August 2009 Okanagan Edition - North of 50 by TJ Wallis

An Independent Lifestyle Newsmagazine for a Grown-up Audience August 2009 Volume 7 Issue 8

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hirley Fo owler: Sh

Commitment to Community

Armstrong's Shirley Fowler loves the satisfaction of completing the circle, of seeing things to the end. And as the current Interior Provincial Exhibition president, a city councillor, a successful business owner, a mother and wife and a member of several local organizations, she is part of many circles. "It's completing the circle when I get involved in something. It's leaving nothing unfinished. I don't like to take on new things unless I know I can offer something and commit to it," she says in her office at the new IPE building on Wood Avenue. "I like to see things done right and I like to do my part to see that things get done right." Fowler has a lot to do lately, working with a dedicated team to get the 110th Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede off and running Sept. 2-6. She seems to thrive on the momentum of being constantly busy. So much so that this year's theme of Let's Go Hog Wild! in the midst of worldwide swine flu panic leaves her philosophical. "That's all part of agriculture. We're going ahead. I don't think it will affect us," she says pragmatically. "It's a perfect opportunity for the swine division to use that worldwide media thing right now to the benefit of agriculture, specifically the swine."

Story and cover photo by Jackie Pearase

She has happily brought the gardening bug to the city via her role as a councillor. Enthusiastic about Communities in Bloom after a visit to Quesnel, which had undergone a "floral transformation" after adopting the program, she jumped at the chance to attend a national conference on behalf of the city. A community group fell together easily and Armstrong started with one small project. "We picked the Marigold Mile, which was the flowers along the hedgerow (through the heart of town). And when people saw the success of that, then they really wanted to be on board. People want to climb on board a successful project. We had lots of people who could see we weren't going away. We were serious about what we were doing and we're serious about doing it well." The city quickly reaped the benefits, earning the provincial title in three years and the national title the following year. Fowler continued, acting as a provincial judge in 2007. As with all projects she is involved with, Fowler is quick to steer any accolades to the group.

IPE President Shirley Fowler has been working hard with a team of dedicated volunteers and staff to make the 110th Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede a fun, entertaining and educational event. Last year the event drew 151,000 visitors. Photo supplied.

Involvement with Armstrong's fair began many years ago, when her nowgrown sons were tots. The two boys entered their Lego creations while mom entered her flowers and vegetables. True to form, she was soon working on the vegetable committee. "Then after a couple years on the vegetable committee, I became the head vegetable," she quips. "Which puts you on the board of directors. After a few years on the board of directors, I was fortunate or unfortunate enough to be elected to the executive."

"That's not me, that's a team of volunteers. That was teamwork that did that."

Fowler is excited with what the IPE team has pulled together this year and looks forward to many more fairs. Content now to fulfill her duties as president, she knows her role with the IPE will have come full circle when she is back in the flower and vegetable divisions vying for a piece of the prize money and prestige. No matter what happens, she aims to be happy. "Everything that I do is stuff I like to do. People often do what people expect them to do. I think that's really good advice to people: Try to find things that you actually have a passion and make a living out of it. You'll be happy. Rather than dreading going to work, you go to work and do the things you really want to do."

She has now served 10 years on the executive and was vice-president before being elected president last year.

**See the IPE Schedule of Events on pages 14 & 15 of this issue.

Commitment to community comes naturally to Fowler. She considers herself very lucky to have been part of the Armstrong community since she was a child and married to a third generation Armstrong resident.

The 110th Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede has lots to offer this year. As always, there are the old favourites and some new changes to .keep things fresh and interesting. The IPE is ready to challenge last year's numbers of more than 150,000 visitors, 2,000 exhibitors and 8,000 entries. The Swine Division will be honoured this year with the theme, Let's Go Hog Wild! Some changes were made to the layout last year to improve pedestrian traffic through the grounds and better utilize facilities and the improvement was tangible. A few more changes this year will create better flow to the arena and through the Heritage Village. The logging show will also get more room at a location by the arena. People can enter to win two tickets to the gold medal speed skating event at the 2010 Olympics and try out the interactive sports activities at the 5,000 square foot B.C. Winter Sports Pavilion. Youth aged 13-21 can partake in a youth talent show on the mainstage (at the food court) each night at 8 p.m. The IPE has been granted the authority to have a youth talent zone in B.C. in addition to the Provincial National Exhibition in Vancouver. The winner from each event will attend the Canadian Youth Talent Competition hosted by CAFE (Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions) in Charlottetown in November. Mark Wagner, of Wagner Shows that provided the fair's midway for many years, will be inducted into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame during Saturday's rodeo. The rodeo will also feature stock provided by the Calgary Stampede and miniature chuckwagons. Centennial Theatre will feature presentations, demonstrations, movies, speakers and tastings designed to educate people about food security issues. A different theme will set each day's agenda. Back again will be 4-H shows, Mooturnity, Kids Zone, Dodge Truck Stage, 50/50 draws, great vendors, West Coast Amusement midway and a whole lot more. For up-to-date information on IPE events, check out their Facebook page or www.armstrongipe.com.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the fun at the IPE!

"I feel very fortunate that I have lived all my life here. So many people that I went to school with have gone away, had their careers and raised their families and they come back here to retire. And I've been able to just do that whole cycle here." A love of horticulture was first nurtured by her next-door neighbour on Becker Street, Ralph Whipple, who had been gardening part of the property when Fred and Shirley Fowler purchased it in 1974. "He was really my gardening angel. He taught me not only how to garden, but the appreciation of planting a seed and watching it grow and ending up with food on the table," she says before recalling a memory of her son. "When Mike was just a tot, he had a little acorn and he said to Grandpa Whipple - that's what we called him - 'If we plant this, will it grow into a tree?' And in his infinite wisdom, he said, 'Mike, there's only one way to know that and that's to plant it.' And that tree is in our yard today. We call it the Whipple oak. And there's several offspring of that Whipple oak around Armstrong now." A job at a greenhouse furthered her passion, which led to starting a yard maintenance business, which led to her getting Armstrong's garden maintenance contract, a job she has done for 12 years.

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Bylands extends a compassionate offer to West Kelowna Fire Victims and evacuees offering the "Gift that Grows" program to locals. Bylands Garden Centre in West Kelowna is showing its community spirit by offering fire evacuees replacement plants for their homes at 30-50% off their current retail prices. "I know that it's a small gesture, but the Byland family has been part of this wonderful community for 50 years. We live and work here and we wanted to assist those home owners - our neighbors, which have lost many prized plants and trees due to the scorching heat of the fires," said manager, Maria Byland.

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The Ministry of Labour's fight to hide Employment Standards violations makes a mockery of the Freedom of Information process By David Fairey

For three years now, the BC government has been fighting requests to disclose Employment Standards enforcement records. Whither freedom of information, public accountability and transparency? I am an independent public policy researcher, part of an academic and community research team investigating how changes to employment standards have affected BC's vulnerable farmworkers.

Since 1994, when the Employment Standards Review revealed a consistent pattern of violations and abuses of employment standards and workplace safety for farmworkers, it has been clear that standards need to be improved and additional resources put into enforcement. In a report to the Minister of Labour in 2001, the Agricultural Compliance Team of the Employment Standards Branch characterized farmworkers as "one of BC's most vulnerable work forces." Yet shortly thereafter, the government substantially reduced the minimum employment standards for farmworkers and cut the Agricultural Compliance Team. In order to assess how these cuts and changes have affected farmworkers, our research team needs access to Ministry enforcement records that will reveal what complaints and investigations have taken place in this sector, what violations have occurred and what penalties have been issued to employers. Although the Employment Standards Act permits the publication of violations, the Ministry has never published a list of violators. In July 2006, I submitted a Freedom of Information request for Employment Standards Branch enforcement records. Here is the sordid story of what has happened to this public interest information request: The Ministry of Labour responded to my initial request by unilaterally extending the 30-day deadline for a response allowed under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act by 44 days. Two months later, I was told by the Ministry that I would have to pay in advance an initial fee of over $4,200 and agree to pay any additional actual costs for the Ministry to retrieve the requested records. Unable to pay these high and indeterminate costs, I asked the Ministry for a fee waiver (as permitted under the Act) on the basis that a clear public interest would be served by providing these public records to our research project at no cost. The Ministry rejected my fee waiver application on the

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grounds that "there is no pressing or urgent need to disclose these records in the public interest at this time." In November 2006 I applied to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for a review of the Ministry's fee waiver denial. Ten months later, the Commissioner decided that my complaint should be the subject of a formal inquiry. In June 2009 - 15 months after the inquiry - the Information and Privacy Commissioner finally issued a decision in my favour, rejecting all of the Ministry of Labour's main arguments and ordering them to comply by August 5. The Ministry, however, is now challenging that decision and has requested that the Commissioner reconsider. The clear indication given by this latest action is that the Ministry will stonewall this process indefinitely.

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This generous offer by Bylands Garden Centre will no doubt come as a welcome relief for home owners affected by the fires in Glenrosa, Terrace Mountain and the Rose Valley Reservoir areas. "…we initially thought about offering this discount to fire evacuees only, but soon came to realize that many Okanagan residents would like to contribute new plants as a gift to friends and family members affected by these devastating fires." said Byland. The "Gift that Grows" program is open to the general public and begins Monday July 27, 2009. To take part in this revitalization program, simply call or visit Bylands Garden Centre.

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Did you know North of 50 Lifestyle Newsmagazine has a website. You can find this entire issue - and over a year’s worth of past issues online at www.northof50.com

In arguments to the Commissioner during the inquiry the Ministry characterized the documents requested as records of "administrative contraventions" and therefore of limited use. The Commissioner concluded on this point that the Ministry drew "subjective conclusions that risk trivializing issues affecting the lives of farm workers."

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Furthermore, the Commissioner dismissed the Ministry's contention that "the tight regulatory framework and monitoring [of Employment Standards] have had their desired effect, which is to minimize the exploitation of farm labour workers" as not being the last word on this matter. Indeed, there was no evidence to support this contention of the Ministry, which was made less than one year after the tragic highway crash of a van transporting farmworkers that resulted in three deaths and eight critical injuries attributed to violations of safety and employment standards. The Commissioner further concluded that the Ministry of Labour had failed to "respond to the applicant openly, accurately and completely." All public policy researchers and legislators should be alarmed by and raise objections to these unceasing efforts of the provincial government to undermine the purposes of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act and to block the disclosure of public documents in the public interest. David Fairey is a Labour Economist and a co-author of the 2008 publication Cultivating Farmworker Rights: Ending the Exploitation of Immigrant and Migrant Farmworkers in BC (co-published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Justicia for Migrant Workers, Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society and the BC Federation of Labour).

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Publisher Dean Wallis dean@northof50.com Managing Editor TJ Wallis editor@northof50.com Advertising Sales Dean Wallis dean@northof50.com Kamloops & Area sales@northof50.com Ad Design Emily Duggan emily@northof50.com Deadline for Ads to be submitted is the 22nd of the month for publication on or about the 1st of the month.

Office Location: Suite 102 Armstrong Business Centre 2516 Patterson Avenue Armstrong, BC. Mailing Address: Box 100 Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 ADS & SUBMISSIONS Phone (250) 546-6064 Fax: (250) 546-8914 Toll Free: 1-877-667-8450 (877)NORTH 50 Website: www.northof50.com N O R T H of 50 i s a n i n d e p e n d e n t , f r e e m o n t h l y publication, locally owned, produced and distributed throughout the Thompson /Nicola/ South Cariboo/ Okanagan and Shuswap areas by 0727724 BC Ltd. Disclaimer: The publisher will not b e responsible for errors or omissions. In the e v e n t o f a typographical error, the portion of the advertisement that is incorrect w i l l not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid at the applicable rate. T h e o p i n i o n s a n d v i e w s contained in submitted articles to North Of 50 newsmagazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. T h e p u b l i s h e r r e ta i n s t h e r i g h t t o e d i t a l l s u b m i s s i o n s , including articles and l e t t e r s t o the editor, for brevity and clarity. Copyright is retained on a l l m a t e r i a l , t e x t a n d g r a p h i c s in this publication. No reproduction is allowed of any material in any form, print or electronic, for any purpose, except with the e x p r e s s e d permission of North of 50 P u b l i c a t i o n s (unless for private reference only).

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I’ve been receiving more than the average number of emails from complete strangers who use the unlikeliest of aliases. Names like Miss Grace, Summy Karyl, Odore Willena and Leanora Utjbjuzq. They’re all scam letters claiming to come from the son/daughter or niece of a deceased, wealthy good guy from Republic of Somwhere in Africa, or from the director of operations at a major bank in the UK. Either way, these letters promise to share a portion of their incredible wealth with little ole’ me, if I can just help them out a wee bit. Some days I receive 20 or more scam or hoax emails. Mostly they’re just annoying. The worst are the ones that tell you all about a missing child. They urge you to forward the information to as many people as possible. Of course, the child in question is not really missing, and you know it might be a hoax … but what if it isn’t … so you forward the email. Then there’s “phishing.” That’s an email scam where the sender purports to be from a valid financial institution. The email directs you to a fake, but very realistic looking website, where you fill in your banking username and password and possibly other information so they can defraud you and your bank. Financial institutions DO NOT send emails like this. If in doubt, phone you bank to clarify. In the publishing business, I’m seeing two distinct scams. One is when an emailer attempts to place a classified ad and wants to pay for it using a credit card over the Internet. They have no local phone number, no return email address and often identify themselves as Reverend Something-or-other, as if that gives them more credibility. The credit card is stolen and the ad is a way for a scam to appear legitimate to our readers. After all, the service or item for sale was advertised in a legitimate magazine. But here are the ones that really irritate me. These aren’t scams for money. They’re scams for ‘editorial space.’ I’ve been receiving letters to the editor that are unsigned, or signed with an alias and no contact number. The return email is always one of those web mail accounts like hotmail or gmail. And the content of the Letter to the Editor is always an extreme view on a recent news headline or political issue. I am happy to publish letters of differing opinions, even extreme ones, as long as they are not blatantly offensive, but I can’t do so without substantiating who wrote it. And I have to wonder: “What’s with the alias?” Unless you are in the witness protection program or in fear for your life, I don’t understand the point of having an opinion if you won’t lay claim to it. The author of a Letter to the Editor can certainly ask to have their name withheld on publication, but you will still have to identify yourself to the editor. Editorial space here is not a blog or a website where writers can rant anonymously and take no responsibility for their words. We love to hear from our readers on any topic that interests them, however all submissions for publication in North of 50 must be accompanied by full name, mailing address and daytime phone number. We use this information to verify the letter's authenticity. We don’t give out any phone numbers or addresses. Letters are published with name and city only. We are not censoring or suppressing free speech. We are simply ensuring our readers are not being scammed.

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Hope and Hopelessness: The Roots of Immigration In a recent film I saw, a poor young farmer from Cameroon struggles northward in a desperate attempt to escape the poverty and hopelessness of his village and join his uncle in Europe. After weeks of dusty

Calvin White

Don Sawyer

FAIR COMMENT

NORTH of 50 August 09

Gambling: A Sad Pastime When it comes to choosing one's fun and leisure activities, nobody likes to be second-guessed. "It's my life," is the instant refrain. Or the more surly, "Mind your own business!" Everyone has their own tastes and proclivities. But some bring with

buses, paying off police, and miles of trekking, he reaches Morocco and prepares for a dangerous boat trip to Spain. As happens with so many of these ventures, a storm blows up and the crowded boat almost sinks. But the captain manages to return to shore and the migrants are left wet and desolate on the shore. The young man from Cameroon stares out at the sea. "My God," he says. "Is it all worth it?" An older man turns to him and puts his hand on his shoulder. "Unfortunately, my brother, it is." This was one of the most poignant and astute commentaries on the immigration issue I have seen or heard. The extent of global immigration is hard to come by. While the UN suggests that there are 190 to 200 million people (3.3 percent of the world's population) living outside their country of birth for a minimum of one year, this figure does not include many who have entered other countries illegally. For example, while officials estimate there are between 35,000 and 120,000 illegal immigrants in Canada, Demetrios G. Papademetriou of the respected Migration Policy Institute says, "Canada uses a 'working guesstimate' of about half-a-million unauthorized immigrants." Despite the militarization of borders, tightened refugee and immigration standards, and increased deportation of undocumented aliens, the numbers of immigrants is increasing dramatically. Over the last 10 years, globally there were 36 million documented migrations. There are undoubtedly legal and policy changes that can help address the growing problem of irregular immigration, including creating more channels for migrants to work legally in developed countries, regularization of contributing illegal immigrants already in a country, and closer monitoring of workplaces that employ irregular immigrants. But these are short-term solutions to a problem that is rooted in poverty, desperation and hopelessness. As Papademetriou writes, "People fleeing circumstances they consider intolerable will enter the illegal migration stream and test various receiving states' defenses repeatedly. They will in fact do so regardless of whether they must risk their own lives, pay exorbitant fees, or subvert the asylum system or any other available means of entry. Once they arrive, they insert themselves deeply into the underground economy." Ultimately the problem of irregular immigration and other migration issues is rooted in the monstrous inequities that plague our global society. In a shrinking world, even the poorest are aware that in a country not too far away, people live without fear of hunger, losing one out of four children, dying of preventable causes or suffering with disease and parasites because of a lack of sanitation and money to buy medications. A few statistics help us better understand the extent of the privation and hopelessness driving so many people into desperate attempts to relocate to a place where they see hope for a better life. ! The world's 225 richest people have a combined wealth of $1 trillion, equal to the combined annual income of the world's 2.5 billion poorest people. ! The wealth of the three most well-to-do individuals now exceeds the combined GDP of the 48 least developed countries. ! In 1968, people in the 20 wealthiest countries were 30 times better off than those in the poorest 20. By 1998, this gap had widened to 82 times. ! Three billion people live on less than $2 per day while 1.3 billion get by on less than $1 per day. These figures have led the UNDP to conclude that we are living in a world full of "grotesque inequalities" and that "Development that perpetuates today's inequalities is neither sustainable nor worth sustaining." Yet that is precisely what we are doing. While the developed world resumes its reckless consumption patterns, the economic downturn has dried up what little private investment there was in poor countries. Exacerbating an already bad situation, climate change is making widening swaths of Africa uninhabitable, and unpredictable rainfall is causing widespread hunger and aid dependency. Conflict in the developing world, often fueled by a scramble for scarce wealth and resources, has displaced millions of people. The long-term answer to migration pressures is not to be found at the borders of the developed countries. To solve this problem, we have to examine instead the conditions that lead so many to conclude that their only hope is to crash the party, regardless of the consequences. In so doing, we will understand that only through the strengthening of developing economies and societies through a massive transfer of wealth from the First to the Third World, both in the form of investment and responsible aid, can we hope to eliminate the desperate conditions that underlie the problem.

them more costs or risks than others. I recently bumped into a popular pastime when I was looking for a parking space at a produce store in Vernon. New signs announced that the spaces were not open for casino customers. Huh? Ahh.. a new casino had just opened up close by. A quick glance told me there was lots of parking room all around it, but every space was taken and that there were scads of cars all along the side street. That got me thinking about casinos as a pastime. In the past few decades gambling has grown exponentially in B.C. What was once preached against from church pulpits is now wistfully dreamt about by the vast majority of people on the planet, "If only I could win a million dollars." My uncle Ralph, who died some years ago, was an avid bingo and lotto enthusiast. "I'm working on the big one," he'd tell me with a sense of certainty. He always thought of himself as playing at it, working at it, as though his smarts had something to do with the outcome. Since he had been poor all his life, it was an option for wealth that put him on an equal footing with every other "player". If you don't play you can't win - right?. The Vernon casino has 400 slot machines and 8 gaming tables. The point of going there is to try to win money. With gambling, there is no entertainment other than the hope of winning. Of course, any casino might bring in acts to draw in more customers a la Las Vegas. But the focus is on spending money in hopes of making money. This makes it a sad pastime. Sad, that we are willing to contribute our money to the ether in the fantasy that we might magically get more back. Sad, that there is no nourishment physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually from a pastime that draws so many of us like flies, so much so that a neighbouring business worries about getting its own customers crowded out. By nourishment, I mean no exercise, nothing we come out with that we didn't have before, no communion with nature or camaraderie with others, no enhancement. Not even a positive vibe from cheering on a home team. Gambling would not be the business it is without poor people. It would not be the business it is without addicted people. So, when those who aren't poor and those who aren't addicted indulge in giving their money away it simply sustains the notion of legitimacy and entertainment that the gambling industry wants to convey to those who are. We live in an era of non-thinking. Deep thought, critical thought, reflection and insight are not promoted, not particularly visible in the traffic of our busy lives. Ours is an era of speed, of instant gratification, of gadgets, of things and buying and indulging. Ours is not an era of paying attention or of balance. Thus it is, that we have been lulled into gambling (among many other things). We accept it as normal. We willingly partake. We give away money under the illusion of having fun. The empirical truths are that psychologically all the lights, noise, and atmosphere might be attractive, might indicate a happening place, and the risk of putting down money stimulates an adrenaline or dopamine rush in our brains. Risk is an antidote to the hum-drum, to boredom, to pain, to loneliness. Think about it - how many of us feel sad or angry if we discover we have been overcharged for an item, lose money from our purse, buy a flawed product, or merely see something that is much cheaper than the exact item we just bought? In short, cost and money are important to almost all of us except the very rich. So, why is it we willingly give it away in gambling? We all recognize that it can be an addiction for some, we recognize that something happens in their brains that takes away their control. What we don't like to consider is that the same thing happens to all of our brains just that many of us don't lose control. Our brains get manipulated. We get sucked in. The same synapses with the same results are firing in all of our brains and that's what makes us want to do it. A rush is a rush. With gambling there is no gain other than the rush - and there is a loss, namely, one's money. Money that could be better spent elsewhere. Like giving, for instance. Like giving. Cultivating the rush that comes from communion with those in need. The rush that comes from sharing.

Don Sawyer is a writer, educator and former director of Okanagan College's International Development Centre. He lives with his wife in Salmon Arm. You can contact Don Sawyer by email at donsawyer@telus.net or by mail at Don Sawyer c/o North of 50, Box 100, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0. For more information on Don' writing and development work, visit his web site at www.northerned.com.

Calvin White is a retired high school counsellor who lives in the North Okanagan. He has had over 70 essays published in the various Canadian daily newspapers, including the Globe and Mail, the Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star, Vancouver Sun and Province. If you have any comments on this column, you can write to Calvin White at calvinwhite@northof50.com or to Calvin White, c/o North of 50, Box 100, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0

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Coming Events Art Walk is a highly successful annual arts festival that features the best in creative, original artworks, along with music, theatre, workshops and special events. Art Walk 2009, 16th Annual Art Show & Sale, Sat & Sun, Sept 12&13, 10am 5pm at the Lake Country Community Complex . 10241 Bottomwood Lake Rd. Admission is only a toonie! Tragically Hip is playing at The South Okanagan Events Centre Friday August 7 at 8:00PM. Tickets on sale now! Ticket Prices: $89.50 and $69.50 Tickets are on sale now exclusively through ValleyFirstTIX.com, the South Okanagan Events Centre Box Office, the Wine Country Visitors Centre or charge by phone at 1-877-763-2849. (*additional service charges apply). Doors open at 7. International Fighting Championship at South Okanagan Event Centre Saturday August 15, 8:00PM. Mixed Martial Arts allows the fighters to punch, kick, knee, throw, choke, forearm, arm bar, leg lock and otherwise incapacitate their opponents. They are not allowed to bite, bend back their opponents toes or fingers, spit or pull their opponents hair. Otherwise, just about anything else goes while locked in the cage. Women fight under the same rules as men. Opponents are matched by weight and skill level. Tickets exclusively through ValleyFirstTIX.com, the South Okanagan Events Centre Box Office, the Wine Country Visitors Centre or charge by phone at 1877-763-2849. (*additional service charges apply) Rarearth Jazz and Blues Fest Saturday August 8 and Sunday August 9 at the Kin Race Track, Vernon. Jazz and Blues performed in Italian, Cuban, French, and Calypso to name a few. Blues Legend Buddy Guy. Kal David, Rita Chiarelli, Jimmy Bowskill, Alfie Zappacosta, Dawn Taylor Watson, Greenlaw and a number of local entertainers and upcoming young artists. It’s not Woodstock, however, this Summer event is held outdoors on a large grassy area under the warm Okanagan Sun. $50.00 Adult $40.00 Student/Senior $0.00 Child 12 and under Free Weekend Pass Price $80.00 Adult $40.00 Student, Senior. Don't miss this first class event, with top artists from around the world. Tickets at 549-SHOW (7469) The annual fundraiser of the Osoyoos Desert Society, Romancing the Desert includes gourmet food and wine samples from local restaurants and wineries. Saturday August 8 at 6 p.m. to midnight Society Tickets $60. Contact 1-877-899-0897 or mail@desert.org Celebrate the peach at the Penticton Peach Festival, August 5 -9 . Kicking off with a Grande Parade, the festival provides free family fun entertainment that runs over 5 days in August. Food and clothing vendors, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and much more is featured. Hamlet. A tragic tale of loss? A violent story of revenge? A witty commentary on contemporary society? Hamlet: Prince of Denmark is all these and much more. Join Project X Theatre Productions as they weave a tale of love, death and all stops in between. Hamlet returns from his studies at Wittenberg to a dead father, a mother who has hastily remarried (to her husband's brother) and a world turned upside down. Set in a graphic-novel inspired world, Hamlet: Prince of Denmark offers a dark and gripping tale that moves like lightning through the destruction of two families, and the ultimate spiritual salvation of a dark prince – all told in language that soars in describing depths of despair. Hamlet, Gertrude, Claudius, Ophelia, Laertes, Polonius – they are all familiar names, but you've never seen them like this... Tuesday, August 11, 8:00pm, Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. Tickets (250) 549SHOW (7469)

Building 429 is a Christian rock group committed to music as much as message. The band is led by vocalist/guitarist Jason Roy, with Michael Anderson on drums, and Jesse Garcia on keyboard, lead guitar and background vocals. They were the Gospel Music Association’s 2005 New Artist of the Year. Monday, August 31, 7:30pm, Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Tickets (250) 549-SHOW (7469) Cambie Farm Theatre presents their 3rd Annual Outdoor Summer Production, Don’t Count Your Chickens Until They Cry Wolf" by Carol Lynn Wright Pearson. Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 9 This is a fast-paced, mad cap Musical based on Aesop's fables for children of all ages and adults young at heart. Cambie Farm Theatre is 9 km E of Sicamous, all plays take place outdoors with avenuestyle seating for the audience, which is often nose-tonose with the actors. Tickets $12 for adults, $7 for students, and children under 6 are free. For info and reservations call 250-836-2763 or cambiefarmtheatre@jetstream.net. Tickets are available at True Value in Sicamous and Wearabouts in Salmon Arm. SAGA Public Art Gallery presents Paint the Town , Saturday, August 8, on Lakeshore Drive and Marine Park Drive. Artists will be at their locations 10am to noon, many will be there all day. Reception at 7pm that evening. Maps available at cafés along the route. Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 Caravan Farm Theatre presents The Cromoli Brothers - A Post Modern Vaudeville Live Act. Physical! Musical! Funny! And introducing Fish and Bird - An Old Time Indie Folk Duo. ?Gates open at 6:30pm. 1-866-546-8533 or www.caravanfarmtheatre.com for more information. Music in the Park at Lions Park in Oliver. Local musical performers from rock & roll to country to classical entertain at these casual outdoor concerts. Thursday evenings during & August. Contact information is 250-498-0183 or you can visit www.oliverarts.org for more details. Rod Stewart is coming to Kelowna City Park, on Saturday, August 15! Reserved Seating $249, $179 & $89 are available through Ticketmaster.ca Charge by Phone 250 860-1470 or Online www.ticketmaster.ca. VIP tickets are $350 and are available from www.jamesleeproductions.com. ROD STEWART STILL THE SAME…GREAT ROCK CLASSICS OF OUR TIME. With the release of STILL THE SAME…GREAT ROCK CLASSICS OF OUR TIME, Rod Stewart returns to his roots. A landmark recording of great songs by his contemporaries, and Stewart's first rock album in over eight years, STILL THE SAME…follows the unprecedented success of his Grammy-award winning Great American Songbook series. The four volumes of The Great American Songbook released between 2002 and 2005, comprise the biggest selling ongoing series of new music recordings in history, with a total of fifteen million copies worldwide. One of Canada’s favourite comedians, Corner Gas Star Brent Butt is performing with his comedy All-Star Friends on Friday, August 21st at 7:30 p.m. at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Tickets are General Admission $29.50* and go on sale Friday, June 26th 2009 at 10:00 a.m. through ValleyFirstTIX.com, the South Okanagan Events Centre Box Office, the Wine Country Visitors Centre or charge by phone at 1-877-763-2849. (*additional service charges apply). Joining Brent on the stage as part of his comedy all-star cast will be Irwin Barker, Peter Kelamis, Jamie Hutchinson, Tim Rykert, Sam Easton and Kelly Dixon. Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival Aug 14 - Aug 16. See such artists as Lee Harvey Osmond, Ana

Popvic, Elliot Brood, the Sam Roberts band and many many more! Tickets available at rootsandblues.ca. Award-winning West Coast singer, Alan Moberg performs at Lake Country s Creekside Theatre, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Saturday August 22, 7:30p.m. Reservations 250-766-9309 www.creeksidetheatre.com Mask, Saturday, September 12 at 7:00pm, Creekside Theatre. Welcome to the wonderful world of MASK, the Musical Actors and Singers of Kelowna! MASK began entertaining audiences at conferences, special events and in their own staged productions over a decade ago. Broadway is and always has been MASK’s specialty and first love. Musical theatre medleys, complete with costumes and choreography, transport audiences in tantalizing visits to many bestloved stage shows, including Miss Saigon, Lion King, Little Shop of Horrors, and our newest medley, Wicked – the musical story of the witches of Oz. The group’s repertoire is always changing and our ensemble has moved into fresh areas, adding dialogue and acting to the musical medleys, along with some shorter variety numbers, mixing in some pop, jazz and comedy. The balance between acting and singing truly differentiates MASK! Reservations 250-766-9309 www.creeksidetheatre The Shakespeare Show, Saturday, August 8, Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, 8p.m. How did an illiterate son of a Glover become the greatest playwright in the World? He got someone else to write the plays! Based on the biggest theatrical debate of all time, The Shakespeare Show follows Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford as he meets the ghost of Christopher Marlowe, the three Witches from Mac...The Scottish play, Anne Hathaway, the bubonic plague and Queen Elizabeth herself! The Shakespeare Show, written almost entirely in iambic pentameter, is a relentlessly clever, action-packed and intellectually satisfying adventure complete with puppets, songs, satire and sword-fights! Tickets at 549-SHOW (7469) $20 Adult - $17 Senior - $15 Student SOWINS. The countdown is on! Only two months to go in the “WING It” creative re-use project. Now home discards, and home discards alone will also be acceptable. Use them to make something marvelous for auction September 16. Deadline for submission is August 15, with extensions considered on a case by case basis. Proceeds help women and children facing domestic abuse. Anyone can take part. Men and women are welcome. What can you make that’s practical and, or decorative? Something really eyecatching that serves a purpose. (If you have no time to get crafty, maybe you have a donation for the silent auction the same evening.) For more information, contact Donna at 493-4366 ext 105 or donna@sowins.com, also jane@mjcoady.com.

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Community Events ARMSTRONG Knitting Circle - We invite you to a relaxing evening of sharing, learning and meeting new friends. Bring a project - needles and yarn - or just yourself. Beginners always welcome. Now accepting yarn donations for local charitable projects. Judy at 546-9475 or Marlene at 546-6325. www.knittingcircle.ca Armstrong Toastmasters – a fun night out with lots of laughs, plenty of learning & great friends. All ages welcome! Come try Armstrong Toastmasters – the best communication & leadership training you can get in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Every Tuesday, 7:20pm – 9:30pm. Coffee, Tea & Snacks. Armstrong Spall Chamber of Commerce (3550 Bridge Street). Call 250.546-3276 or 250.558.8110 or visit www.freewebs.com/armstr ongtoastmasters/ Farmers Market every Saturday morning 8:00am until noon. Located at the IPE Grounds 3371 Pleasant Valley Road. More than 40 vendors! For more info contact Margreet DenOudsten Phone: 250546-1986 or email henkden@sunwave.net

ENDERBY Enderby and District Wheels to Meals Society Luncheon held every Wed. at the Seniors Complex. 1101 George St. in Enderby. Come for a home cooked meal and visit with friends. Meals cost $6 and you must be 65 or older. Enderby Cliff Quilters meet at the Enderby Evangelical Chapel the first and third Mondays of each month from 1 to 5 pm. Call Sonia at 838-0685 or June at 903-1799. Lorenzo’s Cafe - 901 Mabel Lake Road (8 km east of Enderby). Join the jam with Dan Engelland from the Hoo Doos every Sunday at 6:00 pm. For info call (250) 838-6700.

Kelowna Singles Club Dances Bored - nothing to do? Why not come out to the Kelowna Singles Club' Dance Held at Rutland Centennial Hall at 180A Rutland Rd. N. Kelowna Doors open at: 7:30pm Dancing 8:30pm - 12:30am Bar and Refreshments available - Light lunch at 11:00pm Members $9:00 per person -- Non-members $12:00 per person Sat July 11 - Wyshbone Sat July 25 - New Vintage (Mexican Theme) for further info. phone 250763-1355 or 250-763-1867 The Alzheimer Society of B.C. holds a support group for people in the early stage of Alzheimer Disease and related dementia on Tuesday mornings at 865 Bernard Avenue. Call 250860-0305 or email: mwasylyshen@alzheimerb c.org. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. also holds a support group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer Disease and related dementia on the second Tuesday of the month in the evenings. The Rug Hooking Circle meets every second Monday at 1pm in Room 204, Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna. Practice a traditional Canadian art form in a group setting. For information call Angela (250) 767-0206 or visit www.rughookingteacher.ca

LUMBY Lumby Leigion - Don’t forget to join us Thursday for darts, Friday for Pool, Saturday for our meat draws and keep your eyes open for out specialty dances and events! For info call 250-547-2338.

PENTICTON The Penticton Seniors Computer Club drops in days at the Leisure Centre, 439 Winnipeg Street, are: Monday 1 PM to 3 PM Wednesday 1 PM to 2 PM Friday 1 PM to 3 PM Mac Computer Support Monday 10 AM to 11 PM Members and visitors welcome. Information (250) 492-7373.

KELOWNA Raging Grannies a group of concerned ladies who express their concerns with satirical songs, etc. Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 11 am, Kelowna Legion, 1380 Bertam. 860-1576.

Penticton South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society 696 Main St. Programs for the community - Volunteer Development, Friendly Visitor Program, Health Education, Elders Leading

and Adopt-A-Grandparent. 487-7455. Royal Canadian Legion, presents: the Following Special: Monday Night is Miser Monday: with chicken wings, and Baron/Beef $3.00 each; bar specials; entertainment 5 9:00pm with different every Monday. Friday Night: is Membership appreciation Night; with 5:30 - 6:30pm full course meal; 6:30 10:30pm different entertainer every Friday Night Wednesday: is Bingo Day; 1:00pm Bingo, and 6:30pm Bingo;Meat Draw, every Saturday and Sunday; for information phone: 250-493-0870 The Franco 50+ group meets Thursdays to socialize in French, from 1:30-3:30pm. Call Lina at 492-2549 for info. Penticton Concert Band rehearsals Tuesdays 7 8:30pm Big Band, Broadway, Dixieland, Classical, movies.....New members welcome. Phone Gerald at 250-809-2087. SALMON

ARM

Salmon Arm Duplicate Bridge club meets at 6:45 every Tuesday at the downtown Activity Centre. and every Sunday at 12:45 pm at Branch 109. 8327454 or 832-7323. The Salmon Arm Horseshoe Club meets every Tues - Thurs 6:30 PM at Pits next to the curling club until October, weather permitting. Contact Juells at 250-832-9873 for more info. Our daily luncheons are the Best Home Cooked Meals in town!!! From our kitchen to you at 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Monday to Friday. If it is becoming too much effort to prepare a meal for family and friends, bring them down with you. Seniors Fifth Avenue Activity Center, 170 5th Ave. S. E. 250-832-1065. Fletcher Park Seniors Resource Centre 320A 2 nd Ave., N.E. Salmon Arm. Meals on Wheels, Lunch With Friends, Monday Morning Market, Shop and Drop, Income Tax Service, Advocacy, Foot Care, Volunteer Drivers for medically related appointments, Day Away, Senior Advisor, Frozen Dinners at Home, Seniors Housing List, Home Services List, Good Food

Box and Caregivers Group. Call (250) 832-7000.

Subscriptions make a Great Gift!

SICAMOUS Senior Citizen’s Meals (Wheels to Meals) at the Eagle Valley Haven, in the Common Room. Phone ahead: 836-2437, 836-4718, 836-4302 or 836-2031. Sicamous Family Market at the Seniors Activity Centre, Saturdays 8:30 am to 2 pm 836-2587. TAPPEN Carlin Hall in Tappen Bluegrass/Slowpitch Jam. Bluegrass instruments only. For info call 250-835-2322. Tuesday nights 7pm-9pm.

VERNON North Okanagan Seniors Action Network Meetings at the Shubert Centre every 2nd Tuesday of each month. Hosted by seniors resource bureau. Call 250545-8572 for more info.

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VERNON SINGLES CLUB - UPCOMING DANCES Dances held at the Eagles Hall - 5101-25th Ave., Vernon or Schubert Center - 350530th Ave., Vernon Vernon Singles is introducing NEWBEE night on July 18th. Anyone coming is encouraged to bring a friend who has never been to our dance and you would get in for half price. It will be held at the Schubert Center Sat. July 4 PT Croozer - Schubert Center Sat. July 18 PT Croozer - Schubert Center - NEWBEE NIGHT For more information please contact Dawn 250558-9974 or Lottie 250549-2495 Fun Time Seniors 50+ Thursdays at the Schubert Centre from 10 to 11:30 am. Free event including games, entertainment, talks & videos. 545-5984 or 549-4201. Oil Painting - Drop-in Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. Fee is $3.00 for members, $4.00 for non-members. At the first Tuesday of every month the Vernon Placer Miner Club (gold panning club) meets at 7 pm. Meeting in the basement of the Peace Lutheran Church at 120430 Ave. Guests are welcome. Memberships for family is $20 a year. Club President is Merv Mathers. For more information contact: Donna Smith 250545-3832 or email mrspumpkin36@hotmail.c

om or Jerry Stainer 250549-4395. Brazilian Embroidery Chapter Stitching group gathers every second Thursday of the month, 7 pm. Call Pat at 549-2219 or Mary at 545-3939. Sunshine Seniors meet 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, downstairs at the Peace Lutheran Church, 1204-30th Ave., at 1:30 p.m. All 55+ invited to fellowship, devotions, games and always excellent treats and coffee. Annual membership is $3. The Vernon Lapidary and Mineral Club (Rockhounders) meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month, at 7:30 p.m. (except July and August) in the Art Centre, 2704A Hwy 6, in Polson Park. For info call 545-1274, or 542-0616. Vernon Lawn Bowling Club - Drop-in bowling scheduled for every Sunday and Friday at 1 p.m., and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. New bowlers more than welcome. For more information call Frank Anderson at 5492806. Schubert Centre 3505 30th Ave. 250-549-4201. Shuffleboard, Monday to Friday at 8am.

Ukuleles for Fun! is a group of adults who are making friends and learning to play ukuleles in Vernon. We meet at the Army and Navy club and share our experience with soprano, concert, baritone, tenor ukulele. We share alot of laughs and some very funny songs! We welcome others who would like to play and sing. Contact 250-5468175. Leave a message if necessary.

WESTBANK Country & Western openmike jam session every 1st and 3rd Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. Bring your instrument and join us, at Westside Seniors Association club hall Call Carl at 250-707-1030 or email: milcar@telus.net

Oyama Royal Canadian Legion Branch 189 Ladies Auxiliary Notice of General Meeting Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Branch. Please join us for a light lunch. All members are urged to attend.

PEACHLAND Farmers and Crafters Market showing at the Heritage Park starting on May 24 to September 27, 2009 Come and check us out every Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM

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FOR THE LOVE OF AUTOMOBILES!

Got Talent?

Story by Sherry Bennett

Youth Talent Competition at IPE

Automobile sales have a long history of accelerating and decelerating depending on the state of the economy. Despite the early automobile’s m e c h a n i c a l unreliability and the populations’ scepticism that it was a better and lasting alternative to the horse and buggy, it became obvious from the early days of the twentiethcentury that the automobile represented much more than just a rich man’s sporting Arthur Clemes and woman companion, of Spences Bridge, take a spin in his 1904 Wolseley, machine. the first automobile purchased in B.C.’s Interior. Photo Courtesy of Kamloops Museum & Between the years Archives. 1908 and 1914, the number of registered cars in B.C. jumped from 263 to Company in large, returnable barrels. Ironically, it was 6,688. By 1920, the number of cars traversing B.C.’s horses who hauled the barrels on wagon to points newly built asphalt highways quadrupled to 28,000. along the Cariboo Road where gasoline tanks had With 2.6 million vehicles listed on B.C.’s motor been installed. A true pioneer of the automobile road trip, vehicle registry in 2007, there’s little doubt the love Kamloops druggist J.H. Clements experienced affair with the alluring automobile continues. The first automobile to navigate British Columbia's everything early motoring had to offer on a cross vast network of bumpy, dirt roads was a Stanley continent trip to Mexico in the summer of 1915. With no road to Vancouver suitable for cars, Brothers steamer car purchased for $650 in 1899 by Vancouverite William Armstrong. Shipping the Clements and his party had to travel through the mechanical marvel from Newton, Mass. to B.C. cost Okanagan to reach central Washington. With the exception of the Pacific Coast Highway, which was Armstrong an extra $350. The Interior’s first “dirty, noisy, smelly contraption paved in brick and concrete, the majority of interior to threaten the tranquillity of pedestrians” belonged to roads were virtually impassable when wet. The grades on some hills were so steep that drivers were forced to Arthur Clemes. Purchased while attending the Paris Exposition in drag small trees behind their vehicles to help slow 1901, Clemes had to wait three long years for his their descent. Upon return from his 2.5 month road trip, Clements English-made, cherry-red, one-cylinder 1904 Wolseley to be built and delivered to the curb in front had travelled a total distance of 4,562 miles to Tijuana and back. Averaging from 75 to 200 miles per day, the of his Spences Bridge home. Judge William Ward Spinks of Vernon (and Kamloops druggist had shelled out just $60.75 on gas Kamloops) is to be credited with purchasing the and oil for the entire trip. Oh how times have changed. Interior’s second car—a steam driven ‘Locomobile.” Requiring water every 45 kilometres, the car’s mechanical shortcomings were many. So unreliable Historical information contained in this article was the automobile that a man in a horse and wagon extracted from essays by Elisabeth Duckworth and had to accompany Judge Spinks on every drive in case John Stewart. it broke down, which it did all the time. Gasoline, in the early days of motoring, was shipped from Vancouver to Ashcroft by the Imperial Oil

Astral Media and the Interior Provincial Exhibition are offering youths between the ages of 13 and 21 an opportunity to showcase their talents, and win an all expenses paid trip to compete in the National Canadian Youth Talent Competition in Charlottetown, PEI. The Astral Media - IPE Youth Talent Competition takes place at the Armstrong Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede's fair grounds on September 2nd - 6th. The event will be taking place every night on the Dodge Truck stage at 8:00pm - 10:00pm. The primary objective of this event is to encourage young Canadians to develop and advance their performing arts talents, and to provide the venue, organization, and opportunity for young Canadians to demonstrate their performing arts talent in a competitive environment that encourages participation, evaluation, and learning experience. Application fees are $50.00 for single performers or duets, and $100.00 for groups/bands with 3 or more people with a cap of 5 people. Applications and forms for this event will be located at the IPE office and will be available on our website www.armstrongipe.com There will be 20 acts each night, and the top 3 acts of each night will proceed to the final night. On Sunday the remaining 12 acts will perform in competition for the top prize: an all expenses paid trip to compete in the National Canadian Youth Talent Competition in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on November 20, 2009. The 80 acts will receive 2 one day passes for the IPE, and the remaining 12 acts will receive another 2 - one day passes for the final night. All participants must be between 13 and 21 years of age. Each evening performance will be 2 hours, with each act not to exceed 4 1/2 minutes. There will be an opportunity for photographs immediately after the performance. Many of the acts who have competed at the national level have gone on to major success in the performing arts industry. Some examples of these are Michael Bublé a popular singer among today's youth, country music's Paul Brandt, Canadian Idol finalist Jenny Gear, and many more! The Interior Provincial Exhibition, the largest agricultural exhibition in the province is hosting the event. For additional information, please contact the IPE office at 250-546-9406 or by email at Amanda@armstrongipe.com

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SILVER STAR'S WILDFLOWERS ARE BLOOMING! The flowers at Silver Star have gone wild! They’re not just popping out, they’re already putting on a spectacular show. Mountain Wildflower Tour Guide, Roseanne Van Ee, announces, “This is fantastic! A long drawn out spring, then June’s sun and heat with timely showers off and on since July have created perfect wildflower blooming conditions on Silver Star’s lush wildflower meadows.” She adds, “This is an outstanding blue lupine and red Indian paintbrush year. But all the colours are coming on nicely up here. By the looks of it, we could be in for a great wild berry summer, too.” The best way to experience not only the wildflowers, but also a bit of mountain history, ecology and geology, is to join an afternoon Mountain Wildflower

Tour where hikers are guided on a downhill stroll through the best wildflower meadows, to the remains of the Silver Queen mine and cabin and to the most spectacular valley and Columbia mountain viewpoints. The tour starts with a chairlift ride to the top. Monday to Thursdays the group walks down to the Comet chair, but on Friday and Saturday the village chairlift allows for a shorter walk. Participants enjoy a lemonade and cookie picnic at the end. Look for Wildflower, Nature & History Tours under summer activities at www.skisilverstar.com for details or phone the Summer Ticket Office at 250558-6010

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The first Monday of August is a legal holiday to be observed as "British Columbia Day"!

NORTH of 50 August 09

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BOOKS: from the publishers MEDICINE PAINT The Art of Dale Auger

Tha t’s

a inm ent t r e t n E

Dale Auger (1958-2008) Foreword by Mary-Beth Laviolette "To show expression through your brush that comes directly from the Creator's creative source is powerful. I truly feel blessed." — Dale Auger Medicine Paint is a collection of Dale Auger's best work, reproduced in glorious full colour and reflects the evolution of the artist's distinctive style. Take a peak at some of the paintings in the video trailer for Medicine Paint online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7j_amdtayI One of Canada's most evocative modern painters, Cree artist Dale Auger was a gifted interpreter of First Nations culture, using the cross-cultural medium of art to portray scenes from the everyday to the sacred and dissemble stereotypes about Indigenous peoples. Auger's striking oil paintings use bold, bright colours to explore the intricate links between spirituality and the natural laws of the land. Birds, beasts and human forms are carried from the dreamworld onto canvas, their spirits channeled through his paintbrush and presented in brilliant yellows, mystic blues, vibrant reds and swirls of black. Infusing his subjects with energy, life and colour, Dale Auger masterfully presents scenes that are powerful, spiritual and inspiring. Some feature: · A bald eagle, majestic in flight against a bright blue sky; · An elder making a solemn offering to the Sky Being; · Horses dancing playfully in the frame for a sweat lodge; · A warrior drawing his bow, pointing it skyward. "Dale Auger's artwork is stunningly beautiful." —The Globe and Mail Medicine Paint includes a revealing look back at Auger’s life and professional development by art historian Mary-Beth Laviolette. The book is a stunning tribute to the master Aboriginal artist. Also by Dale Auger: the award-winning Mwâkwa— Talks to the Loon: A Cree Story for Children, Heritage House (2006). Dale Auger, Ph.D., (1958-2008) was a Sakaw Cree artist and storyteller from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. His book Mwâkwa Talks to the Loon was named Aboriginal Children's Book of the Year at the 2006 Anskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival and Book Awards and also received the 2007 R. Ross Annett Award for Children's Literature. Prior to his untimely death, Auger had been scheduled to be the Official Artist of the 2009 Calgary Stampede. He lived in Bragg Creek, Alberta, until his death in September 2008.

HBO’S NEW AND RETURNING LINE-UP Larry David, Ted Danson, Bill Maher, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Mark Wahlberg light up HBO Canada's fall line-up Highlights of HBO Canada's fall schedule include a new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm featuring a Seinfeld cast reunion and the series premiere of Bored To Death This fall, subscribers to HBO Canada, a multiplex channel of Astral Media's The Movie Network (Eastern Canada) and Corus Entertainment's Movie Central (Western Canada), can look forward to a season full of new and returning HBO series, documentaries, original films and action-packed live boxing events, all day-and-date with HBO in the U.S. On Sunday, September 20, Larry David's unscripted and improvised half-hour comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm is back for its long-awaited seventh season, immediately followed by the premiere of the new halfhour quirky comedy Bored To Death starring Jason Schwartzman and Ted Danson. HBO's original series Real Time With Bill Maher continues with new episodes throughout September, giving its irrepressible, politically incorrect host the chance to share even more of his unique perspective on contemporary issues. From HBO's original documentary slate comes Last Truck: The Closing of a GM Plant, a real-life look at the closing of a GM plant in Ohio. Jeff Bridges also stars in the world premiere of the HBO original film about a man and his canine companion, A Dog Year. Each month, HBO Canada continues to bring the best of HBO Boxing to Canadian viewers. This September, subscribers are invited into the boxing ring for two hard-hitting live events including HBO's World Championship Boxing from Europe on Saturday, September 12. Additionally, subscribers can look forward to an exciting 2010 with the new half-hour comedy series How To Make It In America from the producers of Entourage and the highly anticipated epic 10-part HBO miniseries The Pacific from executive producers Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Gary Goetzman. Additional information for HBO Canada's fall programming is outlined below: A Dog Year (Original Film) Premieres Thursday, September 3 at 8 p.m. ET/MT A Dog Year follows the story of a man having a midlife crisis whose life is turned upside down when he takes in a border collie crazier than he is. Based on the memoir by Jon Katz, and starring Jeff Bridges, Lauren Ambrose and Lois Smith. Last Truck: The Closing of a GM Plant (Documentary) Premieres Monday, September 7 at 9 p.m. ET/MT This documentary tells the story of the closing process of the General Motors plant in Moraine, Ohio, firsthand through the opinions and emotions of the workers. Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 7) Premieres Sunday, September 20 at 9 p.m. ET/MT From executive producer Jeff Garlin, HBO's candid and unsparing comedy series that blurs the line between reality and fiction returns for a highly anticipated seventh season. Executive producer and Seinfeld co-creator Larry David stars as himself in the half-hour series that features verité-style footage of David at home, at work and around Los Angeles, and includes appearances by real-life celebrities playing themselves. Season seven will feature a multiple-episode story arc with former Seinfeld cast members Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander and Michael Richards. Each unscripted episode is improvised by the actors with storylines created by David. Bored To Death (New Series) Premieres Sunday, September 20 at 9:30 p.m. ET/MT Starring Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis, a Brooklyn writer nurses a painful breakup by emulating his dreams of living like his Raymond Chandler-esque literary heroes. As a result, he finds a new lease on life by offering up his services as an inexperienced private eye. Written and executive produced by writer Jonathan Ames, and co-executive produced by David Becky and Stephanie Davis. Real Time With Bill Maher (Season 7) New episodes air Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET/MT Now in its seventh season, Bill Maher takes on all contenders in the turbulent political and pop culture arena. Each live show features his painfully astute "New Rules" segment, roundtable discussions and interviews with guests in studio and via satellite. New episodes of all series will continue to air throughout fall and will also be simulcast on HBO Canada HD and will be available on demand following their network premieres.

NORTH of 50 August 09

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Fi nding t he rea l M iddle-E ar th Tolkein fans fascinated by the world Peter Jackson captured on film during his Lord of the Rings trilogy continue to travel New Zealand searching for the real Middle-Earth.

This wealth of fan enthusiasm is no surprise to New Zealander Erica Challis - long time Tolkien scholar and enthusiast - who helped found theonering.net website in 1999.

For many so-called ‘Ringers’, the journey fulfils a life long dream as they re-live favourite scenes, walk in the actors' footsteps, and explore the intricacies of movie production.

Realising the internet was the perfect forum for spreading information and discussion about production of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in New Zealand, Challis set to chasing leads all over the country, following rumours and scouting possible filming locations.

For others, visiting New Zealand reveals that the mythical Middle-Earth really does exist in the dramatic scenery, wide open spaces, rare flora and fauna of Aotearoa - 'the youngest country on earth'. Major impact Jackson’s multi-award winning trilogy had a major impact on tourism in New Zealand, and several companies now specialise in Lord of the Rings tours. These companies are now gearing up for another wave of ‘Ring’ fever with preliminary work underway on the two movies that will make up Jackson and Guillermo del Toro’s much anticipated prequel, The Hobbit. Theonering.net While the Hobbit movies are not due for completion until December 2011 and 2012, interest is building and the world’s best known Tolkien fan website theonering.net (aka TORN), is experiencing brisk traffic.

The musician and freelance writer posted her findings on theonering.net and the non-profit, volunteer-run website is now the world’s most popular site for Tolkien followers, attracting two million-plus hits per month. Red Carpet Tours Around the same time, Challis also became involved in a New Zealand tour company - another success story based on the Lord of the Rings, and perfect timing. Red Carpet Tours came about when boutique holiday specialist Vic James realised the impact LOTR was having on New Zealand and tourism. Although he had heard nothing more than whispers and rumours, James could see the way the wind was trending. New Zealand was buzzing with local ‘Ring’ fever, and the world was pricking up its ears to what New Zealand had to offer.

Home

Having never read the trilogy, James realised he needed someone who not only knew it by heart but who also knew New Zealand. His search took him to the press where one name kept coming up. Erica Challis, an avid fan who was leading a quest to find out what was going on with LOTR filming, had been served a trespass notice for trying to access movie sets, including Hobbiton - the original Hobbit village set, near Matamata, in the Waikato. Hunting for Challis With nothing but a name to go on, James checked ‘Challis’ in the Auckland phone book and hit the jackpot, first time. Over coffee, Erica Challis admitted the Red Carpet Tours idea was the answer to her prayers. She had scores of fans writing to her wanting to come to New Zealand "to find Middle-Earth". Armed with the confidence that he was on to

and A way

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something, James took on the challenge of putting together itineraries that didn’t breach film industry protocols or overstep boundaries, yet still gave fans a sense of Middle-Earth magic and the true stories behind the box office hits. For six months James, and wife Raewyn, toured New Zealand selecting LOTR filming sites, and gaining approval from private landowners for access. When James talked to the Matamata farm owner where the Hobbit village had been built for LOTR, he was alarmed to hear that the bulldozers were due the next day to fill in the famous Hobbit holes. In the nick of time, thanks to unsavoury weather conditions and some strong persuasion from James, the unthinkable didn’t happen and Hobbiton is now the highlight of Lord of the Rings tours. Fulfilling dreams LOTR fans come to New Zealand to fulfil their dreams, and many do so on a Red Carpet tour. Red Carpet has finetuned a nationwide itinerary that not only brings alive Lord of the Rings movie locations, but reveals secrets and stories behind the scenes, and introduces New Zealand cast and crew who were involved in the production.

itinerary. Vic James says the tours attract all ages and include something for everyone, whether they’re dyed-in-thewool film fans or visitors who want to tour parts of New Zealand not normally accessible to travellers. Tours are also filled with meetings, little-known behind-the-scenes stories and encounters with manyfaceted actors and film crew - mostly every day, down-to-earth Kiwis but who played major roles in the making of the trilogy, James says. Tour highlights Daniel Reeve - now a world renowned calligrapher, cartographer and artist - who was responsible for maps and every letter, word and pen mark seen in the trilogy, entertains visitors at his base in Wellington.

page 17 A trip to the factory where the Elven cloaks were made is also a major hit with fans. As well as seeing the 19th century looms used to create complex fabrics, they meet the weavers who explain their craft - from the animals they breed themselves to the wool used for the special yarns. Lasting fellowship Red Carpet Tours still hosts groups of up to 18 fans a month - from the USA, UK, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia and other parts of the world - to experience the place that millions now recognise as the living reflection of Tolkien's imaginary world. Vic James says the impact the experience has on avid fans is extraordinary and has moved some to form a lasting bond. "One group of five young people from various parts of the world formed their own fellowship at the end of the tour, and so that they didn’t ever forget the experience they all had the Elvish symbol for ‘five’ tattooed on their bodies - of course, by the tattooist who did them for the LOTR cast." "It just shows the depth of fellowship that is created during the tours. Total strangers become friends and we’ve known of groups meeting up for a reunion, years later," he says. The Hobbit This depth of fan enthusiasm is what Erica Challis believes will make The Hobbit even more of a major happening for New Zealand than the LOTR trilogy. But, she says, this time the country will know what to expect. "The Hobbit is going to be so different - the groundswell of interest will continue and be even bigger than for LOTR. Before the ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ came out, people didn’t take much notice and most New Zealanders didn’t really realise the extent of what was going around the country. This time everyone is going to try to claim some connection," says Challis.

Staying in the same hotels as the cast and film crews used, the Red Carpet trail moves from Auckland to Queenstown taking committed Hobbiton, the location used for the 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy, and soon to be redeveloped for 'The Hobbit' ‘Ringers’ to Hobbiton prequel. Thirty-seven hobbit holes were created with untreated timber, ply and polystyrene. Photo courtesy New and the iconic landscapes Zealand Tourism Board. of the epic movie tale: Mt Doom, Mordor, the River Anduin, Lothlorien, He shares his behind-the-scenes experience and Theonering.net will handle news, rumours and Rivendell, Isengard, Gladden fields, Edoras, Pelennor extensive evidence of his work - the maps, sketches, information about The Hobbit as it did for LOTR, though Challis says the relationship with the movie fields, the great East Road, Rohan country, Nen parts of books, scripts and lettering used in LOTR. makers is now much stronger and enjoys the benefit of Hithoel, Fangorn forest, and many others. The lead 'Black Rider', who also rode double for the trust. Though, of course, visiting the waterfall where stars and acted as riding instructor and horse trainer, Gollum caught a fish, the ash fields of Mt Ruapehu, welcomes Red Carpet groups to his property as part of Film première plans In anticipation for The Hobbit, Red Carpet Tours has the mountains, lakes, rivers and plains throughout the the tour through the lower North Island. set up a register for pre-bookings for the 2011 North and South Islands that became famous scenes for great battles and moments of quiet reflection isn’t The chance to meet the person who doubled for Gimli première. More than 140 people have already signed just reserved for fanatical Ringers. is another tour highlight. Brett Beattie, who sports the up. 'Fellowship tattoo', now runs an organic farm near Broad itinerary Christchurch and has fascinating stories about his They’re confident those who want to visit New As well as visiting film locations, the tours offer involvement in the movies. He spent 189 days on set, Zealand and the fans who’ve already been to "Middle visitors a broad view of New Zealand life with Maori and worked closely with Peter Jackson, Viggo Earth and back again" will be ready for more. culture, food and wine experiences, scenic highlights Mortensen and Orlando Bloom. and optional adventure activities included in the

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Word S earch & Crosswords A

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page 20 Do you have a personal experience story you would like to share with North of 50 readers? We would like to invite you to submit your story for publication. A personal experience story can be about anything. It might be inspiring, funny, scary or wierd. It might be about a wonderful holiday or a travel nightmare. It might be about pursuing a lifelong passion, how you coped with a health crisis or a personal loss. It could be a love story, a ghost story, a travel story. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s YOUR story, whatever that is. Guidelines: Stories should be between 600 and 800 words and can be on any topic, but must be your personal experience. You must include your telephone number and address. These will not be published and are for verification purposes only. Submit your story by Mail to: Personal Experience, Editor, North of 50. Box 100 Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 or email to: editor@northof50.com or fax to: (250) 546-8914.

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Personal Experience Things I have learned in my lifetime by Rev. James Snyder In celebrating my recent birthday, I found myself caught up in a case of nostalgia. I never imagined I would really get this old. Not that I am old, mind you, but I have reached the point in life I never thought I would when I was younger. Had I known I would get this old, I would have saved some of the energy I wasted during my teenage years. How was I to know that as you got older your supply of energy began diminishing? When I was younger, I could not sit still for long and no matter where I went, I ran. It was impossible for me just to walk. Often my mother chided me by saying, "Slow down, young man." But I never could. I have finally come to the point where I am in harmony with my mother's desire. The only problem is, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a young man anymore. Today, I can sit in my easy chair for hours and not even move. I keep a little mirror on the stand next to my chair so my wife can periodically check to see if I'm still breathing. Often, the only indication of life is the occasional snoring. One thing I have learned, in growing older is that my eyes are not quite what they used to be. For example, the mailbox used to be rather close to the front door of our house. Now, I can barely see it from the front door and it takes over an hour to reach it by walking. To be truthful, halfway to the mailbox I have to pause and catch my breath. And, when I look at my checkbook, I can barely see to the end of the month. When I was young, I used to hear the saying, "A penny saved is a penny earned." Now, my eyes are so bad, I cannot see anything to buy for a penny. Not only are my eyes going, but my hearing is not quite what it used to be when I was young. This is not as bad as it might seem. There is a good side to diminished hearing. When I'm in a crowd with a lot of people talking, I can sit back, smile, nod my head occasionally and not have to be bored with what everybody is saying. Experience has taught me that people are not really interested in hearing what I have to say. Rather, they want me listening to what they have to say. Usually, people have a lot to say and all they require are two ears. It does not have to be ears that hear, just ears that appear. Most things heard in such circumstances are not worth hearing. Perhaps that is the genius of our ears. In aging, they develop a little bit of wisdom and after a while, they just give up, not hearing anything really worth hearing. I cannot remember the last time I heard something under such circumstances worth hearing the first time, let alone remembering. This brings me to my memory. The best thing about memory is, you can remember things the way you want to remember them. After all, it's your memory and it should be up to you to remember what you want. My memory has a way of bringing out the positive to the absolute exclusion of the negative. And who wants to dwell on the negative? Whoever said you cannot live in the past is probably not old enough to have any past worth remembering. And the marvelous thing about remembering things in the past is that you can remember them as you like. It is your version of the past. Some people write journals, I like to trust my memory.

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As my memory has aged, it has become better, just like a fine wine. In fact, my memory is so good; I can distinctly remember things that never happened. And the details I remember are simply astounding. Each time I recount a memory I remember new details. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has quite a different take on all of this. She remembers everything that actually happened. She has a photographic memory whereas I have, according to her, a problematic memory. At her discretion she can marshal all of the facts of the incident in the order in which it happened. Usually her memory throws my memory in a different light. No matter how I recount my memory, she always has some correction to it. More than once, she has claimed I stretched the truth. But I believe, if truth cannot handle some stretching what good is it in the first place? If it is so fragile and cannot handle a little bit of stretching, I am not sure it is worth remembering. As my body gets weaker, my memory gets stronger.

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In the Old Testament, David spoke often of the importance of memory. "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands" (Psalms 143:5 KJV). For David, in his old age his memory brought him a great deal of comfort. "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalms 37:25 KJV). My goal is to live each day in such a way that years down the road I will have a good memory. The Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL 34472. He lives with his wife, Martha, in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 352-687-4240 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is www.whatafellowship.com.

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H e a l t h M at t e rs

Put sibling rivalry aside - you never know when you might need a kidney According to BC Transplant, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, if you are in need of a kidney, you’re likely to get one from your brother or sister. Of the 1,133 living donor kidney transplants performed in BC since the start of the program in 1976, 382, or 34%, are donated by siblings. The next highest are parents, spouses, and unrelated individuals (friends, co-workers) each at 16%. “Living donation is one of the most generous gifts one person can give to another,” says Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health Services. “It’s remarkable to think that more than 1,100 British Columbians have benefited from living donation.” With fewer organs available from deceased donors—due in large part to increased use of air bags, seatbelts and helmets laws—more emphasis has been placed on the development of living donor programs. Living donation can mean shorter waiting time and excellent outcomes for those needing a kidney transplant. In January, 2007, James Shinkewski was faced with the sudden onset of kidney failure, and was told he needed a kidney transplant. His brother Jeff didn’t hesitate in his decision to donate. Only two years apart in age, the brothers have always been close, and after testing, Jeff was shown to be an excellent match for James. “My immediate reaction was that I would give a kidney to my brother,” says Jeff. “I was lucky to be in a place in my life where I was financially stable, established in my career with an incredibly supportive employer, and physically fit enough to donate. Everything just fit into place.” “Traditionally siblings have always been good living donor matches, but we now have similar successful outcomes with unrelated donors,” says Dr. David Landsberg, Director of the Kidney Transplant Program at St. Paul’s Hospital. “In response to a decline in deceased donation and to try and meet the demand for kidney transplant, there was willingness for programs to look at other relationships beyond the family for potential donors.” Over the past few decades, significant advances have been made in living donation, which has allowed more people to donate. It used to be that living donation was restricted to close family members with a strong genetic link, but with improvements in anti-rejection medications, this is no longer the case, as spouses, friends, and co-workers routinely donate. This trend has continued to increase over the past 10 years. Surgical procedures have also improved, so that today most kidneys are removed using a minimally invasive technique known as laparoscopy, which results in much less postoperative pain and a significantly earlier return to normal activities than previously possible. Despite the increase in living donation, hundreds of British Columbians are still waiting for a life-saving transplant. What are you waiting for? Register your decision about organ donation on BC’s Organ Donor Registry. Based on public opinion surveys, 85% of British Columbians said they support organ donation and intend to register their decision, yet just over 17% have done so. To register visit www.transplant.bc.ca or telephone 1.800.663.6189.

Research saves lives. Please give.

B.C. pharmacists could soon give injections Pharmacists across the province will soon have the authority to give injections, if regulation changes proposed today arecompleted. "Pharmacists are a great health resource for the province," said Marnie Mitchell, BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) CEO. "The proposed regulations are a perfect fit-it builds on the vast distribution capabilities of the profession and provides the public with another avenue to access the flu vaccine and other injections." The Minister of Health Services, Kevin Falcon, recently announced a proposal for regulatory changes under the Health Professions Act that will allow qualified pharmacists to administer injections to prevent and treat disease. There will be a 30-day consultation period for the proposed changes. The BCPhA expects the changes will be approved in September. The BCPhA has been working with the College of Pharmacists of BC and the BC Centre for Disease Control to develop a comprehensive training program. Pharmacists will need to complete an accredited administration of injections program with both theory and practical education components, as well as have current first-aid and CPR training. Once training is complete, pharmacists will apply to the College of Pharmacists of BC for authorization under Professional Practice Policy 62. "The accessibility of pharmacists makes them a critical health-care partner for annual campaigns like flu vaccinations and more urgent situations such as a flu pandemic," said Mitchell. "In the long-term, we expect the authority for pharmacists to administer injections will be an excellent complement to our physicians and community health nurses and provide the public with another choice for routine injections such as travel vaccines." Pharmacists in Alberta have had a similar authority, since 2007. The proposed changes are available at http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/leg/notice/pharmacy.html for review.

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Effective Ways to Banish Bad Breath One of the first things many people notice about other people is their smile. A beautiful smile can make a strong first impression and boost an individual's confidence as well. But as strong an impression as a beautiful smile can make, the breath behind that smile is equally important. Bad breath, for example, can quickly negate a good smile, no matter how beautiful it is. While what you eat plays a role in whether or not you have bad breath, other factors influence how your breath smells as well. Lifestyle Habits Certain lifestyle habits strongly influence an individual's breath. People who do not brush or floss daily, for instance, are far more likely to have bad breath. That's because food particles remain in the teeth after eating, promoting the growth of bacteria between teeth, on the tongue and around the gums. That bacterial growth results in bad breath. Another factor that contributes to bad breath is smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco-based products are very detrimental to a person's oral hygiene, causing bad breath but potentially contributing to gum irritation, stained teeth and a reduced ability to taste foods as well. Individual Health Bad breath isn't always a reflection of a person's diet or lifestyle choices. Sometimes bad breath might be indicative of a larger issue such as gum disease. As plaque builds up on the teeth, the resulting bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth. Those toxins irritate the gums. While gum irritation is often painful enough, allowing it to go untreated can result in worse problems, including damage to the jawbone. Other ailments can contribute to bad breath as well. In addition to diabetes, liver or kidney problems can contribute to bad breath, as can chronic respiratory problems such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Acid reflux can also contribute to bad breath. Prevention While there's no guaranteed way to banish bad breath forever, there are ways to reduce or prevent it. * Stop smoking. Smokers or people who chew tobacco can greatly reduce their risk for bad breath by quitting. While that's easier said than done, it's as close to a guarantee to reducing bad breath as smokers will find. * Stay hydrated. Dry mouth often results in bad breath, so staying hydrated by drinking lots of water can reduce bad breath. Also, chewing sugarless gum can stimulate the production of saliva, helping to keep the mouth moist in the process. * Visit the dentist. Many people fear the dentist's chair, but visiting the dentist at least twice a year can greatly reduce the risk of bad breath. A dentist can give a thorough cleaning and will be able to monitor and detect the common problems that contribute to bad breath, such as gum disease or dry mouth. * Remember Mom and Dad's advice. Mom and Dad always said to brush twice per day and floss after meals, and that advice is as true today as it was back then. In addition to brushing your teeth, brush your tongue as well. And be sure to replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, or when it begins to look frayed, whichever comes first. To learn more about oral hygiene, visit the American Dental Association Web site at www.ada.org.

RV holidays easier on the pocketbook, says study. A typical family RV vacation can be as much as 75 percent less expensive per day than the other types of trips. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the conclusion of a major independent Family Vacation Cost Comparison Study released by Go RVing Canada. Several forms of travel were compared and in all cases, RV vacations were more economical than other types of travel, regardless of trip duration, distance, or region of the country where the vacation took place. The comprehensive study, completed by PKF Consulting, took into account every aspect of RV travel and all expenses associated with RVs and other forms of travel, including the cost to own an RV. With purchase prices starting at just $6,000, there is an RV to fit every budget and lifestyle. PKF compared the cost of RV vacations with two other popular forms of travel: driving and staying at hotels, and travelling by air and rental car with hotel accommodations. Prices of sample trips were calculated in every region of Canada and in each case, RV vacations were the most cost effective. Regardless of the type of vehicle, nature of the trip or where it happened in Canada, RV travel came out on top every single time in terms of cost efficiency, and by very significant margins. As an example, the average cost per day of a 3-day camping vacation to Algonquin Provincial Park from Montreal using a folding camping trailer was found to be about 41 percent less expensive than the cost of a comparable car/hotel combination vacation; and about 75 percent less than the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation. The average cost per day of a 10-day camping vacation to Quebec City from Halifax using a folding camping trailer was found to be about 51 percent less expensive than the cost of a comparable car/hotel combination vacation; and about 66 percent less than the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation.

15 USES YOU NEVER THOUGHT OF FOR COFFEE FILTERS Coffee filters ...who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar store for almost nothing. 1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers. 2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lintfree so they'll leave windows sparkling. 3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish. 4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter. 5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust. 6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter. 7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter. 8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale. 9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods. 10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes. 11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter. 12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters. 13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out most of the grease. 14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers." 15. They are great to use in your coffee makers, too. Source: Unknown / Internet

NORTH of 50 August 09

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One burial plot or one creamation. $700.00 for info and locality call (250) 765-0965. Bed rail with foam grips like new $50.00 plus medigas nebulizer hostpital grade paid $200.00 asking $100.00. Call 250-765-1024. Light oak kitchen table 29”x47” with 4 padded chairs, Two years old, like new $95.00. Call 250-762-6253. After 85 years sale pedestal and hand grinders 60&75 metal & wood makita saws 65 & 70 SK1/2” 3/8” socket sets QXY-ACET pyrox set W gauges $75.00. Call 250-679-8730. Queen Pillowtop Mattress and Boxspring. Still in Plastic. Worth $1299. Must sell $400.

250-314-7022 Oak China Cabinet, new condition. Approx 6ft x 6ft by 17 wide. Front and sides glassed, with mirrors on inside back. 1 drawer , with 4 doors below. $ 1000:00 . 250 494 9822 Mens 26inch e-ride cruiser bicycle with 24 volt electric power pack with rear rack $300.00 OBO. Call: 250-546-0233 One heavy wooden door painted with orange melamine 34”x80”x1.75” with letter slot and glass window 25”x7.5” $12; one interior brown wooden door 30”x80”. $8. Hinges included. 250-549-2714 Garage door opener. Genie.Chain Lift 1/2

hp.New/boxed. $200. Air compressor King Canada. 1.5 hp incl.2"Brad nailer kit. New/boxed.$200. Pressure washer. Simoniz electric. 1900psi.6"wheels. New/boxed $200. "The Earth Machine" Black plastic compost bin-new. Have 2. $25. each. Call (250) 838-9732 Bachelor suite Enderby ground level bright quiet new covered parking private entrance seniors N/S N/P near riverwalk and beach. $550.00 includes utilities. 250838-7496. 11.6” add a room never used. Fits on awning $200.00 O.B.O Call 250768-7095 Beautiful one bedroom

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There are ponzi scheme warning signs: Advocis In the wake of the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme recently uncovered in the US and the one currently under investigation in Montreal allegedly perpetrated by Earl Jones, Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, offers some red flags for investors and potential investors. "A ponzi or pyramid scheme is an investment opportunity built on a fraud that will eventually collapse," warns Greg Pollock, Advocis' president and CEO. "The first and most important warning sign is the advisor offers you some unrealistic and/or consistent returns on the investment. Such promises are fundamentally contrary to the very nature of a stock market. Stock markets go up and stock markets go down. Legitimate results vary." Other warning signs include pressure to invest beyond your comfort level. An ethical and responsible financial advisor or planner will understand your financial goals and objectives but, most importantly, how much money you are willing to risk in any investments. A fraudulent advisor will also supposedly place all of a victim's money into one financial vehicle when in fact returns are that of the investors' own money or more recently recruited investors. Another warning sign is a promise of exclusivity or a "special deal." Legitimate investment opportunities are generally available to a wide range of clients. "Each investor is their own best advocate," said Mr. Pollock. "They should take the necessary steps to research, verify and question the advisor and his recommendations. But in the end it comes down to the simple old saying, if it's too good to be true then it probably is." There are steps an investor or potential investor can take to prevent being a victim of this crime. The first step is to do the research. Get referrals from other clients. Does the advisor have a license to do business? Does the advisor have a professional designation? The next step is to verify all the information gathered. Verify that the money invested is going to a legitimate third-party like a bank. The statements should include key information such as a street address (not a post office box), a list of the investments and their activity over a period of time. Verify with the appropriate licensing body that the advisor is duly authorized to do business in the province. Finally an investor should ask questions of the advisor. A fraudulent advisor may refuse to answer questions or may dismiss your questions with an "it's too complicated to explain" response. Finally, Pollock advises to contact the RCMP or www.phonebusters.com if anyone suspects any wrong doing. Also, Advocis investigates and disciplines its members for any violation of its Code of Professional Conduct. The code requires that members act competently, diligently and with integrity, in the client's best interest and according to the spirit and letter of the law. Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the oldest and largest voluntary membership association of financial advisors and planners in Canada. For more information about Advocis, visit www.advocis.ca.

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Emphysema: A Condition to Take Seriously Emphysema is one factor of the broader-spectrum Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease label, better known as COPD. Emphysema is a condition of limited air flow. As of 2006, 3.7 million people in the United States had been diagnosed with emphysema, and a little over 12,500 deaths occurred due in part to the condition, according to the CDC. What is Emphysema? When the alveoli, commonly known as air sacs at the end of the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchioles),become destroyed, emphysema occurs. Air sacs are normally small clusters of spherical shaped sacs (think a bunch of grapes). Smoking -- the leading cause of emphysema -- or inhalation of other lung irritants may cause the air sacs to become irregularly shaped, with thin walls or gaping holes over time. The sacs are then unable to adequately hold onto oxygen that needs to reach the bloodstream. In addition, the elastic fibers that hold open the small airways leading to the air sacs can be slowly destroyed, so that they collapse when an individual breathes out. This prevents the air in the lungs from escaping. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of emphysema include the following, and any indication of these symptoms should be promptly addressed by a doctor: * wheezing * shortness of breath * inability to do normal exercises or physical activity * weight loss * fatigue * blue or gray fingernails, which could indicate low oxygen in the blood * frequent coughing or discharge of sputum, which could also indicate chronic bronchitis, a common partner to emphysema Causes and Concerns Cigarette smoking, according to the Mayo Clinic, is by far the leading cause of emphysema. There are 4,000 known chemicals in tobacco smoke. These chemicals can slowly eat away at the air sacs and cause a host of damage. However, emphysema may also result from inhalation of occupational hazards, such as fumes from certain chemicals or dust from grain, cotton, wood, or mining products. It can also occur from breathing indoor or outdoor pollutants. Emphysema can increase the severity of other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart failure. Environmental triggers or infections may exacerbate the condition and require prompt treatment and perhaps assistance breathing. Testing and Diagnosis of the Condition A doctor will run a panel of tests to determine if an individual has emphysema. Non-invasive tests include

breathing into a spirometer to measure the amount of oxygen going in and out of the lungs. The patient will also be hooked up to a pulse oximeter, which will measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is a device that is simply clipped on to the tip of a finger. Other tests could include arterial blood g a s analyses, to determine how well oxygen is transferred into the bloodstream and how well c a r b o n dioxide is removed. If coughing and sputum are common, an analysis of the Doctors will run a host of tests to sputum may determine if you have emphysema. also be Smoking is one of the highest risk factors for the condition. ordered. Chest X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans will offer a better look at the lungs and systems of the body to determine if there are any damaged areas, and, if so, to what extent. Treatment for Emphysema Treatment options vary depending upon the severity of each case, but may include: * the necessity to quit smoking through any of the myriad methods available * inhaled steroids * bronchodilators to relax constricted airways * supplemental oxygen * GERD medication, since gastroesophageal reflux disease can aggravate airway diseases * pulmonary therapy programs In severe cases, surgery to reduce lung volume may help an individual to breathe easier. If other options have failed, lung transplant surgery may be a final option. If you have any of the symptoms of emphysema or are a chronic smoker, don't hesitate to visit a doctor to check on lung health. While emphysema cannot be reversed, prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and prolong life.

NORTH of 50 August 09

page 25 individuals come out of their shells -- something that may not yet be possible with a fellow human being. Dogs can also help with a number of medical conditions, such as relieving stress and helping with depression. They may also reduce blood pressure as well as popular medications. * Blood Pressure: According to research, while ACE inhibiting drugs can generally reduce blood pressure, they aren't as effective at controlling spikes in blood pressure due to stress and tension. However, a recent study of hypertensive New York stockbrokers who got dogs or cats were found they had lower blood pressure and heart rates than those who didn't have pets. * Stress: Petting a dog or cat is known to calm anxiety and promote a feeling of relaxation. This can help relieve stress as well as meditating or yoga. * Exercise: A dog will encourage you to get out and walk at least twice a day. This will also help with relieving stress and provide much-needed physical activity. * Companionship: If you live alone or recently experienced a loss, a dog can be the companion you enjoy coming home to after a long day. Pets can actually be there for you when people can't. Research has shown that nursing home residents report less loneliness when visited by dogs than when they spend time with other people. * Social Interaction: A friendly dog can make you seem more approachable and also offer opportunities for conversation while out and about. Fellow dog-walkers may come up to you to chat about your dog's breed, which could turn out to be an opening for friendship. Whether they're professional working dogs or the everyday pet, dogs can provide many services to their human companions.

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Dogs Can Transform the Lives of People Man's best friend certainly may be the unassuming canine. But dogs are more than pets who fetch slippers and wag their tails when their owners arrive home. Dogs can provide invaluable services to individuals who may be impaired or simply need a little companionship to live independent lives. According to Working Like Dogs, a resource for people around the world with working dogs and service dogs, assistance dogs transform the lives of their human partners with debilitating physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, aide, best friend, and close member of their family. Assistance Dogs can be from a variety of breeds including labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, standard poodles, and even shelter dogs. These specially trained dogs perform many tasks for their partners with disabilities and are classified in the following ways: Guide Dogs: Assist people with vision loss, leading these individuals around physical obstacles and to destinations such as seating, crossing streets, entering or exiting doorways, elevators, and stairways. Service Dogs: Assist people with disabilities with walking, balance, dressing, transferring from place to place, retrieving and carrying items, opening doors and drawers, pushing buttons, and pulling wheelchairs. They can also aide with household chores, such as putting in and removing clothes from the washer and dryer. Hearing Alert Dogs: Alert people with a hearing loss to the presence of specific sounds such as doorbells, telephones, crying babies, sirens, another person, buzzing timers or sensors, knocks at the door or smoke, fire and clock alarms. Seizure Alert/Seizure Response Dogs: Alert or respond to medical conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, epilepsy, panic attack, anxiety attack, posttraumatic stress and seizures. All of these types of assistance dogs are dedicated to their humans, who rely on them to achieve their daily function. But while there are a number of functions the trained working or service dog may master, the regular, run-of-the-mill pet can also serve special functions in his or her lifetime. Therapy dogs are often volunteer dogs who visit the elderly or those who have experienced some other trauma. The dogs are instrumental in helping

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Tea with Emily

KEITH FRANKLIN

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Finger sandwiches and sweets of the daintiest sort will be served up by Miss Carr herself as she mills about and chats with her "boarders" (You!). (Hot tea with lemon or cream and sugar will be served along with tea sandwiches and cupcakes prepared by the Bumblebee Cupcakery.) Fellow artists are especially welcome. Some of Miss Carr's work will be on display and the artist will chat about her philosophy of life and and her travels. Miss Carr may even be persuaded to divulge a few of the secrets of her art and writing techniques, along with her personal history. Because of her close association with Canadian First Nations peoples, she may also share one of the games the Natives played with her. There might also follow some discussion on how to avoid heart attacks (Miss Carr recovered from several before she finally succumbed.) It would be preferred that, if anyone feels vulnerable to attacks of the heart, that they keep them to the romantic kind (We are hoping that some eligible young people may attend). Plan to come on time, or Miss Carr may have hoisted your chair to the ceiling, and then where will you sit?! Admission is $10, chair or no chair. Tickets must be purchased in advance from Gallery Vertigo. Miss Carr can acommodate a limited number of guests, so please don't dilly dally or you shall have no tea. “I am humbled to be among the many who have played Emily Carr and who have written about her. My only regret is that we'll not be able to get "the elephant" up the stairs for our tea at Gallery Vertigo. The monkey "Woo" is scheduled to make an appearance, however.” Says Christine Pilgrim. “An excellent example of Christine Pilgrim's historybased theatre, Tea with Emily promises to both entertain and to illuminate interesting details about the fascinating life and art of BC's most beloved artist. Suitable for all ages, Christine's delightful comic style and interactive approach is sure to enthrall the audience. Imagine yourself as a boarder at Emily's boarding house, the House of All Sorts and join the artist for high tea,” says Judith Jurica, Director, Gallery Vertigo. Christine Pilgrim is a history based performer from Vernon. Photo supplied.

Valley Monuments

Miss Emily Carr (closely resembling actress Christine Pilgrim) requests the pleasure of your company for high tea at the House of All Sorts (closely resembling Gallery Vertigo) on Saturday, August 8th between 3pm and 5pm.

ROOTS AND BLUES: LUCKY NUMBER 6 Six seems to be a lucky number for Sam Roberts. As part of the stellar line-up of artists booked for the 17th Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, taking place August 14-16 at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds, the number six seems to be striking a constant and familiar chord for the Canadian rock icon. Along with five other artists/groups that include Serena Ryder, Bedouin Soundclash, Elliott BROOD, Samantha Schultz and Sierra Noble, the Sam Roberts Band has been selected as one-sixth of the SIRIUS Six Pack, a collective of Canadian artists being sponsored by Canada's satellite radio giant. This year as well, Roberts walked away from the Juno Awards with wins in both the Artist of the Year and Rock Album of the Year categories bringing his total over the past few years to (you guessed it) a whopping six Junos. If that weren't enough to point a cosmic finger at the forces aligning the number six with Roberts' current performance portfolio, there are plans underway to pair him with one of the festival's other big draws, the Six String Nation Guitar, in what will result in a very special highlight at this year's Roots and Blues. The Six String Nation Guitar is a fascinating conduit of Canadian culture, embodying 64 separate components of wood, metal, and organic materials, expertly amalgamated into one singularly unique and very inspirational instrument. Roberts is one of Canada's most successful artists, currently gaining recognition the world over with his most recent hits, "Them Kids" and "Detroit '67". Both were booked at the 2009 Folk on the Rocks Festival in Yellowknife in July, and though they were never presented together, it seems that Taylor, the creator of the Six String Nation project and owner of the guitar, and Roberts were destined to meet at some point surrounding the event. "Our schedules didn't mesh at the Festival at all but we met at the hotel, at the airport in Yellowknife, and again in Edmonton. He has now seen, heard and played 'Voyageur' and seemed really pleased with it," says Taylor. "He pored over the brochure for a long time on the plane and then came to get his picture taken with the insanely enthusiastic Canadian North in-flight and check-in staff who wanted to pose with the guitar." Recent conversations between Roberts and Taylor are now pointing to a match made in heaven for Taylor, which is also sure to be a crowd pleaser at the Festival. "I told him that it was a dream of mine to hear him play 'Canadian Dream' on my guitar," says Taylor, "and Sam said, 'Let's make it happen in Salmon Arm!'" Renowned as one of the country's best festivals for its eclectic line-ups, relaxed atmosphere and great vibe, is it any wonder Roberts and Taylor have chosen Roots and Blues for this very special performance? Coincidence? We think not. Don't miss this remarkable Roots and Blues moment and a weekend filled with many more. Fifty stellar acts are set to fill the festival's six (yes, six) outdoors stages ensuring (ahem) six ways from Sunday that you'll experience some of the best world, roots and blues music on the planet. The complete festival lineup and schedules can be found online at www.rootsandblues.ca. Day and weekend passes are available on the website at the advance price as well, offering significant savings over gate prices. They can also be purchased by phone at 250-833-4096 or in person at the Roots and Blues office located on the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds.

NORTH of 50 August 09

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The Cariboo Gold Rush is still in full swing and Barkerville is teeming with fortune seekers from all over the world. Exciting events and fun-filled activities abound for the whole family. See the blacksmith and miners at work, ride the stagecoach, enjoy a live theatre show, tour Barkerville’s main street and Chinatown, pan

for gold, attend a class at the schoolhouse, witness courtroom drama at Richfield, visit with local residents–it’s all here! Barkerville welcomes visitors from mid May to late September. Please phone 1-888-994-3332 ext. 29, e-mail barkerville@barkerville.ca or visit www.barkerville.ca for more information.

NORTH of 50 August 09

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Gentle Waters Senior Home

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