COMMUNITY Nicola Nordic Ski Club hosts annual ‘Chili Sunday’

nated for ski use only. The trails are located on Crown Land and follow old logging roads and skid trails. No matter the activity, Pierce said Kane Valley is the place to be.

on trail conditions, maps, membership information, and event details. New events and group skis are being planned throughout the year for club members.

gather their gear and meet at Kane Valley trail system’s parking lot 2 at 7:00pm on February 4th. For more infor- mation on the Nicola Nordic Ski Club, visit the organization’s website at www. nicolanordic.ca.

Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The return of the Nicola Nordic Ski Club’s annual Chili Sunday event did not disappoint, bringing back action packed skiing fun, coupled with homemade chili, and a chance to socialize for local skiers. Roughly three dozen attendees enjoyed the sunny weather, well kept trails, and chili circle camaraderie on January 15 at the club’s Kane Valley trail system.

Chili Sunday is a longstanding tradition for the Nicola Nordic Ski Club, which has operated in the Nicola Valley for decades. The group maintains its 50 plus kilometres of nordic ski trails in the Kane Valley, approximately twenty minutes outside of Merritt. Last weekend, members of the public and the ski club gathered at Kane Valley’s parking lot number two for the beloved event.

“Chili Sunday is to encourage people to come out and try skiing, and also an opportunity for members of the club to come together, visit, share stories, and share a bowl of chili,” said Mischelle Pierce, a director with the Nicola Nordic Ski Club.

“We had between 30 and 35 people, which we were pretty pleased with. We had snowshoers and skiers.”

While there is no official snowshoeing club in the Nicola Valley, Pierce noted that snowshoeing is permitted on select Kane Valley trails that have been marked as snowshoe friendly. The majority of trails are desig -

“That’s what quite often happens in the Kane Valley, it’s really dreary here in Merritt, and then you drive up there and go into a beautiful, sunny day,” noted Pierce.

The Nicola Nordic Ski Club is always accepting new members, and welcomes skiers of all skill levels to join its ranks. Their website includes reports

The next event planned by the Nicola Nordic Ski Club is a full moon ski, happening the night before the 2023 Snow Moon. Those interested in joining the full moon ski should

The Churches Of Merritt Wel Come You

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St • 250-378-2911

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre) Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Ser vice Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p m

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St • 250-378-3772

Ser vice Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Penny (Gail) Blain

January 12, 1947 - December 25, 2022

Penny (Gail) Blain of Merritt, BC, beloved wife of the late Mike Blain, passed away suddenly, after a lengthy illness on December 25, 2022, at the age of 75 years.

Although named Gail, she was known as Penny to family and friends. Born in Port Alberni on January 12, 1947, to Edward Cado Miller and Beatrice Verna (Chambers). She married Frank Chambers in 1965 and gave birth to three daughters. She married Mike Blain, in 1977 and moved to the Okanagan when he retired. Penny found her dream career of fashion later in life. She worked at Cherry Lane Mall in Penticton, hosting many fashion shows at the mall and around Penticton. She made many friends through her work. After Mike’s death, Penny moved back to Merritt and found her second dream job at the Merritt Visitor Information Centre. The log cabin on the side of the highway was Penny’s home away from home, until it closed, and she retired in 2016. In retirement, she attended many concerts, enjoying the music she loved, and travelling the province to visit family and friends.

Penny is survived and will be especially missed by her three daughters Shelley Clarke of Penticton, BC, Carolyn (Les) Curnow of Merritt, BC, and Jillian (Steve) Chambers of Ladysmith, BC; grandchildren Delton and Daylon Mosley, Kalvin (Debra) Clarke, Janna (Kurtis) Klinger; four great grandchildren; stepchildren Rick and Kim Blain; sister Marla Carling of Arizona; stepbrother Wayne (Linda) Morton of Richmond, BC.

Besides her loving husband Mike, Penny was predeceased by her father Edward Miller in 1977, stepfather John Morton in 2012 and mother Bea Morton in 2016.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2023 at the property of Les and Carolyn Curnow For information, please contact Shelley at seclarke@telus.net or 250-493-2878.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.kettlevalleymemorial.ca

In Loving Memory of Martha Fast (McDougall)

January 25, 1930 to January 16, 2023

Martha sadly passed away at Royal Inland Hospital.

Martha was a lifetime resident of Merritt, predeceased in 2020, by John her husband of 73 years.

Survived by her sons Peter/Mary, John/Deborah, grandsons Christopher/Sara, Kevin/Michelle, great grandchildren Sadie & Peter

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Gillis House who took wonderful care of Mom for the past two years.

A graveside ceremony will take place at a date to be announced.

April 5, 1944 - January 11, 2023

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce that Stan Kircher of Merritt BC passe away peacefully in the evening of January 11, 2023 his home

Stan is lovingly remembered by his wife, Pauline Kircher as they had spent the last 55 years happily together Stan was born in Vancouver, grew up in White Rock and was raised by his grandparents Cecil and Mary Kircher

Stan is the eldest of five siblings Rick, Jenny, Mary, and Cathy Stan is also survived by his stepchildren Cathy, Jayson, and Wade Along with nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Stan and Paula lived in Victoria for many years before settling in Merritt in the early 80s Stan drove logging truck for many years all over BC He finished his truck driving career with long haul transporting throughout western Canada and the USA Stan will be sorely lovingly remembered by all who knew him

At per Stan’s wishes there will be no service or memorial