An Independent Lifestyle Newsmagazine for a Grown-up Audience December 2009 Volume 7 Issue 12
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NORTH of 50 December 09
NORTH of 50 December 09
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The curtain rises on Okanagan Christmas shows! By Christine Pilgrim The Holiday Season is traditionally a time to take the family to see a show. Pantomime is the most popular form of Christmas entertainment in Britain. (Women dress as young men in tights and close fitting jackets while men dress as old women in wigs and big ear-rings that match other accentuated female attributes. There are silly jokes for children and saucy ones for adults.)
T Arm hree gen s t ro er ron Wic ng's A ations spa kst rag play i dau rom, her us Th n Rent ght ea er S e d hau aughte tre. F d Chris o ghn r tma und La ess y. P na O' ing me s at B hot o by rien a mber Workplace frustration comes to a head behind the scenes at nd Ed Cum her Vernon’s Powerhouse Theatre (right) The cow in the production of min gs Jack and the Beanstalk practices with just its head (above) Sha
So it's small wonder that Vernon's Powerhouse Theatre Company, with its considerable British membership, should choose a pantomime written by one of its founding members, the late Paddy Malcolm English, as its mid-winter presentation. This action-packed version of the folk tale, Jack and the Beanstalk, was first directed by Paddy Malcolm English herself at Theatre Kelowna back in 1971. It involves Jack with a widow who lives in a shoe, along with a bunch of orphans, farm animals and, inevitably, a pretty daughter. The wicked landlord threatens eviction but of course Jack saves the day, amid music, dancing, explosions, jokes and giants. Both directors, Sarah MacLean and Monty Hughes, performed in earlier, different versions of Jack and the Beanstalk - she, as one of the widow's children and he, as the widow herself. Further south in the Valley, young actors from the Central Okanagan gear up for performances of The Snow Queen at their 4th Street Place venue in
The story of Rented Christmas, directed by Dai Scott, features a single, middle-aged, prominent businessman who wants to rent a Christmas, complete with tree, carols, wife and family. Anne, the proprietor of the local rental store calls the Actors' Guild, but when the younger actors all contract measles, she turns to the local orphanage. Then, when the Guild fails to find an actress to play the mother, Anne herself steps into the role. As the plot thickens, so the lives of all concerned in this heartwarming tale are changed forever.
Kim Sterling, an American Academy of Dramatic Arts graduate, plays the title role, while newcomer Davis Kyle plays Patrick.
More traditionally, Theatre Kelowna Society, born in 1949 as Kelowna Little Theatre, celebrates its 60th
The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra will serve a Piping Hot Christmas with seasonal favourites, sing-along carols and a tree piped in by the Kelowna Pipe Band led by Pipe Major Kristopher Watt. Conductor Rosemary Thomson invites audiences to dodge leaping lords, flying partridges and milking maids as the orchestra plays The Twelve Days of Christmas in an extravaganza not to be missed.
year of community theatre with a family friendly production of Scrooge & Marley. Director Brian Haigh has created a new approach to that timeless Dickens favourite, A Christmas Carol, by adding snippets from its text to scenes from traditional carols. Scrooge & Marley is presented from the viewpoint of the ghost of Scrooge's departed partner, Jacob Marley, played by Jeff Samin. Charlie Fleming plays Scrooge. Musical direction by Robin Jarmin.
Peachland. Most of the Peachland Junior Players are middle school students. They are joined by a few from high school and one adult, Vicky Malloy, who plays the grandmother. Director, Bill Bennett of West Kelowna, says, “The kids work really well together. They are more professional than some adults I've worked with – excluding Vicky of course.” Based on Hans Christian Anderson's 19th Century fairy tale, The Snow Queen centres on the struggle between good and evil. Kai (good, but foolish – well, he's a boy!) is captured by the Snow Queen (evil). Gerda (good) must save him or the world will always be frozen in winter time.
In the meantime, Kelowna Actors Studio (KAS) presents the former novel, movie, and smash Broadway hit, Mame. Directed by Randy Leslie, Mame is the hilarious, touching story of an eccentric Manhattan socialite whose lifestyle is turned upside down after being appointed guardian of her ten-year-old nephew, Patrick. Through song, dance and laughter, Auntie Mame proves that life can still be enjoyed by those who have lost all worldly wealth.
Not just community theatres, but professional ones also offer Christmas fare. Western Theatre Company's elegant, spectacular interpretation of the hit musical My Fair Lady continues its run at the Sagebrush Theatre, Kamloops. It involves a cast and crew from throughout B.C. and beyond, and evolved from the Chemainus Theatre Festival production.
Meanwhile, Conductor Bruce Dunn says the Kamloops Symphony will follow its usual format of mix and match, with award-winning Alicia Venables playing the first movement of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. Peter Collins will sing Dunn's arrangements of In the Bleak Mid-Winter and Rejoice - a 'Carol Excursion' for tenor, female chorus and orchestra. The Kamloops Symphony Women's Chorus will also sing Polish Carols and the orchestra will play Baker's Chanson Joyeuse and Suite from Tchaikovsky's The
XMAS CONCERTS cont’d on page 4
Not so in Armstrong, where Asparagus Community Theatre boasts three generations in its cast for Rented Christmas - the Musical:Sharon Wickstrom, a founding member of Asparagus, has appeared in many of its productions, from Guys and Dolls to Charlotte’s Web. Her daughter Lana O'Brien, who teaches drama at Seaton Secondary and directs the choir at Zion United Church, first performed with Asparagus as a child. Now, Lana returns to welcome her daughter Shaughnessy, who sang O Canada to open this year's Vernon Hockey Games, to the same stage. Members of Peachland Junior Players in rehearsal for their production of the Snow Queen
NORTH of 50 December 09
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XMAS CONCERTS - cont’d from page 3 Nutcracker. As if that isn't enough, masqueraders can step graciously into the New Year at the Gala Benefit Masquerade at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre on the corner of Seymour and First in Kamloops. Proceeds go to the 2010 Mainstage Theatre Festival. Ticket prices include high end tapas, music by Jon Treichel and Kelly Spencer, live performing sculptures spearheaded by Melanie Perreault, silent auction, champagne, and no host bar.
Have You Met Jessica?
Mainstage is the backbone of community theatre in British Columbia and each year theatre companies throughout the province compete for excellence in production, design, acting and directing. For those who like to plan ahead, the 2010 Mainstage season comes to the Sagebrush Theatre, Kamloops on July 2nd and ends July 10th . Until then, happy theatre-going! See below for details! Jack and the Beanstalk - Powerhouse Theatre Vernon - Dec 9th to 19th (excluding Dec 14th). Matinee at 2pm on Dec 13th instead of regular 8pm show time. Tickets: Ticketseller: 250 549 7469 (250 549 SHOW). Details: www.powerhousetheatre.net The Snow Queen - 4th Street Place, Peachland Dec 3rd to 5th. at 8pm. Matinees at 2pm on Dec 5th & 6th. Tickets: The Wash Tub in West Kelowna or Pharmasave in Peachland. Rented Christmas – Asparagus Theatre Armstrong – Dec 2nd to 5th at 8pm. Matinee at 1pm on Dec 5th - Tickets: The Guy Next Door (250 546 0950). Scrooge & Marley - Kelowna Community Theatre Dec 2nd to 6th. at 7.30pm. Matinees at 2pm on Dec 5th & 6th. Tickets: www.selectyourtickets.com or 250 762 5050. Mame - Kelowna Actors Studio licensed dinner theatre until Dec 20th – Turkey/ham dinner at 6.15pm. Dessert only at 7:30. Shows at 8pm. Tickets: 250 862 2867 Details: www.KelownaActorsStudio.com.
My Fair Lady – Sagebrush Theatre until Dec 5th at 7.30pm on Tues & 8pm Wed through Sat. Tickets: Kamloops Live Box Office 250 374 5483 (374 LIVE) www.kamloopslive.com Okanagan Symphony's Piping Hot Christmas Penticton on Dec 18th at 7pm; Kelowna on Dec 19th at 8pm, Vernon on Dec 20th at7pm. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca (Kelowna & Penticton); www.ticketseller.ca (Vernon) or 250 770 1470 (Penticton); 250 860 1470 (Kelowna); 250 549 7469 (Vernon). www.okanagansymphony.com Kamloops Symphony - Sagebrush Theatre - Dec 12th at 7.30pm, Dec 13th at 2pm Tickets: Kamloops Live Box Office – 250 374 5483 or 1 866 374 5483 (Toll free).www.kamloopssymphony.com New Year’s Masquerade Dec 31st at The Old Courthouse, Kamloops. Tickets: Kamloops Museum (250 828 3576) or Cara at Old Courthouse Cultural Centre (250 828 3611/m2010@theatrebc.org) Mainstage 2010 – Sagebrush Theatre - Tickets: 250 374 5483.
Meet Jessica Eckert, your new account manager. Jessica is a fine person and a real professional. You may have seen her already at your place of business in her new capacity as account manager at North of 50, or perhaps you’ve seen her at the ski hill, where she can be identified by her hot pink ski boots. Jessica brings 15 years of management experience,having worked in that capacity at Seniors facilities here in the Okanagan. She's done it all--marketing, production, customer relations, sales. In fact, I think Jessica knows everything about our product, top to bottom. And she'll put that expertise to work for you. She has many great ideas and is eager to get to know you. You can reach Jessica at jessica@northof50.com or toll free at 1-877-667-8450.
NORTH of 50 December 09
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Food Banks - Poverty’s Frontline
Story & photos by Sherry Bennett
Poverty and hunger — it can happen to anyone. And it does. Since day one of her tenure as interim Executive Director of the Kamloops Food Bank and Outreach Society in June, Heather Brandon’s looked square into the human faces that lie hidden behind Canada’s poverty’s statistics. She has seen people from all walks of life who have accessed the services provided by the Food Bank. “We just never know what life has in store for us,” says Heather, whose relationship with the Kamloops Food Bank began two years ago as a volunteer cook. “Odds are that each one of us knows someone who has lost their job or house this year.” Demand for food assistance at the Kamloops agency increased 20 per cent over this time last year, an increase the interim director correlates directly to the tumble in the economy. By year end, Heather anticipates the Food Bank will have distributed 50,000 food hampers and food for over 6,000 clients. Since stepping in to hold down the fort for the Food Bank’s permanent Executive Director Bernadette Siracky, during her eight-month parental leave, Heather’s witnessed local usage increase. On the Friday preceding Thanksgiving, the agency distributed enough food for 285 people; perhaps a record for the agency’s 28-year history. Thirty-five per cent of the food bank’s clients are children. “We’re getting people in here who have never been here before,” says Heather, while glancing out of her office window to watch clients reach for locally grown potatoes and apples from bins positioned in the Food Bank’s parking lot. As the economic slowdown continues, more people unused to asking for food are finding their hand reaching for the doorknob of the Food Bank door. For the vast majority, making the journey is an option of last resort. This is one of the reasons the Food Bank’s staff invest much effort into making the facility a safe and respectful place where people can feel welcome and not judged. There is an unstated assumption underpinning society that people who work hard should be able to provide a decent living for themselves and their families. But as thousands of Canadians are now finding out, being employed does not always guarantee a ticket out of poverty. One area of growth in Kamloops Food Bank clients this year has been among working families, a demographic now statistically identified as the ‘working poor.’ “It’s a relatively new phenomenon, in the last year really,” acknowledges Heather of the working poor. “These are people who work, but do not earn enough to cover their costs of living.” Working with an agency positioned so close to poverty’s frontlines has the potential to mimic an exercise in melancholy. But Heather, a career human resource specialist who spent 14 years with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation before retiring six years ago, is quick to point out that nothing could be farther from the truth. “This place is such a ‘feel good’ kind of place to work,” she says. “It’s such a satisfying job. We’ve got a dedicated group of people and the community’s generosity has been totally amazing.” Through their FoodShare program, a perishable food recovery program that collects produce, baked goods, dairy and frozen items from local merchants, the Kamloops Food Bank has collected over two million pounds of food over the past three years, distributed it to their clients and saved it from going to landfill. On any given day, no less than a dozen volunteers, some who recently stood in the food bank queue themselves, converge at the Wilson Street facility for a marathon of sorting, inspecting and repackaging of a thousand pounds of food so it can be distributed to clients and 38 schools, non-profits, churches and community kitchens situated throughout the Kamloops region. “There’s a lot going on here, that’s for sure,” says Heather as she leads a tour through the food distribution centre situated on the city’s North Shore. She introduces volunteers along the way, all of whom stand idle just long enough to be introduced.
Heather Brandon (r) interim executive director of the Kamloops Food Bank and Outreach Society anticipates the Food Bank will have distributed 50,000 food hampers and food for over 6,000 clients by the end of the year.
“It’s a very labour intensive operation,” she says. “One of the great things is seeing all the people working together — how they are so focused on getting it done every day. That’s how we are able to serve 200 clients in one day.” An agency whose sole existence relies upon on the goodwill of the community, businesses and service groups, each and every fundraising venture is critical, especially during the holiday season, the food bank’s busiest time of year. The Kamloops Food Bank will bid adieu to 2009 with its final and most festive fundraising event of the year on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Just like it has done for the past decade, Canadian Pacific Railway’s spectacularly lit Holiday Train will roll into town and grind its wheels to a stop on the tracks adjacent the north parking lot of Interior Savings Place. Touted by CP Rail as the best Holiday Train host in Canada, Kamloops will accommodate the magical train from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone and anyone is invited to bundle up and wander on down for a Sorel tapping, mitten clapping good time with CP Holiday train musical headliners —alternative rock band the Odds and Shaun Verreault of the Canadian bluesrock trio Wide Mouth Mason. Musical entertainment runs from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Carrying on with its tradition of putting in that little bit of extra effort to make the event the best of its kind in Canada, the Kamloops Food Bank will provide a crackling bonfire, steaming hot cocoa and a barbeque. Non-perishable food donations will be collected throughout the evening, with all food collected being used to ensure every person, young and old, enjoys a nutritious Christmas dinner.
If you would like to make a donation to the food bank, or if you would like to use their services ... !
Armstrong Food Bank / Boys & Girls Club - (250) 546-3465
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Enderby - Falkland - Vernon Food Bank /Contact David McBain- (250) 549-4111
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Kelowna Food Bank - (250) 763-7161
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Lake Country Food Bank / contact Phyllis McPherson - (250) 766-0125
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Peachland Food Bank / contact Judy Bedford - (250) 767-3312
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Penticton Food Bank / Salvation Army - (250) 492-4788
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Salmon Arm Food Bank - (250) 832-9194
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Sicamous Food Bank - (250) 836-3440
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Summerland Food Bank / contact Leventine Adams - (250) 488-2099
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Vernon Food Bank - (250) 549-4111
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Westbank Food -(250) 768-1559
NORTH of 50 December 09
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GUEST EDITORIAL
by Christine Pilgrim
Celebration is in the air at the offices of North of 50. Of course, December is the month when not only Christians, but Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Druids celebrate religious festivals. a division of 0727724 BC Ltd.
Publisher Dean Wallis dean@northof50.com Managing Editor TJ Wallis editor@northof50.com Advertising Sales Dean Wallis dean@northof50.com Jessica Eckert jessica@northof50.com Kamloops & Area sales@northof50.com Ad Design Kristi Carter krist@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
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There's the Feast of Immaculate Conception (mainly Roman Catholic) on the 8th. On the 9th, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day when Gautama attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Jewish festival of Hanukkah (Chanukah) is celebrated from sunset on December 11th until the 19th. Muslims celebrate Islamic New Year with the holy pilgrimage Al-Hijira on the 18th. Yule (December 21st) is winter solstice, when Pagans believe the sun child is reborn, heralding new life. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24th/25th) celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Some Christians also celebrate St Stephen's Day (the Feast of Stephen or Boxing Day) on the 26th. Sunni Muslims fast on Ashura (December 27th) when Nuh (Noah) left the Ark and Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah (God). Shi'a Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein. However, there is something else that you, Dear Reader, may wish to know. It should be kept secret, but..... Our revered managing editor, TJ Wallis, turns 50 this month - December 18th if you want to send a card - but remember, it's a secret! Not many women would like to have their ages revealed so publicly, but TJ's husband and North of 50 publisher, Dean Wallis, says, "She's a good sport. She won't mind." But then, what do husbands know?! Probably best to seek forgiveness before going any further: mea culpa TJ! Revelations and apologies aside, how does it feel to celebrate your one day of the year, the day that is all about you, in the month when everyone else is celebrating everyone else? You get 'joint gifts' and Christmas cards that say, "By the way, Happy Birthday!" If you invite friends to a party, they assume that it must be to celebrate the holidays. You'd be considered utterly selfish if, like those lucky people with birthdays in June or July, you sent invitations to your birthday party. Worse yet: friends and family are often so tied up with the whirl and worry of decorations and trees and turkeys and travel plans that they forget your birthday altogether! Let's face it: having a birthday in December sucks! So what can December babies do to rectify the situation? You could, like Queen Elizabeth II, proclaim your Official Birthday in some more convenient, less cluttered month. You could put out a public announcement via the media (not necessarily declaring your age) and send greetings and commiserations to fellow sufferers. You could attend all the religious festivals scattered throughout the month and, when welcomed by the congregation, smile sweetly and inform them it's your birthday month (A great way to make new friends and learn similarities between cultures and beliefs). You could grin and bear it. Or you could forget your birthday altogether and recognize that it's all ego anyway. Those who love you do so every day of the year. That's us, TJ! Thank you for the great job you've done as Managing Editor of North of 50 these past seven years. Happy Birthday to everyone who celebrates their birth this month! And Happy Unbirthday to the rest of us! I feel like Tiny Tim suddenly ... so why not say it: God (of whatever religious persuasion) bless us, Every One!
Don Sawyer
FAIR COMMENT
NORTH of 50 December 09
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Observations from the Italian Grand Tour My wife, Jan, and I just returned from a three-week tour of a pretty good chunk of Western Europe. As this was our first foray into Italy, it was a particularly exciting – and enlightening – trip for us. Here are a few observations from our Italian leg:
! Being in a more or less constant state of war and threat of siege does wonders for encouraging downtown residential density and discouraging urban sprawl. Banning vehicles in the downtown core (Siena) or severely restricting them (Florence and Rome) makes for wonderful downtowns and public spaces. ! However, prohibiting private cars from the downtown does significantly increase the chance of being run down by one of the five million or so motor bikes that replace them. ! Placing grocery stores, clothing boutiques, cafes, department stores, pharmacies, and hardwares in 500-year-old buildings in the centre of downtown works just fine. ! In 1346 Siena planned and built what Rick Steves calls the “greatest piazza in Italy.” Implementing some of the first urban planning guidelines, they put restrictions on building height, window style, and other design features. Worked for them. 650 years later, still does. ! Establish reasonable maximum city boundaries and stick with them for at least 500 years. ! Italians have shown us that by utilizing local materials, architects, contractors and interior designers, as well as using built- to-last construction methods, you can produce buildings that are marveled at centuries later. (And they did all that without rechargeable drills and circular saws!) ! Four to five stories seems to be about the right maximum height for buildings in a manageable, vital, compact city. In Rome, no building can be higher than St. Peter’s Basilica. ! Once you’ve banned cars, added about a zillion churches, filled them with priceless Renaissance sculpture and paintings, and plastered every wall and square with public art, tourists from all over the world will overrun your city. ! Really tall towers and high domes are super tourist attractions. ! Bad development can be stopped at any point. Determined to build the “biggest church in Christendom,” Siena began a gigantic addition to their (already gigantic) cathedral in 1339. When the folly of this undertaking became apparent
Calvin White
Jesus Talks Being that December is the month of Jesus, it's fitting to report that I spent an evening with Jesus a couple of weeks back. Now, it's also fitting that I mention that I'm not a Christian. But isn't that how it ought to work? Jesus spending time with those who aren't true believers. It was dark and cold out. Snow just about to arrive. I was with five other men, and we were outside in the bush standing half naked around a vibrant fire. We talked about hockey, how the Montreal Canadiens young goalie, Carey Price, was getting too much pressure in the rabid environs of hockey mad Montreal. Then we took turns crawling into the small opening of a sweat lodge. Crouched around the firepit, we watched as red hot lava rocks were slowly proffered into the lodge via the tines of a long pitch fork. Seven stones. The door flap was closed. Crumbled cedar and juniper flicked onto the glowing. Then moisture. The steam rose, our bodies began to perspire, and Jesus began to speak. At first his voice was the voice of the First Nations elder leading the sweat. Then it was all around us and in us. Jesus speaking about love. About respect. About letting go of the ego, the need to be in control. The inside of the sweat lodge was filled with prayer. Steam, the scent of the cedar smouldering, the heat, the absolute darkness - so dark it was brilliant. All prayer. All Jesus. Asking for safety for men and women that none of us knew. Whispering for forgiveness. Offering forgiveness. Remembering all who needed remembering. Including all the life about us as our own family. Singling out the children recognizing their beauty and grace, their wisdom that teaches us. Giving thanks for all the many chances given to try again after failures. Speaking about stillness, and slowing down, and feeling the connectedness. Feeling the simple, small truth of ourselves and the immensity of creation. It's odd how religion has stolen Jesus from the non-religious. The four gospels in the Bible feature the life and words of Jesus. Roughly two thousand years ago those ideas were given to us. Religion grew about them and insisted that there was a certain way to understand their meaning. For those who related to the notion of religion that was fine. For those who found themselves unable to fit, there was the tendency to ignore or minimize the import of the ideas. Too bad. If religion had never grabbed a hold of Jesus and claimed him, I'd be willing to
(helped along by the bubonic plague, which killed a third of the inhabitants), the project was scrapped in 1348 with only the mammoth west wall completed. But all was not lost: Tourists now happily pay 10 bucks to climb and have a look around (see above). ! Rail travel is clearly the best inter-city transportation option available. (How about taking some of that money being used to four-lane 97 and bring back passenger trains in the Okanagan? If we got really wild and wacky, we could even run trains to Vancouver again!) ! If we forget history, we really are doomed to repeat it. When Florence began the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (generally just known as the Duomo) in the late 13th century, everyone had forgotten how the Romans built their gigantic domes. To figure it out, the Duomo’s architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, had to cut into the roof of the ancient Pantheon in Rome, built more than a thousand years earlier, to get some pointers. ! Cutting off heads and slaughtering innocents seem to be two favourite Renaissance themes. The former is taken to a grisly extreme in Siena’s Church of St. Catherine, where the sainted Catherine’s leathery head (her eyes mercifully shut) is displayed in a special altar. Her right thumb is in a glass case nearby. ! The combination of wealth and religion can produce extraordinary art and architecture. It can also produce horrible inequality, warring city states, numbing conformity, and vicious intolerance, all legitimized by claims of divine order and godly favour. ! It costs $.75 to use the rather shabby washroom in the Siena cathedral. ! Of the thousands of paintings and sculptures in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, I could find only one by a woman. ! St. Peter’s Basilica is big enough to lose your wife in. ! The splendor of St. Peter’s and the Vatican was clearly designed to awe and cow. For me it achieved the former and just made me mad about the latter. Much of Europe has yet to discover the joys of the simple washcloth. (On the other hand, their bidets are pretty cool.) ! Italy’s Prosecco wine is as good as a lot of French champagnes and a lot cheaper. ! Encouraging sign: Siena’s only MacDonald’s restaurant closed in October. Europeans smoke way too much. ! Given the Romans’ passion for watching people torn to bits by wild animals and cheering as gladiators hacked each other to death and the increasing popularity of “ultimate fighting,” degrading pornography, and violent video games in our era, one has to question what the term “civilization” really means. 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’s writing and development work, visit his website at www.northerned.com
bet he'd be more popular and have more of an impact today. In fact, I bet universities and schools and countries everywhere would be thinking about and practising his ideas to such an extent that life everywhere would be better, fairer, and more loving. The problem is that religion has asked that Jesus be believed in rather than listened to. Religion has used Jesus to retain importance and adherents. As such the emphasis has been on his divinity - come with us and you get the divine. Only we have Jesus. Not all denominations, not all Christians, but too many for too long have insisted on their corner of the Jesus market. On owning the truth about Jesus. Rather than write here about everything he taught, let's just focus on love. When Jesus taught about love all those centuries ago, it wasn't about platitudes or personal emotion. It was about action. About precise thinking. About depth. About going out of one's way to interact with justice, with respect, with tenderness, with love. Think about it. Those were brutal times. An eye for an eye made sense to everyone. Survival was the point. The contemporary great philosophers were thinkers. Intellectuals. Jesus integrated intellect, emotion, action, and spirit. He wanted people to understand the great journey that love was. Two thousand years ago and this guy was talking about love, forgiveness, and the innocence of children! He said it's easy to love your friends and family, those you agree with, those that are like you, the members of your own tribe. He said even the worst villains did that. Real love was seeing the same value in all and reaching out, extending love to those you hated, those who wronged you. How incredible is that! Instead of lashing out in reaction or revenge, be wiser, be more loving, and reach out to touch the other person's heart. That's what he said. Of course, we scoff. Not realistic. But if we'd been trying it, practising it for two thousand years.... gee, if we'd started practising it for a mere decade ot two.... what would the result be. Gandhi, Martin Lurther King, Nelson Mandela - all single leaders - accomplished significantly. How much more if great groups started living by the ideas? After four rounds in the sweat lodge and twenty-eight glowing lava rocks, Jesus was easy to understand. Merry Christmas everyone. 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
NORTH of 50 December 09
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Coming Events Swinging Christmas The Lake Country Big Band Food Bank Fundraiser, Friday, December 11. Sing along to all the old time favourites and enjoy the Big Band sound under the direction of Eddie Atherton at the Creekside Theatre.Tickets at the door. $10.00 with non-perishable food item, $12.00 without. Seniors & students $8.00 with non-perishable food item, $10.00 without Generation 2 Dance Society presents 'The Nutcracker’ at the Kelowna Community Theatre, Friday December 11 at 7.30 p.m. & Saturday December 12 at 2.30 & 7.30 p.m Delight in this traditional Christmas story. Magical scenes and dancing to the accompaniment of Tchaikovsky's lighthearted score.$27.00 adult; Sen. & 13-18yrs. $20.00; $18.00 (12 & under) 250-860-1470 Okanagan Centre Hall Fundraiser on Saturday December 12. Dinner and Dance. Festive time 6 p.m. (cash bar) - Dinner 6.30 p.m. (Roast beef & Turkey) Dance to the music of "The Fabulous Flying Weekenders " Tickets available at The Centre Store or from Hall Board members (766-2372) $20.00 adults & students over 12yrs. : $15.00 seniors & children under 12 yrs. www.okanagancentre.net On Sunday, December 6 A Fair Exchange of Gifts with storyteller James Murray, plus guests Denis Letourneau, Aspen Switzer, Greg Sczebel and more. Two performances at the Salmar Classic, Salmon Arm, 2pm and 6pm. Tickets $10 available at Askews and the Observer. Proceeds to the local food bank. Caravan Farm Theatre presents their Winter Sleigh Ride Show, “The Story,” by Martha Ross, December 11 to 31st. Show times 4, 6 & 8 pm. Reserve by calling 1-866-311-1011 or at www.ticketseller.ca. Michelle Wright Christmas Concert, Friday, December 4, 2009 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, 8 p.m. Michelle's I'm Dreaming of a Wright Christmas visits more than twenty communities this year. The show will include some traditional seasonal carols, some of Michelle and her band's favorite Christmas music, some personal holiday family reminiscences, and some surprises, too - all punctuated by the powerful hits that have earned Michelle recognition as one of Canada's greatest vocal talents. ticketmaster.ca Kelowna Community Food Bank presents Singing for Supper with Tom Jackson (In support of your local Food Bank) Sunday, December 6, 7:00 p.m. at Evangel Church on Gordon Drive Tom is quick to point out that music is his first love. It was the social heartbeat of his early family life, and after being handed a guitar at age 10, Tom is rarely seen without a six-stringed instrument by his side. After 40 years of playing to audiences ranging in size from 50 to 50,000, Tom's musical gifts have parlayed into his acting and philanthropic causes. He has recorded 10 albums and written volumes of music. $21.50 (Adult) $11.50 (Child) selectyourtickets.com The 1st Annual Hearts in Hand Gala is being held Friday December 11th at the Grand Okanagan Ballroom to honour & enlighten our community about the Kelowna Drop In & Information Centre's role in the fight to end homelessness. A unique reception & elegent dinner along with a silent auction hosted by West Coast Authentic Memorabilia, with special guest Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee Bernie Parent to chit chat & sign autographs. We will also be having a live auction (items TBA) & many incredible door prizes. Spend the evening with world renowned Dr. Gabor Mate, Author of "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" & "When the Body Says No"; Mr. Shaun Jones, a former client who inspirationally turned his life around and is now a well respected community speaker, Mayor Sharon Shepherd & many more. Individual tickets are
$100, a table of 8 is $750. A portion of the ticket price will be given a charitable tax receipt. For tickets please call (250) 863-6763 or email heartsinhandgala@shaw.ca
RON JAMES MENTAL AS ANYTHING
Colin James will perform at the Kelowna Communtiy Theatre January 15th, 2010. Tickets available at Ticketmaster or Charge by Phone 250860-1470 Without question, Pink Floyd remains one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Their record-breaking status is legendary. Now, get ready for THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE at the South Okanagan Events Centre. With a spectacular light show, full quadraphonic sound and six outstanding musicians dedicated to bringing you the most authentic Floyd experience possible, it's "a must-see for any Pink Floyd enthusiast!" (C-News, Northampton, MA) Tickets are $35* and go on sale Friday, November 13th at 10 a.m. 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) The Penticton Vees and the South Okanagan Events Centre are pleased to announce the return of Canada’s favorite Country Music’s artist Johnny Reid! December 31st at the SOEC. Tickets are $70, $55 and $45* exclusively through the South Okanagan Events Centre Box Office, ValleyFirstTIX.com, the Wine Country Visitors Centre or charge by phone at 1-877-763-2849. (*additional service charges apply) As a special offer to all Vees fans, if you purchase a Penticton Vees vs. Westside Warriors December 31st hockey ticket you will receive a corresponding $12, $10 or $8 off your Johnny Reid ticket purchase for the December 31st concert. (This special offer is only available for purchase at the SOEC Box Office.) Salmon Arm Community Band„s Christmas Concert on December 12, 7: 30 pmFirst United Church (across from Fletcher Park). With guests the Shuswap Men¹s Chorus. Aside from seasonal selections, there will be excerpts from Mozart¹s ³Elvira Madigan², Johann Strauss¹ ³Perpetuum Mobile², and a symphonic poem called ³Cassiopeia². Ketelbey¹s ³In the Mystic Land of Egypt² will feature two beautiful mandolin solos by Julia Armstrong and Hanny Kooyman. Admission is by donation, and a portion of the proceeds goes to local charities. The 18th annual Best of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour continues- at Silver Star Mountain on December 29 and at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre on December 30. At $20.00 each for both Silver Star and The Performing Arts Centre, these would make great Christmas Gifts or stocking stuffers, but buy them early as we always sell out! Tickets 250-549-7469 (or 1-866-311-1011) or on-line at www.ticketseller.ca. The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society and the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad Present The Fiddle and Drum, Alberta Ballet, at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre on January 19, 2010 at 8 p.m. Celebrated singersongwriter Joni Mitchell and Alberta Ballet's Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître have joined forces to create an exhilarating and emotional rich ballet blending Mitchell's music and art with Grand-Maître's choreography. Tickets at ticketseller.ca The Shakespeare Show at the Kelowna s Sunshine Theatre. How did Shakespeare become the greatest writer of all time? He got someone else to write the plays! Based on the greatest theatrical academic debate of all time, The Shakespeare Show takes an irreverent look at the number one candidate, The Earl of Oxford. Jan 13rd, 2010 to Jan 16th, 2010, 8 pm. Adult: $30, Student: $10 More ticket info at info@SunshineTheatre.org
With an unprecedented five television comedy specials under his belt and a new CBC-TV comedy series airing Fridays at 8pm, Canada’s busiest and best-selling comedian RON JAMES takes to the road with a new “gut-bustingly, knee-slappingly funny” 90-minute rant MENTAL AS ANYTHING. He’s touring our area in April, and tickets go on sale November 30th. Whether wrestling with society’s accelerated rate of change, stumbling on nostril drooling bull moose during forest hikes, or experiencing the virtues of backyard composting and its promise of immortality, James brings a ‘foot soldier’s perspective from the trenches’ in our collective march through Life’s bright fury. From camping in leaky canvas-walled tent trailers in that idyllic summer of 1969 … to a man at the crossroads of mid-life, James traces a trajectory across the landscape of contemporary culture, satirizing everything from button-down-rulerighteous life insurance agents to sanctimonious eco-freaks ... just ‘connecting the dots’ while trying his best to clarify the chaos of this new century we’re all walking through before he goes Mental As Anything himself! Reserved seating tickets for RON JAMES - Mental As Anything - are $47.00 to $57.00 (depending on local facility charges; additional service charges may apply). Tour Schedule: April 22 - Vernon Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre - Ticket Seller: 250-549-7469 or 866311-1011 April 23 - Kamloops Sagebrush Theatre Kamloops Live Box Office: 250-374-5483 or 866374-5483 April 24 - Kelowna Community Theatre - all Ticketmaster outlets: 250-860-1470 www.ticketmaster.ca
NORTH of 50 December 09
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. 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). 250.546-3276 or 250.558.8110 or visit www.freewebs.com/armstr ongtoastmasters/
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 The Kelowna Newcomers Club Meetings 7pm, 3rd Wed. of each month at the Seniors' Centre on Water Street. Newcomers enjoy interesting and informative speakers at the meetings, and have a chance to join some of the many varied activities available. Coffee and goodies are served 250-764-9686. Kelowna Garden Club meeting Nov. 11, 7:30 pm at the Seniors Centre,Br. 17, 1353 Richter St. Judy Runzer, Pres.of the Club will present a Power Point Slide Show of the events of our 2009 Season. Members are asked to bring a
favourite garden tool or object to “Show and Tell”. All gardeners welcome. Guests or non-members please pay $2.00 at the door Ballroom dancing to good music every Sunday evening . 7:30 to 10:30 P.M. at the Water Street Senior Centre, 1360 Water Street Kelowna. Dress code: no jeans, runners, or sandals. Dance lessons 1/2 hour before the dance. Cost $6.00 Tea, coffee and cookies included. Mah Jong drop in every Wednesday 1PM at Branch #17 Seniors Centre 1353 Richter Street Kelowna. Refresher sessions available. Contact # 250-763-9410. Central Okanagan Naturalist Club will meet on Tues Dec. 8, 7pm in the Evangel Church meeting room, 3261 Gordon Drive, Presentation by Eva Durance, basics of xeriscape gardening and landscaping,focusing on the importance and benefits of using plants native to the dry Interior of BC. Visitors welcome. info 250-7657410 or 250-769- 5907 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. 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 7:00pm Dancing 8:00pm - 12:00am Bar and Refreshments Light lunch at 10:30pm Members $9:00 per person. Non-members $12:00 Sat. Dec. 12, Christmas Dance, Thurs. Dec. 31, New Year’sDinner & Dance, Cocktail Hour 5:30-6:30. Dinner 6:30-7:30. 250763-1355 or 250-763-1867 Seniors Skate (Kelowna Recreation & Cultural Services) every Tuesday at Rutland Arena, 9 to 10 a.m. and every Thursday at downtown Memorial Arena, 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. $2 per sesson. The Good Time Entertainers of Kelowna are looking for members!
page 9 This is a choir of men and women who sing all the popular oldies at Seniors' Residences on Wednesday afternoons. Merilyn Schram at 250-826-8080 The Alzheimer Society of B.C. holds a support group for people in the early stage of Alzheimer Disease and related dementia on Tues. mornings at 865 Bernard Ave. 250-860-0305 or mwasylyshen@alzheimerb c.org. Also a support group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer Disease and related dementia on the 2nd Tuesday of the month in the evenings.
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; 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. SALMON
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. Angela at (250) 767-0206 www.rughookingteacher.ca
LUMBY Lumby Legion - 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. Penticton Concert Band rehearses on Tuesdays from 7 - 8:30pm, in preparation for performances and to share in the sheer joy of making music with others. Intermediate to Advanced players. Available for entertainment. Info 250809-2087 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
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. 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.
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. The Vernon Seniors Choir under the direction of Lyn Taron rehearses each Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:30 PM at the Halina
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berships for family, $20/yr. For more info contact: Donna Smith 250-545-3832 o r mrspumpkin36@hotmail.c om or Jerry Stainer 250549-4395.
ELKS LODGE -3103 30TH STREE -VERNON Every Friday Nite, Supper at 6:00 pm Cost $7.50 for Home Cooked meal and Mini Meat Draw - 50/50 draw after Dinner. Everyone Welcomemembers and non-members
Brazilian Embroidery Chapter Stitching group gathers every second Thursday of the month, 7 pm. Call Pat at 549-2219 or Mary at 545-3939.
Vernon Singles ClubUpcoming Dances. Dances held at the Eagles Hall - 5101-25th Ave., Vernon or Schubert Center - 350530th Ave., Vernon. For more information please contact Dawn 250-5589974 or Lottie 250-5492495 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. First Tuesday of every month the Vernon Placer Miner Club (gold panning club) meets at 7 pm,bsmt of Peace Lutheran Church at 1204-30 Ave. Guests welcome. Mem-
Sunshine Seniors meet 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, downstairs at the Peace Lutheran Church, 120430th 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. Schubert Centre 3505 30th Ave. Shuffleboard, Monday to Friday at 8am 250-549-4201
WINFIELD Cribbage Tournament at the Seniors Activity C e n t e r 9 8 3 2 Bottomwoodlake Rd. Each 3rd Sunday of the month. Entree fee $12.00 Excellent lunch incl. Games start at 10:00 am Play partners and meet new friends. John 250-766-3026
NORTH of 50 December 09
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2010: A Medical Oddity Calendar In support of Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation's 7 million dollar Building a Tower of Care fundraising campaign, physicians and health care professionals at VJH collaborated to produce a commemorative calendar "2010 A Medical Oddity" - and it’spretty darned witty!. The calendar portrays a humorous look at life at Vernon Jubilee Hospital during construction of the new Patient Care Tower! Each month features a unique, whimsical view of different doctors and VJH staff members within the North Okanagan. Five thousand 2010 calendars have been produced and are now available for a price of $10 each, making them great gift ideas this holiday season…or you might want to keep the calendar for yourself to enjoy a chuckle each month. The project was coordinated by Teena Robinson, Integrated Care Coordinator at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Many individuals donated their time and talents to make this a reality, including photographer Erin Pritchard. Calendars are currently available at the VJH Foundation Office inside the front doors of the Hospital and at the Schubert Centre, Vernon Art Gallery, Bean Scene Coffee House, Cracked Pot, Bean to Cup, Fitness West, Shoppers Drug Mart (Polson Mall) and at your Doctor's Office.
50 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH
1959 University. The dog survived for eight days; previously, the longest a host animal had survived with a transplanted heart had been 7 1/2 hours. On December 1, 1959 the first color photograph of Earth was taken from outer space On December 4 "Sam", a rhesus monkey, was launched into space from Wallops Island, Virginia at 11:15 am on a suborbital flight to test an emergency escape mechanism. At 19 miles altitude, the capsule was jettisoned and climbed 34 miles, then returned to Earth. Sam was recovered, several hours later, with no ill effects from his journey. He was later returned to the colony in which he trained, where he died in November 1982 and his remains were cremated. But Sam wasn’t the first monkey astronaut. That honour goes to Albert I, in 1948. On December 8, the President of CBS Television, Louis C. Cowan lost his job amid the quiz show scandals, when it was revealed that contestants of several tv quiz shows were being fed the answers by producers in order to influence the outcome of the shows. Cowan was also the creator of the $64,000 Question Though it originally aired in 1956, it was on December 13, 1959 that the Wizard of Oz began its annual run on CBS Television.
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Christmas fell on a Friday in 1959 Actress Loretta Young appeared on the cover of the December 26th issue of TV Guide. (Dwight Eisenhower was on the cover of LIFE magazine) The world’s first nuclear missile submarine, the USS George Washington was commissioned on December 30. Movies Released in December 1959: Ben Hur, Operation Petticoat Bestselling Novels of December 1959: Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak, Hawaii by James A Michener, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, Lady Chatterley’s Loveer by DH Lawrence nd Exodux by Leion Uris A few famous people born in December 1959 : Tracey Ulman, Paula Poundstone, Val Kilmer, Linda Blair, John McEnroe, Simon Cowel, Nancy Grace, Weird Al Yancovic. ,December 18th 1959 TJ Wallis the Managing Editor North of 50 was born.
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NORTH of 50 December 09
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Christmas Humor! As the reindeer say before they tell you jokes .... These jokes will sleigh you! Did Rudolph go to a regular school? No, he was "elf"-taught!
Your tax-deductable gift to Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation will support health care needs in the North Okanagan/Shuswap. For more information call (250) 558-1362 or visit www.vjhfoundation.org
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NORTH of 50 December 09
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eat for the Holidays r T a s t n e Ornam
(MS) Ñ Once the perfect tree has been selected and placed in the home, the next task is to take out all of the ornaments collected over the years and hang them on the tree.
Wonderful World Of Sheepskin Slippers . Ugg Boots . Mitts . Gloves . Hats . Wool Mattress Covers . Car Seat Covers . Steering Wheel Covers & So Much More!!!
GREAT GIFT IDEAS
Part of what makes decorating the tree so memorable is the ornaments that have been collected over time, many of them handmade treasures. Looking through them is a trip down memory lane, bringing to mind the happy times these ornaments recall. Today in a hurried society, it may seem easier to simply head to the store and purchase a box full of ornaments for the tree. But spending time creating your own can be a family event that’s a fun way to spend time together. Here are a few ideas.
7 Things You May Not Have Known About Christmas (MS) -- The Christmas season is full of traditions, folklore and rich history. However, amid all of the traditions we've come to know, there are many bits of trivia of which you may not be familiar. Here are a few little-known facts about Christmas. 1. The first manufactured Christmas tree ornaments were sold in 1880 by the former Woolworth department store. 2. Christmas trees originally featured actual lighted candles, which were naturally a fire hazard. So containers filled with water had to be kept near the tree. 3. Construction workers first erected an undecorated tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City in the early 1930s. They have been credited with starting the annual tradition. 4. Although sometimes construed as sacriligious, the shortened form "Xmas" is actually derived from Christ's name and has been popular in Europe since the 1500s. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "Xristos," which means Christ. 5. The National Confectioners Association reports that for 200 years candy canes were solid white. In the 1950s an automated machine was invented that could put on the red stripes. 6. The idea of Christmas greeting cards started in Britain in the 1830s. 7. Christmas celebrations were banned in Boston between 1659 and 1681. Those caught celebrating would be fined.
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‘Tie-Dyed’ Balls Create ornaments that have the impression of being tie-dyed. Simply buy a box of clear glass ornaments from a craft store. Pop off the metal top and squirt one or two different colors of acrylic paint into the center of the ball. Replace the top and twirl the ball around until the paint coats the inside in a marbled pattern. Place on a surface where the balls won’t roll, such as an empty egg carton, and let dry. Wire Ornaments Purchase thin craft wire and small beads of various colors. Bend the wire into holiday shapes, such as candy canes and stars. This can be achieved by wrapping the wire around cookie cutters as templates. Thread the beads onto the wire shape until it is completely covered with beads. Use a needle-nose pliers to twist together the two open ends to seal the ornament shut. Popsicle Stick Treasures Craft sticks, popsicle sticks, whatever you call them, these wooden items can be glued and painted to create a number of ornaments for the tree. Fashion them into a triangular shape and paint green for a Christmas tree. Glue a handful together and paint white for a snowflake. Dust these ornaments with glitter for even more sparkle on the tree. Craft Foam Creations Pop into any craft store or even toy store and you will likely find packages or loose sheets of thin colored foam that can be cut and designed into everything from sun visors to doorknob signs to fun ornaments for the tree.
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NORTH of 50 December 09
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b l u i n D o t e Welcom
Intimate as a village, sophisticated as a metropolis, friendly as a pub, the capital city of Ireland is a centre of infinite interest and activity. Dublin embodies two very distinctly different features - its rich and varied history and cultural inheritance which integrates harmoniously with the ever changing, vibrant beat of contemporary life in Dublin today. Whether you are travelling in a group, as a family, individually or on business you will find that Dublin has something for everyone. The city is bursting with colours, music sights and scenes which provide the irresistible backdrop for exploring the magic that is Dublin City and its beautiful surrounding County. County Dublin is ideally situated on the east coast of Ireland and just a 20 minute journey will bring the visitor from the bustling city to the charming coastal towns and villages of the county which dot the sometimes rugged sometimes sanded coastline and provide boundless opportunities for craft shopping, water sports, seafood, dining and picturesque walks against the spectacular backdrop of Dublin Bay. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Dublin provides the visitor with a multitude of cultural riches from the ancient to the avant garde from history architecture literature art and archaeology to the performing arts. Monuments in literature and stone mark the history, writers, poets, scientists and people of Dublin. Medieval, Georgian and Modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly bustling port. Dublin is also home to a great literary tradition - its native sons include: Shaw, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett and is the cradle of many musical talents, from the Dubliners and the Chieftains to U2. Spawned by the need to ford the River Liffey, fortified by the Danes, developed by the Normans, adorned with fine buildings by the Anglo Irish, the city has grown in stature and elegance over the centuries. When it comes to entertainment, Dubliners with their natural friendly and fun loving attitude certainly know how to entertain. The quintessential “Dublin Pub” provides the focal point of Dublin social life, illuminating the vibrant hues of Dubliners and their culture. It is a place where conversations and “craic” (Which is the Irish for Fun) flow freely, unleashing the unique atmosphere that is at the heart of Dublin and her friendly people. There is a wonderful array of dance, theatre and concerts from the most exquisite formal presentations of the National Concert Hall to the jovial street performer. Every exhibition is performed with a distinctly Irish sense of enthusiasm and conviction that delights and enthrals every audience. Music and song play a large part in the artistic make-up of Dubliners. The city provides a showcase for all facets of such talent from which traditional Irish Folk musicians such as The Dubliners, The Chieftains and contemporary artists like U2, Chris De Burgh, Sinead O’Connor and Glen Hansard have found inspiration and international popularity.
Music, whether it be classical, traditional or contemporary is very accessible in Dublin, often experienced with its natural accompaniment - dance. Visitors may try their hand at traditional set dancing or dance the night away at one of the numerous trendy night clubs that illuminate Dublin’s night sky and carry the beat of the city well into the morning hours. Internationally renowned artists regularly adorn the city with an abundance of first class performances as varied as the Bolshoi Ballet to the staging of rock concerts. Comedy and cabaret also features strongly in the entertainment lineup and can be sampled at a multitude of impressive venues across Dublin.
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The Irish are passionate about their sports and Dubliners are no exception. The city comes alight with colour and expectation for many weekends of sport from football internationals to street marathons. Golfing enthusiasts are well catered for in as many as 60 golf courses throughout the county of Dublin. Ireland’s pride and reputation for the sporting horse is showcased at many a racing meet or show jumping occasion. Our most popular national sports include Gaelic Football and Hurling, the latter has been acclaimed as one of the fastest and most exciting field games in the world. Due to Dublin’s coastal location, water and the sea have always been an integral part of Dublin life. From this inheritance a multitude of activities and sports have flourished for the water enthusiast’s pleasure, including yachting, sailing, wind surfing and fishing.In addition there are numerous opportunities to go greyhound racing cycling or visit the many fine gardens, houses and picturesque parks that adorn the area, or why not participate in one of the thoroughly enjoyable tours and trails available? You can catch a glimpse of a polo match while wandering through the meandering paths of the Phoenix Park - the largest enclosed park of its kind in Europe - in the heart of the city. Whatever your heart desires, Dublin provides a superb location for all the above activities and many more besides.
and A way
NORTH of 50 December 09
Take the plunge and see the magic of Brisbane fr om down under
Scuba divers are slipping into their wetsuits and taking the plunge into the waters of Moreton Bay for a great Brisbane diving adventure while everyone on dry land is searching for their jumpers. Water temperatures in the Bay range from 20-27 degrees (Centigrade) during the year so diving is definitely a year round option for enthusiasts and when the offerings include exciting wreck dives, awesome coral outcrops and stunning sea life, it’s a sport well worth considering for everyone from newcomers to the experienced. One of the better-known dive sites in the Brisbane area is the collection of 15 vessels at the Tangalooma Wrecks on the western, or landward, side of Moreton Island where dives range in depth from 2-10m with an average of around 8m. The wrecks were placed to form a break wall for small boats mooring off the island and now attract an amazing amount of marine life, including wobbegongs, trevally, kingfish, yellowtail and lots of tropical fish. They also make an excellent drift dive because of the strong currents in the area.
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nurse shark population that gather at a site called "Shark Alley" each winter. Dives are generally from 5-35m and visibility can be up to 20m. Brisbane’s world-class dive sites are just a sampling of the dives available in Queensland and are matched by world-class diver training ranging from Open Water Certification through to specialty dive courses and professional qualifications. More than 30,000 people learn to dive in Queensland each year and certifications achieved are through internationally recognised diver training organisations. For more information on diving in Brisbane and Queensland visit www.divingqueensland.com.au
The Curtin Artificial Reef is located further north along Moreton off the settlement of Cowan Cowan and is a popular destination for divers with intermediate qualifications. The Underwater Research Group of Queensland have been sinking large vessels, cars, tires and pontoons at this site since 1968, the largest being the 50m long Bremer. Most of the wrecks can be safely entered and explored, and like Tangalooma Wrecks, the reef is filled with marine life - tropical fish, gropers, trevally, wobbegongs, rays and other schooling fish. Dive depths range from 12-30m. The Manta Ray Bommie off the southern end of North Stradbroke Island is a fantastic reef dive. The rocky area offers dives from 5-15m deep, and, as the name suggests, is a popular spot for groups of manta rays. Other regulars are leopard sharks, shovelnose rays, wobbegong sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, pelagic fish and turtles. One of Brisbane’s better, but lesser known dive sites is Cherub’s Cave, near Henderson’s Rock off Moreton Island. It gets its name from a small concrete cherub that once marked the main entrance to a hidden, circular cave which measures 2x15m and has six exits. This deep dive, from 20-30m, is into an area surrounded by rocky gullies, smaller caves, overhangs, and lots of sea life including a large resident Queensland groper. There are also deep ledges, overhangs and caves, hidden and partly obscured by thick kelp. Ornate crayfish are prolific in this area and grey nurse sharks occasionally school up in the main gutter to the north of the shallow rock in winter. Gummy, leopard and wobbegong sharks often join them. Flinder’s Reef is Brisbane's only true coral reef and is a fully protected marine sanctuary. Situated 5km northwest of Moreton Island, the site offers dive walls, gutters, caves and pinnacles and at least 112 coral species including staghorn, brain, plate and other hard and soft corals, gorgonians, sponges and sea whips. This is along with 175 species of reef fish, invertebrates, turtles, stingrays, wobbegong sharks and the occasional manta ray. Flat Rock, off the north eastern tip of Stradbroke Island, is one of the most exciting dive sites off Brisbane. The rocky island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and is a great spot to see turtles, leopard sharks, eagle rays, reef fish, pelagic fish and even the odd manta ray. It is most famous for its grey
Tangalooma Resort, Moreton Island, Brisbane. Tourism Queensland
Veendam Sister City Association Seeks Second World War Veterans to Travel to Holland Two Kelowna residents could be headed to Holland this May as guests of the City of Veendam for the sixty-fifth anniversary of Holland’s liberation, May 5th, 1945. Every year, the Veendam Sister City Association asks two Second World War veterans from the Kelowna area to travel to Holland for one week in anniversary of the liberation. The relationship between the two cities goes back to 1945 when the Kelowna-based B.C. Dragoons played an important role in liberating Holland from occupying German forces. To qualify, you must be a Second World War veteran who served overseas, be from the Central Okanagan area and you must be able to travel to Veendam for one week and partake in some of the city’s ceremonies and festivities. In recognition of the role Kelowna troops played in the liberation, the City of Veendam will organize and pay for the whole trip. The Sister City Agreement between Kelowna and Veendam was made in 1980 and renewed in 2001.
North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane. Photographer: Paul Ewart
For more information contact Ed Dickins, Past President of the Veendam Sister City Association, 250-762-6166.
NORTH of 50 December 09
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Short Fiction Contest brings together region's writing community In a time when the world's attention is pulled to the West Coast and the Winter Olympics, the Okanagan Short Fiction contest -- which is now officially open -is an opportunity to showcase the talents of Southern Interior writers, says Summerland writer Kyle CornettChing. "The short fiction contest is an excellent means to draw the community together in the Southern Interior," says Cornett-Ching. "Looking at the writing community in Vancouver, I feel like I want that camaraderie here, which is harder to accomplish over such a large geography. This contest helps to make that happen." In its 12th year, the annual Okanagan Short Fiction contest is now accepting short stories from writers in B.C.'s Southern Interior. Author Laisha Rosnau will select the best three stories for cash prizes in spring 2010. The contest invites all Southern Interior writers east of Hope, west of the Alberta border, north of the U.S. border, and south of William's Lake to submit their original unpublished works of fiction. This year, the deadline for submissions will arrive earlier: Friday, January 22, 2010. Contest organizers say they are relieved that the Central Okanagan Foundation is supporting the contest again this year, despite its funds being greatly jeopardized by the current recession. "Local writers are grateful for a contest like this," says Lorna Tureski, a UBC Okanagan creative writing student from Armstrong, and a short-listed author last year. The winners for the past two years have been from Kamloops and Nelson. The contest is sponsored by the Central Okanagan Foundation, UBC Okanagan, Okanagan College, and CBC Radio One Kelowna. Stories ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 words are eligible. All entries must be original, unpublished works of fiction, submitted on 8 ½" by 11" plain white paper, double-spaced and typed. There is no limit on the number of entries, but a $15 entry fee is required with each. No name or identifying marks should appear on the manuscript. Winners will receive cash prizes of $500 for first, $200 for second, and $100 for third, and they participate in a public reading with contest judge Laisha Rosnau. Complete contest rules are online at www.okstorycontest.org. Mail entries and a $15 cheque to: Okanagan Short Fiction Contest c/o Irma Ronkkonen, CRWR Support Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies UBC Okanagan Arts 173 - 3333 University Way Kelowna, B.C. V1V 1V7
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society is placing a call out for Christmas hampers for several large families through the Share the Spirit campaign. In particular, organizers are looking for sponsors for moms with four, five, and seven children. If these families are too big for people interested in sponsoring, money donations would help Share the Spirit workers put together hampers for them. For more information, contact Liz at 493-4366 ext 102, or sharethespirit@sowins.com.
New Literary Contest Announced The Fernie Writers Conference and Oolichan Books announced a new literary contest. Coffee Shop Author is a writing contest with a twist; the premise of the contest is that the bulk of the work be done at the writer's local coffee shop. The winner of Coffee Shop Author will receive a trip to Fernie with accommodation, as well as tuition to the Fernie Writers Conference so they may further develop their work. By getting coffee shops on board Coffee Shop Author hopes to raise awareness of writing and the importance of writing to the Canadian cultural landscape. There are tens of thousands of published authors in Canada, making an increasing contribution to writing around the world. Everyone has to start somewhere and your local coffee shop might be the home to the next great work of Canadian literature. Susan Toy, member of the board of the Fernie Writers Conference and originator of the Coffee Shop Author concept had this to say, "I've always found I write best when working in a crowded coffee shop. I've often wondered if all those other people busy tapping on their laptops also share my dream of becoming a published author. Coffee Shop Author will not only encourage aspiring authors to continue writing and dreaming, but also will confirm they are part of a vibrant writing community that stretches right across Canada." Coffee Shop Author is open to all forms of writing including novels, creative non-fiction and collections of poetry or short stories. Visit www.coffeeshopauthor.com information. Coffee Shop Author Contact: Randal Macnair info@coffeeshopauthor.com www.coffeeshopauthor.com 250-423-7461
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Visit Gallery Vertigo and deliver your Christmas wish to Mrs Claus - alias Christine Pilgrim - who is subbing for Santa on Saturday, December 6th. She, along with sister-in-law, Maude, will deliver Christmas wishes to Santa before the rush... so satisfaction is guaranteed! She might also share a few of Santa's secrets - like how to make Christmas decorations and how to wrap presents on a budget. (The Claus family, like everyone else, is having to tighten their belts this year, due to Government cutbacks!) But there'll be no cutbacks at Gallery Vertigo for this pre-Christmas celebration. Mulled apple cider and goodies will be in plentiful supply.
KELOWNA AUTHOR BOOK SIGNINGS Kelowna author, Leonne Wilson Jones book Define Your Own Simple Luxuries is now available at local bookstores throughout the Okanagan. Define Your Own Simple Luxuries just in time for Christmas and at a time when most of us are looking for a simpler; yet luxurious life. It is a must have reference guide for our rapidly changing world. The book contains loads of friendly information, lots of inspiration and a sprinkling of spicy humour to make it an informative and entertaining read. The idea for the book started with a simple Mango Chutney that can cost upwards of $20 for a small jar at specialty stores. Leonne’s friends and family loved it and she decided to share it with the world, that and a few hundred other timely tidbits of information from recipes to skin care to shopping tips. Eco-friendly cleaning tips, details on how to make ‘gourmet’ foods and organization tips to have you living a life of simple luxuries; it’s all here in one handy book. Just the right size to stash in a handbag, it’s a ready reference while you shop, whether it’s for food and meal planning, or advice on whether that stunning sheet set in the half-price bin really is a good deal. Once a food columnist for Vancouver newspapers; Leonne Wilson Jones has put together a book that combines her years of knowledge with her sharp wit and keen sense of simple luxury. She has, in her own words “created a book every triple-tasking woman will want to have.” Leonne started her book signing at Coles in Penticton on November 13th and will be back there on November 26th from 4 to 8 pm. Her books are also available at SaveOn Books in Cherry Lane. In Kelowna, Leonne will be making appearances at Mosaic Books on December 12th from 11 am to 3 pm. In West Kelowna she has two dates at the Dragon’s Lair Tea Shoppe in Vintage View Mall (beside Kelly O’s) on November 28th and December 13th from 11 am to 2 pm. Leonne will also be heading to Vernon for a December 4th books signing at Bookland on 30th Avenue from 11 am to 1 pm.
NORTH of 50 December 09
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Parties Popular the World Over Come New Year's Eve New Year's Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year. After 364 days, many Americans let loose on the final night of the year, and the first morning of the New Year. With those celebrations comes many traditions, from watching the ball drop to popping the champagne corks to kissing your significant other at the stroke of midnight. Those traditions are well known to many Americans who anxiously await the final day of the year. But the United States isn't the only country that looks forward to December 31. The following is how partygoers across the globe celebrate in select countries each New Year's Eve. Germany Germans celebrate "The Holy Sylvester" in honor of Pope Sylvester I. Communities host a local party known as a "Sylvester Ball." Though Germany's celebrations are not as grandiose as those in the United States or Scotland, many German celebrators do light off fireworks of their own come the stroke of midnight. Australia New York City's Times Square is the pilgrimage of choice for American revelers each New Year's Eve. For Australians, the pilgrimage has a decidedly more laid back feel, as many typically head to the beach to ring in the New Year. Since the month of December marks the beginning of summer in Australia, many Australians, who, thanks to time zones, are the first to ring in the New Year, party hard as the clock approaches midnight on December 31 (enjoying a fireworks display set off from the Sydney Harbour Bridge) and continue doing so until dawn. Then on New Year's Day, a public holiday throughout the
country, many Australians enjoy picnics or camping out at the beach. Brazil The place to be in Brazil is Rio de Janeiro, which recently won the right to host the 2016 Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro's New Year's preparations begin early in the morning for a massive party on the beach come nightfall. Fireworks are eventually a part of the celebration, going off at midnight and lasting for roughly 30 minutes thereafter. Though originally more of a religious celebration, New Year's in Rio de Janeiro is similar to Times Square in New York City, annually attracting millions of tourists for the festivities. England England's New Year's celebration is perhaps the most similar to the celebration in New York City. Londoners traditionally visit Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, waiting for the sound of Big Ben's famous chime at the stroke of midnight before breaking into a rendition of "Auld Lang Syne." Fireworks are also set off near the famous London Eye, a massive ferris wheel-like device located just along the Thames River in the Lambeth section of London. Scotland Arguably one of the biggest New Year's celebrations in the world. Scotland's celebration is known as the Hogmanay. A four-day festival in the nation's capital of Edinburgh, the celebration offers live music, parades and fireworks, with the culmination of the festivities coming on New Year's Eve, when a massive street party is held on Princes Street in the heart of the city. When the clock strikes twelve, fireworks burst out into the air from Edinburgh Castle.
Counting down the last seconds of the year with some bubbly is a New Year's tradition across the globe.
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Solstice Facts for Winter Enthusiasts Thanks in large part to all the holiday hullabaloo, it's easy to overlook the official arrival of winter.This year winter begins on December 21. While you might know the winter soltstice brings cold weather, the following can teach you more about the arrival of the year's coldest season. What is winter solstice? Winter solstice is when the hemisphere is leaning farthest away from the sun. That's why daylight is the shortest this day. What causes seasons? They are caused by the rotation of the earth. Earth is tilted away from the sun during the northern hemisphere's winter, which is why the days are shorter. What was the Roman festival of Saturnalia? A festival that honored winter solstice where servants ate with their masters. Schools were closed, prisoners were not executed and people paraded around the streets with black faces or masks. Funeral ’s Services r e & h c Fis Crematorium Ltd.
What tradition came from the Scandinavians' winter solstice festival called Jiuleis? The burning of the Yule log. Norse men would burn the log to repel dark and cold. The wood was thought to bring good luck to each home. What ancient ruin was built to honor the solstice? Newgrange in eastern Ireland was built to honor the solstice. It is one acre and has a 60 foot entranceway. It dates back to 3,300 BCE, making it one of the oldest structures in the world. What custom involves giving presents? Romans gave their children earthenware (sigillaria), rings and seals to celebrate Sigillaria. When it's winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, what is happening in the southern hemisphere? They are celebrating the summer solstice. At that time, night is at its shortest and daytime is at its longest. What does the word solstice mean? It comes from two Latin words -- "sol," which means sun, and "sistere," which means to cause to stand still. How did the ancient Greeks observe the winter solstice? Their winter solstice ritual was called Lenaea, the Festival of the Wild Women. A man representing the harvest God Dionysos was torn to pieces and eaten by a gang of women. Then, Dionysos was reborn as a baby. By classical times, the human sacrifice was replaced by the killing of a goat and the women became funeral mourners and watchers of the birth. The winter solstice in 1999 was unique. Why? That year the solstice, full moon and lunar perigee happened on the same date. (Perigee means that the moon's orbit is closest to earth). Here, the moon was full and at its maximum size. The last time that something like this happened was 1866.
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NORTH of 50 December 09
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H e a l t h M at t e rs "Winter Blues" Might Be Something More Serious
the specific causes of SAD. Experts, however, have theorized that lack of sunlight might be a contributing factor. A reduction in sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that influences mood, appetite, sleep, and a host of other behaviors. An imbalance in serotonin is believed to influence mood in a way that leads to depression. That lends credence to the theory that a lack of sunlight and its subsequent depletion of serotonin could be a cause of SAD.
The arrival of the New Year brings with it many things besides just a turn of the calendar. A time for reflection, resolutions and looking forward, the New Year represents a clean slate, one many will welcome after a rather tumultuous 2009. Another image the New Year invokes is that of winter weather, replete with its short days and snowstorms. While the official arrival of winter is 10 days before the turn of the calendar, for many the unofficial start of the coldest season is when the holiday season ends and the new calendar year begins. Though winter has its afficionados, for many people winter can be a difficult time of year, one characterized by feelings of depression and indifference. For those who find themselves with those feelings each year, the cause could be a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which most commonly begins to occur during late fall, extending into the winter months. In fact, many simply assume the symptoms of SAD are the "winter blues," a common misconception that could be masking a larger issue. However, understanding and recognizing SAD could be the first step for those looking to have a more enjoyable winter. What is SAD? SAD is a type of depression that is cyclic, affecting a person during the same season each year. The symptoms of SAD will arrive and go away at the same time each year. As mentioned earlier, the majority of people who suffer from SAD will begin to experience symptoms in late fall, and those symptoms will continue through the winter months. What are the Symptoms of SAD? Symptoms of SAD often start out mildly and become more severe as the season progresses. Those symptoms can include: * Feelings of sadness * Anxiety * Withdrawal from social activities and situations * Loss of interest in usual activities * Feelings of hopelessness * Oversleeping
Changes in season can also disrupt the balance of melatonin, a natural hormone that plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.
Commonly perceived as "winter blues," Seasonal Affective Disorder is a serious condition that can cause feelings of depression throughout a given season.
* Weight gain * Difficulty concentrating * Craving of carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta While SAD is most common in late fall and early winter, it can also occur in spring and summer. This is called summer-onset seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms of this type of SAD are, in some cases, the opposite of winter seasonal affective disorder. * Irritability * Insomnia * Weight loss * Poor appetite What Causes SAD? It is still uncertain as to
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Herblex “Once More”, an unauthorized product promoted to enhance male sexual performance, as this product may pose serious health risks. Herblex “Once More” was found to contain sildenafil, a prescription medication not indicated on the label. Sildenafil may cause serious side effects in some individuals and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. The product was also found to be contaminated with high levels of mould and bacteria. Patients with pre-existing medical conditions, including those with heart problems, those taking heart medications, or those at risk for strokes, may be at an increased risk of serious health effects associated with the use of these products. The excessive numbers of aerobic bacteria and moulds could also contribute to the health risks, especially for people with compromised immune systems. Use of known prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction such as sildenafil by patients with heart disease can result in serious cardiovascular side-effects such as sudden cardiac death, heart attack, stroke, low blood pressure, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat. Additionally, other possible side-effects can include vision loss, seizure, sudden decrease or loss of hearing, dizziness, prolonged erection, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and abdominal pain. Sildenafil should not be used by individuals taking any nitrate drug (e.g. Nitroglycerine) due to the risk of developing potentially lifethreatening low blood pressure. Herblex "Once More" is labeled as distributed by Herblex Canada, Surrey, British Columbia. Canadians who have used “Once More” and are concerned about their health should consult a health care practitioner. Health Canada has received no reports of adverse reactions. Health Canada advises consumers not to use Herblex "Once More" or any other unauthorized products promoted for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, as such products may pose serious risks to health. Consumers who are concerned about erectile dysfunction should consult their health care practitioner to discuss appropriate treatments. Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada have an eightdigit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Drug Identification Number for Homeopathic Medicine (DIN-HM) on the label. Consumers requiring more information about this warning can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
What are Risk Factors for SAD? According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a handful of factors that may increase a person's risk of SAD. Those include, but are not limited to: * Gender. Studies have shown that SAD is more commonly diagnosed among women than men. However, the same research has indicated that men often have more severe symptoms. * Geography. Where a person lives is also a risk factor for SAD. The further a person lives from the equator, be it north or south, the higher the risk factor for developing SAD. That's likely due to the harsh decrease in sunlight during the winter months in areas far from the equator. * Family history. In general, depression tends to run in families. Because SAD is a type of depression, family history can also be a risk factor. Are Treatment Options Available? First and foremost, persons suspecting they or a loved one are suffering from SAD should consult a physician and get a diagnosis. Persons diagnosed with SAD do have treatment options available to them, including light therapy and medications.
NORTH of 50 December 09
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angels baskets bell bells boughs candy cards carols cheer children cold crafts decorations egg elves festive frost frosty fun green holiday holly ice jingle jolly joy lights mints nog
presents red ribbons rudolph santa shop shops skis sleds sleighs snow snowman songs star tarts tinsel toys tree trees turkey white winter winterfrost wreaths
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DOWNTOWN LOCATION Find the words in the grid. When you are done, the unused letters spell out a hidden message. Words can go left or right, top line to bottom line. Words can go horizontally, vertically and diagonally in all eight directions. Answers to puzzle is on page 22. ACROSS 1. Artist s creation 4. Vegetable 8. Syrian Bishop 12. Mongrel dog 13. Gets older 14. France and Belgium, anciently 15. Compass point 16. Entrap 17. Pipit 18. Author King 20. Christmas plants 21. Grain 22. X-mas ribbon 23. X-mas candy 26. Goddess 27. Imitate 30. Present covering 34. American College of Physicians (abbr) 35. Fish eggs 36. Tree topper 37. _Francisco 38. Night before 40. Animal with no home 43. Wider
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____ berry Flit Miner s goal Father s sister Double-reed instrument Tell a tall tale Second letter of the greek alphabet 54. Xmas mailer 55. Lights
DOWN 1. Pros 2. Corrode, like metal 3. Very tall plant 4. Regis and _Lee 5. Comply 6. Tilt 7. Sixth sense 8. Shining 9. False bible god 10. Tree growth 11. Alcoholic 19. Preparation (abbr) 20. Hospital (abbr) 22. Fen
23. Communication Workers of America (abr) 24. Bow 25. Snooze 26. East Northeast 27. Inclined 28. Pod vegetable 29. Stray 31. Beg 32. Cation 33. Afloat 37. Jolly man 38. Flub 39. Picked a candidate 40. Replace a striker 41. Factual 42. Rave 43. Baby s ball 44. Toy 45. Canal 46. Swamp grass 48. Physician
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NORTH of 50 December 09
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. It’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.
Busin ess Oppor tunity Ask M e!
Cleans, Polishes, Protects Sid Robbins, Director/Ind. Distributor Kelowna, B.C. Phone: 250-769-7467 Cell # 250-863-2400 z Email: robb7467@telus.net Web: www.dwgint.com z PIN # 125270
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE The Christmas Turkey by Marge Macdonald, Kelowna Things had not been going well in the family when my mother said: "I guess there will be no turkey dinner tomorrow, I have to go to town for some groceries and I just don't have time to prepare a turkey tonight." It was Christmas Eve, around 4 o'clock, already getting dark. My brother Robert was 13, and I was 12, at home alone to think about this - no Christmas turkey. In 1945, there was no television to occupy our minds, so we decided that we would catch a turkey and have it ready for Mom by the time she got home. It was a beautiful moonlit evening, not too much snow on the ground and all was very quiet and peaceful as we made our way out to the chicken house. Carrying a coal oil lantern for light to see what we were doing, we quietly opened the door and stepped inside. Our intended victim was spotted almost as soon as we went in the door, a nice big fat turkey. Robert ran after the turkey and grabbed it by the leg. The rest of the chickens and turkeys started to squawk, running and jumping with feathers flying in all directions. What a racket, it was no longer a nice quiet night. Next came the gruesome part. We knew that we had to kill this turkey and my brother said "I know what to do". "We have to wring the turkey's neck, hang him up by the legs and stick this sharp stiletto knife down his throat to drain the blood so the meat won't be ruined." After quite a struggle, success! We were splattered with blood and feathers but did have one dead turkey. Next, this bird had to be plucked and cleaned in order to be ready to cook. We headed back to the house, set up the tub in the "back kitchen", a room at the back of the house used to prepare vegetables in the summertime. In the kitchen we heated the water on top of the cook stove, since it had to be scalding hot, and plunged in the turkey. We plucked the feathers off as best we could and then gutted it. I was pretty good at this as every fall we would kill and dress at least a couple of dozen chickens to take into the local freezer in Neepawa, (see note) so that we would have them available over the winter. Finally around seven in the evening we had completed our job and had a good looking turkey all ready to be stuffed. Feeling pretty proud of ourselves, we cleaned up and waited for the family to get back from town. They arrived home around eight and the first thing they saw was some of the mess we had made in the back kitchen. There were a lot of stray feathers scattered around. When Mom came into the kitchen and saw what we had done, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. However, she did start to laugh and told us we had done a great job. As it turned out we had another memorable Christmas and for years my mother used to ask Robert and me if we were in charge of the turkey for Christmas dinner. This always brought a smile to our faces, as we recalled our adventure. Note: They had community freezer plants in the towns so that you could have your meat and poultry wrapped and ready to pick up when doing your grocery shopping, early l940's.
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NORTH of 50 December 09
ok s o B & s ie v o M
THE BOOK SHELF from the publishers Extraordinary Women: Vol. 1 Gumption & Grit
page 21
Women of the Cariboo Chilcotin Collected by the Williams Lake Women’s Contact Society. Edited by Sage Birchwater, with Gloria Atamanenko, Pam Mahon and Karen Thompson Pioneer Women of the Cariboo Chilcotin is the first in a brand new series being introduced by Caitlin Press which will showcase women of BC: their lives, their successes, their history. In 2002 the Williams Lake Women’s Contact Society posted a request for pioneer stories of the women of the Cariboo Chilcotin. What they received was an overwhelming number of tales of hard-ship, faith, adversity, endurance and accomplishment. These women were mothers, trappers, schoolteachers, outfitters, ranchers and homesteaders. Gumption & Grit contains more than 35 heartfelt and honest stories, which will resonate with the experiences of all women of this land. Available in bookstores now.
Beautiful Joe By Margaret Marshall Saunders With the holiday season upon us, Penguin Young Readers has re-introduced Beautiful Joe, a timeless classic about kindness, love, and generosity to a new generation of Canadian children. Though times have certainly changed from 1894 when Beautiful Joe was first published, the message about animal cruelty still resonates with the reader. Beautiful Joe is the classic story of an innocent dog forced to live with a cruel master who, in a fit of rage, viciously removes his ears and tail. Fortunately, help arrives in the form of a family named Morris, who nurses the dog back to health and gives him a new name–Beautiful Joe. Happy in his new home, Joe finds that he is in the company of many other animals that the family has saved from harm. The Morris family’s belief that every creature has the right to a full and happy life makes them perfect friends for Joe, and despite his horrible early experiences, Joe learns to love and trust his adopted family and becomes a loyal and valued companion. Born in Nova Scotia, author Margaret Marshall Saunders (1861-1947) second book, Beautiful Joe, achieved international recognition. Saunders, was made a Commander of the British Empire, and together with fellow Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery she co-founded the Maritime branch of the Canadian Women’s Press Club. Saunders went on to write more than twenty other stories.
Fortune Creek Kennels Open 7 Days a Week for Dog & Cat Care Indoor/Outdoor with in-floor heating Several play yards for individual attention Seperate small dog area Seperate cat building All rooms have music for a calm and peaceful atmosphere
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NEW IN THEATRES - from the producers Invictus Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, and directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the inspiring true story of Nelson Mandela (Freeman) joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Damon), to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match. The movie is rated PG 13 because it does have some brief strong language. Released by Warner Brothers, look for it in theatres December 11 and according to the critics, Oscar nominations is in this movie’s future.
Did you Hear About the Morgans? Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker headline this new release from Columbia Pictures, expected in theatres December 18. Did You Hear About the Morgans? follows a highly successful Manhattan couple, Meryl and Paul Morgan (Parker and Grant), whose almost-perfect lives have only one notable failure – their dissolving marriage. But the turmoil of their romantic lives is nothing compared to what they are about to experience: they witness a murder and become targets of a contract killer. The Feds, protecting their witnesses, whisk away the Morgans from their beloved New York to a tiny town in Wyoming, and a relationship that was on the rocks threatens to end completely in the Rockies... unless, in their new BlackBerry-free lives, the Morgans can slow down the pace and rekindle the passion. The movie also stars Sam Elliott, Mary Steenburgen, Elisabeth Moss, Michael Kelly and Wilford Brimley
2012 The action film 2012 hit theatres in mid November and though it has generally been panned by critic, it will likely be interesting for those following the Planet X or 2012 theories that abound these days. 2012 is an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. 2012 is a significant date in history to many cultures, religions, scientists, and governments. Centuries ago, the Maya left us their calendar, with a clear end date and all that it implies. Since then, astrologists have discovered it, numerologists have found patterns that predict it, geologists say the earth is overdue for it, and even government scientists cannot deny the cataclysm of epic proportions that awaits the earth in 2012. A prophecy that began with the Maya has now been well-chronicled, discussed, taken apart and examined. By 2012, we’ll know – we were warned. Columbia Pictures presents a Centropolis production, a Roland Emmerich film, 2012. The film stars John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, with Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson. 2012 has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for intense disaster sequences and some language.
Armored Another action packed thrilled you can find in theatres in December is Armored, from Screen Gems Studio. A crew of officers at an armored transport security firm risk their lives when they embark on the ultimate heist….against their own company. Armed with a seemingly fool-proof plan, the men plan on making off with a fortune with harm to none. But when an unexpected witness interferes, the plan quickly unravels and all bets are off. Just so you know, this film has sequences of intense violence some disturbing images and brief strong language. Armored stars Matt Dillon, Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne.
NORTH of 50 December 09
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NORTH of 50 Publications Phone: (250) 546-6064 Toll Free: (877) 667-8450 email: sales@northof50.com
e pac
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Reach 100,000 plus readers in the Thompson/ Okanagan/Shuswap region with a free advertisement up to $1000 Value* in our classified section. * Offer not open to businesses / commercial
Appartment for rent in Armstrong. $1075.00 a month which includes utilities, satelite, A/C, and dishwasher. 1400 square feet with two large bedrooms. Call for appointment 250-546-8910 or 250-546-8975 Solid Oak coffee table like new, 5 ft x 22 inches, on casters. Was $545 new, asking $200. 27 inch Phillips TV, 1 1/2 years old, $100. Call (250) 679-8271 Chase
Minuteman shop vac “commercial” obo c/w hose, brush (approx 10 yrs. Old) $200.00, Hi Dry ump Pump1/2hp 12.00 ,Electric motor 1/6 HP 6.00, 9 ½ HP Johnson outboard motor with 5 gal. tank $200.00 obo , 10” Ice Auger with Tecumseh motor $200.00 obo,MVP Hydraulic Floor Jack 5000 LBS 25.00,
Mobile Lincoln welder 200 AMP $ 300.00 obo, 4cylinders, with Wisconsin motor, 8 ½ ft. camper Custom built c/w leather seats, Stove, fridge, propane tank, 2 jack stands, sink 110 & 12 volt hook up (approx – 10 yrs old) $450.00 FIRM,grease gun n$2.00, 1 aluminum ladder extension $40.00, 1 aluminum ladder straight $40.00, Michaels sale,contact Joan at (250) 453-2682
Glider rocker & otomanblue $50.00, extension ladder $25.00. Two satelite dishes 18” $10.00, 24” $15.00, Trypod for satelite dish $25.00, Omega juicer like new $100.00 (250)768-7095 Maytag heavy duty washer /dryer $400.00 for both excellent condition (250) 542-7118
Jerry’s Antiques and Things
Word Search Solution: Merry Christmas to Everyone
Spring cleaning, Moving, downsizing? CASH PAID for antiques, records, collectables & miscellaneous items. Will buy whole collections, household and estate items. 809 George Street Enderby, BC (250)838-0644
Down filled Hot pink 3/4l coat like new $30.00, 27” Toshiba TV 4 yrs $25.00, Phillips iron steam $5.00, Lined designer jean jacket-like new size 8 $25.00. (250) 549-1186
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New hand embroidered damask tablecloths $10.00 each, 2 Madalta Crock pots $40.00 each (250) 497-6311 New 5 pc dining set 48” round glass table c/w 4 chairs. excellent condition. asking $325.00 obo. Call Shirl at (250) 767-2716 Wanted: Ukelele, will pay up to $30.00 depending on brand & original cost (250) 309-6700 2 queen size mattresses only used 2 months, exc condition 150.00 each. Call Marina at (250) 7694799 or (250) 306-5759. Retail wall ladder (was previously used at Bootlegger), on spring wheels. (No track). Very strong, 8' height. Non slip rungs. $100.00. Call 250317-2434.
Name: Address: Telephone #: Mail to: Box 100, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 or email to: sales@northof50.com *This offer is available to individuals only and is not available to businesses or commercial enterprises. One ad per household - Maximum value $1000. Over $1000 value or business / commercial ad: the rate is $12.00 for up to 25 words then each additional word @ 25 cents + GST ** Publisher reserves the right to refuse any ad.
and charger. Used only a few times. Call Will @ 250-712-9851 $40.00
70,000 reasons to get involved!
Children's Play Vanity and stool. Stool has storage under seat. 250764-3218 $40.00
This is your chance to make a difference for the more than 70,000 British Columbians who are living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Disney play kitchen measures approx 3ftw x3fth x2ft d $40.00 250764-3232
British Sweets, Sweets, specialty chocolates, eductional toys, games and puzzles, jewelry and watches, glassware, special occassion gift gifts, handbags, hats, hats, scarves & pashminas.
Chainsaw heavy duty, newer model with a 22 - 24 inch chain bar. Must be in excellent condition 250-546-8975 eve.
To learn how you can help, call Louise at 250-4919404 or visit www.walkformemories.co m.
Got a Story Idea?
Remote control Chevy Silverado with battery
WANTED
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. needs volunteers now to help organize the annual Investors Group Walk for Memories fundraising event in Kelowna, which will be held on January 31, 2010.
Heritage Creek Gifts & Confectionary 2516 Patterson Ave. Armstrong! (250) 546-3096
North of 50 Lifestyle Newsmagazine is about honouring folks who’ve made a contribution to their communities, professions and families. Know someone who fits the bill? Tell us about them:
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NORTH of 50 December 09
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Care wear made easy. Is dressing your elderly or infirmed loved ones difficult?
30 theatre professionals from across Canada. 16 local teamsters and shotguns. 16 heavy horses. One amazing winter show. This winter, Caravan Farm Theatre presents The Story, by Toronto playwright Martha Ross, from December 11 to 31. The Story is a magical re-telling of the Nativity story featuring Joseph, Mary & Gabriel, as well as seasonal choral arrangements by local musician Jude Lee.
Does it cause them pain or discomfort due to arthritis or a recent surgery? Dressing those in your care no longer has to be a painful ordeal, thanks to ZipEase wearable products! Our cozy t-shirts and hospital gowns are tastefully fitted with a nylon zipper in the front. In fact, ZipEase wearables are just as easy to put on, as they are to remove!
This year marks Caravan's 20th winter sleigh ride show. The past two decades, have seen the winter show grow from four sleighs and teams of horses to a monthlong affair, with eight teams ferrying an audience of 140 people in each of three shows per night, six nights per week. "It's a rigorous work-out for both the actors and the horses", comments Sean Newton, Caravan's General Manager, "The actors literally run between scenes in the snow in order to arrive before the audience on sleighs". Newton adds, "Caravan is lucky to have a great bunch of teamsters and shotguns with solid teams who are able to come out here each December to help us put on a show". This year's show once again takes full advantage of the farm's 80 acre property, with a route that winds through forest and across open fields as the audience is transported from scene to scene. "The Winter Show has become a holiday tradition for so many families", says Caravan's Acting Artistic Director, Kelly McIntosh, "It's a chance for families to cozy up on the sleighs, sip hot chocolate under the stars, and enjoy some great holiday theatre".
Easy on...Easy off! available in many colours
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The Winter Sleigh Ride Show sells out early, so everyone is encouraged to reserve tickets soon by calling Ticket Seller at 1-866-311-1011. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketseller.ca. The Story runs from December 11 to 31, with shows at 4, 6 & 8 pm. No shows December 17, 24 & 25. TM
ZipEase wearables
Call today or visit us on line: 250-494-8096 www.zipease.com Div. of Stich in Tyme 2-8710 Prairie Valley Rd., Summerland BC VOH1Z4
Caravan Farm Theatre is a professional outdoor theatre company based on an 80 acre farm near Armstrong BC. Hailed as a national treasure, Caravan Farm Theatre has been entertaining audiences young and old, from near and far, since 1978. For more information visit www.caravanfarmtheatre.com.
NORTH of 50 December 09
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Gentle Waters Senior Home
* Centrally located and near amenities * 3 balanced and home-cooked meals and snacks daily * Weekly housekeeping * Leisure activities * Medi-alert pendants * BC Govt. Safer Assistance available
Hawthorn Park Hawthorn Park family wishing you a heartfelt Merry Christmas
W ishing y ou a ll a Merry Christmas from t he S taff & R esidents “Affordable” Supportive - Living
May M ay Joy Love and Peace fill your heart this Christmas Located in the “Heart of Mission” close to all amenities 867 KLO Road, Kelowna, B.C. For your personal tour call Monica or visit our website
3309 39th Ave., Vernon, B.C. www.gentlewaters.ca
250.545.3351
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Call: (250) 861-6636 or 1-888-849-5999 www.hawthornpark.com
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