October 27 - 2022

Community Policing Office engaging locals

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

events and programming

the much debated issue of crime and community safety are being offered by the Merritt Community Policing Office (CPO), in response to the increasing prevalence of petty crimes and social disorder. The CPO hopes to both engage and edu cate Merrittonians on a number of topics, from simu lated police train ing to seminars on security for downtown business owners.

The Merritt CPO recently announced three new programs that will be offered to locals in the com ing months. This includes two public safety forums, one

geared towards pri vate residents and the other focused on businesses, along with the offer of simulated police training for Grade 11 and 12 students.

“The idea for the public safety forums came both internally and externally,” said Blake Chursinoff, Merritt’s communi ty policing officer.

“It’s no secret that crime is a big talking point here in Merritt, even all over Canada. We’re offering this forum as an oppor tunity for locals to attend and get basic information on what to do if you’re the victim of crime. It will also be a guide of what the RCMP need from you to conduct an investi gation.”

The first forum

will take place on November 29 at the Merritt Civic Centre, from 7-9PM. Titled the Business Watch Seminar, the eve ning of resources and keynote speak ers hopes to facili tate a connection between local busi ness owners and the RCMP. The focus of the eve ning will be on col laboration between the groups to foster a safer downtown business environ ment.

“Your atten dance doesn’t mean you have to sign up or be a part of it, we’d love for anyone just to come out whether they’re interested or not in joining the Business Watch program. It’s an opportunity to come together and get to know your neighbours in the downtown area,” added Chursinoff.

The following week, Merritt’s CPO will host another public forum, this time focused on col laboration between private citizens to increase com munity safety.

The Community Safety Forum and Q&A is scheduled for December 6 at the Merritt Civic Centre, from 7-9PM. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and access resources on prop erty crime mitiga tion, residential safety, and direct questions to the RCMP during the open question and answer period. The event will have a relaxing environ ment, and looks to promote col laboration between neighbours.

Chursinoff said that there is a clear sense of frustration with how issues

are being handled currently, and the RCMP hopes to begin to address this through the public forums. The final new offering of Merritt’s CPO is a simulated police training experi ence aimed at Grade 11 and 12 students in Merritt, Logan Lake, and Princeton. The five day course will be held in West Kelowna from March 20-24, 2023. Those inter ested in the course are encouraged to apply soon, as seating is limited. Chursinoff said the course will cover a wide range of pos sible career inter ests, while fulfilling province-mandated career explora tion hours for high school students.

“The course will take students through five days of a simulated

policing training experience,” added Chursinoff.

“It will give students the oppor tunity to see what it would be like to go through Depot or a similar police college. The scope might be quite small for those who only want to explore policing, so we’re hoping to bring lots of part ners to come and do introductions for the kids. We hope to have the fire department, BC Ambulance, BC Corrections, Canada Border Safety, and others. It won’t only be geared to policing.”

For more information on the Merritt Community Policing Office and its current offer ings, call 250-3783955, or visit www. merritt.ca/commu nity-policing.

WEATHER

The Merritt Community Policing Office, located downtown in Spirit Square, is host to a number of programs and resources geared toward com

LNIB election results

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The race for Council and Chief in the Lower Nicola Indian Band has come to an end, with results being released by Chief Electoral Officer Drew Shaw.

Voters re-elect ed all incumbents in a crowded field of candidates, including 18 for council and three for Chief. Stuart Jackson won another term as chief, while incum bent Councillors William Bose, Connie Joe, William Sandy, Lucinda Seward, and Robin Humphrey also secured another three year man

date. To complete the full slate of seven councillors, they are joined by Arthur Dick and Lesley Manuel who filled the two seats left by Spence Coutlee and Aaron Sumexheltza. Coutlee was barred from run ning again after being removed from office for vio lating LNIB policy, while Sumexheltza chose not to seek reelection.

The full results are as follows, in ballot order:

CHIEF: ANTOINE, LEONA MARIE - 94

JACKSON, STUART - 182

STERLING, ROBERT JR. 102

COUNCIL: BEARSHIRT, WENONA - 94 JOE, CHARLENE - 86 BOSE, WILLIAM - 189 JOE, CONNIE - 172 CLAYTON, DAVID - 45 LAFFERTY, JOANNE - 115 COUTLEE, GEORGE - 58 MANUEL, LESLEY -179 COUTLEE, LARA - 80 PARE, LAINE - 100 COUTLEE, MARY JUNE136 PINYON, TODD (TJ) - 53 DAWSON, ASHLEIGH - 77 SANDY, WILLIAM - 165

DICK, ARTHUR - 158 SEWARD, LUCINDA - 181 HUMPHREY, ROBIN - 201 SWAKUM, SHAWN - 58

A total of 381 ballots were cast for both Chief and Council.

Voter turnout numbers are still being calculated. The newly elected Chief and Council will serve a three year term ending in 2025. Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of the month commenc ing at 5 PM, at the Lower Nicola Band Office.

For more infor mation on LNIB, including Chief and Council, visit the band’s website at www.lnib.net.

The Lower Nicola Indian Band elections saw three candidates for Chief and 18 for council, with one

seven positions available, respectively. Photo/Herald File

Election night

scares

Despite what you may think, the scariest part of my day on October 15 was NOT staying at City Hall until 4:45 AM, awaiting the results. Rather, it was an experience that took place just before polls closed, right across the street from City Hall.

The Baillie House is a longstanding community landmark, currently operating as a tourist centre offering hard ice cream and visitor information from the historic downtown property. Many have claimed that the Baillie House is haunted, which I have always been skeptical of. Even after working there as a summer student, often alone in the house, I still hadn’t seen anything unexplainable. This all changed on October 15, 2022 when I joined the crew at Q101 and a paranormal investigator from Surrey for an investigation on the Baillie property.

During our “ghost hunt,” we unlocked the padlocked door leading to the second floor of the Baillie House. Upon doing so, a cold breeze came down the stairs, chilling us all to the bone. At the base of the stairs, we heard a grunting sound coming from up top. We weren’t upstairs long before Trevor felt something touch his shoulder, which for me was enough to leave the house and make the foyer of City Hall seem pretty comfortable.

Thank you to Q101, the Baillie House, and The Paranormal Roadtrippers.

VIEWPOINT

Basset

This year, volleyball became one of the most popular sports in the community, as Merritt will be hosting the Senior Girls B.C. Provincials at the start of December.

The local senior girls team is practicing twice a week, with games every Tuesday, and tournaments nearly every weekend.

As the Panthers prepare for Provincials, the team continues to take all of the opportunities they are given with tournament invitations, aiming to represent Merritt and make the Panthers a tough team to beat.

This past weekend, the girls competed in a tournament known as ‘Best of the West’, which takes place annually in Kelowna. This large 44 team tournament contains groups from all over B.C. and Canada.

“The team is working hard to

prepare for provincials. Every game presents new challenges and new opportunities for the girls to improve and learn,” said Dave Finch, coach of the Senior Girls Volleyball team.

The Panthers competed with some of the best teams in Western Canada and managed to win three out of their six games, placing sixth in their division. The team managed to defeat Rutland and Vancouver Christian School, but fell short against Walnut Grove.

Thanks to

these wins, the girls placed second in their pool. Overall, the Panthers were proud of their performance this

weekend and ready to take on the next challenge.

The MSS Panthers have their next tournament

coming up on November 4-5 in Osoyoos. The team hopes to have the same hard work and dedication as

tourney

seen this past weekend as they prepare for Provincials later in the year.

Speak up

A challenge to business owners for the holidays

and while most budding entrepreneurs spend some time on this, there is an expectation for shoppers to “shop local”.

NORTH OF 50

Last week was Small Business Week and, as the Herald showcased, there are some fantastic resources and supports available for local small

businesses. You can get help with building your business step by step, from strategic plan to business license. One part of a strategic plan is marketing

The last two years have brought a significant change to the (small) business landscape and one concept that has solidified is “shop local”. Up and coming for a few years before the pandemic, it has been a call for consumers to support the local economy by buying from small businesses in the

local market. It’s a great sentiment - local businesses have stepped up during supply issues and travel restrictions - but merely being local is not a qualifier.

As business owners, we cannot operate under the premise that customers should support us based on our geographic location. We have to do better than that. When the world sets the bar high, we have to go higher. For the upcoming holiday season I challenge my fellow Merritt

and Nicola Valley business owners to raise the bar and offer the best possible shopping experience.

Here’s my challenge to you:

Know your customers and know what they want. How do you do that? Ask! Whether you post a poll online or ask people who come into your store or frequent your businesspeople will tell you what they want. Listen. Another great way to get regular feedback from

your customers is to start an email list. There are several platforms you can use for free; you can create a sign-up page and email templates, compliant with Canadian AntiSpam Legislation. Tell your story. Show who you are and what you stand for. People love a look behind the scenes, and it does not all have to be sunshine and roses. Every business has its challenges; if you’re honest and transparent about them your

customers will be able to better relate to you and your business. Provide excellent service. That’s a big one! Set the bar high, and then a little bit higher still. And then up one more notch. Make sure your staff knows your expectations. Implement a standard of service that will leave every single customer feeling like they are valued and can’t wait to come back and shop with you again.

CANS FOR DONATION STOLEN

A Merritt man is crying foul after he says six bags full of cans and bottles that were meant to go towards raising funds for the Cadets were taken from his front porch. Norbert Grenier has been collecting cans and volunteering with the Cadets for 20 years. “It happened twice this year that they took all the cans off the deck,” said Grenier.

“I can’t gather them and then leave them there [any more].”

LETTERS POLICY

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

KERSTIN

MSS Team Captain Kendra Marklund spikes the ball. Photo/Rae Bassett

LNIB hosts Remembrance poppy beading sessions

been very good.

With the 2022 Remembrance Day fast approach ing, the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) hosted its annual poppy beading sessions. The activity high lights the commu nity’s appreciation for Remembrance through a common artform among First Nations people.

On Friday, October 21, LNIB hosted a poppy beading session in the LNIB Culture Centre. The ses sion was the first of four that will be done to recognize Remembrance Day on November 11.

“We do this annually,” said organizer Carole Basil. “We just bring people to bead and create their own poppy. It’s very special to have something you made yourself.”

Basil has facilitated this Remembrance Day activity for a handful of years. The event was made possible by the LNIB Cultural Revitalization Program.

“We’re just bringing in com munity members that don’t have the supplies or the time to bead at home,” said Basil. “The experience has

There are always a handful of people who join that have never beaded before. I think that’s the most important part, teaching the ones that have never done it before, this art form.”

According to Basil, there were a total of 18 kits that were prepared for the four bead ing sessions, all of which were taken by a participating beader by the time the first session had taken place.

“I know it doesn’t sound a lot but it takes a lot of time to assemble one,” she explained.

“You have the

beads, you have the backing, you have the pin, the thread, the needle. So I’ve made 18 kits and all of them are now gone.”

There were 12 people who signed up to assemble the beaded poppies. The rest of the kits were taken home as a DIY project.

“We have four students and the rest are adults,” Basil described the group. “A lot of them haven’t bead ed before so this will be a chance for them to learn basic techniques.”

Beaders get to keep their creation. Basil noted that beading is a popu

Removal of Road Dedication

bylaw has received

affec

to serve the City of Merritt during my ter m.

I also want to thank all of the candidates who put their name forward to run in this past election.

takes courage to put your name on the ballot. Congratulations to the successful candidates.

fully support the new Mayor & Council and wholeheartedly wish them all the best in their coming ter m.

during

Izaiah

Izaiah Reyes

Bead your own poppy with LNIB

From Page 9

lar artform within her community.

“I think beading is a common First Nations art,” said Basil. “A lot of First Nations people bead so I think it’s

a great idea to bead your own poppy.”

Remembrance Day is a federal holiday honour ing the brave Canadians, both past and present, who have served in the country’s

armed forces. The Nicola Valley is home to a number of veterans, includ ing members of the five surrounding First Nations com munities.

“I’ve always supported the

Remembrance dur ing the ceremonies each year,” said Basil. “We have a lot of Veterans not just from LNIB, but from the four other surrounding bands. This is a time for us to all come together

and support them.”

The poppy beading sessions will continue on Monday, October 31, and Friday, November 4, at the LNIB Culture Centre.

Legion welcomes the community

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt’s own Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 hosted an open house as part of Legion Week, a nationwide ini tiative to raise awareness of the Legion and the vital connections and services it brings to the com munity. Hotdogs,

hamburgers, info booths, and plenty of smiling faces could be seen as Merrittonians gathered for the Legion’s open house on Friday, October 14.

Legion Week is recognized in the second week of October annually, across B.C. and

Yukon Territory. Legion branches across the region put on community events and cel ebrations, bring ing awareness to veterans issues and the impor tance of the orga nization. Merritt’s Legion Branch 96 was no excep tion, welcoming Merrittonians in for a BBQ and open house, free

of charge. The organization’s executive said turnout was great, and so was the food.

“We bought over 200 hotdogs and hamburg ers, and they pretty much all went,” said Arlene Johnston, presi dent of the local Legion.

“Legion week is all about letting

the public know who we are, what we do, and about our veterans. We had quite a few displays of old photographs of some of our troops, informa tion about our history, and a membership table.”

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 is located on Quilchena Avenue in downtown Merritt.

Marius Auer/Herald

The Legion supports a num ber of causes in the community, including giving

other organiza tions and individu als.

While the main focus of the Legion is to sup port veterans, the group also chooses to support the Nicola Valley Food Bank, local youth groups, and the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans Association.

Through fund raising in the com munity and the collection of mem bership dues, the legion is also able to offer a num ber of bursaries to local students entering their

post-secondary education.

Activities and events at the Legion are gen erally open to all ages, includ ing Wednesday afternoon crib and Thursday’s shuffleboard and open jam ses sions. These events are held weekly at the Legion’s club lounge on Quilchena Avenue, providing a space for veterans and other community members to con nect, socialize, and access needed sup port.

Families and children are wel come to visit the Legion, which also offers meal service during regular hours, at a reasonable price. Johnston said it was nice to wel come the commu

NICOLA VALLEY

nity for a taste of what the Legion has to offer, which is broader in scope than some may realize.

“I thought it was great to be able to bring the community into the Legion and share this with everybody,” added Johnston.

“The Legion was originally started after World War II to support veterans that were coming home, and then they started fundraising because a lot of veterans’ expenses weren’t covered. We support vet erans in their needs, medical, equipment, or just emotional support. Our main goal is to support our vet erans.”

Johnston added that while many

think the Legion is focused only on supporting veter ans of the World Wars, the organi zation is focused on supporting veterans from all service, including RCMP members and those who served at any point in their lives.

Moving for ward, the Legion will begin its annual sale of poppies, com memorating the service and sacri fice of those who put their lives on the line for Canada’s freedom. Those interested in volunteering in the sale of poppies should contact Legion096@out look.com, or call during regular business hours at 250-378-5631.

Seniors Assn. donation

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Senior Citizens Association received a cheque dona tion on Thursday, October 13, for $2500, allowing them to continue the expansion of their meals pro

gram. The orga nization, which operates out of the Seniors Centre on Tutill Court, is cur rently in the process of upgrading their kitchen to allow for a meals for seniors program.

Members of the Merritt Senior Citizens Association gathered before their board meet ing to accept the cheque, pre sented by Marilyn Christensen, eco nomic development manager for the City of Merritt,

on behalf of a Kamloops-based company called Exceed Electrical Engineering. The engineering compa ny chose to donate to the seniors asso ciation as part of their community involvement pro gram.

Suppor ting Healthier

Members of the Merritt Senior Citizens Association pose with Marilyn Christensen, economic development manager for the City of Merritt, who organized the donation. Marius Auer/

Merritt Centennials host Indigenous Night ceremony

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Centennials hosted an Indigenous Night event dur ing their October 21 regular season game, honouring Indigenous his tory and culture in a pre-game cer emony. Multiple Indigenous Cents alumni were pres ent, and the pro ceedings included drumming, speech es, and a ceremo nial puck drop.

The Centennials hit the ice in their new Indigenous jersey, the unveil ing of which was another focus of the cultural event. Cents team members donned their newly designed jerseys when they played the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday. The Cents emerged from the locker rooms in the new gear, designed

by local artist Kayla Washington of Nooaitch Indian Band. The jersey features Indigenousinspired designs, including a new version of the iconic Cents logo. Cents coaching staff said these initiatives are new to the Cents, and part of the team’s commitment to reconciliation.

“I believe it’s the first time we’ve done something like this. All we can do is educate

ourselves, and we’re going to do that with the players and with our board,” said Curtis Toneff, Centennials head coach and GM.

“This is a spe cial night for a lot of people, and a night where our players are made aware of why they’re wearing these new jerseys.”

A special pregame ceremony was held before the Cents took on the Bulldogs, led by former Cents

Merritt Centennials Team Captain Davide Patella faces off against Alberni Valley Bulldogs Captain Chase Klassen in the pregame ceremony that precedeed the Indigenous Night. Marius Auer/Herald

Head Coach Joe Martin, which included a number of speakers, tradi tional drumming, and a ceremo nial puck drop. A number of Cents alumni walked the red carpet to centre ice, cheered on by the com munity that so loves its hockey team. Drummers performed wel come and closing songs, and newly reelected Chief Stu Jackson of the Lower Nicola Indian Band

spoke regard ing the value of the team and the importance of its relationship with Indigenous com munities. Jackson himself played for the team as a teen ager.

The Cents pulled off their third win of the regular BCHL sea son against their former coach’s team following the pregame cer emonies, beating the Bulldogs in a tight 6-5 game. As they move through

the season and through the team’s regular operations, the organization said they are com mitted to educa tion.

“On Orange Shirt day, we had a discussion with the team about why we’re doing these things. Let’s face it, a kid from California or dif ferent places in North America may not know what has gone on, or about the discoveries made in and around

our area. It’s a real eye opener for them, and they can go home and educate their families on the unfortunate past Indigenous folk have had here, and the cruel things that have hap pened to them.”

For more information on the Merritt Centennials and Indigenous Night, visit the team’s website at www. merrittcentennials. com.

A number of Indigenous presenters, drummers, and Cents alumni lined the ice in a pregame ceremony on October 21. LNIB Chief and Cents alum Stu Jackson adresses attendees in his speech. Marius Auer/Herald

Merritt Bowling Centre home to local bowling teams

Merritt has hockey, Merritt has softball, Merritt has curling, and along Coutlee Avenue there is a mural depicting another sport that Merritt wants to establish themselves in. Inside the Merritt Bowling Centre are teams of bowl ers enthusiastically competing against each other to build up the budding community.

Merritt Bowling Centre annually hosts a slew of inhouse leagues, from seniors, to youth, and mixed adult divisions. This year marks the continu ation of the great attendance the bowling centre was experiencing prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

“We have fivepin bowling,” said Richard ‘Digz’ Sterling, organizer for the Merritt Bowling Centre’s in-house leagues.

Five-pin bowl ing was invented in Canada in the early 1900’s by Thomas F. Ryan. Much like its more popular 10-pin counterpart, the objective of the game is to knock all the pins down by rolling a ball over them.

“It’s only famous in Canada. Because they feature smaller balls and less pins, people think it’s easier, but it’s actu ally more difficult than 10-pin.”

Sterling believes that this version of the game is making a return to promi nence with more people getting into the game.

“I think five-pin bowling is trying to make a comeback right now,” he said. “It was big in the 90’s and it’s com ing full circle now. More people are coming out and more people are interested in the leagues and as a fan of the sport, it feels good.”

Speaking on his observations in Merritt, Sterling believed that the COVID-19 pandemic restric tions had a double edged sword effect that improved the game’s popular ity in the Nicola Valley.

“During the pandemic we were allowed to run the leagues but we were only allowed to run four lanes at a time,” he explained. “It definitely put a bit of spike among our leagues and as

a result, a lot of people quit. This year, now that were getting through it, the lanes are get ting full again.”

There are four different leagues that Merritt Bowling Centre offers; ladies, seniors, adult mixed, and youth. The youth league is further divided into three age brackets; bantams (ages four to 10), juniors (1014), and seniors (15-19).

“I think the pandemic put a bit of kibosh with our leagues but it also opened up oppor tunities for people to do something and, as a result, we became more pop ular throughout the pandemic than we ever have,” Sterling said.

“Our mixed leagues are full for both the Monday and Thursday slots. There are already eight teams occupy ing our eight lane centre. It’s actually the first year we’ve had full leagues since 2019.”

Operating on a pins on average system, Sterling explains that the bowling in their centre may be competitive but is emphasizing a fun experience first and foremost.

“It’s not intense competition but we have fun and com pete for sure. We promote commu nity and fun first. We bring people together.”

If the thrill of competition is what players are seeking, Sterling mentioned an opportunity for higher level compe tition.

“Merritt is set to host the Interior Championships B division,” Sterling said. “We haven’t hosted it since 2012. All the teams within B.C., rang ing from here to Fruitvale, will gath er here and play in a tournament over a weekend. It should be a lot of fun!”

Sterling said that league bowlers affil iated with Merritt Bowling Centre will have the opportuni ty to qualify for the house’s representa tive team.

“We have a championships roll-off trials which we’ll be having in December,” he explained. “The top five qualifying men and women will compete in the A division which will be hosted in Kamloops while the next five fin ishing men and women will make up the team to

compete here for division B.”

Merritt Bowling Centre’s In-house bowling leagues began their season on the second week of September and it will last until April 2023. Sterling notes that although the amount of teams are full, the bowling centre are still welcoming new players to join the rosters. For more information, please visit www.merritt bowling.ca.

Izaiah

Merritt

Reyes/Herald

BUSINESS FEATURE

Local skin clinic accommodates out of town clients

Having a large part of their clien tele be from out of town, The Desert Divas and Dons Medi Spa have decided to open a complimentary accommodation for guests. This added feature will ensure that any traveling guests will have a place to spend the night.

Desert Divas and Dons Medi Spa is a skin clinic located along Granite Avenue. The company is best known for their exclusive and world class technol ogy for skin care treatments which attracts clients from across the province and the country.

“A large part of clientele are com ing from Osoyoos, Kelowna, some from Alberta, and some from Vancouver Island,” described Anastaszia Cash, founder of Desert Divas and Dons Medi Spa.

“People travel here to come and get these treatments so we wanted to create accommoda tions for them to show our apprecia tion.”

Cash is cur rently building a

one bedroom unit that will serve as a complimentary service for her out of town guests. The unit, located in Lower Nicola, will be available for guests beginning, November 1.

“We’re a very niche boutique clinic,” she said “Half of my house is where I live, the other half of the house is the medi cal clinic.”

Cash explains that she had set her operations up in this manner was to promote the pri vacy of her clients.

“People don’t want to be seen coming to a brick and mortar storefront,” she explained. “Now that we’ve moved, we’ve been a lot busier. We’re now actually booking appointments for mid-January.”

Cash moved to Merritt two years ago as it is in close proximity to family and she has seen an opening for her niche.

“We have children and grandchildren about an hour and a half from both the east and west of Merritt,” she explained. “I

believe the climate here is one of the most sought after in the country.”

Prior to setting up shop in Merritt, Cash previously owned and ran Dermal Aesthetics Skin Lab, a simi lar service which was located in Vancouver.

“I’ve been in the skin care industry since the 90’s,” cash explained. “I was a survivor of domestic violence and I had scars on my face. I ended up going to a plas tic surgeon to help me with the scars. I remember how the surgeon helped me and made me feel which inspired me to give back by doing the same.”

The clinic boasts class leading skincare technol ogy supplied to Desert Divas by DermaSpark, a Vancouver based company who gave the clinic exclusive rights to their pro prietary machinery within the region.

“I’ve been with the supplying company for the machines we use for a while now and they do not allow anybody within the region to compete with me,”

Cash explained.

“That is their way

of being protective of their merchants. They are very loyal.”

Desert Divas and Dons are the first and only in the world to have a 3D impulse light therapy (IPL) from Israel. It is the world leader in technology for IPL treatments. The clinic also owns the Divine Pyramid Facelift, the only RF microneedling device that has the capability to do a real facelift without any downtime or anesthesia.

“I wanted to have the most advanced technol

ogy in the world,” said Cash. “The results are incred ible. Although there are other RF devices on the market, none have the ability to target multiple layers of skin, do RF microneedling at multiple depths, do dynamic muscle activation (DMA) as well fractional resurfacing.”

Cash believes that this innova tion along with very competitive pricing has been the reason her business has been well sought after by people outside of the Nicola Valley.

In addition to this, Desert Divas and Dons have also introduced Dr. Kayla Ruschkowski to their team on October 19.

“She sent me an email and we ended up hav ing an interview,” Cash recalled.

“Dr. Ruschowski thought my busi ness aligned with what she did. She’s all about women’s health, she enjoys working with women and help ing women.”

Ruschkowski will be the clinic’s resident natu ropathic doctor, offering natural medicine treat ments, botox, acu puncture, IV drip

vitamin cocktail bags, and vitamin injections.

Desert Divas and Dons Medi Spa is located in 1751 Granite Avenue.

1750

Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St.

250-378-2911

Service 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

Service 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

Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman

250-378-5735

Service Time ever y Sunday 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St.

250-378-9502

Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Izaiah

Desert Divas Medi Spa

Anastaszia

Karen Gwynette

her husband

Yakimchuk,

(Beau Cree-Reeve), and sons Tyler Yakimchuk and Cole Yakimchuk, as well as Karen’s 5 grandchildren who were her world: Rowan Yakimchuk, Brady Cree-Reeve, Quinn Yakimchuk, Avery Cree-Reeve, and Grace Cree-Reeve.

Karen was raised in Williams Lake by her late mother Dorothy Fickell, with her brothers Jim, Bob, and Charles (deceased), and her sisters, Susan, Carol, Eunice, Eva, and Linda (deceased). Karen was blessed to have many nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and relatives.

Karen, Brad and family moved from Williams Lake to Merritt in 1989 where they made their home. Karen was a great businesswoman where she helped open the small business of Yaki Joes Pizza for 20 + years, then sold it. Karen also became and was a successful Real Estate agent at Century 21 Moving Real Estate for 6 years. Karen was also part of the sports community of Merritt throughout her 3 children’s lives where hockey, baseball and volleyball were her passion. She enjoyed the great outdoors fishing, camping, UTV riding in the back country with the family (especially her Grand Children). We will all have great memories.

Karen was that very special person who always said the most important thing in life is” Family” where she taught and demonstrated life skills to all she touched. Karen was a devoted and loving wife. Karen and Brad just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on September 27th while at RIH in Kamloops. Regardless of the circumstances, she stayed positive that she was going to win this battle with cancer and still had that smile on her face. However this battle ended on October 9, 2022

Karen made impacts on many people’s lives, having an open-door policy and never turning people away who needed someone in their corner She was always there when we or anyone needed her help, advice or just someone to talk to.

There will be a service for Karen on Saturday October 29 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church address 2302 Jackson Ave, Merritt, BC starting at 11:00 am and a Celebration of Life in the Church Hall right after the Blessing.

Karen will be missed by many In lieu of flowers Karen’s family would like if people could make a donation to the Ovarian Cancer Society of Canada. https://ovariancanada.org/ or https://cancer.ca/en/ Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

October 3, 1947 October 13, 2022

With great sadness we announce the passing of Monica Mosimann (nee Stirling).

She died peacefully, aged 75 on October 13, 2022. After visits from her close family Her final days were spent at Coquihalla Gillis House, where the fine staff provided excellent care, comfort activity and continued dignity Her family cannot thank them enough.

Monica was predeceased by her parents Barney and Dorothy Stirling, her brothers; James Stirling and Donny Stirling.

She is survived by her son Barney John Mosimann (Cynthia Mosimann), and daughter Dorothy Mosimann (Jay Mosley), sisters; Janet Stirling (Warren Smith), Barb Heard (Bill Heard), brothers; Edward Stirling (Darlene Stirling), Billy Stirling, many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

No service by her request In lieu of flowers hug your family close.

Monica Mosimann

Nlaka’pamux