November 2010 Thompson Edition - North of 50

North of 50

LOCAL LATITUDE, GLOBAL ATTITUDE

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November 2010 Vol. 3, Issue 11, Publications Mail Agreement 41188516, ISSN # 1710-4750

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Thompson / Nicola / South Cariboo

TOUR OF DUTY: AFGHANISTAN A Soldier’s Perspective

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NORTH of 50 November 2010

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NORTH of 50 November 2010

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Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

Tour of Duty

By Dawn Renaud

Incoming. Forget the scenes from M*A*S*H: here, there are no choppers flying in with the wounded. Picture instead a body arriving on a cart built on the back of a three-wheeled motorcycle.

Nothing comes through the gate without being checked for weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs)—not even a mortally wounded human being.

Stress is compounded by the language barrier, so there’s plenty of yelling.

The Afghan police are yelling, the gatekeepers are yelling. The Canadian troops search the injured man and give the okay to carry him inside.

He’s lifted from the cart, revealing another bloodied body.

much of it he didn’t want to. “It gets so bloody depressing,” he says. And he really just wanted to hear what the folks back home were up to, what the kids were doing. When he knew he’d be away from the FOB for a few days, he’d use a code to let his wife know he wouldn’t be calling home for a while; phone time missed on those days could be banked.

Duffield figures his wife tried not to tell him about problems that inevitably cropped up while he was gone, handling everything she could. But when the truck broke down she wasn’t sure what he’d want her to do. His response: “I’m going out the gate in half an hour, put it on the credit card, do what you’ve gotta do, I love you very much, goodbye.” Some in his tour had much bigger problems. When this happens the military flies the soldiers home to deal with them. It’s not just a matter of common decency—if your mind’s on your problem, it’s not on where the enemy is.

There are too many lives at stake not to have your head in the game.

Outside the FOB, the troops move slowly. They have a saying: Slow is fast. “Almost every operation you went out on, there were IEDs,” says Duffield; he and his driver almost drove up on one. Move too quickly, and you’re likely to be delayed for hours. They picked their routes cautiously, sometimes paying a farmer to drive through his land to avoid more dangerous routes.

More yelling, more searching. Another all clear, and the second injured man is lifted to reveal yet a third, this one so soaked in blood it’s hard to imagine he’s still alive. The yelling continues; the searching resumes. “In all this mayhem we have to do our job, and we have to The walls around the Afghan’s do it thoroughly,” says living compounds stretch Master Corporal Glenn taller than the military Duffield. He’s sitting at Cover shot: Remembrance Day 2009: Master Corporal Glenn Duffield stands vigil at FOB Ma’Sum Ghar. Photo vehicles, to prevent the my kitchen table, trying soldiers from seeing the submitted. Duffield (left) with Corporal Bengtsson, holding the BC Dragoons’ flag. In the background, a Leopard tank to explain what it’s like women.

If a woman is brought (inset). Photo submitted. to be on a tour of duty in to the FOB, a female medic Afghanistan, where IEDs are anywhere, everywhere. or soldier must search her. Girls are still unable to attend school. Little kids The third man’s injuries are the least severe; most of the blood is from the first sometimes approach as they pass; sometimes they ask for food, or a pen and paper. two. He’s cleared and carried inside, where the medics get to work. Most of the Sometimes they give the soldiers a thumbs-up, a gesture loosely translated as injured treated at Forward Operations Base (FOB) Ma’Sum Ghar are Afghan “You’re going to blow up.” This region is the birthplace of the Taliban; here, they citizens, injured sometimes by the Taliban, sometimes during inter-tribal are family. skirmishes, often by IEDs. Men, women, children—they are the casualties of violent confrontations that make little sense to those of us who haven’t “Some places, they liked having us there but they know we’re not going to be there experienced their way of life. forever,” says Duffield. The International Security Assistance Force is trying to Like all soldiers, Duffield was warned not to bring his “Canadian idealisms” with him. Despite his training, it was still culture shock: the foreign terrain, the strange mix of goods for sale in Kandahar City’s marketplace (meat hanging in the flies along naan bread, next to kiosks hawking Red Bull, Coca Cola and electronics), the noise of small arms fire so consistent that rare periods of silence are eerie. “Too damn quiet,” says Duffield. “The norm becomes the abnorm.” In nearby farming communities there may be a car outside the house, but there’s no electricity. He’s heard that in Kandahar City they’re selling stuff for bodybuilders; meanwhile, people struggle to feed themselves. The water they drink isn’t what we’d choose to bathe in. For the most part, living conditions have been pushed back hundreds of years.

Duffield’s journey to Afghanistan began with a mountain of paperwork (arrangements for finances, his will, next of kin forms) and gathering last minute pieces of kit. After a 22 hour flight, he had to deal with another barrage of paperwork before getting to the FOB. There, he got a quick update from the soldier he was relieving and hit the ground running as second in command for the Adam troop, B Squadron for Strathcona’s Horse. “Our job was basically to resupply the tanks,” he says; that meant giving protection to the troops who fix the guns and equipment. Inside and outside the base, he was in charge of security.

His tour of duty lasted seven months, spanning Christmas, the Olympics, through winter and into the spring. Each day he was allotted a few minutes for a phone call home.“You tell them you’re okay,” he says, “whether you are or not.” Calls home were made awkward by a seven- to ten-second time delay, and the fact that he couldn’t say much about what he was doing—some of he couldn’t talk about,

provide what the people want during the rebuilding, but he can only imagine the turmoil they face. “They know we’re not going to hurt them, but at the same time they have the Taliban coming in the back door when we leave, saying ‘you better watch it.’” Duffield says Canadians can be very proud of the job our men and women are doing over there. It’s a struggle just to understand what it is that the Afghan people most want them to do, how best to help. “We try to make it secure, try to get rid of the IEDs so they can farm…do whatever they want to do, lead their lives, but at the end of the day—yeah, we’re leaving.”

Duffield has lost friends to the mission in Afghanistan and says he’d like Canada to see it through, make sure their sacrifice worth more than just a short term commitment. “At the same time,” he says, “how many Canadian lives should be given up?” I ask him if he’ll go back for another tour. “I don’t know if I could put my family through that again,” he says.

Will the people of this region be ready to take care of their own security when our troops pull out? “We’re training the Afghan National Army, as well as the Afghan Uniform Police and the Afghan National Police,” says Duffield. (He describes the ANA as incredibly brave, if a little crazy: they’ll run into a firefight, and are benefiting from learning tactical manoeuvres and logistics.) “The northern part of the country doesn’t put up with the Taliban,” he points out. Still, the ancient tribal conflicts run deep, as do bribery and corruption. There’s no easy fix, and only time will tell.

“I’d like to think that our sacrifice over there….” Duffield searches for the right words. “I hope somebody appreciates it, because we have paid a pretty dear price.”

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North of 50

Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

NORTH of 50 November 2010

EDITORIAL

Office Location: Suite 102 Armstrong Business Centre 2516 Patterson Avenue Armstrong, BC

December 21st may officially be the first day of winter, but in my mind, winter begins when we light the fireplace for the first time. That happened last night.

Recent news headlines have been forecasting “the worst winter in 80 years.” That got me wondering, just how bad was the winter of 1930/31? Was it worse than the winter of 1995/96 when 24 centimeters of snow fell on a single day, November 7th, in Kelowna? Was it worse than 1996/97 when the highest singleday snowfall in Vancouver was recorded; 41 cm fell on December 29th and a blizzard stranded hundreds of motorists in their cars on the Trans Canada near Chilliwack. Records indicate that winters were relatively mild in the early 1930s, at least here in the Thompson Okanagan.

How, I wondered, do the forecasters know it will be one of the worst winters in recent history?

Turns out predicting the weather is a science, just not an exact one. Water temperatures around the equator are a few degrees below normal and that translates to a moderate to strong La Niña, according to the experts.

La Niña is the opposite of El Niño, sort of, and pretty close to hell freezing over, but not quite. Like I said, it’s not an exact science.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “La Niña winters in Canada… usually comprise alternating bouts of freezing and thawing. Overall, in Western and Central Canada, most La Niña winters tend to be colder than normal by 1 to 2°C, and snowfall amounts are greater than normal from the interior of BC to the St Lawrence Valley. During 8 La Niña episodes since 1950, 6 of the winters across Canada were colder than normal (2 were near-normal) and 7 were snowier than normal.”

So what does all this winter weather doom and gloom mean for Thompson Okanaganites?

If snowfall is heavy we can expect an increase in fender benders and ICBC claims. Shoveling snow can be good exercise but it also brings with it health risks. Power outages are more likely. Arthritis tends to flare up in cold weather.

But there are upsides, too. The skiing will be fantastic. (See the story on page 12). Business should increase for tire stores, snow blower sales, home heating sources and restaurants that deliver. There will be a mini baby-boom next summer. People who live in cold climates tend to live longer.

See, that is proof positive that some snow clouds really do have a silver lining. Still, I’m not taking any chances. I’ve made an appointment to get my snow tires installed and I bought an extra cord of fire wood – just in case.

Mailing Address: Box 100 Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0

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The poppy has stood as the official symbol of Canada’s Remembrance Day since 1921, a visual reminder of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for war. Some may wonder why this small flower is used to represent the fallen soldier.

Poppies and fallen soldiers have a long history together. The origins of the flower can be traced back to the Napoleonic wars in France. During these times of unrest and battle, many soldiers went on to final resting places in graves in Flanders, France. Ensuing literature describing how poppies grew so thickly and vibrantly over these graves -- in soil that once could not produce much vegetation. Years later, a soldier would be instrumental in bringing the symbol of the poppy to the hearts and minds of Canadians.

When John McCrae served in World War I as a Lieutenant-Colonel, he was stationed near Ypres, Belgium, the area traditionally called Flanders. McCrae observed how poppies grew so well among the makeshift graves of the soldiers, which were marked by wooden crosses. When McCrae lost a fellow soldier and close friend, he penned a poem called “In Flanders Fields” and portrayed the picture of war and the poppy flower visual.

“In Flanders Fields” In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

To this day McCrae’s poem remains among the most memorable war poems ever written. It also paved the way for the poppy flower to be one of the most recognized symbols of wartime remembrance.

Thousands of poppies are placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Remembrance Day participants wear poppies on their lapels.

NORTH of 50 November 2010 FAIR COMMENT

Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

You can get everything you want

I’m not sure about Arlo Guthrie’s fabled Alice’s Restaurant, but it’s certainly true at Chez Valerie, a tiny market nestled deep in the narrow streets of this medieval Languedoc village of Bize. Not more than 500 square feet, Chez Valerie’s is on the bottom floor of a 400-year-old stone house. Only a small green awning and a tasteful display of glistening green onions, yellow pears, shiny aubergines and bunches of bright orange carrots on both sides of the front door Don Sawyer mark Valerie’s as a market. Inside you are met with a cheery “Bon jour!” from Valerie herself, as well as shelves of, well, everything you certainly need, at least, from fresh baguettes, glistening pink rabbits and bottles of olive oil from the community olive cooperative to laundry detergent and toilet paper.

But the joy of this place is not in its selection, but in the exchanges between locals, who stroll in for a few oranges and a lot of chatting. With my rudimentary high school French, bolstered slightly by reading the French translations on oatmeal packages and post office notices, I can get only snatches of the local gossip, amid much tsking and chuckling, but one thing is clear: this is a place of community, not just trade.

Admittedly, Valerie is a little short on pastries, but if you walk just a little ways down the narrow, winding streets, you find, in the square next to the 14th century church, Boulangerie Banette. Amidst laughing kids buying one or two meringues or a baguette for the family and the yeasty smells of baking bread, the lovely Tatania greets you cheerily, and is delighted to describe each pastry in scrumptious detail, even if it means bringing out her French- English dictionary to explain the difference between a bocaton and a baguetton. On the way back, there is Michel’s boucherie, where locals line up in the low-ceilinged butcher shop to buy just the right piece of beef or a wonderful butterflied leg of local lamb.

But we all like variety, so sometimes it’s fun to branch out from Bize and visit a shopping centre that offers a little wider selection. In Languedoc, that doesn’t mean heading for Wal-Mart, but to one of the more than 30 open-air markets held on various days in the tiny communities that surround us, such as St. Chinian just up the road.

Bakhtiar's Song It is a beautiful night here on the other side of the planet. Warm for this part of autumn.

A strong half moon gapes over the landscape and the Big Dipper is perched over to the side of the sky. It’s the same moon everyone on earth sees each night. If there were tether lines from each person’s gaze to the moon, we’d all be connected. Maybe we’d find it easier to live Calvin White with the awareness of connection in our consciousness.

Maybe we’d love each other more.

Tomorrow, Bakhtiar will be giving a concert at the main MDR-TB hospital.

Bakhtiar is just twenty years old. His black hair sweeps down the back of his head, hazel eyes bottomed by a shade of darkness. He is thin and dresses in a simple but elegant blazer. Easy smile.

He sings upbeat tunes about love and life, but his signature song is about his mother. When he sings it, many in the audience, both male and female, will cry.

Bakhtiar’s mother died when he was two. His father was never in the picture.

He was raised by his grandmother until she, too, died, when he was 15. At 17, he sold his cell phone to record a DVD disc of his song. It is professionally done and shows him going to a gravestone and running his fingers down the etched lettering, tears streaming down his face. He asks for just a few minutes to hear her voice, a few minutes to feel her touch, for one more chance to tell her that he loves her. “Mother, I miss you so much. Mother, why did you have to leave me?”

The melody is very appealing. You can almost hear the lumps forming in people’s throats during opening the bars of the song.

At the last concert Bakhtiar gave at the other TB hospital, I watched two of our young girl patients standing with two of counselors. As he sang, they clutched the counselors arms, dropped their heads against the counselor’s shoulders and let the tears flow. One of the counselors daubed at her own eyes. So many here have lost a parent. And mothers are so respected by their children. At the end of Bakhtiar’s song, two older ladies came forward to the microphone and proceeded to offer him a blessing and so to all the others in the audience.

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Set in the central square of this lovely town, founded in 836, twice a week the St. Chinian market attracts a hundred small merchants, most hauling their wares in tiny white panel trucks, and thousands of shoppers. The merchants’ kiosks and counters, many covered with bright red and yellow umbrellas, stretch 100 meters along two main walkways lined with century-old plane trees and thronged with locals. Children laugh and chase each other through the crowd, dogs look hungrily at the piles of sausages, and Languedocans, old and young, discuss the merits of various cheeses – and perhaps politicians.

There are tables displaying dozens of varieties of olives in local ceramic bowls; three or four bakeries, their loaves of bread works of art; stalls specializing in the local wines; a whole section with fruit and vegetables brought in from local farms. One whole area is devoted to clothing, from suits to dresses, being tried on by shoppers under the critical eye of their companions. Several merchants specialize in purses, providing a selection that would put Zellers to shame. Two vendors even sell mattresses, some displayed so you can try them out right on the spot. In front of the market, people crowd around tables and chat over tiny coffees and pastries.

But this morning I have limited my shopping to Bize. After stopping in at Valerie’s and chatting with Tatania, I return home with the makings of a perfect breakfast: six eggs (neatly stacked in a narrow paper bag made just for this purpose); four different pastries, right from the oven; some green onions and local garlic (which, along with an aged local cheese, will be delicious in the omelette I’m making); fresh pears and apples; some light and tasty yogurt; and a fabulous loaf of whole-wheat bread that will toast up perfectly to receive the rich local butter and fig preserves.

I know that when I get back to Canada, I’ll be assaulted by TV ads blaring “Nearly two feet of pizza for only $8.95!”, soulless big boxes, and frantic consumption. But not today. Today I return from my morning stroll along the quiet streets of this small French community not only with a sack of local food, but also nourished socially and spiritually. That’s mighty hard to find – at any price – at a Wal-Mart or Loblaw’s Super Store so huge the stockers wear in-line skates to get around the store. Here, in this little town, it’s the kids, laughing and grabbing onto stone walls as they roll down sloping streets, who wear skates.

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.

Just two years before, Bakhtiar had an operation in which he had a kidney removed. Later came a problem with his nose. Then 9 months ago, he was diagnosed with MDR-TB. He spent over 4 months in the hospital he’ll sing at tomorrow. For 6 days each week for these past 10 months, he has taken his daily regimen of drugs and painful injection. Twenty pills that give him a headache, joint pain, and general body malaise for three to four hours. Tomorrow morning he’ll head to the polyclinic a bit earlier than usual so he can be ready to sing in the afternoon.

We pay him $20 for doing the 90 minute concert. This is split bewteen Bakhtiar and the tech person who brings all the sound equipment and runs the show. During the concert, Bakhtiar will talk about taking his drugs that morning and how MDR-TB can be beaten.

This is such a terrible disease. It attacks the lungs and tries to turn them to wet, fallen sacks that no longer pump and surge to take in the air we all take for granted. It’s already killed fellow patients who Bakhtiar knew well. Everyone who has the disease wonders if they can tolerate the toxic cocktail of drugs for two long years, they wonder if the drugs will cause the permanent side effects of deafness or liver damage, if they can be cured or if they will be among the five percent who don’t respond. At the concerts they look around and see all the other patients sitting on benches, leaning against trees or squatting in the autumn sun.

And then they dance. They dance not as patients but as full human beings. They dance as Bakhtiar croons and smiles, his lungs not at all believing that they are afflicted, his eyes scanning the crowd for any that were in the hospital during his time and giving them a knowing nod. And afterwards,as we all return to our regular routines. It is easier for each of us to believe whatever it is we need to believe.

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.

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Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

Coming Events November 5 to 7 The Kamloops Woodworkers Guild presents its 6th Annual Show and Sale and the Crystal Ballroom at Hotel 540 (formerly The Executive Inn). Admission is free. Friday, 5 to 9pm.

Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Sunday, 10am - 3pm.

250.376.9568 November 5 Pregnancy Care Centre Annual Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction at the Full Gospel Chruch. Doors open at 5:30pm, general seating. Live entertainment by Spectappella. Tickets $30, Phone 250.376.4646 November 5 & 6 Winter Extreme Ski Show and Swap. The Canadian Ski Patrol System's Winter Extreme Ski Show and Swap is back again in Kamloops. Friday the show will start at 6pm and run till 9pm. This is also the time to drop off used equipment you wish to consign. The main ski show and swap will take place Saturday with doors opening at 9am and closing at 3pm. You can then pick up unsold consignment gear or the money from your sold equipment from 5pm-7pm. Hope to see you all there. 250.682.3331 or e-mail kamloopsextreme@ shaw.ca November 6. 17th Annual Christmas Show at the Hampton Gallery. All new work from all the gallery artists and introducing new artists Valerie Deacon, Michael Soloman and Peter Stuhlmann.

Refreshments, public welcome. 10am to 5 pm. 167 4th Ave Kamloops 250-374-2400 November 6 Construction Sites Exhibition Tours at the Kamloops Art Gallery. Join Annette Hurtig and Craig Willms for a guided tour of the Construction Sites exhibition. The treatment of identity and place in works by artists such as Diyan Achjadi, Rebecca Belmore, Allyson Clay, Andy Fabo, Jim Logan, Ken Lum, Al McWilliams, Nan Duc Nguyen, Sharon Yuen, Jin-me Yoon and Tania Willard will be analyzed and discussed. From 1 2:30pm November 6 Chamber Music Series presents Anniversaries. The Kamloops Symphony Chamber Music Series presents Anniveraries at the Kamloops Convention Centre at 7:30pm. For tickets and info call 250.372.5000 November 6 Pottery and Weaving Show and Sale.

The Thompson Valley Pottery Guild is a non-profit group that has been part of Kamloops for over 40 years and is home to many wonderful local artisans, who encourage and support the guild in its goal to continue education in ceramics and to produce beautiful items of pottery and fiber arts that will be enjoyed for many years. Fall sale on Saturday, November 6 at Desert Gardens Community Centre at 540 Seymour St. from 10am-4pm. Free draw for a $50 Gift Certificate.

November 11 Caillou's Greatest Skate of All. A new musical celebrating Canadian winter comes to Kamloops Convention Centre for two shows 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm 250.372.5312 November 12 Pay It Forward Fundraiser Dinner.

Dinner and dance with Sabrina Weeks and The Swing Cat Bounce November 12th at Colombo Lodge.

CIFM's Leo Baggio hosting. Benefit for Kamloops

Sexual Assault Centre and the Food Bank. Tickets at Platinum Realty. 250.377.7653 November 13 Home Based Business and Craft Fair!

More than 45 vendors, concession and the BC Hydro green team will be on hand to give power tips.

250.579.0195 November 18 The Kamloops Film Society presents "Soul Kitchen" at the Paramount Theatre downtown Kamloops. Tom Friedman at 250.318.1462 or t.friedman@shaw.ca November 19, Terri Clark with special guest Crystal Shawanda at Interior Savings Centre.

TERRI CLARK. With multiple platinum albums, Terri Clark stands as one of the most respected cowgirls in country. Her latest, Life Goes On, fits the mold of her no-nonsense, real-life persona. 8 pm Charge by Phone 250.374.9200 November 19 Barra MacNeils Christmas Show at the Kamloops Convention Centre. Traditional Christmas songs and original hits. A great way to get into the Christmas spirit. One show only. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $50 including taxes. 19+ show. Tickets available at Ora Restaurant Lounge, 1250 Rogers Way. Or pay by credit card, 250.372.5312.

NORTH of 50 November 2010 family downtown to join in on the excitement of this years Santa Claus Parade. At 11am the parade will start at 2nd and St. Paul Street traveling North on 2nd Ave and East on Victoria St. to 6th Ave where it will disperse in the 600 block Victoria St. The parade will be approximately 1.5 hours long.

November 27 Lights in the Night. Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association presents its Lights in the Night Christmas Party downtown Kamloops 4pm-8pm at St.Andrews on the Square.

Hayrides and Entertainment.

December 4. Countdown to Christmas, Gift Show. 10 – 3. 159 Seymour Street- St. Andrews on the Square. Local artisan and home-based businesses of all varieties and is the perfect blend of buying local while enjoying an intimate shopping experience in the beautifully decorated space of St. Andrews on the Square. Shop the selections of pottery, skincare, painting, photography and much more.

November 19 & 20 Writers Fair In partnership with the Kamloops Arts Council, BC Living Arts presents a weekend of writing and literary inspiration. More info at www.bclivingarts.ca. An Evening of Wine & Cheese with open mike poetry and November 20 (9-5pm) Writers Fair to include guest speakers and authors for workshops and discussions.

November 19 & 20 Friday Christmas at the Square.

11-7pm Saturday 10-4 pm Christmas at the Square is one of the best Fine Arts and Craft shows Kamloops has to offer. Set in the beautiful heritage site of St. Andrews on the Square (159 Seymour Street) this intimate show is designed to host only the finest in vendors’ arts, crafts and food goods. Here customers are able to escape the season’s hustle and bustle, enjoy live music, sip complimentary cider while at the same time relax and work down their shopping list!

We hope you can join us at Christmas at the Square.

FMI contact Leigh-Anne Larsen at 250.377.4232 or heritage@ocis.net November 20 & 21 Homes for the Holidays Celebrate the holidays by touring five private homes that are fully decked out! Tickets are $25 each, available at any Royal Bank Branch in Kamloops or Merritt or call the United Way, 250.372.9933.

November 20 Fire Fighter's Gala at Sun Peaks Resort. It's time to roll out your mountain formal wear for a fabulous night of dinner and dancing at the Fire Figthers Ball. This gala evening is the one big fundraising event each year for the Sun peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society. All proceeds from a live and silent auction will go to support Sun Peaks Alpine Club and the Sun Peaks Education Society.

6:00pm at the Delta Sun Peaks Ballroom. Tickets $80.

250.578.5399 November 25 to December 7 Western Canada Theatre presents A Christmas Carol written by Jeremy Tow, based on the book by Charles Dickens, at the Sagebrush Theatre. Tickets 250.374.8483.

November 27 Santa Claus Parade Bring the whole

The North Shore Community Centre November Events NEW - Weekly Sunday Flea Markets!

Open Sundays from 8am-12pm. Almost 50 tables of ever-changing items available for purchase!

Donations appreciated to the Community Centre for entry. Table rentals $5 - call 376-4777 to reserve.

Community Dinners - only $10 for dinner and live entertainment! November 14 at 30 at 5pm. Tickets can be picked up at the North Shore Community Centre at 730 Cottonwood Ave. Famous Pie Night - November 23 at 6pm. Only $3 for pie, ice cream and coffee. Live entertainment and open dance floor!

Craft Fair, Bake Sale & Tea, Saturday, November 6 - Craft Fair open from 10am-3pm (entry by donation), Bake Sale opens at 10:30am, and Tea is from 11am-2pm ($4).

North Shore Community Centre 730 Cottonwood Ave, Kamloops 250.376.4777 or nsccs.webs.com

NORTH of 50 November 2010

Community Events 100 Mile House

100 Mile Legion AllVeterans get-togethers are held Saturdays at 2 p.m. at the legion. Meat draws at 3 p.m. For more information call 395-2511.

Creekside Seniors Centre offers activities for seniors such as pool, darts, bridge, whist, cribbage and carpet bowling. For more information call (250)3953919.

South Cariboo Farmers' Market - Open from 1st Friday in May to Last Friday in September - Fri 8:30am to 1:30pm. Farmfresh produce, bedding plants & perennials, baking; local craftsmen including woodworking, painting, jewelry; clothing, baby items, honey, BC salmon, hot food items, and much more... For info call Karen Greenwood at 250395-3580.

108 Newcomers Group.

First and third Thursday of every month at 10:30 am in the Community Centre upstairs room.

Meet other newcomers over a cup of coffee in an informal setting. Dropin fee: $2. Caroline 7919250.

The Spinners and Weavers meet every first Friday at the Parkside Art Gallery, at 385 Dogwood Crescent from 10 am to 2pm interested people can contact our president Unni at: http:// www.trollheimenweaving. com/

Barriere

Barriere Survivors meet 2nd Monday of the Month 10:30 am to 12:30 @ Volunteer Centre. Anyone who has suffered a Brain Injury Ph. Kamloops Brain Injury Assoc (250) 3721799 ask for John Alzheimers/Dementia Support Group 1st Thursday of each month from 10:00a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Volunteer Centre on Barriere Town Rd. Phone 250-377-8200 or 1-800-886-6946.

Chase

Chase Village Friday Evening Market 4-7 pm.

Local produce, baked goods, and arts & crafts.

Kamloops

BIG Little Science Centre PUBLIC HOURS 2009 2010 Discover & Explore Fun Science. Enjoy TWO FULL Rooms with over 130 Hands-on Stations.

Thursdays and Fridays 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Saturdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. With a Special Activity or Show at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Closed Sundays and Holidays. For more information contact: Gord Stewart at: 250-5542572 or 250-319-0689 E-mail: gord@blscs.org Wonder Cafe Soup Kitchen at Mt. Paul United Church, 140 Laburnum Ave. (Kamloops North Shore), serves hot lunch every Thursday from 11a.m. to 1p.m.

Kamloops Ostomy Support Group meets at 7 pm on first Thursday of month at Medichair, boardroom.

210-450 Landsdowne Street, contact for info: Ken at 250-8190315 or Evelyn at 250-8286647.

Pottery classes for the Fab 55+.

Discover or rediscover the great feeling of creating in clay- Hand building, sculpture, coils or slabs.

Held every Tuesday from 1-3:30PM at Heritage House pottery studio in Riverside Park. $5 for non members $3 for members. Free clay is available for small projects and fee covers firing, glazing and use of tools.

For more information contact Diane Britt at 5732604 or 377-8793.

The local chapter of Green Drinks International (greendrinks.org) will meet on the first Monday of each month. November 2nd, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Green Drinks is a nonprofit social group. Topics discussed in the past include gardening, green home building, air pollution, home canning, straw bale houses!Mary Ellen Grant megloops@gmail.com or 250.371.7172 Kamloops Garden Club Meets every 4th Wed. of the month in Heritage House at 7:00 pm. Jeanette Moslin (250) 372-9669.

The Wells Gray Country Seniors Society meet the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the

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Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo Resource Centre; Third Sunday Seniors Social at 1p.m. in the Munroe Room at Wells Gray Inn; Seniors Book Club meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Clearwater library. Contact Lois Geiger, lgeiger@mercuryspeed. com.

PATCHS, a grassroots community-based group working to achieve positive changes in the health care system, meets the first Monday of each month at Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul St., at 6:30p.m.

Call Rick, 250-579-8541 or email riturner@shaw.ca.

Dance to the music of the Kamloops Old Time Fiddlers with Special Guest Nila Hirsch on accordion. 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Nov. 20th at Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street.

Members $ 6.00, nonmembers $ 7.00. FMI call 250-376-2330. Everyone welcome

Kamloops Family History Society meets the 4th Thursday of each month at Heritage House, 100 Lorne St., Riverside Park, 7-9 pm (Sept to May).

Guests and new members are welcome. For info call 250-579-2078.

Tuesday afternoon cribbage at the McArthur park lawn Bowling Clubhouse (beside NorBroc Stadium) at 1:30 p.m.

Everyone welcome. No partners needed.

Crib, coffee and good company.

Call 250-579-0028.

Bridge at Desert Gardens Community Centre, every Tuesday, at 12:30 p.m.

540 Seymour Street. For info call (250) 372-5110.

The Alzheimer Society of BC, Central Interior, 543 Battle St. Kamloops, offers programs and services for people whose lives are affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Programs and services include education workshops and information and support groups for family caregivers and for people diagnosed with early dementia. Call 250-3778200 or 1-800-866-6946.

Interior Authors Group, a group that brings people together who are interested in the art of writing, meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Kamloops Art Gallery, 465 Victoria St., at 7p.m. Call Ted Joslin, 250-374-8910.

Join a fun men’s and women’s a cappella chorus, The Hub City Singers, in rehersals every Tuesday, 7 to 9p.m., at the Old Yacht Club, 1140 River St. Members don’t have to be able to read music. Call 250-578-7503.

Seniors Dance with the Golden Serenadors every second Friday of the month at the North Shore Community Centre, 730 Cottonwood Ave. Admission $4 Call 250-376-4777

CNRailroaders Crib night is held on the First & Third Thursday's of each month at 7pm at the Parkview Activity Centre, 500 McDonald Avenue. Admission one dollar, includes tea, coffee and goodies. Everyone is welcome.

Wii CLASSES Tuesday afternoons from 1-3pm anyone can drop in and play Wii Bowling at the North Shore Community Centre (730 Cottonwood Ave), instructed by Sheena. Dropin cost is $1. Other games are available to be played, depending on the interest of the group.

Lac La Hache

OAPO #176 Pioneer Centre offer several activities, such as pool, bridge, Canasta, square dancing, contra, rounds, pilates, and general exercise. For more information call Ron 250.396.7298, Agnes 250.396.7231 or Hazel 250.396.7698

Logan Lake

Logan Lake Seniors holds Bingo Fridays 1-3, 80 150 Opal, Village Centre Mall. Call (250) 523-2759.

Merritt

Bingo Tuesdays at 1 p.m. at the Merritt Senior Centre. Rummoli and Pool Fridays at 7 p.m. 2202 Jackson Avenue.

Savona

Join us for exercise Wednesday and Friday mornings at 8:45 a.m.

OAPO Branch 129, 6605 Buie Road/Savona Access Road. Call Jennier Coburn for more info at (250) 3730081.

Join the Toastmasters to gain confidence! They meet every Tuesday at 5:00 pm at the Merritt Library.

ESL Coffee Circle Practice your English skills every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Merritt Library.

We Remember November

Frosty Fridays at Merritt Legion - Hamburgers served every Friday at the Merritt Legion from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

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11TH

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Lillooet

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 66 737 Main Street Lillooet BC 250-256-7332 Meat draws every Friday 5:30-8:30PM Members and Guests always welcome Carpet Bowling for Seniors, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:30 11:30 am at the Gymnasium or Mezzanine at the Lillooet & District REC Centre, 930 Main Street. Drop In Fee. 50+ Fitness at the REC Centre. aerobic style fitness class, Nov. 10-3, 9-10 am, $56 Phone (250) 256-7527 Lillooet Quilters Guild meet the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the Friendship Centre September thru June.

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Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

NORTH of 50 November 2010

Big Boxing in Salmon Arm

On July 22, after more than three years of struggle, the efforts of community activists in Salmon Arm to block a shopping centre planned for sensitive wetlands three kilometers east of town at the mouth of the endangered Salmon River were dealt a serious blow. After four days of often emotionallycharged hearings where hundreds of community members spoke, the SA City Council, reversing an earlier decision, voted 5 to 2 to approve the Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment necessary for the project to go forward.

While acknowledging the setback, community organizers vowed to continue the fight and also took pride in their achievements, which included a significant reduction in the footprint size of the proposed shopping centre and the creation of a strong community advocacy network, which, for the first time, included neighbouring First Nations communities.

The July event was actually the second set of public hearings on this controversial proposal. At the original hearings held over 5 nights in October 2008, 500 to 700 people attended nightly. At one marathon session that lasted until 2:00 am, over 200 people remained to the end. Of the more than 200 people who spoke 90 percent were opposed to the development. At the end of the fifth night, council defeated the proposal to alter the Official Community plan that would have extended the urban containment boundary to allow the development to proceed.

The community’s concerns were expressed in a September 16, 2008 Globe and Mail article titled “Shuswap Residents Fight Megamall Project on Salmon River flood Plain.”

Critics say the very livability of the area - both for residents and large numbers of local and rare migratory birds relying on the flood plain - is at stake. “We’re not against development, but they’re basically rebuilding downtown three kilometers outside of the downtown,” said a spokesman for [The Coalition for Responsible Development], a local coalition scrambling to put brakes on the plan.

“Environmentally speaking, they simply couldn’t have chosen a worse location.”

Less than a year after the defeat, the developer of the proposed shopping centre,

By Don Sawyer

Smart!Centres (SC), returned with a slightly modified proposal in the fall of 2009.

Over the protests of many community members, including a delegation of senior business people, who pointed out that Salmon Arm was in the midst of an OCP review and that a decision of this magnitude should be postponed until the review process was complete and a new plan in place, the council decided to consider the proposal.

But all did not go smoothly for the shopping centre giant. As part of the application process, SC presented the city with an environmental impact assessmentt paid for by the developer and accepted by the Ministry of Environment. However, a new organization called the Wetlands Alliance:The Ecological Response (WA:TER), whose members include several professional biologists, demonstrated serious flaws in the SC report and raised funds (including support from West Coast Environmental Law) to hire independent environmental experts to review the developer’s report. Ecoscape Environmental Consultants and geoterrain specialist Dr. Murray Roed carried out this review, preparing reports that showed the gross inaccuracy of the SC study, especially with respect to flooding from the river and lake, and the consequent extent of fish habitat.

Armed with this new evidence along with data accumulated by local biologists, and after much lobbying, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) eventually agreed to review the SC report. Consistent with the BC government’s commitment to the “professional reliance model,” which essentially removes oversight responsibility from provincial ministries and instead relies on professional organizations to be self-monitoring, there was no formal admission by the developer or MOE of fatal errors in the initial assessment. However, the development permit process was stopped and SC was ordered to review its findings. Several months later, SC returned with a modified proposal that reduced the development area from 34 to 22 acres, in effect conceding that their consultants’ calculations of the river’s high water level were indeed erroneous.

NORTH of 50 November 2010

Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

During all of this, efforts were also made by community groups to correct an economic impact study, conducted by a consultant with close ties to the shopping centre industry and funded by the City as part of the OCP review process, that concluded the city could absorb the impact of a 115,000 sf big box merchandiser (even though the actual SC proposal was for a development three times that size). Recognizing the inaccuracy of data used to reach this conclusion, citizens rallied to hire another independent consultant, this time in the area of retail development and commercial real estate, to review the first report. The consultant’s review demonstrated that the original analysis greatly exaggerated the amount of shopping outside of Salmon Arm by residents, underestimated the existing commercial supply while not factoring in new developments already being planned, largely ignored the impact big box retailers would have on the downtown, and overestimated the financial returns of such a development At the same time, the local Neskonleth First Nations band, whose land is adjacent to the proposed development site, became involved with the opposition because of concerns about the impact of river flooding, the health of the river and lake, and a lack of proper consultation. Among other things, they were worried that plans for a Shuswap cultural centre, in the memory of beloved elder Mary Thomas and meant to be located on the west side of the river directly across from the proposed development, would be jeopardized. They feared that SC’s original plans to place up to nine feet of fill on their land and dike the river would divert the river at high water onto their site.

The situation turned especially ugly a week before the scheduled July hearings when an abandoned house on the SC property burned to the ground and a billboard erected by SC to promote the development was chainsawed. While no one was then – or has been since – charged, that didn’t stop the local radio station from drawing its own conclusions. A newscast the day after the vandalism began by stating that “A criminal element has emerged from the opposition to the proposed SmartCenters/ Walmart-anchored development at the west end of Salmon Arm.” Then, quoting a spokeswoman for SC based in Ontario, the newscast compared the fire to the G8 conference where “hoodlums and thugs went on a rampage.” The item ended by reminding the community that “Public hearings, hijacked by environmentalists the last time around, begin again next week.”

Many saw the broadcast as blatant attempt to sway public opinion by demonizing the entire sector of the community opposed to this development under the guise of “local news.” As a result, several complaints were filed with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC), which have yet to be resolved.

The hearings themselves went on for four intense nights. Smart!Centres organized a barbecue and rally on Saturday and rented a curling rink for the entire week near the Community Centre where the hearings were to be held. On the evening of the 19th, they assembled their supporters for pizza and coke and provided them with orange Smart!Centres shopping bags filled with chocolate, water, and instructions on how to speak in favour of the proposal. They also handed out large white stickers that said simply “YES.” The group then marched over to the Community Centre en masse.

Nonetheless, despite being outspent and out organized (SC had hired locals in black t-shirts and cell phones to coordinate their troops and monitor activity), those who opposed the development showed up in force as well. It made for four highly entertaining, provocative nights. While those speaking against the proposal only slightly outnumbered those supporting it, many observers felt that the supporters showed a dismaying lack of knowledge of the complexity of the issue, emphasizing instead their desire for greater shopping choice, convenience and lower prices. In contrast, those in opposition to the proposal had clearly done their homework, demonstrating persuasively the potential environmental, economic and social costs to the community of the proposed shopping centre development.

In the end, it wasn’t enough. Council members voted 5 to 2 to approve the amendment, with two councilors who had opposed the development in 2008 changing their vote. Despite the setback, opposition continues. Three formal complaints have been filed with the BC Ombudsman’s Office. One complaint, filed by the Coalition for Responsible Development, alleges that the City and staff acted in contravention of the Official Community Plan, which commits the City to protecting the downtown as the commercial centre of Salmon Arm and “discouraging urban sprawl.” Another, filed by WA:TER, focuses on the development area’s importance as a cultural heritage site and the need for its protection. A third, filed by local farmers, questions the process undertaken to remove the parcel from the Agricultural Land Reserve in the first place. Members of the Committee for a Strong and Sustainable Salmon Arm (CASSSA) are investigating the possibility of a judicial review of the entire matter, and the Neskonleth Band continues to consider its options, including mounting a legal challenge. The proposed development faces other obstacles, including working out complex highway access issues and overcoming fisheries and other environmental concerns.

Regardless of the outcome, as WA:TER president Warren Bell explains, “We should thank Smart Centres for turning this town’s crank so hard it is mobilizing our community to continue the fight.”

As part of the battle, CASSSA engaged Smart Growth BC in a program that involved hundreds of citizens in neighbourhood workshops throughout the community on alternative urban growth concepts that emphasize environmental responsibility and social as well as economic development. Can these forces of smart growth prevail? Time will tell, but in the meantime the Salmon Arm community members who have put in thousands of hours (and thousands of dollars) to fight the development can take consolation from the gains they have achieved and the spirited fight they have put up.

As one opponent put it, “For me it’s the principle, it’s knowing that we did everything we could to stop this development because we think it is bad for Salmon Arm. I always liked what Randal McMurphy said in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest after he tried to rip out a huge control panel: ‘But I tried, though.

Goddammit, I sure as hell did that much, now, didn’t I?’” To learn more, visit: www.wa-ter.ca, www.seas.ca, or www.casssa.ca, or www.

Interior Provincial Exhibition wins honours at BC Fairs Convention For a second year in a row, the IPE won First Place at the BC Fairs convention, in the categories of Showcase of your Fair and Agricultural Education Exhibits for the Fairs over 20,000 in attendance.

direct involvement with a member fair/exhibition or the association (minimum ten years). The nominee must generally have promoted the best interests of the fair/exhibition or association.

“Showcase of your Fair award is kind of an overall summary of your fair, highlighting all the key components,” said Bryan Burns, General Manager of the IPE. The 2nd IPE award was in the Agricultural Education Exhibits. “This category was to share how we provide education to the public about agriculture in an interesting, innovative manner from signage, a display or an interactive exhibit,” said Burns. It was the final award of the night and everyone at the IPE is proud of this accomplishment.”

“What an honour for Dave. He has put a tremendous effort into the IPE over the years and it is quite the accomplishment to see him recognized in this manner,” said Shirley Fowler, President of the IPE.

Dave Jordan, a long time volunteer of the IPE, Past President and Lifetime Member of the Association was awarded the Distinguished Service award. This award is available to an individual in recognition of long time service to and/or

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The IPE also placed in the Member’s Choice Awards. We submitted the winner of one of the IPE Photograph division. This category was about depicting agriculture and Karen Johanson, an Armstrong resident, received a 2nd place with an outstanding photograph taken at their property in Spallumcheen.

The Interior Provincial Exhibition will be going into its 112th year which will be held from August 31st to September 4th, 2011.

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Staple of Holiday Decor Has a Deep History Chances are, holiday revelers will find themselves underneath the mistletoe at least once this holiday season. While they might know what to do when that time comes, they might not know the history of that plant above their heads. Especially sacred to Celtic Druids, mistletoe was believed bestow life and fertility, while also protecting against poison and serving as an aphrodisiac.

Mistletoe would later take on a more political meaning, as the ritual of cutting the mistletoe came symbolized the emasculation of the old King by his successor.

Nowadays, mistletoe is typically hung in doorways or entryways from one room to another.

This tradition can also trace itself back several centuries to the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. Throughout Europe, mistletoe was placed over doorways in the house as well as the stables as a means to preventing the entrance of witches.

The tradition of kissing underneath the mistletoe likely stems from the belief that mistletoe bestows fertility and is often associated with the Roman festival of Saturnalia, a period of merrymaking that pre-dated Christmas. In 18th century England, a young lady standing underneath the mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. Once kissed, the kiss would signify deep romance or eternal friendship.

History also suggests that mistletoe was a symbol of peace. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace.

When standing underneath the mistletoe, enemies could declare a truce and spouses could end any marital turmoil with a kiss

BE WELL

NORTH of 50 November 2010

20 Most Popular Holiday Songs of the Last Decade 10. Little Drummer Boy Even though the first decade of the 21st Written by: Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, century witnessed a change in how nearly everyone Harry acquires and listens to music, some things about Simeone music -- especially holiday music -- may never change.

Performed by: The Harry Simeone Chorale & According to the American Society of Composers, Orchestra Authors and Publishers, the following 20 songs were the most performed holiday songs of the first decade 11. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The of the 21st century. The date was compiled with the Year aide of Mediaguide, the most comprehensive digital Written by: Edward Pola, George Wyle audio performance tracking technology in the world.

Performed by: Andy Williams 1. Winter Wonderland 12. I’ll Be Home For Christmas Written by: Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith Written by: Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram Performed by: Eurythmics Performed by: Josh Groban 2. The Christmas Song 13. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Written by: Johnny Marks Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells Performed by: Brenda Lee Performed by: Nat “King” Cole 3. Sleigh Ride Written by: Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish Performed by: The Ronettes

14. Silver Bells Written by: Jay Livingston, Ray Evans Performed by: Anne Murray

4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Written by: Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin Performed by: The Pretenders

15. Feliz Navidad Written and Performed by: Jose Feliciano

5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Written by: Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie Performed by: Bruce Springsteen 6. White Christmas Written by: Irving Berlin Performed by: Bing Crosby 7. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Written by: Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne Performed by: Michael Buble 8. Jingle Bell Rock Written by: Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe Performed by: Daryl Hall & John Oates 9. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Written by: Johnny Marks Performed by: Gene Autry

16. Frosty The Snowman Written by: Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins Performed by: The Beach Boys 17. A Holly Jolly Christmas Written by: Johnny Marks Performed by: Burl Ives 18. Blue Christmas Written by: Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson Performed by: Elvis Presley 19. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Written by: Meredith Willson Performed by: Johnny Mathis 20. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus Written by: Tommie Connor (PRS) Performed by: John Mellencamp

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NORTH of 50 November 2010

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Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

No one should ever be pressured, forced or tricked into giving money — even to loved ones.

If someone you trust is taking advantage of you, help is out there. Learn the signs of financial abuse to protect yourself and the people you love.

EldEr AbusE It’s tIme to Face the RealIty

? e n e c S e m I r IS ThIS a c

To find out more from the Government of Canada about preventing elder abuse, visit www.seniors.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) TTY: 1-800-926-9105

3786_HRSDC_ElderAbuse_NorthOf50LifestyleNewsmagazine_Thompson.indd 1

10/5/10 5:16:59 PM

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Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

Ski western Canada:

2010-2011 season kicks off in November Each November, it calls to powder hounds like a siren. It’s Canadian snow, dumping on steep glades, tree runs and broad alpine bowls that seem to go on forever when you point the tips downhill and push off. We know it’s up there, in quantity. Many ski-in-ski-out British Columbia resorts reliably receive up to seven metres (23 ft) of wintery bliss in a given season on some of the most spectacular terrain in North America.

NORTH of 50 November 2010

Home Photo courtesy of Tourism BC/Don Weixl

Here’s a sampling of what’s on offer at a few of Canada’s top mountain properties.

Many operations open in mid-November and close in May; shoulder-season rates typically apply before Christmas and after April. Early-bird discounts, kids ski free, extended-stay deals and gear-rental incentives are all designed to reward those who reserve early. To get the best deal, be sure to book through your preferred travel specialist or a reputable ski-tour professional. And no pushing and shoving at the airport, please. Rest assured, there’s enough snow up there for all of us.

Whistler Blackcomb, BC It’s consistently ranked among the top ski resorts in the world for a reason: Whistler Blackcomb is the whole package. Multiple terrain parks and half-pipes, heli-skiing and -boarding, and a mind-boggling 3,307 ha (8,172 ac) of terrain in total. With more than 200 trails to explore, you’ll only scratch the surface of what’s on offer here. Brave the dizzying 4.4-km (2.7 mi) PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola that links the two mountains of this resort that millions admired during the 2010 Winter Games. Whistler’s pedestrian-only village has a European flavor, with world-class restaurants, shopping, nightlife and activities. It’s just two hours north of Vancouver on an almost totally rebuilt highway. Typical ski-and-stay packages offer a third night free. Plan to head up for the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival—North America’s biggest celebration of mountain culture held every spring.

Your life, your time, your memories.

Marmot Basin, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, AB Nestled in the great national parks of the Canadian Rockies, these three Alberta ski areas showcase great snow, incredible historic properties like The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and The Fairmont Banff Springs, and the pure blue-sky majesty of the Canadian winter. Lake Louise and Sunshine Village offer excellent snow and jaw-dropping panoramas of glacier-carved alpine lakes, cirques and bowls. Marmot Basin offers the longest high-speed quad on the Alberta-side of the Rocky Mountains, whisking guests up almost 600 m (1,969 ft) of elevation gain in less than 10 minutes. This part of the country is best enjoyed by more independent adventurers who can rent a car and make their way between the ski areas over a week-and-a-half along the famed Icefields Parkway, with a stop to visit the Athabasca Glacier along the Continental Divide.

Christmas in Victoria: Dec 22

$1295

Long Beach Storm Watching: Jan 30

$870

Palm Springs Winter Escape: Feb 12

$2715

Canadian Rockies Hot Springs: Feb 14 $595 Hawaiian Cultural Holiday: Apr 2

$4180

Jasper Park Lodge Spring Fling: Apr 4

$975

Panama Canal Cruise: Apr 19

$4030

China & Tibet: Apr 27

$5850

for more information on these or other Experiences www.wellsgraytours.com

Kamloops: 250-374-0831 800-667-9552

Sun Peaks Resort, BC With 1,488 skiable ha (3,677 ac) of terrain—the third-largest in Canada—plus 882 m (2,894 ft) of vertical and 122 runs (including 12 glade areas), it’s no surprise that Condé Nast Traveller magazine recently rated Sun Peaks “the second best resort in Canada, next to Whistler.” The resort was designed as ski-in/ski-out, so you’ll find a ski-through village of hotels, restaurants, spas, shops and great nightspots. Typical offers include kids 12 and under ski free (when booked through a tour operator), extra nights free and early-bird discounts. Early each January, the Sun Peaks Family Cup means five days of on-snow fun for the whole clan.

Continued on page 14

NORTH of 50 November 2010

and Away Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

Sonoran Desert

Scottsdale, ARIZONA A rugged and untamed wilderness, the Sonoran Desert is a 120,000-square-mile reminder that the American West’s frontier spirit is alive and kicking. Overflowing with towering mesas, solitary saguaros and exotic wildlife, this timeless tableau has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.

Welcome to Scottsdale, a cosmopolitan mini-metropolis with Wild West roots and the world’s most scenic backyard. Here you can walk in the millenniaold footsteps of the mysterious Hohokam Indians, shoot the rapids like a white-knuckled river explorer, or take a rip-snorting horseback ride alongside honest-to-goodness cowboys - and still make it back in time for that tee time or sumptuous supper.

A DESERT IN NAME ONLY At first glance, Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert outskirts can seem a bit barren and, well, desert-like, especially when seen from the window of an airplane or while zipping down the interstate. Dig a little deeper, though - be it on foot, horseback or inside a guided Hummer - and this sweeping expanse reveals itself as a vibrant oasis bursting at the seams with unusual wildlife and one-off vegetation. In fact, from America’s only native venomous lizard (the lethargic Gila monster) to wild herds of pig-like Javelina, the Sonoran Desert is home to some 60 mammal, 350 bird, 100-plus reptile and 30 native fish species.

Then there’s the unmistakable beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s 2,000 plus native plant species, many of which are on display at the serene Desert Botanical Garden (www.dbg.org). Nestled amidst the wind-swept red buttes of Papago Park, this 145-acre, 50,000-plant oasis hosts one of the world’s finest collections of desert flora, including 169 rare and endangered species. Alongside perennial favorites such as the herbarium, cacti and succulents galleries, and the Desert Discovery Trail, the Garden also hosts nighttime flashlight tours and a popular Music in the Garden series.

PRESERVATION IS A PRIORITY Established in 1995, Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve (www. mcdowellsonoran.org) tempts visitors and locals alike with nearly 20,000 acres of do-it-yourself or guided outdoor adventure, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding. Eventually this preserve, unfurling across the northern and eastern edges of Scottsdale, will encompass 36,400 acres of permanently protected desert, ensuring a full one-third of this rapidly growing city remains pristine, public open space.

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Often invisible to the untrained eye, cracking the secret code of the Sonoran Desert is as simple as calling upon the Eco-Tour specialists at My Arizona Guide (www.myarizonaguide. com). Each custom tour is led by a guide well versed in geology, biology, mineralogy, mining history and local legends, as well as Native American archaeology, history, culture and their use of desert plants for sustenance and medicine.

Speaking of edible plants, Windwalker Expeditions (www. windwalkerexpeditions. com) now offers a variety of Sonoran Desert survival courses, starting with a basic two-hour hike to learn water indicator signs and shelter building tips, and advancing all the way to an expert-only threeday challenge alongside Windwalker’s survival expert. Hunt and trap food and scrounge for water in some of North America’s harshest terrain.

Another great way to experience Scottsdale’s ‘green’ side is to take a stroll along the city’s grass-lined Indian Bend Wash, an interconnected string of four urban parks also known as the Greenbelt. Featuring lighted walking and recreation paths, fishing ponds, athletic fields, tennis courts, a skate park and see-and-beseen dog park, this popular 7.5-mile urban playground doubles as a flood-control system that helps keep city streets high and dry during Scottsdale’s thunderous summer monsoon rainstorms.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway opened in May 2009 and features shade ramadas, a dog comfort station, water fountains and an equestrian staging area with horse-trailer parking, water troughs and hitching rails. And in keeping with the City of Scottsdale’s progressive green building codes, the Gateway’s design minimizes the impact on the fragile desert environment by incorporating elements such as solar power generation and water heating, rainwater harvesting and rammed earth walls constructed of native soil from on-site excavating.

Down the trail, the Gateway will be joined by the Desert Discovery Center, an interactive learning hub featuring state-of-the-art exhibits, an indoor theater and open-air amphitheater.

JUST ADD WATER First-time visitors are inevitably surprised by the number of wet ‘n wild adventures available in and around Scottsdale, and we’re not just talking about that sparkling hotel pool. The wettest of America’s four deserts, water has always been a cherished commodity in the Sonoran Desert starting with the area’s original inhabitants, the Hohokam Indians, whose 500 miles of irrigation canals were replicated and expanded upon to create our modern water-delivery system of dams, reservoirs and canals. Scottsdale’s high desert outskirts, meanwhile, are chockablock with lakes, watering holes and rivers thanks to icy snowmelt from Arizona’s mountainous north.

GO GREEN Although the rough and tumble Sonoran Desert seems immutable to change, it’s actually a delicately balanced ecosystem featuring thousands of specially adapted plants and animals able to survive both searing summertime temperatures and rare rainfall (www.scottsdalegreenbydesign.com). Beyond its unique flora and fauna, the desert is a treasure trove of human history, including prehistoric ruins, Native American monuments, abandoned mining encampments and even a Civil War battlefield or two.

Valley based rafting guides, Arizona Outback Adventures (www.aoa-adventures. com) and Cimarron Adventures & River Company (www.cimarrontours.com) along with AAM’s Mild to Wild Rafting (www.mild2wildrafting.com) ply their trade year-round on two such rivers, the Salt and Verde. While paddling through these lush Cottonwood-Willow riparian areas, rafters might spy predatory birds such as herons, hawks and nesting bald eagles, as well as coyotes, javelina and wild mustangs grazing near the water’s edge.

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SKI WESTERN CANADA: cont'd from page 12

NORTH of 50 November 2010

Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday Office Parties

Silver Star Mountain Resort, BC If you’re going to the trouble of crossing an ocean, the snow better be worth it when you get there. More than seven metres (23 ft) of the stuff reliably lands on Silver Star Mountain Resort’s 1,240 ha (3,064 ac) of terrain each year and—like most of the snow in British Columbia’s interior region—it falls as light, dry “champagne” powder. There’s 760 m (2,493 ft) of descent from the top of the mountain, with everything from groomed cruisers to glades and steeps, plus comfortable daytime temperatures that average -5º C (23º F). In other words, conditions are perfect. The resort is surrounded by literally millions of hectares of snowy wilderness that Canadians call “the backcountry,” and there are many opportunities to enjoy it beyond the lifts, including guided tours where you strap on lightweight snowshoes to walk safely atop powder that you would otherwise sink in to your waist.

Big White Ski Resort, BC Named one of the top five family ski resorts in the world by UK’s The Times, Big White—in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine-growing region—boasts 118 runs, 1,000-plus ha (over 2,470 ac) and a huge selection of activities for tots to teens and beyond, including a big terrain park, ice skating, snowshoeing, bonfire nights and more. This is one destination that has it all. Like Silver Star Mountain Resort, this is a self-contained ski-in-and-ski-out resort village, where skiing and riding is accessible from your doorstep. The sister properties share something else, too: fluff. From mid-November to mid-April, more than 700 cm (276 in) of champagne powder falls here, virtually guaranteeing incredible skiing and snowboarding. The fluff creates world-famous “snow ghosts”—powder-caked trees that take on a “ghostly” appearance. There’s really nothing else like ‘em anywhere in the world.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, BC Located 14 km (8.7 mi) above the town of Golden, BC, two-and-a-half hours west of Calgary, AB, Kicking Horse Resort is the first four-season mountain resort to open in the Rockies region in 25 years. Surrounded by six national parks, and boasting 1,112 ha (2,748 ac) of terrain and a vertical drop of 1,260 m (4,134 ft)—the second highest in Canada—Kicking Horse is a raw and rugged “big mountain” Canadian ski experience. The resort’s got massive alpine bowls and ridges, well suited for advanced skiers, and optional heli-skiing.

Courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission Photo courtesy of Tourism BC/Don Weixl

With holiday office parties happening all over the country, now is a great time to go over some do’s and don’ts for employees hoping to have a good time ... but not too good of a time.

The Do’s Do attend the party. Even though the holiday season is the busiest of the year for many people, time must be made to attend the office holiday party. Declining the invitation can imply an individual doesn’t care about the company or his or her coworkers.

Do behave. Even if the party is as jovial as jovial gets, remember behavior is still being monitored by fellow employees and higher-ups.

Do be gracious to the hosts. The company often covers the tab for the party, so be gracious when leaving for the night, thanking bosses for the food and drink. Also, avoid negative comments about the party, regardless of how bad something might be.

Do ask about guests ahead of time. Most office parties encourage bringing spouses or significant others to the festivities. However, those thinking of bringing kids along should inquire ahead of time if that’s acceptable. Sometimes an office holiday party is not the ideal locale for children.

The Don’ts Don’t dress as if going out for a hot night on the town. Conservative dress is often best. It also might not hurt to wear something that symbolizes the holiday season.

Don’t get overly flirty with coworkers. Nearly every business has had an office romance or two. But publicly flirting with a coworker in front of the rest of the office and their significant others is a good way to become fodder for the water cooler conversations come Monday morning.

Don’t overindulge. The food might be delicious and the alcohol might be free, but overindulging in either is a recipe for disaster. Moderation is ideal when it comes to food and drink at the office party, and ask a spouse or significant other to be mindful of how much you have had, if necessary.

Don’t discuss work. While some work discussions are bound to happen, the laid-back nature of the office party might cause some to say something they will later regret. Keep topics light and avoid discussing anything that might lead to an argument.

Don’t drink and drive. Workers who have had one too many should call a taxi or ask for a ride home. Law enforcement officials are extra aware of drunk drivers during the holidays, and getting behind the wheel after a drink or two is never a good idea.

NORTH of 50 November 2010

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Health Matters

Province’s user fee High Fructose Corn Syrup Might Get a plan penalizes Sweet New Name BC patients BC Health Coalition calls on province to reverse its directive requiring health authorities to charge fees to patients who need hospital care to recover from illness or injury.

The BC Health Coalition is concerned that core hospital services previously provided to patients free of charge as required by the Canada Health Act are now subject to so-called “convalescent care” fees that health authorities began to impose over the spring and summer.

The BCHC has received a string of calls from patients and family members who report being charged for recovery time before returning home. The complaints follow a decision earlier this year that saw government quietly direct health authorities to charge $29.40 per day.

“My 88-year-old father-in-law fell and broke his hip. My family was told that our options were to move him to convalescent care, for which he would be charged a fee, or he could go home,” said Janet Jones of Langley. “He is still in need of care so going home before he recovers is not an option. Now we are receiving bills. My father-in-law did not pay taxes his whole life only to be charged fees for care as a senior.”

“This family’s situation is exactly what Medicare is designed to protect against - times of health difficulty for individuals and families should not be compounded by financial burden,” said BCHC co-chair Alice Edge.

The BCHC is concerned that the fees are a cash grab from the wallets of patients when they most need care, and could lead to higher long-term costs if patients end up leaving hospitals before they are ready in order to avoid the fees.

On October 20th, BCHC representatives attended a Vancouver Coastal Health Authority open board meeting to seek information about how the fees are being implemented in the region. “We asked what explanation the Ministry has provided the health authority with as to why they are to all of a sudden charging for hospital care services that have always been covered under Medicare, as directed by the Canada Health Act,” said Edge. “We were told that an answer would not be addressed to the public in the room at that time because it was a ‘detail’. This is no detail - this is a fundamental question that British Columbians deserve an answer to.”

The BCHC is calling on the government to scrap the fees and address long-term costs by fully funding home and community care services.

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High fructose corn syrup has been getting bad press for a while now. Food manufacturers are pulling it out of some products, and everyone from soccer moms to nutritionists are blaming obesity rates on consumption of corn syrup. Is this sweetener really at the root of obesity?

While the nutritional value or detriment of corn syrup is still open for debate, companies that manufacture high fructose corn syrup are trying to rename the product to give it a better public relations spin. The Corn Refiners Association wants to change its name to corn sugar, after consumption of the sweetener reached a 20-year low.

The corn syrup industry is already using the name in advertising and seeking the approval for the name change from the Food and Drug Administration. Such approval could take as long as two years.

The Corn Refiners Association claims sugar is sugar, whether it comes from sugar cane or corn. The body uses it the same way, and corn syrup and cane sugar are nutritionally the same. That means the products that contain sugar are just as likely to contribute to obesity as those with corn syrup.

Sugars are found in many products, including cereals, pickles, breads, and even pet foods. Nutritionists urge individuals to cut down on consumption of all sugary products for a healthier diet.

It is still unsure whether “corn sugar” will be adopted and whether consumers will be “fooled” by the name change. If history repeats itself, it just may be a boon to the corn industry.

When “prunes” were changed to “dried plums,” the fruit was more warmly received. Although public relations officials deny that the former Kentucky Fried Chicken was changed to KFC to limit usage of the word “fried,” connoting unhealthy foods, the name change did help alter the image of the chicken, though how much or how little is likely impossible to calculate.

We Remember November 11TH

Flu Clinics Start in the Interior It’s that time of year again – sniffles, fevers, aches, and pains – but getting your flu shot can reduce your chances of suffering from influenza this season.

This year’s vaccine contains three different flu strains, one of which is the pandemic strain (H1N1) that circulated last year. Influenza (flu) shots are free for those 65 or older, people with chronic health conditions, or other at risk groups, including young children and pregnant women.

“The flu shot is a safe, effective way to reduce your chances of getting influenza and reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get it,” says Dr. Rob Parker, Medical Health Officer for Interior Health. “The vaccine is 70 to 90 per cent effective in preventing influenza in healthy children and adults. If you aren’t eligible for the free clinics, it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist or doctor to find out about getting vaccinated.”

Influenza is highly contagious and is the leading cause of preventable death due to infectious disease in Canada, killing thousands of Canadians every year and hospitalizing thousands more. It spreads easily from person to person by coughing, sneezing or talking. Seniors, infants under two and people with chronic illness are most at risk from complications that can result from the flu.

“Getting a flu shot protects you and those around you – at home, school, work and in the community,” adds Dr. Parker. “People can spread the influenza virus before they show symptoms, which is why it is so important for people to be vigilant about washing their hands throughout the day and immediately after sneezing, coughing or before and after visiting daycares, hospitals or healthcare facilities. It is also important to stay home if you are feeling sick.”

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Kamloops Symphony presents Eastern Echoes

The Kamloops Symphony, with guest violinist Erika Raum, presents its program Eastern Echoes on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Salmon arm Recreation Centre.

Eastern Echoes promises the listener an experience of lively and colourful music by major European composers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as well as one of Canada’s most successful contemporary composers.

The program includes Bruch’s Violin Concerto #1,performed by soloist Erika Raum. German composer Max Bruch enjoyed fame and success as a composer, conductor and teacher throughout Europe and America. His first violin concerto is one of the finest works ever composed for violin and orchestra.

Violinist Erika Raum last appeared with the Kamloops Symphony more than ten years ago as part of its 20th anniversary season. Known for her "engaging sensitivity and a gorgeously full tone," [THE STRAD],Erika Raum continues developing a following here in her native country and internationally.

She performs frequently throughout Canada with orchestral appearances in cities such as Toronto, Calgary,Vancouver, Ottawa, Victoria, Halifax, Laval and Edmonton.

Erika is a graduate of the University of Toronto where she studied with the late Professor Lorand Fenyves and was awarded the prestigious Eaton Scholarship upon her graduation. She is also a recipient of The Canada Council for the Arts Career Development Grant. Ms. Raum is currently on the faculties of The Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto and the University of Toronto. She lives in Toronto with her husband, distinguished Canadian composer, Omar Daniel, their three-year-old daughter Roslein, and bouncing triplet babies Eero, Oskar, and Roxanne.

Hungarian Zoltán Kodály is very well known for developing the “Kodály Method” which exploits the natural musicality of children to open the pleasures of performance to them through singing. The method has become commonplace around the world. But that is just one aspect of Kodály’s work. He is one of only two major figures in twentieth century Hungarian music. Much of his work was influenced by his interest in Hungarian folk songs.

Bohuslav Martinu spent much of his life away from his birthplace in Czechoslovakia, moving to France and then to the US and only returning to Europe two years before his death. His music was very popular in the US, where he wrote five symphonies in five years, along with many other works. The symphony will perform Sinfonietta La Jolla written in 1950 for the Musical Arts Society of La Jolla, California.

Canadian composer John Estacio wrote his string orchestra piece Such Sweet Sorrow for the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra as he was preparing to leave his position as Composer in Residence with the Edmonton Symphony. Estacio is one of Canada’s foremost composers; he has won many awards and has twice been nominated for JUNO awards. He has written orchestral music,film scores and two successful operas. A third, Lillian Alling, is premiering at the Vancouver Opera this fall.

The Kamloops Symphony introduced its Salmon Arm Concert Series three years ago and community every year. Grants from the Shuswap Community Foundation, the City of Salmon Arm and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District are a testament to the value placed on this unique opportunity to hear a live symphony orchestra at home in Salmon Arm.Local corporate sponsors and business who advertise in the printed concert programs have also helped to make it possible for the 45-piece orchestra to perform in Salmon Arm at a very reasonable price. Tickets are just $27 for adults and $10 for students.

Performances in the Salmon Arm Concert Series will also be presented on Friday, January 15, 2011 at 7:30 and March 13, 2011 at 2 p.m. Tickets for all of the Kamloops Symphony 2010 / 2011 season performances are on sale now at Kamloops Live! Box Office. Order by phone toll free 1-866-374-5483.

NORTH of 50 November 2010

MOOSE SQUADRON

By Sherry Bennett

Photo courtesy of Kamloops Museum & Archives Adopted by the City of Kamloops in January 1943, the 419 Moose squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force was made famous by Kamloops’ native John “Moose” Fulton.

Born and educated in Kamloops, Fulton was commissioned as a pilot officer and after training joined a bomber transport squadron in Egypt. At the outbreak of the Second World War he was back in England flying with a bomber squadron.

Wing Commander Fulton, DSO, DFC, AFC, earned the reputation as the most beloved commanding officer of any Canadian squadron in Britain and was regarded as the “best going” by every last man in the squadron, from the highest in the air crew to the general duty Joes.

Fulton commanded the RCAF’s 419 squadron from its inception in December 1941 until August 1942, at which time he failed to return to his base in Britain after leading a raid on Germany. He was last heard from when he sent a message stating he was over the North Sea with engine trouble, casualties among his crew, and enemy fighters after him.

Though a city in Ontario was keen for the privilege to adopt the 419, Kamloops was given first option, in view of the way its citizens had followed the squadron’s activities with interest since the appointment of Fulton.

As part of the official adoption process the Kamloops Civilian Auxiliary formed in April 1943. In addition to providing comforts to the 400 airmen in the 419, the local committee took under its auspices the 100 seamen on the Canadian corvette HMCS Kamloops, a Royal Canadian Navy warship named after the city two years prior.

With monies raised from local fundraising events, the auxiliary directed their energies to collecting and shipping luxuries that would provide the lads overseas with a small diversion from the war.

During its 30-months in operation, the auxiliary dispatched 70,000 cigarettes, 5,000 chocolate bars, homemade fruits and jams, Rogers’ Golden Syrup, magazine subscriptions and board games.

By far the auxiliary’s most creative and appreciated gift shipped, sent in honour of the squadron’s first “mooseman,” was 160 pounds of canned moose meat.

When the 419 squadron and HMCS disbanded in Sept. 1945, so too did the auxiliary. Throughout the years the squadron has reactivated in different capacities. Currently based at CFB Cold Lake, it now functions as the 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron.

The wartime relationship between the City of Kamloops and the 419 (Moose) squadron exists today, with the 886 (Overlander) Wing, Air Force Association of Canada acting as the main liaison group between the City and the squadron.

Information contained in this article extracted from January 21, 1943, April 1, 1943 and June 7, 1944 editions of the Inland Sentinel.

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Word Search & Crosswords

REMEMBER AIRFORCE ARMS BATTLE BEACH BOMB BRAVERY COAST COMBAT COURAGE DDAY ENEMY EUROPE FIERCE FIGHT FLANDERS FREEDOM GUN HERO HIT HONOR

INFANTRY INVADE JUNO LIBERTY LOSS MAJOR MEDAL MEN MORTAR MUD NAVY NORMANDY NOVEMBER OMAHA PATRIOT PEACE PLANE POPPY REMEMBER ROW

SACRIFICE SEA SOLDIER TROOPS TYRANNY VALOR VETERAN VICTORY WAR WREATH

Find the words in the grid. When you are done, the unused letters spell out a hidden message. Words can go left or right, top line to bottom line. Words can go horizontally, vertically and diagonally in all eight directions. Answers to puzzle is on page 18.

DOWN

ACROSS 1 Swab 4 Tiny spider 8 Really cool 11 Roman three 12 Religious work of art 13 Goddess 14 Goof 15 After eight 16 TV award 17 Dictator government 19 Hunts 20 Vast

21 Not who 22 Amity 25 Assist 26 British thermal unit 29 Omelette ingredient 30 Deli order 31 Optical device 32 Maturity 33 Calorie 34 Main artery 35 June 6 1944 37 Discs 38 Renown

40 Countryman 44 Wields 45 Make music vocally 46 Battle of nations 47 Otherwise 48 Negative (prefix) 49 Adam’s wife 50 Distress call 51 Mexican money 52 Change color

1 Abstain from certain foods 2 Ethereal 3 Vigor 4 _____ Pearl 5 Cake topping 6 ____ Danza (Taxi) 7 Compass point 8 commemorate 9 Navy’s rival 10 24 hour periods 13 Big sandwich 18 The alphabet 19 Doctoral degree 21 Intelligence 22 Legume 23 Chick holder 24 Elderly nature 25 Entire 27 Trinitrotoluene 28 below 49th parallel 30 Bark 31 Failure 33 Sedan 34 Musical “slow” 36 Medicine amount 37 Pennies 38 Tints 39 Capital of Norway 40 Long for 41 flabbergasted 42 Dark blue 43 Ash 45 Tree gum

SUDOKU Each Sudoku puzzle is a 9 by 9 grid of horizontal and vertical rows evenly separated into 9 squares with 9 spaces each. Each puzzles solution is determined by the pattern of the numbers already filled in. You solve the puzzle by filling in the missing digits so that, when completed, each row and each square will have all numbers from1 to 9: each number will appear in exactly nine spaces within each puzzle.Sudoku solution on page 18

8

9 6

7

4

7

2

4

6 8

3

8 4

5 6

4

9

5

3

5

9

6 5

4

2

9

NORTH of 50 November 2010

Thompson/Nicola/South Cariboo

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