South Shuswap Scoop December 2022

CP Holiday Train Back at Notch Hill

By Jo Anne Malpass

After two years of virtual concerts due to the pandemic, the CP Holiday Train returns with in-person concerts, including a stop at Notch Hill on December 15. Train arrives at 9:10 pm, with the show from 9:30 to 10:00 pm, featuring MacKenzie Porter and Virginia to Vegas.

Notch Hill Town Hall (across from where the train will stop) is hosting a pre-party from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Christmas carolers will welcome you on the steps of the Notch Hill School House. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Families and friends welcome to come out and sing. If you are interested in joining the group of carolers, please call Carol Mowers 250 804-5229. Donations to the Sorrento Food Bank greatly appreciated.

Since its inception in 1999, the CP Holiday Train has raised more than $21 million and collected 5 million pounds of food for community food banks along CP’s network, said a CP news release.

“The CP Holiday Train, now in its

24th year, celebrates family, community and service to one another,” said CP President and CEO Keith Creel. “We hope the train’s bright lights and music foster celebrations across Canada and the U.S., bringing with those celebrations a reminder of our duty to help those less fortunate this holiday season.”

One of the featured performers, MacKenzie Porter was raised on a cattle and bison ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta. Nashville-based now, “she is rising to international acclaim with her radiant country style. She recently scored a sixweek #1 with Dustin Lynch’s collaboration “Thinking ‘Bout You,” earning her first #1 in the U.S. Making her mark, Porter became the first female artist to have three consecutive #1 singles on Canadian country radio in 22 years. She has previously shared the stage with Jordan Davis, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Chris Lane, Blake Shelton, Dallas Smith, and co-starred in

CP Holiday Train - (Photo credit: CP Holiday Train archive)

CP Holiday Train Back at Notch Hill

the Netflix series, Travelers.

Virginia to Vegas, aka Derik Baker, is an American-born Canadian singer-songwriter. After being discovered on YouTube, Baker was signed to Wax Records and released his first single in 2014. Baker is best known for his indie-pop choruses and sticky electronic melodies, which have awarded him critical acclaim and several platinum certifications. Baker has received over 650 million global streams in the following years and the designation of 2020’s second most played Canadian artist on the radio.”

There will be shows in Sicamous, Canoe and Salmon Arm on December 15 before the train arrives at 9:10 pm across from Notch Hill Hall, 1639 Notch Hill Road. On December 16, the train will be in Chase on Shuswap Avenue, across from Chase RCMP building, arrives at 2:35 pm, show from 2:45 - 3:15 pm.

A full schedule, map, live train tracker, photos and artist information are available at cpr.ca/holidaytrain. Follow the train through CP’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels @ CanadianPacific.

Partnership Ensures Winter fun at Sorrento-Blind Bay Park

CSRD Release

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance at the Sorrento-Blind Bay Community Park which will allow for the development of an outdoor ice rink, as well as snow clearing of a popular walking path loop.

Due to challenges within the current insurance market and the ability for contractors to obtain the required snow removal insurance, the CSRD had been unable to find a qualified contractor to provide pathway clearing and ice rink maintenance at the park.

Knowing the value that winter users place on the park, the CSRD began exploring options with the Shuswap Trail Alliance to resolve the situation.

“We are thrilled we have been able to come up with a solution that will allow people to enjoy walking with their friends and their dogs on a snowcleared pathway. Weather permitting, this partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance will also see residents strapping on their skates and enjoying the fun of the outdoor rink,” says Ryan Nitchie,

the CSRD’s Team Leader, Community Services.

The Shuswap Trail Alliance has already filled the position and maintenance work at the park will begin immediately.

“Getting outdoors in all seasons is an important part of the Shuswap Trail Alliance’s mission,” says Jen Bellhouse, Executive Director of the Shuswap Trail Alliance. “We were happy to help the CSRD in making winter recreation more accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors to the Sorrento-Blind Bay Park.”

In addition to the outdoor ice rink and pathway snow clearing, the maintenance program at the park will also involve garbage and recycling collection and maintenance of the vault toilet.

The CSRD thanks residents for their patience as these challenges were resolved.

Updates on the opening of the planned outdoor ice rink will be posted on the CSRD website, and on the CSRD’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms.

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Sorrento Blind Bay Park at night (CSRD photo)

Performers at Notch Hill December 15th, 9:30pm: Mackenzie Porter (left) and Virginia to Vegas. (CP Rail photos)

Area G Director’s Scoop -

Natalya Melnychuk, PhD

Electoral Area G (Blind Bay, Sorrento, Notch Hill, Carlin) Email: NMelnychuk@csrd.bc.ca

Season’s Greetings!

Well it is official – Sorrento, Blind Bay, Notch Hill and a part of Carlin are now ‘Area G’ of the CSRD. My intention in writing this month is to provide an update on my activities in November as the Area G Director.

In addition to Area G being formalized as a jurisdiction within the CSRD, I, along with the rest of the CSRD elected officials, undertook orientation training and affirmed an oath of office to serve in good faith on the CSRD Board in front of BC Provincial Court Judge Mariane Armstrong on November 23 and 24. One of my takeaways from this orientation was to consider as a CSRD Board the need to think regionally in our decision making and recognize the needs of the Columbia Shuswap as a whole in addition to prioritizing the needs of our local jurisdictional areas as well.

Following this orientation and oath, the Board jumped into its inaugural board meeting for the four-year office term. Topics of note during this meeting include an introduction of new staff including the new CSRD Chief Administrative Officer – John MacLean – as well as three presentations from delegations on solid waste management planning, a 100% renewable energy, and the WildSafeBC Shuswap 2022 annual report.

In addition to the regular board meeting, I also participated in meetings on the South Shuswap Destination Trail Plan and on Area C&G’s Community Wildfire Resiliency

Plan. I believe both these planning processes are going to help protect and enhance our quality of life in the South Shuswap.

Also in November, I met in the capacity of Area G Director with the following service groups:

• Lakeview Probus Club

• Shuswap Fire Department

• Sorrento Memorial Hall Board

• Carlin Parents’ Advisory Committee

The goal of these meetings was to continue to introduce myself to the community as well as to learn more about the services these bodies provide. These meetings were also accompanied in November with a meet-and-greet with our Provincial Member of the Legislative Assembly, Greg Kyllo as well as an introduction at the Carlin Coffee House. Finally, I felt honoured to be able to lay the wreath on behalf of the CSRD at the Remembrance Day Ceremony in Sorrento.

Now as we move into December, I will be continuing to onboard with more introductory meetings with community groups, residents, and CSRD staff. There are a number of ongoing projects and issues that I am still getting caught up on and that I hope to soon become more engaged with so that I can help advance topics of interest to the community.

With this reflection said, I also am looking forward to December as we come together as a community at our many wonderful holiday events. Key events I am personally looking forward to include the Holiday Train in Notch Hill on December 15th for the Sorrento Food Bank, the first ever ‘Snow Ball’ Gala Fundraiser for the South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce, and our many holiday markets. Wishing everyone a safe, health, and fun holiday season!

Area C Director’s Scoop

- Marty Gibbons

Electoral Area C (Sunnybrae, Tappen, White Lake, and Eagle Bay) Email: MGibbons@csrd.bc.ca

Hello, my name is Marty Gibbons and I am honored to be your newly elected Area C, CSRD Director. I am humbled by the overwhelming support I received from across the newly created area C. Although new to the CSRD board, I proudly served as Area C and F School trustee for the last four years. The ability to participate in debates in White Lake, Eagle Bay and Sunnybrae provided an excellent opportunity for citizens to share their concerns and ask the candidates questions.

As a new director, I am tasked with appointing an Assistant Director. In the absence of the CSRD Director, the Assistant Director fulfills the director’s role with full voice and vote. They also serve an important role enabling communication with Area C residents and counsel on important issues. It was my goal to appoint an assistant with not only the skills to

support Area C, but someone who could provide unique input. I am proud to announce that Margaret McCormick has accepted this important position of Area C Assistant Director. Margaret, an Eagle Bay resident and Community Association Director of Communications, has an extensive background in public sector strategy and operations. I would like to personally thank Margaret for accepting this important role.

As we move forward with our newly created Area C, I believe that it will be important to establish our new area’s identity. I ran on a platform of protecting rural values and I remain committed to those principals which include sustainable growth that makes sense for our communities, operational efficiency of CSRD processes and regulation that makes sense for our rural community. I look forward to advocating for you as your Area C director.

SWC Asks for More Resources to Stop Invasive Mussels

SWC Release

More resources and new measures are being sought from the BC government for efforts to keep invasive zebra and quagga mussels out of the Shuswap.

In a letter to Josie Osborne, Provincial Minister for Land, Water and Resource Stewardship, Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) Chair Jay Simpson said the threat posed by invasive zebra and quagga mussels “will never subside” and that more action is needed by the Province to “curb this significant threat to our water security.”

“While it could take just a single watercraft from out-ofprovince infested with invasive mussels launching into BC waters, it is of utmost importance that the Province’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program (IMDP) be expanded such that all routes into BC from Alberta and the USA have a watercraft inspection and decontamination station,” wrote Simpson. The letter cites that the IMDP is the first line of defence to protect BC’s waters, however in 2022 there were only six permanent watercraft inspection stations and two roving stations established in BC. This is down from a historical maximum of 12

stations.

The letter explains that the Shuswap is at high risk of receiving invasive mussels because the region is a destination for boaters, and the primary way invasive mussels move from one lake to another is attached to watercraft.

“Invasive mussels can survive out of water for up to 30 days,” says Erin Vieira, program manager for the SWC. “That’s plenty of time to make a cross-country trip to the Shuswap from Manitoba or Ontario, where the mussels are known to have invaded many lakes.”

“Fortunately, monitoring has indicated that the Shuswap is still invasive mussel free,” said Simpson. “This is due, in part, to the preventative work by the Province and regional organizations such as the Shuswap Watershed Council and others. However, every year infested watercraft arrive at our provincial borders.”

The SWC’s letter to Minister Osborne can be viewed on the SWC’s website, www.shuswapwater.ca.

Columbia Shuswap WildSafeBC Hibernates

By Barbra Fairclough

The second season of the Columbia Shuswap WildSafeBC program is going into hibernation. The program concluded at the end of November and Olivia Lemke, Coordinator in the Columbia Shuswap has had a busy summer meeting residents and visitors throughout the area. The Sunnybrae Canoe Point Stewards are the community host to the program which has been supported in the former Area C and in Area E since 2021.

“WildsafeBC is the provincial leader in preventing conflict with wildlife though collaboration, education, and community solutions.”

Olivia attended farmers markets and community events throughout the summer. Through these events there were 1829 engagements. Through door to door outreach, 228 residents were contacted. The ‘Bare’ Campsite Program is now being utilized by three campgrounds.

Indigenous engagement is also an important part of the program and Olivia attended the Safety Fair at the Skwlax Wellness Center and spent many hours meeting families at the Salute to the Sockeye at the Tsutswecw Provincial Park.

Bin tagging is an educational activity performed by a WildSafeBC Community Coordinator. It reduces food sources and helps to prevent food-conditioned bears. In the five communities where garbage bin tagging was done, on average 75% of the bins tagged on the first survey were not tagged on the second survey.

Between May and September, several workshops were scheduled which include Wildlife Awareness and Safety and Bear Spray Workshops. Various community associations held workshops as well as Shuswap Trail Alliance, Totem Pole Resort, Shuswap Lady Striders, Lakeview Probus Club, among others.

The WildSafe Ranger Program for children stimulates discussion regarding wildlife and introduces children to the concept of human-wildlife conflict at home by helping families identify backyard wildlife attractants. Children learn how to have a safe and respectful relationship with wildlife.

“The WildSafe Ranger Program compliments the BC Sciences K-9 curriculum to foster a basis for an intuitive relationship with and respect for the natural world, connections to their ecosystem and community and a sense of

Oliva Lemke talking with WildSafe Rangers (photo credit: Columbia Shuswap WildsafeBC)

related ness that encourages lifelong harmony with nature. Parents, Homeschoolers and other educators can find resources online. Teachers, group leaders and other educators can request a presentation during the active season.”

The program engaged 156 youth through schools, Sparks and Brownies Blind Bay Unit, Junior Forest Wardens, and Sicamous Recreation.

The most common attractants for wildlife are unsecured solid waste and residential fruit trees. Rats, Racoons, and other nuisance animals are accessing attractants in communities as well. Continuing educational efforts through delivery of programs and supporting the Business Pledge Program all present opportunities for next year.

Thanks to the many communities that came forth with their curiosity and interest during the 2022 season.

Olivia at Salute to the Sockeye Festival 2022 (photo credit: Columbia Shuswap WildsafeBC)

SCOOP Contributor Cathy Wolf, Eagle Bay Community Association

By Barbra Fairclough

On any given day you can find Cathy Wolf down at the Eagle Bay Hall, busy with other volunteers contributing to the community hall renovation.

In 2005 Cathy and her husband Paul became owners of their own personal paradise in Eagle Bay and for many years they enjoyed frequent visits to Eagle Bay. It afforded some memorable family time over the years and in 2015 they decided to move to Eagle Bay permanently. Cathy had retired from her work and Paul was able to work remotely so they felt moving was the next step.

With an avid interest in gardening, their initial focus was on landscaping and indulging in life at the lake full time. Cathy saw the opportunities to connect in a “live and let live” neighbourly place where everyone appreciated the lifestyle.

“Initially we were caught up in getting established, moving from the trailer into a permanent residence, and spending time with the family. Eventually our interests expanded and we had time to contribute to the larger community. We began to do some volunteering and after a period I was asked to join the board of the association.” Currently Cathy is in her second year

as president at the Eagle Bay Community Association.

In accordance with the B.C. Societies Act, the former Eagle Bay Hall Society realigned the bylaws and purpose of the society to become the Eagle Bay Community Association. The process of revising bylaws and writing a constitution expanded thinking about community needs. This contributed to the impetus for the current park project and working with the CSRD to support community events and interests.

In an effort to provide more information both within the Eagle Bay Community and beyond, Cathy began contributing an article with community news and information to the South Shuswap Scoop on behalf of the Community Association. In conjunction with the Scoop, the Eagle Eye Newsletter also carries Cathy’s articles and continues to inform today.

In the pages of the Scoop, through Cathy’s contributions we have been learning about the volunteer work done with the current planning, funding, and construction of the community park and renovations to the community hall.

(continued on page 9)

Cathy Wolf (right) with Jane Dale at Book and Bake Sale. (photo contributed)

(continued from

The scale of the renovation of the Hall is matched by the dedication of the volunteers in Eagle Bay. Cathy says she has also enjoyed unearthing history and the pioneer spirit and the kind of community building that went into the construction of the hall in 1952. “That history is very inspirational.”

“Shuswap holds a value and a charm of a whole host of people who enjoy family, lake time, and community events.”

The SCOOP would like to acknowledge and thank Cathy Wolf for her enduring contributions and keeping us informed on the happenings in Eagle Bay. Good luck with your capital projects and we look forward to the next story update.

Cathy Wolf With her husband Paul volunteering at a Eagle Bay Hall fundraiser (photo contributed)

Notes from the CSRD Board Meeting

By Jo Anne Malpass

Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Director and City of Salmon Arm Councillor Kevin Flynn was acclaimed to the position of Board Chair and Area E Director Rona Martin was acclaimed ViceChair at the inaugural meeting of the newly elected officials at the November 24 regular board meeting.

Flynn was elected for his first term as Board Chair in November 2019.

Flynn also introduced the new Chief Administrative Officer John MacLean at his first boarding meeting since taking the position earlier in November. MacLean was CAO for the Regional District of Kootenay and then for the Cariboo Regional District before accepting his new position.

In other business at the meeting:

Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Grant

The Board approved applying to the 2022 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for a Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training Program grant for up to $390,000 for training resources and firefighting equipment for the CSRD’s 13 fire departments.

The grant provides up to $30,000 per fire department to help small rural fire departments meet the demands of new training requirements instituted by the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) in the new firefighter minimum training standards. It also provides for the purchase of new equipment to meet the growing demands placed on volunteer departments.

Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP)

Ben Van Nostrand, Team Leader Environmental Health Services gave a joint presentation with engineering firm, Morrison Hershfield, recommending the CSRD initiate a full solid waste plan renewal starting in 2023, with the goal to complete the process in 2-3 years.

A detailed staff report will be brought to the board’s December meeting outlining the process and cost to complete the plan renewal.

100% Renewable Energy Proposal – A presentation was made to the board by from Calvin Beauchesne regarding the West Kootenay proposal. It recommends big moves in Transportation, Building efficiency, Waste and Electricity. 12 communities in the Kootenays, including Golden are involved in the initiative.

WildSafeBC Year End Report – A presentation from Olivia Lemke, WildSafe BC Columbia Shuswap Coordinator showed highlights of the program in Areas C and E. See article about WidSafeBC on page 6.

The next meeting will be on Friday, December 9.

www.shuswapscoop.ca

Eagle Bay Fire Department

By Nigel Collett, Captain

Eagle Bay Fire Department has not had any callouts in the past month, long may that continue. The work BC Hydro did, clearing trees and branches from close to power lines this past summer, seems to be paying off when we have a storm. Fewer wires down mean fewer calls for us to secure a scene as they present a real danger to the public.

A refresher for what to do if you see a sparking transformer, a downed line or trees fallen on a line; back away at least 10 metres (33 feet) and if you see a powerline in contact with a tree, fence, or a vehicle, assume the object and the surrounding area within those 10 metres is energized and highly dangerous. If there is a person within that area, do not rush in and attempt to rescue them as they could be energized as well. Call 911immediately in both situations.

Our CSRD fire departments are looking to recruit new members and Eagle Bay is no exception. We are looking for residents who have a strong desire to help others and serve our community. Volunteer firefighters train for emergency response and the call may come at any time. This doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7/365 but with enough firefighters we can cover the clock. Our volunteers tell us about the tremendous rewards that come with their work and the comradery. We know there are other people out there with the same courage, commitment, and compassion as our existing team.

Weekly training sessions ensure the best possible response time, knowledge of the most appropriate techniques

for each situation and familiarization with the very specialized equipment required for firefighting and safety.

Basic Requirements

• A Valid Driver’s License (minimum)

• Minimum 18 years of age

• Physically able to perform tasks and duties of the job

• Able to commit to training

• Live and/or work in the response area

We would love you to come and give us a try (make it a New Year’s resolution). All training is provided, and members are paid on-call. Want to find out more, then give Alan Rendell, Fire Chief a call at 250-517-0429 and he will try to answer any questions you may have and can arrange for you to come to have a look around the Fire Hall.

Finally, from all of us to all of you, we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Please be careful with open flames especially candles. Keep your tree watered daily or make sure your artificial tree is fire resistant. Use approved and inspected extension cords but not with a space heater. For more safety tips look up https://bestlifeonline.com/christmasfire-safety-tips/

You can keep up to date on lots of fire related and fire department news on our “Eagle Bay Fire Department” Facebook page or on Instagram. You will also find more information about current burning regulations and the CSRD’s FireSmart initiatives.

A D V A N T A G E G U T T E R S . C A

Eagle Bay Fire Department at a recent training night, practising with live fire. (Photo credit: Cathy Maralia, training officer)

Cod Gone Wild Returns to the Sorrento Memorial Hall, Saturday, December 10

Media Release

Cod Gone Wild released its Christmas album entitled The Neighbourhood Rounds in December of 2018. With that release, a tradition was born based around the Newfoundland tradition of the Neighbourhood Rounds, where neighbours go house to house to celebrate the season.

This year, the band will be performing a small number of Christmas shows as a trio featuring band members Andrew Mercer (lead vocals, guitar), Susan Aylard (fiddle) and Sean Bray (electric guitar) in an intimate, up-close and personal performance. The trio will be making a return visit to the Sorrento Memorial Hall, Saturday, December 10, continuing the Neighbourhood Rounds tradition once again, at a time when people desperately need that community connection. The band will feature songs from their Christmas album, some new Christmas tunes as well as Cod Gone Wild originals and Celtic favourites.

Cod Gone Wild is focused on giving traditional music a modern edge. They blend the varied talents of musicians whose classical, folk, rock and jazz backgrounds fuse together to create a dynamic and unique sound that instantly connects and resonates with audiences. Through their uplifting energy, tight vocal harmonies and remarkable stage presence, they weave together a tapestry of tales that evoke a nostalgic experience of days gone by.

When asked about the story behind The Neighbourhood Rounds, lead singer Andrew Mercer had this to say. “I grew up in a small neighbourhood street called Newfound Lane, in the town of Bay Roberts, Newfoundland. On this street there lived a tight knit group of neighbours, who regularly got to-

gether to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Years ago, a tradition was started at Christmas time to go around the neighbourhood and visit each house, taking the time to have a drink, some food, and to spin a few yarns (tell stories) at each stop along the way.”

The tradition of the neighbourhood rounds, continues today and Mercer has written the title track of the album to not only keep the tradition alive, but to remind people to come together this holiday season. “It is my hope that in the spirit of the season, despite this tumultuous world that we live in, that people can come together. Visit your neighbours, check in on a friend that you haven’t spoken to in a while, and most importantly, make time for family,” says Mercer.

The Neighbourhood Rounds Tour will see the band perform a mix of original songs and Christmas songs that Mercer grew up listening to on the east coast. “Growing up in Newfoundland and being exposed to traditional music at a young age, there will always be a strong Newfoundland influence in Cod Gone Wild’s music,” Mercer describes, “having musicians from various musical backgrounds allows us to create something a little more modern and edgy that will have a broader appeal to audiences across the country and around the world.”

Tickets for the Sorrento show are $30. Tickets are available at www.codgonewild.com/shows.

The Neighbourhood Rounds is available now, wherever you download or stream your music. You can also purchase/ download directly from the bands website: www.codgonewild.com.

Cod Gone Wild 2022 (photo contributed)

SWC Launches Fourth Intake to Water Quality Grant Program

SWC Release

The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) is inviting another round of applications to its Water Quality Grant Program, beginning December 1.

“One of our objectives as a watershed council is to protect and maintain the water quality in Shuswap and Mara Lakes,” explains Erin Vieira, program manager for the SWC. “In particular, we’re focussed on reducing nutrient inputs to rivers and lakes.”

Excessive amounts of nutrients, especially phosphorus, contribute to algal blooms which reduce the quality of water for drinking and recreation, and may become toxic to people, pets and livestock.

The purpose of the grant program is to provide financial assistance for projects and management practices that keep nutrients on the land and in the soil, being used by crops and vegetation – not washing off into nearby creeks and rivers through rain, snowmelt or flooding.

Up to $55,000 is available in the current intake. Farmers, agri-businesses, hobby farmers, landowners, and stewardship groups within the Shuswap watershed are invited to apply for funding to go toward projects or new agriculture and land management practices that reduce, capture, or divert nutrients away from surface waters. Applicants are required to contribute at least 50% of the total project cost in cash and/or in-kind contributions. Funding will be distributed to successful applicants in early 2023.

To-date, the SWC has provided 9 grants to Shuswaparea farms and stewardship groups for projects that improve nutrient retention and management including riparian restoration, riverbank stabilization, wetland development, livestock fencing, flood protection, manure and effluent storage, cover crop trials, and field drainage improvement. Prospective applicants to the grant program can learn more from a short video the SWC produced in 2020, available on their YouTube channel (youtube.com/@shuswapwater).

Last month, the SWC published a Phosphorus Action Plan for the Shuswap watershed as another initiative to encourage and inform residents about how to reduce their ‘phosphorus footprint’, thereby helping to protect water quality.

More information about the grant program and an application package is available at www.shuswapwater.ca. The application period is open from December 1 2022 –January 31 2023.

Dear Students, Wishing you a happy Holiday season and a joyous New Year.

Eagle Bay Community Association

Submitted by Cathy Wolf

“Just about” was my favourite answer and we would think of how many songs, or towns, or kilometres we needed to count out.

So, we are “just about” there in getting our building permit to start the hall renovation.

Many hands have come forward to clean the basement, store kitchen dishes and pots and much more. The library has been boxed and moved to the stage. The backstage area has been cleaned out and costumes in totes in the basement. The playgroup has sorted and stored toys and books. Pantry racks have been cleared and moved to make way for the new washrooms. Extras have been offered to the community and such theatre props as an old wheelchair and some fitness equipment have been moved to new homes. There are still the big appliances and tables to move but Directors wanted the hall to remain open for the quilters, the fitness folks, the playgroup, crafters and dart players until we knew exactly when we need to close up for the winter renovation. You will certainly hear a cheer across Eagle Bay when we get the news.

Work on the Eagle Bay Park is wrapping up. Once the ground is levelled and graded, and drainage in place there will be a break until spring allows for asphalt to the poured. The playground equipment is in storage and ready to be set up, along with the fitness equipment and pickle ball court nets. The grounds will be treed and grassed and then we can enjoy a park that has been much anticipated. Directors have asked to have completion dates identified so we can begin planning for our late

spring and summer celebrations. We hope that a late spring does not delay us any further.

We also wanted folks to know that Margaret McCormick, our EBCA Director of Communications, has been appointed Alternate Director for Area C. Margaret will assume Director duties when Marty Gibbons is unavailable. Margaret has extensive background in public sector strategy and operations and will make an excellent addition to the governance group for the CSRD. Congratulations Margaret and thank you for taking on this new role.

Before the year closes, I want to thank each of you who has offered your support in securing our community hall as a centre for gathering, celebrating and sharing. “Raise a Little Hall” was approved at a special membership meeting held in January of this year. Since that time we have worked to stabilize the foundation of the building, upgrade our electrical system, upgrade the accessibility ramp and now finally to put into motion plans that will see new washrooms and an expanded kitchen. It is a tribute to our community that so many have contributed through donations to our public auction, pub night, book and bake sale, while also making financial donations toward this community work. With the generosity of grants from the Shuswap Foundation, SASCU, and all levels of government, we will meet our goals of “Raising a Little Hall” in record time.

While our Christmas and New Year celebrations will be delayed until next year at the hall, best wishes for a wonderful holiday to each of you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

“Are we there yet?”

Wintery Warmth at Walters Sleigh Rides

By Barbra Fairclough

Walters Sleigh Rides began when Keith and Anita Walters began offering sleigh rides to people in the community nearly 28 years ago. Today Keith’s son Irwin and spouse Carol-Lynn and their son Derek carry on the traditions.

The Walters family eighty acre farm is the backdrop for two Percheron horses pulling the sleigh with guests bundled in beautiful quilts all lovingly hand stitched by Anita and her mother Granny B. Anita takes time each year to add a few stitches and do minor repairs to keep the many quilts in top shape. Guests are fond of the beautiful quilts and it is their unique beauty that adds a special personal touch.

And as tradition continues, the guests return from the wintery ride to the rustic

log cabin, where Carol-Lynn welcomes everyone with hot chocolate. The ambience of the cabin filled with momentos speak to the long traditions of the Walters Family sleighrides.

The sights and sounds of the horse drawn open sleighs offer a memorable experience. Large groups can be accommodated and rides are scheduled by reservation. The farm is in historic Notch Hill at 2068 Notch Hill Road “Broderick Creek Ranch.”

Irwin says the horses will be ready with their winter shoes to take visitors on a 45 minute ride.

Rides are available through winter but are particularly wonderful though the Christmas season. This is a popular Christmas activity so call Carol-Lynn at 250 835 8384 to reserve.

MERRY CHRISTMAS Greetings

What’s the weather report every Christmas Eve? There’s a 100 percent chance of reindeer!

for the season with hopes for a happy holiday!

Percheron Team at Walters Sleigh Rides (Photo contributed)

I HOPE THIS DECEMBER...

The weather outside is brightful People around you are cheerful Music you hear is soulful Days you spent are meaningful Views you see are beautiful Decisions you make are mindful Every Moment, you are grateful

Copper Island Health and Wellness

By Sandra Reutlinger

“What are you doing Granny?”

“Just punching down the dough”

“Mama says we aren’t allowed to punch someone”

“Oh Robby, come sit on the stool over here. See what I have here? This is the dough for the sourdough bread”

“Oh Granny, I love bread.! Especially when you let me put the berry jam all over it”

Granny tousled Robby’s tangled hair and kissed the top of his head.

“Do you want to help me shape this into a nice looking loaf”, she asked him.

“Yeah, Gran, I like it when you teach me new things!” Robby replied enthusiastically.

Later that afternoon….

“What are you doing Granny?” Robby asked.

Granny didn’t even look up and kept staring at the tablet in her lap and said, “I just want to punch this thing”

“Whelp Gran, I don’t think that’s gonna help it like it did the bread dough” Robby laughed.

“I just can’t figure this out” Granny growled. “The camera just shows the floor”.

Robby hopped onto the couch and held out his hands.

Granny shrugged her shoulders in defeat and handed him the tablet. It probably wouldn’t hurt to let him have some ‘screen time’ she thought, and it would give her brain a chance to focus on something else.

The next thing she knew, she heard her daughter’s voice.

What had Robby done? Called her at work and put it on speaker phone?

Her grandson held the tablet up and leaned his head close to hers. There on the screen was his mom, sitting in the break room at work.

“Robby texted and asked if we could have a video chat and I thought it was a good idea especially since I have to work a bit later today than planned”

The three of them talked for a bit and then after saying goodbye, Robby said to his Granny, “do you like learning new things too Granny?”

“I sure do sweetie”

“Whelp, let me show you how it’s done then” Robby quipped.

That was the beginning of Granny’s tablet training. Now, she can navigate Youtube, video chat, Messenger and she is learning Minecraft so she can play online with Robby.

Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre will be starting up our Tablet Tutoring Program so you can learn how to use your tablet. We also have tablets available to sign out if you have a loved one in the hospital and would like to have a way to stay in touch through video chat and messaging. To sign up please email sshealthss@gmail.com, or call 250-6753661

We have exciting things in the works for the New Year with more learning sessions, workshops and projects. We are committed to helping to bring healthcare closer to home and to create wellness opportunities for all ages. This is why we have the mobile Lab services on Tuesdays and Thursdays along with opportunities to meet with the Community Paramedic. Footcare appointments can be made as well by calling the Centre. We have a lot of resources and can help get you connected to the right places and people for a variety of healthcare needs.

From all the volunteers who help to make the Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre activities possible, we extend our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and all of the best for a happy and healthy New Year.

Federal Monetary Policies Directly Impact Us All

By MP Mel Arnold, North Okanagan-Shuswap

In August 2021, inflation had hit a 20-year high and Prime Minister Trudeau was asked about a federal government response. The PM’s smug response was “you’ll forgive me if I don’t think about monetary policy. You’ll understand that I think about families.” Mounting inflation and financial pains experienced by Canadians since then have proven how recklessly irresponsible Trudeau really was and is.

In that instance, the PM used the words he did because he wants Canadians to think the federal government must choose between strong monetary policies and families. Canadian families know the two are strongly linked as families continue to pay for the PM’s willful recklessness and failures. Canadians know that it is they and future generations who pay for every interest hike on a mortgage, every cost increase of groceries and gas, and every cent spent by Trudeau’s government.

The PM’s policies have devalued pay cheques that don’t go as far as they once did. In a country as blessed as Canada, it is inconceivable that government would tolerate food inflation that is causing Canadians to skip meals and add water to milk because their dollars buy less and less food. Inflation is also hurtin g seniors on fixed incomes struggling to heat their homes as winter deepens.

The Trudeau government’s Fall Economic Statement in November severely missed an opportunity to reduce outof-control government spending that is driving up the cost of living. Prior to the economic statement, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wrote the PM to present two conditions for Conservative support of the statement. Poilievre demanded that there be no new taxes and cancelation of all planned tax hikes including tripling of the carbon tax. He also demanded no new spending that unless it was first offset with an equivalent saving. The economic statement failed to meet either of these conditions.

The PM is clearly out of touch with the needs and realities of Canadians. While many Canadians struggle to pay rent and mortgages, the PM stayed in the most expensive hotel room in London at $6000 a night. The Bank of Canada has signaled it will curb inflation by raising interest rates almost a year and a half after Trudeau scoffed at the idea. Beyond rents and mortgages, Canadians are struggling to feed families and heat homes and the Liberal government is not only ignoring these realities- it is doubling-down on the very policies causing the pain.

Instead of inflationary creation of more cash, Conservatives are focused on supporting creation of more of what cash buys- more homes, more food, and more resources across Canada. We believe in reforming Canada’s federal tax and benefit systems so that whenever Canadians work more, they can count on being better off with more control of the fruits of their labours.

Canadians need less inflation and more stability and security which is why I continue to work with my Conservative colleagues to press the government for actions that will benefit all Canadians.

By Barbra Fairclough

Lakeview Probus Club is Growing

The Lakeview Probus Club in Blind Bay was formed four years ago and is a great place to connect with friends and neighbours. Probus is an international organization that provides fellowship opportunities for retired and semi-retired people. The very first Probus Club was in England in 1965 and now there are about four thousand clubs in eighty countries. 1987 saw the first club in Canada and the fourth club was established right here in BC.

In speaking with Brian Stansbury with the Lakeview Probus Club he says there are any number of fun activities they can get busy with. Depending on members’ interest there can be plans for

activities such as camping and pontoon boating. There are also summer picnics and car rallies, kayaking, walking, women’s luncheon, men’s luncheon, etc. Appie nights are hosted at a member’s home and in summer they can be especially popular.

Inga Thomson Hilton, Director with Probus Canada representing British Columbia District Three including clubs throughout the BC Interior. When asked about the possible origin of the name she said she was aware of two theories. “Probus name as one theory goes is that is it a derivative of professional and business back in the early days. Or as some say the name is a derivative of Latin word “probity” which refers to

honesty and transparency.”

The Lakeview Probus club has been operating for four years and Brian Stansbury says, “We try not to be too formal as we all did that in our working lives.” The club meets once a month at the Blind Bay Hall. “We send out a weekly “news bite” to be a reminder of activities.”

Brian says the recent wing night held at the Copper Island Pub was well attended and three new couples became members. At last update member numbers was 105 and growing. Brian says “some people are new to the area and looking for a place to connect and make friends and Probus is a neighbourly way to connect. Referring to the Copper Island Probus club Brian says “It speaks well of this community when there are two probus clubs here. If you would like more information on the Lakeview Probus Club contact Sherry St. Germaine at lakeviewprobus@ gmail.com.

Snowball 2022 Recap

By Karen Brown

The South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce hosted its SnowBall Fundraiser Dinner/Dance on December 2.

Guests enjoyed the complimentary tasting hour, with a signature drink for the night sponsored by Mackay Marketing!

A scrumptious meal catered by Timber Restaurant followed by desserts provided by Paola Steeves was enjoyed by all. Silent auction, live auction and various raffles added to the fun!

The dance floor came alive with Shawn Lightfoot Band in the house playing their great catalogue!

The Chamber gives thanks to all of its sponsors (look for them in this issue!), donors, volunteers and those who came to support the Chamber. See you same time, next year! Happy Holidays!

The South Shouswap Chamber Thanks all the Sponsors of Snow Ball 2022!

A Mixed Bag of Art

Lindy's Boutique The Spa

Kasey Neufeld

Walters Sleigh Rides

Aquatech Marine Re- Market Etc.

Sunnybrae Community Association

By James Clark

Some great music coming up as usual at the Sunnybrae Community Hall! Here’s a round up of December and January’s events.

Saturday 10th December brings feature act Chicken-Like Birds to the stage! I really don’t think they need an introduction these days so if you’re new to the area, you’ll just have to come along and enjoy this spectacularly entertaining, humorous and lovable duo starring Jasmin Lynn & Ari Lantela.

Following up in January (second Saturday) will be our used-to-be-dear-distant-friend turned dear-friend-and-Shuswap resident Lowell Friesen. Singer-songwriter, poet, potter and world-wide wanderer Lowell Friesen combines a tender-hearted sensitivity, an edgy simmering angst and a dash of tongue in cheek humour to his brand of modern folk, alt-country music. It has been too long since we’ve invited Lowell back to the stage and we’re really looking forward to having him as our new neighbour! Joining him will be some likely-familiar “Friends” – come and check out who!

As always doors are at 6:30pm, the show begins 7:30pm. Fill your bellies before you arrive this time, as the Seniors Hall will not be serving chili a bun for December or January.

Holiday Fun at Sorrento Memorial Hall

By Karen Brown

It's been a fabulous and festive month at the Sorrento Memorial Hall! Two major activities brought in hundreds to visit our community hall.

The Annual Christmas Market held at the end of November saw scores of people visiting and buying at the 76 tables reserved upstairs & down! Upon their departure, shoppers commented on this sale being the best one yet so kudos to organizers (and sisters)

Jo and Sandra. Well done ladies!

On December 3, the Hall hosted Breakfast with Santa which resulted in 260 family members reserving space to enjoy pancakes, sausages, eggs, coffee and juice. Children enjoyed the gourmet hot chocolate bar with many different toppings to choose from including sprinkles!!

On behalf of the Board, the Sorrento Memorial Hall wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

Open-mic performers make sure to arrive promptly at doors to get signed up! Be sure to check out Sunnybrae Community Association on Facebook for up-to-date announcements and of course, the dreaded but potential cancellation due to a snow storm? Fingers crossed not!

A huge thanks for Good Ol’ Whatserface for last month’s feature, a really fabulous show! And likewise to Skinny Dyck and his band who stopped by on their provincial tour! From all of us at the Sunnybrae Community Association, we wish you a great wintery season and happy holidays. See you in 2023!

Cell Tower Application Sorrento

CSRD website

TELUS is proposing to construct a 58 metre tall self-support tower on a large privately-owned lot at 1030 Dilworth Road, Sorrento.

The proposed tower location is directly south of an existing hydro utility corridor that runs through the property. All the equipment necessary to operate the proposed tower facility will reside within a compound located at the base of the tower. The subject property is 79.97 acres in size and is currently zoned AR1-Agriculture.

The proposed tower location is respectfully setback from adjacent land uses while being centrally located in the area that needs improved wireless service. The tower, if constructed, will provide improved high-speed internet access and wireless service to the Sorrento community.

Send comments to Brian Gregg, SitePath Consulting Ltd. PO. Box 20138, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 0C1 or email briangregg@sitepathconsulting.com before the deadline of January 13, 2023.

Chicken-Like Birds performs Saturday December 10

Programs Popular at Blind Bay Dojo

By Barbra Fairclough

Jean-Luc Desgroseilliers, Chief Instructor (Yondan) of Shuswap Dojo is enthusiastic about the emerging interest in the karate program at the dojo in Blind Bay. The Dojo was founded in January 2011 by Vic Hargitt (Hachidan), President of the Shorei-Kan Canada Karate Association, and Jean-Luc. The Shuswap Dojo closed in March 2020 and stayed closed due to the pandemic until fall of 2021.

Students return has been gradual. Forty percent of students were lost due to the eighteenth month closure.

This last spring, registration was 47 students and September registration for students was up 60% to 77 students. Jean Luc attributes this to a strong interest in people coming together again as well as an increase in the number of families moving into the area.

Jean-Luc explains that some families have more than one

child in the program, sometimes with as many as three. “Parents bring kids for the discipline, respect for others and the structure it presents.”

There are three sessions to the program. Winter is from January to March; Spring is from April to June and Fall is from September to December. The end of each session is a testing date to see if students are ready for a new belt or stripes. In the middle of December is a year-end event where students do demonstrations and there are snacks and refreshments.

Jean- Luc is pleased that karate can be offered for a very modest price. He confirms the price is 30% of what others would charge. Because the program is delivered by qualified volunteer instructors, the price for families is quite low compared to other karate programs. The program becomes more accessible to more children and families. One instructor located in Kamloops drives to Blind Bay to volunteer time to instruct the children.

Of the students attending the dojo the youngest is five and the eldest is 82. Three age categories include 5 and 6yrs, 7 to 11yrs, and 12yrs and up.

The karate programs are vigorously attended and they now have a wait list of 13 kids.

The dojo is located at Cedar Heights Community Centre at 2316 Lakeview Drive.

Busy parents can register online and information on session dates and pricing can all be found there. Parents are always welcome to attend and sit in during the classes. Go to www. shoreikankarateshuswap.ca

Dojo students & instructors at recent session. (Photo credit Barbra Fairclough)

Arts Council

Submitted by Jacquie Middlekoop

FACES WINTER RECITAL DEC. 11

The students of FACES are working very hard in preparation for the FACES Winter Recital coming up on December 11. The recital will feature performances by our dance and music students, as well as an art exhibition by the FACES art students. The evening is a wonderful opportunity for our talented young creatives to showcase their talent, build their confidence, and show family and friends how much they’ve learned so far. If you’d like to purchase tickets to the FACES Winter Recital on Dec. 11th, visit www. eventbrite.com, or follow the link at www.shuswaparts.com.

NEW REGISTRATION INTAKE FOR 2023

FACES is a branch of the Arts Council for the South Shuswap that offers lessons and classes in dance, choir, private music, and art. In January, our registration intake opens for the remainder of the season (until June 2023.) If you are interested in taking classes or lessons, please visit www. shuswaparts.com to find information about our fantastic teaching staff, class descriptions, lesson schedule and fees, and more! Students in dance and music will be part of a year end recital to wrap up the season in June. Art students will have the opportunity to proudly display their works at the recital if they choose as well. Online registration will open at the end of December, and all fees will be prorated to the end of the year (June 2023.)

CHECK OUT THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Do the Shu has your go-to calendar for all things happening in the Shuswap! Check out these featured events below:

• Sunnybrae Coffee House – Dec. 10, Sunnybrae Community Hall, 6:30 pm $5 admission

• Cod Gone Wild Neighbourhood Rounds – Dec. 10, Sorrento Memorial Hall, 7:30 pm $30 tickets

• CP Holiday Train Pre-party – Dec. 15, Notch Hill, 6:00 pm FREE

• Cedar Heights Christmas Shed

Party - Dec. 16, Cedar Heights Hall, 7:00 pm

• New Years Eve at Timber Shuswap – Dec. 31, Timber Shuswap, 5:00 or

7:30 pm $129 tickets

• Carlin Hall Coffee House – Jan. 7, Carlin Hall, 6:30 pm $5 admission

Raising Funds for Notch Hill School Renovation

By Barbra Fairclough

The brown schoolhouse at the siding at Notch Hill is on the way to a renovation that will see the schoolhouse fully restored.

Located at the Notch Hill town site, it was built in 1921. The property the school and other buildings are on was donated by Nels Sjodin family. The one room building accommodated grades 1 through 8. The classroom is 28ft by 24 ft which was larger than the usual classroom by four feet. The last class was in 1971 and local resident Miriam Leggett taught the last year the school was open.

The school has a spacious entry room which includes an inside stair access to the ground level basement. This was not common with the early two story, one room classrooms. This made it easy to get downstairs without going outside. With the basement level above grade there is a need for a full exterior stair for students access to the classroom. The basement also has exterior doors.

The basement housed the large wood burning furnace and the classroom above would be heated by the warm air plenum of the heater. The exit in the classroom upstairs leads to the large field outside where the children played. A new mobili-

Shuswap Better at Home

ty friendly ramp has recently been added to the rear entrance to the building.

Rayna Vanderhoek of the Notch Hill Town Hall Association is directly involved with the fundraising effort to up-

and having the doors open. A fall fundraiser pumpkin painting day with kids was held and Rayna confirms it was very enthusiastically attended.

Currently the hall is unheated and planned upgrades will make the schoolhouse usable year round. The renovation will leave the schoolhouse fully restored up to code and environmental standards while maintaining a heritage feel.

Fundraising and donations of $8000 is an excellent start to the $250,000 goal for the schoolhouse renovation. Rayna says the next fundraiser will likely happen sometime in the spring and to stay tuned.

grade the school. She has a wonderful team of volunteers working to make the project happen. Rayna says she is a dairy farmer’s wife and was used to doing bookkeeping for the farm. In 2014 she started painting. She says she’s a long way from the farm but she is learning quite a bit about fundraising and conveying the message of what they are doing.

She spent a good part of the summer in the schoolhouse teaching small classes

The volunteers at the Notch Hill Town Hall Association will have information at the hall about the Schoolhouse project on the eve of the CP Holiday train on December 15 at 6pm. The school doors will also be open for folks to take a peek. Come by and take a closer look and enjoy the festivities too.

Donations are welcome. And thanks to all those who have donated and come out to the various fundraisers. E-transfer donations to notchhilltownhall1910@ gmail.com.

Notch Hill fundraiser pumpkin painting (Photo courtesy Rayna Vanderhoek)

The Shuswap Trails Party Returns for 2023!

STA Release

Planning for the beloved Shuswap Trails Party is once again underway, so save the date for the first Friday in February. Those coveted Shuswap Trail Party tickets are set to arrive December 07, just in time to continue giving the gift of trails this Christmas!

17 years ago, regional leadership launched the what-if idea of Shuswap communities working together to support each other in the creation of trails and pathways. To help fund the effort they created what has become a sell-out celebration of trails right in the middle of winter. Regional partners came together around the idea that together we were stronger and both the Shuswap Trail Alliance and the annual Shuswap Trails Party were born.

“Those trail party tickets lay down the foundation for us to support regional partners and projects throughout the year,” says Shuswap Trail Alliance Board Chair, Scott McKee, noting they sell out by word-ofmouth weeks before the event. Every dollar raised is then leveraged through grants and partnerships to support trail projects throughout the Shuswap.

Thanks to funding in 2022, trails projects were completed at Sorrento/Blind Bay, South Canoe, Eagle Pass, Mara Lookout, and Salmon Arm. Funds also supported new partnerships, local government partners, volunteers, more trail signs, improvements to existing trails, planning for the future, and further restoration efforts.

“It involves the leadership of many committed people throughout the Shuswap,” acknowledges McKee, pointing to the collaboration between Secwepemc, provincial, and local government leadership, stewardship organizations, industry, community sectors, and trail user groups. The Shuswap Trail Alliance also gratefully acknowledges the support of the Province of British Columbia.

This year’s Shuswap Trail Party fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, February 3, 2023, and features the Legendary Lake Monsters with DJ Partico’s Patrick Ryley keeping the dance floor packed, locally made appies, and a 50/50.

“The silent auction was so streamlined hat that we have decided to keep the silent auction online again in 2023”, says STA Executive Director Jen Bellhouse. “The silent auction will feature unique Shuswap experiences and the online format will again include enhanced opportunities to feature local businesses, item photographs, and website links to encourage people to support local businesses”.

Tickets to the Shuswap Trails Party & Fundraiser will be available exclusively at Skookum Cycle & Ski in Salmon Arm, as of December 07 (Tickets $50, cash or cheque only). Reserve tables also available for $100 donation plus a group of 10 tickets purchased.

To make a cash or auction donation contact Sylvia at auction@shuswaptrails.com or phone 250-832-3435. For information on the Shuswap Trail Alliance, regional partners, projects, and how to contribute, visit www.shuswaptrails.com.

Shuswap Trail Party tickets support trail work throughout the Shuswap – volunteers, trail crew, and design specialists work together to design, develop, and care for trails, pathways, and active transportation corridors throughout the Shuswap like the recently completed East Canoe Creek Bridge in Salmon Arm. (photo contributed)

Sorrento Centre

The season of giving

By Mary Scheidegger

Since the publication of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol in 1843, loving kindness expressed through gift-giving has been a part of this season. Remember the joyous ending when the reformed Scrooge summoned a local boy to deliver a large turkey to the Cratchit family (a turkey so big that Scrooge paid for a cab to convey the delivery boy and bird). It’s not just a Victorian Christian tradition – gestures of neighbourly love flow through many faith and cultural traditions.

At the Sorrento Centre, our kitchen team has just completed a seasonal order for 36 boxes of turkeys (several birds in each box), that we will cook, slice and – along with our neighbours – ensure that hundreds of people in our region will be able to enjoy the bounty of season even if they are struggling to put food on the table.

Giving is always in season – not just in December. And the rewards are not just for those who receive gifts. The givers gain at least as much.

The seasons of Advent and Christmas are meaningful for people around the world, Christian and not, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Holy child in Bethlehem so very long ago. For most, the celebration is marked on Christmas day with the exchange of presents under the tree.

In recent years, the trend is to give the gift of experience, friendship and family time rather than extravagant presents. This year, when you are considering what to give, why not think local and give a local experience. There are plenty to choose from in the Shuswap!

Did you know Sorrento Centre offers experiences and courses all year long – we are so much more than awesome summer programs and events. Throughout the year, we continue to host events and activities that truly nourish the body, mind, and soul.

Here’s some gift-giving ideas for everyone on your list.

• Give the gift of an art experience:

• Creative Journaling via Zoom: Joy for the New Year or...

• Shuswap Rock Rhapsody in-person Art CourseRetreat to the beautiful Sorrento Centre campus and learn to paint the wonder that surrounds you. Josie will lead you on a creative journey using acrylic paints and Shuswap shoreline as the subject.

This course is led by Josie Pearce, a resident of Scotch Creek and an incredible visual artist specializing in work with pencil, pen and ink, pastel, oil and acrylic mediums. Josie’s gentle guidance will leave even the most hesitant artist pleasantly surprised. This program is open to beginner and intermediate students.

Learn more at www.sorrentocentre.ca/expressive-arts

• Give the gift of experience a winter wonderland:

You could stay for Free -Sorrento Centre is centrally located right off the Trans Canada highway with endless trails close by for the novice or hard-core skier/ snowshoer. Book one of our cozy cabins, suites or apartments with your own kitchen, or choose a motel-style room and let us do the cooking for you. Simply organize a group for a winter “Stay and Play” here at Sorrento Centre, and you could stay for free.

Learn more at www.sorrentocentre.ca/winter

• Give the gift of a summer family-camp experience: 2023 Programs will be announced on December 15 -For 60 years Sorrento Centre has been a place where people gather from around the world. In 2023, our 60th anniversary year, we expect to welcome more than 4,000 guests who will seek to engage their heart, mind, and spirit: to be inspired, meet old friends and make new ones. They come to rest and relax in a place of great beauty in the Shuswap region of

Artist Josie Pearce will lead you on a creative journey using acrylic paint. (photo contributed)

Get cozy by the historic fireplace, Toujours Pret, (Always ready) at Sorrento Centre (Photo contributed)

(continued from page 24)

British Columbia.

Give your friends and family a summer experience like no other, or why not contribute to our bursary fund so that someone you may not even know will experience the Sorrento Centre experience during 2023.

Learn more at www.sorrentocentre.ca

From all of us at Sorrento Centre, we wish you a Merry Christmas -- happy holidays however you celebrate them! We look forward to welcoming you in 2023!

What do you get if you cross Santa with a detective? Santa Clues!

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?

It’s Christmas, Eve.

South Shuswap Library Events

South Shuswap Staff

Come on in, the library is cool! We have a great selection of books, DVD’s, CD’s, and magazines for patrons to check out. We ask that you sanitize your hands before you browse.

Our two computer stations are available to use. We also have chairs and tables available for use in branch and free Wifi.

Please call the branch if you have any questions –250.675.4818. Located at #1 - 2425 Golf Course Drive, Blind Bay.

Have you ever checked out our website? We have a great selection of online resources, homework help, magazines, ebooks, audiobooks, Rosetta Stone and more! Check us out at www.orl.bc.ca

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING

South Shuswap Lego. Come on in and ask to use the Lego. We ask that you wash your hands prior to use. Drop-in.

Kids Paper Craft with Karen. Come in and make a paper craft with Karen. Tuesday, January 24, 3:00-4:00pm. Registration required. Limit of 8 school aged children. Please call the branch to register 250-675-4818.

Take and make bags to go. Stop by the branch the first Saturday of the month and pick up your craft bag to go. Limit of 25 bags. First come first serve. School-aged.

PJ Storytime with Rebecca. Come and have some fun at the library! Songs and rhymes with a light snack. Tuesdays 6:00 – 6:45pm. February 7, March 7 and April 11. Drop-in.

Mother Goose with Rebecca. Come and join this lively hour filled with songs, rhymes and fingerplays! A light snack will be served. Fridays 10:15 – 11:15am. Dec. 9, 16, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10. Drop-in.

Unplug and Play Week. The Bug Guys will be at our branch Saturday, January 28 from 1:00-2:00pm. Come and see what kind of reptiles Stuart will bring for us to see and learn about. Drop-in.

ADULT PROGRAMMING

Card making with Karen. Come and learn about basic stamping and die cutting/ dry embossing with a machine. You will make 2 cards with envelopes! Beginners welcomed. Two sessions to choose from Thursday, January 12 and February 9 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Registration required call 250-6754818. Limit of 8 adults.

Take and make bags to go. Stop by the branch the second Saturday of the month to pick up your craft bags to go. Limit of 25 bags. First come first serve. Adults.

Calm to Go. Change the way you feel. Come in stressed. Leave revitalized. Find your balance. Wednesdays, December 14 and 21 from 10:00am – 11:00am. Drop-in.

Page Turners Book Club. Book club is held the first Thursday of the month at 10:00 am. Registration required. Call 250-675-4818.

Fireside Knitters. Come and join us on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month at 10:00am. Drop-in.

Friends of the Library Book Sale. Come and check out the great selection of books to buy at our library on January 27 10:00-5:00 pm and January 28 10:00-4:00 pm. Accepting donations of five years or newer books. Call the branch for more details.250-675-4818.

If you haven’t seen our new shelving visit the branch to see how open and bright the library looks.

What programs would you like to see in your library? Email us at sostaff@orl.bc.ca with your suggestions.

Birders Gather for 123rd Audubon Christmas Bird Count

By Barbra Fairclough

This year is the 123rd year of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Shuswap Naturalist Club member Ted Hillary, long time organizer for the bird count, confirms the club has been conducting the bird count since 1971. This year it will be on December 18.

Ted says this year the area will be the same as last year, covering a radius extending from 30th Avenue and Hwy 1 in uptown Salmon Arm. Bird count volunteers work in groups in four quadrants in this radius. The count reaches Annis Bay part way between Salmon Arm and Sicamous, the south end of Hwy97B toward Enderby, Silver Creek Store and Sunnybrae.

In 2020 the total species counted was 80 just be hind the highest number recorded in 2004 which was 82. In the 2021 count, the total number of species was 64. Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan and the Gadwell were the top three birds by number counted.

Bird Count tallies will be entered into the Audubon database where the bird species and numbers can be viewed by anyone who is interested. Want more information? Ted can be reached at tedhillary@Shaw.ca.

The Christmas bird count in the North Shuswap will be on December 16 and the area extends in an eight-mile radius from the Scotch Creek Provincial Park. It includes locations in Magna Bay to Adams River bridge, Sorrento to White Lake, including Blind Bay and areas around it.

Claudette Carlson, a long-time organizer confirms they will have volunteer counters out in these areas and says she cannot remember how many years the December bird count has been conducted in the North Shuswap, but she confirms it has been decades.

This bird count is done by a group of like-minded people and usually 15 people or so come out to do the count in the North Shuswap. “We ask all who are feeding the birds if you would try to count them and to give me a call.”

“We really appreciate the calls from people who are feeding the birds as we do not always know who you are.

I was so thankful for those who called me last year. Jack and I will do our area Magna Bay to Celista and all the area above the main road. Lunch at the Magna Bay Store will be a highlight, thank you to the Isleys.” “I hope the weather will co-operate and give us a nice day. Once again, the count will be tallied in our house in Chase, and anyone who wishes to learn about this bird count is welcome. Happy birding.”

Claudette also confirms the Swan and Eagle count will be on the January 15, 2023.

If you would like to join in or phone in your bird count at your bird feeder, please contact Claudette at 250 679 8148.

The Audubon Christmas Bird count data collected by observers over the past century provides a picture of how bird populations have changed in time and space. The data is references by researchers, biologists and others and it informs the work to protect birds and their habitat.

South Shuswap First Responders

By Sandra Reutlinger

We know you don’t want to see us. At the same time, you are really glad to see us.

The trained volunteers of the South Shuswap First Responders are usually the first on scene at a medical emergency after 911 has been called. We know you don’t want to be involved with a medical emergency, but when it does happen, the calming and caring presence of your community helpers is valuable.

Through the medical training and skills acquired, the

First Responders will provide aid until patients are transported to a hospital. We have appreciated the support and encouragement shown to our group from our communities over this past year and we are dedicated to serving this area in this new year ahead.

If you would like more information, please check out our FB page or drop us a line at ssfr@ shaw.ca

May your Christmas Season be one that is filled with joy, peace, safety and health!

Hung my Christmas lights on the house across the street, so I can see them!

Cedar Heights Community Association

“Where neighbours become friends”

By Shaunne Letourneau

Well, where has 2022 gone? Here we are in December once again and preparations are in high gear for the holiday season at the Centre.

The hall has been decked out with trees and lights, Kids Only Shopping, the Christmas Bake Sale and our annual Christmas Dinner will all have been held by the time you are reading this.

But you aren’t too late to come and share the season with us. The annual Christmas Shed Party will be held December 16. Come and sing along to all your favorite Christmas carols with our talented Ukulele band. Have an instrument you play? Bring that along and add to the musical accompaniment. Doors open at 6:30 with the music beginning at 7:00pm. Memberships for the 2023 year are also now on sale. Get the most from a membership by joining early in the year. Membership is required to participate in our winter and summer programs like Keep Fit and Pickleball. In addition, members receive discounts on events such as Lobsterfest and the Pig Roast. There are many new events being planned for

2023. Your monthly newsletter gives you a preview of what is going on and what events are happening during the month. Of course, you can always visit our website for up-to-date information.

January is around the corner and with it thoughts of New Year’s resolutions. If one of your resolutions is to become more fit, have a look at our website for information on our Keep Fit programs. All instructors are certified. Regular Keep Fit classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 9:00 am. Sit and Be Fit classes are also held Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting at 10:45 am. These are designed for those with health or mobility issues requiring some modification to a regular keep fit routine. Yoga is also being offered Wednesday mornings. The sessions run January to the end of May. www.cedarheightscommunity.ca

In this busy time of year, we find ourselves giving thanks for the many blessings in our lives, especially our families and friends. We wish you the all the peace and joy of the holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

A VERY SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR THANKS FOR A GREAT YEAR, AND WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST AS YOU EMBARK ON

Sorrento Lions Club

By Judi Kembel

Our 1st annual Craft Sale was held at the Shuswap Estates Community Centre on November 5 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. There were 32 vendors present and, for our very first craft sale, we think it was a tremendous success and are hoping to hold our 2nd Annual Craft Sale next year.

We were honoured to welcome 1st Vice District Governor Michael Livingstone and Zone Chair Karen Bassett to our November 17 meeting. His speech was very informative and he suggested watching a YouTube presentation called “Outside the Box” by International President Brian Sheehan. He announced the last District D Conference will be held in Vernon at the Prestige Inn, April 28 & 29, 2023 and urged as many as possible to attend. He also presented a 50-year chevron for Lion Karl posthumously to Lion Sharon Paulus; a 20year chevron to Lion John Howat; and Lion Hans Schmidt will receive his 10year chevron at the next meeting.

On November 26, we held our first Seniors’ Christmas

Party and Silent Auction since 2019. It was held at the Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre and while the turnout was disappointing, the ones who did attend, had a great time. The Marriage Game run by Lion Gary Pfeifer was hilarious and Patrick Riley – aka “Hank Williams” was a huge hit. The Silent Auction was also very successful – Bravo Zulu to Lion Gary and his wife Marnie for all their hard work organizing this portion of our event. Again, we cannot thank the Shuswap Estates Community Centre and the Barker family enough for allowing us to hold our major fundraisers in their facility rent free. It means the world to us.

Meat and 50/50 draws continue each Friday, 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Copper Island Bar and Grill, TCH Sorrento. On Dec. 16, there will be 10 turkey draws.

Preparations are underway for our 50th Charter Night in May 2023. We are proud to serve

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

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

Do you own waterfront property on Shuswap or surrounding lakes?

Stay informed with SWOA

Waterfront Owners

1st VDG Michael Livingstone presents 20 year Chevron to Lion John Howat. (Photo by Judi Kembel) (continued

our community in any way we can and we look forward to continuing our work in the community. New members are always welcome - both women and men over 19 years of age are welcome to join. 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.

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/

Carlin Hall Community Association

By Jane Stephenson

A blanket of snow has settled upon us, cooler temperatures have arrived, twinkling lights are sparkling throughout neighbourhoods, and it appears that the Christmas Season is nigh. Here’s hoping we can all bring a little joy to the world.

Carlin Hall continues to be a hub of activity leading up to the Christmas break. With music ringing through the hall, crafts being completed, the upcoming FACES Recital, and Christmas dinners shared in the spirit of friendship and fellowship, the month of December wraps up being everything a community hall should be.

It’s already time to look forward to the up-andcoming events in the New Year. January’s coffeehouse Feature Act is Sunnyside Bluegrass, with Harold Pudwell and Friends taking to the Carlin Stage. The date and time are Saturday January 7 at 7:00 pm.

The Winter Session of the Tuesday workshop/jam will commence on January 10 from 6:30-8:30 pm, and will

once again consist of 8 sessions/$50. Contact Larry at 250 675 5426.

The Wednesday afternoon jam resumes on January 11 from 1-3 pm. The fee for the jam is $40 for 10 weeks or a $5 drop in fee. Contact Diane at 250 517 0861.

CRAFTERNOON will resume on January 29 and take place until March 5. This group gets together for $40 for the 6 week session or $8/ drop in fee. Contact Diane 250 517 0861.

Concert planning for the New Year is underway!! At printing time, the months are March and May. Details are currently being finalized and information will be available in upcoming SCOOP editions.

The CHCA Board extends many thanks to the Carlin Membership, and the community at large, who support the Hall in a myriad of ways. Your kindness, generosity, volunteerism and willingness to lend a hand, make this community so very special.

May you, your family and friends, have a safe and memorable Christmas. Cheers and best wishes to all.

Story & Photo by Jerre Paquette

Aaron & Dustine Martin

If some time in the past three months you’ve taken your car or truck to TIRE CRAFT Sorrento or visited Sorrento Parts (right next door), you may have met Aaron and possibly his wife Dustine, for they are the new owners of both established, popular businesses in the Blind Bay/Sorrento area.

Both were born and raised in Langley B.C. and met for the first time in 2014 shortly after their high school years. Dustine was invited to a party by a friend of Aaron’s who anticipated the two of them might be interested in one another. They were, and on November 1st of 2019 they were married.

Today, they live in the Shuswap with their children Brixton (4) and Callum (1.5), two boys who, in Dustine’s words: “…keep us on our toes as we watch them develop their emerging and very surprisingly different personalities…and you ask, ‘Where did they pick THAT up? From him or from me????—all the good stuff is from me, right!?”.

Maybe such differences between individuals is one of the things that attracted her to Aaron. Consider their early interests and career starts for example.

Dustine knew pretty much what she wanted to do right out of high school; she wasted no time commencing her studies in Rehabilitation. Soon after, she became a Rehabilitation Assistant, working with Physiotherapists and Occupational

Therapists. Her career has since included Paediatric Neural Rehab, Traumatic Brain Injury Rehab, Residential Care, and for four years at a Dementia Facility.

In 2015, Dustine became involved with the Fraser Health Authority on their Traumatic Brain Injury Ward, something she found emotionally draining, especially in work with individuals who suffered serious spinal cord damage requiring intensive and exhaustive long-term therapy. That didn’t seem to be part of the future she wanted—raising a family was on both their minds, but she had no alternative career plans in mind, and motherhood wouldn’t be served by exhaustion. What to do?

From early on in his life Aaron was uncertain about what he wanted to do with his future (aside from being a professional hockey player) and had little in the way of driving ambition. Nevertheless, he had exhibited commitment to whatever he found himself doing, including playing X-box daily—to the disgruntlement of his father.

One day, Aaron’s father (his biggest role model) came home from getting a tire on his boat trailer repaired and approached Aaron with some news that would ultimately prove to be a life changer: “ ‘I just got you a job at the local tire shop; put that x-box away—you’re going to work!’ He then dragged me down to the tire shop where I worked after school

Aaron and Dustine

and Saturdays all through my high school years.”

Thereafter, Aaron continued to work for various tire outlets—and he became exceptionally knowledgeable about tires. Yes, it was hardly a dream job for him— he didn’t really have a dream—but he was about to get one.

The dream started as a bad experience with a major tire outlet that resulted in Aaron quitting the tire business and registering in Okanagan College in search of something better. Ironically, soon after graduating, he returned to working in the tire business, this time with National Tire Distributor looking after many tire shops across B.C., including other independently owned Tire Crafts. That meant he had to travel quite a bit, a little difficult for the two of them given Dustine’s passion for her health career, which limited her ability to move about.

Fate took a hand in fashioning their lives, however. Dustine became pregnant with their first son, so she took a year’s maternity leave, enabling her to join Aaron on his business trips. As a

result, they fell in love with small-community life in B.C. and began to dream of raising their children in a small town somewhere. The problem was, how would they make a living in a small town?

And that’s about when the tire business invested in the two of them. It turned out the National Tire Distributor’s tire customers, who Aaron had helped grow in the course of his work, knew knew that Sorrento Tire Craft was up for sale. They let Aaron know that owning Tire Craft sounded right for Aaron, so they indicated to him they would invest in him and help give him his own start living and working in a small community doing what he was good at—the tire business.

And now, you can meet Aaron when next you get your tires rotated; and, if you’re lucky, you might meet Dustine as well when she comes to work with Aaron to work on the company’s books.

After very different individual journeys, they have both arrived in the Shuswap, living a wonderful common dream that bonds them to our community and to one another tighter than ever.

Shuswap Holiday Twinkle TrailChristmas Lights Maps

Submitted by Goode family

With under a month to go until Christmas, the nights are starting to twinkle. Back for its third year, the Shuswap Holiday Twinkle Trail will help people enjoy the most magical season of the year. Rebecca Taylor Goode of Sorrento recently posted on Facebook asking people to join the “Twinkle Trail” map that shows Christmas lit homes and businesses in the Shuswap area and to encourage people to get out to enjoy the sights of the Season.

“Our family feels like it isn’t really Christmas until the map goes up. We love that we can do this small thing to bring the Shuswap together and share in something beautiful,” says Rebecca. The Goode’s do a similar map in October to show Halloween

displays in their community. To participate, send your name and home or business address to Rebecca@unrefined. ca.

The Map went live on December 1st and will stay up until the New Year’s Day. She and her husband, Thomas Goode are paying for the costs and admin associated with this map.

The map is the perfect way to plan your magical family outings and get in the spirit of the season. It’s sure to become one of your family’s most treasured holiday traditions.

To access the map to see homes and businesses with Christmas displays in your area, visit www.zeemaps. com/Shuswap_Holiday_Twinkle_Trail

KIDS CORNER....

A Mixed Bag of Art

By Rayna Vanderhoek

About 30 mother/daughters came for the a fundraising event at Notch Hill Hall on November 25, where we made Christmas centrepieces, and enjoyed tasty brunch treats.

We are fundraising to take a group of students to Vancouver to go to Emily Carr University and the art gallery in May of 2023.

Thank you to the Lighthouse Market for the fixings for our non alcohol punch and Save on Foods for the cheese for our charcuterie boards. Thank you to all who came out for the event and all who volunteered their time.

Christmas Cheer from the Sorrento and Area Health Centre

By Celia Dyer

’Tis the season of goodies of all sorts and while we look for nutritious alternatives in our snacks, we shouldn’t forget the remarkably delicious and healthy options when it comes to holiday beverages.

Though the stats tell us that we drink more alcohol in December than in any other month, the holidays don’t have to be ruled by unhealthy overindulgence. We hope these non-alcoholic bevvy recipes will help to make your season bright!

Christmas Punch (five servings)

An easy peasy, fruity, fizzy drink that packs a refreshing punch!

• 2 cups pure cranberry juice

• 1 cup orange juice

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 2 cups sparkling apple juice (or sparkling water for low sugar option)

• 1 cup ginger ale

• Orange slices, cranberries, pomegranate seeds and/or cherries for garnish Mix cranberry, orange and pineapple juice in a punch bowl or large jug. Add sparkling apple juice or water and ginger ale and mix gently. When you’re ready to serve, add ice and fruit of your choice to garnish.

Wassail (12 servings)

‘Wassail” is an Old Norse word meaning ‘be in good health’

• 2 quarts apple juice

• 2 cups orange juice

• 1 1/2 cup pure cranberry juice

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 2 tsp whole cloves

Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn to low to keep warm or put in a Crockpot on warm to keep all day so it’s ready whenever you are.

Virgin Irish Cream

This is my favourite find of the season. So delicious!

• 1/2 cup cream

• 1/4 cup evaporated milk

• 2 tbsp (or less) maple syrup

• 1/8 (or more) cup strong coffee

• pinch of cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• pinch of finely grated orange zest

• ice

Put all the ingredients in a large cocktail shaker or jar, with a generous handful of ice. Or skip the ice if you’re not going to drink it right away. Shake well and serve over ice.

Top: The Jackson crew. Bottom: charcuterie boards decorated with Christmas treats (photos supplied by Rayna Vanderhoek)

By Jason Lutterman

Heading into the bright silence of the slumbering forest, the only sound comes from the rear seat of the Jeep. Sounds of elation mixed with carefree hums and the soft kick of a small foot on the back of the seat. She knows we’re on another adventure. Behind us a familiar sight to her, a silver Jeep following filled with her favourite people, her god parents, her adventure companions, her wolf pack.

She doesn’t know what we are about to do but she can’t wait to do it. Rolling down the window to let some warmth escape, the silence disappears, quickly replaced by the sharp crunch of tires on the fresh snow, the warm air contradicting the post card Canadian backdrop. A classic wooden sleigh is strapped to the spare tire carrier and our destination is just around the next turn.

have a 2-year-old absorbing all the joy and wonder of Christmas with a brand new awareness, motivates me to make the season as memorable as possible. Like a scene from the classic movie, A Christmas Story, she leaves her mother’s arms, wrapped from head to toe puffed up and rigid, until she realizes she can move, even if she looks like she can‘t. She never passes up an opportunity to help carry firewood and sees she is needed as the pieces of local cedar are stacked and lit.

With directions from a pink mitten pointed my way, I place her sleigh on the snow and put the checker patterned padding in before her. The handle, short for the depth of snow I’m pulling her in, compounded by the steep ascent, makes me earn each footing. The missed steps are rewarded with a soft heckle from behind.

Turning the sleigh ninety degrees to the trail, I give it a wiggle and confirm as I head into the trees with a bow saw, that I won’t look over my shoulder to witness an infant dashing through the snow like the song she’ll soon be learning to sing.

maybe it’s the tree I tried to stand a few Christmases ago that got wedged into the ceiling. Either way, their uncertainty only strengthened my belief that this is the right tree.

“The color of springtime is the flowers; the color of winter is our imagination” - Terri Guillemets

To be honest, the colour is probably red and black flannel if you’re from around here or maybe the familiar grey of a wool Stanfield but that statement rings true for the young and the young at heart. It’s the holiday season and to

With only a few steps into the knee-deep snow I find a perfect tree. Again a heckle in response, “maybe you should measure it” is suggested in a tone that clearly is making reference to the few, very few occasions where I may have made some misjudgements in my choices. A couch I purchased that didn’t fit in our basement, to be honest it was so big it couldn’t even be put on that floor of the house. Which Willow’s wonderful god mother delights in as she witnessed the struggle firsthand. Or

In no time it was down the hill and strapped to the roof. We returned to the sound of a small voice humming and tires turning as we made our way home. Willow falling asleep en route. As she slept I stood our perfect tree in the familiar stand by the front window. Her mother gathering all the ornaments and decorations, Chip and Dale Christmas cartoons playing in the background, a tradition for me and now for her. Then as she woke the loudest cheer she may have ever made came as she saw a piece of the Shuswap forest standing in her living room. And as I held her on my shoulder to hang ornaments, I knew she couldn’t agree more, that the tree I just cut 3 feet off was the perfect size……. Merry Christmas and may 2023 bring you your best adventure yet.

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

SOUTH SHUSWAP

Christmas Bake Sale – Sat. Dec. 10, 10 am to 1 pm at Cedar Heights Centre. Homemade goodies made by Centre’s talented bakers.

Sunnybrae Hall Coffeehouse - Sat. Dec. 10. Feature act Chicken-Like Birds. Doors and performer signups at 6:30pm, show begins at 7:30pm. www.sunnybraecommunityassociation.com

Cod Gone Wild - Neighbourhood Rounds Christmas Tour, Sorrento Memorial Hall, Saturday, December 10, 7pm. Tickets at www.codgonewild.com/shows.

FACES Winter Recital - Dec. 11, 2:30 pm at Carlin Hall. Ticket information at https://www.shuswaparts. com/

Shuswap Twinkle Trail - online now. To access the map to see homes and businesses with Christmas displays in your area, visit www.zeemaps.com/Shuswap_ Holiday_Twinkle_Trail.

CP Holiday Train - Pre-party on Dec. 15 at Notch Hill Hall from 6 to 9pm, train arrives at 9:15 pm. Free hot choc and snacks. Show from 9:30-10pm. Donations for local food banks. See Notch Hill Hall ad on page 4.

Winter Wonderland Acrylic - Dec 15, 5:30-7:30pm at Duffer’s Grill & Lounge. Join local artist, Kelly, and learn how to paint your very own Winter Wonderland Acrylic. Your ticket includes all supplies, professional instruction and a drink. Register at: https://bit.ly/3VCumcm

Sunnybrae Christmas Carol Sing - Thurs. Dec. 15, 6:30pm at Sunnybrae Bible Camp Dining Hall - come for an evening of carols, cinnamon buns and hot chocolate.

Christmas Bird Count - For areas including Blind Bay, Sorrento & White Lake Dec. 16. FMI Claudette at 250 679 8148. For Salmon Arm to Sunnybrae Dec. 18. FMI tedhillary@shaw.ca More info in article on Page 27.

Lions Club Meat Draw - 10 turkey draws at the weekly meat and 50/50 draw on December 16. Draws each Friday, 5 to 7pm at Copper Island Bar and Grill in Sorrento.

Ukulele Band Christmas Shed Party – Dec. 16 at 7 pm at Cedar Heights Centre. Friendly get together where everyone is welcome to bring their own instruments and singing voices to join in all the familiar Christmas carols.

Carlin Hall Coffee House - Jan 7, 7pm. Feature act Sunnyside Bluegrass.

Tuesday workshop/jam - at Carlin Hall, commences Jan. 10 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Contact Larry at 250-675-5426. For Wednesday afternoon jams Jan. 11, 1-3 pm and CRAFTERNOON Jan. 29 to March 5, contact Diane at 250 517 0861.

South Shuswap Library - Kids Crafts, take and make bags to go, Story time, The Bug Guy, Book Sale and adult programs. More details in article on page 26.

Sorrento Centre Events - Weekly playgroup, art course, Wild Church Sorrento, and so much more! The 2023 program and courses will be online Dec. 15. www.sorrentocentre.ca

Sunnybrae Seniors - Wednesday Games Days - Coffee is on at 10:30am, games, cards, sit and be fit, start at 11:30am. Zumba 11 am on Tuesdays. Monday Night Football with appies, Arts and Crafts on Mondays at 11am Email sunnybrae. srs@gmail.com for further details.

TOPS Sorrento - Every Thursday, 8:30 am weigh-in, 9am meeting. 2932 Buckley Rd at the clubhouse. FMI Eileen 306-221-2657

Sorrento Lions Club - 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. FMI or to join, sorrentolionsclub@yahoo.ca

Sorrento & Area Health Centre

- Appointments Monday - Friday 9:00 am -12:00 pm and 1:00 pm4:00 pm. Please phone (250) 675 2167 first / Immunization Clinics 4th Monday, call 250- 833-4101 for appointment.

Take Steps for Fitness - walking program at Shuswap Lake Estates Lodge, Monday and Thursday 1:302:15. FMI 250-675-3361

Keep Fit classes - Mon, Wed and Fridays, 9am at Cedar Heights Centre. Sit and Be Fit classes,

same days at 10:45am. Yoga offered Wednesday mornings. January to the end of May. www.cedarheightscommunity.ca Blind Bay Painters - Tuesdays, 9:30am at Blind Bay Memorial Hall. Drop in or FMI Jean Toker 250-2536965

Electric Monday Jams - at White Lake Community Hall 7 to 11 pm. 3617 Parri Rd.

Copper Island Health CentreMobile 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, call 250-675-3661 To book immunizations call 250-833-4101. Located in the Blind Bay Market Place.

NORTH SHUSWAP

Santa Claus Parade - Dec. 9, 5:30 pm in Scotch Creek. Parade starts at Imai Road/Squilax Anglemont to Scotch Creek Market - ROAD CLOSURE 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

N.S. Health 12 Days Christmas Raffle - Tickets drawn each day from Dec. 10 to 21 at the health centre. Check website or Facebook for ticket sale details.

Celista Hall Farmers MarketChristmas sale on December 10 in the NS Community hall, from 10am to 2pm.

Indoor pickleball at the Celista Hall - You must know how to play to attend. Dec 12, noon-2pm/ Dec 16,17 1pm-3pm/ Dec 19, 9-11am/ Dec 21, 23, 1-3pm. Lessons available for those who want to learn. Contact Bonnie Dunn 250-3717567 for info on pricing & lessons.

Scotch Creek Hub EventsCommunity Christmas party Dec 17 / Ugly Sweater Party Dec 23 / Lions Club Meat Draw Saturdays 3pm to 5pm, Open Mic on Sundays at 2pm. Closed December 24 to January 3rd.

New Years Eve Party - Dec. 31, 8:00 pm at North Shuswap Community Hall - Live music with Stiff Whiskers. Snacks and beverages available. Presented by North Shuswap Chamber and Timberdays. Tickets on Sale Dec. 15 at Scotch Creek Market, Fetch Panda (formerly Sunnyside) and Ross Creek Store.

Lions Meat & 50/50 DrawSaturdays 3-5 pm at the Hub in Scotch Creek. Christmas turkeys and hams on Dec. 17, at last draw before Christmas. Next draw on Jan. 7.

Support groups - at N S Seniors & Community Resource Centre. Elder abuse issues Dec. 27 from 10-12, Depression groups on Dec 29, 1012, 1-3 and 3-5. FMI and to enroll communityhealthworker.nshc@ gmail.com

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

CHASE

Santa Sacks Chase Library - Call Chase Library to arrange for a Santa Sack. Each sack will contain some activity sheets, colouring pages, easy paper craft, a surprise and some surprise library materials for children and tweens/teens, just let staff know the ages! 250.679.3331 (library materials will be checked out to your card and must be returned)

SALMON ARM & AREA

Christmas Fair - Fundraiser for Canadian Mental Health Association - December 10, 9am4pm, 5th Ave Seniors Centre, 170 5thAve SE

The Metropolitan Opera - at the Salmar Classic, On Alexander, Downtown. Sat. Dec 10, 9:55am, “The Hours”, Kevin Puts/Libretto Greg Pierce. For more information, check out ttps://www.metopera.org/ season/in-cinemas/

Shuswap Singers Christmas Concerts - on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, will present two concerts on Sat. Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. Both at 2:30pm at the Nexus at First United Church, 450 Okanagan Ave. SE Admission is by donation.

SASCU Call for Candidates - An opportunity to become a leader of this prominent regional organization. Submission deadline Jan. 4. Visit sascu.com/Nominations for more information.

Shuswap Music Festival

Registration - for the 2023 festival until Jan. 31, 2023. Open to residents of the Shuswap. Festival

April 11-29, 2023. Register online at www.ShuswapFestival.com. Shuswap Storytellers - meet on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm. Everyone welcome to attend whether you want to tell stories or be a dedicated listener. Info at 250 546-6186.

Enderby Folk & Pattern Dance -

All ages welcome. Meet first Friday of the month. More info at 250 5466186

Coffee House at Gleneden Hall – Every third Saturday, 6:30 pm performer registrations, starts at 7 pm. Music and poetry. FMI Call

250.832.2300

ONLINE / WEBINARS etc.

CSRD Board Meeting - Friday, December 9 at 9:30 am. Pre-register at www.csrd.bc.ca. (Note - usually third Thursday) 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

CSRD Learn how you FireSmart - watch a 30 minute online webinar. Pre-register at www.csrd.bc.ca/ firesmart 1-888-248-2773.

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 250-675-3139 blindbayhall@gmail.com

Blind Bay Painters Jean Toker 250253-6965 jtokersix@gmail.com

Blind Bay Garden Club Susan 250-835-2351

Blind Bay Citizens Patrol Carolyn & Tom 403-796-7221 info. bbcp@shaw.ca

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

Cruising the Okanagan Car Club Facebook or email Anna-Marie Eckhart cruisingtheokanagan@gmail.com

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

Neighbourhood Emergency Pre-

paredness 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

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 Probus - Lakeview-Sherry St.Germaine lakeviewprobus@gmail.com

Probus - Copper Island- Lynne Lowes ekxpat@gmail.com

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Acciona Infrastructure Maintenance Inc - 1-866 222-4204, Vernon Moti 250-503-3664, aimroads@acciona.ca Shuswap Back Country Riders.. Dave Crowfoot 403-512-9111 d.crowfoot@gmail.com Shuswap Better at Home Central Intake 250-253-2749, sbahintake@outlook.com Shuswap Community Foundation 250832-5428, 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 Web: Sorrento Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse

Sorrento Minor Ball Geoff 250-804-6923, sorrentominorball@gmail.com

South Shuswap Canada Day Committee Tammy Packer 250-463-2495

Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge Shirley 250-679-2778 or donkeyrefuge@gmail.com

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 and scheduled

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 Eckhart 250-804-3374

Check us out on Facebook Heritage Rentals - Marianne Romyn 250-835-4721 Event Coordinator - Carol Mowers 250-804-5229

Shuswap Lake Estates Community Centre sle@shuswaplakeestates.com www.shuswaplakeestates.com 250-675-2523

events

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 1-877-452-0719

White Lake Community Hall 3617 Parri Road 250-803-4616 whitelakehall@cablelan.net