called Canadian land that the provincial and federal governments claim has never been surrendered by Indigenous communities. We all know that activities

that occur on someone else’s land will require their consent. The Yellowhead Institute Land Back paper discusses how Indigenous consent has been and is ignored, coerced, negotiated or, (ideally) enforced in Canada. The Land Back reading also discusses the denial of Indigenous consent over the land, as well as regulations that recognize consent to some degree, and finally examples where consent has been reclaimed by the Indigenous communities themselves. An important component of the Land Back discussion for me (also relevant to anyone who eats) is to understand the role of agriculture as a tool for the dispossession of Indigenous land. One of the key factors in the direct seizure of Indigenous lands redistributed to settlers by the government was the promise that they would farm the land. The European view of agriculture as the only proof of using the land for “productive” means was imposed on

Indigenous lands as this region was colonized. The extensive and widespread management systems enacted by Indigenous communities resulting in abundant ecosystems that nourished the people were ignored. Ample salmon runs, copious berry harvests and generous root crops were not seen as a sign of the active Indigenous participation and stewardship that had occurred on the land since time immemorial. Instead, colonial policy alienated Indigenous relationships with the land and imposed a European system of agriculture that erased and threatened Indigenous food systems. In acknowledgement of the erasure and intrusion that European agricultural practices have had on the Indigenous food system, the Kamloops Food Policy Council has articulated Indigenous food sovereignty as a core value. Our network defined this value as: Food is recognized as a sacred gift that cannot be commodified. Food is produced in a sustainable, balanced way that reflects and respects the interconnectedness of food, people, and nature. Traditional practices and cultural harvesting strategies are a living reality, with widespread participation and guaranteed access to culturally-adapted foods. Access to traditional land is ensured, by returning it or creating Indigenous protected

Fir needle tea Identify fir trees near you that have not been sprayed with insecticide or herbicide. Fir needles are flat (they will not roll between your finger tips the way that spruce and pine needles will). Harvest a small amount of the needles (a 3-4 inch tip of a branch will do). Boil water, and pour over, leaving to steep for 10 minutes. Drink hot. You can also try adding fir to chai tea spices for additional flavour.

areas that do not restrict traditional land uses. Policies are put in place that ensure the integrity and health of Indigenous food systems for future generations. These policies are developed using a cross cultural approach that emphasizes Indigenous self-determination, respects Indigenous legal orders and works with natural systems/ laws. Non-indigenous members work to minimize their impacts on unceded lands, educate themselves about colonization and its impacts, and seek points of complementarity with an Indigenous-led decolonization movement. Part of living this value is supporting Indigneous reclamation initiatives. One of our partners and highly regarded thought leaders, Dawn Morrison (Founder and Curator of the Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty) has advanced the reorientation of our thinking from “crown land” to “food lands.” Ultimately, unsurrendered crown lands serve as vital food sources for Indigenous communities. They are being quickly eroded by exploitive natural resource management and extraction. However, they are needed now more than ever for food as supply chain issues, fires, floods and other climate emergencies threaten our communities. The Land Back paper also cites several examples of Secwepemc initiatives that advanced the reclamation

of consent over the land, including: • The Tiny House Warrior that aim to protect Secwepemcul’ecw land and water from the harms associated with pipelines • The Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation Ajax Mine Assessment, an Indigenousled independent review of the potential impacts of the proposed mine on the interconnected ecosystem. These Indigenous groups are protecting their right to consent over the use of the land, which is the core of the Land Back movement. Furthermore, food organizations (and all folks who eat regularly) should support these initiatives as a vital part of upholding the integrity of food lands. In decolonizing our notion of agriculture and where food comes from, we can see the important connections between the Land Back movement, food land protection and the resilience that comes with healthy and abundant land and water. Please join us to continue the discussion at our Land Back book club which will be held on May 4th, over Zoom, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. To register, please visit our Kamloops Food Policy Council website: https:// kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil. com/landback-bookclub/ or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.

MAY 2022 3

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Ambitious Animals T

he consensus is that, in the future, humans will lose more of their power to artificial intelligence. Considering several relatively recent events in B.C., two involving wild animals, and one a domestic animal, I’m not so sure. The first event happened at my brother’s semi-rural North Thompson home. He’d just bought a new Yamaha motorcycle. He has no garage, so it was installed at the end of his walk. A few days after he brought it home he was astonished to see a black bear standing on its back feet beside it. The bear’s front paws rested on the motorcycle’s seat. The

wild bear was carefully scrutinizing the bike as any rider would, as if calculating how well it would corner on the curves. My brother had no doubt that if the bear decided to climb aboard and sit on the seat its back feet would reach the pedals and its front paws would be able to handle the gears. My brother foresaw difficulties; he doubted the bear had taken driving lessons. It certainly had no helmet. Moreover he feared its claws would ruin the seat on his new bike. He suggested firmly to the bear that it abandon any intent of getting its motor running unless that motor powered its four furry feet. The bear

reluctantly concurred. The second event took place on Vancouver Island, months later and involved a young dog and a golf cart. A golfing couple always took their puppy with them in the golf cart when they went out to play. “Didn’t want him to be lonesome.” The pup wasn’t lonesome. He was observant! At home one day the couple was perplexed by the sound of a familiar motor from outside. The pup had climbed into the golf cart, started it and was merrily chugging around their lawn. When the dog ran the golf cart into the family truck, it was clear driving lessons should have been

By Trudy Frisk

included in the pup’s golf experience. Event number three, during a hot Kamloops summer, shows the perils of leaving vehicle windows down overnight. A neighbour who left hers down ‘just a bit’ on a hot night, after a long day’s work, came out the next morning to find a raccoon firmly installed behind her steering wheel. The usual, “Scram! Shoo!” had no effect. Nor did reasoning. “You don’t have a driver’s licence. You can’t reach the pedals, anyway.” “Who’s behind the steering wheel?” he seemed to ask. It took the neighbour, her husband and her son

to evict the testy raccoon. Is this our future? Biker bears? Pups with putters? Raccoons in the Rubicon? Humans have assumed we needn’t worry about animals which haven‘t opposable thumbs. That’s no challenge to raccoons with their versatile paws. Very different animals in unconnected B.C. localities, took serious interest in motorized machines and were reluctant to relinquish them. They’d still need humans, of course. Someone has to fuel the vehicle, pay the green fees, put on the right tires at seasonal change over time.

Admit it, palling around with a friendly pup unlikely to criticize your slice would be preferable to spending time with a robot reciting every flaw in every game. There’ll be major changes at ICBC. Consider the requirements for new driving instructors. The future won’t be like the past, but it may not resemble the artificially intelligent future the savants are predicting either.

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4 MAY 2022

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My mom and I have started to joke about how we will be in 20 years when I’m approaching my 80s and she’s well past 100. Who’s going to put the walker in the car then? And how on earth will we get 2 rigs in the car at the same time— nevermind whether or not I will still be able to drive? If jetpacks are a thing by then I don’t think either one of My two cents us will be game for that. We Moneca Jantzen should both be so lucky to live Editor that long, but hopefully if we do, our senses of humour will remain intact. I don’t think either one of us ever dreamed that we would live in the same household for as many years as we have or that we would even get along as well as we do. I did spend a few fleeting years “adulting” on my own. My twenties were spent traveling, studying and working, but I was a bit of a boomerang kid. I’d leave home for stretches of time and do my own thing and then for one reason or another I would find myself back home again until I was off again. I was also a “late-bloomer” having had my daughter in my mid-30s. The little family I tried to build at that time didn’t work out, but at least by then I had managed to invest in a home of my own. I found myself smack dab in the middle of my retirement-aged parents and my young child and thus became a perfect example of the “sandwich generation.” To make things easier on everyone, I eventually made space in my home to accommodate my retired parents. As a single mother, having my folks around was life-saving. They helped me raise my daughter and contributed to the household in so many ways. I doubt I could have managed it all on my own and I’m grateful everyday for their love and support along the way. The arrangement has always been mutually beneficial. I acknowledge that I ultimately didn’t follow the cultural norm of leaving home and having a typical family. Sometimes I let this weird me out, wondering if my life has been stunted in certain ways, but then I look around and realize that many people are building families that sometimes look different. Realistically, how many people actually get to have it all? A multi-generational home is becoming less and less unusual. Initially borne of necessity and pragmatism, the choice in our case has been reinforced by tragedy and crisis. When we tragically lost my father to patient-on-patient violence after a few months in a care home in 2013, I swore that I would make a home for my mom as long as I could manage. Then came the pandemic which further sealed the decision to share a dwelling. So far so good, she’s nowhere near ready for extended care—touch wood and thank goodness! While my mom can’t do as much as she used to, she’s still really good at supervising. Sometimes we clash because I feel like her “to-do” list for the yard is growing faster than the grass, but I know she just wishes she could be out there doing it herself, so I try to remember that she’s really just thinking out loud and not ordering me around. Like any relationship, there are moments of disagreement and little annoyances. I can’t speak for her, but I think we do amazingly well and get along great. We each have our own spaces in the house so we’re not “together” all the time and with a combination of care, grace and respect we muster through whatever life brings. The best part is when we can have a laugh together whether it be about loading walkers in the car or one of our hilarious ‘senior moments’ which only promise to become more frequent. I’m still very much in a generational “sandwich.” With the way rents have gone as well as the impossible vacancy rate, it was an easy decision to have my daughter and her fiancé join forces with us in this latest abode and it’s working out swimmingly and is a ‘win’ for all of us. On this upcoming Mother’s Day, I will happily celebrate the bonds I share with my dear mom and my beautiful daughter. I can’t imagine my life without either of them and of course the future son-in-law now too. Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

MAY 2022 5

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Bring Local Art into Your Workspace with the Kamloops Arts Council by Rebecca Kurtis

as your workspace been looking a little bland lately? Then Art in Public Spaces is for you! Run by the Kamloops Arts Council, Art in Public Spaces provides local businesses and organizations with fresh artwork on a rotating basis. Paintings, photography and other works by local artists are displayed where Kamloops citizens and tourists congregate — places such as health care and transportation centers, reception areas, restaurants, coffee shops and hotel lobbies. Art in Public Spaces makes the Kamloops community more vibrant, showcases our local talent, enhances cultural tourism, activates public spaces, creates economic development and even promotes health and healing. How does it work? The ideal display space is in a secure but hightraffic area such as a public hallway, front office or lobby. The KAC will visit the site and discuss gallery display options, the

types of artwork the organization wishes to display, security and frequency of a rotation and any hanging/display restrictions. If the space is suitable, the KAC will begin programming the space on a 3-month to one-year rotating basis. The next step is to do a call-out for your space! Venues can set a theme and can specify certain artwork sizes. For example, if you are a coffee shop, you can request coffee-themed artwork to liven up your shop! The KAC reaches out to our members with a call out and you’ll have artwork in your workspace in no time! What are the benefits? Displaying artwork in our everyday environments has many benefits, including; Aesthetic benefits & an enhanced community – Artwork has the power to energize public spaces, transforming the places where we live, work, and play into a welcoming, beautiful environments. Economic development & tourism –The arts are a proven method for economic

and community development. Public displays of art increase tourism, provide a stronger sense of place, identity and pride, and promote liveability and investment. Public art is a symbol of a city’s maturity. Health & healing - According to the Wall Street Journal: “because of a direct link between the content of images and the brain’s reaction to pain, stress, and anxiety, hospitals are considering and choosing artworks based on the evidence and giving it a higher priority than merely decoration for sterile rooms and corridors.” Families of patients, too, report art in hospitals as being a calming, grounding and centering force in the midst of chaos. Excited about the artistic possibilities? Head over to kamloopsarts.ca for more information and to apply to our Art in Public Spaces program or email kacgallerycoordinator @gmail.com.

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6 MAY 2022

Explore your investment choices in your TFSA

Retirement planning: Where does family fit?

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hen many Canadians think about retirement planning, we often don’t think about how retirement impacts more than just ourselves. Families today have widened in definition – more than half of Canadians consider family “anyone they love and care for, whether they are related by blood, marriage or adoption.” Additionally, families today are becoming more connected and interdependent, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.* According to Statistics Canada, over two million Canadians live in a multigenerational home, which often includes the oldest generation.

Family is a high priority for many. Nearly two-thirds of retirees (63 percent) say they are willing to offer financial support to their family, even if it could jeopardize their own financial future.* However, it’s important to work with your financial advisor to anticipate how commitments may impact your life and finances as you prepare for and live in retirement. Here are some common situations that you may want to consider in your retirement planning conversations. Supporting adult children - Seventeen percent of all parents with adult children, around 1.8 million Canadians, have provided financial support to adult children since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.* Supporting your children into adulthood could have serious impacts on your retirement strategy and needs to be included as part of your plan.

Contributing to grandchildren’s education Spending time with grandchildren in retirement is a common goal. But if you’re looking to contribute to their education savings or to a particular activity for them, it could have an impact on your retirement strategy. Talk to your financial advisor about when and how to balance an education savings strategy with your retirement strategy. Caring for elderly parents - Canadians with living parents say they worry about their parents and talk with them more often; seventeen percent of those living in retirement said they are relying more on their adult children since the pandemic started. Supporting a parent (or two) into their later years could come at a considerable cost, especially if they are living in a longterm care facility. If supporting a parent is important to you, talk to your advisor about how to best plan for this.

Aligning with your partner - You and your partner have traveled a long way together and probably plan on spending time together for many years to come. Depending on how each of you envision retirement, determine a strategy to meet all your goals. The sooner your goals are determined, the more time you have to plan. Talk to your financial advisor Your advisor can help determine what it may cost to reach your goals, and how to best help to get you set up to fund them. Talk to your advisor today to ensure they have a full understanding of all your goals. * Source: Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study. Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Member – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

46TH ANNUAL PEACE WALK SET FOR MAY 7TH Jessica MARVIN 250.374.3022

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Relaxed public health orders means the 46th Annual Peace Walk will go ahead in person on Saturday, May 7 with a strong program of speakers on peace, the environment, and social justice. “The lineup for this year’s peace walk is exceptional”, according to organizer and local Council of Canadians chair, Anita Strong. Musicians Margit Sky Project and others will anchor our music and speakers including local lawyer Bill Sundhu and Thompson Rivers University professor Sasha Kondrashov will speak on peace and social justice.” Other musicians and speakers will be announced soon. “People can find out more about the event on the Kamloops Walk for Peace, Social Justice, & Environment Facebook group” said Strong. “We will have speakers and music as usual and some activities for children.” The 2022 Peace Walk takes place at the former Stuart Wood School and Kamloops Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 7 starting at 10 a.m.

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Family photos and technology My family loved taking pictures long before the advent of digital storage. Mine take up more space than I care to admit. Transferring them to digital format can become a chore, or a chance to rediscover old memories and share them with friends and family. It can be tricky but thankfully technology can make it easier. First way is using a scanner. They’re easy to come across and relatively inexpensive. Most all-inone printers come with utilities to scan pictures.

THAT TECH GUY JEFFREY READE

e all have them—boxes and albums of old family pictures.

The downside is it’s still time intensive, depending on the amount of pictures being scanned. Large boxes will most likely take days or weeks, break it into smaller tasks to avoid burnout. Second way is using a smartphone. It’s easy to take pictures of pictures with the computer in your pocket. The downside is sometimes the pictures will have glare on them from other light sources. It’s still not very efficient in terms of time but the speed is based on how well you can use the

camera on your phone. There are also apps for scanning pictures as well, which may speed things up. The third way is a scanner again, though designed for pictures. These scanners aren’t as cheap as a printer scanner. They start at around $160 and go up to around $700. The more expensive models are designed for much larger stacks of pictures and documents. Some automate the tasks and let you walk away while the machine does its work. Many even let

you scan negatives and slides as well. More time efficient in some cases, depending on the price you’re willing to pay. The fourth option is the most time efficient but also the most costly. Places like Kamloops Camera House can do all the work for you and store them on CD/DVD or flash drives for you. It’s more expensive but certainly more time efficient for you. Now what? Store them digitally or on an external drive. I recommend both actually. Especially if

MAY 2022 7

they’re important pictures or documents. With fire season approaching I suggest both, an external hard drive next to your computer or laptop. Something you can easily disconnect and go with is amazingly handy. Once you have the pictures scanned you’ll find it incredibly easy to share those embarrassing moments with friends and family via email or even text messages. Happy scanning, you never know what memories you’ll find when you start digging through old pictures.

KAMLOOPS IN MAY

EVENTS 2022 MAY

MOTHER’S DAY Happy Mother’s Day Everyone! MAY

Starting in May

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, May 6th at 9:00am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up of their prize.

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Bedding plants grown by Gardengate program participants and Volunteers

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Various events around Kamloops

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pringtime brings the focus for many homeowners to having work done on their roof, landscaping, fencing or other projects requiring hiring outside help. When hiring a contractor, there are a number of things a homeowner needs to consider in order to make sure everyone is protected if something does not go according to plan. First, determine if the contractor or worker has their own Worksafe BC coverage by requesting a ‘virtual’ Clearance Letter online both before and after the project, to confirm the worker

is covered and in good standing for the duration of the job. This step is free and takes about 1 minute online on the WorksafeBC website. If the worker or contractor is not in good standing and sustains an injury on your property, you as the homeowner will be liable to pay WorksafeBC for the insurance coverage premium. If a contractor is a sole proprietor with no workers, they may not require WorksafeBC coverage. In this

case, you need to discuss with them what private coverage they have or speak to your insurance broker to ensure your own insurance will cover the worker in the event of an injury. You can also apply for voluntary coverage from WorksafeBC for the worker for the duration of the job. This is the least expensive and most convenient option for a homeowner. Second, as workers are unfamiliar with your home, walk them through any area they will be

working and point out any potential hazards to be cautious of. Also, ensure they are using appropriate safety equipment for the job, such as steel toe boots or harnesses and as always, call before you dig! Finally, make sure you have the scope of work and price in a written agreement that both the homeowner and the worker sign. If there are any changes to the scope or cost as the job progresses, put those in writing as well.

Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents “Dumka” On Saturday, May 28, Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents Dumka, 7:30 p.m. at Kamloops United Church, 4th and St. Paul, with musicians Cvetozar Vutev, violin; Annette Dominik, violin and viola; Ashley Kroecher, viola; and Naomi Cloutier, piano. Our program takes its name from the piece

that inspired it, Dumka by Rebecca Clarke. Dumka is a Slavic word meaning thought (Ukrainian) or lament (Polish) and is often employed in music with reference to epic ballads. Our dumka brings together the musical thoughts of Francois Couperin (French), Antonin Dvorak (Czech) Lyubomir Pipkov (Bulgarian) and Rebecca Clarke (BritishAmerican).

MAY 2022 9

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BCICF awards more than $37,000 to two non-profits through The Stollery Charitable Foundation Fund By Kathy Humphreys, Vice-President of the BC Interior Community Foundation The grants will fund the next phase of renovations at Big Bear Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and the purchase of a van to be used by the team at the Butler Urban Farm a program that is run by the Kamloops Food Policy Council. The Stollery Charitable Foundation Fund is held and administered by the BC Interior Community

Foundation and was established to support the urgent needs of charitable organizations in Kamloops and area. Says Greg Peace, BCICF president, “Our Foundation has a strong partnership with the team at Stollery. We are truly grateful for the commitment they have to meet the health and wellness needs of the citizens of our community.”

because he wanted to support his community long past his lifetime. The Bostock and Fallis Families of Monte Creek Heritage Fund was created in memory of Hugh’s ancestors and annually provides two bursaries and funding to three Kamloops charities. This is an endowed gift and will provide income to these beneficiaries forever. BC INTERIOR

BCICF vice president, Kathy Humphreys (back left), presented a cheque for $20,000 to (l-r) Butler Urban Farm team members Kevin Pankewich, Mariana Guerra and Caitlin Quist. The funding will be used to purchase a van for the Kamloops Food Policy’s Gleaning Abundance program.

Canada’s 55+ Games Coming to Kamloops

elcome participants, locals, tourists, and supporters of the Kamloops 2022 Canada 55+ Games! After a two-year hiatus, August 23-26, 2022 more than 2500 competitors from across the country will descend on Kamloops for the Canada 55+ Games this summer, marking the first time ever that the event will be hosted in British Columbia (BC). The event will be an exciting opportunity for the entire Kamloops community to get involved by participating, volunteering, and supporting! To participate in the Canada Games, individuals must qualify through there provincial trails, for British Columbia’s these took place in Kelowna in 2019. Athletes everywhere are also encouraged to take part in the four demonstration sports;

soccer, dragon boat, hill climb cycling, and mountain biking. To register for a demonstration sport visit: 55plusbcgames. org/. Unique to these games, local Kamloops athletes not part of team BC have the opportunity to participate on a ‘host team’. This allows a specific number of individuals to participate in each sport, game, and demonstration sport. To join the host team email: info@ kamloops55games. com. The Games offers opportunities for enrichment, fulfilment and improved quality of life provided by participation in a broad variety of athletic, recreational and social events. Although the very nature of the Games is to declare a winner, or winners, the aspect of winning is secondary to the social side related to reuniting with friends

Hugh Fallis chose the BC Interior Community Foundation

from Games past. Over the four days of the Games, in addition to the competitions, participants are treated to an Opening Ceremony, Special Events, and a Closing Ceremony with a banquet and dance. Known as Canada’s Tournament Capital, the community of Kamloops has put forth local volunteers to help support large events such as this time and time again. Organizing and hosting these games and special events will require the support of the community just the same! Interested

volunteers can signup online to help support the games. To learn more about the Kamloops 2022 Canada 55+ Games and to sign up to be a volunteer visit: www. kamloops55games. com. After being delayed in 2020, Kamloops is thrilled to welcome Canadians from across the country to experience all that Kamloops has to offer. We hope you join us by participating, volunteering, or supporting the Kamloops 55+ Games this August!

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10 MAY 2022

Deserving citizens to be recognized on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee

FRANK CAPUTO KAMLOOPSTHOMPSON-CARIBOO MP

his year marks Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, a celebration of her 70 years of service to the Commonwealth. This is an incredibly historic milestone, and an achievement that may remain unmatched for generations.

In celebration of this historic event, we will be awarding 70 Platinum Jubilee pins to deserving citizens of KamloopsThompson-Cariboo. The past few years have been incredibly difficult. We’ve faced wildfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic all of which have had detrimental impacts on our community. But there have been those who have risen to meet the unique challenges we’ve faced, and I believe these actions should be recognized. The pins will be given to those who have demonstrated the qualities extolled by Her Majesty the Queen: public service, dedication and sacrifice. If you know someone

who has gone above and beyond what has been asked of them and you believe is deserving of this award, I invite you to nominate them, especially if they have been working as a first responder. My office will hold a special ceremony this summer to honour the recipients and tell

their stories. All nominations will be reviewed by an independent, nonpolitical panel of judges who will determine the recipients. If you would like to nominate someone, please call my office at 250-851-4991 and we would be glad to send you a digital copy of the form or take your nomination over the phone. After these years of hardship, I believe that it’s important to come together and celebrate the good done in our community. Those who have stepped up for their friends and neighbours deserve to be recognized, and I’m glad to provide an opportunity to do so.

WCT celebrates the life & influence of Viola Desmond A powerful new musical from Krystle Dos Santos and Tracey Power brings an important part of Canadian Black History to life this month at the Pavilion Theatre. Western Canada Theatre (WCT) is proud to celebrate the remarkable life of Canadian civil rights hero Viola Desmond with a night of stories, history, and music. Hey Viola! Viola Desmond—The Soundtrack of a Life, created by Krystle Dos Santos and Tracey Power, is on stage at the Pavilion Theatre from April 21 to May 07, 2022. For tickets and information, visit wctlive.ca/viola.

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It’s all in your head Hair Clips salon By Carl Svangtun, Clear Impact

It’s all in your head. There, I said it. If you are frustrated with your ability to improve your fitness and wellness, your relationships, your abundance and ultimately your happiness, stop focusing on what you need “to do” to achieve your goals. Stop “putting it on the to-do list.” That just doesn’t work. Sure we get stuff done, but it also adds to our stress and we never seem to achieve the results we really want. Here’s what our mind tells us: “I just need to commit to the gym; I just need to get a better job; I just need to get strict about my eating; I just need to find someone that knows how to love...” So if it’s just stuff you need to do what’s stopping you? There’s nobody sitting at your front door or in front of your fridge physically stopping you. That’s because it’s all in your head. It’s what you think, it’s what you believe (about yourself ) and it’s your physical and mental reaction to stress. That’s what is stopping you. Our mind tells us “It’s too hard; I don’t have enough time; there’s something wrong with

me...” (add your story here.) In this revved up world we need to focus on shifting and releasing those things that are blocking us. We need to get our head straight, our energy aligned with our vision. Then we can (far more effortlessly) attract the things “todo” that will bring us the happiness, the abundance and yes, the love, we have been pining for. But how do we do that? It’s what I’ve been writing about these last few months. If you missed those articles send me a message on Facebook Messenger (Carl Svangtun) or send me an e-mail at carl@ clearimpact.io and i’ll hook you up. It’s the right tools, in the right order. • Calm your mind (i.e., regulate your nervous system) • Create and activate (practice) a vision of who you want to be, how you want to feel. These two practices take about 10 minutes a day. Relatively simple, it just takes practice. If you commit to these two practices every day you will

start to see results in a matter of days, not weeks, not months. But it does take something. It takes the courage to take the first step (that’s the hardest part, telling the noisy monkey mind you are going to try something different). And it usually takes some accountability and a community of support. We didn’t evolve to be a lone wolf, we evolved to achieve greatness within a tribe! In the next few months I will be discussing powerful yet simple practices to improve your wellness and build a more resilient you in all the key areas of wellness: Sleep, Nutrition, Movement, Environment and Human Connection. But remember this— your ability to manifest the results you want will be determined by how effectively you get your head right first. It’s all in your head people.

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12 MAY 2022

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See Ad Below As we age and begin to lose our mobility and sense of balance, bathing can not only become difficult but also a cause of additional stress and anxiety. Fear of falling and a fear of not being able to get out of the tub are two of the most common occurrences with many of our seniors today. Walk-in tubs have become extremely popular in the last decade and estimates show that people who go ahead and install a walk-in tub in their homes today, will be able to live independently for an additional five years. Walk-in tubs are exactly what the name implies, tubs that have large doors that open, and you simply walk in and sit down on a 17-inch-high seat. You close and lock the door and the tub fills rapidly while you are sitting comfortably and safely inside. All the taps and controls are easily accessible at your fingertips. Once you are done your bath, turn the dial and the tub quickly drains and you simply open the door and walk out of the tub. The various models all have numerous grab bars and nonslip surfaces making getting in and out worry free. Walk-in

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Perhaps, one of the best decisions I’ve made is when I decided to go ahead and put a walk-in tub in my house. I no longer have a fear of falling and this will help me live in my home for many more years to come.’

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14 MAY 2022

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Welcome back to Seniors’ Community Centre at Desert Gardens

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Brenda (250) 574-1726

Thompson Valley Orchestra is pleased to announce their

first concert since February of 2020. We are “Back in the Spotlight” with Steve Powrie, conducting an eclectic mix of pieces from stage and screen from the last 200 years. The concert will take place at Kamloops Full Gospel Tabernacle, 1550 Tranquille Road, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased ahead through website: www.thompsonvalleyorchestra.ca and space permitting, will also availableto at the door. is be pleased announce their first concert

Thompson Valley Orchestra

t last, we are going to slowly reopen our wonderful Centre. May 2, 2022 will be our official opening date. The Oasis Café will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for coffee/tea and muffins/cookies. No meals will be served at this time. Programs will begin as we get Volunteers to organize/oversee them. We need volunteers for mahjong, cribbage, bridge, scrabble, euchre and any new program you would like to see happen. Presently, Table Tennis and Mexican Train will definitely be happening. Michelle of Chair Fitness is excited to be returning and we are trying to set up the popular Chair Yoga once again. Weight Watchers will be returning for one day only (two meetings). Parkinsons will be meeting the third Wednesday of each month. We also look forward to many of our regular groups returning

e’re back! first concert since February of 2020. We are “Back in the After 2 years since February of 2020. Spotlight” with Steve Powrie, conducting an eclectic mix of of COVID restrictions the Kamloops pieces from stage andThis screen from theSpotlight” last 200with years. We are “Back in the SteveThe high energy Garden Club is excited concert will conducting welcome Powrie, an eclectic mixTabernacle, of pieces about resuming our concert will take place at Kamloops Full Gospel the arrival of Spring – from stage and screen from the last 200 years. normal activities. We’re and we are glad to be 1550 Tranquille Road, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 7:00 pm. making plans for the back! concert will take place at Kamloops Full The Plant and Garage Sale on Tickets can be purchased through website:Road, on Gospelahead Tabernacle, 1550 Tranquille May 7th from 8:00 a.m. Saturday, Mayand 7, 2022 at 7:00 pm. to 12:00 p.m. at Heritage www.thompsonvalleyorchestra.ca space permitting, This high energy concert will House, 100 Lorne St., Tickets be purchased ahead through website: willwelcome alsothebe available at thecan door. arrival of Spring – Kamloops. There will be

The public is invited to enjoy an afternoon tea surrounded by an array of gorgeous blooms. Admission is by donation and includes tea, coffee and goodies. Entries are welcome from everyone

www.thompsonvalleyorchestra.ca and space permitting, will also be available at the door.

a variety of local plants and a collection of garden related items. There will be plenty of parking and it ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO THIS EVENT! is only 25¢ for a half hour. This high energy Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr., Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6 or On June 18th we’re email your details with “Wildlights Contest” to win@connectornews.ca. Random draw from entries th will welcomehosting the Rose & concert submitted for the contest. One entry per household. Draw date: Thur., May 5 at 9:00 am. Flower Show and Tea Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up of their prize. the arrival of Spring –at Heritage House, 100 Name ............................................................................................................. St. Kamloops and we are glad to beLorne (Riverside Park) from Phone............................................................................................................ 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. back! Email .............................................................................................................

of yet. We sincerely hope that if the Provincial/Interior Health sees fit and numbers stay low, that we will in time, perhaps by fall be back into full swing. As we are a Seniors’ Centre and also have folks with diverse abilities attending daily, we want to do our utmost to keep everyone safe while at the same time providing socialization, exercise and fun. We are excited to at least be at a time that we can consider opening. At this time, I would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support over these past two plus years. It has been quite the journey, but I do believe we are all stronger and wiser for it. We look forward to seeing you very soon and please do feel free to drop in and have coffee and muffin with your friends. Everyone has been lonely and needs some revitalization. See you soon!

Kamloops Garden Club W

Thompson Valley Orchestra is pleased to announce their

and we are glad to be back!

who have been very patient, understanding and supportive. We suggest you give the Centre a call at 250-3725110 and leave a message if we are not there, to see if your favourite group is beginning yet or if you are willing to spearhead it. If no answer you may call (250) 574-1217. We are desperately needing volunteers for the front desk, decorating, front counter of the Oasis and help in setting up/ taking down. We are excited to be opening our doors once again but it does take many hands to make for a lighter work load. As for protocol we will be asking for masks to be worn in the common areas and if sitting in close proximity to other folks. Hand sanitizing stations are throughout the complex and sanitizing will be ongoing. We ask that you be mindful of everyone and show respect. Not everyone has the same comfort level as

except professional florists and it’s free to enter. Ribbons, trophies and two $50 prizes are given out in certain

categories. Pamphlets including regulations, categories and helpful hints regarding the flower show will be available at our regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 25th at Heritage House. Other events we enjoy are monthly meetings with guest speakers, garden tours, workshops, Year-end Potluck dinner and more. We’d love to have you join us at the next meeting and for you to see the benefits of becoming a member. For more info go to the Kamloops Garden Club Group on Facebook or contact Judy at 250-374-4181.

MAY 2022 15

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Zone 8 Anticipates 55+ BC Games in Victoria Submitted by Linda Haas

o get there, first, you need to complete your registration before mid-June. Registration includes completing the Membership Application & Registration Form. If you have completed Section 1 and sent in your $20 membership fee and submitted this form and the Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Assumption of Risk, that’s good! Even better, if you plan to attend the Victoria Games, you need to send The Membership Application & Registration Form with Section 2 completed and the Terms and Conditions read and signed. You also need to let your sport coordinator know some information, including what events you plan to enter in September. While the schedule for most events is usually published within a week of the 55+ BC Games, the Track and Field had been previously published around February. Apparently, it is still a “work in progress.” Keep checking the 55+ BC Games Sports page for updated information. 5-pin bowling, Sturling, Trapshooting, Bridge, and Karate are not in the 2022 BC Games. Two new demonstration sports are Rowing and 3-on-3 Basketball.

To help keep Zone 8 going, and for an opportunity to get to know each other better, there will be a buffet lunch May 12 at the Lotus Inn Restaurant at 512 Tranquille Road in Kamloops. We have enjoyed their meal and the socialization prior to 2020 and look forward to it happening again. Please let me know before May 7, if you plan to come for lunch, so I can alert the restaurant. Guests are welcome also; I just need the numbers. You can give me the $20 lunch cost at the meeting or the restaurant. The fundraiser includes a silent auction of donated items and a shared-pot draw. If you have items to donate, please bring them to the meeting at the Kamloops Sports Council building, McArthur Island, at 10:00 am May 12, or to the lunch. If you want to have a minimum bid, please indicate the specific item or group to which it applies. Not to detract from Zone 8’s fundraising, the 2022 Greater Victoria 55+ BC Games Host Society is raising money by offering a 50/50 draw. As of April 4, 2022, participants, spectators, and fans will have a chance to make some money as well as contribute to the legacy of the Games. Tickets can be purchased at the Zone 1

website. Click on the link for details. Purchase of tickets will be open until Sept. 16 at 8:00 pm, and the winner drawn at 9 pm that night. Please keep in mind that Zone 8 is selling its logo wear on hand at prices from 2 years ago. No new merchandise will be purchased this year. Please contact Linda at zone8merchandise @55plusbcgames.org for information on stock on hand for women’s and men’s shirts ($35) and jackets ($95), as well as toques ($15), caps ($15), and pins ($3) In addition, we will have new sew-on crests 1.5”x3”, same style as previous years with Victoria 2022 in zone 8 colours of red and gold. The price is $5.35 including tax. Getting in shape for the 55+ BC Games is good for our health and inspiring but don’t give up if you at first encounter something like this: I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over. Stay safe! See you on May 12!

Local CanGo Grannies are springing into action

he Kamloops CanGo Grannies had started a biannual spring luncheon and live/silent auction and jewelry sale in 2018 but our 2020 event, like many many others, was sidelined by COVID-19, leaving group members with lots of donations from supporting businesses and other donors in their basements and crawlspaces throughout town. We were reluctant to just go online with an auction, so once the Province lifted limits on gatherings, we jumped into a revised live event. We were especially pleased that businesses who’d offered gift cards

for the original event in 2020 are supporting their donations for 2022. SPRING INTO IT! • Fine and fun jewelry, hats, scarves and purses for sale • Gift Baskets Raffle items donated by our generous sponsors, including gift cards from local businesses and restaurants • 50/50 Draw • Door prizes • All purchases are cash or cheque only. • April 30, 10 am - 4 pm • S un., May 1, 10 am 3 pm

Any COVID-19 protocols and rules will be in place as required. Kamloops Curling Club, 700 Victoria Street. Free parking on site. $2 admission. Kamloops CanGo Grannies, fundraising as part of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign organized by The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) (https:// grandmotherscampaign. org/). Purchases at this event assist grandmothers in SubSaharan Africa working for a future free of AIDS within their families and communities.

The Village of Chase wishes everyone a

Here’s wishing you a Mother’s Day That’s filled with every pleasure, And a future that’s as happy As the memories you treasure!

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May 1-7, 2022. Valid in-store only. Must present the coupon at the time of sale. Can not be combined with other discounts.

www.connectornews.ca

16 MAY 2022

KAMLOOPS SYMPHONY

BARB’S USED BOOK & MUSIC SALE

Most items only

Exclusive Early Access

MAY 6

May 7–21

Tickets available

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Clearwater Seniors’ Activities

MAY 2022

Seniors’ Coordinator 250-674-8185 SUNDAY

MONDAY

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

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

Men’s Shed Drop-in:10 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Old ICBC office Senior's Learn & Lunch at Legion. Coffee on at 10:30am 17

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

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

Second Sunday Social Carpet Bowling @ Wells Gray Inn Evergreen Acres Hall @ 12:30 pm. 1:00 to 3:00 pm Order from the menu 15

TUESDAY

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

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

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

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

Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Sit & Be Fit Live Stream Writers’ Circle 2:00 pm or @ Centennial Hall. 10:30 am - 11:45 am @ Seniors’ Room, DLCC Drop-in Crib 1:00 pm @ Legion WGCSS meeting @ 10:00 am Seniors' Room, DLCC

FRIDAY

Hiking Group leaves Hungry Hiker parking area @ 9:00 am

SATURDAY

Legion Dinner, doors open at 5:00 pm

Sit & Be Fit 11 13 14 12 Meat Draws Live Stream or Hiking Group 1:00 - 3:00 pm @ Centennial Hall. leaves Hungry Hiker 10:30 am - 11:45 am @ the Legion parking area Drop-in Crib 1:00 pm @ 9:00 am @ Legion Sit & Be Fit 18 20 21 19 Live Stream or Writers’ Circle 2:00 pm Hiking Group Legion Dinner, @ Centennial Hall. 10:30 am - 11:45 am @ Seniors’ Room, DLCC leaves Hungry Hiker doors open at 5:00 pm parking area Drop-in Crib 1:00 pm @ 9:00 am @ Legion Sit & Be Fit 25 27 28 26 Meat Draws Live Stream or Hiking Group Book Club 2:00 pm 1:00 - 3:00 pm @ Centennial Hall. 10:30 am - 11:45 am @ Seniors’ Room, DLCC leaves Hungry Hiker @ the Legion parking area Drop-in Crib 1:00 pm @ 9:00 am @ Legion

"SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON COVID RESTRICTIONS"

2022

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

ACROSS 1. Valletta’s nation 6. Had one’s socks blown off 10. Coffin stand 14. At full throttle, on ship 15. African neighbour 16. Biblical son of Isaac and Rebekah 17. What Yeats said he was in the poem “Down by the Salley Gardens” 20 Painful shoulder inflammation 21. Yeast, e.g. 22. The Big Band ___ 23. P refix that means “new” 24. Scatterbrain 25. D oris Day and Frank Sinatra movie of 1955 30. Revolt 33. “ Diamonds ___ a girl’s...” 34. Vientiane’s official language 35. Ancient Peruvians 36. On the other hand 37. I mportant piece of china 39. US drug-approval gp. 40. Crestfallen 41. Throws water on 42. 1 984 hit song by Alphaville 46. P rovide, as for oneself 47. D og or cat, usually 48. S ign of an infected wound 51. P ic taken at arm’s length

54. Not very talkative 56. What lightly turns to thoughts of love, according to Tennyson 58. Camera essential 59. Popular steak sauce 60. World Cup highlight 61. Sharp part of the knife 62. Beast’s abode 63. Take pot shots DOWN 1. Perhaps 2. Illicit French affair 3. Secord, Canadian heroine of 1812 4. Sardine containers 5. Related to the pain of coronary heart disease 6. Embryonic membrane 7. Rolls of dough 8. Fairy’s cousin 9. Greyish igneous rock 10. Modern name for British Honduras 11. Important ancient Egyptian goddess 12. “With the greatest of ___” 13. Big German industrial area 18. Devoured 19. Solemn pledge 24. Move like a hummingbird 25. Yell that means thumbs up 26. Like a lot of Vegas stagewear 27. Quaint word of regret 28. Evaluate

29. Little piggies 30. Repeated musical phrase 31. Post WWII’s French ___-China 32. Sign of an old war wound 36. Shakespeare, for one 37. Popes 38. Wheel nut 40. Where Dakar is 41. Songs for two 43. Emanate freely 44. Vampire’s target 45. Handy kitchen device 48. Old Finnish copper coin 49. Pop the top off 50. Something Fred Astaire had 51. Boxing Day special, say 52. Looked longingly at 53. Really drawn-out 54. Regal old Indian lady 55. Abel’s murderous brother 57. Giant extinct NZ bird

MAY 2022 17

www.connectornews.ca

Merritt Senior Centre

MAY 2022

The Merrit Seniors Association

Calendar of Events

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

SUNDAY

Happy Mother's Day

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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

Pool Tables 10 18

10:00 am - 2:00 pm Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Exercise 10:00 to 11:00 am Doors open 11:00 am Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm 24 23 Pool Tables 10 25 Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Exercise 10:00 to 11:00 am Doors open 11:00 am Floor Curling 1:00 pm Cribbage 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm 31

Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Doors open 11:00 am

Cribbage @ Noon

Shuffleboard 2:00 pm

Cribbage @ Noon

Shuffleboard 2:00 pm

Happy Mother's Day

Monday Morning Market Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Monday Morning Market Caregiver Support 10:00 – 12:00 pm

Foot Care 3 (by appt. only) Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

OFFICE CLOSED VICTORIA DAY 30

Monday Morning Market Caregiver Support 10:00 – 12:00 pm

Foot Care 4 (by appt. only)

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

Foot Care (by appt. only) 17

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

Day Away

MAY 2022

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

SATURDAY

Day Away

Day Away 26

Day Away

Foot Care (by appt. only)

FRIDAY

Book Review By Marilyn Brown

Lessons in Chemistry By Bonnie Garmus Doubleday Canada, 2022 Fiction, 390 pages 276 pages,

Calendar of Events

Day Away

Foot Care (by appt. only)

THURSDAY

Foot Care (by appt. only)

WEDNESDAY

Monday Morning Market

TUESDAY

ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE FOLLOWED. COVID-19 VACCINE PASSPORT AND MASK ARE NECESSARY.

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

MONDAY

SATURDAY

Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm All programs are subject to change

320A Second Ave. NE (Office Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) 1

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm

13 14 12 Pool Tables 10 11 Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cribbage @ Noon 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Exercise 10:00 to 11:00 am Shuffleboard 2:00 pm General meeting 1:30 pm Doors open 11:00 am Floor Curling 1:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

Seniors’ Resource Centre - Salmon Arm SUNDAY

FRIDAY

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

THURSDAY

5 Pool Tables 10 4 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cribbage @ Noon Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Exercise 10:00 to 11:00 am Shuffleboard 2:00 pm Doors open 11:00 am Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

Day Away

Foot Care (by appt. only)

SUDOKU

t pre-dawn, well before her fiveyear-old daughter Mad is up and about, science researcher and chemist Elizabeth Zott is placing a note in her daughter’s lunch box: “Fuel for learning”, then another: “Play sports at recess but do not automatically let the boys win,” and finally “It is not your imagination. Most people are awful.” Yes, Madeline, a gifted child, is reading Charles Dickens while hiding her ability to read from her fellow kindergarteners. She just wants to fit in. As she is much like her mother, that isn’t easy. There’s a good deal of envy or plain misunderstanding that swirls around them both. It’s a good thing that Six-Thirty, their dog, found Elizabeth when he did. Although trained as a bomb-sniffing canine, he retreated from the horrible smell and danger of potential bombs but was comfortable as a bodyguard. To one whom he senses as a possible threat to either Elizabeth or Mad, he sends a mute warning: “I have mapped and memorized the location of your carotid artery.” In the 1960s, in Commons, California, it wasn’t easy being a young, nononsense, chemistry-fixated researcher restricted by underfunding and less talented humanoids around her, most of the male scientists not too interested in her cognitive abilities as much as the fact that she wouldn’t date any of them, not even the single men. When sparks fly between her and the introverted, admired and feared Calvin Evans, she is as surprised as any. All of the meanspirited talk of her “landing” Evans only because she wants her career to be enhanced by his, is ludicrous, a constant challenge to her professional goals and self-esteem. The reader is privy to the quick (internal) monologs of such people, where their true opinions are thought but not necessarily stated. Complicating things is the fact that her boss is a predator. In her corner are her neighbour, Harriet; her producer, Walter; the Reverend Wakely; and her pediatrician, Dr. Mason, who is also her rowing coach (who astutely hypothesizes that rowing and childbirth are similar in the pain and suffering both entail), and soon, the followers of the record-breaking hit tv show called Supper at Six—an introduction to chemistry disguised as a cooking show for “housewives”. Watch out world - CHEMISTRY IS CHANGE and women are the catalyst. After demonstrating how to prepare a mouth-watering meal in under an hour, Zott always concludes the show with the instructions to the children in the tv audience to set the table and to the mothers, to take a moment for themselves. Lessons in Chemistry is as brilliant as the protagonist Elizabeth Zott. Irreverent, funny, fast-paced, and laced with interesting characters, including Six-Thirty, the novel delves into some issues that continue to bedevil our society, while bonding reader and characters. Highly recommended.

Mother’s Day ideas have warmed Mom’s heart in recent years, but a day out of the house might be especially welcomed this Mother’s Day. Book a reservation at Mom’s favourite local restaurant so no one has any cooking or cleaning to do this year. • Plan a future spa visit. Moms might have put pampering on hold during

Continued from p.1

the pandemic. A good pampering is undoubtedly in order and offering Mom a gift certificate to her favourite provider may be just the treat she was hoping for. Mother’s Day celebrations in 2022 should feel more normal than they have in years. Enjoy a day Mom won’t soon forget.

www.connectornews.ca

18 MAY 2022

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BAGGING UP HISTORY Creative Writing by Rita Joan Dozlaw

leaning up one day, Janelle came across a cartoon which showed a large, full, plastic bag so bulged that it spilled out some of its contents… letters! The cartoonist had literally created the exact image that was indelibly planted on Janelle’s mind in 1982. Tears misted her sight as she consciously called to mind the day she walked into the home of her late mother, a few months after her memorial. She was there to help her sisters, Rachel and Bonita, sort through their mother’s belongings before their father, in his haste and emotional state, would discard papers and letters which could be of sentimental value to Janelle. Leaning, the black trash bag gaped and snail mail from over a decade over-flowed onto the floor at Janelle’s feet. In her mind’s eye, the flaps of envelopes flared open like wings ready to fly away and be lost forever. The identifiable Canadian postage stamps and address labels created a disturbing reality. There was no mystery to the correspondence with dogeared corners and coffeecup rings. The letters were written with due diligence by Janelle. Basically, she’d served up the complete history of her young family, from the mid ‘60s through the ‘70s, in her correspondence. To see it bagged, abandoned; and pouring out like trash, broke her heart. Her broken voice poured out, “Oh my God!” Janelle’s dad hardly knew what to say when she crumpled into a chair and wept. “Your mama saved all your letters, Janny. Our trailer’s so small, I complained about them so she stashed them in random hide-outs all over the place as though out of sight/ out of mind!” A subtle composure swept over Janelle, and she took pity on her dad as he looked down at the disarray and continued his rant. “Over the years in trying to eliminate the clutter, your mama hid the letters behind the canned goods and inside dresser drawers with her stockings and undies. She filled boxes with letters and slid the boxes under the beds

and inside the closets. When they were under starched doilies on the coffee table and lamp table, I could see them as plain as day. I found some that were lost behind cushions and among the magazines in the magazine rack. She even squeezed them down in the sides of the stuffed cedar chest at the foot of our bed. She used the wooden drawer, of the box holding our good silverware, for the small notes. She put a box of them on a high shelf in the closet, and when she wanted to re-read your chronicles, I had to get the box down for her. She left the ones she was reading open and lying about.” “Woe, dad, I’m surprised at all that.” “That’s not all. She tucked letters behind picture frames, wall mirrors; and between the pages of books they made good ‘bookmarks’.” Janelle learned the harsh truth that her dear mother was obsessed to the point of being a hoarder. Her dad admitted that he knew things weren’t right, but he dared not say anything or touch a single one. “I avoided confrontation because she would cry; I just gave in and put up with your incessant mail because she loved it.” He spoke of the large rented houses, they used to live in, where he hadn’t noticed the invasion of the letters, but it was different in the house trailer. “Recently, I decided to weed out and throw stuff away, but your sisters wouldn’t let me.” Looking pitiful, his lament was apologetic. “I’m so sorry if you’re offended, dear, I never thought you’d see this. I really am sorry.” Residing more than twothousand miles away, Janelle was glad she’d heeded Rachel’s beckoning to fly back to New York that year. Otherwise, she’d never have imagined the actual evidence of her mother’s joy in coveting the mail. Mail about the challenges and activities of the grandkids: their growing pains, Christmases in B.C., broken bones and illnesses, birthday parties and parades of pets, Sunday school; and a typical family’s school of

hard knocks. They were all in Janelle’s almost illegible handwriting which her mother had no trouble deciphering. They comforted her in terms of knowing the family’s traditions, beliefs, and hobbies. The elder lady may have even lived vicariously through the experiences and antics of the little gang. More than once, she expressed that, in reading through her steamed up bifocals, she felt the young family’s love equally as much as she felt it on their longdistance phone calls. She’d been both honoured and grateful for the gazillion cards and notes spanning periods when long trips to visit were impossible. Far too numerous to be read, the three women scanned and sorted the heap to evaluate the ‘keepers’ and separate the ‘discards’. The keepers grew in proportion to what Janelle could travel back to B.C. with. The discard piles towered like volcanic mountains. The heat of the treasures rose and exploded into aching ashes of Janelle’s heart leaving a fall-out that was highly contagious; and her sisters wept with her. Letters scrawled in children’s hand-writing, drawings and photos that were retained, softened her pain. With the task completed Janelle’s father, who held his most tender feelings inside said, “I’m glad she got them, but I’m glad they’ll stop coming!” With deep and loving respect, his daughter gushed, “Oh, no, Sir, I’ll be writing to you!” Back home in B.C., Janelle put the rescued letters with her most precious treasures— letters from her mother. A few years later, excerpts were reprinted in a book of her mother’s memoires. For as much as she’d saved, Janelle had lost the detailed history, but the astounding gift of memory sufficed as well as humanly possible. Near Mother’s Day, with the new book in his hand, Janelle’s father responded, “Think of this note as though you’re hearing from your mama, not just from me…we love you.” The sentiment was pure gold.

MAY 2022 19

www.connectornews.ca

Why do you have a beagle KAMLOOPS’ BEST SELECTION OF VQA WINES AND BC CRAFT BEER at the funeral home?

ask drake DRAKE SMITH Funeral Director

bout 12 years ago I started to notice the change. It was gradual at first but then it became impossible to ignore: I was gaining weight. Packing on the pounds. Battling the bulge. Growing in girth. Whatever you call it, I was getting heavier! The cause of this change in mass was obvious: I was spending almost every hour of the day either behind a computer keyboard and screen or behind the steering wheel of the company vehicle. Zero exercise. Of course, if you’re sitting at a computer or behind the wheel you are also likely snacking constantly. So you can see, dear reader, the conundrum in which I placed myself. What was a person to do? Join a gym? No time for that. Go on a diet? I read someplace (probably Google) that those never work for long. I was ready to resign myself to the plight of pudginess. Then, one day, I noticed an adorable little creature riding in

the back of a pickup truck ahead of me as I drove the company van through Little Fort. The truck pulled into Jim’s Market so I decided to follow it and check out this furry creature. That creature turned out to be a beagle. I was immediately drawn to its lovable face, big brown eyes and long, soft and fluffy ears. Then, a lightbulb appeared over my head, like in the cartoons, “if I had a dog I would have to take it for walks.” That would force me to get away from the computer and the steering wheel. I would have to get EXERCISE! Although I had done no research on the personality and character of the beagle, I decided to check into adopting one. There’s a website called Beaglepaws. ca. It shows photos of adorable beagles and, if you qualify, they will send one to you. I found Maggie online! A few weeks later this little one and a half year old bundle of separation anxiety joined our funeral home family. We now had two cats and a dog. My wife, Avril, leans more towards cats, so Maggie became “my dog” and my 24/7 companion. She has remained so for more than 10 years. Thanks to some wonderful guidance from Barriere dog trainer Jill Hayward, Maggie has blended into funeral home life perfectly. She quietly and

gently greets grieving visitors, inviting them to say hello and pet her, before she returns to her little bed, allowing arrangements to continue undisturbed. Maggie has also become somewhat of a celebrity as well. Because she appears on our TV commercials and her photo in columns like this one, it is not uncommon for visitors to ask for Maggie when they come to the door. Sometimes, if Maggie’s sleeping in another room or away for a few hours, our guests seem disappointed to be stuck with me! (Ever notice how our voices seem to rise an octave when we speak to a dog?) In any event, Maggie has been a welcomed addition to our funeral home and has brought comfort to so many people over the years. All of these benefits have been a serendipity of sorts. You’ll recall that the main reason for adding a beagle to my life – the lightbulb in Little Fort – was to force me to get away from the computer and the steering wheel. Maggie has certainly helped in that regard as well. I count more than 10,000 steps each day as Maggie and I walk busy streets, or trudge along riverside and backwoods trails. If I’m doing 10,000 steps I figure she’s taking 50,000 steps per day (shorter legs X 4). And I’ve lost some weight. Thanks Maggie.

Treat your Mom to the Best Selection

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

ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO “THE OLIVIA SHOW”

A TRIBUTE TO OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN @ THE REX HALL Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr., Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6 or email your details with “Wildlights Contest” to win@connectornews.ca. Random draw from entries submitted for the contest. One entry per household. Draw date: Friday, May 6th at 9:00 am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up of their prize.

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

Celebrating To register or for more information, phone Bruce or Laurel at 250.554.5177

IN KAMLOOPS

For Ages 12 to 99!

www.connectornews.ca

20 MAY 2022

Spring Time Duties

hile I am recuperating from my knee surgery I am going through my to-do list of springtime activities that I must do starting with getting the various garden and lawn implements in working order. I did the gas treatment on the snow blower, changed the oil and emptied the carburetor so any residual fuel wouldn’t gum up the works for next winter. I also did a physical inspection of all the working components, blades, etc. for damage. Snow blowers seem to vibrate harder than lawn mowers which can lead to loose fasteners and stress cracks in the body of the machine. Now is a good time to service that machine as the repair outlets are not under the gun to get it done before “next week’s” snow storm plus, any parts needed will be at last winter’s price, not next fall’s. Anyway to save a buck! As for your lawn mower and garden implements, if you are capable, empty the gas tank and replenish with fresh fuel. I would also recommend

some form of combustion chamber fuel additive to help remove any of last year’s fuel residue. The jets and passageways in these carburetors are pretty small and can clog easily hence the recommendation for a detergent type of additive. If you have the tools, remove the spark plug and have a good look at the electrode end. If it is a light tan colour and dry and less than 5 years old, things should be good. If not, replace it with a fresh one. They are quite inexpensive as compared to your vehicle plugs. I would also recommend using an anti-seize paste on the threads to make it easier to remove for next time. Spark plugs have the tendency to bond firmly to the cylinder head threads making removal, when needed, a rather daunting task. If you choose to sharpen the mower blade please heed this word of caution. Disconnect the spark plug lead before removal of the blade and also use a block of wood to hold the blade in place while removing the retaining bolt(s). I have experienced the results

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By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

of not taking that precautionary step while loosening the fasteners, the motor coughed/started and the person lost a finger. *Tech tip: I have found the use of an impact gun or reasonable facsimile gets the bolts loose without turning the engine over. Have the blade professionally sharpened especially if you are not sure of the process. The issue is not so much on how sharp the blade is but how well it is balanced. If more material, when sharpening, is taken off of one side than the other, it will create a vibration that can bring off the blade or cause stress cracks. Nobody needs that! On a friend’s rototiller everything seemed a bit sloppy so we gave it a good inspection to see if we could pinpoint the reason for its state. Being an older unit we noticed most of the fasteners had loosened somewhat. I recommended that all the fasteners be replaced instead of just re-tightened. We got sufficient self locking nuts which, when tightened, do not loosen up as easily as just a straight nut and

lock washer. These fasteners have either a plastic insert on the threads or are designed slightly oval as to give an interference fit to what it is attached to. Be sure to clean the air filter which can be done using hot soapy water and then allowed to dry. Some people have used a solvent based cleaner spray and upon re-assembly the motor started, revved up too high and would not shut off for a few minutes. The engine used up the solvent’s fumes from the sponge air filter, so be sure it is completely dry before reusing. Last item is simple—change the oil, the engine will be happy. Locate an oil disposal location to get rid of the old oil and be sure to wear rubber gloves. Old oil can be cancerous. I wish for you good use and success with your mower and garden implements, here comes Spring— Gotta love it! Be COVID smart. Any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at bigsix8280@yahoo.ca.

Barb’s Used Book & Music Sale Returns for Spring 2022 Edition

he Kamloops Symphony’s perennially popular semi-annual fundraiser Barb’s Used Book & Music Sale is returning for the Spring 2022 edition. The biggest and best sale of gently used books, music, and more will run from Saturday, May 7 to Saturday, May 21, operating from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sundays. The sale will be back at 444 Seymour Street, nestled in between The Big Little Science Centre and the future home of Nutters. Large quantities of generously donated gently used books, sheet music, vinyl records, DVDs and CDs have been received, and most are available for only $2 making it very affordable for shoppers to stock up on some

summer reading. The semi-annual sale has been wonderfully successful due to its highly organized donations of books and music and the KSO’s team of dedicated volunteers. All money raised by the sale goes towards the Kamloops Symphony’s operating expenses, which include everything from concert productions to educational programs. For those interested in getting first dibs at the books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, and sheet music, there will be an exclusive early access event on Friday, May 6. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase items between 7:00 and 9:00 pm, ahead of the public opening the next morning. Only 50 tickets are available, which sell for $25 on Eventbrite or by calling the KSO office at 250-372-5000. In addition to early access to

peruse the stock of books, music, and more, sweet treats, coffee, and tea will be provided. This new initiative was introduced in the Fall edition and was tremendously popular with long-time shoppers of the sale. Donations will be gratefully accepted at 444 Seymour Street from May 4-6, between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Donors are asked to come in the front door, and to be aware that volunteers on-site will not be able to provide any physical assistance with donations. Running consistently since 1997, the sale was spearheaded by Barb Corbishley who was one of the KSO’s board members at the time. After her unfortunate passing, it was named Barb’s Used Book & Music Sale in her honour.

MAY 2022 21

www.connectornews.ca

Preparedness

everything organized SHAWN FERGUSON Everything Organized

t’s been awhile since I last wrote as life has been quite hectic and I’ve been putting way more on my plate then I should have. I have to say it has all been worthwhile now that we are getting to slow down and enjoy our efforts. The pandemic really opened our eyes on how we spend our time, money and energy. Now with the world’s conflicts, we have come to realize we were not looking out for our own best interest if we don’t put some of our energy into what’s important to us. For my family it is

growing our own food that we want to eat, but for others it might be living clutter-free or maximizing your space. It all just takes some planning. When the stores first emptied, we decided it was now time to take another step forward into living a cleaner life, but there was a lot to learn. We didn’t put enough energy into this plan until this year so there was a lot to do to get organized for spring as we were on a tight time line with a great deal to do. Now I’ve talked about gardening before. When we first really started planting gardens— some kale, tomatoes, squash, berries and such it was on a smaller scale. Now, thanks to a friend of the family in possession of idle land, he said we were free to use it. We started planning and building on his land what was needed to grow more food, smarter and more efficiently this year.

It is not always easy to jump into the deep end, so we have been trying to keep costs down as we are still learning what we want this space to look like. By using free pallets, recycled wood and looking online for people selling items that we can repurpose to build what we’re wanting, we remain aware that things may change so we stay flexible. It has been enjoyable learning, getting everything organized to then put it into action and now we see what we planned coming to life. We may not succeed with everything we are doing, but we are learning and trying to get better for next year and the next. Now I may be talking about my adventures getting a very large garden going and (more) chicken coops, but it is just an example of organizing my “food house.” Much like organizing a home, we plan within the space we have and try to make

it work. It may not be perfect to start but over time you will have what you want. If working in small spaces, think of vertical growing walls, a trellis for climbing plants that shade sensitive plants, hanging baskets or shelving. For every space there is a solution. Let’s start today working on your future as the best time to start organizing your life is now. Shawn Ferguson is a Professional Organizer in Kamloops, BC. We specializes in Senior Transition, Downsizing. Check us out at www. everythingorganized. net, FaceBook https:// www.facebook.com/ everythingorganized kamloops/ or call (250) 377-7601 for a free ½ hr consult in Kamloops. Do you have a topic that you would like Shawn to write about? Please email him at Shawn@ everythingorganized.net.

Light vs Dark Toned Flooring

#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, May 6th 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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 Professional Organizing  Estate Liquidation  Downsizing & Moving Experts  Companionship & NonMedical Home Services  Hoarding/Chronic Program Disorganization Canadian Franchises Available | *A division of Everything Organized Ventures Inc.

Flooring SHAWN VANDERWAL Nufloors

ith trends constantly evolving, it can be hard to decide exactly what flooring to select in your home. When selecting a flooring and floor colour, the most important rule is to go with a floor that suits

your style. Flooring is a big feature in your home and the colour you decide on will have a great impact on the look and feel of your space. With so many different colours to choose from, the first question I like to ask is “do you prefer lighter or darker-toned floors?” Answering this question for yourself will help you on your floor selection journey. No matter where you land on the colour palette, there will always be multiple lighter and darker shades of the colour. Let’s explore some of the differences between light and darktoned floors. Light-Toned Floors Light toned flooring is great for brightening

up a space and giving a room that airy feeling. Typically, your space will feel larger and the light tones will help create that comforting and welcoming atmosphere. Lighter flooring also adds visual interest without taking away from other, stronger design elements. One benefit to lighter-toned flooring is that it is easier to clean as dust and footprints tend to not be as noticeable. Dark-Toned Floors Dark floors can accommodate just about any design style as it is incredibly versatile. Dark flooring can create both a timeless, elegant or modern and contemporary look depending on the

surrounding decor. The distinctive beauty of rich, dark floors works very well in open floor plans and shows a greater contrast between cabinets, furniture, walls and ceiling. Dark toned floors can do very well in hiding small scratches and life marks especially when they are a little more rustic in style. No matter your flooring colour preference there is an option for you! If you would like to see what is out there don’t hesitate to call to book an appointment or stop by our showroom. Spring is a time for new samples and we have already seen many of them arrive!

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22 MAY 2022

Acceptance Submitted by Erin Chambers,

Life Coach/End of Life Doula

cceptance is defined by Wikipedia as: the recognition of the reality or a situation, recognizing a process or condition without attempting to change it or protest it. This is a tough word for most of us to handle or, for lack of a better word, accept. It is part of our human DNA to compare ourselves to others. We often ‘rate’ ourselves or judge ourselves when we feel we fall short or are missing something that we perceive someone else to have. Why is what they have better anyways? Why can’t I do that ‘thing’ as well as they can? I’m not sure if my standards are good enough. Acceptance can also refer to a situation. This can be difficult when events don’t go as planned or if something unexpected happens. For instance, receiving dire news or being a part of, or experiencing, a traumatic event. If it is something that we don’t like, we tend to

push it away, not deal with it, hold it at arms length, close our eyes, hearts, isolate ourselves—whatever it takes to not accept the current reality. Afterall, we preferred our past one much more, even if it wasn’t ‘perfect’. So how do we welcome acceptance? How do we better learn to ‘go with the flow’? There is no one solid answer here. It’s difficult to sit in ‘the feels’—to be uncomfortable; to feel sad, angry, frustrated, hurt, vulnerable, abandoned, empty and any other multitude of emotions. Processing these feelings usually isn’t an overnight type thing. It’s not a ‘one and done’ either. We are challenged in acceptance every day, sometimes in multitudes and, sometimes, it reaches out and grabs us without us even knowing, causing us to question our values or our ‘enoughness’. It’s a personal process. What does acceptance mean to you?

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

God’s Own Pocket

Colouring outside the lines REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

friend and I walk slowly up the hill back to the campus of UBC after spending time enjoying the gloriously beautiful May day on the beach. Everything about the day seems perfect: the temperature, the sun, the gentle breeze, the slowness of time as we pause from our busy end of school year papers and exams. As we ascend, we look up to see a young man walking down the narrow trail. We step aside to let him pass. He looks at us with a smile, holds his hand to his chest, and says, “Truly we are being held in God’s own pocket today, aren’t we?” As April showers give way to May flowers, we hope for many perfectly glorious days to bask in the sunshine and wander amid the explosion of colour. There is so much to love about spring! And until that one moment of encounter on a trail, I had never thought about the natural world as “God’s own pocket.”

The image that immediately came to mind when I heard that phrase was a t-shirt with that pocket on the chest. I envisioned that pocket holding me close to the heart of God. Is it any wonder that so many of us find our spirituality connected with the natural world? That we find walking trails, sitting under trees or on a beach, connects us with holiness the same way others find connection with the Holy One in a church’s sanctuary. Sanctuary isn’t limited to buildings. What better sanctuary than a circle of trees – or a blue sky covered meadow – or a blanket on the grass beneath a starry night sky? Connection with holiness cannot be limited to one specific location. We simply cannot box up God, the Great Mystery, because the Source of Life is bigger than any thing our finite minds can imagine. Jesus, the One at the heart of the Christian story, spent most of his time in ministry outside. He preached from boats on lakes and open spaces in the mountains, he withdrew to the wilderness for times of solitude and prayer. He cooked fish on the beach for his friends. Before he became active in his ministry he spent 40 days in the desert, fasting.

Today we call that a vision quest. And like contemporary vision quests offer, he had visions that informed his future work. So much of the Biblical story unfolds in the natural world that it should be no surprise to hear that space identified as God’s own pocket. Richard Wagamese, beloved mentor to many, extraordinary storyteller speaks eloquently of spirituality. In his newest book, What Comes From Spirit, he writes: Spirituality isn’t simply spectacular. It’s spectacularly simple. It means whatever moves your spirit. Not your mind. Your spirit. Your mind is not the seat of you. Your soul is. Your spirit. Finding, approaching and engaging with whatever moves your spirit is being spiritual. Music, books, film, art, theatre, dance, a bird skimming a straight line through the air, a sunrise, a breeze, the smell of rain, a quiet conversation, a hug. It’s spectacularly simple. If it moves your spirit, it moves you closer to your

true, essential self – and so, closer to Creator. What is it that moves your spirit? What is it that makes you feel like you are being held in God’s own pocket? As the old Nike commercials used to say, “just do it.” Visit a sanctuary, wherever that might be for you. Pause. Breathe. Celebrate. And connect with the Great Mystery in a way that feeds your soul! May the month of May be a time of bright, colourful new growth in your spirit! 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!

MAY 2022 23

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An Artist’s Statement The insiGhT story WENDY WESEEN

began an art project over two years ago when I took on osteoarthritis in both my hips. My decline seemed to happen in the blink of an eye. I was sitting under an umbrella in the exhibition grounds in Salmon Arm rocking with a blues band on a Friday evening. By Saturday evening, I could hardly walk out of the fair grounds to my car. The pain was excruciating. Though

I’ve been lucky since; I don’t feel that way all the time because it’s an invisible disability. We bare up, disguise the pain in smiles and bravado, and strangely feel shame for our situation as if it’s our own fault. I started to think in terms of the time I may or may not have left in my life when I turned sixty. Dying might be the hardest stage but getting there can be incredibly challenging. We are living longer, much longer. For some, the end-of-life experience is a huge emotional crisis with so many losses. Making it even more difficult is maneuvering a healthcare system not very user friendly, and in the last three years fraught with COVID

collateral damage of shutdowns and waiting lists causing increased suffering and loss of the life we had dreamt of living. At the same time, we are urged to live in the here and now, make every day count, thinking positively and to not dwell on our sadness. We dare not show our true feelings because we are supposed to be happy. These are our golden years, and our reality is not reflected in the media. Most images of services for the aged or for elders show couples basking in upscale houses, travelling to four corners of the world, and looking more traditionally beautiful than they ever have. But underneath as time goes on, we find ourselves muttering, “aging isn’t

for wimps or the fainthearted.” The project I began with my ill-health was a response to what I thought of as my purpose and meaning in life. It’s no secret that the magnificence of my children rose to the top like fat on top of gravy. But in the last ten years I’ve been hammering away at the cry of the earth. (April 22 was Earth Day.) I could no longer attend climate change meetings and connect with fellow worriers. The project I happened on was to create handmade books about nature with my original writings and artwork, have a splashy book launch, and donate the proceeds to Kamloops Transitions, one of my favourite earth care groups.

With a grant from the Kamloops Arts Council supporting the artistry of my project, and support from the green community, I was able to stay meaningfully engaged in a unique way to support my purpose in life. To emerge the long isolation of a pandemic, I plan to launch my book in late May or early June. Look for posters, postings, hopefully a TV interview and radio coverage. And while you’re at it, respond to the cry of the earth no matter how small,

THE WIZARD OF OZ

and support and enjoy the arts when you can. The COVID virus has taught us how precious our planet is, how much we love art of every kind, how we missed it, and the universality of human creativity, not only traditional painting but gardening, cake decorating, fashion, home decorating, dancing, singing, problem solving, and how artfully a hockey puck can be put in a net. No one really wants to draw a stickman anyway.

WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD… IN AN ALL-NEW WCT PRODUCTION! —

By L. FRANK BAUM With Music & Lyrics by HAROLD ARLEN & E.Y. HARBURG Background Music by HERBERT STOTHART Dance & Vocal Arrangements by PETER HOWARD Orchestration by LARRY WILCOX Adapted by JOHN KANE for the Royal Shakespeare Company Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. & distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

—

May 12-28, 2022 • Sagebrush Theatre KAMLOOPS LIVE! BOX OFFICE: 250.374.5483 WCTLIVE.CA

TICKETS FROM $25

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24 MAY 2022

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR CLAIMS

Worksafe BC, First Nations, DVA and Ministry of Social Services. We also directly bill most extended health plans.

MAY IS BETTER SPEECH&HEARING MONTH

Kamloops Hearing Aid Centre is an independent and family-owned company. As such we deal with all the major hearing aid manufacturers. That means we help you chose the brand and hearing aid that’s best for you and your hearing! 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 414 Arrowstone Drive Kamloops, BC

250.372.3090 Toll Free 1.877.718.2211