May 2010 Okanagan Edition - North of 50

North of 50 LOCAL LATITUDE, GLOBAL ATTITUDE

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May 2010 Vol. 8, Issue 5

THE MANY FACES OF FAMILY Diverse Households in the Okanagan

A WONDERFUL WAY TO FAMILY The Road to Adoption

OKANAGAN/SHUSWAP MOMS Striving to Find Balance

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN Making it Work Publications Mail Agreement 41188516 ISSN# 1710-4750

JOURNEY OUT OF DEPRESSION northof50.com

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CONTENTS

May 2010 Vol. 8, Issue 5

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32

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FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

COLUMNS

10 A WONDERFUL WAY TO FAMILY Sometimes the road to motherhood is filled with heart-wrenching twists

By Jackie Pearase

22 PERSONAL EXPERIENCE This Wounded and Creative Land: A Nicaraguan Journey From Tony Dawson

6 FROM THE EDITOR

13 IT’S YOUR WORLD

By Bob Harrington

26 HEALTH MATTERS

14 JOURNEY OUT OF DEPRESSION Breaking the Cycle Story and Photos by Sherry Bennett 32 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN Making it Work Story and Photos by Dawn Renaud 35 OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP MOMS STRIVE FOR BALANCE

By Leila Meyer 38 ARTWORKS STUDIO A Refuge for Those Dealing with Mental Health Issues

By Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug

28 STAYCATIONS Springtime in Abundant Kelowna

By Steven Threndyle 30 AWAY FROM HOME Helen, Georgia 40 ARTS HAPPENING 41 COMING EVENTS 43 MAY ACTIVITIES 44 COMMUNITY EVENTS 46 CLASSIFIED & DIRECTORY

Mother’s Day began with Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia who decided that it would be a wonderful way to honour her deceased mother. Soon after, in 1914, the US Congress passed legislation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

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7 YOUR LETTERS 18 CALVIN WHITE Understanding Age 20 REGIONAL ATTITUDE A conversation with Annette Sharkey 36 DON SAWYER Fair Comment: Fish in Water

Trico Homes

L A N D M A R K O N E

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North of 50 is an i n d ependent, free m o n t h l y publication, locally owned, produced and distributed throughout the Thompson /Nicola/ South Cariboo/ Okanagan and Shuswap areas by 0727724 BC Ltd. Disclaimer: The publisher will not b e responsible for errors or omissions. In the even t of a typographical error, the portion of the advertisement that is incorrect will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid at the applicable rate.

T h e opinions and views contained in submitted articles to North Of 50 magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

T h e publisher retains t h e right t o e d i t a l l s u b m i s s i o n s , including a r t i c les and l et te r s to the editor, for brevity and clarity. Copyright is retained on a l l material, tex t and graphics in this publication.

No reproduction is allowed of any material in any form, print or electronic, for any purpose, except with the ex p r essed permission of North of 50 Publications (unless for private reference only).

FROM OUR EDITOR For the most part, I love my job. I get to meet very interesting and inspiring people.

I hear some fascinating stories and sometimes I have the privilege of putting them down on paper. I receive invitations to lots of fun events. I love the travel demands of my job. And I’m not just talking far away places. I travel up and down the Okanagan Valley every week and I’m familiar with every turn in the road. Still, every week I see something I had missed the time before.

But every job has a downside and for mine it’s technology and deadlines. I know my way around computers, almost as well as I know the nooks and crannies of the Okanagan Valley. But all the knowledge and the best laid plans go awry when computers crash, presses break down, and internet connections fail.

That’s when I really don’t like my job. Panic sets in as deadlines loom and the technology has developed a mind of its own. Failing to meet a deadline is not an option. So, sometimes life’s little curveballs lead to all-nighters at the office to make up for lost time. Despite the temporary stress, there is something to be said for the thrill of having met a challenge head on or having solved a seemingly insurmountable problem. And then, I love my job again!

Robbie Burns said in his famous poem, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” We saw that when last month’s volcanic eruption disrupted more than 60,000 flights to and from Europe. Let’s face it, life can turn on a dime.

The unpredictability of life sometimes carries with it a lot of pain, but it can also bring great joy. And that’s the theme of this issue of North of 50. We’ve brought together a collection of articles about the unanticipated turns life often throws our way. And what is more unpredictable than the challenges of motherhood? For May, we celebrate Mother’s Day with stories of Okanagan Moms and families. Every parent knows it’s impossible to anticipate exactly what the next day might bring.

That proved true for Katherine Mortimer and Scott Pisiak whose heartwarming story about adopting their daughter, Sasha, from China is brought to you in A Wonderful Way to Family, by freelancer, Jackie Pearase. It’s on page 10.

Families come in many forms and nobody expects to be raising children after retirement, but author Dawn Renaud introduces us to grandparents raising grandchildren on page 32. The main reason grandparents take over the parenting role is because the parents themselves have addiction or mental health issues.

And that leads us to our next topic: the stigma of mental illness. On page 14, Kamloops resident, Wai Hung Ma, tells regular contributor, Sherry Bennett, about his journey out of depression and how he became the keeper of his own happiness.

Later in this issue, an anonymous contributor explains how stigma has affected his life.

It’s been said that the media has played a significant role in perpetuating negative stereotypes of the mentally ill. There is a lot of truth in that statement. Certainly, mental illness has not received the sensitive media coverage that other illnesses have been given, so we hope that the articles herein are taken in the vein in which they were intended – to educate and to inform.

May 3 to 9th is Mental Health Week, and the Canadian Mental Health Association has several events happening in our area. (See sidebar on page 26 for CMHA contact information throughout the Okanagan Shuswap).

TJ Wallis 6

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YOUR LETTERS My husband and I have spent considerable time reading through the latest issue of North of 50. The new layout is great - so much more “inviting” to read. We commend you on all the WORK this took and on your choice NOT to go glossy! We also like the “Local Latitude, Global Attitude” tag line; it will give a good focus for all your future issues.

Joyce and Bob Hebbert, Vernon Hello,Just a note to thank you for sending us the copy of North of 50. We are delighted with both articles and picture--the story is truly “told as it is”. Great magazine!

Jim & Cathy Brown, Coldstream Just finished perusing my copy of your newly formatted magazine. Love the cover. Good job. Oh, BTW.....I hated Calvin White’s story.....it made me cry at work. Just kidding about hating it, but it’s not cool to cry at work.

Lorna Zahn, Burnaby Open Letter to Gordon Campbell Dear Premier, I just wanted to express my thanks to you for your introduction of the HST for British Columbians.

Until yesterday I actually thought I would have some small stipend left in my budget to spend on minor things such as food and heat and light and lodging. But thankfully you have now taken that difficult decision of where I should now spend that money.

Your government has been so good at reducing the decision options for B.C. Citizens, particularly Old Age Pensioners ever since you took office.

You started off by introducing the Unfair Pharmacare Program, you of course called it Fair Pharmacare, and I guess as it left us with less money in

our pockets and more in yours, I can see your point.

Then you introduced increased fees for hunting and fishing licenses and park use fees. Of course you did promise that these monies would all go back into the resource. You lied of course. But thanks to you we now had less money to worry about.

I won’t go into the Olympics because it certainly makes sense to me that my money is far better spent by you on million dollar parties and brownnosing the hoi faloi by you and your compatriots in crime rather than my using that money for silly things like keeping warm and or eating. But hey, you have my best interests at heart I know.

Now you have taken or are taking some $800 million from B.C. Hydro to pay for the big party, and so naturally and rationally B.C. Hydro, which needed the $800 million to upgrade and maintain our power facilities to ensure we have heat and light in the future, why they just increased our electrical rates by 9%, a very tricky back door tax on your part, sneaky aren’t you!

But hey, I understand that keeping you in the style to which you and your developer friends have become accustomed to is of paramount importance.

Then of course you are taking another almost $800 million from ICBC which over time will result in increased insurance fees, another back door tax.

But hey on this one you really solved our problem because with your new tax and the ongoing smoke and mirrors, “Carbon Tax” you are ensuring we cannot afford to drive our cars so we don’t have to worry about car insurance do we? Clever guy!

Oh. by the way, what have you been doing with the millions you have raked in on the Carbon Tax? Just a thought, maybe people would like to know where the money goes other than parties and to massively overpaid minions you keep hiring in our health and education systems.

And now of course you have solved all our money problems with the grand old HST. I never would have thought of it, no money, no problems.

I am looking into having the Federal Government just sending my pension cheque directly to your account and thereby saving us all the middle men and accounting issues.

Really appreciate all you have done and are doing to keep us from having to wonder what we will do with all our money in the future.

I will be however, working with Bill Vander Zalm as hard as I can just to show my full appreciation for your efforts.

Bill Otway, Merritt I love your new look, only I do hope the public will recognize it in your new format. Calvin White’s submissions are my very favourite. He draws me right into his story so I quickly rushed through to make sure you had not discontinued his page. Luckily, I can still tell everyone to pick up North of 50 and to read Calvin White. You may want to consider a more look alike of your previous front page if distribution drops. Best of Luck.

Germaine Loran, Okanagan Editor’s Note: Duly noted!

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North of 50

LOCAL LATITUDE, GLOBAL ATTITUDE

Publisher Dean Wallis dean@northof50.com Managing Editor TJ Wallis editor@northof50.com Creative Director Cassandra Redding cassandra@northof50.com Advertising Sales Dean Wallis dean@northof50.com Kamloops & Area sales@northof50.com Ad Design Kristi Carter krist@northof50.com Administration Caralyn Doyle caralyn@northof50.com Deadline for Ads to be submitted is the 20th of the month for publication the first week of the month Office Location: Suite 102 2516 Patterson Avenue Armstrong, BC Mailing Address: Box 100 Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 ADS & SUBMISSIONS Phone: (250) 546-6064 Fax: (250) 546-8914 Toll Free: 1-877-667-8450 (877)NORTH50 Website: www.northof50.com ISSN 1710-4750 0727724 BC LTD Printed in Canada

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS JACKIE PEARASE keeps busy with freelance stories on top of her duties as the news editor for an independent community newspaper. A graduate of the Creative Communications program at Red River Community College in Winnipeg, she has been a reporter, photographer and radio news broadcaster since moving to the North Okanagan in 1997.

SHERRY BENNETT is a jack-of-all-trades by day, creative non-fiction writer by night, Sherry’s fondness for the written word developed decades ago in high school. With kids all flown the coop, and a Volkswagen topped up with gas, she’s recaptured her enthusiasm to head out on the road and track down people and stories that inspire the pen.

ANDREA DUJARDIN-FLEXHAUG has been living and writing in the South Okanagan for 25-plus years, ever since she graduated from Langara, Vancouver Community College with a Journalism Diploma. She worked for three years as a reporter for the Osoyoos Times, going on to write in various other venues over the years.

DAWN RENAUD realized she needed an excuse for ignoring her chores and sinking into the alternate reality of a good book.

Today she channels her creative imagination and affinity for words into more lucrative pursuits, writing for businesses and magazines and helping other writers hone their craft. Dawn lives in a tiny house in Penticton.

LEILA MEYER has been a professional writer for over 12 years and specializes in writing about technology, animals, and healthy natural living. She is also a freelance editor and member of the Editors’ Association of Canada. She lives in Salmon Arm, BC with her husband and four cats.

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A Wonderful Way toByFamily Jackie Pearase

THE ROAD TO MOTHERHOOD is not always simple and direct. Sometimes it is filled with heart-wrenching twists and bends that test emotional, physical and financial resilience. Such was Katherine Mortimer’s route but the fact that it culminated in a daughter adopted from China means, like childbirth, that pain is forgotten.

“It’s absolutely worth every little bit of heartache and anxiety and emotional stress because at the end of it you get this amazing person and your life is changed for the better,” she says.

Mortimer and her husband Scott Pisiak spent ten years trying to have a baby. Fertility testing, hormone treatments, in vitro fertilization and a stillborn child after five months of pregnancy all took a toll.

Admittedly obsessed with having her own biological baby, Mortimer deeply grieved the loss of her child and resented suggestions that she should adopt.

It took another couple of years and a push from an old friend to make Mortimer realize she wanted to explore her options.

“Something just hit me. I just really wanted a family. I wanted a child and it no longer mattered that it grew in my belly,” she says. “It was just important that we have a family.”

Her misgivings about adoption quickly dissipated after calling The Adoption Centre in Kelowna, where she was treated with dignity and respect.

“They were so kind and so nice over the phone that I just started to relax.”

The couple began the process for a domestic adoption, going through the extensive home study and waiting to be matched with a birth mother.

“We started with domestic adoption because we thought it would be simpler for a lot of reasons. Not the least of which is it’s really nice for the child if they look like their parents and share a heritage.”

But when the wait for a call stretched to six months, the couple decided to send their adoption dossier to the China Centre for Adoption Affairs (CCAA).

“We kind of knew we’d probably end up going to China,” says Mortimer.

“You have to go where your heart takes you. For us, we knew that if we went to China, there would be a baby at the end of the process. Also I’ve always had a huge obsession and fascination with Chinese culture so we knew it would be very easy for us to honour her culture.”

They started the Chinese adoption process and received a proposal six months after getting logged into the CCAA. That proposal package contained photographs of a ninemonth-old girl described as having a rosebud mouth, loving music and possessing a stubborn disposition at times. It was

Previous Page: Katherine Mortimer and Scott Pisiak pose with their new daughter Sasha Li Feng on the Great Wall of China in September 2005.

Above: Katherine Mortimer enjoys her first evening with Sasha Li Feng, the girl she and her husband adopted from China in 2005.

their soon-to-be daughter – Li Feng.

“We were over the moon,” says Mortimer. “It was beyond thrilling to have all this information about her.”

The couple travelled to Changsha, China that autumn with 15 other Canadian families adopting children from Chinese orphanages.

“We left for China on Sept. 10, 2005. We arrived on the 11th and our daughter was in our arms by about 11 o’clock Sept. 12. It was indescribable.”

Mortimer recalls their guide and translator, appropriately named Smile, calling out Li Feng’s name and having the 18-pound, bug-bitten one-year-old child placed in her arms.

The moment thrilled Mortimer but the toddler showed more interested in returning to her caregiver from the orphanage.

“I felt completely calm and I didn’t cry because we were meant to be together, absolutely without question,” Mortimer notes.

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“Truly I couldn’t love her any more. That I didn’t give birth to her makes absolutely no difference whatsoever.” her birth mother, the couple took their precious gift home to Canada determined to fulfill their responsibility to themselves and their new daughter.

“When we were leaving Beijing going to the airport, I felt quite tearful because I was joyful but also because we were taking a child away from everything she knows and everything that is familiar to her,” explains Mortimer. “That was a huge responsibility. I was very aware of that.”

The couple wants to connect one day with their daughter’s birth parents to thank them and tell them what a great person she has become.

“People will often say she’s a lucky little girl but I tell them over and over again that we are the lucky ones. We’re the ones who were saved. We didn’t save a child; we saved ourselves,” Mortimer adds.

The new parents spent extra time helping their daughter, now called Sasha Li Feng, adjust to her new world and develop a healthy attachment to them.

“Because she had been in an institution for a year and she’d already had a lot of upheaval in her life, we treated her like a newborn for the first six months in terms of attachment,” Mortimer explains.

They restricted who held Sasha, bottle fed her in their arms and never left her with a babysitter – all things new parents do to bond with their baby. Sasha also learned sign language to enhance her ability to communicate while she learned English.

The gregarious five-year-old is now in French immersion and a key part of her loving family.

“She’s very proud of who she is. She knows where she comes from and she knows her story,” Mortimer says about her daughter.

“Truly I couldn’t love her any more. That I didn’t give birth to her makes absolutely no difference whatsoever.”

Mortimer is now a strong advocate for adoption.

“I wish I hadn’t waited so long. I wish I had known that pregnancy and childbirth, while miraculous, are a small part of motherhood. I could have saved myself a lot of heartache and experienced the joys of motherhood so much sooner.”

She urges people to research different kinds of adoption and select what works best for them.

“If all you want is a family, this is a wonderful, wonderful way to do it.”

Walking is a great way to stay in touch with your environment

IT’S YOUR WORLD

By Bob Harrington

ONCE THE SUN PASSES the December solstice and begins to bring its warmth back to earth, it is not too early to have spring fever. I watched a squirrel sitting on a limb in the sunshine this morning. He knows that the reason the sun shines is just so that squirrels can sunbathe on limbs. A hawk might consider that the sun shines in order to make squirrels sunbathe on limbs so that hawks can find a meal.

Deer, on the other hand, are aware that the sun shines so that they can lie on the south side of open knolls and soak up its warmth. But I know better than they – for I am aware that the sun returns with warmth so that I can stand in the pool of sunlight and feel it soaking its warmth into my body.

Philosophically I am aware too that the returning sun is one of the blessings we can count, one of the simple things which, if appreciated, make us more aware of the pleasure of living.

To me, the return of the sun, with lengthening days and increasing warmth, also signifies more time for walking. This of course is perhaps a bit old fashioned in a world that runs on wheels, but it is a remarkable fact that the walker rarely goes in the ditch; and furthermore, if you have driven along the same route for a period of years, try walking the distance once and note how much more you will see. Our perception is better based on a four mile an hour pace than on a sixty mile per hour race.

Of all the words that describe walking (such as amble, pace, hike, stroll, etc.) I think I like the word saunter best.

It is perhaps because the word was once used to describe pilgrims on their way to the holy land – the expression “a la Sainte Terre” meaning “to the Holy Land” became shortened to Sainte-Terrers, and eventually to “saunter.” What could better describe a carefree passage through fields, meadows and the carpeted aisles of the forest than a visit to the Holy Land?

It is not so much that walking has really become out of style – the young are still born with legs rather than with wheels – it is more that we have become out of step with our environment. For it is when we follow the pastoral trail, away from the haze-shrouded haunts of man, that we find the true meaning of recreation – a re-creation of ourselves, of our ideas and values – of that essence of self, a philosophy by which we can live. Here in the timeless temple of the wild, south of Revelstoke, the whirling chaos of thought settles into orderly clarity, just as sediment falls to the bottom of a pool disturbed by a passing deer. The soothing elegance of nature is a powerful unguent that steals softly into the fibers of being and permeates the mind with a gentle healing touch.

The famous George Washington carver in one of his speeches said: “I like to think of Nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks to us every hour – if we will only tune in.” There certainly is no better way to hear this message than by wandering afield. We don’t have to go to the remotest corner of the Cypress Hills or to a distant peak in the Rockies or Himalayas. It’s in the overgrown back corner of an abandoned pasture; the bushy stream sides; the wooded knolls – each of these is a place dressed by Nature – untorn from her breast. As Thoreau traveled all over the world around Concord, Mass., so we may travel through infinities of learning within strolling distance of towns and highways. We learn to see things by seeing and tomorrow’s walk is always sure to add something that was not seen today.

Yes, outside your window, past the edge of town, where overgrown lanes suffering from want of travel turn down toward fragrant fields, eternal streams, or friendly woods, there is a harvest that is waiting to be reaped. It will not appear in dark ink in a bankbook, nor will it put one any closer to the symbolic goal of keeping up with the Jones.

This harvest antedates such material values and leaves them struggling in the half light of a nether world. But it is a harvest that will fill your heart with gladness, put spring in your step and vitality in your eye. Not bad, and it’s free!

Bob Harrington lives at Galena Bay, B.C. His latest books are Testimony for Earth and a new edition of The Soul Solution with a foreword by Dr. David Suzuki. See reviews at www.hancockhouse.com or telephone 250 369-2281 for autographed copies, $23.00 each. northof50.com 13

Wai Hung Ma’s strength and determination insipres others to get the help they need.

JOURNEY OUT OF DEPRESSION 14 northof50.com

PHOTOS AND STORY BY SHERRY BENNETT

Through treatment therapies Wai Hung Ma gained the clarity to view his depression as a medical condition rather than a personal weakness.

NOT AN UNCOMMON EXPERIENCE, Wai Hung Ma’s first emotional crisis unfolded in the hallways of a high school after the girl he had fallen for, left him for another guy.

As to be expected, the experience left the adolescent feeling sad and with compromised self-esteem.

When events like this happen, as they frequently do throughout life, it is normal to feel sad or just plain down in the dumps for a few days, or weeks.

But setting Wai Hung’s experience apart from that of transitory blues is that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake off his sadness and pessimistic outlook.

With each ensuing crisis, Wai Hung’s negative thoughts amplified to the point where they left him continuously sad, lethargic, unable to enjoy the things he once enjoyed, and ultimately questioning his reason for going on.

Severe depression has grown to represent the fourth leading cause of disability and premature death in the world and Wai Hung is one of more than three million Canadians who have experienced a major bout of depression at some point in his or her life, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Depression falls into the classification of mood disorders – one of the most common mental illnesses in the general population. Other mood disorders include bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder.

Because depression hits people hardest between the ages of 25 and 54, the demographic that makes up 70 per cent of the Canadian workforce, unrecognized depression has a tremendous impact not only on quality of life, but on the economy as a whole.

Doug Sage, executive director of the Kamloops branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association notes that it goes without saying that the earlier a person seeks treatment for a mood disorder, the better. But this isn’t always the case.

Although 80 per cent of the people who receive treatment for depression respond well, only a small percentage of those who deal with the illness actually seek help.

Leading one to ask the question ‘Why?’ “Some people, believe it or not, have no recollection of feeling differently than they do,” explains Doug. “The symptoms they experience are their normal.

“And many who realize it is not normal believe there is no treatment, the side-effects of the treatment are worse than the condition, that they will be judged harshly if they are found to be ‘mentally ill,’ that family, friends, co-workers, neighbours and employers will treat them differently if their condition becomes known – sadly, these things may often be the case.

“Many people feel they are not officially mentally ill until they get a diagnosis, so avoid the diagnosis at all cost.”

Doug, commenting through email, postulates that stigma culminates in stereotyping, fear and discrimination, adding that much of the stigma surrounding mood disorders, and mental illnesses in general, has and continues to be perpetuated through the mass media.

“For example,” says Doug, “we can all name people who failed to get elected in our lifetime because they were treated for depression. If Winston Churchill or Abraham Lincoln were running for office today, they would not be elected.

Only those who hide their illness have a chance of being elected to public office.”

Rennie Hoffman, the executive director for the Vancouverbased Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia agrees that stigma does deter people from seeking treatment.

“Those who have mental illness quite often experience signs of it early on in life,” says Rennie during a telephone conversation. “They tend to learn to mask and hide it from an early age.”

“Their behaviour tends to differ a little from other people’s behaviour and they receive feedback from society saying that, ‘What you are doing is not appropriate. The way you are feeling doesn’t jive with others so there must be something wrong with you.’

“It gets brought to their attention early on that they have to modify their behaviour. This does not mean that they feel anything less. They just learn to adjust their behaviour.

“It’s not until they get to the point where they can’t deal with it [the emotional pain] anymore that they seek help.”

Which is how the story unravelled for Wai Hung.

Prompted by the loss of some close friends to cancer, and northof50.com 15

Wai Hung Ma no longer believes he is helpless and knows he can take care of himself.

some soured relationships and business endeavours, Wai Hung fell deeper into the depression cycle.

And like many others, Wai Hung invested considerable effort into keeping his pain hidden from those around him.

“It was very hard,” says the 46-year-old. “I didn’t want to do anything.

“It wasn’t until hitting rock bottom that I sought out help for my depression,” says Wai Hung, at the same moment slapping his hand down hard upon his thigh.

Wai Hung, who was born in Hong Kong and moved to Kamloops when he was 12, says it was through treatment therapies including counselling, medication and writing that he gained the clarity to view his depression as a medical condition rather than a personal weakness.

Optimism has overridden pessimism and behind Wai Hung are those dark days when he wakes up feeling as though he has nothing to look forward to.

“Nobody can help you until you want to help yourself,” he says.

Born with cerebral palsy, Wai Hung admits his disability factored into his depression, but is quick to point out that his depression was brought about by many things combined.

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Because of his cerebral palsy, he once believed he was helpless and could not take care of himself. With his dependence on other people grew lofty expectations; expectations for others to provide him with everything, including his happiness.

The part-time Thompson Rivers University arts student is now the keeper of his own happiness and no longer expends his energy on trying to change those circumstances that cannot be changed.

A talented poet/songwriter from his youth, he now uses his writing and motivational speaking talents to spread the message that depression need not be a life sentence.

Several years ago Wai Hung published a book chronicling his journey out of depression called Breaking Limitations. He spends every opportunity he can delivering his personal story to youths in schools and adults in service groups.

“I can’t help people, but I can lead them,” says Wai Hung, who recently produced a bullying DVD which he plans to distribute province-wide. “I can teach people about depression.”

Self-identifying symptoms is the first line of intervention in dealing with mood disorders says Doug.

“If your symptoms are just starting, look at what has changed in your life. Are you giving up good food for processed crap and junk food? Are you getting less exercise, or have less freedom in your life? Are you isolated more than usual? Make changes to get back to healthy lifestyles.

“Talk about it – with a parent, teacher, a doctor, a friend, a colleague, or pastor. Do not accept placating turnaways: ‘Get a good sleep and you’ll feel better tomorrow’ and other such rubbish.

“If you are concerned, see someone and soon.”

RESOURCES - DEPRESSION AND MOOD DISORDERS Wai Hung Ma personal website www.breakinglimitations.com/ Canadian Mental Health Association – Kamloops Branch www.kamloops.cmha.bc.ca/ Symptoms of Depression – Canadian Mental Health Association www.cmha.ca/BINS/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87 Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia www.mdabc.net/ Mood Disorders Society of Canada www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/

Meadowlark

Steve Campbell

Century 21 Executives Realty Ltd. With offices in Vernon and Enderby

FESTIVAL

HELD EVERY MAY, the Meadowlark Festival gives nature lovers an opportunity to explore the diverse habitats and unique species found in the South Okanagan and Similkameen region, considered to be one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. What started as a small birding festival 13 years ago has evolved into one of Canada’s premier outdoor nature celebrations. People from across North America and as far away as Europe now come for the tours, lectures, workshops and other activities led by prominent naturalists, educators, artists and scientists.

From May 20th to May 24th the Festival will offer over 80 environmental tours and events held under the open sky, which will take people from Canada’s unique desert to the alpine meadows high above the Okanagan Lake.

Indigenous cultural tours, canoe trips, guided walks, bird watching tours, geology and history tours, art exhibits, hands-on presentations on astronomy, nature photography, green buildings and more, are all designed to be fun and informative for people of all ages and abilities.

The Meadowlark Festival is organized by the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA) to encourage people of all ages to experience, discover and explore their natural environment. The Okanagan-Similkameen hosts a rare mosaic of natural habitats; among them is one of Canada’s most endangered ecosystems - the hot, dry shrubgrasslands. A springtime look at these shrub-grasslands, known as Canada’s ‘pocket desert’, reveals a riot of colour flourishing in this seemingly harsh environment.

For further details about this year’s tours and events visit www.meadowlarkfestival.bc.ca.

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Salesperson Wanted North of 50 is looking for outgoing, selling talent to complement our small, hard-working, and dedicated sales team. If you have:

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North of 50 18 northof50.com

WHITE

CALVIN

Understanding Age

After I turned 50, I began speaking and thinking as if I was old. Not really old, but with a self-consciousness that I was no longer young, and in fact was aging. I wasn’t happy about it, and in any number of conversations I noticed myself using the phrase, “At my age…..”.

Aging, I guess, scares many of us, and I was no exception.

Then I met Duke Procter. Originally from Lumby, Duke was living in Vernon. I became aware of him after I read of his skydiving exploit in 1999. It was his first jump and it was only a tandem, but after all, he was a hundred years old.

Many interviews and articles later, I knew Duke quite well.

He was a veteran of the First World War, could cry in an instant at recalling the sacrifice of so many, and attended every Remembrance Day ceremony to honour the fallen.

When he was 91, his beloved wife Clara died and he was left alone. I know how sad that had to have been. They had

been together for over 65 years, raised three sons, worked the homestead acres far outside of Lumby, struggled through the Great Depression, and lived together more moments than exist in most lives. For sure, he was heartbroken and there was a period of mourning.

But he didn’t give up, didn’t sink into quiet solitariness, didn’t forget about life. He continued to garden, to can fruit, to dance, to play horseshoes, and after Clara died he started bowling. He drove his own car until he was 101. Later, at 102 I had him come to my high school to speak to students. He did this for the next two years, and I’m sure that at 104, he was the oldest guest speaker that any school in Canada had ever had. Each time he spoke to a classroom of students he got better, captivating the more than fifty teenagers with the ease with which he moved from one question to another without the slightest hesitation, always with clarity and often with humor.

I asked him during those years, if he was afraid of dying now that he must be close to the end of his life. Duke looked me straight in the eyes and laughed. He said that he didn’t think about it and wasn’t sure at all that he was so close to the end of his life. Considering that he had already outlived everyone and was still going strong, I realized he was right.

Duke changed my awareness and certainly my own understanding of age. He was ageless. Each day for him was a new day. There were no self-imposed limits. At his 106th birthday when he had only months before moved into a seniors residence, I came once again to interview him.

We went to a more private spot to speak. Before we could start, another resident who was troubled with Alzheimer’s came into the room and was agitatedly speaking to no one in particular. Duke immediately called to her and gently asked what she wanted to tell us. Caught by surprise, the lady simply turned about and went on her way. Then Duke noticed that my son, who had come with me, was sitting farther back from us so he waved to him and invited him to come in closer so he could join the conversation.

Even at 106 and on his birthday at that, Duke had such humanity, grace and presence; he knew it wasn’t all about him, that it was about all of us. After he had given up his driver’s licence and no longer could simply hop into his own car to get around, I asked him if he was saddened. His response, “No, I’ve had my turn.”

So now, approaching my 60th birthday I often think of Duke. I am still a young pup compared to him. That’s why it was so easy for me to leave my safe routines in my comfortable home in the Salmon River Valley and come half way around the world to work in a milieu that I had no familiarity with – to work with hundreds of people of all ages afflicted by a terrible disease, MDR-TB. I have no language skills and no

experience in working with diseases or patients. But among other lessons, Duke indelibly etched in me two essential truths; one, that chronological aging is not an issue and two, the sky is quite beautiful so why not jump.

P.S. I’m now taking aikido classes one day a week. It’s a Japanese defence art based on paying attention to how the body works in order to protect oneself from aggression. I’ve never done anything like it. I’m in a class of twenty both male and female from seven years old up. I’m the worst student by far.

Calvin White is a retired high school counsellor who lives in the North Okanagan. He has over 70 essays published in 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 Calvin White is currently working with Doctors Without Borders in Uzbekistan, a landlocked former part of the Soviet Union.

He will be there for about a year, working with victims of drug resistant tuberculosis and training counsellors to do the same. He continues to submit his columns to North of 50 from there.

50 Years Ago This May - Russia shoots down Francis Gary Powers’ U-2 spy plane over Sverdlovsk - Harry Belafonte 2nd Carnegie Hall performance - Harvey Schmidt/Tom Jones’ musical “Fantasticks,” premieres in NYC - The Anne Frank House opens in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

- English prince Margaret marries Antony ArmstrongJones (Lord Snowdon) - President Eisenhower signs Civil Rights Act of 1960 - Leonid Brezhnev replaces Kliment Voroshilov as pres of USSR - Birthdate of Bono Vox, [Paul Hauson], Dublin Ireland, rocker (U2-Joshua Tree) - US atomic sub USS Triton completes 1st around world under water trip - Israeli soldiers capture Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires - The first contraceptive pill is made available on the market.

- John D Rockefeller Jr, philanthropist, dies at 86 - Alan Freed & eight other DJ accused of taking radio payola - The Great Chilean Earthquake, rating 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale - Everly Brothers “Cathy’s Clown” hits #1 Source: http://www.historyorb.com northof50.com 19

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ATTITUDE Annette Sharkey Every month North of 50 brings you compelling personal interviews.

This month we interviewed Annette Sharkey, Executive Director of the Social Planning Council of the North Okanagan

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You have been working in the social service field since 1994, including positions with the Vernon and District Women’s Centre, Vernon and District Immigrant Services and now as the Executive Director of the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan. What achievement or goal reached in the last 16 years are you most proud of?

The project that immediately comes to mind is the creation of the Gateway Shelter, mainly because it seemed like such an impossible task and we went ahead and did it anyway. Our group had a roller coaster year of near wins and heartbreaking misses. At the height of the planning,

we would all arrive at meetings looking worn out with our hair in ponytails. The joke was, “When was the last time you washed your hair?” At this point, we had created a temporary shelter for the winter and were relying on volunteers to keep the doors open. I can remember lying awake at night and thinking that if we didn’t pull this off, people would be sleeping outside. I think for all of us involved, this had become very personal. The pressure was incredible but the support from the community kept us going. By the following summer, we had BC Housing on board and a permanent site secured. I’ll never forget the feeling when we found out it was a done deal. I was so proud of our group and the community for not giving up.

The constant change – I like challenges!

Much of your current role includes finding solutions for issues that include housing/homelessness, mental health/addictions, neighbourhood capacity, accessing recreation, and accessing childcare. Is there one area that is your passion?

If you were given $1 million that you had to donate anonymously, who would be your recipient?

My passion is community development - the belief that anything is possible when people work together. I’ve witnessed this many times and am always amazed at the magic that occurs at a table when people are open and willing to share resources.

Can you tell us your biggest challenges?

Keeping balance in my life. I definitely work hard to protect my downtime. The constant need to fundraise in the non-profit sector - waking up at night and wondering how to keep everything afloat!

How would you like to be remembered?

Yikes – I haven’t thought much about it. Maybe as someone who was passionate about their community.

That is an impossible question for me. I work with too many agencies that need $1 million dollars! How would I choose? Knowing me, I’d probably create a community committee and ask for feedback on how to use the $1 million dollars to leverage more funding for community projects…

Can you give us a brief description of what a typical day looks as Executive Director of the Social Planning Council? Is there a typical day?

There is no typical day and that is why I love my job.

Most days I’m running from one meeting to the next like a chicken with my head cut off. But I choose my meetings carefully and make sure there is a clear action or result at the end. It would be difficult to do this work if you didn’t see real change happening.

Do you think it is more challenging or less challenging working in your field in the Okanagan? Is there a place in Canada that you wish the Okanagan could/would emulate?

I grew up in the Okanagan so I can’t imagine doing this work anywhere else. I think it is less challenging for me because I’m working in my hometown and have relationships that go back many years. There are a number of “community champions” working in fields such as childcare, economic development, food security and the environment so it’s easy to pull teams together to work on specific issues. We can definitely learn from other communities but I’d have to say, there is some cutting edge work happening right here in the Okanagan.

What do you like most about your job?

Building your mental health…

One support at a time Positive relationships at work Good neighbours Ties to your community Caring relationships For a list of mental health resources and CMHA locations, visit our website

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northof50.com 21

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE “To visit Nicaragua was to be shown that the world was not television, or history, or fiction. The world was real, and this was its actual, unmediated reality.” - Salman Rushdie

THIS WOUNDED AND CREATIVE LAND A NICARAGUAN JOURNEY

by Tony Dawson

22 northof50.com

IT WAS SUMMER THERE and the sun so harsh the cattle’s ribs were showing. New and the old mingle as trucks and buses pass ox drawn wagons and small thin horses pull carts through city streets. Music from pirated discs collides with the tolling of proud cathedrals. Cell phones abound. Bullet holes and earthquakes disfigure but shady central squares and open markets enliven and embellish. Try to imagine a country, among the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, holding community poetry workshops. Generations of civil war and a decade long trade embargo have left this country spent but not without spirit.

With some trepidation I applied for a position on a study mission with the Canadian Co-operative Association. We were to visit co-operatives and credit unions to see if indeed, an exchange of business expertise or a small loan can dull poverty’s edge and send children to school. Every dollar contributed toward our tour was matched by three more dollars from the Canadian International Development Agency.

Formed in 1994 with funding and technical assistance from the Canadian Co-operative Association, our first contact was with the multi-sector co-operative which helps to meet the financing, training, technical and marketing needs of six other smaller co-ops through the country. Over the course of ten days we met with growers and directors of these groups to discuss their attempts to add value to their products and quality to their lives.

I overcame my trepidation and here are some experiences from our marvellous trip: On the Atlantic coast, isolated both politically and geographically from the central government in Managua, we visited a fishing village where electricity arrived three months before we did. Co-operative funds have purchased the only motorized fishing boat, which works along side wooden ones still powered by paddles or sails fashioned from USAID grain sacks.

On an island which sports a live volcano, we talked with red bean and sesame seed growers who farm hectare size lots individually, but who have united to store and to sell together. A simple but adequate warehouse financed by our country’s fundraising here at home means these small farmers now count the European Union as a marketing option.

In Managua we talked with the president of the largest national credit union, a business man with a picture of Che Guevara in his office. What started as a small agricultural credit union now negotiates ten million dollar loans from Venezuela at 1% and distributes to Nicaraguan entrepreneurs at 4%. This is development that makes the difference because access to savings and affordable small loans enable people to make their own investments in the private sector.

The first Nicaraguan to hold public office from a

wheelchair is Martha Downs, the director of an association of people with disabilities. This remarkable person is trying to change the workplace by confronting intolerance through public education. Many of her accomplishments have been sustained through donations because one of the co-operative tenets is concern for community.

I noticed this quote on a poster in her office. Clearly a trans-national aspiration yet to be achieved in either of our countries. Martha said she gave a course on awareness and sexuality as it applies to all people but as this is too sensitive a subject for some, she began to include biblical references to get her point across.

On an unscheduled final stop, we climbed to hilly, cooler country to the Heroes and Martyrs coffee plantation, unique from the Canadian perspective as the land is owned and farmed collectively.

Skeptics need to consider that those who have fought for their land may well have learned how to work the land together. The coffee was inter-planted with taller shade crops of plantain, and cocoa. We were offered oranges peeled with a machete and we learned that each bean that we consume with our morning coffee has to be picked, according to maturity, by hand.

This opportunity has helped me to understand that micro finance is an effective response to the problems of low income. I have seen on this trip a measure of economic and social independence that is the result of the efforts of both Nicaraguans and Canadians. However, I think that a bona-fide accounting for all donor contributions and administration costs is absolutely essential if national and international development is to be credible.

“But,” my neighbour said of my trip, “there is poverty right here.” Precisely, and here are two endeavours similar to those we encountered on our tour. The Ontario dairy farmers’ Gay Lea Foods Co-operative is funding a potable water project in Nunavut and Vanity Credit Union has its own Community Investment Bank, which targets low income entrepreneurs in the lower mainland.

I am interested in hearing other thoughts on the complications of international development and I welcome requests to show slides and discuss my Nicaraguan journey.

Tony Dawson grew up in Montreal, struggled through McGill (BA; DIp. Ag) and has been a successful farmer in Cawston, BC for over 25 years. He grows Gala, Braeburn, Fuji and Ambrosia apples and shifted to certified organic production about 15 years ago. Tony recently returned from a sojourn to Nicaragua with the Canadian Co-operative Association. He would like to volunteer overseas in a francophone country and his recent visit to Nicaragua was the first step to reaching that goal. He can be reached at 250-499 2873 or wadawson@nethop.net northof50.com 23

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SPRING CLEANING CLEAN THE FORGOTTEN PLACES IN YOUR HOME detergent is working just fine. Help is here, with handy-dandy, manicurefriendly, premeasured packets called Tide Washing Machine Cleaner that help remove those odor causing residues. Just tear one open and pour into your powder dispenser (works in either your HE or traditional washer) and it’ll help wash away those stinky smells and residues, leaving behind a fresh, clean scent.

Fight the fungus among us: Keepin’ it dry Moisture build-up can become a nasty problem whether it is in your towels, clothing or footwear. Moisture is a breeding ground for mold, so keep shoes and clothing dry by using newspaper to absorb excess water.

During warmer months, make sure to toss towels into the dryer instead of placing on lines to dry.

Easy steps can be taken to tackle spring cleaning.

IT’S SPRING CLEANING SEASON, but you don’t have to dread the chores associated with freshening your home for warm weather. With the winter chill still in the air, thoughts turn to warmer weather, days spent outdoors and one dreaded task -spring cleaning. This year, avoid the huge overhaul and use simple steps to ensure your home is sparkling fresh and clean, even in places you might forget to look. Follow the advice of “The Accidental Housewife” Julie Edelman and use these simple tips and tricks to help maintain a clean home while preserving both your pocketbooks and manicures.

Counter attack: Keepin’ it clear The average household uses 20

percent of its kitchen-related tools 80 percent of the time - that’s a lot of space wasters. This spring, invest in long-lasting and functional appliances that will stand the test of time. You can also use hooks and shelves over the cooking area to clear space on counters and in cabinets.

De-stink the wash: Keepin’ it smellin’ clean Residue from laundry soil, water hardness, and detergent residue can build up and cause odor in your washing machine during the wash cycle. This is actually a common problem that many high efficiency (HE) machine owners face, and they do not know how to fix it. Fear not your machine is not broken and your

Practice feng shui the simple way: Keepin’ it organized Feng shui is all about placing things in a certain way to find harmony and balance within your surroundings and to ease the flow of chi (that’s Chinese for energy, not tea). To help keep the positive energy flowing, take steps to de-clutter your home. Throw away junk mail you keep lying around as well as magazines that are older than three months. You can also toss remotes or other gadgets you have lying around into decorative boxes with fun flower patterns for spring.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

northof50.com 25

HEALTH MATTERS World No Tobacco Day On 31st May each year WHO celebrates World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce consumption. Tobacco use is the second cause of death globally (after hypertension) and is currently responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2010 is gender and tobacco, with an emphasis on marketing to women. WHO will use the day to draw particular attention to the harmful effects of tobacco marketing and smoke on women and girls.

The World Health Assembly created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and its lethal effects.

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13206 Kelly Avenue, Summerland, B.C. 250.494.4166 26 northof50.com

Canada Post Increases Commitment to Mental Health Announces Donation of Proceeds From Sale of New Envelopes Canada Post will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Priority™ Next A.M. and Xpresspost™ domestic prepaid envelopes between April 1 and October 31, 2010 to the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. This initiative is expected to generate approximately $150,000 for the Foundation, which provides critical funding to community-based, non-profit groups helping people struggling with mental illness.

“This is another example of Canada Post’s commitment to mental health,” says Moya Greene, President and CEO of Canada Post. “These envelopes are available at post offices across the country and make it easy for anyone to support the important work done by the Foundation.”

Since June 2008, Canada Post employees, customers and suppliers have raised more than $2.5 million for the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health—a growing legacy of support for the more than 7 million Canadians who will need help with mental health problems this year. Over $1 million in grants have been distributed to 19 groups across Canada and an additional $1.5 million will be distributed in September 2010.

A new envelope design also spreads an important message – Delivering hope for mental illness – that will create awareness of mental health issues. While funds to support care are essential, it’s also important to eliminate the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. “This stigma causes those living with mental illness to be labelled and stereotyped, which is wrong and hurtful,” notes James Roche, Chairman of the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. “The message of hope and awareness spread by these envelopes is enormously important.”

The donation applies to all domestic, Priority™ Next A.M. and Xpresspost™ prepaid envelopes (excluding Value Packs) from April 1 until October 31, 2010, regardless of envelope design.

Stigma of Mental Illness Anonymous

When the Editor of North of 50 asked me if I would write about my personal experience with the stigma of mental illness I agreed as long as I could remain anonymous. I am not going to say where I live, except that I live in the Okanagan. I am not going to say what I do for a living, except that I have what most people would consider a very good job. I don’t want to say anything that might give away who I am, which is completely paranoid since you probably don’t know me anyway. But I’m not taking any chances.

I don’t want you to know who I am because it will change the way you act around me - at least in the beginning. You think you will be understanding and not judge me, but you will. I will be the topic of conversation for awhile. Right now you think I am a successful career person, with a nice family and a good sense of humour, maybe a little eccentric.

But if you knew I have a mental illness, you would begin to wonder if I’m reliable, if I had a weak character, or even if I’m dangerous. Suddenly, you’ll wonder if I really had the flu last month, or if it was my mental illness that kept me from work. My boss would be completely understanding if I had the flu; he knows I will recover from that. He’d be nervous if I was away because of my mental health. Despite my good job performance, would he consider me for future promotions if he knew about my illness?

Like a dyslexic finds ways to hide his inability to read, people with mental illness find ways to hide their condition.

It’s a survival skill. My family and a few close friends are aware I have a mental illness, but it is never talked about.

Others might suspect I have a mental illness, or maybe they just think I’m quirky.

I have been diagnosed and misdiagnosed with every “minor” mental illness under the sun, and a few “major” ones, too. I’ve been told I suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and panic disorder, personality disorder, mood disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and depressive disorder. I’ve got disorders coming up the ying yang. No wonder there is a stigma around mental illness.

Even professionals refer to mental diseases as “disorders” as if it’s a character flaw rather than an illness.

Even my life insurance costs more than my spouse’s because of my history of mental illness.

I’ve been hospitalized a few times, though not in the last twenty-five years, but that stigma of mental illness follows me even to the doctor’s office. My previous doctor chalked every symptom I ever mentioned up to my mental illness.

If I broke my leg, I am convinced he would’ve said, “are you

sure it’s not ‘just’ your depression?” I know he would never minimize some other illnesses this way. He would never say to a diabetic, “Are your sure it’s not ‘just’ your diabetes? My experience is that this is a pervasive attitude among family doctors, so when I changed doctors, I didn’t have my medical records sent over and I haven’t told my new family doctor that I have a history of mental illness. I want to have a clean slate with an unbiased doctor.

When I was younger and particularly vulnerable, I told everyone I had a mental illness. It was my way of coping and trying to understand my own disease. My “confession” was usually met with fear and rejection, rather than the support and understanding I was hoping for. Now that I am older, wiser and healthier, I have learned to “Fake it.” I tell people now, when and if it is appropriate.

In some ways I am dumbfounded by the stigma attached to mental illness, since it is so common. The Canadian Mental Health Association say that one in five British Columbians will suffer from a mental health problem at least once in their lives.

Maybe it’s human nature to fear what we don’t understand.

I have been asked to speak out about mental illness, but I’ve weighed the pros and cons. I do not want to be defined by my mental illness. Maybe if I was famous, like Howie Mandel or Margot Kidder I would use my celebrity to try to remove the stigma of mental illness, but I’m just a regular person who has something to lose, and so I remain anonymous.

CMHA LOCATIONS Kamloops Branch 857 Seymour Street Kamloops, BC V2C 2H6 Phone: (250) 374-0440 Fax: (250) 374-8718 kamloops@cmha.bc.ca Kelowna Branch 504 Sutherland Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 5X1 Phone: 250 - 861 3644 Fax: 250 - 763 4827 kelowna@cmha.bc.ca http://www.kelowna.cmha. bc.ca Shuswap-Revelstoke Branch PO Box 3275 Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4S1 Phone: (250) 832-8477

Fax: (250) 832-8410 info.sr@cmha.bc.ca http://salmonarm.cmha.bc.ca South Okanagan Similkameen Branch 2852 Skaha Lake Road Penticton, BC V2A 6G1 Phone: 250 - 493-8999 Fax: 250 - 493-5541 cmha_sos@shaw.ca http://sos.cmha.bc.ca/ Vernon Branch 3100 28th Avenue Vernon, BC V1T 1W3 Phone: (250) 542-3114 Fax: (250) 549-8446 vernon@cmha.bc.ca http://vernon.cmha.bc.ca

northof50.com 27

STAYCATIONS

49°N 57’W

A staycation is a bit like being a tourist in your own town. Instead of travelling afar for a vacation, you stay home and relax, taking day trips close to home.

Living in the Thompson Okanagan is a bonus for staycationers, considering all there is to do here. Plan your staycation just like you would a regular vacation. Set a time and date for your ‘departure’. Buy a local guidebook. Go on a winery tour. Spend a day at the beach. Have dinner out. Visit a museum or art gallery. Tee off one of the more than 50 golf courses in the Thompson Okanagan. Experience live theatre. Attend a musical festival or sports event.

Find a new hiking trail. The trick to enjoying a staycation is to make sure you do what you would do if you were on vacation: relax and explore!

SPRINGTIME IN ABUNDANT KELOWNA

By Steven Threndyle

AS THE SUN RISES in the sky and the days grow longer, the Okanagan valley emerges from the shadows of winter and blossoms, wildflowers, and plants burst forth in a blaze of colour. Spring is a fabulous time of year to visit Kelowna. This half-day tour takes in four of Kelowna’s prime agri-tourism attractions; Kelowna Land and Orchard, the Okanagan Lavender Farm, CedarCreek Estate Winery, and Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan. You will see that Kelowna is indeed ‘ripe with surprises,’ as its visitors’ guide boasts.

To get directions, check in at the Tourism Info Centre at 544 Harvey Street (Highway 97), and get a map and directions from a helpful staff member.

Kelowna Land and Orchard has been such a major player in the city’s economy that there’s even a major road – K.L.O. Road – leading up to it. They’ve been growing fruit on this 150-acre east Kelowna property for over a century, and to this day Kelowna Land and Orchard is very much a familyowned working orchard. In April and May, hundreds of apple trees are festooned with the snow-white blossoms, a sure sign that spring has arrived in the Okanagan.

Since 1995, the Bullock family has welcomed visitors to their orchard, and improvements continue to be made to provide a quality visitor experience. Kids love the petting zoo and the tractor-driven tour of the orchards which includes stops to sample the juicy, flavorful apples. The Ridge Restaurant at K.L.O is led by Chef Travis Hackl from 28 northof50.com

Okanagan’s Finest Foods. The menu features informal, family-friendly lunches and barbecues using locally-grown produce and beverages, such as the award-winning Raven Ridge Cider that is made right on the premises. The Farm Shop sells locally-produced jams, jellies, handicrafts, and of course freshly-harvested apples and freshly-pressed apple juice.

It’s a short drive from Kelowna Land and Orchard over to the Okanagan Lavender Farm on winding, pleasant back road that offers fabulous views over the lake and up into the South Hills. The Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm is tucked just off Takla Road. You don’t need to go to Provence in the springtime to enjoy the fabulous scents from this vibrantlyhued purple and pale-green herb. Over sixty varieties of lavender are organically grown on this two-acre plot and are refined into an exotic range of products which include oils, soaps, hand cream, and even lavender jelly and dried lavender herbs for cooking and baking.

No trip to the Okanagan would be complete without a visit to a winery, and CedarCreek Estate Winery is internationally renowned, being the recipient of many awards. Fans of the blockbuster movie Sideways will note that CedarCreek’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir has received rave reviews; indeed, big, hearty reds have truly come into their own at CedarCreek. The surrounding fifty-acre vineyard is located on a tilted benchland above Okanagan Lake – even without sampling the wines, the views are

intoxicating. The Mediterranean style wine shop and tasting room features ceramic tile floors, rounded archways, white stucco walls and a river-rock fireplace. The Vineyard Terrace serves up light lunch fare on a patio that offers one of the Okanagan’s finest al fresco gourmet experience, June through September.

Driving farther south on Lakeshore, you begin to notice hillsides and forests scorched by the Okanagan Mountain firestorm of 2003. The surprise here is that not only are wildflowers and grasses poking through the ashy soil, but that people who lost their houses and businesses rebounded quickly as well.

Take, for instance, the incredible story of Ofer and Ofri Barmor, who moved to Canada in March of 2003 to start their own dairy and produce custom-made goat cheese. As Ofri says, “the valley already has lots of wineries, but didn’t produce much cheese. What goes better with wine than cheese?” With their original dairy almost completed, the wildfire that spread north from near Naramata in August, 2003 incinerated their almost-completed outbuildings (the Barmor’s house was damaged, but remained largely intact).

Showing unwavering determination in the face of such a disaster, the Israeli couple pushed on with their plans and opened up Carmelis Goat Cheese the following spring (2004). Having faced the challenge of rebuilding from the ashes of the fire, the Barmors are reaping their just reward selling visitors to the Okanagan on their artisan-crafted goat cheese.

Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan is located in the heart of the forest fire burn area, on Timberline Road about six kilometres south of the Lakeshore/Chute Lake Road intersection. Pre-booked tours of the dairy are offered at a nominal fee and include a ‘cheese plate’ of the most aromatic and unique cheeses in western Canada. No bland bricks of orange cheddar, here! Kids love the 100-some goats that roam freely over the nearby acreage. The hay, alfalfa, and feed that is the staple of the goats’ diet is 100% organic, and a surprise here is that they even make “hard” cheeses like their Vintage and Toscany products. You can visit their cheese shop without pre-arranging a tour as well as they offer cheese tastings at the counter.

OK, so you’ve got fresh apples, goat cheese, an awardwinning pinot noir, and a bouquet of lavender. Where to go to work up your appetite? Bertram Creek Regional Park is the perfect place for that romantic lakefront walk. Though most visitors stay on the grassy area just up from the beach, a short hike along the bluffs above the boat dock provides one of the most panoramic views of Okanagan Lake from anywhere in the Valley. Then, bon appétit, and enjoy the spring sunshine!

Tourist Information: Tourism Kelowna, 544 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna,, BC Toll Free: 1-800-663-4345 or (250) 861-1515 www. tourismkelowna.com Kelowna Land and Orchard, Kelowna Land & Orchard 3002 Dunster Road, Kelowna, BC (250) 763-1091 www.kl-o.com, Okanagan Lavender Farm, 4380 Takla Road, Kelowna, (250) 764-7795 www.okanaganlavender.com CedarCreek Estate Winery, 5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, (250) 764 8866; www.cedarcreek.bc.ca Carmelis Goat Cheese, 170 Timberline Rd. Kelowna, BC; (250) 470-0341 www.carmelisgoatcheese.com

Photos Courtesy of Tourism Kelowna, left to right - Okanagan Lavender and Herb Farm, CedarCreek Estate Winery: photographer Brian Sprout, Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan

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AWAY FROM HOME

32°N 59’ 11’’N

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The Natural Beauty of Alpine Helen, Georgia

WITH ITS BAVARIAN STYLE AND SENSIBILITY, Alpine Helen, in North Georgia, may seem something of an anomaly to hikers emerging from the Appalchian Trail. Old World towers and balconies, German-themed murals and gingerbread trim, narrow cobblestone alleys and strasses and platzes in place of streets and avenues - all the earmarks of an Alpine village are visible against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But don’t let this German-flavored hamlet fool you.

Helen is more than a pretty face: Perched on the Chattahoochee River, Helen and White County sit amidst miles of forested hiking trails, scads of shopping possibilities, a restaurant landscape scented with both traditional German fare and internationally spiced fine dining, and a flourishing arts community.

The centre of Cherokee Indian culture prior to 1800, the area would eventually take its place on the “Trail of Tears,” be overrun with miners with the 1828 discovery of gold on Dukes Creek in Nacoochee Valley and decimated by the lumber industry - all before the town was officially christened Helen in 1913 when it was named for the daughter of a railroad surveyor. In 1968, a dying Helen was reborn as an Alpine village, courtesy of a group of local entrepreneurs and an area artist who had once been stationed in Germany.

Today, Helen is a thriving village with more than 150 shops stocking everything from European cuckoo clocks to handmade quilts to original works of art to coarse-ground cornmeal from a 1,500-pound mill wheel, plus dozens of restaurants. Higher Ground Coffee & More recently opened and its brewed cuppa is the perfect pairing for the homemade fudge and other sweet confections at the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen. More than 1,200 lodging rooms are located in hotels and bed and breakfasts in town, in condos on the river and in cabins and villas in the surrounding mountains. Its population hovering at 300 or so, Helen, one of Georgia’s top attractions, has created a unique experience for the approximately 1.5 million visitors who enjoy colorful mountain heritage blended with a touch of Bavaria.

Old World craftsmen still ply their trades: Keith Wright, The Bowl Maker, carves hand-hewn bowls and serving pieces; Phillip and Janine Shelby produce handcrafted fine art glass at the Glass Mountain Gallery; Priscilla Wilson artfully renders functional and decorative items and collectibles from dried-out shells at The Gourd Place, home of Gourdcraft Originals; resident potters Emily DeFoor and Betsy Ledbetter work at their wheels at The Willows Pottery; four distinguished potters create both functional and artistic handmade pottery at Mark of the Potter; and master glass blowers carry on the tradition at The Glassblowing Shop. Adding a touch of whimsy is Thomas

Carr, self-taught woodcarver and owner of North Georgia Elfworks, who creates green Elfmade Toys using 90 percent recycled materials.

Helen is home to two wineries, including the long established, award-winning Habersham Winery renowned for its Creekstone label, which is one of Georgia’s oldest, and Yonah Mountain Vineyards, vintner of flagship wine 2006 Genesis, one of the state’s newest. Sautee-Nacoochee Vineyards will soon uncork its wines at its new tasting room across from the Old Sautee Store.

Mother Nature is a major attraction in and around Helen: There are more than 21 waterfalls, including Anna Ruby Falls; Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain, peaks at 4,784 feet and offers a spectacular view of four states on clear days; Unicoi State Park has a white sand beach with swimming, a 53-acre mountain lake for fishing, canoeing and paddle boating, and a variety of exhibits and interpretive programs on woodcarving, quilting, wild flowers, bird watching and mountain cultural heritage - not to mention hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Festivals and special events keep the calendar hopping year-round and include Oktoberfest, which runs from midSeptember through November. The longest such event in the South, Helen’s Oktoberfest features fun in a massive Festhalle and beer garden, plus fresh-cooked wurst and a large variety of German beers. From Thanksgiving through December Alpine Helen offers holiday entertainment during a time of year equally well-suited to hiking along the trails to area waterfalls and sitting beside a crackling fire to enjoy winter in the mountains.

A natural beauty, Helen is hiker-friendly, too. There is a large parking area at the trail head and locals are familiar with picking up hikers coming off the trail. Hikers traversing Springer Mountain to Helen typically leave their car in this lot for their return. In Helen, hikers may avail themselves of the Helen Soap Opera Laundromat, as well as the post office, where they may have supplies shipped via general delivery. The White County Public Library-Helen Branch has computers hikers are free to use. Sautee Resorts, located at South Main Street next to Subway, offers basic camping and fishing supplies, and Betty’s Country Store has food and supplies hikers may want to stock up on for the next leg of their journey.

A strollable downtown with chummy eateries and watering holes - including an old-fashioned ice cream parlor at Scoop de Scoop’s, shops of every description, services and supplies, a Festhalle where you can raise a stein and hear live music during Oktoberfest - plus area arts and attractions and all turned out in Bavarian wraps, Alpine Helen is a festive stopover for hikers. northof50.com 31

GRANDPARENTS Raising GRANDCHILDREN Story and photos by Dawn Renaud

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WHEN PEGGY STEVENS’S DAUGHTER HAD HER FIRST CHILD, she was still in her teens but lived on her own. She wasn’t too excited about having her mom’s help. Peggy figured she was trying to prove her independence, so she did what she could and gave her some space. But not long after the birth of her second grandchild, Peggy got the call: Come get the kids, or they’re going into care.

As it turned out, Peggy’s daughter was dealing with clinical depression. Undiagnosed and untreated, she was struggling to do it all herself. “On top of this her first child—and we did not know this at the time—is autistic,” says Peggy. “Here she is thinking this child doesn’t like her, because she can’t hold him or comfort him.”

Jane Howell* had already finished raising her children.

Self-employed and enjoying a variety of volunteer activities, she was in a relatively new relationship with Sam when they got the call: Unless a family member comes for your grandchild, she will be put up for adoption.

Sam’s granddaughter had been in ministry-ordered foster care for several months, but despite extensions his daughter (also in her teens) had not completed the counselling sessions she’d been assigned.

Suddenly plunged into the chaotic world of skip-generation households, Jane and Sam discovered they had plenty of company. Not all of those “slightly older” parents at the playground were actually parents; not every sixty-something grandparent was simply enjoying a “visit” with the kids. Some were raising their grandchildren through circumstances outside anyone’s control, but most often it was through the poor choices of the parents—usually involving drugs. Jane notes that while many teen moms have successfully raised their children, youth was often a factor; drugs and alcohol compounded immaturity for many, and created problems for older parents too. Sometimes children were “dumped” on their grandparents’ doorstep by parents unwilling to behave responsibly, snatched back months later at their parents’ convenience—only to be dumped again.

Peggy says some grandparents find themselves battling their own children in court for custody, but without proof the parents are unfit, they won’t win. When grandparents know their grandchildren are being abused or neglected, they are in the unbearable position of having to ask the authorities to investigate their own children. “It’s an easy thing to say, Go to the Ministry,” says Peggy. She doubts she

would have taken that step herself. Had she been aware that her daughter wasn’t managing to care for the children, she says she probably would have gone to her daughter’s home more often, been more diligent.

It seems likely that’s the choice most parents would make.

“But you know what?” she says. “That’s when you wear out because now you’re always over there fixing it all up.” Where grandparents are caught up in this dilemma, there is no easy answer. “I can say that in my experience, the Ministry’s people were very good. They weren’t there to make my daughter out to be a bad person; they were there to protect the kids.”

Regardless of the initial circumstances, Peggy recommends grandparents keep a journal and writing everything down.

“It’s overwhelming,” she says. “There’s so much to do.” Most children arrive as toddlers, often in diapers. Taking daily responsibility for any toddler is daunting, but many of these children bring a heavy load of additional baggage; fetal alcohol syndrome, autism, learning disabilities—at the very least, they’re likely to experience separation anxiety and trust issues.

Their bewildered grandparents go from agency to agency, trying to ask the right questions only to find employees don’t have an answer, or are restricted in what they’re allowed to say. “I’ve learned more about the system in the last ten years than I have ever, ever wanted to know,” says Jane. “And I still know nothing about the system.”

When grandparents raise grandchildren, there’s a major shift in family dynamics. Jane wonders how grandparents manage when they have other grandchildren. “That’s got to be a huge challenge,” she says. Every relationship is altered, including how the parent fits into the family—and the stepfamily.

“I think for my stepdaughter, it would have been far easier in many ways if it was someone totally removed,” says Jane, who eventually took on the care of a second grandchild.

Although she had nothing to do with the circumstances leading to the children entering her care, she says, “I became the enemy.”

Jane also wonders if her stepdaughter would have grown up faster if she hadn’t been able to maintain a relationship with her children without taking responsibility. “We definitely enabled her to live the life she wanted to live, and

Not all of those “slightly older” parents at the playground were actually parents; not every sixtysomething grandparent was simply enjoying a “visit” with the kids.

northof50.com 33

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have her kids too,” she says. “When she’d couch surf at our house, we’d encourage her to parent—give them their bath, read them their bedtime story. She saw it as us trying to force her to stay home instead of going out with her friends.”

Raising grandchildren isn’t a part-time role. “You don’t have a life outside of it,” says Peggy. She and Jane both found it difficult to find babysitters just so they could continue to work. Neither could afford to quit; retired grandparents sometimes return to work to cover the additional expenses—groceries, vehicles that can accommodate car seats, and bigger homes.

“Two hundred dollars a month for each child doesn’t even begin to help you when you’ve got to move from a one or two bedroom retirement complex to a three or four bedroom housing complex,” says Peggy. “Financially, I think it’s a shame they’re not helping grandparents more.”

Peggy was eligible for some financial assistance, and she eventually found plenty of good professional help for her grandchildren. Raising a special-needs child can prove an extraordinary challenge. “I don’t think anybody at 18 can go out and fight the world to get help for their child,” she says, “especially when they haven’t a clue what’s wrong.”

Today, Peggy’s daughter is gradually resuming her role as full parent; she lives in a suite in Peggy’s home. “It helps me,” says Peggy, “and it helps her because she can be involved with the kids without being overwhelmed by them.”

After several years, Jane’s grandchildren are back with their mom. She and Sam try not to worry, and Jane says it’s nice not to have the daily responsibility. “Grandparents aren’t supposed to have that,” she says. “We’re supposed to be able to take them to Tickleberry’s, feed them full of ice cream, and then take them home and say: ‘We had a wonderful time!

Here, they’re all yours.’ ” *Names changed

Okanagan-Shuswap Moms Strive for Balance

By Leila Meyer BEING A MOM IS HARD WORK, but it’s worth it. That’s the message from three Okanagan-Shuswap mothers living in very different circumstances as they strive to balance motherhood with other responsibilities.

Ingrid van de Leest is a single working mother living in Vernon with her four kids, two aged 13 and 11, and eightyear-old twins. She starts her day by getting them ready for school. Once they’re out the door, she has a few minutes to straighten up before heading off to her full-time job as an office administrator at a strata management company. At the end of the day, her kids get home before she does, but her oldest daughter has her CPR and babysitting certificates and looks after the younger ones until van de Leest gets home from work. After supper, it’s time to drive the kids to dance or soccer practice, or whatever activity is going on that evening. Once the kids are in bed, she might have an hour to herself to “watch TV, read a book, or go on the computer, and then off to bed myself because I’m usually so darn tired!” she says. Because her ex-husband lives out of town, he’s only able to take the kids for one night on the weekend, once or twice a month. The rest of the time, they’re van de Leest’s responsibility.

Van de Leest’s biggest struggle is finding enough time for herself. “For me, it’s trying to find the balance between making sure everybody is tended to and that they’re not feeling neglected in any way, and finding enough time for myself to sleep and exercise. You can only do so much, and you have to realize your own limitations,” she says. For van de Leest, time for herself often means cleaning the house or doing yard work. “For me, that’s therapeutic,” she says.

Her kids are her reward for all her hard work. “They really, truly are great people,” she says. “As exhausting and tiring as things are, suddenly one of them will come and give me a hug and say, ‘Mom, I love you,’ and it just gives me that little extra boost to keep going. They’re just joyful people, and I like being with them. Period.”

Cheryl Harris is a stay-at-home mother who lives in Kelowna with her husband and three kids, aged 14, 7, and 20 months. As a stay-at-home mom, it’s easy to assume that she has time for everything. That’s what she thought it would be like when she left her full-time job as a software installation coordinator at a medical software company to stay at home with her kids after her last baby was born. “I always thought if I was a stay-at-home mom, everything would be perfect.

The house would be clean and everything would get done, but the reality is that it’s not going to be like that until my youngest gets older.”

Harris’s biggest challenge is balancing the needs of her three kids, who are six to seven years apart. “You get pulled in so many directions with three kids,” she says, “and they always fight for attention. That was a big part of the reason for staying at home because I find that as the kids are getting older, they need me more.”

When she first became a stay-at-home mom, she struggled with the lack of adult interaction. At her job, she had been used to talking to people all day, and suddenly she was home alone with a baby. Since then, she has joined a group for moms and babies. “It was definitely a lifesaver to have somebody else to talk to or just to know that I’d be going out that day, once a week, to talk to other moms. They’re really welcoming, and I don’t feel so isolated anymore.”

Harris’s wish is that people, and especially husbands, would realize that being a stay-at-home mom is a lot of work. “It may not seem tough, but it is. It has its own challenges.” But even though being a stay-at-home mom isn’t as easy as she thought it would be, she’s happy with her new career. “It’s rewarding to me just knowing that my kids are happy,” she says.

Leanne Morton is a self-employed mother of a threeand-a-half-year-old, who lives in Salmon Arm. She has a little studio on her property where she works as a massage practitioner three days a week. The other two days a week, she does financial bookkeeping for companies. Her son is in part-time daycare and her husband has gone back to school for retraining, so he’s home enough to help out. When Morton’s son was born, she decided to continue working. “I love being a parent, but I like my work. It would have been hard for me to cut back on my clientele because I had spent 10 years building up my business.”

For Morton, the biggest challenge is finding the balance between parenting and work. Self-employment helps her achieve that balance. “Being self-employed, I have flexibility,” she says. “My clients are great. If I wake up tomorrow and my son is sick, I can phone everyone and cancel. They’re very understanding that way.” Working from home also sometimes allows her to squeeze in time with her son during the workday. “Yesterday afternoon I had a half-hour break between clients, and I was out bouncing on the trampoline with him for half an hour,” she says. Still, she does struggle to balance her time between her son, her work, her other responsibilities, and still find time for herself. “But it’s all worth it,” she says. “When he comes up to me and says, ‘I love you, Mommy,’ that’s what it’s all about.” northof50.com 35

Writers Wanted DON

SAWYER

FAIR COMMENT

North of 50 is looking for new freelance talent to complement our small, hard-working, and dedicated editorial team. If you can:

•produce tight, bright copy that’s entertaining to read • interview multiple sources and weave a narrative that explodes on the page •meet deadlines all the time, every time, without fail then, take a look at our writers guidelines and back issues on-line. If you are comfortable with the terms, send us three writing samples (published or not) to editor@northof50.com.

North of 50

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Fish in Water

WHILE RESEARCHING AN ARTICLE for next month’s issue on immigration, I came across this comment from a minister in a Dutch Reformed Church: “A phrase from a recent workshop on cultural and ethnic differences keeps coming back to me: ‘a fish doesn’t know that it’s in the water.’ Those of us in churches made up primarily of a single ethnic and/or cultural group may not be aware of how we show our ethnicity or culture. But those who visit our churches sure are!”

People swim in cultural and social waters largely invisible to them. Inevitably we lose sight of the fact that the way we do things is not the only way, or even the best way. It issimply our way.

Why do you believe what you do? Why do you keep eye contact when listening? Why do you shake hands when meeting someone rather than kissing him or her on the cheek? How do you know some people aren’t trustworthy as soon as you see them?

The honest answer? Just because.

As long as we are living with tribe mates in homogeneous villages, “just because” is good enough. After all, we have

meaning. What happens when a Chinese speaker carries his linguistic pattern over to English? Try saying “Sit down” with a sharp downward inflection on the last syllable. Not very inviting, eh? You react appropriately from your cultural perspective (glower and are reminded once again how rude Chinese are), and he from his (What’s’ he glaring at?

Racist.).

We may not be aware of how we reveal ourselves to outsiders, but they sure are. Too often, since they also fish in water, their perceptions may be totally inaccurate. But what choice do they have? Only when we begin to learn more about the cultural water we swim in – and that of fish from other seas – can we begin to consciously alter our ways. With 34 ethnic groups with at least one hundred thousand members each in Canada, abandoning our unconscious ethnocentricity is critical to building a strong and more inclusive country. The good news is we have lots of opportunity to practice.

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 web site at www.northerned.com.

FAIRWEATHER I

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11th Ave.

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Fairweather Rd. Highway 6

shared the same acculturation process, from common myths (except, of course, that ours are true) to direct and indirect instruction on what it means to be a good person. But when we move out of the village, or others move in from far-away villages where they have not learned to be properly human, all hell breaks loose.

Example: When I was studying communication back in my undergrad days, we watched a tape of an American meeting a businessman from Ecuador at a cocktail party.

Most of the ten minutes or so were filled with predictable small talk about weather, the loveliness of each other’s country, and so on. But what was more interesting was the movement of the two. While the men had started in the middle of an average living room, ten minutes later the American had his back to the wall, his face turned sideways, while the Ecuadorian stood in front of him looking frustrated.

When the two men walked away, the cameraman interviewed each about his first impression of the other.

“I don’t know,” the American said shaking his head.

“Hispanics seem so aggressive. Always in your face.”

The Ecuadorian expressed similar reservations. “Americans are very distant,” he told the camera. “They think they’re better than anyone else.”

So what was really going on? When speaking, North Americans like to stay “at arm’s length” (earlobe at first knuckle of index finger, or about 2.5 feet, to be exact). In South America, the conversational distance is around 1.5 feet. The result? The Ecuadorian, feeling too far away to be comfortable, stepped forward to establish his comfort zone.

The American (no doubt his eyes crossing), unconsciously stepped back to reestablish his personal space. The two did a little dance until the American was plastered against the wall and the man from Ecuador was left wondering what the hell was wrong with those arrogant Americans.

Here’s a couple more. Our sense of timing in a conversation is very precise – and totally unconscious. In Anglo culture, we wait for less than a second after pausing to allow our partner to add his or her two cents worth. If you wait longer than that I assume you’ve got nothing to say on the topic and am free to hold forth once again. But what happens when an Anglo speaker converses with someone from another culture, such as an Athabaskan, where the appropriate wait period is two seconds? It’s not pretty.

Damned white guys never stop yakking, never give us a chance to get a word in edgewise. And those Native folks?

They just stand there silent as a stone. Why don’t they talk more?

Mandarin Chinese uses four distinct tones, each of which when applied to the same word entirely changes its

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ARTWORKS STUDIO A Refuge for Those Dealing with Mental Health Issues Story and photo by Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug

DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH issues is always stressful so having a place for people to be a part of a creative community is a welcome refuge. ArtWorks Studio in Kelowna is just such a place - a relaxing oasis of art with 45 budding artists. This May the work of this group will be front and centre at their Fifth annual Art Show and Sale ‘Creative Transitions’ from Friday, May 7 to Sunday, May 9. The event, at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) building, is free and open to the public, featuring over 110 art pieces.

A peek inside the ArtWorks Studio reveals a peaceful and friendly environment with a bright, sunlit yellow room with participants busily sketching or drawing at tables, or painting at the easels. An acrylic of Mother Theresa waits for some finishing touches, along with colourful abstracts such as the ‘Study in Scarlet,’ still lifes of fruit, and eye-catching 38 northof50.com

murals that fill the room with vibrancy.

Coordinator Bev Anderson strolls through the room periodically, to lend encouragement and gentle instruction to the artists. “The purpose of the studio is for people who are living with a mental health issue, with mental illness, to come in and have an opportunity to explore their creativity,” she explains, “ to socialize, to get away from the isolation that often accompanies a mental illness, to discover that they can, in fact, learn again.” People with a wide range of mental illnesses from depression to schizophrenia and bipolar disorders to those dealing with the stress of personal issues like divorce, come to the Artworks Studio. Anderson notes that it is a place where people can go to belong. “Some place where they can come and not be judged. There’s no stigma here attached to mental illness, there’s no discrimination... it’s a very warm and welcoming environment.”

About “taking chances” Previous art experience is not necessary to become a studio member, and there is more to learn than just art skills.

“We have team projects, so a smaller group, maybe three or four people, will get together and create a painting, while learning cooperation skills,” says Anderson. The work also helps people to learn to take chances, “by doing something they’ve never tried before in their art and discovering they can correct anything, or that the risk paid off. Then they can take that new skill into their daily life.”

Anderson believes that “sometimes we’re so busy in our daily lives working and making a living, and surviving that we don’t have the opportunity, or the time or the income to explore any sort of creativity within ourselves.”

The Studio hosts in-house class sessions, as well as guest instructors who come in and teach various classes such as watercolour, beading, clay sculpture, and much more. All materials are supplied and everything is free.

One man sits at the long art table with a pencil crayon in hand, working on a drawing of an aircraft, while a woman nearby works on a huge mural that is a group effort. “I feel more comfortable in a group, because then you see other people doing it,” she says. “I’ve really enjoyed it, because I’m meeting people that I wouldn’t probably meet normally.”

For her being around other people is a real motivator. “And I couldn’t get myself to do it at home by myself as much, so I’m thinking I’m getting more confidence.”

The coordinator is very helpful and patient, says the artist, “Bev has been so great, and she pushes you, in a nice way, and she doesn’t do it for you. Bev never says it’s wrong, she just suggests.” That’s in keeping with the Artworks motto: we have to make mistakes to learn.

Artwork spills out into the halls of the mental health building. Every few months, one of the artists’ works is featured in the entranceway to the CMHA building and on the CMHA website, along with the artist’s biography.

Anderson’s office is full of artwork ready to be framed or awaiting display for the upcoming exhibition. She looks through some of them, noting the background of the artists, such as the man who is losing his eyesight, yet producing creative abstract art, or the lady who had done glass work, but never knew she could just paint. Her sketch of laughing horses hangs in the hallway.

like this and more support for the arts in general, because it’s not just about making artists. There’s therapeutic benefits of creating art.” Proof of these benefits is seen in a woman who has been coming to the art studio since February. “I’ve always liked artwork but I never had the discipline to sit down and do it,” she says. “I’ve been told by my psychiatrist that it’s very, very therapeutic for me.”

Anderson finds her work with the studio one of the most rewarding activities, especially the joy she gets from seeing someone have that “little ‘ah-ha’ moment. It’s great.”

Photo: Kelowna artist works on a mural at the ArtWorks Studio based in the CMHA building.

Therapeutic benefits of art Also assisting the budding artists is Ketreena Schultz, an Art Therapist volunteer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. “I love being here. I think it’s rewarding and enjoyable and very helpful for everybody,” she says. “We need more programs northof50.com 39

may

VPAG vernonpublicartgallery.com

EXHIBITIONS KAG kelownaartgallery.com

SAGA sagapublicartgallery.ca

May 8 to 29, WHO’S DRIVING THE BUS? An exhibition of new works by youth aged 15 to 25. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm.

Now to May 23. SURREAL. REAL. IDEAL.: THE ART OF JOICE M. HALL, May 15 to September 26, DYSFUNCTIONAL CHAIRS: TREVOR MAHOVSKY & RHONDA WEPPLER Now to June 4, ART IN ACTION: INSIDE OUT This exhibition features approximately 125 works of art created by students in Kelowna’s public and private high schools.

ARTS HAPPENING

PENTICTON ART ART GALLERY pentictonartgallery.com

Now to May 16, LAURIE PAPOU: STORM. The works draw upon the age old theme of nature and examine the human resilience to adversity and change through acts of reinvention and the ultimate acceptance of the absence of control.

GALLERY VERTIGO galleryvertigo.com

Now to to May 16th, “Still here...”: The Ninth Annual North Okanagan Artists Alternative Members Juried Exhibition May 15th and May 16th ART RUSH! Open House and Studio Tours May 12th @ 7:30pm, Lecture: Issues in Contemporary Art with Katie Brennan May 25th to June 12th Next Exhibition: Katie Belcher and Joanne Pringle, Reception May 27th 5-8pm

May 6 and May 20, SAGA Jazz Club:. An ever-changing selection of jazz musicians come together for a fantastic evening of live music.

Admission is by donation.

7pm

May 8, DONALD FORTIN, Hardwood Designs May 11, Early 20th Century Art, 12 pm May 15, Lynda Doyle, LTD Pottery, 1 pm May 18, Late 20th Century Art, 12 pm May 27, Opening Reception, 5-8 pm, Glenn Clark , UBCO BFA Graduating Class, Katie Belcher May 29, Artist Talk, Katie Belcher: Housescape 1-2 pm

PERFORMANCES ROTARY CENTRE FOR THE ARTS www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com

VERNON PERFORMING ARTS ticketseller.ca

May 11, JESSE COOK, 7:30pm, Platinum selling World Music guitar sensation May 8, FATHEAD See Toronto’s 5 piece Double Juno awarded Blues band... The Tree Brewing RCA Spotlight Series presents Fathead! Don’t miss the sax, harp & sizzle at 7:30pm at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Tickets at selectyourtickets.com

May 16, GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS, 8:00pm May 17, BOB MCDONALD, 7:30pm SHUSWAP FILM SOCIETY shuswapfilm.net

May 15 - DEFENDOR May 22 - FATHERS AND GUNS May 29 - GHOST WRITER

COMING EVENTS

may

May 7, WE ARE THE CITY AND AIDAN KNIGHT are bringing their Reckless Bravery Tour to Kelowna! Location: Rotary Centre For The Arts - Mary Irwin Theatre Tickets are $10 + s/c in advance at the Rotary Centre for the Arts Box office, by phone(250) 717-5304, and online at selectyourtickets.com

May 15, DEB HUMPHRIES hosts a fabric design workshop from 1-4 pm at Timbercreek Hall in Enderby with a new technique bleach patterning. Come and learn another way to decorate cloth and help create some watery designs.Call Runaway Moon at (250)306-3935 info@runawaymoon.org, www.runawaymoon.org

May 8, MONSTER SPECTACULAR, is coming to the SOEC in Penticton. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Show is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at SOEC Box Office, Wine Country Visitors Centre, charge by phone at 1-877-SOEC-TIX (763-2849) or go online. The show features some of the biggest 4x4 trucks in the world.

May 16, ARTS IN BLOOM. This fundraising event focuses on a select few phenomenal young artists - some have performance experience with the VSO and the OSO. The top young artist performers of B.C. are “standing ovation calibre”, some with national & international experience. Creekside Theatre, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC Tickets $20.00 adults $15.00 students/seniors $64.00 group of 4.

May 9, ODE TO JOY from the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. The OSO’s own Imant Raminsh creates the first half of a huge finale to a stellar year of music at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre. 8:00 pm. (250) 549 - 7469, ticketseller.ca May 9, THE KELOWNA BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL CELIAC SOCIETY will hold a meeting and potluck lunch at the Seniors Activity Centre, Bottom Lake Road, Winfield, opposite the arena. This meeting will start at 11.30 AM, as Dr Brent Barlow, will be speaking followed by Q & A session. Please bring a gluten free main dish and/or desert, cutlery and dishes. For further info, please call Katrina at (250) 546 3280.

May 20 - 23, May 27 - 30, THE MIRACLE WORKER tells one of the 20th century’s most inspiring stories, revealing the trials and tribulations of Helen Keller and her care-giver, Anne Sullivan, as they forged what would become a 49-year-long friendship.

Kelowna Actors Studio is the only licensed dinner theatre in the Okanagan Valley. (250) 862 2867 or kelownaactorsstudio.com.

May 22, DANIEL STARK wraps up MAKING MUD, Runaway Moon’s ceramics workshop series. From 1-4 pm, also at the Timbercreek Hall, this well-known potter will be sharing his clay skills and leading participants in the creation of beautiful

May 10, ANDRÉ-PHILIPPE GAGNON, Kelowna Community Theatre, 8:00 pm André-Philippe Gagnon was just a young hopeful when he did his very first impressions. Five years old!

From Josh Groban to Tracy Chapman, Louis Armstrong, James Brown, The Rat Pack and Elton John– almost better than the original! TICKETS $43.50 + S/C, Available at all Ticketmaster outlets, or online ticketmaster.ca.

May 11,12,13 & 14, SHOUT!: A NEW MUSICAL. Shout! follows four teens who can’t seem to express themselves. 7:30 pm at Creekside Theatre, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, (250) 766-9309, Tickets at the Door. $10 for adults $7.50 for student/senior.

May 12, THE KELOWNA GARDEN CLUB will hold its Monthly Meeting at 7:30 pm, Seniors Center, Branch 17, 1353 Richter Street. Ken Hayter, owner and creator of Linden Gardens will speak on and present a photo history of the building of Linden Gardens in Kaleden. He will also speak about the spirit lifting ability of garden work and garden visits. For Further information, please contact Linda Edser, (250)-769-6893 May 14, SIRENS IN SONG: A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN MUSIC. A wide range of musical styles from pop to jazz to classical are featured, drawn from a wealth of talented women composers and performers, spanning the decades. The concert takes place at the Mary Irwin Theatre at the Rotary Center for the Arts and tickets will soon be available through selectyourtickets.com, or at the door. northof50.com 41

water-bearing vessels. For more info contact Runaway Moon at (250)306-3935, info@runawaymoon.org, www.runawaymoon.org May 22, THE KELOWNA SINGLES CLUB DANCE. Held at Rutland Centennial Hall, 180A Rutland Rd. N., (250) 763-1355.

Doors open 7:00 p.m.,Dancing - 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.Members - $9.00 per person - Non-Members $12.00 per person.Music by Vince & orchestra.

from Makin Music, Rotary Global Village, Circus Arts, Aboriginal Village, Nylon Zoo to the always popular Wacky Hair. Tickets are now available for all schools. Contact Karen at (250) 493-8800 to book your class.

May 28, BILL COSBY at Prospera Place in Kelowna.Two shows, 6 pm and 9 pm. Tickets available by phone at (250)762-5050, online at selectyourtickets.com, or in person at the Prospera Place Box Office.

May 22, HERB DIXON WITH ROB BALSDON AND FRIENDS, 8 p.m. Herb has built and honed his material on his way up the ladder of comedy today, Herb Dixon is one of North America’s most sought-after comedy’s acts! Adult show, all seats $22 Creekside Theatre - 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country. Call (250) 766-9309.

May 29, SINGIN’ SWINGIN’ AND ALL THAT JAZZ, a the Mary Irwin Theatre. MASK (Musical Actors and Singers of Kelowna) are promoting our newest show. 8:00 pm. Show features theatrical tributes to Chicago, Lion King and Wicked.

Tickets will be on sale for $20 at selectyourtickets.com.

May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, THE 19TH ANNUAL 2010 BC OPEN GOLD PANNING CHAMPIONSHIPS AND FAMILY FUN DAYS sponsored by the Vernon Placer Miners Club will be held at The Goldpanner Campground at 423 Highway 6, Cherryville, BC on May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. Event Chair- Diane Fulbrook at (250)503-1035. For Campground reservations call (250) 547-2025 or Lodge Inn Retreat(15 minutes away)- 1-888-547-0110.

JULY 11 & 12, FIRST ANNUAL COMMUNITY DAY AND PRO-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT. Vernon Golf and Country Club is donating the golf course for the two days and Kalamalka Rotary will manage the event which is expected to raise as much as $30,000 toward the Rotary commitment of a quarter million dollars for the maternal child floor of the new VJH Tower of Care.

Pro-Am Details: Cec Ferguson – 250-542-0151

May 27 - 29, THE 8TH ANNUAL ROTARY OKANAGAN CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL. Onsite activities and workshops vary

Custom Binding

by Trysch in Winfield great custom gifts family cook books single publications custom art books custom binders

custom scrap books notebooks repairs rebinding of damaged books

MOBILE & AVAILABLE

Contact trysch@gmail.com or at 250-863-0421 for more information or for an appointment

•Free Residential •Post A Story •List A Business!

TOCA is made for you and me!

www.chrisheidt.net CHRIS HEIDT Registered Mortgage Broker 20 years experience

Tel: 250.546.6698 Cell: 550-MTGS (6847)

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Fax: 250.546.3398 Email: cheidt@sunlite.ca

sharon johnston

L’oreal Professional, Colorist, Stylist & Jewelry Designer (40 years and still loving it!)

Make an appointment now!

250-549-2060

#2, 27th Street, Vernon, BC

Convenient IN TOWN Location • Delivery Available • FREE Onsite Loading

TEKAMAR

MORTGAGES LTD

EDGY! FUNKY! TRENDY!

creative hairstyling that works for you and your lifestyle!

Your tax-deductible gift to Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation will support health care needs for residents living in the North Okanagan, Columbia/Shuswap.

For more information call (250) 558-1362 or visit www.vjhfoundation.org

Authorized Dealer 250-542-8191

• Topsoil • Compost • Sand & Gravel • Bark Mulches • Decorative Rock •Flagstone •Landscaping Supplies • Concrete Pavers

4620-23rd Street

www.vernonlandscape.com • Behind ICBC Offices, off Silver Star Rd.

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WORDSEARCH ADD AGE AGED ANTIOXIDANT APNEA BALANCED BENEFIT BIKE BLOOD CAN CAUSE CHOICE CLINIC DANCE DAY DIET DISEASE EAT EXERCISE

ACROSS 1 Greenwich Mean Time 4 Royalty 8 Oddball 11 River (Spanish) 12 Ice sheet 13 Sandwich fish 14 Alternative (abbr.)

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FAMILY FAT FIBER FIT FOOD GRAINS GROW GYM HAPPY HEREDITY HIKE HUNDRED ILLNESS JOG LIPIDS MENTAL MILE NOURISH NUTRITION

38 Eating house 40 Granulated 44 The alphabet 45 Carved Polynesian pendant 46 Estimated time of arrival 47 Lite 48 To incite 49 Hobo 50 Cooky 51 Cincinnati baseball team 52 Pinch DOWN 1 Graduate (abbr.)

2 5280 feet 3 Children 4 Labor 5 Solitary 6 Cross 7 low watt light 8 eating well 9 Section 10 Sticky black substances

RADICALS RELAX RISK SLEEP SOCIAL STOP STRESS SWIM TRAITS UNIT VEGETARIAN VITAMINS WALK WELLNESS

13 Russian ruler 18 Pope John ___ 19 Brand of dispensable candy 21 rhubarb_____ 22 Cat’s nemesis 23 Environmental protection agency (abbr) 24 Stable 25 Tote 27 Grows acorns 28 United Parcel Service 30 Tariff 31 Rice wine 33 Prohibit 34 Features 36 Jape 37 Vexed 38 Pedestal part 39 Same cite as previous 40 Jeer 41 Northeast by north 42 Decorative needle case 43 Wet 45 roof glue

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Community Events ARMSTRONG Knitting Circle. You are invited to a relaxing evening of sharing, learning & meeting new friends. Bring a project, needles & yarn or just yourself. Beginners always welcome. Now accepting yarn donations for local charitable projects. Judy at 250.546.9475 or Marlene at 250.546.6325. 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 to 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/ armstrongtoastmasters/ ENDERBY Enderby and District Wheels to Meals Society Luncheon held every Wed. at the Seniors Complex. 1101 George St. Come for a home cooked meal & visit with friends. Meals $6 & you must be 65 or older.

Enderby Cliff Quilters meet at Enderby Evangelical Chapel, 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month, 1pm to 5pm. Call Sonia at 250.838.0685 or June at 250.903.1799.

Enderby Women in Business Meeting, Thursday May 20th/10 @ 7:30 am, Enderby Chamber. Doors open @ 7 am, Breakfast $2.

Come network - guests welcome! Contact Joanne250.838.0636 for details.

KELOWNA The Kelowna Newcomers Club Meetings 7pm, 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Seniors’ Centre on Water Street. Enjoy interesting and informative speakers & join some of the many activities available. Coffee & goodies served 250.764.9686.

Ballroom dancing every Sunday evening. 7:30 to 10:30pm at the Water Street Senior Centre, 1360 Water Street 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. Refresher sessions available.

250.763.9410.

Raging Grannies: a group of concerned ladies who express their concerns with satirical songs & other activities. Meet 2nd & 4th Mondays, 11 am, Kelowna Legion, 1380 Bertam. 250.860.1576.

Kelowna Singles Club Dances. Bored, nothing to do? Why not come to the Kelowna Singles Club’ Dance held at Rutland Centennial Hall at 180A Rutland Rd. N. Doors open 7 pm.

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Dancing 8:00pm to 12:00am. Bar & refreshments. Light lunch at 10:30pm. Members $9 per person. Non-members $12.

250.763.1355 or 250.763.1867 The Alzheimer Society of BC holds a support group for people in the early stage of Alzheimer Disease & related dementia on Tuesday mornings at 865 Bernard Ave. 250.860.0305 or mwasylyshen@alzheimerbc.org. Also a support group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer Disease & related dementia on the 2nd Tuesday of the month in the evenings.

The Rug Hooking Circle meets every second Monday at 1pm in Room 204, Rotary Centre for the Arts. Practice a traditional Canadian art form in a group setting. Angela at 250.767.0206 www.rughookingteacher.ca Westside Jam. Open mike jam every 1st and 3rd Friday, 6:30 to 9pm. C & W, blues, bluegrass; old-time, gospel, etc. Meets at Westside Seniors Hall in Westbank. Carl 250.707.1030 or Gerry 250.768.4421 LUMBY Lumby Legion.Join us Thursday for darts, Friday for Pool, Saturday for our meat draws & keep your eyes open for our specialty dances & events! 250.547.2338.

PENTICTON The Penticton Seniors Computer Club drop-in days at the Leisure Centre, 439 Winnipeg Street, are: Monday 1 to 3pm, Wednesday 1 to 2pm, Friday 1 to 3pm. Mac Computer Support Monday 10 am to 11 am. Members and visitors welcome. 250.492.7373.

The Penticton Concert Band rehearses under the leadership of Gerald Nadeau on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30pm at the SeventhDay Adventist Church Hall in preparation for upcoming concerts & for the sheer enjoyment of playing a variety of music selections in concert band. Intermediate to advanced players www. pentictonconcertband.ca or 250.809.2087 Penticton South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society 696 Main St. Programs for the community. Volunteer Development, Friendly Visitor Program, Health Education, Elders Leading & Adopt-A-Grandparent.

250.487.7455.

Royal Canadian Legion. Monday Night is Miser Monday with chicken wings & Baron/Beef $3 each, bar specials. Entertainment 5 to 9:00pm every Monday. Friday is Membership appreciation Night with 5:30 to 6:30pm full course meal & entertainment, 6:30 to 10:30pm. Wednesday is Bingo Day, 1:00pm & 6:30 pm Bingo. Meat Draw every Saturday & Sunday; 250.493.0870

The Franco 50+ group meets Thursdays to socialize in French, from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Lina at 250.492.2549

second Thursday of the month, 7 pm. Pat at 250.549.2219 or Mary 250.545.3939.

SALMON ARM Salmon Arm Duplicate Bridge club meets at 6:45pm every Tuesday at the downtown Activity Centre & every Sunday at 12:45 pm at Branch 109. 250.832.7454 or 250.832.7323.

Sunshine Seniors meet 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, downstairs at the Peace Lutheran Church, 1204-30th Ave. 1:30 pm. All 55+ invited to fellowship, devotions, games & always excellent treats & coffee. Annual membership is $3.

Fletcher Park Seniors Resource Centre 320A 2nd Ave., N.E. Meals on Wheels, Lunch With Friends, Monday Morning Market, Shop & Drop, Income Tax Service, Advocacy, Foot Care, Volunteer Drivers for medically related appointments, up. 250.832.7000.

The Vernon Lapidary & Mineral Club (Rockhounders) meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 pm. (except July and August) in the Art Centre, 2704A Hwy 6, in Polson Park. 250.545.1274, or 250.542.0616.

SICAMOUS Senior Citizen’s Meals (Wheels to Meals) at the Eagle Valley Haven in the C o m m o n R o o m . Phone ahead, 250.836.2437 or 250.836.4718 or 250.836.4302 or 250.836.2031.

Schubert Centre, 3505 30th Ave. Shuffleboard, Monday to Friday at 8am 250.549.4201

Sicamous Family Market at the Seniors Activity Centre, Saturdays 8:30am to 2pm. 250.836.2587.

TAPPEN Carlin Hall, Bluegrass/Slowpitch Jam. Tuesday nights 7 to 9pm.

Bluegrass instruments only. 250.835.2322.

VERNON North Okanagan Seniors Action Network Meetings at the Schubert Centre every 2nd Tuesday of each month. Hosted by seniors Resource Bureau. 250.545.8572 The Vernon Seniors Choir under the direction of Lyn Taron rehearses each Wednesday from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at the Halina Complex in the Vernon Rec Centre. Our motto is “ Music is our contribution.” 250.545.3119 or 250.542.2264 Elks Lodge, 3103-30th Street. Every Friday Nite, Supper at 6pm Cost $7.50 for Home cooked meal & Mini Meat Draw, 50/50 draw after dinner. Everyone Welcome, members & non-members.

Vernon Singles Club. Upcoming Dances, held at the Eagles Hall, 5101-25th Ave. or at the Schubert Center - 3505-30th Ave. Dawn 250.558.9974 or Lottie 250.549.2495 Fun Time Seniors 50+ Thursdays at the Schubert Centre from 10 to 11:30am. Free event including games, entertainment, talks & videos. 250.545.5984 or 250.549.4201.

First & third Saturday of every month from 10 am to noon. Knitting Circle at Gallery Vertigo. Admission is a $5 donation to Gallery Vertigo’s Smarties Family Sunday Art Program. 250.503.2297 or see www.galleryvertigo.com Vernon lawnbowling club: Accepting new members for 2010 season beginning in late April until late September. NO experience necessary! We will give you 3 Free Lessons. Join us for fresh air, exercise and a social outing. Call for more info: Bill @ 250-2604362, Or see our website: Vernon Lawnbowling Club.

Breathing Exercises for relief from asthma, allergies, COPD, bronchiitis and other chronic issues. Every Monday at 1-2 pm and Friday 11 am-12 noon at the People Place, Vernon. Donation Only.

For more information email Melissa: blueeagleyoga@yahoo.ca WINFIELD Cribbage Tournament at the Seniors Activity Center 9832-Bottomwood Lake Rd. Each 3rd Sunday of the month.

Entree fee $12. Excellent lunch included. Games start at 10am.

Play partners & meet new friends. John 250.766.3026

List your community event by calling toll free 1-877-667-8450 or email details to info@northof50.com.

Wordsearch Solution: Have a Happy Mother’s Day Crossword Solution:

Oil Painting. Drop-in Fridays 1 to 4 pm at the Vernon Community Arts Centre. Fee is $3 for members, $4 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. Memberships for family, $20/yr.

Donna Smith 250.545.3832 or mrspumpkin36@hotmail.com or Jerry Stainer 250.549.4395.

Brazilian Embroidery Chapter Stitching group gathers every

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Classified & Directory Realistic record player plus radio and tape player with stand and 2 large speakers, excellent condition & sound, $100. 250.549.1798.

HOUSE FOR SALE: 2 bedroom house in sunny Lillooet. $159,000, 1056 sq. feet, 1/2 acre lot, fruit trees, nice view. Email for more info: oktechnical@gmail.com Phone: (250) 256-7775

Universal Bath -tub lift $999.00. Console Model Singer sewing machine with some attachments $65.00. Wanted- 8 track tape player in good condition. 250-838-7093 Sklar 92” Webcoil sofa, clean excellent condition $50.00. New never been opened Bunton binoculars 16x32 $40.00. Bushnell Sportview binoculars 8x30 $ 30.00. 250-832-4019 Delta 2-speed Scroll Saw $40.00, Bench Grinder $20.00, Press Drill $20.00, Portable Air Compressor $50.00, Tap/Die Set $100.00, Work Bench $10.00, Small tools $2.00-$5.00. Phone 250-542-4917.

Soloflex Home Gym, used once, includes butterfly and leg attachments, plus two weight strap sets, $999.99. Revelstoke 250.837.3741.

Telex noise cancelling aviation headset, brand new, never used, $300.00. Revelstoke 403.836.9908.

Delta 2-speed Scroll Saw $40.00,Bench Grinder $20.00,Press Drill $20.00, Portable Air Compressor $50.00,Tap/Die Set $100.00,Work Bench $10.00,Small tools $2.00-$5.00 250-542-4917 Free Classified Ad Policy We’ll place your ad, up to 25 words FREE, as long as the value of the item you are selling is under $1000. This offer is available to individuals only and is not available to businesses or commercial enterprises.

One ad per household, space permitting. The rate for business / commercial ads or for items valued over $1,000 is $14 plus tax up to 25 words then 25 cents for each additional word. Email your ad details, along with your phone number and address to: classifieds@northof50.com or fax to: 250.546.8914

2008 SHOPRIDER DELUXE MOBILITY SCOOTER FOR SALE: Red, Four wheel model, like new, Purchased $4300, Must Sell $2700 or best offer 250-558-8792.

Armstrong Wine and Brew

1996 - 2010

Lisa, Owner/Operator

Jerry’s Antiques & Things

Monthly Specials

Box 339, 2545 Patterson Ave. Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0, 250-546-6954 www.armstrongwineandbrew.com

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

FUNERAL SERVICES

Full Funeral Services •Pre-Arrangements Cremation • Memorial Markers Independently owned & operated Serving Enderby, Armstrong & Vernon

2980 Smith Drive, Armstrong Tel. 546-7237 Fax. 546-8237 email:pafsarmstrong@telus.net www.personalalternative.com

(250) 542-7727 1-877-542-7102 4709 - 29th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 5C1

Happy Days Nanny Service

Livestock & Pet Care when you can’t be there

Over 30 Years Experience • Bonded • Licensed • Insured • References Available Call: @ 250-832-7308 Cell: 250-550-7249 or creamo@telus.net

Joy & Stewart Gladstone OKANAGAN FIFTH WHEEL FOR SALE 1997, 25 ft with 14 foot slide in great condition. A/C, pwr jacks, ladder, microwave, queen bed, laminate floor. Asking $13500.00 250-545-9665 or pcboomers@shaw.ca

2007 AUDI

A8 L 4.2 QUATTRO 350-HP 4.2 LITER V-8 46 northof50.com

This A8 is in pristine condition. ‘L’ version of the A8 which means it has more leg-room for back seat passengers.

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 275/35/ ZR20 tires with less than 500 km.

At 3 years old and with low km, this Audi A8 L is like new! Own it for under half the price of a 2010 A8!

$57,500 Call 250 863 6157

Care & Grooming

250.545.8054

• Pet Show Grooming • Kind & Gentle Care • 30 Years Experience

Valley Monuments Keith or Evelyn Franklin

Memorials of Distinction 4316 29th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 5B8 Phone/Fax: 250.542.6411 Toll Free: 1.877.511.8585

Braun Denture Clinic Doug Braun, R.D. Erika Braun, R.D. DENTURISTS

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE New Dentures - Partials-Relines - Repairs 250-549-4745 McCulloch Court #114-3400 Coldstream Ave. Vernon

Success is Determined by the Company You Keep

Fire Safety Plans Firefighter Training Community Emergency Training Forestry Firefighter this summer:

To be eligible for employment as a Ministry of Forest firefighter, you must first complete what is generally known as the S-100 Basic Forestry Firefighting course.

FIRMLY ESTABLISHED. DEEPLY ROOTED. EVER STRONG. At , we genuinely believe that your success is determined by the company you keep. has been the trusted choice for professional real estate services for over 35 years. Bringing buyers and sellers together, in any market, is what success in real estate is about. associates average more experience and more sales per agent than other real estate professionals. In the North Okanagan and Shuswap, sells more real estate than all of its competitors combined.* Keep company with ARMSTRONG

250.546.3119

LUMBY

250.547.9266

SHUSWAP

(Salmon Arm) 250.832.7051

VERNON 250.549.4161

‌ and succeed.

ENDERBY

This course is not a guarantee of work but you get registered with Forestry as a Forestry Firefighter.

If you have the S-100 training you need to recertify each year.

Phone for the next course in your area.

Fire Safety Plans

The responsibility of building owners and their property management administrators is to implement a validated building fire safety plan to increase fire safety awareness for all occupants of a building, and to minimize the occurrence of situations that may be life threatening.

250.838.0025

SHUSWAP

(North Shuswap) 250.955.2184

SHUSWAP

(Sorrento) 250.675.2855

VERNON (Silver Star) 250.545.0857

www.okanaganshuswap.com

Contact:

Steve @ 250-306-7070

*Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board, MLS Search Criteria = Cross Property Type, Sold Search, Sold Date 01/01/2009 to 12/31/2009, Each Sold = List End and Sell End

northof50.com 47

1-888-994-3332

www.barkerville.ca Wells Barkerville Bowron Lake

hiking • biking • canoeing • camping WE HAVE IT ALL Wilderness at its best! www.wellsbc.com 1-877-451-9355

48 northof50.com