South Shuswap Scoop April 2021 by Shuswap Kicker

61st Edition

April 2021

White Lake Named Fire Department of The Year

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CSRD Release A pandemic wasn’t going to stand in the way of the White Lake Fire Department. Instead, the department stepped up. The efforts of the White Lake Fire Department were acknowledged at the March 18 Columbia Shuswap Regional District Regular Board Meeting with the presentation of the Fire Department of the Year honours. During 2020, the White Lake Department increased the number of their members trained to exterior firefighting standards by 50 per cent. The White Lake firefighters also had very strong attendance at all the CSRD’s online Zoom training sessions. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the CSRD needed to temporarily replace in-person training at CSRD fire halls, although in-person training was recently resumed. In addition, members of the White Lake Fire Department contributed to regional efforts to train firefighters from

across the CSRD’s 13 fire departments. Fire Chief Bryan Griffin and Deputy Chief Lynn Mazur attended the meeting by Zoom to accept the award. “Thank you for the honour. It is a real privilege to be a part of this amazing group of firefighters,” he told the Directors, noting the department appreciates the support offered by CSRD Fire Services staff. Derek Sutherland, Team Leader of Protective Services, says the department’s commitment to the CSRD’s Fire Service values of community, teamwork, professionalism and integrity are exemplary. This was echoed by Electoral Area C Director Paul Demenok, who congratulated the department, noting how closely the department is woven into the fabric of the community as leading participants in community charity events and celebrations like Halloween. “You are doing a marvelous job out there. Keep up the good work,” added Demenok.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

Zebra Mussels in BC Aquariums

Province of BC least 1 minute and then let cool. Zebra mussels have been detected Step 2: Dispose of moss balls at multiple locations in BC in a variety place it and any of its packaging in a of moss ball products for aquariums or sealed plastic bag and dispose in your water gardens sold in Canada. These household garbage. products, which are often sold as “MariTo prevent zebra mussels from mo Moss Balls”, are species of green getting into our water bodies, do not algae typically purchased for aquariums dispose of the moss ball or any aquarito improve water quality. Moss balls can um or water-garden contents (e.g., subalso be purchased online. strate, plants etc.): by flushing down Zebra mussels pose a major threat if the toilet, by putting down drain, or in released into a B.C. a compost. waterway. The tiny After mussels can wreak moss balls havoc on aquatic have been ecosystems, salmon removed populations, hydro from an power stations and aquarium, do other facilities benot dispose cause they multiply of untreated rapidly and are water down extremely difficult the drain to eradicate. or into any Please follow residential the below steps to water system treat and dispose or waterway. of moss balls and Instead, take aquarium water additional Zebra mussel found on moth ball. and contents. If you steps to treat Province of BC photo. observe any zebra aquarium mussels while treating and disposing of contents and water with heat and/or your product, please report your findbleach. ings to the RAPP line 1-877-952-RAPP Full treatment information avail(7277). able at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/ Step 1: Treat the moss balls - place content/invasive-mussels into a plastic bag, seal and freeze (prefDon’t Let it Loose - Releasing any erably in a deep freezer) for at least 24 organism into any body of water can hours or place in boiling water for at start an invasion.

Pebble Beach Erosion Mitigation By Jo Anne Malpass The Columbia Shuswap Regional District has accepted quotes for slope stabilization work at Pebble Beach Park in Blind Bay. The work at Pebble Beach, 2461 Blind Bay Road is an erosion mitigation project involving placement of geotextile fabric and large rip rap rocks to armor the shoreline to prevent additional erosion. Disturbed areas will be restored with topsoil and reseeded with a drought tolerant native grass seed mix. Ryan Nitchie, CSRD Team Leader Community Services said a significant amount of improvements were done at Pebble Beach about six years ago. “The final component of that work was to install a vault toilet on the westerly end of the lake access. Recent high-water events have eroded the shoreline to the west past the retaining system that was installed so we are essentially rock armouring the shoreline to the west from the existing retaining system past the vault toilet to try to prevent future erosion.” The deadline for quotes was April 8 and the permit from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to do work near the lake, requires the work be completed by May 31. Nitchie said this gives them a tight timeline to complete it but “the works should only take a week to complete so we are hopeful that the lake access will only be closed for a few days during construction and well in advance of the busy summer.”

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The Director’s Scoop

April 2021

COVID Vaccination Community Specific Clinic Despite a number of requests from myself and others, Paul Demenok Director, Electoral Area C (South Shuswap) there is no approval as yet from Interior Health in regards to the setup of a pop-up COVID vaccination clinic in the South Cell: 250-517-0810 Shuswap. There is a Community Specific Clinic in Chase and they will accept registrations from residents in the South Spring 2021 News and Commentary Shuswap even if you are not in the age range being currently There’s a lot happening at the CSRD these days, and vaccinated in municipalities. To book an appointment, call things are warming up outside, so let’s have a Spring news 1-877-740-7747 and press “1” until you reach a person. Have update: your BC Health Card number ready. Provincial Restructure Assistance Offer Shuswap Economic Development Society On March 25th, Minister Josie Osborne sent a letter with Moving Forward the Provincial Restructure Offer to the Chair of the SorrenBy the time this article is printed, the Shuswap Economic to-Blind Bay Municipal Incorporation Study Committee. This Development Society (SEDS) will have announced the hiring offer is conditional upon a referendum vote outcome in favour of its first Executive Director. Stay tuned for this announceof incorporation. This important item will be discussed in dement and other exciting news from SEDS. tail at the April 21st Incorporation Study Committee meeting, Newsome Creek Grant Funding and I would strongly encourage all constitUnfortunately, the grant application S OR REN T O-B LIN D B AY uents to attend this online session. Further from the CSRD to the Adaptation, ResilI N CO RPO RA T ION S T UD Y details about registration for the April 21st ience and Disaster Mitigation Program to ON LI N E M E E TI NG session will be communicated from the fund mitigative works at Newsome Creek WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021 has been declined. A primary reason for CSRD. AT 6 PM COVID Restart Funding to Local this was concern that the work could not be Governments register www.csrd.bc.ca (events tab) completed by the December 2021 deadline. Citizensat are welcome to participate in the In the March Scoop, my letter to Premier We still have a second grant application in the meeting online through Zoom. Horgan in regards to the unfair allocation of COVID Restart There will be an opportunity for the works andpublic haveto our fingers and toes crossed for a successful Grant funding to local governments was printed in full. Myask questions. outcome. thanks are extended to the Scoop for making this happen. I White Lake Fire Department To register for the online session, see the Events have received a number of calls and notes from numerous peo- underThe White Lake Fire Department was named the CSRD tab at www.csrd.bc.ca the date of ple expressing their support of my letter and outrage over thethe meeting. Fire Department of the year at the March Board meeting. Our sincere congratulations are extended to every member of this funding formula which provided municipalities in the CSRD with up to 30 times the funding amount on a per capita basis as terrific fire department for a job very well done. If you are interested in becoming a fire fighter, please contact the CSRD compared to the electoral areas. Many electoral area directors as we are looking for more volunteers, especially for the Blind from across the province sent similar letters to Premier Horgan, and this was a topic of significant concern and discussion Bay, Sorrento and Eagle Bay halls. Free Online Fire Smart Lecture on April 28 at the recent UBCM Electoral Area Directors Forum. Of interArrangements are now being made for a free online Fire est, the Province has just allocated an additional $10 million Smart lecture on Wednesday April 28th at 7:00 pm. I would to be distributed to regional districts only, across the provencourage everyone in the South Shuswap who has not gone ince. The CSRD will receive over $300,000 of this additional through this potentially life and home saving program to parfunding, and while this closes the gap a bit, there still is a very ticipate. Following the lecture, participants will be able to ask large difference in the per capita funding to municipalities as questions of our Fire Smart Coordinator. To register go to the compared to regional districts. Events page on the CSRD website at www.csrd.bc.ca.

News of Note from the CSRD

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

Loaded Firearms / Illicit Drugs Seized in Sorrento

Salmon Arm RCMP Release Loaded firearms, hundreds of grams of suspected illicit drugs and thousands in cash was seized by Salmon Arm RCMP during the execution of a search warrant at a short-term rental property situated in Sorrento BC. On March 20, 2021 Salmon Arm Mounties initiated an investigation into suspected drug trafficking in the Shuswap region. Police were led to a Sorrento area residence, being operated as a short-term rental property, where they arrested a 30-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man both of Prince George. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the property later that evening. As a result, police seized over 650 grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately 100 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 16 grams of suspected cocaine and just over 30 grams of suspected heroin. The warrant also yielded a loaded .22 calibre handgun, .22 calibre sawed off semi-automatic rifle, and a sawed-off double-barrelled shotgun. Both suspects were later released and face potential drug and firearms related charges pending further investigation. The full findings of the investigation will be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for charge assessment. Anyone with any additional information about this police investigation is asked to contact the Salmon Arm RCMP at 250-832-6044.

RCMP Look to Re-unite Collector with Vintage Coins RCMP SE District Release A southern interior traffic enforcement officer is looking to re-unite a coin collector with his or her collection, after seizing nearly two dozen suspected stolen vintage coins from an offender stopped in Tappen BC. Back on February 9, 2021 a front line officer with the Central Interior Traffic Services Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU) conducted a high risk traffic stop with a black Pontiac G5 along Highway 1 in Tappen BC. Licence plates that had been reported stolen out of the Vernon North Okanagan were attached to the vehicle. The driver, a 39-year-old Enderby woman whose drivers licence had been suspended and her passenger, a 48-year-old man also from Enderby BC, were taken into police custody without incident. A search of the suspect vehicle yielded additional stolen plates, a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a stolen identification card and birth certificate and stolen cheques. Also seized were nearly two dozen vintage coins, which investigators believe to be stolen property as well, states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey spokesperson for the BC RCMP in the Southeast District. After exhausting all efforts to track down the rightful owner of what seems to be a vintage coin collection, police are now turning to the media and the public to track down the collector.

The 39-year-old Enderby woman now faces a number of potential charges under each the BC Motor Vehicle Act and the Criminal Code. She is expected to appear in court at a later date. Her passenger was released without charge. If you believe you are the rightful owner of the coins seized by the Kamloops Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU), you are asked to contact the lead investigator Cpl. Jean-Rene Michaud at 250-8283111. You must be able to provide proof of ownership to claim.

Some of the vintage coins seized by police. RCMP photo.

April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

Gutter Installation and Maintenance with Advantage Gutters Recognizing Local Business Supporters of South Shuswap Scoop

By Barbra Fairclough Advantage Gutters is a premium gutter installation and maintenance company. They offer custom designed gutter systems for single family detached homes, strata complexes, multi-unit townhomes, or apartments. Roger Murphy, General Manager at Advantage Gutters says their operating area covers a broad region in the Interior. With the office located at Scotch Creek they will work from Barriere to Lillooet to Merritt and places in between. When choosing a gutter system, considerations are made for heavily treed areas as well as snow and ice protection. Advantage is fully insured with $5 million liability and have Worksafe BC coverage. Several different gutter profiles are available to match your needs. 5” Colonial, Super Crown Fascia and Super 5 Fascia are the most common styles of gutter for residential use. Their wide bottom accommodates a large flush mount outlet and their curved shape makes them both functional and strong. Fascia gutters can be used when the builder has not installed a fascia over the sub fascia. The greater depth of the facia

gutter will allow for coverage of the 2 x 4 sub facia. European Half Round gutters are another option and offer a visually stunning addition to a custom home. They are also extremely durable and resistant to damage. Different gauges and types of metal are available. Aluminum and steel are available in continuous gutters, and copper, zinc, steel is available in European Half Round Gutters. When a standard gutter size or shape will not work, Advantage offers a custom bent gutter in a variety of materials that can be made to fit your situation. Gutters must do more than just channel rainwater away. They have to make your house look good, too! Advantage has more than 20 different colors to choose from to contrast or blend with your house’s colors to make a look that is uniquely you. As much as Advantage does installations, maintenance is a key part of the business says Roger. Gutter cleaning is efficient and by hiring Advantage Gutters to do maintenance, you also eliminate risk of fall or personal injury and know the job will be done right. Frequency for your cleaning depends on your landscape. In a heavily treed area, a twice per year cleaning is needed to keep your gutters free of

debris. Come fall when the leaves begin to drop, it can be a challenge to keep the gutters clean. Advantage can assess your gutters and install Leaf traps in the downpipe. This makes it easy to keep debris from clogging your drains. Leaf guards installed on top of the gutters can save quite a bit of work and make maintenance easier as well. By using leaf guards, the amount of maintenance and cleaning you need to do of your gutters is significantly reduced. The leaf guards can be installed for standard aluminum and steel gutters. Roger says the spring is a busy time and clients continue to book right through with fall being the busiest time for gutter cleaning and maintenance. He recommends calling early. Advantage Gutters has the proper equipment, training, and expertise to do the job right. While they are on site, they will offer tips and advice on how to improve your gutters overall performance. To arrange for service, call the local office 250 955 1233.

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April 2021

The Chamber Welcomes New Members in March By Karen Brown The South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce continued to see growth to its membership last month. New to the Chamber this month are Blind Bay Citizens Patrol, The Natural Choice Garden Supplies, Kingskey Construction and Celista Estate Winery. Welcome to all! Sign Up Now for SuperHost Courses The South Shuswap Chamber will be hosting multiple dates for SuperHost training to prepare local businesses for our summer visitors. Due to monies received through recent grants, these courses will be offered for 75% off their normal pricing. Dates are available in April and May to prepare for the summer of 2021. Check the Chamber website for more information: SuperHost (southshuswapchamber.com) • Foundations of Service Quality teaches frontline staff and team members how to elevate customer service to the customer experience. The ultimate goal is to ensure your customers are given a superb experience at your place of business so that they will not only return but will recommend you to many when they return home. Recognizing opportunities to provide that customer experience, learning the value of Net Promoter Scores, Conflict Resolution, and more are covered in this day-and-a-half course. This highly engaging and interactive course is normally $80 being offered for $20 per participant. For April and May training dates visit: SuperHost (southshuswapchamber.com) • Destination Ambassadorship teaches frontline staff and team members about all the experiences that are in their area. The goal here is to learn how to identify what a visitor’s interests are and to point them in the right direction depending on their travel type. You will explore the Explorer Quotient – a quiz that defines what kind of traveller you are. You will also discover the top four types of travellers who come to the Shuswap and

www.shuswapscoop.ca what they are looking for. This highly engaging and interactive halfday course is normally $60, being offered for $20 per participant. Visit: SuperHost (southshuswapchamber.com) All Call for Committee Members This year is looking to be a busy one for the South Shuswap Chamber. To that end, there are several

committees that could certainly use the help by its members. If you are interest ed in joining one of the following committees, please send an email to Executive Director Karen Brown at manager@southshuswapchamber.com •Advocacy •Economic Development •Education & Workshops •Membership & Benefits •Networking & Events •Tourism & Visitor Services

April 2021

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Evacuation Route Planning in the CSRD

By Jo Anne Malpass A contract for Evacuation Route Planning services was awarded to Red Dragon Consulting at the Columbia Shuswap Regional District board meeting March 18. The sole source contract agreement is not to exceed $24,380 plus applicable taxes. Derek Sutherland, Team Leader, CSRD Protective Services report to the board says the CSRD received $24,380 in grant funding from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund in February 2021 to provide evacuation route planning activities to the Shuswap Emergency Program’s electoral areas. The grant includes provisions to compile community specific information needed to adequately coordinate an evacuation. The project will focus in on high-risk areas of the Shuswap, including Eagle Bay, Blind Bay, Sorrento and Sunnybrae, and create specific route plans for those communities. The work will develop “toolkits” of information that will be used by the emergency operations centre to develop a tailored plan for evacuating the community during a hazard event. By doing this work in advance of an emergency, the emergency responders will only need to integrate the specifics of the hazard event with the pre-determined information to come up with an effective strategy for evacuation. Area C Director Paul Demenok asked about the highrisk areas and what evacuation options will be considered. Darcy Mooney, head of CSRD operations said a preliminary report was done in 2019 and this takes a deeper dive into that report and focuses on high-risk areas, considering land, air

and water evacuation routes and muster stations. During the process, there will be consultation with community leaders, Neighbourhood Emergency Program leaders and fire departments but input from the general community won’t be sought. Sutherland explained that because of limited funding, the planning will focus on 10 communities in CSRD rural areas that would most benefit. It’s an all-hazards plan, considering any disaster event that would create the need for an evacuation, including fire, flood and train derailment. It will look at specifics of each community and what local resources are available if any events happen. In other business at the board meeting: White Lake Fire Department was named CSRD fire department of the year. Chief Bryan Griffin & Deputy Chief Lynn Mazur attended by zoom to receive congratulations. Appointment of Tappen Sunnybrae Fire Chief - Deputy Chief Marc Zaichkowsky has been named Fire Chief of the Tappen Sunnybrae Fire Department after Chief Ryan Gray stepped away from the role for personal reasons. Chief Zaichkowsky has been a member of the Fire Department for 12 years, holding positions as firefighter, captain, training officer, and deputy chief. He has achieved the highest training level available to CSRD firefighters as a fully qualified Company Fire Officer and has been part of the leadership team that developed Tappen Sunnybrae Fire Department as the most highly trained fire department within the CSRD. He is also a team leader on the structure protection unit and has been actively engaged with the Shuswap

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April 2021

Emergency Program, providing site leadership during activations. Nutrition Program – The Board will be sending a letter to the Honourable Adrian Dix, BC Minister of Health thanking him for his support in 2020 for the BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program and asking him to support it again in 2021. Working through health services and food banks, coupons were provided to lower income people to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggs, nuts, fish, meat and herbs direct from farmers at local farmers’ markets. FireSmart Coordinator Sole Source Contract Award – The Board entered into an agreement with 1477556 Alberta Ltd. for the provision of FireSmart coordination services for all Electoral Areas for a 12-month term commencing April 1, 2021 and expiring on March 31, 2022, for a total cost not to exceed $85,000 plus applicable taxes and in accordance with the terms of the grant received from the Union of BC Municipalities through the Community Resiliency Investment Program. 2021. Len Youden is the lead consultant of 147556 Alberta Ltd. and has been providing the service to CSRD over the past two years. Staffing Increases – The board approved the addition of a full-time Plan Checker position for development services building department and a full-time human resource coordinator position. Mattress and Car Seat Recycling Program Contract Awards - The Board entered into an agreement with Shuswap Enviro Solutions for the provision of mattress recycling and hauling services at $30 per unit for Falkland, $25 per unit for Salmon Arm, $30 per unit for Scotch Creek, $26 per unit for Sicamous, $27.50 per unit for Skimikin and $30 per unit as a back up for Revelstoke; and for car seat recycling and hauling services at $8 per unit, plus applicable taxes, over a three-year term effective April 1, 2021, with an optional two-year extension. The Board also entered into agreements with three other recycling hauling companies to serve areas within the CSRD. Ben Van Nostrand, Team Leader, Community Services, reported that since 2014, over 35,000 mattresses have been collected and recycled from CSRD refuse disposal sites. In 2019, the CSRD was approached by a recycling firm, Shuswap Enviro Solutions (SES) from Lumby to provide the CSRD with an alternative mattress recycling service. The CSRD has conducted a trial with SES during 2020, (continued on pg 10)

April 2021

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Evacuation Planning CSRD continued

(continued from pg 9)

inspected their processing facility, and are confident that they can provide the mattress recycling services required at a significant cost savings and a reduction in overall carbon emissions from the current methods. SES collects mattresses from the landfills and transfer stations in the Shuswap and processes them at their facility in Lumby. The CSRD continues to haul mattresses collected at the Golden Refuse Disposal Site to the facility in Calgary and Revelstoke mattresses are hauled to Hope. Search and Rescue Grant-in-Aid Amendment Bylaw – The Board approved an amendment to increase the maximum annual tax requisition by 25% for the Search and Rescue contribution of financial aid service in Electoral Areas C, D, E, F, District of Sicamous and the City of Salmon Arm. The CSRD has been providing annual financial contributions to the Shuswap Lifeboat Society which operates the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue RMCSAR) program since 2016. The additional funding will go towards a permanent on-water facility which would be used as their base of operations. Grant in Aid Area C - 1,950 Blind Bay Community Society (operating funds), $2,000 Sorrento Memorial Hall (operating funds), $2,000 Sunnybrae Seniors Society (operating funds) and $16,940 White Lake Residents Association (lake stewardship plan).

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

Kicking Horse Closures for Shuswap Travelers

By Barbra Fairclough The Kicking Horse Canyon highway project has published notices for spring extended highway closures. The closures apply to only the 4.8 kilometer construction zone of the project itself. The project will realign and widen the highway from West Portal to Yoho Bridge. The estimated cost of the construction is $601 million. Planned completion is winter 2023-24. Beginning April 12, 24 hour extended highway closures begin and continue until June 1. Except for May 15,16 and May 22, 23, 24, Highway 1 will be closed 24 hours daily. Over the course of the project, there will be a maximum of 30 weeks of extended-day closures, confined to the lowest traffic shoulder seasons. During the last two weeks of May and the last two weeks of September (entering and exiting summer season) the extended closures will be allowed only on weekdays. There will be two daily windows for school buses and local commuter traffic. The Trans-Canada Highway from Castle Junction to Lake Louise, Field and Beaverfoot will be open even during extended closures. During summer, as a rule

of thumb, daytime through the Canyon will remain fully open and free of interruptions other than momentary traffic control for turning vehicles. Overnight, interruptions may range from 20 minute stoppages to 8 hour closures. The closures will require significant notice. To make this closure easier for visitors, Shuswap Tourism and the cities of Revelstoke and Golden have partnered to produce “Getintobc.com”. This website is a “go to” for current highway information and it also includes local information for visitors. The information on this website is “live” and will provide current information for those travelling to and from Alberta through the Kicking Horse Canyon. It is mobile friendly and easy to use by travelers who want to “know before you go.” During all closures, travelers have the option of taking the alternative route using Hwy 93 and 95 via Radium. Sign up for advance construction/Traffic notifications automatically on the newsletter page at www.kickinghorsecanyon.ca/construction/ traffic-management/#notices. Drive BC will also have the most current information.

Picture shared from Shuswap Tourism (getintobc.com)

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April 2021

Eagle Bay Fire Department By Nigel Collett In this case there was nothing to worry Burn season is here! I have pruned the trees and piled high about and for a work week callout, we had the yard waste and set it alight – it smokes a lot because every- most of the Eagle Bay firefighters respond. It thing is still pretty wet. I look around and across the lake and I was fantastic to see such a good turnout and a see a number of my community are doing the same thing. I’m a great opportunity to try out our new app called “iamrespondbeliever in the good in people, I know that the larger burns have ing”. I update the app on my phone when I am available or not burn permits that I can see online and that we all know that and receive an instant notification of a callout. I can immediburning garbage is prohibited. Google ‘BC burning outdoors’ ately indicate that I am responding with the tap of the screen. and the result displays a link to the The app also comes with mapping BC Government webpage with a capabilities to direct us to incilist of what is permitted for us to dents as well as the location of burn and what isn’t. infrastructure such as hydrants. It I’m not surprised the fire deis being offered to all the CSRD partment gets called out to invesFire Departments to use. You tigate some of these fires – I was can’t resist the march of technololamenting last month how quiet it gy especially when it can improve had been but I obviously spoke too the Fire Chief’s knowledge of his soon as we had a callout to invesavailable resources in the area and tigate smoke on a Friday morning. at other firehalls and ultimately The 911 call was made by someone our response as a fire department. across the lake in Anglemont who In-person practices are back was concerned. Some burn piles do on Tuesday evening at the firehall Training Officer Michelle Beaudry in self-contained appear too large and/or out of conwhich is a relief to all. breathing apparatus. trol or even too close to structures COVID protocols are in place and if in any doubt at all, you should call 911. We will always (and we have been re-trained on them as a reminder) but it’s go and check it out because you never know and we really now second nature to mask up, wash hands and keep your disdon’t mind – it’s what we do. tance from your fellow firefighters, it’s not onerous. The use of

S ORR ENTO-BLIND BA Y IN C OR POR ATION ST UD Y O NL I NE M E E TI NG

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021 AT 6 PM Citizens are welcome to participate in the meeting online through Zoom. There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions. To register for the online session, see the Events tab at www.csrd.bc.ca under the date of the meeting.

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April 2021

self-contained breathing apparatus allows us to be safe when we buddy up without physical distancing so we can practice just like a real fire situation. We also have a routine for ending practices where everything we have touched is sanitised and the firehall is made ready for the next callout. Eagle Bay Fire Department welcomes anyone who would like more information – please contact Alan Rendell 250-5170429. He will be happy to answer any questions. Practice is on Tuesday evenings at 7pm for 2 hours, all equipment and training is provided. You can keep up to date on lots of fire related and fire department news on our ‘Eagle Bay Fire Department’ Facebook page. If you don’t follow us on Facebook, we also share on Instagram. You will also find links to more information about current burning regulations and the CSRD’s FireSmart initiatives.

Decibel Coalition Forms on the Shuswap By Jo Anne Malpass With the goal of making Shuswap and Mara Lakes safe and quiet lakes for all to enjoy, the Shuswap & Mara Lakes Decibel Coalition (SMLDC) Society formed on March 1, 2021 and joined the national coalition. The Decibel Coalition is a national group of stakeholders whose objective is to enhance existing legislation in the Small Vessel Regulations to include decibel limits for boat motor noise with efficient and effective enforcement procedures. The Coalition website says “We know that for most people, a boat that is excessively noisy is not “sharing” the lake and its operator is being selfish and disrespectful to all other lake users. Our 2017 survey found 88% of over 3,300 respondents ranked “relaxing on the dock” as very important and 82% “like to be able to hear the sound of nature when I am on the lake”. Loud boats were ranked as a major obstacle to this basic enjoyment. Sixty-seven percent of respondents want muffler laws enforced and 61% want decibel legislation. Canada’s existing legislation is weak to the point where police will not enforce it. Decibels limits are legislated in many states in the USA and are standard in the European Union. Enhancing the Small Vessel Regulations will bring Canada in line with these jurisdictions.” The SMLDC Spring 2021 newsletter says it will launch a Poster campaign in June informing boaters about the Decibel Coalition and how to get involved. Posters will be placed at boat launches and posters and postcards available for Resorts, community organizations and businesses. SMLDC plans to monitor decibel levels locally. “SMLDC members will be equipped with compliant BAFX3370 dB meters this summer to help collect excessive noise readings from what appear to be boats operating illegal exhaust systems. This data collection will help inform decibel limits for reference.” Transport Canada and the Canadian Marine Advisory Council will be hosting a public virtual meeting Wednesday April 14, 8 am to noon. One of the issues being discussed is illegal exhaust systems and the best way to regulate them and enforce a dB limit. SMLDC encourages people to join the

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April 2021

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SWC Meeting Highlights SWC Release gram operations since the last meeting: At the March 10 meeting of the • The 2021 Water Quality Grant ment of a collaborative regional algal Shuswap Watershed Council, Paul DemeProgram launched in late February. response plan with several water nok, CSRD Director for Area ‘C’, South Proponents can find information about quality monitoring partners, including Shuswap, was acclaimed as Chair, and eligibility and an application package the BC Ministry of Environment and Jay Simpson, CSRD Director for Area online at www.shuswapwater.ca. The Climate Change Strategy and Interior ‘F’, North Shuswap, was acclaimed as application period closes April 30. Health Authority Vice Chair. • Staff reviewed a recommendation • Staff are preparing media campaigns Update from Program Managers from the Shuswap Water Monitoring for the prevention of Zebra and Quag- Erin Vieira provided an update on proGroup, that the SWC lead the developga Mussels to the Shuswap. Campaign messaging focuses on Clean-DrainDry practices and watercraft inspection. • Staff reviewed the results of a series of presentations to community groups through late Fall and Winter 2020 • Staff have submitted two grant applications for funding to support the SWC’s work; both applications are to federal granting programs Expenses to the end of the third quarter (April 1 - December 30, 2020) total $215,802 against the annual operating budget of $323,450. Budget and workplan for 2021-22 approved - Staff presented the proposed workplan and budget for 2021-22. The TM operational expenses total $390,250 with a projected operative reserve of $113,645. The budget reflects two unconfirmed grant applications to federal funding programs. The budget will be adjusted according to the outcomes of the appliWe live in a wildfire prone area. cations. The workplan and budget were approved and take effect April 1, 2021. Learn how simple FireSmart Guest presentation on Upper Adprinciples can help reduce ams River Salmon Restoration project your risk of property loss or - Mr. Don Holmes, R.P. Bio, Lakeshore damage due to a wildfire. Environmental, gave a presentation about a three-year salmon restoration project taking place in the Adams Lake watershed, led by Adams Lake Indian Band and the Secwepemc Fisheries CommisWatch our sion. The project proposes to fertilize 30 minute parts of Adams Lake to boost the plankonline webinar ton communities and improve juvenile www.csrd.bc.ca/firesmart salmon growth and survival; the project 1.888.248.2773 also includes a comprehensive monitorBook a ing program. A full meeting summary is available on the SWC website. https://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/Shuswap_Water.html

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April 2021

A Glimmer of Hope as Vaccination Begins in B.C. By Greg Kyllo, MLA for Shuswap The middle week of March was quite the week for British Columbia. After a year plagued by the stress of a global pandemic, increased social isolation, loss and grief, we have begun to feel hope as vaccination appointments started to be scheduled that Monday. That morning, B.C. residents over the age of 90 and Indigenous elders 65 and older were eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment – to the relief and joy of many. Unfortunately, the initial vaccine rollout was not as flawless as one would have hoped, as the first day saw the TELUS call centres contracted by government struggle as they received 1.7 million calls on opening day. Thankfully, as the week progressed, the system improved and British Columbians were better able to make appointments. With the recent announcement of the next phase of our vaccine rollout, I was thrilled to learn that many of Shuswap’s most senior and elderly residents were able to receive a vaccination appointment and get immunized, and that many more vaccinations are soon to follow. The bungled start to the rollout on Monday truly revealed the importance of an online booking option. While other provinces and jurisdictions have successfully implemented online systems, it is frustrating that this easy and accessible online option is not currently available to all British Columbians across health authorities. I implore this government to quickly and efficiently implement an online booking option for vaccine appointments province-wide. With hope on the horizon, but COVID-19 variants cases still increasing daily, I encourage all those eligible for a vaccine in the Shuswap region to call 1-877-740-7747 between 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., seven days a week, to make an immunization appointment, and don’t forget that the province is putting a temporary pause on the AstraZeneca vaccine for over-55’s. Together, we will begin to heal and regain a sense of normalcy.

COVID-19 vaccine information Check the Interior Health website for your age group.

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Wishing you a wonderful Spring!

April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

Changing Roles at the Shuswap Trail Alliance

News Release The Shuswap, Secwépemc Nation Territory, British Columbia – The Shuswap Trail Alliance is evolving. After 15 years at the helm helping to grow and guide the regional collaborative trail initiative, Shuswap Trail Alliance co-founder and Executive Director, Phil McIntyre-Paul, is passing over the reins to assume a new role with the organization. “I’m excited,” says Phil. “The board, management team, and I have been working hard on a succession strategy over the past 3 years. Despite the pandemic, we are at a very good place in the organization’s life. The idea is that I will make my time available to focus on key projects (as need, funding, and partner requests dictate), and pass the day-to-day running of the STA organization to the very capable hands of our Associate Director, Jen Bellhouse, and the Board. While still remaining in an advisory/ coaching role.” Phil notes the management team also includes Trail Project Operations Manager, Adrian Bostock, trail designer, Sutra Brett, with assisting support from Hanka Mosher and bookkeeper, James Egan. “Plus a wider team of quite extraordinary project leaders and stewards. The strength is in the collaboration.” Phil was part of the circle of regional leaders who first conceived and founded the Shuswap Trail Alliance in 2005 out of several years of discussions and research together. Those early discussions brought Secwépemc and non-indigenous leadership together leading to the creation of the Shuswap Regional Trails Roundtable, the Shuswap trails strategy and

protocol, and the agreement to be guided together by the Secwépemc value of caring for the land. The result has been the significant growth of a regional greenway trail system and a collaborative culture of care for those trails. Throughout the pandemic, the Shuswap Trail Alliance has found itself working harder than ever supporting greenway trail initiatives with regional partners in the Shuswap. “Being outside on trails has been one of the sanity savers for us all,” observes Shuswap Trail Alliance Associate Director, Jen Bellhouse. “We have seen unprecedented year round increase in public access of trails throughout the region over the last year.” On invitation of the STA Board, Jen will assume the role as Executive Director. Responding to COVID-19 was not the only fork in the trail for the Shuswap Trail Alliance over the past year, however. Before the pandemic was announced, and only two months after Jen was hired as the new Associate Director, longtime trail champion and STA Business Coordinator, Lori Schneider Wood, sustained a serious concussion falling on ice in early January of 2020. “Lori really ran the day-today business of the Shuswap Trail Alliance,” said Jen. “My orientation period didn’t go quite as planned, but no one really realized Lori was off sick because the pandemic hit us shortly afterward.” Lori had systems and people set up, however, so the STA was able to regroup and keep going despite the world turning upside down for everyone. “She is now into the second year of her recovery and doing well,” says Jen, “but it has been hard. 2020 really was quite a year of tran-

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

sitions for us.” Lori is another one of the original co-founders of the Shuswap Trail Alliance in 2005. Despite the uncertainty of the past year, several new grants and a very well supported online version of the annual Shuswap Trails fundraiser in February have allowed STA leadership to keep the momentum going. “Preparations are well underway for another season supporting trail stewardship, planning, new construction, trail maintenance, and all the other ways we help regional partners take better care of the land,” says Jen Bellhouse. “So we are well on track for this next step.” On May 18th the Annual General Meeting of the Shuswap Trail Alliance will pay special tribute to the contributions that both Lori and Phil represent for the Shuswap Trails story. “I believe every trail tells a story, and the

question for us all is what story do we want Shuswap Trails to tell?” Phil reflects. “I continue to be humbled and inspired by everyone who is making the trail story here one of relationship building – with each other and the land. It is a responsibility of care each of us carries, especially as we work toward more accountable relationships within Secwépemc Nation territory.” For more information on Shuswap Trails, the Shuswap Trail Alliance, and the upcoming AGM visit www.shuswaptrails.com. Also, be sure to check out the upcoming exhibit at the Salmon Arm Arts Centre featuring the alpine paintings of Lisa Figueroa and audio reflections by Phil McIntyre-Paul on walking. All Shuswap Trails are in the traditional unceded territory of the Secwepemc First Nation.

• • • • • •

Shuswap Trail Alliance co-founder and Executive Director, Phil McIntyre-Paul (red shirt) – seen here at a volunteer trail day in 2007 working on the Larch Hills Traverse between Salmon Arm and Sicamous – will hand over Executive Director responsibilities to Jen Bellhouse on June 1st and assume a new role as Senior Consultant on trail projects. He hopes it will allow more time back in the field. Join regional trail leadership for a special tribute to the contributions of both Phil and fellow co-founder, Lori Schneider Wood, at the Shuswap Trail Alliance Annual General Meeting on May 18th. For more information on Shuswap Trails, the Shuswap Trail Alliance, and the May 18th AGM visit www.shuswaptrails.com. (Photo Credit: Ian Clay)

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April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

The Value of One and the Power of Many By Barbra Fairclough Volunteer Canada hosts Volunteer Week April 18-24. The theme this year is “the Value of One, the Power of Many.” This reflection of collective effort speaks to past years and sets the tone for reimagining the future. Volunteer Canada provides leadership and expertise on volunteerism in Canada. In “The Volunteering Lens of COVID-19: Fall 2020 Survey Impacts of COVID-19 on volunteer engagement (Volunteer Canada, Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada and spinktank) insights were drawn on the impacts of the pandemic on nonprofit organizations (NPO) and volunteers. The study showed individuals remaining active were able to volunteer because they had more time and flexibility and had a comfort using technology. For both active volunteers and those returning during this time more than 60% kept the same role. More than 40% in both groups indicated they are in adapted or new roles with the same organization. Informal volunteering led to new

ways of helping with 17% of individuals helping in their neighbourhood or with a grassroots group. 46% indicated they had collaborated with a neighbourhood or grassroots groups in some way. In the last year local volunteering became fluid and responsive as individual volunteers networked and responded to pandemic conditions that changed weekly, daily, and sometimes hourly. Extraordinary acts of volunteerism surfaced as individuals rallied. It was a well spring of first responders. The study also revealed 41% of organizations experienced a significant decrease in volunteer interest and availability during this time. Reasons cited were age, individual health concerns, safety concerns or inability to engage in virtual volunteering. Or because NPOs suspended service or events and no roles were available. Some NPOs made decisions to not engage volunteers during this time. This decline in volunteers has impacted organizations’ ability to deliver programs

and services. The South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce published the results of the NPO survey in last Aprils’ SCOOP. Of the 40% of NPO that responded, the survey indicated 875 volunteers dedicated a staggering 38,000 hours per year. The hiring and buying conducted by these groups were valued at $1,970,000. Karen Brown Executive Director of the Chamber also indicated that through the Arts Council for the South Shuswap much of the public referred to the shuswapculture.ca website to stay on top of local happenings at volunteer run venues. Many NPO’s came to rely on the marketing support this provided. It became a “go to” place to find out what was happening. Much has changed since then. Now we have approximately 50 nonprofit organizations in the South Shuswap. The pandemic is still influencing the ability to start up programs and events and myriad board members are working hard behind the scenes to be responsive and attempt to grasp the changes needed to begin programs and events again. The Volunteer Canada study also out-

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

lines the importance of staying engaged with your volunteers. It goes on to say volunteers want to stay connected to their organization even if they are not able to volunteer, they are interested in regular updates on how the organization is doing. Cathy Semchuk, Emergency Program Facilitator with Shuswap Emergency Program says that when pandemic conditions were imposed resources shifted to staying in touch with volunteers to help them remain connected and ensuring they still felt part of the larger community of volunteers. Many NPOs’ are reexamining strategies including modified roles for volunteers, a review of new skill sets required and potentially fewer roles due to continued reduced capacity and distancing requirements. The Volunteer Canada study indicates 73% of organizations will have new or adapted roles and programs and 45% said volunteers with more technology ability are needed. “Volunteering is a matrix, it’s the warp and weft that holds a community together.”- a local volunteer. Asserting the “value of one” through the “power of many” volunteers came together over the last year. As the future unfolds this will be a catalyst for new economic, environmental, and social resiliency. If you are craving connection make a phone call and find your volunteer home. Have a look at the Clubs and Organizations listing in the back pages of the SCOOP. There you will also find Community Events Calendar and Community Hall Information. The South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce recognizes the significant role of NPO’s, and you can find a NPO listing on the chamber website.

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Citizens Patrol Poised for Speed Watch By Barbra Fairclough Blind Bay Citizens Patrol is gearing up for summer. Syd Leoppky of Citizens Patrol says they have completed their training for Speed Watch and are now in possession of a speed reader board they can use at the roadside during Speed Watch patrols. Training was done with ICBC and Salmon Arm Citizens Patrol. 23 volunteers have joined Citizens Patrol and interest continues to grow. As volunteers come on board Syd says they will gradually schedule more patrols. There are several out now, and the goal is to increase patrols 8 per month. Citizens Patrol have applied to Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for Citizens Patrol signs and they will be posted at the entrances

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The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

Volunteering: Up for the Adventure

Bread is like the Sun, It rises in the Yeast and sets in the Waist

By Jerre Paquette he meets the routine nuts and bolts “How long has Howard been volneeds of the Sorrento Food Bank; unteering?” I asked Elizabeth. “Oh, he further, he sits on and contributes to the was born into it,” she replied without mission of the South Shuswap Housing hesitation and with a happy grin and a Committee. None of that keeps him chuckle. A good busy enough, so way to start off he serves as a an interview for Sorrento Centre April’s Volunteer Associate. I now Week. understand ElizHoward was abeth’s answer less relaxed than to my opening Elizabeth today— question! he had another Howard and commitment Elizabeth met he would have in Ladner (near to rush off to. I Vancouver) at the Howard & Elizabeth Peto didn’t pry, but I’d Delta school they put my money on it that he had another were both teaching in way back in the volunteer commitment. After all, he late ‘60s; they married in June of 1970 volunteers for the St. Mary Anglican/ (50th anniversary last year). SurprisingSorrento United Church: he’s on the ly, given their previous life paths—they church board, he’s a synod delegate, and became farmer-ranchers in Ladner (a he’s endlessly busy conducting routine suburb of Vancouver with a rich landmaintenance. scape for farming and movie making— Beyond his church commitments, think X-Files). And that’s where their shared adventure really began. Well before farming, Howard began his professional working career in 1961 as a math/science teacher, then earned a Masters degree in Counselling from the U of Oregon. In 1978, that degree led to a Student Counselling position with BCIT (Institute of Technology). During his tenure there, his farming father took him and Elizabeth by surprise offering to sell them 20 acres of his Ladner farm. The two of them shrugged, changed gears, and became farmers of peas and corn and sugar beets on 20 acres of land. Even though farming had never been part of her vision of life, Elizabeth fully committed to farming and proceeded to learn things she had never thought of—typical of her whole life. Early in her life, Elizabeth associated with the Anglican Church where she began volunteering from age 12. Ultimately, she became a high school teacher of history, English, and Physical Education. Although farming truncated that career, she saw it as an adventure, a strong theme in her life then and now.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

That farming adventure somehow led to their purchasing a few Angus cattle to raise on the 20 acres. They loved the cattle. And they committed to this new story in their lives by selling their 20 acre farm-cum-ranch and moving to China Valley, some 29 km south of Chase where they took up raising Angus full time. And they also heightened their lives as volunteers. Committed to the Angus breed, they volunteered to support both the local and the Canadian Angus Associations, for which Howard volunteered to serve as National Director while also serving a number of terms as BC Angus President. At the same time, Elizabeth volunteered to become official Chairperson of the Canadian Angus Foundation. What a duo! Their adventures grew accordingly—it seemed the more they supported others, the more involved in community growth and development they became. Elizabeth explains it like this: “When you volunteer, you’re involved with many others, and you kind of go with them wherever they go. In the Angus Association, Howard and I travelled all over Europe, twice: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany! Who would have thought we’d end up doing that just volunteering for a cattle group!” There’s a lot more to their story, including how, so many years ago, Elizabeth helped coordinate the complete remodelling of the Anglican Church in Ladner, helping it grow from 89 members to over 400 and making it the centre of the town to this day.

Volunteering is all about relationships with others and the community they ultimately build together. Howard and Elizabeth each and both know this. After “retirement” in 1995 from ranching, they moved to Blind Bay, bringing their volunteer experience, passion, and skills with them. Today, Elizabeth serves as Warden of the Anglican Church in Sorrento. As well, she volunteers at the Sorrento Centre helping to look after the gardens; she’s also on the Foundations board helping with fund raising and investments that support the Centre’s many activities. And you’ll find her meeting with members of the Shuswap Housing Committee right alongside Howard. As she says: “At this point in my life, that’s just about the right amount of volunteering. The thing is, not only do I help out with worthwhile undertakings, I get to associate with such an amazing group of people from such a wide variety of backgrounds who devote 100s of volunteer hours in our community. Being part of all this really is like being on an adventure.” Howard complements her volunteering involvement by applying his own particular array of learned skills to the Church, the Centre, and the larger communities of Sorrento and Blind Bay. As of last year, the two of them have been doing that together and with passion for the entire 50 years of their marriage. Thank you, and Happy Volunteer Month, Howard and Elizabeth, and a belated Happy 50th Anniversary!

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April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

Sorrento & Area Community Health Centre A Drive-Through Dining Experience

By Marilyn Clark We are very excited to announce we are partnering with the Sorrento Centre to host a drive-through dining experience on Saturday, May 8 from 1 to 5 pm. This will be a Charcuterie Picnic Box, with sufficient wonderful goodies for 2-3 persons: sausage, cheese, pickles, veggies, fruit, nuts, dip, wine jelly, bread, crackers and dessert – it is a generous and superb treat! Savour this box of local wonders at home or at your favourite picnic spot. There will also be an on-line auction and 50/50 raffle associated with the event. A great way to celebrate Mother’s Day too! There will be 150 boxes available, each selling for $60 with a meat or vegetarian option. The proceeds will be shared equally between the Sorrento & Area Community Health Centre Society and the Sorrento Centre. Tickets are available by calling or texting 250 803 6870 or emailing m.moore@ adamsaccounting.ca When purchasing your tickets you will be asked to identify whether you want a meat or vegetarian Picnic Box, what time you would like to pick up (1, 2, 3, or 4pm) and also whether you wish to purchase a one-litre “Pipsqueak” from Crannog Ales which will be available for $13 and 50/50 tickets. If you are tired of considering “what’s to eat tonight?”, this will be a great way to answer the question and support two very worthwhile local non-profit organizations, each of

which is very supportive of our communities. We would like to give a heartfelt shout out to the local businesses who have supported this event: Blind Bay Village Grocer, Lighthouse Market, Crannog Ales, Nature’s Bounty, Ovino Winery, Rocana Meats, The Willows Natural Foods, Shuswap Pie Co., Grass Roots Dairy, Terroir Cheese, and Askew’s. AGM - Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12 at 4:30 pm. (Please note this change of date from a previous notification.) It will be held virtually using the Microsoft Teams platform. If you would like to attend, please call Barry Stokes to register at 250 833-6408. We have a couple of retiring directors so if you have an interest in ensuring that primary care is maintained in the South Shuswap and have an interest in becoming a director, please call Barry to explore the role. LOCUM PHYSICIAN, Dr. Terry Clare, is in the Centre Mondays and Tuesdays to provide care to those who need attention. As a result of COVID protocols, please call to make an appointment, 250 675-2167. We are located above Munro’s IDA Pharmacy in the heart of Sorrento, access is from the rear laneway. Registered Acupuncturist, Melanie McLeod, continues her practice in the Centre on Wednesdays and Fridays. New Patient appointments can be made by calling 250 833-5899. Her existing patients can make appointments online at https:// lakesidehealth.janeapp.com/locations/lakeside-health/book#/ staff_member/25. Melanie is getting rave reviews for her practice and knowledge. Shuswap Soles Footcare, Vanna King, continues to provide foot care at the Centre. You can book an appointment with her by calling (250) 574-9969. It is lovely to welcome spring and the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID. There is true hope that by summer we may be able to circulate and enjoy the companionship of friends and family. Happy springtime everyone. Stay well!

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

Copper Island Health & Wellness By Sandra Reutlinger We planted an apple tree one year. Then we waited. The next year we pruned and pollinated, fertilized and fretted. It was a few years we waited. We battled some kind of insect infestation and something else that was eating the leaves. We wondered if the work was worth it and maybe that tree would never bear fruit. Then the glorious day came when we finally had success and an apple appeared. We eagerly awaited the day it would ripen. A short trek out to the back yard to check on it and make sure it hadn’t been pecked by the crows or some other bird. One day we went out to pick that one beautiful red ripe apple. We thought, let’s give it one more day, it’s looking good. That night the bear came into our yard and helped himself to that apple. Big bear also broke some branches and left a rather large deposit near by. Sigh. We had to wait for yet another year to get an apple. We even had a friend come and tape some apples to the tree that Spring, as some kind of hopeful encouragement for us. The Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre is a bit like our apple tree. The dream for a Health Services and Senior Resource Centre was planted years ago and a lot of hard work ensued. It’s been a while and there has been growth and there have also been some setbacks. It might feel like we’ve waited for a long time for bountiful fruit and this Spring we are

reaping a harvest due to the support of our community and the many dedicated volunteers who have worked so tirelessly. We are part of the Rural Health Locum Program and just finished up our first term with a doctor. We have other confirmed dates for a full time, Monday -Friday doctor at the Clinic: April 26 - May 7, May 10 - May 28 and June NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE 7 - June 25. Kicker - Business Card To make an appointment, Color Display Ad - 77.91/month + tax please call our Medical Clinic Finishing ● Bathrooms ● Kitchens ● Additions line: 250-675-2196. You can Scoop Business CardCladding Sun Decks ● Full Exterior keep up to date by checking Color Display Ad 71.52/month + tax out our calendar at https:// sshss.ca/calenedsrenos@hotmail.com dar/ Our other services continue by calling 250-675-3661 for an appointment: Free Income Tax preparation for qualifying Seniors, other Senior support services, Foot Care, Lab Services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We also have a Do you own waterfront property on Dental Hygiene Clinic on the Shuswap or surrounding lakes? 3rd Friday of every month. Be sure to mark down Stay informed with SWOA Sunday, June 13th for the Shuswap waterfront owners are faced with new and changing Blind Bay Bunch’s Hybrids regulations from all levels of government. Display Ad Billing Information: For office use only and Hi-Jinks Golf Tourna• We successfully lobbied local and provincial governments to allow for larger docks. ment inRENEWAL our support. This CHANGES DURATION Feb - Ap NEW ADowners rights • We advocate for waterfront and keep our (same rate) (NBR) great group has recognized members informed of their responsibilities COMPANY NAME & ADD that weRENEWAL are a community led CHANGES • We continue to monitor the activities on the Shuswap WaterD I S C O U N T S and supported centre and (new rate) (new rate) shed Council and stress responsible useTrappers of taxpayersLanding dollars Construc % 10, local 13, 16, 20 not funded through Interior • We actively support and provincial Sue effortsGill to prevent B -ofBONUS the introduction Zebra(10%) and Quagga mussels to BC. Business Card Health grants SIZEbut through NP - NON-PROFIT (30%) trappers_landing_contracti • Our board members have over 300 years of experience on and the generous donations 250-575-4767 the Shuswap, and are familiar with issues like the new of KICKER our community. Golf Discount CLR $The 77.91 GR $ to the Federal Fisheries changes Act 3057 Des Fosses Rd. Sorr Tournament will be held at • We continue to keep our members updated on the status of Multiple ads, MISC INFO (i.e. buoys and their removal the amazing Shuswap Lake Discount GR $ SCOOP CLR $ 71.52 Estates Golf Course and there K/S A two year membership of $50 will help you to stay current on are a ton of prizes. give *prices are issues, per month plusyou tax access to expert advice and to the SWOA website For more information, with information on lake regulations associated with living and the lake. follow Facebook or Billed building Apprus on Inserted Billon Sent Posted DBM give us a call. We are lookShuswap Waterfront Owners Association ing for more volunteers to go to SWOA.ca and click JOIN SWOA help out with various things. For more information email info@swoa.ca

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April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

The Smile People Clinic Making Oral Health Accessible

By Barbra Fairclough The Smile People Dental Hygiene Clinic is an independent dental hygiene practice operated for and by dental hygienists. Liz-Ann Munro Lamarre, owner and dental hygienist, says her focus is on making dental maintenance accessible. The folks at The Smile People Clinic welcome working with other health practitioners such as dentists, chiropractors, medical doctors, and other health professionals. This modern climate controlled clinic is complete with up-to-date sterilizing equipment, digital x-ray, fast teeth whitening and other items commonly found in dental offices.

A range of clinical hygiene services is offered including sealants, periodontal pocket reduction treatments, pain relief and Interim Stabilization Therapy restorations. The Smile People hygienists work with children too, teaching them to receive dental treatment and sometimes helping them avoid oral surgery under general anesthetic. All children are welcome for dental hygiene visits, and consults are free. Knowing that sometimes dental emergencies happen and you need an appointment quickly short notice appointments are available. Booking is easy by phone or online scheduler on

the clinic website. The Smile People Clinic has been available for emergencies throughout the pandemic. The clinic welcomes everyone and a dentist referral not required. Liz-Ann notes that there are a variety of different barriers that can make access to oral hygiene difficult for some people. The Smile Mission Oral Health Outreach Society (CRA registered charity) raises funds to reduce financial barriers for clients by offering the Oral Health Account. This is a unique year based plan that assists patients by breaking down the cost of treatment into monthly portions. This monthly payment plan makes dental maintenance budget-friendly. This plan also covers dental repairs from participating dentists. The Smile Missions’ primary fundraiser is monthly dental hygiene clinics at outreach locations. In April Liz-Ann is offering a dental hygiene clinic on April 16 at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre, located in upper Blind Bay. The clinics are scheduled third Friday monthly and the fees charged are consistent with the current BC Dental Hygiene Fee Guide. Book appointments at 250 6753661 (Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre). Treatment questions to the Outreach Society at 250 833 9923. If you live in a remote community with people who are unable to come to the clinic, they can bring their service to you. The Smile Mission is licensed to provide dental hygiene services wherever they can travel in BC. Liz-Ann says, “Give us a call and talk about your needs, a call is free. We have no problem answering questions and sometimes we can clear up misconceptions. This will give you a chance to think about what you need. We will take the time to assist with preventive dental hygiene care.” The hygienists will help you achieve and maintain oral health. The Smile People Dental Hygiene Clinic 250 832 6692, or grin@thesmilepeople.ca. Smile Mission Oral Health Outreach Society 250 833 9923, or shine@ thesmilemission.net.

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April 2021

Is WFH the New Future? Community Futures Shuswap

By Rob Marshall Shuswap Community Futures Okay, 2020 was the pits and unfortunately, although there is a glimmer of hope, for the most part, 2021 is not turning out to be a whole lot better. The reality is that, depending on your business, you’ll be spending a lot more time working from home (WFH), and so will your employees. The question is: will everything revert to normal in the fall of 2021 once a sizeable chunk of the population has been vaccinated? Probably not. COVID-19 was a game-changer and altered perceptions worldwide—probably forever. Many workers were forced to work from home and they liked it! Research showed that the expected hit to employee output never materialized; in fact, they were found to be more productive in general. More interesting was the fact that some research has shown that WFH actually increased employee engagement. Happier, more productive employees—what’s not to like? Interesting fact: according to a State of Remote Work report by Owl Labs, small businesses hire more remote workers than corporations. There have been a large number of studies and reports about remote workers and there is widespread agreement about why it’s a good thing. • Employees working from home are happier and more productive (e.g. there are fewer interruptions). • Employees tend to work longer hours as they want to “finish.” One study reported as many as 40% work extra hours. • There is less absenteeism – one report stated 60% less. • Employees get to keep more of what they earn (they have fewer expenses e.g. travel, parking, lunches) and are better for the environment. • They are healthier because they have more time and flexibility to exercise. • Studies have found that people working from home are more, rather than less, engaged with management and other members of their team. • Assuming they have a manager who trusts them, employees find that their

company cares about them and pays more attention to them. They are less taken for granted. • WFH employees are less likely to quit. Employee retention has been found to be far higher in companies that favour remote workers. Of course, the term WFH may be too limiting. You and your employees can work from anywhere. And that, for many, will be the biggest game-changer. Many people live in, or close to, cities because that’s where their company is located. This means that you and your employees have to live within commuting distance of an expensive place to purchase accommodation. Now, a lot depends on your type of business, but if you are able to employ remote workers there is no longer a need for them to live within 50 or even 5,000 kilometers of your office. That opens up a huge new employment bank for you; not only that, you may be able to take advantage of people living in different time zones, different countries (think of the value of multi-lingual employees), and areas where salaries are significantly lower. None of this comes without challenges, but the new reality is that where we live and where we work is becoming less constrained. As we advance through 2021, still in pandemic mode, consider working from home and allowing your staff to WFH at least partially. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well it can work.

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April 2021

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The Little Engines That Could Part 2: Train Wreck

By Jerre Paquette Let’s begin the follow-up to Norm Kinsella and his wonderful to-scale miniature railway with the tale of Kipper the Cat’s attack on Norm’s system. Imagine Norm quietly, appreciatively, proudly enjoying his many engines and box cars as they journey around his basement suite’s interprovincial railroad. Chug-chug; toottoot; Ding-a-ling. Such reward for such patient, precision craftsmanship! And imagine Kipper, the stray kitty Norm saved from the wild traffic of a Calgary downtown crosswalk, enjoying the same experience from his spectator perch. You can see his large eyes and rolling head patiently following the movement of a freight train along its curving journey toward one of Norm’s carefully built-to-scale tunnels under the basement stairway. Lunge! Leap!—down flies Kipper-the-instinctive-killer-hunter landing inches behind his target, chasing it along the track then derailing it (unbeknown as yet to Norm). Norm is focused on his tool set, peripherally aware of the roving train and tangentially waiting for it to emerge out of the tunnel near his work station. He’s in his space. Casually, he looks up at the mouth of the exit tunnel, but instead of seeing his train emerge, there is Kipper padding his way out of the tunnel and to an alternative perch along the upper tracks. This is really Kipper’s miniature train system, HIS hunting ground. Somewhere under the basement staircase, perhaps in another province, lies a train wreck. Norm just hadn’t planned for that. Kipper doesn’t know he had done anything wrong, so he simply settles into the gentle loaf of bread shape he often adopts, paws and claws slowly kneading in and out, smiling calmly as only an accomplished cat can. That was a few years ago. Norm didn’t know how to feel or what to do. He loved Kipper, but now he had proved himself to be a threat to Norm’s lovingly accomplished Canadian Pacific Rail system. Back to Calgary streets for Kipper? Nope—Kipper had become Norm’s son’s kitty, so Norm’s anger simply had to morph into a generous hope that Kipper wasn’t going to do that again.

April 2021

Norm’s advice to wannabe miniature rail-rodders? Don’t introduce your system to the family cat! Norm has gained considerable experience through many small failures and careful experiments in building these wee, working systems. It’s a bit of a challenge, he assures me, building trains and tracks and forests and rivers and mountains to a 1/87th scale. Yikes! How do you create a track bed with gravel 1/87th the size of the real thing? Well, Norm works very hard and creatively to accomplish this particular task. For example, he has devised a glue process that binds a fine mixture of sand particles together creating a rubbery compound permitting him to mold the result and muffle the sounds of his rolling trains. With this mixture, he lays down his unique 1/87th of miles of track bed. Then he proudly lays the best, most realistic track rails he can find carefully and firmly atop it, knowing he is creating a metaphor of the very history of Canada, connecting community after community, uniting their people. He’s keen about the matter of scale for another reason, an aesthetic and artistic reason: Taking care to get the scale and proportions right does for his growing awareness of the real world what happens to painters or photographers who come to see the world more appreciatively as their art grows. He’s doing more than building miniature rail systems—he’s fostering an expanded appreciation for everything around him: nature, architecture, design, living communities, and harmony. Norm Kinsella and his fibre-artist wife Kathy are retired and living in Blind Bay, B.C.

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250.833.6680

launchltd@telus.net www.launchconstruction.com

April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

Outrigger Canoe Club in Blind Bay

Wills & Estates Conveyancing * Family Law Chase office is open Thursdays by appointment only #4 - 834 Shuswap Ave

250-679-3180 www.cfselaw.ca info@cfs elaw.ca

By Gord Henderson All the Questions You Might Have About Paddling but Have Never Asked! After the paddling article in the February Scoop, many good questions were asked. Following are answers to some of the many of those questions: What is the cost to join the Blind Bay Outrigger Club? The regular adult paddling fee is $165, while seniors (60+) pay $145. All members also must pay $30 to become members of the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association, which provides our club insurance. What does membership provide? Becoming a member of Blind Bay Outrigger Club gives you membership with Wailua Outrigger Paddling in Kamloops. Any members can paddle in Blind Bay or Kamloops. Wailua provides the OC6’s that we use in Blind Bay. If you wish to paddle in Kamloops, you can paddle in the OC6’s or use the smaller boats, OC1’s and OC2’s. The Kamloops program is a drop-in program. The Blind Bay program has set paddling crews.

What personal equipment do paddlers need to supply? The boats are provided by the club. Paddles are also provided by the club, although most paddlers eventually purchase their own paddle once they have a length figured out. Everyone must purchase their own paddling PFD (lifejacket). For sanitary reasons, it’s nice to have your own life jacket. What level of fitness is required? Outrigger paddling is an active sport and is better enjoyed if a level of fitness exists. Being fit also reduces the chance of muscle pulls and strains that can occur while paddling. We’re all a little rusty to begin the season, but with regular paddling, strength and fitness improves quickly. What if I can’t commit to be at every practice? We have two categories of members, and both cost the same. A committed paddler commits to being at practice when the team decides to practice. If a paddler is unable to make a practice, which happens, then that paddler is

April 2021

responsible for finding a replacement paddler for that session from the spare list. The other category of paddler is the non-committed paddler. Non-committed paddlers do not commit to being on a specific boat. They place their name on a spare list and fill in for committed paddlers whenever they choose. In the past, the paddlers on the spare list have had plenty of paddling opportunities without having to make the commitment to be at a regular practice. How many times a week would I paddle? Most teams try to paddle 2 or 3 times a week, but that is a decision the team makes. Paddling times are also determined by individual teams. The boats are available morning, afternoon, and evening, seven days a week. If your group decides to paddle 7 days a week, even that is possible. Do different teams paddle with different intensity? The members of a team decide what intensity they wish to practice at. If they plan to participate in any of the many races around the province, they will probably want to practice with more intensity. If they just want to enjoy being on the lake, perhaps less intense practices would be the chosen route. This is a team decision. Am I able to switch teams if the intensity level doesn’t work for me? Absolutely! Do I need to have paddling experience? No, we are an inclusive club and welcome both new and experienced paddlers. We will make every effort to get you on a boat that meets your paddling objectives. Is outrigger paddling the same a dragon boat paddling? The actual paddle stroke is quite similar with small differences. In a dragon boat, paddlers sit beside a partner and often paddle on one side of the body. In an outrigger, paddlers sit in a narrow seat with no partner and paddle both sides of the body, switching from side to side every 15 strokes or so, depending upon intensity. Outrigger paddling is more of an endurance sport, with race event often being 15 or 20 km. Dragon boating is short distance sprinting at high intensity, often 500 m. Both types of paddling are excellent upper body and core conditioners. If there are other questions which have not been answered, give me a call and ask. If you’re interested in outrigger paddling, call and I’ll put you on the list. We’re waiting for warmer weather, but we’re also waiting to see if provincial health restrictions will ease enough to allow us to paddle. Gord Henderson, at 250-804-3136. I’d love to hear from you.

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FIRESMART ONLINE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 7 PM Join the FREE Zoom presentation followed by a Q&A with the CSRD's FireSmart Coordinator. Register at the Events Calendar of the CSRD website,

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April 2021

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Taste of Shuswap By Margaret McCormick and medicines. Spotted Moose is also SPRING HAS SPRUNG AND THAT MEANS BABY one of Chef Whittaker’s “go to” farms ANIMALS! We just love this time of the year for so many when searching fresh local product for reasons including longer days, less snow, Easter treats but his menu at Jack Sam’s Restaurant at mostly because spring means so many new beginnings, espeQuaaout Lodge. “Grown simply with sunshine, soil, water cially for our farmers. and love”, lucky North Shuswap residents can sign up for their We are extremely fortunate here in the Shuswap to have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) weekly subscription so many wonderful local farmers who service. The rest of us can find them work tirelessly to grow us all kinds of at farmers markets or their farm store. delicious fruits and vegetables, meats www.spottedmoosefarm.ca and cheeses, eggs and brews. At the You many not yet have heard of moment our social feed is filled with Reverent Acres but take one look at delightful photos of baby chicks, pigs their Instagram feed and you’ll fall and calves as well as greenhouse buds in love with their photogenic water and it is all getting ready for Farmer’s buffalo. Yet again, a young urban Market Season! transplanted family, Reverent Acres Sustainable and healthy practices grows premium BC water buffalo are rooted in our farmers DNA and which is lower in fat and cholesterol many of them have achieved accredthan beef. It is packed with protein, itation that helps to tell us their story iron, omega 3, vitamin B12 and is and what we can expect from their high in zinc, which is important in food. Keenan Family Farms is one increasing white blood cells to fight example, a young family with five off infections. Reverent Acres cares children who traded their busy city deeply about the product they raise life and successful careers to seek out so much so they named their farm to a more fulfilling, self-sustainable life symbolize a reminder and acknowlin the country. Their primary business edgement of the gifts they have been is pork with a side of laying chickgiven. You’ll find Reverent Acres at ens. Their farm is Certified Animal the Salmon Arm Farmer’s market and Welfare Approved by AGW which is to learn more www.reverentacres.ca. the only label that guarantees animals These are just three of the many are raised outdoors on pasture or range amazing local farmers that call for their entire lives on an indepenShuswap their home. What is comdent farm using truly sustainable, mon among every single farmer we high-welfare farming practices. www. have met is that they each grow with Photo Credit Keenan Family Farms keenanfamilyfarms.ca . We are regular passion for the land and for the quality customers, and we love them! of product they produce. Please continue to support your local We recently “spotted” Spotted Moose Farm preparing farmer and keep your eye out for baby animals! their fields for early greens and we can’t wait for those first You can find Taste of the Shuswap on Instagram @Tassweet, tasty shoots. Another young family who decided to teoftheShuswap and on our website www.TasteoftheShuswap. move back to the land out of a shared desire to provide themca. Please follow along with us! selves, their family, and their communities with natural foods

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April 2021

Sorrento Centre – Ramble Down a Local Trail

By Michael Shapcott The first crocus poked its flowery head above the ground in the gardens of the Sorrento Centre in mid-March. Robins have been fluttering about for some weeks now. Perhaps one of the best signs of spring is that the incredible hiking trails throughout the Shuswap are mostly clear of ice and snow (at least at the lower levels) – which makes for some spectacular rambling. In the winter, the trails in our region are beautiful, but they mostly require snowshoes or skiis or sometimes cleats. The winter trails are an ambitious morning or afternoon project. By spring, as the paths clear, the trails become a delight for those of us who like to ramble and idle, enjoying a more casual outing. It’s not that we are opposed to athletic adventures, just that Mother Nature can be enjoyed in many modes, including slow and easy. Time to reflect, time to feel the ground under your feet, time to breath in slowly and gaze out over the vistas. Our beautiful Shuswap region has two amazing gems – not always fully appreciated even by those of us fortunate enough to live here. We have some of the best trails in all Canada. There are many suited to the ramblers amongst us, and some trails that call for a level of commitment and fitness that is a step or two above.

I have plenty of favourite trails. Usually, the trail that I find myself on is my favourite one. Near to my home is Mount Baldy, a trail that leads to some great look-outs over the Shuswap. Some of the trails are best suited to two feet (or six, if, like me, you like to wander with your dog at your side), some are great for two wheels of a bicycle. New trails are being added regularly, including regional corridors that connect the Shuswap with our neighbours. Our wonderful array of trails is truly a precious jewel – and so too is the Shuswap Trail Alliance. Founded in 2005, the alliance brings together First Nations, government, community and many others in practical strategies to maintain and improve our trails. Collaboration is a word invoked frequently by government, business and others to motivate people to work together. The Shuswap Trail Alliance has a robust collaborative model that has resulted in many kilometres of trails, many dollars raised and many people from across our region who have joined for the common purpose of ensuring that people who love trails can work together in practical initiatives. So, this spring, enjoy a ramble down your local trail. Make a point to explore other trails in our region. Being out-

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doors is the best response to pandemic-induced anxiety from continuing restrictions. You can find out lots about our trails from the Shuswap Trail Alliance at https://shuswaptrails.com This summer (health conditions permitting), Phil McIntyre-Paul, founder of the Shuswap Trail Alliance, will be leading a week of walking at the Sorrento Centre. More info: https://www.sorrentocentre.ca/events/21st-century-pilgrimswalking-on-sacred-grounds/2021-07-11 Michael Shapcott is Executive Director of the Sorrento Centre, a retreat and conference centre in the South Shuswap that hosts on-line and in-person events and activities. More info at: www.sorrentocentre.ca

April 2021

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Virtual Coffee House

Carlin Hall Community Association By Jane Stephenson Happy Spring! Carlin Hall hosted its first ever “Virtual Coffee House” on March 6. The show was a huge success with upwards of 80 viewers logging in to enjoy the show. The evening was organized by Directors Diane Jewell and Tori Jewell and they would like to extend their sincere appreciation to CODA (Salmon Arm), Walter Quinlan & Friends (Kamloops) and Keith Scott (Chicago) for their willingness to share their music with us. They would also like to April 10th Virtual Coffee House Feature “The Fair Shakes” (Jasmin Frederickson and Clint extend a heartfelt thank you to those viewers who were able to Harvey) from Salmon Arm. send in a donation to our hall. 100% of each donation received goes directly towards covering operational costs at the Community Hall. Dedicated to Quality & Excellence Recording of April’s Virtual Coffee House, which will air 7:00 pm on April 10, has just been completed. The line up for that evening consists of James and Carolyn Mintz (Chase), The Stephensons (Blind Bay) and The Fair Shakes (Jasmin Frederickson/ Clint Harvey – Salmon Arm). Further information is available on our website: www.carlinhall.net. As was done in March, a shareable link will be provided on the website prior to the show on Saturday evening. Again, all interested in supporting the COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL Carlin Hall Community Arts and Cultural Centre may send donations to the Carlin Hall Community Association via e-transfer using our email address: carhall4051@gmail.com. While we eagerly await the return to live, in person music, we are doing our best to provide virtual opportunities to everyone with an internet connection. Until the time we can meet again as a community at Carlin Hall, continue PAUL JACKSON to sit back in the comfort of your home, and enjoy the outstanding music our 1-888-268-3388 local musicians are able to provide. paul@nextlevel.ca Join us for our Virtual Coffee www.nextlevelbc.ca House on April 10 and again on the first Saturday in May (May 1st). All shows begin at 7:00 pm. Please feel free to Paul Jackson is a year round resident of the North Shuswap. share this information with family, With 28 years as a Professional Financial Planner, Paul is well suited to friends, neighbours, and the community help his clients with all of their Financial Planning needs. He uses a Model at large! Portfolio approach to investment management and would love to discuss Continue to stay safe and healthy! his process and track record with you! Until next time, take good care!

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April 2021

Eagle Bay Garden Group Springs into Action

By Cathy Wolf, Carol Newton and Tracy Lemieux There is much activity on properties throughout Eagle Bay. The roads are busy and spring has brought us outdoors to work on our yards and begin to think about what to plant in our gardens - a perennial issue for those of us who wish to add to the natural beauty of the area. Once again, the Eagle Bay Garden Group is getting ready for a busy year and hopes others will be joining as well. The Eagle Bay Garden Group was officially launched in May of 2017 with the purpose of sharing gardening wisdom in the Shuswap, learning from others, exchanging and sharing plants, touring local gardens, and generally enjoying ourselves. We also wanted to bring experts to our community and have them teach and guide our gardening practices. Sallyanne Calver headed up the group with 22 novice and avid gardeners. There were lists of interests and topics everyone wanted to attend to. We wanted to see what others were planting and propagating in our local gardens, what fertilizers worked well, what were best practices for pruning our trees and shrubs, how to compost, and the list went on. Trips to local greenhouses, and farms were organized. Plant and seed exchanges were planned. Experts were identified for workshops in such areas as mushroom gathering,

pruning, foraging, composting, growing orchids and herbs, and organic gardening. A community beautification group was struck to attend to gardens and outdoor areas at the Firehall and the Community Hall. We carried on into the winter with workshops on Christmas swags and how to winterize our plants and gardens. What became apparent is that we have a wealth of gardening knowledge in this community, as well as many who want to learn more. As Carol Newton and Tracy Lemieux have taken up the leadership role for the group, we continue to expand our gardening discussion to connect with the Blind Bay Garden Club as well as master gardeners in the area. Our areas of interest and curiosity have expanded as well and our list of “what’s next” grows. In preparation for this year, the Eagle Bay Garden Group meeting has been tentatively set for May 6th. Membership in the Garden Group only requires that you are a member of the Eagle Bay Community Association. It is open to all ages

Sorrento & Area Community Health Centre Society 7th Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 4:30 pm This meeting will be held virtually using Microsoft Teams meeting software. All are welcome but must register in order to participate on an electronic device by advising President Barry Stokes by email of their wish to participate. Barry’s email address is stokesbarry54@gmail.com

and expertise. BC COVID-19 protocols must be followed. The meeting will be held outdoors, with a limit of 10 persons, all maintaining social distancing, wearing masks. Hand sanitizer will be available. Also, any further announcements from the BC COVID 19 Health Authority regarding public groups will take precedence and this meeting may be cancelled. Watch for more news soon. For more information, please contact Carol Newton (250) 675-2125 or Tracy Lemieux (604) 910-3288. Happy Gardening!

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April 2021

Notch Hill Natter

By Anna-Marie Eckhart Hello and a Happy Spring Day to you from the Natter! The Notch Hill Town Hall has been preparing the hall and its Heritage Rentals for the re-opening of its 2021 rental season. The hall and Heritage Rentals have been temporarily closed for 13 months. With a Covid -19 safety plan in place and social gathering restrictions being slowly lifted, we are now able to offer small gathering rentals of our church and hall. The Notch Hill Town Hall Association would like to introduce and welcome our local Notch Hill resident Amy Berry as our newly appointed commission-based recruiter for our Notch Hill Heritage Rentals. Amy will be working along with Rental Chairperson Marianne Romyn. Amy will contribute to our Purpose Statement of preserving, promoting and of hosting community events. Our Notch Hill Heritage Rental season is from April 1 to October 31, 2021. For all rental/ event enquiries you can call either Amy Berry at 250 803-1806 or Marianne Romyn at 250 835- 4721. All Notch Hill Heritage Rental cancellation fees will be waived for the 2021 rental season, due to

uncertainty of Covid 19 gathering restrictions. Find and LIKE our Facebook page at Notch Hill Community Hall. The Hall Association would like to also welcome our new members Laurence and Merrilee Trask. We look forward to meeting and volunteering with you. If you would like to become a member and give a little bit of your time back to your Community, please email President Anna-Marie Eckhart at: notchhilltownhall1910@gmail.com or message at 250 804-3374. Yearly membership is $10 per person. Your membership will give you a seat and a voice at our general meetings, a sense of community belonging, new friendships, and rewarding volunteerism. The Notch Hill Entertainment Committee unfortunately has to cancel this year’s Mothers Day picnic breakfast planned for May 9, due to seating and gathering restrictions. We will offer this unique event again next year. Traditionally the Hall holds its annual AGM in April. Last year the AGM was held in July. This year the NHTHA is again postponing the AGM date to May 31, 2021.

A very special birthday this year to the Notch Hill School house. The brown two-level school house was built in 1921, making it 100 years old! We will be celebrating the special event during the Notch Hill Heritage Day, tentatively planned for Saturday June 26. 11am to 2pm. Birthday cake cutting at 11:30 am. Come take a self guided tour of our Heritage buildings situated on our community park grounds. Admission by donation. Costume Heritage wear encouraged. Unfortunately, the Notch Hill Town Hall Association was not awarded funding for the Notch Hill School House Unique Heritage Infrastructure Grant. The plan was to renovate and open the school house again as a community school of cultural arts. CSRD Electoral Areas received significantly less funding on a per capita basis than our neighbouring municipalities. Sadly, I have to report some vandalizing was done at the Notch Hill Community Park over the winter. A quad and a truck on different occasions recklessly

April 2021

drove around the grassy area of the little white Church causing 10 feet of the decorative cement retaining blocks to collapse. The incident was reported to the CSRD and a Police file was opened. File # 2021- 730 Gladly accepting any help with rebuilding. On a more positive note, the Notch Hill Town Hall Association would like to thank the CSRD for their community Grant in Aid in the amount of $1,740 to help with the NHTHA Hydro costs. Our Community sponsors have kept us afloat during this ongoing global pandemic. Recently the Notch Hill Town Hall Association was given back three of its original paperback books containing the Minutes, Memberships, and Financials starting from 1936. These priceNotch Hill Town Hall less books are full of our local Secretary Pat Lepp. history but are now deteriorating. Photo by Anna-Marie Eckhart We are looking for a volunteer who would like to transcribe these books to preserve our Notch Hill and area history. After transcribing, the books will be kept in an acid free climate-controlled vault at the RJ Haney Heritage and

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Museum. If interested in taking on this preservation, please email President Anna-Marie Eckhart at notchhilltownhall1910@gmail. com or message 250 804-3374. The Notch Hill Town Hall has renewed its membership with the South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce. We are looking forward to working together supporting, promoting and preserving our beautiful South Shuswap Community. There are a few more exciting events planned for the NHTH later this year. Lets cross our fingers and hope all is well and we can all come together again. July 3- Outdoor Market and Fundraising Garage sale September 5- Show’n Shine September 25- Rough Cut Find us at: Notch Hill Town Hall, 1639 Notch Hill Road, Sorrento, BC V0E 2X3

Blind Bay Hall Volunteers Working Behind the Scenes By Barbra Fairclough due to the pandemic, then Blind Bay Hall can support this type Agnes Nykiforuk of the Blind Bay Hall says the board is of hybrid gathering with its internet access and large Screen. focused on opening the hall up for programs and events. It has Enquire with the hall for details. blindbayhall@gmail.com. been a bit of a stretch with watching the pandemic unfold and keeping abreast of distancing and gathering guidelines from BC Health authorities. The board has called for expressions of interest from artists and artisans who have been part of the Reedman Arts and Gift event previously. Gauging interest of the vendors will help guide next steps to developing plans. The show usually runs Thursday to Sunday, July 1st to end of August. It includes a variety of art and crafts made by local artists and artisans. Those attending the event can speak directly with the producer and learn about the artistic process. Creative works of all kinds are 250-955-0660 for Appointments available for purchase. The hall has heard from a portion of the vendors and is • Lab - Blood Collection, ECGs: Wed & Fri - 8am to 12noon waiting to hear from the rest of them prior to decisions on Lab Services by Appointment whether to go ahead with this popular summer event. • Foot Care Nurse Plans for any event would include managing the appropri• Public Health/Baby Wellness ate numbers of attendees at a time and entrance and exits identified with all the pandemic protocols in place. Dr. Domino Bucarelli Agnes says that once the pandemic protocols are a bit more accommodating for gathering, the hall is interested in holding its twice yearly Bingo. This is a popular event and as the summer unfolds the ability to hold this event will present itself. The Blind Bay Hall is available to rent for groups that folTickets are available at: ww.NSHealthCentre@rafflenexus.com low pandemic protocols. If you have a small group and need to connect via zoom to include those who cannot attend in person

SCOOP MARCH

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

Agricultural Land Commission Gives Go Ahead to Rail Trail Press Release included an assessment of each of the Splatsin, Regional Disproperties by a professional agrologist, trict of North Okanagan, and letters and open house consultations, Columbia Shuswap Regional feedback through the Agricultural District ownership partners Land Commission, and on-site visits. received formal decision from A plan has been developed by the the Agricultural Land Commisrail trail owners to respond to concerns sion (ALC) allowing a change that might affect adjacent agricultural of use for the former CP Rail activities. Some of the concerns inCorridor to public greenway clude: trespass and vandalism, mantrail. It is another important agement of invasive weeds, fencing, milestone in the development ensuring farm equipment is able to of the Shuswap North Okanacross between fields, and policies for gan Rail Trail corridor between trail users with dogs. Sicamous and Armstrong The rail trail owners have comwithin Splatsin territory of the mitted to address potential issues Secwépemc Nation. by developing a trail-user code of CP Rail Corridor. Photo Credit: The Shuswap Trail Alliance In the recent statement, the etiquette in agricultural areas, installing Agricultural Land Commission stated they were, “satisfied with signage and advisory notices, creating site specific instructions the measures proposed in the Application to mitigate agricultur- during peak harvesting periods, maintaining buffers along the al/Trail conflicts that could negatively impact adjacent agricul- corridor, implementing a dogs-on-leash policy, and conducting tural operations.” The statement goes on to affirm the adaptive annual management of invasive species. Once built, monitoring approach being taken by the rail trail owners, noting the panel’s and feedback from local farms will allow further solutions to be appreciation of their efforts to consult with adjacent landowners. developed where a concern or conflict is identified. The rail trail between Sicamous and Armstrong passes “It has been a particularly rewarding opportunity to meet next to 46 agricultural properties. The rail trail review process with so many of the region’s agricultural community,” said Phil McIntyre-Paul with the Shuswap Trail Alliance, who assisted the rail trail owners in coordinating the agricultural consultation and planning process. “The rail trail presents a very unique opportunity to strengthen awareness and support of our local farming families, and connect people more closely to the importance of local food production.” The Rail Trail owners are now ready to establish formal crossing agreements with adjacent property owners who cross over the rail trail property with farm vehicles or have waterlines that run underneath it. Anyone with a road or utility crossing should contact Sharen Berger at sberger@csrd.bc.ca or phone (250) 832-8194 ex 6013. A copy of the ALC Decision can be viewed on the ACL Application Portal website (application 60525) Individuals and corporate donors are invited to become partners of the unfolding rail trail story. Follow the links on the Rail Trail website at www.ShuswapNorthOkanaganRailTrail.ca. All contributions are tax-deductible. For more information visit www.ShuswapNorthOkanaganRailTrail.ca.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

Sunnybrae Seniors: Building a Volunteer Community By Alice Hidber We are happy to update you on two projects we have in progress. The project “Happy Days Are Here Again”, includes replacing facia and painting the outside of the hall. A small feature garden is included, and installation will proceed this spring. Amity Contacting has been awarded the contract for hall improvements and they are contributing “in kind” for this project as well. This project is being scheduled for completion June 30. With the charitable partnership of the Cedar Heights Community Association our grant application to the Shuswap Community Foundation Grant has made this project possible. The project committee is scheduling and assigning volunteer tasks that are short in duration. If you have an hour or two and would like to bring your talents to be part of this project, there are several small but important tasks that will make a big difference in beautifying the hall. Volunteering is open to all ages and if you would like to come down and participate as a family, bring your kids. We have inside as well as outside tasks to complete. If you are curious to know what small task you can help with, message the Sunnybrae Seniors FB Group or email An Easter Basket filled Sunnybrae.srs@gmail.com with your with chocolates was third prize in the Sunnybrae interest. Seniors raffle. The second project, “I Don’t Need Your Rocking Chair!” is a computer literacy program. A New Horizons Grant for Seniors is making this program possible. Over the next several months, volunteers will take care of the important details to roll out the literacy program. Stay tuned for news as this unfolds. The Sunnybrae Seniors have been so fortunate in having an enthusiastic board and wonderful volunteers. It is not just one person; it is the community that comes together to make these projects happen. We have had a successful raffle ticket sale as well. The

prize draw was held on March 31 and first prize of an original oil painting by local artist Terry Goodrick was awarded to Aldena Nielsen. Second prize of handmade quilted placemats with spring flowers was awarded to Helen Crandall and third prize of the Easter Basket chocolates was awarded to Michelle Goodrick. Thank you to everyone who supported this important fund raiser by selling or purchasing tickets. During the pandemic, fundraising activities have been difficult to initiate so this is particularly significant. We would also like to thank Barbra Fairclough for her support with our New Horizons Grant application. Thank you to the CSRD for a recent Grant in Aid that will assist us until we can resume full fundraising activities. To volunteer please send an email to Sunnybrae.srs@ gmail.com or call 778-981-0334

250.851.6597

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April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

Cedar Heights Community Association

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By Shaunne Letourneau Did someone just call “BINGO?” On March 17th Cedar Heights held a St. Patrick’s Day themed music trivia Bingo. Over 60 people participated via Zoom and had to put their music knowledge to work to identify Irish songs and those from the 50’s, 60’ and 70’s. The first game winners needed a straight line and the second game was for a full card. The happy winners were Bryan Lowes, Barb Lane, Kathleen Irvine, Barb Shellop and Rennie Heare for the straight-line games and Sherri and Don Mitchell, Lorraine McCulloch, Sheila Armstrong and Russ McLeod for the full card games. Everyone enjoyed listening to the music and some participants were seen dancing to the beat or just gyrating in their seats! And the hammer comes down and the auctioneer yells SOLD! While it may not be as exciting as a live auction, the newest fundraiser at Cedar Heights is

an online auction. There are currently over 80 items listed varying from furniture to decorator items. Closing dates on bidding varies by item. Everyone is welcome to bid and donations of items is also welcome. To view the items and place a bid go to www. cedarheightscommunity. ca Click on the auction link and just scroll down to see the items and to place a bid. If you have items you’d like to donate, information on how to do this is also on the website. To connect to the auction team, email chcaauction@ gmail.com While COVID-19 has put a damper on our indoor program and events over the past year, we are planning for a return of the outdoor programs – Bocce, Golf and Pickleball. Of course, all provincial guidelines will be followed. Stay tuned next month for opening dates and any specific guidelines for these sports.

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April 2021

Sorrento Lions Club By Judi Kembel For many years, our club has been sending used eyeglasses to CLERC (Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre) in Calgary. A special thank you to Lion Terry Timms for collecting used glasses and for the continued support from these companies: In View Optical, Alpine Optometry and Evelyn’s Eyewear and Canadian Hearing Care all located in Salmon Arm. B.C. CLERC sends glasses to 90 different countries and on average, processes about 220,000 a year. Since 1996 they have distributed over 5.5 million pairs. Due to the current Covid restrictions, all our planned activities are still on hold. The Garage Sale at the end of May and the Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast are still in doubt. We will just have to wait and see. We thank you for your support. We did receive our Community Gaming Grant again this year and so will be able to continue with our usual community donations such as our annual student bursaries. We continue to assist residents by

delivering groceries from the Lighthouse Market all while maintaining physical distance and will do so as long as we are needed. Feel free to contact them at lighthouseorder@gmail.com. Since all our fund raising projects have either been cancelled or suspended, once again, we would appreciate any ideas our community may have so that we may still be active while maintaining social distancing. You can send your ideas to sorrentolionsclub@ yahoo.ca . If you are interested in helping your community, please consider joining our club. If you are over 19 years of age (male or female) and would like more information about becoming a Lion, please contact the Sorrento Lions Club Secretary Lion Leona at our email address: sorrentolionsclub@yahoo.ca. We would love to hear from you! Check out our website at http://e-clubhouse. org/sites/sorrentobc/ . We look forward to the time when we can resume all of our community activities. Stay safe, stay calm and be kind.

Ticks in British Columbia Government of BC There are more than 20 species of ticks in British Columbia, but only three species normally bite humans. Although the bites are sometimes painful and slow healing, there is little danger of disease as long as they are removed promptly. Adult ticks have eight legs, unlike insects, which have six. Ticks cannot jump or fly and do not drop from trees. They require blood as a source of protein for growth and egg development. A few simple precautions will decrease the likelihood of tick bites. In BC’s Southern Interior, the most common species is the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. It is the size of a small pea and is a three-host tick, a new host being sought for each one of its three feedings which occur over a period of 1 to 3 years. Usually, rodents and other small animals serve for the first two feedings, and large animals such as deer, cattle, dogs, sheep and humans serve as the

host for the last feeding. This tick is most frequently encountered between March and June, usually in open, rocky areas. The adult female is reddish-brown with a white "shield" near the front, and the similarly sized male is mottled-grey in colour. Both sexes "quest" for hosts by waiting near the top of grass and low shrubs, readily attaching to passing people or animals that brush against them. Once on a host they climb upwards, giving rise to the erroneous observation that they have dropped from trees. If the quest is unsuccessful, the ticks return to the ground until the next spring. In British Columbia, ticks can cause tick paralysis in mammals, including humans. Tick paralysis is characterized by increasing incoordination and eventual collapse. The first symptoms, usually a numbness in the feet and legs causing difficulty in walking and standing, occur after a female tick has been feeding for about 5 days. There is

no known antidote for tick paralysis, but complete recovery occurs when the tick is removed if paralysis has not progressed too far. Death may occur if the tick is overlooked. Ticks can be difficult to remove, since they attach themselves to their host with small, barbed mouthparts. Ticks do not burrow under the skin. Ticks are most safely and effectively removed with tweezers using a slow and gentle pull without twisting. This will normally remove the tick with the mouthparts attached. The wound should be cleaned and treated with an antiseptic.

April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

Shuswap Overland Adventures A Good Batch

By Jason Lutterman Not far from our little slice of heaven, just west of some great fishing spots, lays the one and only Lac Du Bois grasslands. These are the kind of directions one can expect when they ask me how to get somewhere. It’s been brought to my attention a few times that “just around the corner” might mean something different to me than everyone else, but where is the adventure in knowing exactly where you’re going?

Just before the protected grassland begins, before the dirt road that divides them, you’ll find the Bachelor Heights ORV Park. A 468-hectare park designated for shared off-road use. 4x4’s, hikers, bikers and ATV’s can let loose on the endless network of trails, hill climbs and mud pits. This park isn’t only unique because of its design, the epic scenery sets it apart from its surroundings. Rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Blue Bunchgrass, Wheatgrass and Prickly Pear Cac-

tus makes it feel more like California than Kamloops. I have been there countless times and still enjoy it as much as the first day it was introduced to me. It has become the first place I visit every spring that is snow free. There isn’t much better after a long winter. We decided to make our way through the park and settle down in the low of a valley for lunch and a short reprieve from the wind. While the sky looked like summer, the wind was very much still made of everything winter and the ground only dry until our tires broke the surface exposing the layer of thaw below. As we huddled around a warm fire a fellow on a dirt bike repeatedly attempted to climb a long steep section of trail. Over and over again he nearly made the summit before his bike tossed him to the ground. I think the more we stared at the mountain the bigger it began to look and before long a black Jeep, that rhymes with black sheep for a reason, had left our group and began the climb. To everyone’s surprise, especially the dirt biker’s, without needing a second try it climbed up and over the top. Cheers and celebration could be heard by us below and we knew we’d probably never hear the end of it.

We sat at the tops of many knolls that afternoon and took in the ever-changing horizons. We challenged ourselves over some technical terrain and I watched friends casually manoeuvre through trail that only a year ago was far outside their comfort level. We have built a small community within ourselves; we support and inspire one another. Brought together by these capable machines and our wanderlust. We are the definition of lucky, we are happy, healthy and live in a four-season paradise. Turn it all off, disconnect and head outside. Trust me you’ll find your scoop.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

Paid Advertising Feature

Monthly Dental Hygiene Clinics Stay Healthy! The Smile Mission Oral Health Outreach Society is offering dental hygiene days out of the Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre in Blind Bay (just off Highway 1 near library) every third Friday of the month so the next ones are April 16th, May 21st, etc. Currently we are not serving the North Shuswap due to local COVID-19 precautions. We use full PPE with

gowns, surgical caps, face shields and chair covers for every client, and a droplet catching air filter. You will be asked to fill out a COVID-19 form and have your forehead temperature taken. To schedule an appointment, please call the Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre at 250-675-3661. For treatment questions, please call the Smile Mission Oral Health Outreach Society 250-833-9923. Live another day! Th e Sou th Sh us wap

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Clubs & Organizations

Arts Council for the South Shuswap Karen Brown 250-515-3276 Blind Bay Bridge Club Vicki 250-675-2141, vicki00@telus.net Blind Bay Community Society 250-675-3919, blindbayhall@gmail.com Blind Bay painters Betty Schriver 250-675-2249, bschrive@telus.net Blind Bay Garden Club Susan 250-835-2351 or Donald 778-490-5008 Carlin Country Market Angela Inskip 250-833-2094, carlinpac@hotmail.com Carlin Elementary Middle School PAC Angela Inskip 250-833-2094, Carlinpac@hotmail.com Chase Fish & Game Club Helen 250-679-8019 Copper Island Seniors Resource Services (CISRS) (beside Spinnaker Cafe) 250-6753661, cisrcbb@gmail.com CRIMESTOPPERS 1-800-222-8477 CSRD Area C Director Paul Demenok 250-517-0810, pdemenok@csrd.bc.ca FIRE DEPARTMENTS Eagle Bay

4445 Eagle Bay Rd., Chief Alan Rendell, 250-517-0429, EagleBayVFD@csrd.bc.ca Sorrento Hall #1 1164 Passchendale Road, Chief Gary Hoult 250-675-3555, ShuswapVFD@csrd.bc.ca Sorrento Hall #2 2505 Greer Rd., Chief Gary Hoult 250-675-4441, ShuswapVFD@csrd.bc.ca Tappen/Sunnybrae 3732 Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Rd., Chief Marc Zaichkowsky TappenSunnybraeVFD@ csrd.bc.ca White Lake 3607 Parri Rd., Chief Bryan Griffin 250-835-4500, WhiteLakeVFD@csrd.bc.ca Fire Services CoordinatorA Sean Coubrough 250-833-5955 scoubrough@csrd.bc.ca FIRST RESPONDERS Debbie Edwards, thebackacher@telus.net GT Dragon Boat Society Susan Eisenberger 250-803-6864, www.gtdragonboatsociety.ca HEALTH SERVICES South Shuswap Health Services Society Sue McCrae 250-675-3661,

http://sshss.ca Sorrento Health Centre 250-675-2167 Sorrento Health Centre Society Marilyn Clark 250-675-2449 Lions Club sorrentolionsclub@yahoo.ca / Web: Sorrento Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse North/ South Shuswap Comm. Resource nsscr@live.ca, Leigh 250-515-4682 Notch Hill Cemetery Society Louise 250-253-5776 ROAD MAINTENANCE Acciona Infrastructure Maintenance Inc - 1-866 222-4204, Vernon Moti 250-503-3664, aimroads@acciona.ca Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) South Shuswap Leigh Schaffer 250-675-4818, lschaffer@orl.bc.ca Shuswap Better at Home Central Intake 250-253-2749, sbahintake@outlook.com Shuswap Community Foundation 250832-5428, www.shuswapfoundation.ca Shuswap Hospice Society 250-832-7099, 250-675-2568 (Sorrento) Shuswap Lake Aero Modelers 1-866-293-3851,

info@slams.ca / www.slams.ca Shuswap Theatre Society https://shuswaptheatre.com South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce Karen Brown 250-515-0002, manager@southshuswapchamber.com Shuswap Volunteer Search & Rescue Luke Gubbles 250-803-1095, shuswapvsar.org Shuswap Tennis sletennisclub@gmail.com Shuswap Waterfront Owners Association (SWOA) info@SWOA.ca / www.SWOA.ca Sorrento Food Bank Tina Hysop 250-253-3663, sorrentofoodbank.ca Sorrento Minor Ball Geoff 250-804-6923, sorrentominorball@gmail.com South Shuswap Canada Day Committee Tammy Packer 250-463-2495 Victim Services Guy Ramsay 250-679-8638 White Lake Community Hall Society 3617 Parri Road, 778-231-8810, whitelakehall@cablelan.net White Lake Residents Assoc. - (WLRA) info@wlra.ca / www.wlra.ca White Lake New Horizons Seniors Club - Tim Hoy 250-835-2141

April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

Community Events Calendar SOUTH SHUSWAP

Red Cross Stay Safe Course - For children 9 & over. Thurs. May 6, 3:30 - 5:30 pm at South Shuswap Library in Blind Bay. Register at www.nsscr.ca Drive-through dining experience - Sat, May 8, 1 to 5 pm. Charcuterie Picnic Box, enough for 2-3 persons. On-line auction and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds to Sorrento & Area Community Health Centre Society and the Sorrento Centre. Tickets, call or text 250 803 6870 or email m.moore@ adamsaccounting.ca See ad on page 19. Sorrento Health Centre AGM - May 12 at 4:30 pm, virtually using Microsoft Teams platform. Call Barry Stokes to register or have interest in becoming a director at 250 675-2167. See ad on page 35. Red Cross Babysitting Course - For youth 11 & over. Two day course Thurs. May 20 & 27, 3:30 to 6:00 pm. at South Shuswap Library. Register: www.nsscr.ca SuperHost Courses - Foundations of Service Quality & Destination Ambassadorship. Dates available in April & May. FMI SuperHost (southshuswapchamber.com) Copper Island Health Centre - Walk-In Clinic now open Tues. Fri. and Sat. 9am to 12pm. Mobile Lab Tues. & Thurs. 9am to 1pm. Confirmed Monday to Friday doctor dates: April 26 - May 7; May 10 - May 28; June 7 - June 25. Call our Medical Clinic line: 250-675-2196 for appointments. Keep up to date by checking our calendar at https://sshss.ca/calendar/ Located at Blind Bay Marketplace Sorrento & Area Health Centre - Dr. Terry Clare is avail. on Mons & Tues. Call 250-675-2167 to book an appt. with the Dr. or Nurse practitioner. Acupuncturist, Elanie McLeod, seeing patients on Wed and Fri by appointment. 250-833-5899 South Shuswap Library - Open for “Browse and Borrow” service. Computers are available. Curbside Pick-up for those who need it! Order online https://www.orl. bc.ca and pick-up in the branch. Tues. 11am - 3pm, Wed & Fri 1pm - 3pm. PJ Story Time - Put on your P.J.’s, bring your mask and enjoy the fun. April 27 from 6:006:45pm. Pre-registration required during COVID-19 restrictions. Please register at www.nsscr.ca Mother Goose - songs, rhymes and fingerplays! Friday, April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7 and 14, 9:15-10:00am. Please bring your mask! Pre-registration required at www.nsscr.ca Online stories, songs and events for all ages. Online registration for ALL online programs. Please include your email. Check out all the great programs at www.orl.bc.ca and register online at http://orl.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar The Smile Mission Dental Clinic - Den-

tal hygiene days offered at Copper Island SASCU Board of Directors Election Health Centre in Blind Bay. April 16 & May Vote online until April 17. 21.. Call for an appointment 250-833-9923. Shuswap Virtual Music Festival - April Read advertorial on page 19 for more info. 12 to 30. Celebrates music students and AA Meetings - Blind Bay: Sat 10am at Our amateur musicians by providing opporLady of the Lake Church. Sorrento-Online tunities for learning and performing. FMI Zoom Meeting, Mon 8pm FMI 1-855-339- shuswapfestival.com 9631 CSRD Board Meeting - Thursday, April Income tax preparation - free for low-in- 15, 9:30 am. Pre-register at www.csrd. come seniors. Call Copper Island Wellness bc.ca. Agenda available approximately at (250) 675-3661 to arrange a time to one week in advance of the meeting. drop off. Tsuts’weye Business Recovery & NORTH SHUSWAP/CHASE Expansion Program - Calling all female Entrepreneurs. Grow and improve your Doctors in the Clinic - Call NS Health Centre at 250-955-0660 or check nshealth- business. New Intake starting April 2021. centre.ca for doctor dates, clinic services Apply tsutsweye.ca/bre-program. and availability of doctors to accept phone Reframe for Confidence! - Free workvisits. See ad on page 37. shop. Transform fear, set goals, etc. 8 Electronic 50/50 Draw NS Health Centre weeks starting May 6. Register: info@ tsustweye.ca See ad on page 12. - 10,000 tickets. Deadline June 30 midnight. Draw July 1, 12:30 pm. Tickets at: Lunchtime Connection - April 13 - 12 www.NSHealthCentre@rafflenexus.com Noon - 1 pm. Guest is Marg McMaster See ad on page 9 of Adam Integrated. Send a message to Introduction to Indigenous Tourism – info@tsutsweye.ca and you will be sent a Workshop April 27 – 30, Quaaout Lodge unique zoom link to join the session. FMI for Indigenous entrepreneurs who have and more workshops, go to https://tsutsconsidered exploring a business opporweye.ca/ tunity. Open to women and men from Shuswap & Mara Lakes Decibel Coalithe Indigenous communities of Adams tion Invite you to virtual meeting WednesLake, Little Shuswap Lake, Neskonlith, day April 14, 8 am to noon. Noisy boats and Splatsin. Register by email to info@ and illegal exhaust systems - what is the tsutsweye.ca best way to regulate them and enforce a 9 Hole Golf Event NS Health Centre decibel limit? please register at https://bit. June 26 at SLE Golf Course. 3rd Annual, ly/3utAi9S Prizes, Silent Auction. Limit of 72 entries. Incorporation Meeting - Sorrento/Blind Sign up on Canadahelps at: bit.ly/3qFu6Ku FMI, contact Kim at nshcevents@ Bay - Wed. April 21, 6pm. Register at www.csrd.bc.ca under the Events section. gmail.com See ad on page 33. CSRD Let’s Talk Firesmart - Wednesday, SALMON ARM & AREA April 28 at 7pm. Free Zoom presentation Homestay Hosts needed in Salmon Arm followed by Q&A. Pre-register at www. – School District 83 is in search of friendly csrd.bc.ca See ad on page 31. families to provide a safe, comfortable, and happy home environment for German Word on the Lake Writers’ Virtual Festival - May 7 – May 9. Register at www. and Spanish international students for September 2021. (COVID-19 Protocols are wordonthelakewritersfestival.com until April respected). Email us for more information 30. Includes workshops and public events: Café Lit, Shock Theatre, and Askew’s isp@sd83.bc.ca or call Sandra 250-804Word On the Lake Writing Contest Awards 7828. Ceremony. Book a free interview with a Al-Anon - Wed 8pm at Senior Resource published author to look at your work at Centre and Thu 12noon at First United the Blue Pencil Café by April 23. Church. 1-855-339-9631

BC SPCA Spring Lottery - 31 cash prizes totalling $125,000, plus a bonus 50/50 pot up to $500,000. Sales deadline May CoDa - Sun 7:30pm United Church Cedar 18. For tickets and more information, visit Room. 1-855-339-9631 lottery.spca.bc.ca or call 855.205.5998. ONLINE / WEBINARS etc. The Kamloops Symphony Spring Series On-line Auction - Cedar Heights Commu- - Digital concerts. Charlie Parker w/ Strings (April 9 to May 8), and Voilà Viola (April 23 nity. Ongoing, new items added weekly. to May 22). Tickets at Kamloops Live! Box FMI www.cedarheightscommunity.ca Office at 250-374-5483 or www.kamloopsCarlin Hall Virtual Coffeehouse - April 10 live.ca. and May 1, 7pm. FMI carlinhall.net Narcotics Anonymous - Mon 7pm at Crossroads Church. 1-866-778-4772

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

$7 up to 25 words, 20¢ ea. additional word. $2 for box-around. Single column Classified Display Ads: $12.00 for the first inch, then $2.25 per 1/4 inch thereafter. Email ads to shuswapscoop@gmail.com or 250-463-2611. Email money transfers for payment or mail cheque to 7320 Estate Place, Anglemont, B.C. V0E 1M8.

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Shuswap Lake Provincial Park is accepting applications for for the following positions: (must have drivers license) • Day/Night Park Patrol • Janitorial • Gate office • Grounds Keeper • Store / T-shirt painting • Kayak/Paddle Board Rentals Please send resumes to

Scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, bathroom safety, stair-lifts, hospital beds. Free Screening for obstructive sleep apnea, treatment and follow-up. CPAP masks, parts, and accessories. Respiratory therapy equipment and home oxygen. Located in Salmon Arm 250-832-2431 and Vernon 250-542-2425 www.lakesidemedical.ca

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FOR SALE Avon with Debbie Have you thought about Mother’s Day yet? Take a look at my online Avon store for great gifts, at www.avon.ca/boutique/ debbiewest or call 250-574-0007 for a brochure.

is accepting applications for for Shower Building Cleaner: • June till September • Approx. 4 hours/day • Cleaning supplies provided Please send resumes to

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Daily repairs (tables, toilets, bridges, etc) Trail maintenance Small septic/water issues Chainsaw work Some on-call duties

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April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

HELP WANTED Adams Lake (Bush Creek) Park ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FUN SUMMER JOB AT THE LAKE?

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F/T & P/T shifts available Retail or cashier experience preferred Must be 19 yrs or older Friendly, personable Wage negotiable based on experience Shifts start June 2021

Cൺආඉ඀උඈඎඇൽ ඁඈඌඍ

ൿඈඋ Aൽൺආඌ Lൺ඄ൾ Pൺඋ඄ ♦ The host would stay on-site at the park from mid-June until Labour Day. ♦ Duties would include mostly evening park patrols and light cleaning duties ♦ Adams Lake Park is a rustic campground with no power or running water. ♦ The host must have their own self-contained RV. To apply please send Cover Letter and Resume to

Email resume to katie@anglemontmarina.com

cassiedalgleish@hotmail.com

Tappen Help Wanted - CASHIERS

P/T and F/T • Must be available Evenings and Weekends • Must have ‘Serving it Right’ certificate • Must be prepared to Scoop Ice Cream

P le as e a p p l y i n pe r so n Em a i l r e s u m e gmtappencoop@gmail.com

CARPENTERS WANTED Must be reliable and have experience Please send resume to cuttingedgeconst@gmail.com

HOUSEKEEPING POSITIONS. Caravans West RV Resort is seeking seasonal full time Housekeepers to join the team that provides professional care for the buildings in the park. Works starts immediately at $16/hr. Duties include cleaning clubhouses, laundromats, washrooms and assisting with various projects. Experience is preferred, but will train qualified candidates. Must be eligible to work in Canada and have a satisfactory Criminal Record Check. Need to work with minimal supervision. Please email Resume to cwparkmanager@shaw.ca or submit Resume to Caravans West, 3980 Squilax Anglemont Rd, Scotch Creek BC, V0E 1M5

The Canvas Man DO YOU WANT TO WORK? If you have a car and a valid driver’s license,

WE HAVE WORK

Call or email us: 250-955-6166 canvasmanworld@gmail.com We’ll decide if you’re worth keeping around

$25 per

HOUR + TI P S + BONUS

Come and Join our Clean Team Lakefront resort in N. Shuswap • Saturdays only • Training provided •

All Covid safety protocols in place

We Make Cleaning FUN!

Call Patti 250 -955-2525

stivesresortonshuswap@gmail.com

National Sibling Day April 10

Recycling Depots Sorrento Recycling Depot 1164 Passchendaele Rd (parking lot of Fire Hall #1)

Wed, Thu & Fri Noon to 4pm Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm Stat Holidays Closed

Tappen Co-op Recycling Depot Wed, Thu & Fri Noon to 4pm 4828 Trans Canada Hwy Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm Stat Holidays Closed

Community Hall Information Please check with your local community hall for more information about future events

Blind Bay Memorial Hall 2510 Blind Bay Rd. 250-675-3139 blindbayhall@gmail.com Facebook: Blind Bay Memorial Hall & Reedman Gallery. Website: blindbaymemorialhall.ca Carlin Hall 4051 Myers Rd. Tappen. www.carlinhall.net To book call Marcha Adams 250-835-8577. Cedar Heights Community Association 2316 Lakeview Drive, Blind Bay 250-675-2012 www.cedarheightscommunity.ca Copper Island Health & Wellness Centre 2417 Golf Course Dr. Blind Bay Market 250-675-3661

Eagle Bay Community Hall 4326 Eagle Bay Rd. www.eaglebayhall.ca Hall rentals: 250-675-3136 Library (ORL) South Shuswap Branch Blind Bay Market. 250-675-4818 www.orl.bc.ca/branches/south-shuswap Notch Hill Town Hall 1639 Notch Hill Rd. Pres. Anna-Marie Eckhart 250-804-3374. Check us out on Facebook Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre email: sle@shuswaplakeestates.com Web: www.shuswaplakeestates.com 250-675-2523, Many more events on webpage Sorrento Drop in Society 1148 Passchendaele Rd. 250-675-5358

Sorrento Lions Club Sorrento Memorial Hall, 1150 Passchendaele Rd. sorrentolionsclub@yahoo.ca Sunnybrae Community Hall 3595 Sunnybrae Canoe Point Rd. Hall Rentals - Rob Milne: 250-835-8657 Facebook.com/SunnybraeCommunityAssociation sunnybraecommunityassociation.com Sunnybrae Seniors Hall 3585 Sunnybrae Canoe Pt. Rd., Maddie Welch 250-803-8890 White Lake Community Hall 3617 Parri Road 250-803-4616 whitelakehall@cablelan.net

DISCLAIMER – The information in this publication is carefully gathered & compiled to ensure maximum accuracy. The South Shuswap Scoop cannot, and does not, guarantee the correctness of all information furnished them, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions: therefore, no responsibility for same can be nor is assumed. Press releases and reports from community organizations and businesses are encouraged but may be edited to fit available space. We reserve the right to refuse any ad or item that conflicts with the intent of this paper. Articles, advertisements and design in this publication may not be reproduced in any way without prior permission of the author. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS: Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, the portion of the advertising space occupied by the error will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate.

April 2021

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2021

South Shuswap Scoop April 2021

Articles inside

Shuswap Overland Adventures

Sorrento Lions

Carlin Hall

Cedar Heights

Eagle Bay Comm. Assoc

Sorrento Health

Chamber News

Business Feature

Copper Island Health

Sunnybrae Community