South Shuswap Scoop April 2022

73rd Edition

April 2022

INCORPORATION REFERENDUM APRIL 30, 2022

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Munro’s

By Barbra Fairclough “Are you in favor of the incorporation of the municipality of the District of Sorrento-Blind Bay?” Yes or No. The provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs has given final approval to a request from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District to hold a referendum on incorporation of Sorrento Blind Bay. At the March 17 regular board meeting of the CSRD, the board supported the Incorporation Committee’s recommendation that a referendum be held.

The vote will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 8 am to 8 pm at Sorrento Memorial Hall 1150 Passchendaele Road, Sorrento and Blind Bay Memorial Hall 2510 Blind Bay Road, Blind Bay. All eligible voters living within the proposed incorporation area will be able to go to the polls to determine whether the area should be incorporated or not.

At the March 17 CSRD board meeting Allan Neilson consultant to the incorporation committee, outlined the work of the committee in a draft final report. Contained in the report is the work of the committee in a 25page summary of steps and components of the study. All the information contained in the appendices have been reviewed by the committee. It is a written record of the work that has been undertaken. It also outlines the committee process and highlights the impact of Covid 19. Also included is a statement from First Nations.

The process towards a referendum vote began with preliminary studies in 2016 and experienced some delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic limiting in-person gatherings.

“This has been an enormous job under very challenging circumstances,” says Electoral Area C Director Paul Demenok, who was a non-voting, (Continued on page 3)

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The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Incorporation Referendum April 30, 2022 continued from page 1

ex officio member of the Incorporation Study Advisory Committee. “The community wants to vote on this, as well they should. It’s time to vote on going forward.”

On April 30, should a majority of voters support the option of incorporation, the proposed areas of Sorrento and Blind Bay would become a municipality with its own local government separate from the CSRD. This new municipality would then appoint one representative to sit on the CSRD Board.

The subsequent vote on a new municipal mayor and council would likely take place as part of the Local Government General Election scheduled for October 15, 2022.

If the voters decide against incorporation, Electoral Area C will be divided into two smaller areas, each with their own elected Director at the CSRD Board table. Adding an additional Director will create a more equal distribution of elected representation across the region.

A draft budget for a new municipality has also been prepared to give voters an idea of the implications to their property taxes.

All incorporation documents and supporting information including recorded panel discussion are available on the CSRD Incorporation home page. Mr. Neilson will answer any question you have. Just submit them on the Q and A button on the CSRD webpage.

Groups remain welcome to ask for a one-hour presentation by the consultant. The final date for presentations is April 22. Hard copies of all documents are available in the South Shuswap Library Branch in Upper Blind Bay. You can see the questions that have been

submitted to FAQ. To find out if you live within the proposed Incorporation boundary area go to the Maps section of the incorporation page on the CSRD website and search your address. CSRD Incorporation Website is https://www.csrd.bc.ca/ areas/sorrento-blind-bay-incorporation-study.

Applications for volunteer scrutineer positions are being received until April 14. Only those who qualify to vote in the referendum qualify. There will be one scrutineer for and one scrutineer against the question appointed for each voting place if sufficient applications are received. An application form can be found on the CSRD website.

Advance voting- April 20, 2022, 8 am to 8pm at CSRD Office 555 Harbourfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm. Mail in Ballot - electors can request a mail in ballot by requesting a mail ballot package until 4pm on April 19. Mail in ballot request form is available at the Sorrento Blind Bay Incorporation page of the CSRD website, www.csrd.bc.ca (please note email and telephone requests will not be accepted.) To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer at the CSRD office no later than 8pm on Saturday April 30, 2022. Once you request a mail ballot, you will not be issued another ballot for this assent vote.

Elector Registration - Pre-Registration is not required. Registration of qualified electors with two pieces of identification, will take place at the time and place of voting. Full registration requirement details on page 5 & 7 of this Scoop.

South Shuswap SC

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April 2022

The Director’s Scoop - News of Note from the CSRD Paul Demenok Director, Electoral Area C (South Shuswap) Cell: 250-517-0810

Summary Notes on Incorporation and the Importance of Being Informed On March 23, Nathan Cullen Minister of Municipal Affairs provided Provincial approval for a referendum on Saturday, April 30, 2022 on incorporation of Sorrento-Blind Bay into a new municipality.

The CSRD will be administering the referendum which will be funded by the Province. Further details will be released, so please look for this information on social media, newspapers

and the CSRD website. In the interim, I thought it might be helpful to provide a factual summary of the key information produced by the Incorporation Study consultants.

Essentially, the key argument against incorporation boils down to concerns over tax increases. Additional costs incurred by a new municipality for Mayor and Council and staff, a new municipal hall, roads, and policing

are all already factored into the projected tax increases, except for the cost of a new police station, which would be subject to a Council decision some 5 years from now.

Here’s a table which summarizes all the tax increases projected by our consultants based on their substantial experience with incorporation in BC communities. (continued on page 5)

Projected Annual Property Taxes with IncorporaƟon-Years 1 to 6* With Provincial TransiƟon Funds Included and No Home Owner Grants Factored In Note: Figures Based on 2019 BC Assessments LocaƟon/Assessment

Year 1 2023 Municipality

Elec Area

Year 2 2024 Muni

Year 3 2025 Muni

Year 4 2026 Muni

Year 5 2027 Muni

Year 6** 2028 Muni

Blind Bay/$400,000 (Cedar Hts water) Annual Taxes Diff ($) (%)

$2098 $7 0.3

$2091

$2163 $65 3.1

$2233 $70 3.2

$2309 $76 3.4

$2379 $70 3.0

$2425 $46 1.9

Blind Bay/$400,000 (SLE water)*** Annual taxes Diff ($) (%)

$1984 $50 2.6

$1934

$2049 $65 3.3

$2119 $70 3.4

$2195 $76 3.6

$2265 $70 3.2

$2311 $46 2.1

Blind Bay/$600,000 (SLE water) Annual taxes Diff ($) (%)

$3086 $35 1.1

$3051

$3184 $98 3.2

$3290 $106 3.3

$3404 $114 3.6

$3508 $104 3.1

$3576 $68 1.9

Sorrento/$400,000 Annual taxes Diff ($) (%)

$2137 ($6) (0.3)

$2143

$2202 $65 3.0

$2273 $71 3.2

$2349 $76 3.3

$2418 $69 2.9

$2494 $46 1.9

Sorrento/$600,000 Business Annual taxes Diff ($) (%)

$6033 $0 0

$6033

$6220 $187 3.1

$6410 $190 3.1

$6610 $200 3.1

$6815 $205 3.1

$6835 $20 0.3

Sorrento/$1,000,000 Business Annual taxes Diff ($) (%)

$9925 $0 0

$9925

$10240 $315 3.2

$10510 $330 3.2

$10910 $400 3.8

$11260 $350 3.2

$11296 $36 0.3

*Diff=Difference between new Municipality and staying as Electoral Area in Year 1, and difference between current year and prior year for years 2-6 for new Municipality **At Year 6 the full transi�on is completed including the transi�on from paying 30% to paying 70% of policing costs *** SLE water and sewer fees are not included in these gures

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022 (coninuted from page 4)

The figures in the table use the 2019 BC Assessment property valuations, (ie., before the 37% average increase in property valuations in 2022) and include the transitional assistance grant from the Province because this is what every other community being incorporated did, according to our consultants. These figures do not include additional Provincial funding occurring as a result of our 12.9% increase in population in the last Census, so if anything, they overstate the taxes. The figures also do not include BC Home Owner Grants. These numbers represent the best approximation of what will occur without inflation. The final decision on taxes would be made by a newly elected Mayor and Council, so electors still have the means to influence this decision.

The Year 1 comparison is between what would occur in a new municipality vs staying as an electoral area, while the other years compare the new municipality figures to the previous year.

To put these figures into context, the average tax increase from the CSRD for Area C over the past 5 years has been 3.7% per year.

Other reasons to not support incorporation described by our consultants include: • no concerns with elected officials from other areas making decisions for us • being satisfied with the level of services provided by the CSRD including land use policies, development services, bylaws, parks, utilities and so on • being content with the maintenance of our roads by MoTI. The facts supporting incorporation include the following: • decision-making made with a locally elected mayor and Council providing better decisions and local elector control of governance. This is usually the major reason why communities incorporate. As pointed out by the 5 Mayors on January 29, there is a large benefit to having a Council and dedicated staff working to make this community better.

• increased external funding of capital projects via Federal and Provincial grants as outlined by the 5 mayors • higher municipal standard of maintenance of roads as per consultant’s notes and MoTI • more favourable annual transfers of

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Notice of Applications for Scrutineers for the Assent Voting on April 30, 2022 On Saturday, April 30, 2022, qualified electors within the proposed municipal boundaries of the District of Sorrento-Blind Bay will be voting on the following question:

"Are you in favor of the incorporation of the municipality of the District of Sorrento-Blind Bay?" Yes or No Scrutineers for and against each question must be appointed if applications are received from persons who wish to volunteer for the positions. Only persons entitled to vote as electors on the question shown above are entitled to act as scrutineers. One scrutineer for and one scrutineer against the question will be appointed for each voting place if sufficient applications are received.

Applications to act as a scrutineer will be received by the Chief Election Officer at the office of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, 555 Harbourfront Drive NE, Box 978, Salmon Arm, BC during the period: 9:00 AM, Monday April 4, 2022 to 4:00 PM, Thursday, April 14, 2022.

Applications will only be received online during this period. The application form can be found on the Sorrento-Blind Bay Incorporation page of the CSRD website, www.csrd.bc.ca Interested persons can obtain information on the requirements and procedures for making an application by contacting: Jennifer Sham, Chief Election Officer Columbia Shuswap Regional District Box 978, 555 Harbourfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm, BCV1E 4P1 Email: jsham@csrd.bc.ca

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funds/grants with the Province, as per the Provincial Offer additional legislated powers to better manage development, financial reserves, and bylaws as per Service Sheets greater retention of tax dollars locally with creation of about $15,000,000 in local reserve funds by 2028 notably for roads ($6,304,000), water systems ($4,083,000), and fire suppression ($1,594,000) as per the Projected Budgets 5 years of no charge maintenance of our roads as per the Provincial Offer. and a greater sense of local community according to the mayors at our Open House January 29.

These are the basic arguments for and against incorporation. There are a lot of additional details available on the CSRD website under “Areas” and ‘Sorrento-Blind Bay Incorporation Study”.

At a time when other parts of the world are fighting and giving their lives for basic freedoms and values, such as the freedom to vote, I think it is incumbent upon every resident of Sorrento and Blind Bay to properly inform themselves before voting on April 30. All of the information is readily available and given the importance of this community decision, I would strongly encourage everyone to spend a few hours to learn the facts before making that all important vote.

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The South Shuswap Scoop

South Shuswap Chamber

April 2022

Honoured to be Living & Working on the Traditional, Ancestral & Unceded Lands of the Secwepemc People

By Karen Brown Tourism Readiness Breakfast The Chamber will host a Tourism Readiness Breakfast for tourism-related businesses on Friday May 6 from 8:30 to 10:30 am. Morgen Matheson, Team Leader from Shuswap Tourism will be in attendance as will Ancestral Heartbeat Tours, an emerging Indigenous cultural

tours company in the region.

DotheShu, a new economic development and tourism business website created by the Chase and South Shuswap Chambers of Commerce will be revealed at the tourism breakfast. As well tourism operators will be able to pick up all of their Shuswap Tourism literature to stock their businesses for the summer.

Complimentary breakfast will be served.

Pre-registration is required to attend.

Visit: southshuswapchamber.com SuperHost Training - The Chamber will be offering SuperHost training dates in the South Shuswap on a variety of dates in May. Foundations of Service Quality Training is a full-day workshop for front-line staff and other team members.

Covered is raising customer service to the customer experience, conflict resolutions, exploring reviews and net promoter scores, and recognizing those opportunities while interacting with customers that will leave them talking about your business in a great way afterward. Cost $50 pp Destination Ambassador Training is a half-day workshop for anyone – businesses, non-profit organizations and residents from youth to senior. Participants will be guided on interacting with locals or visitors and pointing them in the right direction so that they experience the best of what the Shuswap has to offer. Learn about all of our amenities, services, attractions and events.

Cost: $30 pp To register for any of these workshops, visit southshuswapchamber. com Monday May 9 - Foundations of Service Quality (all day), Wednesday May 11 - Destination Ambassadorship (morning), Saturday May 14 - Destination Ambassadorship (morning), Tuesday May 17 - Destination Ambassadorship (eve), Thursday May 19 - Foundations of Service Quality (all day), Thursday May 19 - Destination Ambassadorship (eve) Incorporation Referendum - Residents of the Sorrento & Blind Bay areas are reminded that a Referendum on Incorporation will take place April 30.

Visit the CSRD website csrd.bc.ca for all facts on incorporation prior to your vote.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

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Notice of Assent Voting PUBLIC NOTICE is given to the electors within the boundaries of the proposed municipality of the District of Sorrento-Blind Bay located in Electoral Area C of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, that assent voting will be held on the following question:

"Are you in favor of the incorporation of the municipality of the District of Sorrento-Blind Bay?" Yes or No VOTING DATES AND LOCATIONS GENERAL VOTING: SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sorrento Memorial Hall – 1150 Passchendaele Road, Sorrento Blind Bay Memorial Hall – 2510 Blind Bay Road, Blind Bay

ADVANCE VOTING: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM CSRD Office - 555 Harbourfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm

*See the Sorrento-Blind Bay Incorporation page of the CSRD Website, www.csrd.bc.ca, for an interactive map that allows residents to confirm whether they are within the boundary.

Elector Registration

MAIL BALLOT VOTING

There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of qualified electors will take place at the time of voting. You will be required to make a declaration that you meet the following requirements: 18 years of age or older on general voting day Canadian citizen resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day of registration resident within the proposed incorporation boundary area (communities of Sorrento or Blind Bay) of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District OR We areproperty a company engaged registered owner of real in the proposed incorporation boundary interior design area for at least in 30 days immediately beforethat the daywill of registration, and not disqualified serve under the Local Government Act solve or any other enactment from your needs and voting in the assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law.

Electors may vote by mail by requesting a mail ballot package.

your home problems.

Resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove We also recruit professional both residency and identity. staffelectors to help you more2deeply.

Non-resident property must produce pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, provide proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner, provide written consent from a majority of the property owners to one owner voting.

Applications and Consent forms to Vote as a Non Resident Property Elector are available at the Sorrento-Blind Bay Incorporation page of the CSRD website, www.csrd.bc.ca

The Mail Ballot Request Form is available at the Sorrento-Blind Bay Incorporation page of the CSRD Design website, www.csrd.bc.ca Please note: Telephone or email requests will not be We can recommend a accepted.

suitable design.

Mail Ballot Request Forms must be received before 4:00 PM (local time) on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Networks Chief Election Officer at the CSRD Office no later than 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

You can monitor the progress youryou home Once you request a mail of ballot, will not be from anywhere. issued another ballot for this assent vote.

For further information, please contact: Jennifer Sham, Chief Elections Officer;

Colleen Goodey or Crystal Robichaud, Deputy Chief Elections Officers

elections@csrd.bc.ca

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The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Destree Landscaping 22 years of Service in the Shuswap

Hank and his employee Ryan, pose with a plethora of equipment ready to serve your needs.

By Barbra Fairclough Fertilizing program is offered with a spring summer and Hank Destree has been working with mowers for years. fall feeding of lawns to keep them healthy all year long. The Even as a kid growing up on a hobby farm, he was familiar fall feeding sets up the lawn for good strong spring growth. with machines and mowers and was always doing work.

Garden Bed weeding is done throughout the summer as When Hank relocated to the Shuswap well. in 2000, he had already been doing some Hank has a return clientele each year maintenance work in Calgary. After moving and some have been with him for years. here, he began his business with startup asEvery year there is room for a few new clisistance from Shuswap Community Futures. ents. When he gets a call from someone It was apparent there was a demand for yard who is interested in service, Hank will pay and garden maintenance in the Shuswap. a visit to overlook the property and assess In the beginning of his business in what maintenance would look like.

2000, Hank took on maintenance and instalA full stable of equipment from 21 to lation work. Over time he found the demand 60 inch ride mower and all the tools to do for maintenance was high and he graduala professional job ensures there is no proply found he could streamline his business erty too big or too small. “There is nothing into predominantly lawn and garden mainwe can’t do.” tenance.

Irrigation blow outs or spring opening Hank operates a small owner operatare usually something he can refer to other Hank Destree ed business and has had small crews workServing the Shuswap with lawn and contractors who are set up for it. ing with him. With the challenges of keeping Lawn overseeding or sod installation garden maintenance for 22 years. staff employed seasonally and with the lack can be scheduled as well. Anything to keep of housing to accommodate staff he works with other contracyour lawn healthy all year long. tors, some who have worked for him previously, to subcontract Pruning of shrubs and hedges generally is booked third some work to augment his main business. He can offer a fuller week in June prior to heat of summer and after spring growth service level and still maintain his efficiencies. occurs.

Hank works throughout the Shuswap and begins work in Hank has both permanent and seasonal resident clients and the Spring very near April 1 every year. Usually when the snow in winter he likes to take time for travel. A good rest before getis gone, the power raking begins. Along with winter debris reting ready for a busy spring. During summer months he begins moval he is usually getting yards and lawns ready for mowing work at 7 am and works Monday to Friday. which Hank schedules beginning May 1.

For any new enquiries he will recommend a schedule that can fit into his route. He works a set schedule which helps to accommodate more clients.

The best way to reach Hank is to give him a call. 250 371 2690 destreelandscaping@shaw.ca

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The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Shuswap Economic Development Emerges

By Barbra Fairclough Last year in May, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District announced the hiring of an Executive Director for the newly formed Shuswap Economic Development Society (Shuswap EcDev). John Reed has over 20 years of economic development and project management expertise.

John recently located here from the Kootenays where his work focused on adventure and outdoor projects including General Manager of Redstone Resort in Rossland, Manager of Recreation for the City of Rossland and the Entrepreneurial Services Coordinator for Community Futures of Greater Trail.

His work also includes startups and business development projects such as design and implementation of Trail’s Junior Dragons Den, a highly successful provincial youth business competition, and the development and launch of Western Canada’s Premier obstacle course race/run series.

The society oversees the economic development in Areas C, D, and F and has a mission to nurture a strong sustainable economic future for our communities. Shuswap EcDev was incorporated to undertake economic development planning and provide services for the benefit of residents of the South Shuswap, Falkland, Salmon Valley, Ranchero, Deep Creek, and the North Shuswap. One of the society’s goals is to create a sustainable and Diverse industrial, commercial, and agricultural tax base for the areas served.

Since beginning work with the society, John has taken a thoughtful approach to initial stages. Taking time to meet local business owners he has gone into communities and introduced himself and listened to what they have

to say. He has been engaged directly with all facets of the community, attending meetings and getting to know local business leaders, Chambers of Commerce, Community Associations and seeking ways of working collaboratively to leverage opportunities and avoid working in silos. “It takes conversation, active listening, and collaboration, to identify the best ways to leverage expertise and work strategically.”

John says he also has a great network of economic development professionals in other areas. John likes the team he works with “I love collaboration and a bigger picture approach to project management.” On reflecting on his recent move to the Shuswap he says “The people are great; I love the area. I can paddle, bike ride, ski, immediately from where I live. This holds a lot of value for me personally and it’s one of the key drawing cards to the area.”

The society now has a new updated website full of new information. The work includes a framework for a multi sector business advisory council which will meet twice per year to identify relevant topics to help sectors grow based on best fit for the area.

“This will include leaders within those sectors and will serve as an advisory to the role of Executive Director and offer timely and continuous communication so we can both provide and address solutions.” Outreach will begin in mid-May. After the start up incubation period last year, new logos have been finalized.

Shuswapconnects.com is a Shuswap centric business to business and business to consumer portal. The goal is to have it as a source for the business community as well (continued on pg 10

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10 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Shuswap Economic Development Emerges (continued from page 9)

as for people who are looking for goods and services in the area. There is business networking as well as business education opportunities to showcase what businesses do best and identify opportunities.

There is a newly released request for proposal for the development of an economic development strategic plan which will start toward the end of May. May 7 is the deadline for submission.

A business trade fair will take place Saturday May 14. Location will be determined. Information will be available on the website and advertising will be on radio social and print media.

Work has begun on Shuswap EC Dev series of seven videos that will deliver a message positioning our areas as places to live, work and play. These videos will be utilized within the local region for area markets and distributed to targeted areas outside the region. “They will be a great asset to showcase the area on a variety of different levels.”

“We are looking to build advocacy through storytelling and to engage local businesses and residents to help tell the story as to why this is a great area to be.”

John expresses his gratitude to the Area Directors for the foresight to make the society a reality and to CSRD staff for their tremendous support.

John can be contacted on www. shuswapevdev.ca or Facebook at Shuswap Economic Development Society.

Dragon Boat Coming Back

By Vicki Coe a Kayak group to go out a couple of times a month to enjoy Paddling Coordinator our local lakes. It was so well received that we have decided Dragon Boat is coming back to Blind Bay! to continue the group. Come and join us on these After a three-season break, we are anticipating serene paddles and you will see many beautiful getting out on the water again this spring. How spots right in our neighborhood. about joining us this year?

A registration event took place on April 2 Dragon Boat is an exciting team sport, and a but if you missed the event, it is not too late. Go unique way to enjoy our beautiful Shuswap Lake. to our webpage at www.gtdragonboatsociety.ca, We have trained coaches who can teach you padclick the JOIN US tab and all the forms and indling techniques and we will have a “test” padstructions to register are available there. dle once we get the Dragon Boat in the water in Further information can be obtained on our mid-May and you can see if the sport is a good fit Facebook page - GT Dragon Boat Society, or by for you. You would need to bring with you an encalling Dan at 780-405-5316 or Susan at 250-675joyment of the lake, a desire to be part of a team 3608 or email your questions to gtdragonboatsosport, and willingness to get some fitness along the way. ciety@gmail.com.

During the pandemic, the GT Dragon Boat Society formed Come and join us and “Awaken the Dragon”.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

11

Spring Trail Etiquette Shuswap Trail Alliance Release The snow is melting quickly and thankfully we are getting some much needed rain (and snow up high). For the most part the local trails are fairly resilient to wet weather use. But not all the trails are suitable for spring riding and hiking. Some things you can do to help this time of year.

• If you are leaving tire ruts, deep boot or hoof prints in the trail, let it dry out and come back another day.

• Clear any blocked drains and puddles you come across, help the trails dry out.

• Carry a handsaw and clear any blow down. I am a huge fan of Silky folding saws.

• Clear Branches and debris from the trail.

• Clean your bikes, boots and hooves before or after every outing. Trail users are a major spreader of invasive plants. For more information visit the CSISS web site.

• Report the big stuff, including blowdown, to our Trail Report Shuswap Trail Alliance Annual General Meeting - We will be holding our 2021/2022 Annual General Meeting, via Zoom, on May 17 at 7:00 pm.

This is a reminder that to vote, a member must be in good standing for a minimum of 30 days prior to the AGM. The cut-off for becoming a voting member is April 16. Renew your membership at: https://shuswaptrails.com/ get-involved/membership/.

Shuswap Trail Legacy Fund - Did you know that the Shuswap Trail Alliance has a legacy fund set up through the Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF)? Donations to the Legacy Fund are held in a permanent capital fund, and the earnings are dispersed back to the STA annually. For more information on the Shuswap Trail Legacy Fund visit http://shuswapfoundation.ca/giving/

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12 The South Shuswap Scoop

Don’t Drive Thru, Stop-by and Enjoy

April 2022

By Dawn Clarke It was 2020, at the start of the pandemThere is one event in the White Lake area that guarantees ic that the breakfast was cancelled and last fun, food and enjoyment and this year it is back! year a hastily organized Drive Thru breakWhite Lake Fire Department will once again be hosting a fast was organized. That event successfulMother’s Day Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, May 8, after ly allowed the Department to provide some a hiatus of two years! Can you believe that for the 39th time, Mother’s Day fun, but this year’s Pancake Breakfast will allow yes, the event started way back in residents to once again make that 1983; this year may be potentially connection with those who are the most significant of all? committed to helping and proPreparations for the event are viding a service to everyone in underway and you can be sure the community. breakfast and the chance to meet The logistics for the day are your friends and neighbours in a being planned, allocation of dusafe happy environment is merely ties for each of the firefighters, less than a month away. Not bepurchasing food, preparing items ing able to offer this storied event in advance……..there is a lot of for 2 years has been difficult for preparation that takes place to the Department to accept for two ensure a seamless, efficient operreasons. Firstly, as communiation for everyone to enjoy. Not ty firefighters they take enormous only does the Department cook pleasure in meeting the communiand serve the breakfast itself, a ty face to face in a social situation, raffle needs to be organized with and secondly, it is the primary prizes donated by many local WLFD Fire Chief Bryan Griffin, ‘in training’ fund-raising event for the Fire Debusinesses, and invitations made for the return of the Mother’s Day Breakfast. partment. Funds which are norto local crafters to take a table to mally given back to the communidisplay their goods and wares for ty in terms of youth bursaries, school support and other events sale. WLFD is always keen to hear from companies located in have had to be stopped as monies were just not enough to meet the area who may wish to contribute to the raffle, or to particithese customary acts. pate in a sales opportunity for their business. The entire Mother’s Day Breakfast is aimed at providing a local showcase, not just for the Fire Department but for others in the area to meet and greet their neighbours.

The Mother’s Day Breakfast is served from 8-11:00 am on Sunday, May 8 at White Lake Community Hall on Parri Road, adjacent to the Fire Hall.

Make this a Mother’s Day to remember for the whole family. Don’t let this event ‘crepe’ [creep] past you, it is the best ‘flippin’ opportunity to celebrate Mothers anywhere this year.

See you there.

www.SHUSWAPSCOOP www.SHUSWAP SCOOP.ca .ca

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

13

New Level of Pain at the Pumps

By Greg Kyllo, MLA for Shuswap Across the province, British Columbians are feeling a whole new level of pain at the pumps as gas prices have reached more than two dollars per litre. While our prices have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, our province has been facing some of the highest gas prices for years. Today, B.C. endures the highest gas prices and highest gas taxes in North America.

As we prepare for the summer tourism season to recover some of the business lost over the pandemic, B.C.’s astronomical gas prices could serve as another barrier that will keep visitors away from the Shuswap. When Alberta is offering gas at 50 cents per litre cheaper than some parts of B.C., it might be too tempting for tourists to take their cars, trucks, campers, boats and jet skis to cheaper Albertan towns.

Earlier this month, the Premier announced his grand solution to the horrendous gas prices — a one-time cheque to B.C. drivers. It’s an ICBC rebate that was already slated to go back into the pockets of B.C. drivers — which might explain why Tesla drivers will get the same “gas rebate” as the driver of a Toyota Corolla — but government instead chose to try to convince British Columbians that the rebates were some newfound action against gas prices.

National Volunteer Week Apr 24-30

There are still ways we could be putting more money back into B.C. drivers’ pockets. An additional step government could take to help ease the pain at the pumps would be to return some of the millions in extra gas taxes through a one-time carbon tax rebate to help British Columbians. This would be done using the BC Climate Action Tax Credit — created under our previous government — which was specifically designed as a tool to refund carbon taxes to families.

Although government continues to disregard the real world impacts to families and businesses, I want to wish businesses a successful tourism season. Vacationers recognize the beauty of the Shuswap, the bounty of recreational opportunities available and the first-class tourism and hospitality businesses in our region. We need to act on gas prices now, so they do not serve as a barrier for the thousands of people who want to support our local businesses and enjoy all the amazing things the Shuswap has to offer.

14 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

CSRD Appoints Acting CAO

By Jo Anne Malpass The Columbia Shuswap Regional District Board appointed Jodi Pierce, Manger, Financial Services & Deputy Manager Human Resources, as the Interim or Acting Chief Administration Officer (CAO), effective May 1, 2022, it was announced in the release of in-camera resolutions after the March 17 Board meeting.

Current CAO Charles Hamilton will be retiring April 30 after 13 years on the job. A committee of four has been struck to work through the process of bringing a short list of 2 or 3 possibilities to the board.

In other business at the meeting: Rural Connectivity - The federal and provincial governments have established a funding partnership of up to $830 million to connect all remaining underserved households in BC to highspeed internet services by 2030. BC intends to accelerate this commitment, with a plan to connect every household by 2027. The Province is seeking input from service providers, as well as Indigenous and local governments, on the

development of programs to deliver this funding. The Board approved a motion

by Area C Director Paul Demenok to have staff to participate as possible and appropriate.

Covid update – Jodi Pierce reported the CSRD will be moving slowly with the loosening of health restrictions as per Provincial public health regulations and is developing a communicable disease policy. The CSRD’s Proof of Vaccination Policy for Directors, staff and volunteers will remain in place at this time. Directors asked about reintroducing local advisory committees. This will be on the April agenda.

Safe Restart Grant-in-Aid Funding – The $50,000 fund set aside will be divided amongst non profits who apply, up to a maximum of $2,500.

Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail - The CSRD Board voted to support Splatsin in applying to the Federal Active Transportation Fund grant program for $12.5 to $13M on behalf of the inter-jurisdictional partners for the Sicamous to Stepney Crossing Rd. section from 0 km to 42.6 km for full build-out of the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail

Trail. It was noted that Indigenous led projects receive 100% funding from the province, while local government projects qualify for up to 60%.

Grants-in-aid • $13,295 BC Conservation Foundation (WildsafeBC Community Coordinator – shared with Area E) • $5,720 White Lake Community Hall Society (aesthetic upgrades) • $17,325 Sorrento Memorial Hall Association (conceptual architectural drawings for exploration of expansion) Park Land Donation Agreement – The Board agreed to enter into a Parkland Donation Agreement and Statutory Right of Way Agreement with David Arthur Barnard and Western Tree Seeds Ltd. for a 2.238 hectare (5.53 acre) parcel of land and a 0.105 hectare (0.26 acre) parcel of land located in Blind Bay. Subject to subdivision approval, the Board approved issuing a tax-deductible receipt to Barnard for $735,294.63 and Western Tree Seeds for $45,028.73, representing the net value of the property being donated.

(Continued on page 15)

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022 (Continued from page 14)

Ryan Nitchie, Team Leader Community services said the project is adjacent to CSRD property owned for utilities. This is a large area that can be developed for passive recreation purposes, trails and green space. Future plans include planting some specific trees and interpretive signage but this is not in the current budget so for now, it is just land acquisition.

Parks Community Works Funds - Staff has completed the final design for several parks projects in Electoral Area C which are scheduled for construction in 2022 including: a new universal trail, trailhead and dog park at the previously undeveloped Loftus Lake Fen Park; upgrades to the perimeter walking trail to a universal standard at Sorrento Blind Bay Park; and erosion mitigation and asphalt surfacing of the parking lot at Sunnybrae Community Park, boat launch upgrades and asphalt surfacing the parking lot at Whitehead Road Boat Launch and a new vault toilet at Mt. Baldy trail.

The Board approved a series of expenditures for the 2022 Electoral Area C Parks & Trails function. Dawson Construction Ltd will supply and install asphalt surfacing for Sunnybrae Community Park for a total amount not to exceed $70,000 and for Whitehead Road Boat Launch for a total amount not to exceed $43,000 plus applicable taxes.

Lakes Zoning Amendment - 3700 Sunnybrae Canoe Point Road in Sunnybrae. The owners are applying to rezone the foreshore to allow for a raised permanent walkway and a fixed dock which is proposed to be 33.45 m2 with attached 3.72 m2 sea doo pods, for a total of 37.17 m2.

Currently, the zoning permits only a floating walkway and dock, with a maximum size of 33.45 m2. Staff did not support the increased dock size. The Board gave first reading to the bylaw with the stipulation that the dock size could not be larger than 33.45 m2. The bylaw has now been referred to applicable agencies and First Nations.

Lakes Zoning Amendment - 4119 Galligan Road, Eagle Bay, has 29 share areas, 17 of which are waterfront and considered to have waterfront units. The foreshore adjacent to the subject property is currently zoned for one floating dock and one private mooring buoy for each waterfront unit. It is proposed to rezone to add a site-specific regulation that will permit up to 29 private mooring buoys in addition to the 17 docks. The Board approved second and third readings of the bylaw with the requirement for a Foreshore and Water Development Permit for the proposed buoys prior to adoption.

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16 The South Shuswap Scoop

Eagle Bay Community Association

April 2022

Park - Coming this Summer

By Cathy Wolf Yes, it is true. The tender for the Eagle Bay Park went out from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) and we are finally on our way to having the park become a reality this summer. Go to www. csrd.bc.ca/news-notices/news/2022-03-09/ invitation-tender-eagle-bay-community-park-construction to get the full picture of what is planned.

While it has taken some time, through two years of COVID and CSRD budget agendas to bring us to this point, a big thank you to the CSRD and Director Paul Demenok for the support and effort in making the park part of Eagle Bay. It is much appreciated and will be of great value to residents and visitors alike. Our Community Association also wants to thank the many who brought their voices to this vision of an outdoor park. Our surveys, focus group meetings, and general community meetings have benefitted greatly from your direction and support. We are optimistic that the park will have staying power over the years.

So as we celebrate some new beginnings in our outdoor area, there is also work underway to upgrade the hall. Our fun(d) raising efforts are bringing much needed support to up-

grade our electrical system, address accessibility issues and ensure that our kitchen meets health and safety requirements.

With the new park in our sights, enhancing the functionality and safety of the hall will optimize service to the community.

This month we received a $19,000 grant from the Shuswap Community Foundation to address electrical upgrades. We will be installing LED lights throughout the hall, upgrading our switch boxes, and adding an accessible power door to the newly built ramp. Not only will this upgrade allow for more than two kettles to be plugged in at once in the kitchen, it will reduce operating costs and support those who access the hall from the ramp at the north side of the building. Thank you to the Shuswap Community Foundation. Your financial support is greatly appreciated.

We also want to highlight the new ramp that has been installed at the north end of the building thanks to an accessibility grant from the federal government. We are very pleased that a young couple, Bailey and Eric, new to Eagle Bay, stepped up to take on that work.

Once the snow has melted and safety tape installed, the ramp will be open for business.

With the foundation of the hall now stabilized, electrical upgrades on the way and accessibility issues being addressed, we see that we are well positioned to take on this next phase of upgrading our bathrooms and kitchen.

That work will be dependent on our financial strength. We are also optimistic that we can reach that goal.

Join us. We can do this together.

Thanks to everyone who came to the St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon. Your generosity and participation make it all worthwhile.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Checks and Balances Ensure Accountability

By MP Mel Arnold North Okanagan-Shuswap Canada’s democratic system of government is based on the Westminster model developed in England and utilized by 35 nations around the world today.

The Westminster model is structured with checks and balances meant to ensure accountability of those holding power. These include an executive branch (Prime Minister and Cabinet) made up of elected members of the legislature that is also accountable to the legislature. If members of the legislature (e.g. Members of Parliament) do not have confidence in the proposals of the executive branch, they can vote against them. Some votes, especially votes on budgetary measures, are confidence votes and if the executive branch loses the vote, a general election is usually triggered.

As a counterbalance to the executive branch, the Westminster model also requires parliamentary opposition parties to play an essential role in determining whether the government, as led by the executive branch, holds the confidence of the members elected by citizens.

On March 21, the Trudeau Liberals and federal NDP led

by Jagmeet Singh announced their confidence-and-supply agreement that could allow Trudeau’s executive branch run the government until 2025 without the possibility of being defeated on a confidence vote, including budgetary measures.

Last year’s general election resulted in Trudeau winning a minority government with 159 seats, but his agreement with Singh has delivered Trudeau a de facto majority government with 184 votes to carry the Trudeau government through confidence votes. This level of secure power for a party is usually limited to an elected majority government holding at least 170 seats (a majority of the House of Commons’ 338 seats).

Since this secretly negotiated agreement was announced, Singh has repeatedly stated that his guaranteed support for Trudeau is appropriate because of what Trudeau promised him in return- a national dental care program. I recognize the potential of such a program to improve health and quality of life for Canadians lacking dental care and the savings for public health care systems when preventative dental care can decrease demands on health care systems.

However, regardless of how great the potential of a proposal may be, Canada’s Parliament exists for such proposals to be thoroughly examined in open debate before they are approved or defeated in rounds of votes. As tedious as this process may sound, this is Canada’s established democratic process for ensuring that proposals of any party are openly discussed, amended as needed, and transparent.

I am concerned that the Trudeau-Singh agreement sets an unhealthy precedent in which secretly negotiated proposals are forced through Parliament by the executive branch in exchange for guarantees from an opposition party that they will unequivocally support and preserve the executive branch.

Governments must be held accountable, and it is the responsibility of opposition parties to do so, but what happens when an opposition party hands the government a blank cheque?

As I represent the people of the North Okanagan-Shuswap in Parliament, I will continue to advocate for the needs and priorities of our region and do my upmost to press for accountable government.

17

MEL ARNOLD

Member of Parliament

Here To Help

With Federal Government Programs

MEL.ARNOLD@PARL.GC.CA 1- 3105 29th Street Vernon, BC V1T 5A6

1.800.665.5040

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Opening May 1 Now taking orders for hanging baskets Plant your own baskets April 8, 9, 22 or 23 Phone, Email or Message for details

Leanne's Greenhouse on Facebook Leannes.greenhouse@gmail.com

250-835-0055 Like us on Facebook

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18 The South Shuswap Scoop

Sorrento Centre

April 2022

Volunteers - the Hearts and Souls of our Communities

By Mary Scheidegger Communications Manager According to dictionary. com a volunteer is “a person who performs a service willingly and without pay” or “a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking”. Although that is a very simplified definition, we all know that volunteers are so much more than that. Volunteers are the hearts and souls of our communities. They are community.

Never is this more evident than in day-to-day operations of non-profit organizations with missions to provide service and comfort to their communities, and to the world around. Sorrento Centre is no different… for close to sixty years, our centre has served our community with the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers willing to share their gifts and talents.

Growing, learning, belonging, volunteering – all throughout the year volunteers work alongside our core staff to help provide food for the hungry, provide care and engaging programs for children and youth, create and maintain beautiful gardens for precious bees to thrive and humans to enjoy, provide and mentor careful stewardship of our wetlands and song-bird habitat, share wisdom and leadership to take action on housing and homelessness while building up the community. And so much more.

We have a long history of supporting and mentoring youth here at Sorrento Centre. Because of that, thousands of teens and pre-

teens have experienced, often for the first time, that awesome feeling of selfless giving, and are now life-long do-gooders, continuing that legacy through second and third generations. Our volunteers come from far and wide – from Vancouver to Nova Scotia, from Switzerland to Blind Bay. We appreciate them all.

Now, we all look forward with excitement and anticipation of throwing open our doors to more visitors and volunteers as the world begins to recover from the trauma of a global pandemic, we welcome you to consider how you too might reach out to make a difference in your community.

We at Sorrento Centre have a number of volunteer opportunities. From gardening and hanging baskets to painting and projects around our main campus and along our waterfront, we welcome you! Volunteers also serve as the members of the non-profit society that governs the Sorrento Centre, including serving on our Board of Directors and committees. We welcome you!

We’ve got lots of special projects - including sorting through stories and photos from our first 59 years or helping with special events throughout the year. We welcome you!

So, if you have talents and time that you’d like to share with your community and beyond, please consider a local non-profit neighbour.

It will fill your heart and enrich your life.

Visit www.sorrentocentre.ca/volunteer for more information.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Shuswap Golf Opening Day

19

SL Golf Course Release CPGA Head Professional Tony Vogel and the golf course Shuswap Lake Golf Course has confirmed they have professional team, are keen to help golfers of all skill levels come through the winter well and this gives course superinto improve their mastery of the game, and to help new players tendent Jenn Rozek some feelings of feel comfortable golfing at the driving range relief. “When our course winters well, or the course, this season. the usual great conditions we present General Manager Jordan states “Helpare likely to result again this year”, says ing golfers focus on the simplicity of the Jenn. game, as well as how to exercise their own “Discovering how the grass weathindividual ability effectively is one of our ered the winter is one of the most stresskey objectives this season” ful times of year for a golf operations As a long time student and teacher of team, and when the Superintendent gives the game himself, Jordan and his operations a thumbs up, it becomes one of the most team are looking forward to creating a golf exhilarating moments of the season” experience that is unique and suited to the says General Manager Shawn Jordan. unpretentious culture of the community. A April 9th has been set as the first place where feeling comfortable and familday the course is accepting tee time iar is par for the course. bookings, and as long as the weather coAn opening day would not be complete operates, the course will host the first without a few off-season changes being testrounds of the season in sync with all the ed, by the field of players. This year local golf excitement that Masters weekend players and members will notice one welbrings. come change when they check out the new Prior to opening day the course will scorecard and get to the eighteenth hole open up the Driving Range and Lesson GM Shawn Jordan making the first hit of Hole 18 is now a Par 5!

Programs for eager players that are won- the season at SLGC, Driving Range.

The course team looks forward to makdering how their swing weathered the off ing the 2022 season one of the best ever seaseason and if it will work as is, or require some professional sons on record for the course which will be celebrating its assistance or pre-season practice!

46th season opening day this April - and you’re invited!

20 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Copper Island Health

Raise your hand if you try to breathe quieter while walking up a hill so bystanders don’t hear you fighting for your life

By Sandra Reutlinger Fifty/Fifty or 50/50.

Write it as a word or a number, either way, it is a fun/ fun way to have a chance to win some real coin and to help support Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre in bringing Health Care close to home.

In fact, if all the tickets sold, you would have a chance to win $10,000.

Whoa. Our 50/50 Raffle is running online, and the jackpot is growing which means so are your chances of winning big.! Go to: www. southshuswaphealthss.rafflenexus.com to buy some tickets and a chance to win.

Quinquennial. Yep, that’s a real word according to some dictionaries and it’s one we are happy to use! Quinquennial means “a period of 5 years”.

It has been 5 years since the Mobile Lab and ECG Services opened up at Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre. Operated by Life Labs, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 -12:00, all you need is a requisition from your physician and it can in fact even be faxed over.

Paramedicine. Yep, another word we are happy to use because it means we have a Community Paramedic at the Centre on the last Thursday of every month (April 28) from 8:00-12:00 while the Centre is open for the Mobile Lab. The Community Paramedic can take blood

pressure and vitals, assess fall risk, set up and support home health monitoring for things like diabetes and COPD, provide helpful exercises and more.

You don’t need an appointment to pop in and meet Candace, our new Community Paramedic.

Ambulation is a fun word for terrestrial locomotion.

Walking for health and fitness happens indoors at Shuswap Lake Estates Mondays and Thursdays 1:30-2:15. Joyce is an experienced instructor who can teach you how to properly walk with walking sticks and give direction on how to safely and effectively walk. Walking strengthens bones and muscles for mobility, improves balance and mental health and promotes weight loss.

Contact us if you’d like to sign up.

Erudition. The information and understanding gained from being educated. Workshops, webinars, sessions, seminars. Whatever you want to call it, we’ve been busy making these times happen. We just finished a zoom session on how to deal with stress and we have other workshops coming up on nutrition, food security and elder abuse. Let us know if there are topics you’d be interested in.

Contact us at: 250-6753661 or sshealthss@gmail. com or www.sshss.ca or on Facebook or Instagram.

April 2022

The South Shuswap Scoop

21

22 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Arts Council

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By Jacquie Middlekoop Small Hall Crawl Concert #3 - Salmon Arm’s Mozi Bones takes to the stage at the Eagle Bay Community Hall on Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 pm for the 3rd and last leg of the Small Hall Music Crawl!

Mozi Bones is an emerging trio from Salmon Arm, BC – pushing the boundaries of modern music, blending genres that range from Latin and Jazz to Funk and Afrobeat. The trio’s all-original sound pulls listeners into driving grooves and soaring melodies. The players share a deep commitment to a warm and intimate sound.

The trio is preparing for the release of their debut album in early 2022 and have recently featured in the audio-visual documentary called ‘Celebrate Shuswap’, an up close look at the music industry in the Shuswap region. They were also featured on the “Wednesday on the Wharf” live sessions album, a compilation of music promoting local artists.

A band truly representing the musical talent we have right here in the Shuswap! Join us for an intimate, table-seated concert with cash bar and charcuterie available!

Tickets are$20 each and are available through Eventbrite or at the door.

Arts Council for the South Shuswap AGM - The Annual General Meeting for the Arts Council is taking place April 19 at 7:00 pm via Zoom. For more information on how to register for the meeting, follow the Arts Council on Facebook and keep an eye on the website: www.shuswaparts.com The Arts Council oversees a number of arts and cultural programs in the region including Market by the Bay – a weekly vendor market complete with food trucks, live musical talent and a beer/cider garden, The Small Hall Music Crawl – small, intimate indoor concerts featuring Canadian talent at local halls in our community, and FACES – offering music, dance and art instruction by highly qualified instructors to youth in the Shuswap.

Wanted: Vendors for Market by the Bay - The Arts Council is preparing for another successful year of Market by the Bay this coming summer. We are looking for a collection of artists, artisans, crafters, bakers and makers of all types for this year’s market. Last year saw many residents and tourists of the Shuswap out to shop, browse, taste, and enjoy live music each week on Centennial Field. With a stellar music lineup taking shape and an even greater variety of food truck vendors signed on this year, we anticipate Market by the Bay 2022 to be another successful weekly community event.

For more information on how to be a part of Market by the Bay, contact Karen Brown at admin@shuswaparts.com

Jodi Towell REALTOR

Each purchase and sale helps support the Shuswap Paws Rescue Society!

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Mozi Bones at Eagle Bay Community Hall on Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 pm.

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April 2022

The South Shuswap Scoop

23

"SHE SAVED MY LIFE" Sorrento resident, Joan F., had been experiencing the painful side effects of Peripheral Neuropathy, "My feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life." Then she met Salmon Arm’s very own Acupuncturist, Melanie McLeod, R.Ac

Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Joan explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful. "How can you live for the next 30 years when you don't even want to get out of bed to do simple things?"

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering from neuropathy often describe. "The way that I would describe it, it's equivalent to walking on glass."

Joan hadn't worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would 'touch' her feet.

Unfortunately, Joan’s story is all too familiar for the millions of people suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.

If you're unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis then you may have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes struggle with balance, sleep and are living in fear that you might fall Your doctor doesn’t have any more effective solutions for you, and you're taking medications that aren't working or have uncomfortable side effects.

Fortunately, Joan read an article about Acupuncturist Melanie McLeod, R.Ac and the work she was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy without invasive surgeries or medications.

It's time to let your golden years BE GOLDEN! Live your life, pain free! apricuswellness.ca

McLeod, founder of Apricus Wellness Clinic in Salmon Arm, is using the time-tested science of Acupuncture and technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.

"Now when I go to bed at night I don't have those shooting pains. I don't have that burning sensation. I don't have pain coming up my legs," Joan enthusiastically describes life after receiving Melanie’s treatments.

"I can wear socks and shoes!"

Joan can now help out her family by watching her grandchildren and the family’s many dogs.

She can also tend to her beloved garden again.

It's life-altering. As far as I'm concerned Acupuncturist Melanie saved my life!"

McLeod, R.Ac sought out and became trained in this cutting-edge treatment protocol in order to better serve her new community. After moving to the Shuswap in 2020, her practice shifted from treating mostly women’s health issues, digestion, and sports injuries to seeing a lot of chronic and complex pain conditions typically seen in a more senior demographic.

She began her journey to specialize in chronic pain cases, specifically those that have been deemed 'hopeless' or 'untreatable', and she is consistently generating unparalleled results.

What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of the Shuswap.

Call (250) 253-5609 to schedule a consultation NOW! Suite 101, 20 Hudson Ave Salmon Arm, BC

24 The South Shuswap Scoop

Volunteering for Connection

April 2022

By Barbra Fairclough unteers who know what we need to do, and it is incredibly satBlind Bay Resident and community volunteer Bryan isfying to be working and getting stuff done.”

Lowes moved here with his wife Lynn in 2012 from a bustling Bryan’s experience is consistent with findings in a 2018 busy life in White Rock. Moving here was partly to take a briefing presented to Volunteer Canada “Value of Volunteerbreak and rest from the frenetic pace of life in a larger center. ing in Canada” (Conference Board of Canada). It says, “Close Bryan was quite engaged in his professional life there with a to 80% (volunteers) cited the ability to use their skills and exheavy workload and no time for volunteering. perience as reasons for volunteering, while having friends and He acknowledges living in a smaller community is quite acquaintances already doing volunteer work was another imdifferent from what he was used to. While adjusting to his re- portant factor.” imagined life in the Shuswap, Bryan began golfing at the CeThe brief notes that “Over 90% reported that they volundar Centre golf course. He was at once struck by how so many teered because they wanted to make a positive contribution to wonderful community programs can be availthe community. “44% of Canadians volunteer able at such a low price. It just didn’t seem posan average 156 hours per year. Together with sible. other nonprofit activities the economic contriHe was intrigued enough to become a membutions rise to nearly $87 billion.” ber of the Cedar Heights Community Associa“Well, we contribute a few hundred hours tion. At the time a new building expansion was a year,” Bryan goes on. “To some it is harder just coming to completion. He found it remarkwork, but it is not hard work when it is satisable that they could get funding for such an amfying to see the fruits of labour put into place bitious project. so readily and appreciated. Many people reAt the first annual general meeting Bryan attired from unfulfilling jobs. With volunteering tended it was made clear to members that if they you have so many choices, you can volunteer didn’t have a new outdoor program director, the to make pies or soup or organize an event, the facilities would have to close. Bryan’s friend sky is the limit.” Brian recalls that in the year Dave Johnson was also there and that is the mojust prior to the pandemic the volunteers at Bryan Lowes ment Bryan decided to get involved. He and his the Cedar Centre collectively worked approxicommunity volunteer friend Dave both volunteered to be the new outmately 10,000 hours. door program directors and facilities remained Cedar Heights Community Association open. has been described as a place “Where neighbours become “I spent 35 years working for an organization and built up Friends.” Bryan noted that when they lived in the city, their and developed my skills. Are you going to throw it all away? connections and social network were dominated by the rhythm Now I am using the same skills and background knowledge of work life. They felt lucky to have a handful of a few close from many decades of my career, and it is being used for the friends. “I’d say within two years of volunteering with Cedar benefit of the community.”

Heights we knew over a 100 people. And you get to know a Bryan found the speed at which you can make decisions lot about them.” and get things done is quite different from that of big bureau(continued on pg 25) cracies that can be slow and frustrating. “Here you have vol-

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April 2022 (continued from pg 24)

25

“Life in a small community is so different and the fact that you can get to know so many people is quite remarkable.

The best way to meet people is to volunteer no matter what you did before you retired. Work was onerous and heavy and here we get to do what you want to do and choose. People of very diverse backgrounds develop friendships. Many of these folks I may never have met the same way in the city.”

The brief also notes that “Social capital has a positive impact on giving and volunteering. When individuals develop bonds with others in the community, they are more likely to donate funds to charities and engage in volunteering activity.”

In the words of a south Shuswap volunteer, “Volunteering is a matrix. It’s the warp and weft that holds a community together.”

As Bryan has experienced, the effects of volunteering overlap in social and economic health of a community and its residents.

The benefits of volunteering go beyond the value of hours worked. It supplies essential programs and services and can help bond communities. The many grant monies flow to the community in support of these services. The services and amenities offered make the community an attractive and enjoyable place to live.

If you are craving connection, make a phone call and find your volunteer home, have a look at Clubs and Organizations listing in the back pages of the SCOOP. There you will find the Community Events Calendar and Community Hall information. The South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce recognizes the important role of Non Profit Organizations (NPO), and you can find a NPO listing on the chamber website.

White Lake Community Clean Up - April 9

By Shaun Gaynor April 9, 2022 marks the 4th annual White Lake Community Clean Up Day! Once again, the organizers are so grateful for how willing residents are to spend a morning cleaning the shoulders of the road to keep White Lake beautiful. In just 30 minutes, over two thirds of the streets were 'adopted' and the remaining were adopted in the next 3 days.

This year 56 people will be cleaning up 23 sections of road plus Hugh Road Park and the whole area around White Lake Hall, Boat Launch, and Firefall. That's 31km of clean up and two parks tackled in about 2.5 hours! Many hands make light work!

Participants are excited to meet in person again to enjoy coffee and muffins before heading out to pick up trash on the streets. Thank you to CSRD for waiving the dump tipping fee and White Lake Residents Association for providing the treats and use of their website.

Details can be found at www. wlra.ca/community-clean-up. If any communities have had success deterring littering in the first place, please share your tips by contacting organizers at the website above."

Do you own waterfront property on Shuswap or surrounding lakes?

Stay informed with SWOA Shuswap waterfront owners are faced with new and changing regulations from all levels of government.

• We successfully lobbied local and provincial governments to allow for larger docks.

• We advocate for waterfront owners rights and keep our members informed of their responsibilities • We continue to monitor the activities on the Shuswap Watershed Council and stress responsible use of taxpayers dollars • We actively support local and provincial efforts to prevent the introduction of Zebra and Quagga mussels to BC. • Our board members have over 300 years of experience on the Shuswap, and are familiar with issues like the new changes to the Federal Fisheries Act • We continue to keep our members updated on the status of buoys and their removal A two year membership of $50 will help you to stay current on issues, give you access to expert advice and to the SWOA website with information on lake regulations associated with living and building on the lake.

Shuswap Waterfront Owners Association go to SWOA.ca and click JOIN SWOA For more information email info@swoa.ca

26 The South Shuswap Scoop

White Lake Residents Association

April 2022

Emergency Planning, Community Building and Sustainability Projects Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Open Community Meeting - Thursday April 21 6:30pm at the White Lake Community Hall. Members of our Community Safety and Emergency Preparedness committees will co-present a community information session with CSRD emergency planning staff. The focus will be on wildfire plans, evacuation plans, and neighbourhood level emergency preparedness.

White Lake Residents Association AGM - Thursday May 19 at 7:00 pm at the White Lake Community Hall. WLRA Directors are elected for a 2 year term.

This year we have two executive Director positions, and we have two Director at Large positions open. The following board positions will be vacant at the upcoming AGM. Vice President – Chairs the Governance Committee, Assumes President duties in their absence and is Secondary contact for media and at various events. Secretary - Oversees administration of the organization; Sits on Governance Committee. Director at Large - Chairs at least 1 Committee; Sits on Strategic Planning Committee For details about the roles and responsibilities of these positions, or if you or someone you know would like to stand for election into one of these positions, please review the WLRA Bylaws Part 5 and Policy 3 White Lake Fire Fighters Photo Credit: Lester McInally at the WLRA website www.

By Nick Najda The White Lake Residents Association (WLRA) works hard to maintain and improve the quality of life for residents, visitors and wildlife in and around the White Lake watershed. Some of our work flows through the following committees and their dedicated Chairs/volunteers: • Emergency Preparedness Committee • Community Safety Committee • Forest Stewardship Committee • Lake Water Quality Committee • Roads and Infrastructure Committee • Trails Committee • Lake Stewardship Committee • Community Events Committee As we gear up for a busy and exciting Spring/Summer season, we want to let the community know about some important and interesting events coming up in April and May.

wlra.ca/documents and then contact the Nomination Committee at info@ wlra.ca .

White Lake Community BBQ and Celebration - Saturday May 28, 9am-2pm at the White Lake Community Hall.

White Lake Community This year our White Lake Celebration.

CommuniPhoto credit Nick Najda ty BBQ and Celebration will be jointly hosted by the White Lake Community Hall Society, the White Lake Volunteer Fire Department, and the White Lake Residents Association. This family friendly event will include a BBQ (by donation), a 20+ vendor market, a silent auction, a bake sale, a booth from the RCMSAR Station #106, as well as the White Lake fire trucks being on display. More information to come as the date gets closer, but mark your calendars now!

White Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program - April 18 – October 12 at White Lake. Working with the Ministry of Environment and the BC Lake Stewardship Society, our dedicated and trained White Lake volunteers will launch the 2022 water monitoring program on April 18 (subject to ice off and safety condi(continued on page 27)

Shuswap Better at Home “A little extra help for seniors to remain confidently in their own homes” SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME : • Check-in calls & friendly visits • Light housekeeping • Minor home repair • Resource, referral, and information Staff, Volunteers and Contractors have been carefully ve�ed and trained for your security Central Intake 250-253-2749

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April 2022 (continued from page 26)

tions being met). Bi-weekly water tests will again be conducted between April and October of 2022 on White Lake. This is the 2nd of a 3 year Level 3 program, at the end of which we will commission a 10 year comparative study using our data from 2009-2011. The results will demonstrate how the lake is changing and will allow resi-

27

dents and scientists to better understand how to protect this vital community asset into the long term.

For more information about the White Lake Residents Association, and to get involved, please visit www.wlra.ca or email info@wlra.ca.

Sorrento Minor Baseball Needs Coaches

By Barbra Fairclough Sorrento Minor Baseball is looking for coaches.

With nearly a hundred kids registered, the league can accommodate up to eighteen coaches.

Danika Heighes administrator with the league says they have nine or ten confirmed. “A small number of kids have been wait listed until we get more coaches signed up.”

If you are curious about coaching and may have questions Danika says there is support for coaches.

No previous experience is required.

Most people who volunteer have played ball before or have children playing but neither is a requirement. A security check is necessary to work with the children and if you have an interest, message the league on Facebook for further information or send them an email. ”We will help you become confident to coach.”

Sorrento Minor League Baseball opening pitch and season opening ceremony is on April 20. All players are asked to meet up at the park where they will meet their coaches and teammates. Players will decide their team names and they will also receive their team jersey’s, a fun treat, and a team hat they get to keep.

Sorrento Minor League Baseball play begins week of April 25. Families are welcome to come out to watch on Monday and Thursday each week. Some games are away.

Danika says there is some travel for 7U T ball and 9U Tadpole to Chase and North Shuswap as well as 11U to Chase and Salmon Arm. They also have 5U blast ballers that have no scheduled games but they have 30 minutes of play, hitting off the tee and catching. Fields of play are Sorrento Blind Bay Park (Sorrento), Chase Fields, Scotch Creek (North Shuswap), Elks Park (Salmon Arm).

Season play ends the week of June 20 in time for the summer holidays. This is where players meet at the Sorrento Blind Bay Park and all will receive medals in the medal ceremony.

There will fun planned with a “hitathon,” bases relay and other activities with the winners receiving a prize. There will be a pizza party or a BBQ and a treat allowing all players and their families an opportunity to socialize at the park.

Volunteer to coach by contacting the league on Facebook at Sorrento Minor Ball or email at Sorrentominorball@gmail.com. Refer to the website for updates. www.sorrentominorball.com

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28 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Young Musicians Enter Spring Festival

What is the Rabbit’s favourite style of music?

Hip-Hop!

Prepared by Susan Wolff Shuswap Music Festival Society The Shuswap Music Festival returns! From April 1129, 2022 the festival will be held “live and in person” for the first time since 2019. Disciplines include Junior and Senior Piano, Strings and Vocal as well as School Bands.

Youth residing in the area from Chase to Revelstoke and from the North Shore of the Shuswap to Vernon and its environs have registered for this competitive and inspirational event. All sessions will be held at Nexus on First in Salmon Arm and Bands will perform at their respective schools.

In celebration of the Shuswap’s talented young artists and in recognition of their achievements, a Gala Concert is scheduled for 7 PM, Friday, April 29 at Nexus. Everyone is welcome. The latest Covid-19 protocols will be followed.

The educational aspect of this festival sets it apart from others. Individual sessions, in which students perform according to grade level and genre, serve as mini masterclasses. Acclaimed professional musicians adjudicate these sessions that range in genre from classical to jazz. They coach each performer and inspire excellence. The adjudicators select the winners of the awards and scholarships that total over $5000.00 and recommend entertaining performances for the Gala Concert.

This year the adjudicators include Rob Goddard (Band) who performed as principal trumpet with a number of symphonies; Cynthia Goddard (Sr. Piano) who conducts teacher workshops and student master classes throughout BC; Nina Horvath (Jr. Piano), a pianist and coach at the Vancouver Academy of Music; Melissa Braun (Vocal), founder and CEO of the Squamish Academy of Music; and Denis Letourneau (Strings), the Concertmaster for the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra for 39 years. Full biographies posted online at ShuswapFestival.com underscore the depth and international experience of these amazing musicians.

The Shuswap Music Festival Society is pleased to play a part in the musical journey of many young accomplished artists. Over the past 22 years, a number of local musicians who grew up attending the annual festival have achieved successful careers in music. Among them is Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, who studied at the Julliard School of Music, New York, and is currently undertaking his Master of Music at UBC. In March, Jaeden won first prize at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition in South Carolina and as part of the prize will be performing at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall on October 14. Congratulations, Jaeden!

More information about the Festival and detailed schedules of sessions are available at www.ShuswapFestival.com.

Join the festivities. Follow us on Facebook.

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April 2022

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Sorrento Memorial Hall

By Corryn Grayston Happy Spring to everyone and on behalf of the Sorrento Memorial Hall Association (SMHA) we are excited to have this opportunity in the Scoop to share news and community events that are taking place at Sorrento Memorial Hall.

To give some history of where we are today, in October 2021 the SMHA held its re-scheduled AGM and elected the 2021/2022 Board of Directors. With the recent elections completed, we were extremely pleased to announce the following Board: Past-President – Lawrence Magis, President – Corryn Grayston, Vice-President - Angela Bourgeois, Secretary - Karen Brown, Treasurer - Jo Genn and Directors – Jennifer Hagan, Sandra Heschuck, Sarah Tokarek.

The newly elected Board quickly went to work on reviewing and updating our governance protocols, budget, and strategic plans for the Hall. We knew it was time to refresh our logo, build a website and create a social media presence. All these projects are instrumental in bringing the Sorrento Memorial Hall back to being a venue of choice for events and activities as we move forward in 2022. Another critical part of our mandate is to ensure the Hall is a sustainable asset for our community.

As part of our strategic plan, we recently implemented a membership structure for the Hall which will allow us to better connect to the community and leverage the “community voice” on behalf of the Hall. Membership opportunities are based on a calendar year and are a great way to support the Sorrento Memorial Hall. Annual rates are: Individual - $10 per annum; Family - $20 per annum; Not-for-Profit - $10 per annum; For-Profit - $25 per annum. As an added value, membership provides a 10% discount on rental costs when booking your events or activities.

We are also excited to have recently approved our new logo and are in the final stages of developing a brand-new website that we plan to launch in April.

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The website will include events and information, Hall rental fees and availability, an online booking program, membership opportunities, advertising rates for our electronic sign (which is highly visible from the TCH and a great way to market your event or business) and more.

The Board is also discussing the idea of hosting an Open House to celebrate the new logo and website and share some of the existing vision and opportunities for revitalizing the facility.

In advance of the Open House, the Board plans to develop a survey that will be distributed, through online and social media channels, and invite all community members to participate in the visioning process. We want to hear from as many people as possible on the types of activities, events, etc. they would like to see as part of the Sorrento Memorial Hall venue. This could also include any expansion and development ideas based on the existing footprint of the Hall land site and infrastructure.

The Board is very excited for the future of the Sorrento Memorial Hall and look forward to sharing more information in the Scoop as plans become more finalized.

30 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

South Shuswap First Responders Stretch Switch Stop Sip Straight Smarter

By Sandra Reutlinger Millie had read the long-range forecast for April in the Farmer’s Almanac back while March was still roaring like a lion, and she knew she had to take advantage of the sunny days while she had them. Mulching wouldn’t happen if she just sat in her chair munching and the compost needed to be turned, not just the pages in the latest edition of The Scoop.

She had spent all afternoon the day before bustling around outside making headway on the spring cleaning and removing the last vestiges from the winter’s wear and tear. Oh she had worked hard and while she was proud of herself for all that lifting, raking and moving this and that here and there, today now she could feel muscles she’d forgotten she had.

“Tsk tsk Mighty Millie”, she chided herself, “you forgot those good tips of the trade”. She doodled beside the crossword with her pen: “Stretch. Switch.

Stop. Sip. Straight. Smarter.”

To avoid common injuries while gardening and working outside: Stretch and warm up your muscles before you start any yard work and then afterwards too. Stretching out your back, neck, arms and legs will help limber them up before and help them not to cramp up producing more pain later.

Switch positions frequently so that you aren’t in the same position for too long. Changing positions distributes body weight and muscle tensions to different parts of the body to help avoid muscle pain. Switch tasks regularly too so that you aren’t being repetitive for too long.

Stop as soon as something hurts.

Don’t just push through the pain or discomfort as your body is giving you that signal for a reason. Take lots of little breaks and don’t forget to stretch out those body parts. Overdoing it can lead to injuries.

Sip. Hydrate with water and leave the cold beer or cooler at the pub. Your

body needs to stay hydrated, so don’t forget to keep sipping water!

Straight. This one is all about technique when lifting, picking something up or pulling out weeds. Keep your knees bent and back straight and lift with your legs, not your back, keeping your spine and knees straight. Avoid twisting to the side, keeping your nose between your toes, pivoting your entire body as one unit. Keep your neck, back and wrists straight as you lift or pull.

Smarter. Worker smarter by using proper fitting tools instead of your hands, long handled tools to avoid bending and a wheelbarrow or wagon to move heavier objects to avoid the risk of injuries. Taking an extra trip is smarter than trying to carry too much at once.

Avoiding repetitive motions and movements will help protect your body from injuries like tendonitis.

Millie stirred some honey into her tea and gave herself permission to savour The Scoop and wander through the ads and articles. The weather outside seemed unsettled and her good sense told her to stay inside and keep that sore shoulder iced.

Just then she was glad she’d listened to herself because she saw the ad from The South Shuswap First Responders to order reflective house number signs. Now she knew just the right housewarming present to get her new neighbours. A quick email to: ssfr@ shaw.ca and she knew it would be on the way.

Millie felt better knowing that the First Responders were trained volunteers who would quickly respond to any 911 medical emergencies in the area.

Thankful for her community and the spring weather, her sore muscles were starting to feel better already.

April 2022

Come to the Book Sale

By Barbra Fairclough Friends of the Library Book sale is on Friday, April 22 from 10-5pm and Saturday April 23 at 10-4pm at the South Shuswap Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library in Upper Blind Bay. Gently used books DVDs and CDs less than five years old are welcome and drop offs can be made at the South Shuswap Branch. (Please do not bring textbooks, magazines, or Readers Digest) The book sale raises funds that go towards future purchases of extra items for the library. Chairs situated in the magazine area were funded by Friends. To make it more inviting, funds raised for the children’s area purchased extra items such

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as toadstool chairs and a pretend fire pit. Some special library programs like the “Summer Reading Program” that runs July and August receive instrumental support. This BC wide program encourages reading and literacy throughout the summer break.

If you are interested in becoming part of Friends of the Library, they meet five times per year on Mondays in February, April, June, September, and November. On Monday April 25 at 2pm the Friends of the Library will have their AGM. Contact Trudy Vercholuk at 778 490 5057.

32 The South Shuswap Scoop

Sorrento Health Centre

By Celia Dyer To all of you who spend countless volunteer hours dedicated to your chosen organization; often provoking heavy sighs from family wanting a little more of your attention, do you ever wonder if it’s all worth it?

We all know it’s “worth it” but how much is it worth, really?

A recent report from the Conference Board of Canada tells us that volunteerism in Canada is valued at 56 billion dollars or the equivalent to nearly 3% of our GDP. If volunteering were an industry, it would employ nearly as many people as those currently employed in education.

Collectively, Canadian volunteers put in over two billion hours a year.

The value of volunteering is undeniable. Without a Transportation Society, many seniors wouldn’t have easy access to health care. Without the South Shuswap Health Services Society, we would all have to drive greater distances for lab facilities. Without the Sorrento Health Centre Society, there would be no primary care available in this area. I could go on and on for the 40+ other groups

Why We Volunteer

that provide various services in our local communities.

Beyond the obvious benefits of volunteering, I was curious about the motivations behind the hardworking folk who make up the Board of Directors at the Sorrento Health Centre. We meet every month, we discuss issues of importance to the clinic, we put up our hands to volunteer for various projects but we don’t often talk about what drives us to come together to keep our Health Centre firing on all cylinders.

These are some of the answers I heard when I asked my fellow Board members: “Why do you volunteer for the Health Centre?”

Allan Hanson and his wife moved here four years ago and although he works full-time at a job that often takes him away from home, he still finds time to contribute his energy and talents to the Health Centre. His motivation comes from wanting to provide our area with quality health care practitioners. He enjoys the diversity of the Board members and the varied projects the organization undertakes.

April 2022

Volunteering is a way of life for Barry Stokes, which isn’t uncommon for parents with busy children! Their programs often need Moms and Dads to help run the activities they’re involved in. He has been an active volunteer in the area for forty years. He says he became involved with the Health Centre as he wanted to help ensure the project succeeded. His leadership, commitment and wealth of knowledge have certainly helped that happen!

Brittany Lawrence wanted a better understanding of the needs of our community and to be a part of improving the services available. She enjoys connecting with other community members and organizations to collaborate on shared projects. Working with the Board allows her to improve and grow her skill set and she uses those skills to contribute to the organization’s success.

Dani Gratto finds volunteering with the Health Centre fulfilling as it allows her to participate in community activities and help with a much needed service.

She also has a variety of skills that seem to come in very handy whatever project is on the go!

After working in Community Care for many years, Eldene Lindberg saw firsthand the need for a Health Centre in Sorrento. She has been a longtime supporter and volunteer with the Society and feels that it’s important to look beyond yourself and do something to help our community.

Michelle Moore became a volunteer for the Health Centre to become more involved in the community. The (continued on page 33)

April 2022 (continued from page 32)

Health Centre gave her an opportunity to participate on a more long-term, consistent basis with an organization. As Treasurer, she feels she can contribute with something she really knows how to do.

Why do I volunteer with the Health Centre? Who wouldn’t with a team like this? This group, along with everyone involved with the Health Centre since its beginnings, should be very proud of their accomplishments.

They are responsible for bringing a primary medical care clinic to our community. No small feat.

While it may be possible to put a dollar value on volunteerism, in truth, we all know it’s priceless.

Sunnybrae Community Association

By James Clark The hall has sure been warming up after a winter spent alone! Another great coffeehouse last month featuring The L & O Quartet and some fabulous sign-up performers too.

We also enjoyed a fantastic night hosting the 2nd leg of the Small Hall Music Crawl on Saturday 19th March.

As a collaboration with the Arts Council for the South Shuswap, we welcomed Revelstoke’s May Davis to the stage, along with special guests Sue Kyle and Al Bates who opened up the night. What 4 have been gracing the stages of the Shuswap music scene for many years a great, intimate evening with these three singer-songwriters! For more info and we are truly lucky to have them on the next and last event in the series, come and share their music!

Last of all but definitely not least, head to the Arts Council for the South I just wanted to give a big shout out for Shuswap page on Facebook or checkNational Volunteers Week. out www.shuswaparts.com.

I wouldn’t be writing this Salmon Arm’s Mozi Bones, article if it wasn’t for the live at Eagle Bay Communicountless volunteers who ty Hall! share their time, enthusiFor us here at Sunnyasm and passion for Combrae, we look ahead to the SATURDAY APRIL 9 munity events. From mopnext Coffeehouse on SatFEATURING.... ping the hall floors, paying urday 9th April. This will BIRCHBARK the bills, meeting and greetbe the second to last show before we break up for the Last coffee house of ing the renters, hosting summer. We are very much the season is May 14 neighbourhood get-togethers and Community shows, looking forward to bringing Birchbark back as our feature band mowing the lawns, sweeping the roofs, staying up late to stack chairs and tables for the evening! Get ready for a night of folk, swing, fiddle tunes, good times after events... and plenty, plenty more!

Where would any of us be without you and a bunch of multi-instrumentalism!

Birchbark are Sue Kyle, Jean Brighouse, all. So THANK YOU! We appreciate Alan Bates and Richard Owings. These you, always!

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34 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Gary Hoult, a Community Leader & Family Man

By Jerre Paquette who walks in has a different problem that we get to solve!

Gary Hoult is a B.C lad born 62 years ago in Victoria.

That’s what I’ve always enjoyed about the business, that and Much of his working life for the past 46 years or so has all the new things that come out.” And there’s the truth of it— centered around the hardware business, starting as a youth running a hardware store means getting to play with new toys. working in his father’s store in VicOn average about 5-10 new items a toria and later for Home Hardware. week come in, and that keeps Gary He spent several decades managsmiling. ing and “re-doing” stores for RevIt’s clear, too, as you engage elstoke Home Centre, Revy Home the store’s employees that Gary unCentres, Rona Hardware (Salmon derstands and appreciates that manArm), and now Blind Bay Hardaging stores is more about people ware & Mercantile. than just the items sitting on shelves Gary has lived in Blind Bay and hanging from hooks. The tone for the past 25 years with his wife of his store is one of respect for and Bernice, a Dental Assistant in engagement with others—wander Salmon Arm. Their two sons Cararound the shop for a bit, and you’ll son and Branden and daughter likely notice the laughter. And Morgan have flown the nest, but all when you need help (I always do), live not so far away. it’s offered quickly and professionIt’s clear as soon as you enter ally and likely includes conversa(L-R) Jim Hayes, Ton van Hallem, Gary Hoult BB Hardware that he really does tion that has little to do with buying Photo credit Jerre Paquette have considerable skills born of exthings. And the staff seem to know perience, including organizing things—a hardware store has to that you need help before you know you do. be chock full of tools, devices, and parts, all of which have to And all that explains why my one-hour interview with be organized so anyone can walk around the seemingly endGary lasted so much longer and ended with my getting to sit in less shelves and find the things they need and, the real joy, the the driver’s seat of a huge, shiny, fire engine! things they didn’t know they needed.

You see, Gary not only manages hardware stores and looks Gary considers problem solving for customers the high(continued on page 35) light of running a community hardware store: “Each person

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April 2022 (continued from page 34)

and threatened the Balmoral after staff and customers and Store and one more recently in November of 2021 in Blind enjoys all his interactions— he’s the chief of the Shuswap Bay that “…was probably 50Volunteer Fire Department feet across and 30-feet high; it Halls #1and #2 in the Sorren- was unbelievable when we got there” (pentictonwesternnews. to area. com).

When he told me that, These were relativemy eyes must have lit up. I ly small fires asked him if successfully sometime he fought with no could give me human tragea tour of the dies involved, department. but he’s had “Sure, let’s to attend other do it right fires, includnow!” And ing automohe did! And bile events I got to sit in that did not the driver’s end so happiseat of one ly. Those stay of the bigger with him. rigs. He’s the One of the Chief, after things that has all. made his work Gary has as a Fire Chief been with the Chief Hoult - Photo credit so satisfying Shuswap fire Jerre Paquette is his experience department for with local youth, 21 years, and guys and gals, who demonwith his management and peostrate remarkable social comple skills, soon took on the mitment and discipline. Unforcomplex role of Fire Chief tunately, such youth have high overseeing everything from training volunteers to manag- expectations for themselves, ing the halls and the elaborate and they tend to move off to equipment we all so much de- larger centres. Nevertheless, they leave their mark, and pend upon. He puts in about 6-hours a week just on basic Gary and his senior volunteers help them do that. tasks, such as maintenance.

If you are interested in The call-out fires can take up volunteering or simply want an awful lot more time than more information about your that.

He’s attended more fires local fire department, please than can be detailed here, one call 250.833.5955 or email that in 2019 occurred near fire@csrd.bc.ca

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The South Shuswap Scoop

35

CONNECTING PEOPLE WHO CARE WITH CAUSES THAT MATTER A donation of securities or mutual fund shares is the most efficient way to give charitably. With a donation of securities or mutual funds, capital gains tax does not apply, allowing you to give more and avoid paying capital gains taxes. Talk to your financial advisor. www.shuswapfoundation.ca 250.832.5428 info@shuswapfoundation.ca

36 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Blind Bay Memorial Hall Activity

By Agnes Nykiforuk At last, we are getting Covid 19 relief and opening the Hall for activities for the community.

Saturday, March 26th, was a busy beehive at the Blind Bay Hall.

Seven participants were taught to weave by Sharon Eliason, an experienced fiber artist from Armstrong. This weaving workshop also ran in January and was so popular it was rescheduled at the request of previous participants.

The participants were very keen and with Sharon’s guidance, the people who attended managed to weave a scarf for themselves to take home, many without prior experience in weaving. It was quite amazing to see. Sharon was an excellent presenter/teacher. She supplied all the looms and the necessary supplies. This workshop was a great success. With enough interest we can potentially hold another weaving workshop. If anyone out there is interested in learning how to weave, to do wet or needle felting please contact Agnes Nykiforuk, blindbayhall@gmail.com.

Old fashioned bingo is back featuring unique vintage bingo slider cards. The last bingo was just prior to covid on March 7, 2020.

Come out to the hall on April 29, doors at 5:45, first call at 6:30.

First come first served. Come early and catch up with friends. Many of our favorite local businesses have donated prizes. We so appreciate their support to make this fun event possible. Preregistration is not required. Current health orders will be respected. 2510 Blind Bay Road, Blind Bay Memorial Hall.

Weaving workshop host Sharon Eliason, fiber artist from Armstrong.

Photo courtesy Agnes Nykiforuk

Weaving workshop attendees showing off their finished scarves Photo courtesy Agnes Nykiforuk

Happy Spring!

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

37

Sorrento Lions Club - on the Move

By Judi Kembel Our next big upcoming event is our annual Easter Egg Hunt which we can finally hold once again. Plan to attend with your children and/ or grandchildren at the Sorrento/Blind Bay Community Park on Davidson Road, Sorrento at 11:00 am sharp on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022.

The River of Life Church will be serving free hot dogs and hot chocolate and we will be scattering 7,000 foil wrapped chocolate eggs in the fenced area. There will also be an Easter Bonnet contest and the Easter Bunny will arrive as usual by Fire truck.

Our weekly meat draws continue at the Copper Island Pub in Sorrento every Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm until June 24. Come join the fun and win some meat. 50/50 draw is made at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are $1.00 each and good for every draw.

We look forward to continuing our work in the community and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in helping in your community, please consider joining our club as either a member or a “Friend of the Lions” volunteer.

Both women and men over 19 years of age are welcome to join.

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month (September to June) at 6:45 pm at the Shuswap Lions Manor, 2780 Falaise Road, Sorrento. If you would like more information about becoming a Lion, please contact the Sorrento Lions Club 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/

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38 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Carlin Hall Community Association

By Jane Stephenson Has Spring sprung? The calendar says yes, as well as the gentle rains that fall, washing away the winter. Robins have made their presence known and crocuses are peeking through.

Much continues to happen at Carlin Hall, with more on the horizon. With the ever-successful monthly coffeehouses, the recent Slocan Ramblers concert, and the ACSS outstanding presentation of The Big Bad Musical, April, May, and June are sure to be just as much fun. Here we go!

The May 7 Coffeehouse presents the feature act of Allayama (Dave Allan and Naomi). Opening acts at printing are Andrea Roberts and Ruben Carter.

The June 4 Coffeehouse Feature Act is The Mountain Mamas. Jasmin Frederickson is one of the opening performers. *Please note that the June Coffeehouse traditionally supports the Second Harvest Food Bank. Your non-perishable food items/monetary donations will be much appreciated.

The Tuesday workshop/jam sessions recently wrapped up and may continue for some additional dates. For information please contact Larry at 250 675 5426. The Wednesday afternoon jam will run for another 3 weeks before taking a hiatus until the Fall. Please call Diane if you have any questions. 250 517 0861.

The Sunday Makerspace was a lot of fun with much being accomplished during the six weeks session. This group will resume at some point during October, in advance of the Christ-

mas Season, so mark this on your calendars.

As Volunteer Week falls in April, the Board of Directors invites you to its annual Volunteer Appreciation/Spring Clean Up Sunday April 24 at 1:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to share a little of your time as Spring cleaning takes place inside and out. (The outdoor clean up will be weather permitting). Following the clean up portion of the afternoon, there will be a BBQ and Jam. This will be a terrific time to lend a hand, have a bite to eat, be part of a jam (whether as musician or listener), and become more acquainted with your community hall.

If you’ve been curious about that building just up from the Carlin School, this would be your chance to check it out.

In closing, kudos to the youngsters who were involved in the recent production of The Big Bad Musical. This production has been on hold for quite some time due to the restrictions with which we are all too familiar. The young actors had a brief time to pull this together under the excellent guidance and direction of Kelly Coubrough and Lynette Lightfoot. Any opportunity you have to see a production involving kids is sure to energize you. Congratulations to all involved in creating a show that brought laughter and rousing applause to the audience during each performance.

There is sure to be more to come so do check out the Arts Council of the South Shuswap website for classes and workshops.

April 2022

Notch Hill Natter

By Anna-Marie Eckhart Hello and welcome back to the Notch Hill Natter, spring edition.

The Notch Hill Town Hall Association and its Heritage Rentals are once again open for the 2022 season, April 1st - October 31/22. Bookings for all your special occasions are now available to be reserved with our e-banking option.

A great round of applause goes out to all the Notch Hill Town Hall members and volunteers who assisted with the annual Spring Cleaning Bee held April 2. A little bit of elbow work mixed with some great comradery resulted in some good laughs, and a job well done!

The NHTHA held its first general meeting of the year on March 28 at the hall. On the agenda were many great topics of interest. Of mention, the Notch Hill Town Hall Water Works Project was granted in Aid by the CSRD Community Works Funds, the continuing of phase 2 of the Restoration and Revitalization Fundraising Campaign for the Notch Hill School House, as well as a planned eventful calendar presented by the Notch Hill Entertainment. It was also reported that local Notch Hill resident Amy Berry has accepted to renew her contract with the NHTHA to continue on as the Notch Hill Town Hall Events & Bookings Recruiter.

The first event on the Notch Hill Town Hall Events Calendar is the outside Homesteaders & Swap Market, Saturday April 16, 9am to 3pm. Local community homesteaders, small livestock, swap & market. Open to the public. To book a space call Amy Berry 250 803-1806.

A second Spring Market at the hall is planned with returning guests, The Shuswap Market Group. Saturday April 23,

The South Shuswap Scoop

39

9am to 2pm. This indoor and outdoor market will have many offerings from local Home-Based Businesses, Artisans, Crafters and your favorite Vendors. Fundraising Coffee/ Tea desserts from the Kitchen Committee. As a special treat, “In My Orange Kitchen” with Jackie Bland, will be entertaining the shoppers with her song and Ukulele. Jackie the solo ukuleist, was a semi finalist for Shuswap Idol and a contestant at Vernon’s Got Talent. In My Orange Kitchen covers all your favorite tunes from multiple genres and eras. To book a space call Laurisa Gallant 250 804- 5185.

The return of the Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast and mini market is Sunday May 8, 9am to 12pm. Bring your mom to the Historical Notch Hill Town Hall for a Pancake & Sausage, Coffee/ Tea Breakfast for $10 each. Indoor and outdoor seating available. To pre-pay and book your table, or for more info please email us at notchhilltownhall1910@gmail.com The annual general meeting for the NHTHA will be held at the hall Monday April 25 at 6:30pm. Executive Elections to follow. NHTHA $10 renewal membership fees now due.

Stay tuned for more information on our June 19 Fathers Day Barbecue Cruise In, and our June 26 Notch Hill Town Hall Heritage Day & Community Thankyou Barbecue.

Interested in becoming a member or volunteer? Find us at 1639 Notch Hill Rd, Sorrento BC V0E 2W1, Email ~ notchhilltownhall1910@gmail.com LIKE us on FACEBOOK Notch Hill Community Hall. Phone message/ text President Anna-Marie Eckhart 250 804-3374. Notch Hill Heritage Rental - Marianne Romyn 250 835-4721. Event & Rental Bookings - Amy Berry 250 803-1806.

Form Rentals Available

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40 The South Shuswap Scoop

Cedar Heights Community Association

April 2022

Attracting and Keeping Volunteers

By Lynne Lowes ties to work online from home.

At Cedar Heights Community Association we certainly 9. Don’t forget people who are still working. Schedule weekknow the value of our volunteers, they are the heart and soul of end, evening and short term opportunities to volunteer. Parour organization and we would have to close our doors without ents with small children may help out if they can bring their them. Last year they volunteered over 5000 hours; this in a year kids and there is a safe place for them to play. with COVID, when we were closed much of the year. Our vol- 10. Ask people when they become members what are the things unteers were essential to maintain operations over the last few they can do to help and when they come up, call them directlean years, which allowed us to reopen the Centre and restart our ly. We learned many members were willing to assist but were programs and activities in 2022. never contacted.

So here are some things we learned over the years that keep 11. Treat your volunteers like gold! Most just want a heartfelt our volunteers coming back and things we are trying, to attract thank you, but they appreciate the little extras, like a handsome new faces to prevent burnout of our loyal members who written card, mention in your newsletter, bringing muffins support us year after year. to a meeting, or even better, hold a volunteer appreciation 1. Volunteers are giving you one of their most precious assets; lunch. their time, so don’t waste it. Don’t assume just because they So what are our volunteers busy organizing for Spring? are retired they have nothing to do. Keep the meetings short, Outdoor activities will get underway in have an agenda and stick to it.

April with the opening of the golf course for 2. Communicate exactly what each volunteer both the public and our members. Spring will role entails. That way, people know what also see our Pickleball and Bocce leagues get they’re getting into and won’t back out afunderway. For details and opening dates for ter a short time in the role.

3. Ask current volunteers to keep records of ac- Where neighbours become friends our outdoor activities, please check out our website: cedarheightscommunity.ca tiviti es and events We’ve all survived the viruses, travel restrictions, heat that are invaluable for someone taking over the position 4. Don’t assume just because they were an accountant in their dome, fires, and atmospheric rivers to mention a few challenges working life they want to be the treasurer. They might want in the past 2 years. Now it’s time to have fun and test your surto do something very different. vivor skills at the Copper Island Survivor Fundraiser on May 5. Consider job sharing (the previous person teams up with the 14 from 4:30 to 9:30 pm. Tickets are $40/person with $15 going newbie till they feel comfortable on their own). It’s also ide- to the purchase of Blind Bay Village Grocer cards for the door al for retirees as they have someone to take over when they prizes. Tickets are available from the Centre office Tuesdays want to go away and Thursdays from 1 – 3 pm from April 19 to May 5.

6. Many of your volunteers have a lot of skills from their workSo how does it work? Numbered tickets are drawn throughing lives, trust them to do the job but let them know help is out the evening of fun, food, and games. The holder(s) of the available if they need it. last 5 tickets drawn are the “Survivors” who win ALL the gift 7. Be open to new ideas and treat everyone with respect. Nocards. So bring your friends and neighbours as the more tickets one wants to be told that’s not the way we do things around sold the bigger the door prize. If we sell 100 tickets the holdhere. er of the final ticket drawn wins $750 in gift cards! For more 8. Consider what is preventing people from volunteering; perdetails on how to increase your chance of winning check out the haps they don’t drive or they have a physical disability, which could be overcome by providing a ride or opportuni- info on the front page of our website.

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

SAFE Society Release April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 10 to 16 is Prevention of Violence Against Women Week in British Columbia, and recently the SAFE Society has been awarded a three-year grant to support the operation of a 24 hour community-based response to sexual assault service in the Shuswap.

To recognize these important initiatives and help spread awareness about support services, the SAFE Society is inviting you to an open house on Tuesday, April 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at our Sexual Assault Support Services office at 254 Shuswap Street NE in Salmon Arm. Please drop in for a grab-ngo hotdog lunch and refreshments to learn more about our program including ways we are working together in the Shuswap to help improve response to and prevention of sexual assault locally.

Sexual Assault Support Services is funded through a three-year grant program from the Ministry for Public Safety and Solicitor General administered by the Ending Violence Associate of BC (EVA BC).

The SAFE Society received funding as one of 23 communities that made up the first wave of announcements and it represents the first service of its kind in the Shuswap.

The program supports survivors of all gender identities and is available to anyone who may or may not be engaged with other systems like police and healthcare. Services are free, safe, and confidential and available throughout the entire Shuswap Region including Salmon Arm, North/ South Shuswap, Sorrento, Sicamous, Malakwa and Enderby 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Sexual Assault Support Services can be reached directly by phone 778-4890508 or email sass@safesociety.ca. For afterhours (evening and weekend response) contact the SAFE Society Cri-

sis Line at 250-832-9616 (24 hours per day).

We believe community-based support services are essential for victims/survivors, to allow them to be supported while giving them the time and information needed to make informed choices. Community-based programs can help address the unique challenges presented in our area and fill the gaps by providing a dedicated and specialized program.

30% of all women aged 15+ report experiencing sexual assault at least once during their lives. In 2018, in the Canadian territories, nearly half of women (48%) and nearly one-third of men (32%) experienced unwanted or inappropriate sexual behaviour in a public space, in the workplace or online. The rate of sexual assault against Indigenous women is approximately three times higher than among non-Indigenous women. The rate of sexual assault against people with disabilities is about two times higher than those with no disabilities. More than 11 million Canadians have been physically or sexually assaulted since the age of 15. Some individuals who identify with more than one minority or marginalized group were among the most likely to be the target of gender-based violence; for example, nearly two-thirds (62%) of LGBTQ2+ people living with a disability experienced inappropriate sexual behaviour in 2018. (data from the Ending Violence Association of BC) In honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we invite you to pledge your name to show your commitment to working to help improve response to and prevention of sexual assault. Make your voice count by signing the pledge to be a champion for sexual assault and awareness: https://endingviolence. org/saam2022/.

41

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42 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Re: Incorporation I have no skin in your game. Whether Blind Bay/Sorrento incorporates makes no difference to what happens in the North Shuswap. I would love to give Area F residents the opportunity to make this decision, and I’m working towards that. I’m writing this as I see your decision being moved from what should be a fact based rational, logical decision, to a name calling, emotional contest.

To Incorporate or not Incorporate, that is the question. What are the Pros and Cons? What is good about it? What is bad? This is my personal take…

The good arises from choosing your own path. Making decisions IN your community FOR your community, knowing that project and budget decisions are made by your neighbours. And if you’re not happy with those decisions you can find those who made the decision and let them know. In the CSRD model, all decisions are made at a board of 11 directors who live in various areas of the CSRD as far away as Golden, or represent municipalities like Golden or Salmon Arm. The local director can argue for or against a certain policy or expenditure, but the final decision is made by that board who, in general, don’t know your reality. As an example; one of those decisions is the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail (SNORT for short). This is a fine project and will bring long lasting benefits primarily to Sicamous and communities along the abandoned rail trail down to Enderby and Armstrong. It brings little benefit to the North or South Shuswap. Yet, when the purchase decision was made, our arguments against being included in the purchase group were overruled by the board. And we continue to be taxed for ongoing payments against the purchase loan. We had no control of the final decision. As an Incorporated Municipality you would have that control, based on the benefits as you see them.

The good arises when you are able to apply for grants as an Incorporated Municipality (IM). Sicamous has received tens of millions of dollars in grants over the last 5 years, the South Shuswap, at best maybe a million or so, and your population is 3 times that of Sicamous, how fair is that? Most of the grants available to Sicamous (and you as an IM) are also available to the CSRD. The one BIG difference is that the CSRD can apply only once for the grant, and that one grant can only apply to one project in one area, the other 5 areas are out of luck until/unless that grant is available again in the future. As an IM, you can apply for that grant and have an equal chance at getting it as the CSRD, but you know that it will go to YOUR community centre, parks, parallel paths, hockey rink etc. (think of Chase). Then the next time that grant opportunity opens up, you can apply for it again, and again… for the things that are important to you.

The bad is simply that your taxes will rise by a small percent. That, unfortunately, is a constant anyway.

Don’t get me wrong. There is a place for the CSRD, as a regional service provider. We do a great job of providing solid waste services, regional tourism services, recycling services, etc. This is because the service either makes sense regionally, like tourism, or because we can create economies of scale, that an IM cannot. But for making the day-to-day decisions about what happens in your neighbourhood, the people who live, work and play in your neighbourhood are the best people to make the decisions.

On the North Shuswap I have begun the long and gruelling process of providing our residents with the opportunity you have, to rationally decide; To Incorporate or not to Incorporate. Right now, that is your question.

By Jay Simpson – CSRD Director for Area F – The North Shuswap

Re: Where Are Our Priorities?

As I sit poised to put pen to paper, it’s the morning after the Academy Awards. Facebook, just one of many social media platforms, is on fire with posts about last night’s confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock. I am disappointed by the amount of attention that has been given to this unfortunate event, especially given that there’s a war raging overseas. Should THAT not be the topic of discussion these days? Surely there are other things that bear more importance or deserve more conversation than what transpired on live television last night.

Case in point, we have an incorporation referendum coming up on April 30. My discussions with area residents lead me to believe that there is a lot of misinformation out there. I’m worried that residents are walking into what could arguably be the most important vote in this community for decades, without being informed on the facts. Even worse, they are basing their anticipated vote on gross misinformation and fear.

I will be voting for incorporation and I’ll tell you why. I want the decisions that we are making for the future of the Sorrento Blind Bay area to be made locally. It’s that simple. Currently we have directors from outof-area voting on issues that concern only the South Shuswap. While I respect the efforts and time spent by all those directors, I feel that some of the decisions made have brought no direct benefit to our area for the tax dollars we are spending. Decisions should be made by locals – those who know the area well…the people who live here. A local mayor and council engaging with residents will no doubt facilitate better conversations.

The naysayers will say ‘but change will come to this area’. True, change will come but it’s not going to happen because of incorporation.

Change will happen due to our community’s growth and don’t be fooled… we ARE growing. A lot. Take a look at the latest census. The mass exodus from larger centres, especially since the pandemic started, is huge resulting in overall increase ranging from 12 to 30% within the area.

In my opinion, we protect our identity and character as a community by managing change responsibly at the local level. It does not mean hurrying to build a new rec centre or a civic centre or by building along the lakeshore. It’s more about basic needs – housing, transportation and infrastructure such as liquid waste management. We’ve all come here for the lake – no denying that fact. The best way to protect our pristine waters is to stop the leeching of septic systems into the lake otherwise, our biggest asset, the thing that we all came here for, is going to be lost.

In closing, I’d like to make an appeal to our community to make the incorporation issue a priority in your area. Visit the CSRD website to get the facts. Cut through the noise and the misinformation if you can. Get informed; make your vote count to chart our path.

Karen Brown

The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

43

Shuswap Overland Adventures Simple Things

By Jason Lutterman At some point in life, the world’s beauty becomes enough - Toni Morrison. Whether that’s something you feel already or are still on route to finding out, I think we can agree you can’t feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.

Last minute decisions only go two ways, just like you hoped they would or the more well-known other version.

Throw being a new parent into the mix, anything forgotten will be the exact thing most required.

The goal today is simple, a quick drive out to Neskonlith for a lakeside lunch. I’m not sure why but I rarely make the short tip out to that scenic body of water. A great place to kayak and spend a day, though for some reason we seem to consistently overlook it. As my tires hit the dirt heading west, I glanced in my mirror and saw what looked more like a Jeep commercial than a Sunday drive. Everyone was still together and we weren’t going to lose anyone at the turn off to Neskonlith lake, like we’ve done many times before in many other places.

No matter how much we get out together it’s always someone’s first visit to somewhere that I’m certain we’ve all been to before. We followed the road up and to my surprise a large yellow gate blocked our path, it was locked and had been for some time. We’d visited before at the same time of year and it’s always been open. Someone had sawed a trail around the gate, no less right beside a sign warning of a one-million-dollar maximum fine for doing exactly that.

We respect all signs and gates; we believe in public access to public lands but a closed gate is a closed gate. This is exactly what we weren’t expecting but we were on Loakin Bear Creek Rd and after a quick discussion, we followed it through and over to Adam’s Lake. There

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are few roads in our area more scenic than the Adams Forest Service Rd. I have spent countless hours on that stretch of dirt and without a doubt, it hosts some of the most incredible camping spots the area has to offer.

I had a spot in mind and should you recognize it in the pictures, you know it’s one of the sunniest spots to spend a day at this time of year. Without coming to a complete stop the doors were already open, dogs leapt from every truck finally able to greet each other. The smoke began to rise as the smell of burning cedar filled the air.

I was able to watch my daughter, just over a year old, take to the fresh spring trail for the first time on her own little legs, her joy as she climbed the steep dirt banks that smelled of a new season.

We threw pebbles into the lake and skipped our first stones together. Watched as she sat surrounded by wonderful people who cared about her and each other. Handed her one of Wade’s famous smokies and got a glimpse into what I hope many of our future days look like.

If I only knew before what I know now, I’ve heard it many times though now understand it. I promise you that within minutes of your front door, that place you see everyday has a piece of paradise hidden right around the corner. This is my fifth year of sitting down and writing an April article for the Scoop and If I’ve learned one thing, it’s you can’t feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.

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44 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

$8 up to 25 words, 25¢ ea. additional word. $2 for box-around. Single column Classified Display Ads: $14.00 for the first inch, then $2.25 per 1/4 inch thereafter. Email ads to classifieds.thescoop@gmail.com or Call/text 250 -463-2611. We accept cheques and email money transfers for payment.

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Find us on Facebook at Cruising The Okanagan or visit our web page cruisingtheokanagan.com .

For more information contact your Shuswap CTO Rep Anna-Marie Eckhart at cruisingtheokanagan@gmail.com

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RENTALS WANTED Senior Male Looking for a one bedroom suite or shared accommodation. Salmon Arm area. No pets, no drugs, no parties. Excellent references. Call Jerry at 250-515-0502 - P.S. Would also like to meet a single woman.

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The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

Community Events Calendar SOUTH SHUSWAP

White Lake Community Cleanup - April 9. 23 sections of road plus Hugh Road Park and around White Lake Hall, Boat Launch, and Firehall. FMI www.wlra.ca/ community-clean-up Coffeehouse at Sunnybrae Community Hall – Sat. April 9 at 7:30pm. Birchbark is the feature band, Sue Kyle, Jean Brighouse, Alan Bates and Richard Owings.

See article on page 33.

50/50 Draw Online - Copper Island Health and Wellness Winner takes half the pot, up to $10,000. Purchase tickets until midnight April 14 at https:// southshuswaphealthss. rafflenexus.com/ Homesteaders & Swap Market - Sat. April 16, 9am to 3pm.

Notch Hill Hall. Community homesteaders, small livestock, swap & market. Open to the public. To book a space call Amy Berry 250 803-1806.

Easter Egg Hunt – 11am sharp, Sun. April 17 at Sorrento/Blind Bay Park on Davidson Road.

Sorrento Lions, with help from the Easter Bunny, have 7,000 foil wrapped eggs to distribute plus prizes for the Easter Bonnet contest. Hot dogs and hot chocolate.

Arts Council for the South Shuswap AGM - April 19, 7:00 pm via Zoom. Members wishing to attend, email admin@ shuswaparts.com See ad on pg 13.

P.J. STORYTIME – Fun and interactive program for children at SS Library on Tuesday, April 19 from 6 pm – 6:45 pm. FREE program for children 0-5 (siblings welcome) and their parents or caregivers. Email nsscr@live.ca to register.

Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness - Open Community Meeting, Thurs. April 21, 6:30pm at White Lake Community Hall.

CSRD emergency planning staff and WLRA Community Safety committee.

South Shuswap Library - POP-UP SPRING BOOK SALE run by The Friends of the Library on Friday April 22 from 10am – 5pm and April 23 from 10am – 4pm.

Spring Market - Notch Hill Town Hall. Sat. Apr. 23 at 9:00 am. Local artisans, crafters, home based businesses. Rent a spot with Laurisa Gallant at shuswapmarketgroup@gmail.com The Small Hall Music Crawl - Saturday, April 23. 7:30pm.

Salmon Arm’s Mozi Bones takes to the stage at the Eagle Bay Community Hall for the 3rd and last leg of the Small Hall Music Crawl! Tickets at Eventbrite, at the door.

Volunteer Appreciation/Spring Clean Up - Carlin Hall, Sunday April 24 at 1:00 pm. Great opportunity to share a little of your time. Spring cleaning inside and out, BBQ and Jam. Notch Hill Hall AGM - April 25, 6:30 pm at the hall. notchhilltownhall1910@gmail. com Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival – April 29-May 1 at Sorrento Centre.

Register by April 10. FMI wordonthelakewritersfestival.com Old Fashioned Bingo - April 29 at Blind Bay Hall, 2510 Blind Bay Road. Doors open at 5:45 pm. See ad on page 36.

INCORPORATION REFERENDUM - Sorrento and Blind Bay residents April 30, 8am to 8pm at Sorrento Memorial Hall and Blind Bay Memorial Hall. See ad on page 7.

Tourism Readiness Breakfast - SS Chamber hosting a breakfast for tourism-related businesses on Friday May 6 from 8:30 to 10:30 am. Morgen Matheson, Team Leader from Shuswap Tourism and Ancestral Heartbeat Tours, an emerging Indigenous cultural tours company, will be in attendance. southshuswapchamber.com Sorrento Drop In Society Hall - Annual garage sale on May 7, 2022 from 8AM - Noon. Coffee and muffins available. 1148 Passchendaele Road Sorrento Village Farmers’ Market - May 7 to October 8 Organic Vegetables, Local Art, Live Music & More. See ad on page 13.

Coffee House at Carlin Hall - May 7, 7pm. Feature act - Allayama (Dave Allan and Naomi). Opening acts at printing are Andrea Roberts and Ruben Carter. Tickets at shuswaptickets.com Following Covid restrictions. FMI carlinhall.net Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast - White Lake Fire Department hosting on Sunday, May 8, 8-11 am at White Lake Community Hall on Parri Road, adjacent to the Fire Hall. FMI see article on page 12.

Mothers Day Pancake Breakfast & Mini Market. Sunday May 8, 9am to 12pm. Notch Hill Town Hall. Indoor/outdoor seating. FMI see article on page 39 Copper Island Survivor Fundraiser on May 14 from 4:30 to 9:30 pm at Cedar Heights Community Centre. Tickets at the Centre office Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 – 3 pm from April 19 to May 5.

SuperHost Training dates in May. Register at southshuswapchamber.com South Shuswap Library - BOOKS FOR CONNECTED COOKS 3rd Thursday of each month at 10

a.m. Registration required. PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB Held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Registration is required.

BLIND BAY GARDEN CLUB drop in every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. FIRESIDE KNITTERS 1st and 3rd Friday of each month at 10 a.m. Please call the Branch at 250-675-4818 to register or for more information.

LASS Free Computer Training - for Seniors has resumed at South Shuswap Library. Please contact LASS directly at 250-4634555. Registration and Proof of vaccination required.

Indoor Walking - Shuswap Lake Estates Community Hall, Mon. & Thurs. 1:30-2:15pm. Sponsored

by Copper Island Health & Wellness.

Yin/Yang Yoga – Eagle Bay Hall.

Tuesday evenings 6:30-7:45pm.

Friday yin only class. 6:157:15pm. Contact Shannon at 778 994-5851 Blind Bay Painters: every Tuesday 9:00am - 3:00pm. Contact Trudy (250)253-0320 Hiking group for women – Monthly free organized outdoor experiences. Welcome to The Lady Alliance - Shuswap Chapter.

FMI www.shuswapadventuregirl. ca or https://theladyalliance.com Friday Night / Movie Night at Cedar heights. Doors open at 6:30, movie starts at 7 pm.

Bring a comfy cushion. Snacks available. FMI http://www. cedarheightscommunity.ca/ movie-night Lions weekly meat & 50/50 draws - Fridays, 5 to 7pm at Copper Island Bar and Grill.

Copper Island Health Centre Mobile Lab Tues and Thur 8:00 am to noon, Foot Care Wed. The smile people Dental Clinic 3rd Fri, community paramedic last Thurs. of the month. To book appointments and access seniors resource services, including income tax prep, call 250-6753661 To book immunizations call 250-833-4101. Located in the Blind Bay Market Place.

Sorrento & Area Health Centre Primary care by Theresa Walters - 250-675-2167. Foot care by Vanna King Tuesdays - 250-5749969. To book an immunization call 250-833-4101

NORTH SHUSWAP

Live Music at the Hub - 7pm start time. April 8 - Loops, April 15 - Kelly Spencer, April 16 - Jody Evans, April 23 - Suzy & Jon, April 29 - Rawnside of Town, April 30 South Patch. FMI 250-955-2002.

Glass Easter Egg Hunt - Sunday, April 17 at Shuswap Lake Provincial Park in Scotch Creek.

Clues posted at 10am on Works in

45

Glass Facebook page.

Lions Meat & 50/50 Draw Draws 3-5 pm Saturdays at the Hub in Scotch Creek.

Bingo at NS Community Hall - every Monday except stat holidays. Bingo starts at 7:00 pm.

CHASE

Shuswap Skating Club Spring Fundraiser - Plants, gardening supplies and meats. Last day to order is May 3 (Delivery on May 17). See ad for details on page 21.

Adams Lake Community Market - Every Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

6349 Chief Jules Drive.

SALMON ARM & AREA

Shuswap Music Festival - April 11-29, live and in person.

Gala Concert is 7pm Friday, April 29 at Nexus. FMI www.

ShuswapFestival.com See ad on page 28.

Sexual Assult Support Service Open House - April 12, 11am to 2pm. 254 Shuswap St. NE (SAFESociety) Barney Bentall at Song Sparrow Hall – JUNO award winner in Salmon Arm on April 16 at 7:30 pm. Limited tickets available online at rootsandblues.ca or by phone at 250-833-4096 from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shuswap Youth Launch - April 28, 9:45 am to 12:30 pm, in-person at the Salmar Classic Theatre and virtual via Zoom. In person tickets at Eventbrite or email shuswapyouthlaunch@gmail.com SASCU AGM - May 3, starting 11:30 am at the Prestige Inn or on-line. Register at SASCU.com/ agm See ad on page 33.

Enderby Folk and Pattern Dance May 6 at 7 pm at the Enderby Drill Hall. All ages. Beginners welcome.

Covid protocol applies. Call Estelle for info. 250 546-6186.

HD Live from the Met - at the Salmar Classic on Sat. May 7, 9:55am -- “Turandot”, Giacomo Puccini. FMI https:// www.metopera.org/season/incinemas/ Salmon Arm Toastmasters - meet Thursdays 7 - 9pm at Okanagan College. Develop communication and leadership skills. www. salmonarmtm.com. FMI salmonarmtm@gmail.com

ONLINE / WEBINARS etc.

CSRD Board Meeting - Thursday, April 21 at 9:30 am. Pre-register at www.csrd.bc.ca. Agenda available approximately one week in advance of the meeting.

ONLINE Guided MEDITATION Classes - Tues. & Wed. 7 - 8:15 pm / Topics vary. Register at: www.kmcfv.ca

46 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

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 Jean Toker 250-675-5521 jtokersix@ gmail.com Blind Bay Garden Club Susan 250-835-2351 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 Health & Wellness Centre 2417 Golf Course Dr. Blind Bay Market 250-675-3661 Copper Island Seniors Resource Services (CISRS) (beside Spinnake r Cafe) 250-6753661, cisrcbb@gmail.com CRIMESTOPPERS 1-800-222-8477 CSRD Area C Director Paul Demenok 250-517-0810, pdemenok@csrd.bc.ca Emergency Support Services Cathy Semchuk and Tom Hansen 250833-5927 sep@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, 250-517-7980 ShuswapVFD@csrd.bc.ca Sorrento Hall #2 2505 Greer Rd., Chief Gary Hoult, 250-517-7980 ShuswapVFD@csrd.bc.ca Tappen/Sunnybrae 3732 Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Rd., Chief Marc Zaichkowsky, 250-835-8696 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, ssfr@shaw.ca 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 Eldene Lindberg 250 675 4168 Lions Club sorrentolionsclub@yahoo.ca / Web: Sorrento Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Cathy Semchuk and Tom Hansen 250-833-5927 sep@csrd.bc.ca 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 Blind Bay Market www.orl.bc.ca/branches/south-shuswap Shuswap Better at Home Central Intake 250-253-2749, sbahintake@outlook.com Shuswap Community Foundation 250-832-5428, www.shuswapfoundation.ca Shuswap Emergency Program Cathy Semchuk and Tom Hansen 250833-5927 sep@csrd.bc.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 250-515-3276, 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 Drop In Society 1148 Passchendaele Rd. 250-675-5358, sdis@shaw.ca / www.sdis.ca Sorrento Food Bank Tina Hysop 250-253-3663,sorrentofoodbank.ca Sorrento Lions Club Sorrento Lions Manor. sorrentolionsclub@yahoo.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 - Gary Loeppky 250-803-2828

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.

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 www.blindbaymemorialhall.ca Carlin Hall 4051 Myers Rd. Tappen www.carlinhall.net Hall rentals: 250-675-5426 carhall4051@gmail.com Cedar Heights Community Association 2316 Lakeview Drive, Blind Bay 250-675-2012 www.cedarheightscommunity.ca

Eagle Bay Community Hall 4326 Eagle Bay Rd. www.eaglebayhall.ca Hall rentals: 778-888-7391 Notch Hill Town Hall 1639 Notch Hill Rd. Pres. Anna-Marie Eckhar t 250-804-3374 Check us out on Facebook Heritage Rentals - Marianne Romyn 250-835-4721 Notch Hill Hall Events - Amy Berry 250-804-1806 Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre sle@shuswaplakeestates.com www.shuswaplakeestates.com 250-675-2523

Sorrento Memorial Hall 1150 Passchendaele Road, 250-675-2222 Sunnybrae Community Hall 3595 Sunnybrae Canoe Point Rd. Hall Rentals - Rob Milne: 250-8358657 Facebook.com/SunnybraeCommunityAssociation sunnybraecommunityassociation. com Sunnybrae Seniors Hall 3585 Sunnybrae Canoe Pt. Rd. sunnybrae.srs@gmail.com White Lake Community Hall 3617 Parri Road 250-803-4616 whitelakehall@cablelan.net

April 2022

The South Shuswap Scoop

47

48 The South Shuswap Scoop

April 2022

AUTO / TRUCK

250.833.7647 • • • • •

Automotive Repair Motor Vehicle Tire Mount & Balance Inspection Facility Licensed Technician

TOWING 24 HOUR • 250.833.7722 GET READY GOLF SEASON! OPENING DAY IS APRIL 9th!

‘22 Frequent Player Cards

129

$

REGRIP your clubs before the season starts

‘22 Driving Range Memberships

325

$

LESSONS

Private and group golf lessons now available.

Golf Shop Open!

250.675.2315