AUGUST 2011
DAY TRIPS in the
SOUTH OKANAGAN Our Top Destinations
Eastside Grocery’s Fundraising Local Artist on International scene
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100% locally owned OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 •
EASTSIDE GROCERY 36498 - 79TH ST. - 498-2527
Sun Sightings Oliver Ambassador Candidates Jessica Monteiro, Patricia Lameiras and Sharna Bousfield were on hand at Eastside Grocery on July 20 for the fundraiser in support of Brittany Michaud. Details of the event are on page six.
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Home of the famous “Eastside” slushie and floats! 24 FLAVOURS OF ICE CREAM AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND!
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Letters
John R. Cooper
OK Sun, I just wanted to say thanks for dropping off The Okanagan Sun. It’s wonderful! It looks great! The content is great! Job well done! A lot of people are picking up the magazine at the restaurant. I can hear them chatting about the articles and enjoying them. A few tourists asked me if I knew anything about Covert Farms [OK Sun July 2011]. I just wanted to let you know that people in Osoyoos are enjoying The Okanagan Sun. Tracey at Ambrosia
Good morning Andrea, I just got an issue of the Okanagan Sun. Thanks a million! What a great little article on us [OK Sun July 2011]. Dr. David Suzuki was in last night and I got him to autograph the article. I didn’t have my camera on me.... oops... Cheers and kindest regards, Silvia at Medicis
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OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 •
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14
CONTENTS • AUGUST
PUBLISHER
BRIAN HIGHLEY has run international campaigns with Adbusters magazine and published the OK Sun newspaper in Osoyoos. He is of course writing this, and feels strange referring to himself in the third person.
Help Eastside Help Brittany 6 Day Trips In The South Okanagan 8 Grist Mill and Gardens 12 Linden Gardens, Kaleden 14
REPORTER & PROOFREADER ANDREA DUJARDIN-FLEXHAUG has been living in the South Okanagan and writing for newspapers for 25-plus years, ever since she graduated from the Journalism Program at Langara, VCC
CONTRIBUT0RS
No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. ~ Epictetus AUGUST 2011
DAY TRIPS in the SOUTH OKANAGAN Our Top Destinations
Eastside Grocery’s Fundraising
Local Artist on International scene
FREE
www.oksun.ca
100% locally owned OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 1
ON THE COVER
Acting Manager John Millar conducts tours for visitors at The Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos. Photo by Andrea-Dujardin Flexhaug
www.oksun.ca
18
BERNIE BATES is a writer, cartoonist, poet and entrepreneur of native heritage, who grew up on a ranch. “I was the only kid I knew that could play cowboys and Indians all by myself!”
DEREK HIGHLEY is a Class A Member of the PGA of America, is TPI Certified and is a full time Golf Instructor teaching over 1,500 lessons annually. JORG MARDIAN is a Certified Kinesiology Specialist, Myoskeletal Therapist, Fitness Trainer and Registered Holistic Nutritionist. He specializes in injury/pain therapy, functional fitness, weight loss and holistic nutrition.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Email comments to brian@oksun.ca, or mail to Box 177, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0 Tel 250.535.0540 No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in whole or part by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken with this publication, the author(s) and publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this publication. © 2011 Okanagan Sun Publishing. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement.
Complete issues are available online at:
www.oksun.ca
10 - 11
OK SUN
IN THIS ISSUE
For me, the real story this month is Oliver’s outpouring of support and kindness for the Michaud family, who are awaiting a heart transplant for their daughter Brittany. Particularly uplifting is the effort of Oliverite Sherilee Duncan, who has spearheaded the campaign, details of which are on page six. Please make a donation to the cause at Eastside Grocery, OK Tire, Wine Country Quilters Market or any one of the many Oliver businesses that have set up donation boxes. Thanks to all for the kind feedback on the July edition of the Okanagan Sun. If there’s one thing that last month’s edition taught me, it’s that the Covert family are rock stars! We had a hard time keeping the magazine on shelves, and everyone I spoke to had wonderful things to say about the Covert family and their farm. Don’t miss
T
hank you for picking up this edition of Okanagan Sun Magazine. This publication is free to you, thanks to the support of our outstanding advertisers. It took awhile to arrive, but it seems that summer is in full swing. If you are visiting the South Okanagan this summer, welcome! If you are a local, I hope you are enjoying all that our area has to offer. Nothing says summer like ambling along the Kettle Valley Railway in Okanagan Falls, or a round of golf at Nk’Mip Canyon Desert, or a stroll on the Pioneer Walkway in Osoyoos. But if you’re looking to hit the road this summer, we’ve detailed a few day trips that you don’t want to miss, starting on page eight.
OLIVER THEATRE Enjoy your evening out, taking in a movie at the Oliver Theatre!
August, 2011 Programme
All movies presented in Dolby Stereo Surround We're Airconditioned
Sat. - Sun. - Mon. - Tues. - Wed. - Thurs. - Fri. Aug. 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 Showtimes at 7:00 & 9:25 p.m. Nightly
*
their Festival of the Tomato on August 20th, which returns this year after a hiatus. Congratulations to Oliver artist Shannon Ford, who has picked up a win for her artwork in an international competition out of Australia. Details are on page 18, and her work can be appreciated first hand at the Oliver Art Gallery during a solo exhibit August 8-14. Next month’s issue will see the return of our gardening section. It is back by popular demand, this time with a local accent. We look forward to columns from Lloyd Park of The Home Of Every Blooming Thing fame. As always, we invite everyone in the community to submit their stories, pictures, club news, columns and artwork to be printed and shared. brian@oksun.ca
*
Summer Showtimes 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. Nightly (Unless otherwise stated)
Phone 250-498-2277 Wed. - Thurs. - Fri.
Oliver, B.C.
Aug. 24 - 25 - 26
Available at
There will also be a matinee of this show on Sat., Aug. 27 at 2:00 p.m. All seats $4.50 for the matinee.
Sat. - Sun. - Mon. - Tues.
Aug. 27 - 28 - 29 - 30
Violence.
Sat. - Sun. - Mon. - Tues. - Wed. - Thurs. - Fri. Aug. 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 Showtimes at 7:00 & 9:20 p.m. Nightly
Coarse and sexual language.
Wed. - Thurs. - Fri. Aug. 31, Sept. 1 - 2 Showtimes at 7:00 & 9:20 p.m. Nightly
Violence.
Sat. - Sun. - Mon. - Tues.
Aug. 20 - 21 - 22 - 23
Now Open in Okanagan Falls! Manufactured/Modular Homes & Park Models
BC Built Call Blair
Sexual content, coarse language.
Coarse and sexual language. Programme subject to unavoidable change without notice
778-515-5555 OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 •
Help Eastside
Help Brittany
I
t could have happened to any one of our families. So we all have to help out,” says Sherliee Duncan of Eastside Grocery in Oliver. Due in large part to a Kids Carnival fundraiser and silent auction on Wednesday July 20 on the patio at Eastside Grocery, Duncan has helped Oliver to raise approximately $10,000 thus far in support of the Merchaud family, who are dealing with daughter Brittany’s need for a heart transplant. One dollar from each slushie and one dollar from each ice cream cone sold www.oksun.ca
was donated to the Michaud Family Support Fund. Brittany is currently at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver awaiting the surgery. “It could be anybody in this situation,” Duncan said. “I got lucky, my kids were healthy. They’re adults now - that doesn’t mean nothing will happen to them - but I got lucky that nothing happened to them when they were younger.” Also leading the charge with a donation box is OK Tire in Oliver. Proceeds from the donations are going to assist with fuel and living out costs.
Brittany had been helping out with the Half Ironman when her sister phoned her parents to inform them that Brittany was not feeling wellj, and that she was looking pale. It was then that doctors discovered she had an enlarged heart. Brittany was then airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and diagnosed with non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCC), also called spongiform cardiomyopathy. “It’s scary how quickly things can happen,” Duncan said. “It was just one of those things. She was very lucky that they caught it.”
Duncan stressed that, although the fundraiser on July 20th is over, the campaign is ongoing. “I still have people coming in and making donations,” she said. “It’s not going to just stop. Right now we’re helping out with them getting back and forth to Vancouver and being able to spend time with Brittany as a family.” But the expenses to the family won’t stop there. “Come September, the other kids have to go back to school and Bernie (Brittany’s father) is in a position where his boss’s dad is not well and he has to come back to work. Life pulls you different ways.” Brittany’s mother Shauna works at Vincor, which has also been incredibly supportive, holding fundraisers of their own. Close To Home Duncan recalls a time when she and her husband were in their early 30’s, and facing similar difficulties. “My husband had open heart surgery. We had a six and an eight-year-old,” she
Twelve year-old Brittany Michaud awaits a new heart at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. said. “I know what it’s like to be worried about the money at home, but also be committed to my husband and chidren. I had really great family support and they do too.” Apart from the current expense of travelling back and forth to Vancouver, Duncan says that the
campaign must continue to help with other associated costs, many of which are yet to be determined. Doctors have informed the family that there can be no rugs in the home whatsoever, as well as no mold. “This money is also going to help them get to where they need to be for her to come home,” Duncan explains. “What else might she need? A new bed? New pillows? Who knows? But this is all going to help to get her home and get her back to a normal life.” Duncan was especially pleased with the way in which the town has responded to the campaign. “The people just keep coming and coming,” she said. “It’s really great to realize that the town is still that way.”
Where To Donate To make a donation to the cause go to Eastside Grocery, OK Tire, Wine Country Quilters Market or any one of the many Oliver businesses that have set up donation boxes.
Sherrilee Duncan of Eastside Grocery in Oliver spearheads the campaign that has so far raised around $10,000 for Brittany Michaud and family.
Photo Brian Highley OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 •
Day Trips in the South Okanagan... By Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug
www.oksun.ca
Summer tourists visiting the South Okanagan towns of Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos may want to enjoy more than just sun, sand and water sports. There are also a number of enjoyable day trips worth taking, and the Okanagan Sun features several of them in this issue.
Molson Museum Molson, WA.
I
f you are a visitor to the South Okanagan, take a glimpse into the past with a drive to the old ghost town of Molson. For this day trip, the visitor will need a passport as it requires a short drive across the border to the U.S. From the town of Osoyoos, Molson is only about a half hour drive northeast of the border town of Oroville, WA. on a paved road. When you reach the outskirts, at the south end of town is Old Molson where the outdoor Molson Museum is located. Stroll through this reassembled pioneer town, which displays early 20th century weather beaten buildings and rusty farm equipment used by pioneers in the area. See the worn wood buildings such as ‘Barney Fletcher’s’ Old Shingle Mill, quaint homestead cabins, a restored bank building, lawyer’s office, saloon, assay office and other items on display on the five acre site. It was a Canadian, Molson’s beer investor John W. Molson, who helped found the town of Molson along with promoter George B. Meacham in 1900. The gold town of 300 was a beehive of activity back in the day, with a
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Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 •
hotel, saloon, general store, newspaper and doctor. But as was the case with other gold booms of that time, it petered out quickly the following year, with only a handful of hardy souls who stayed on there. A little further along the road is the indoor Molson Schoolhouse Museum featuring American history. It is open
from Memorial Day weekend until Labour Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Once you have finished exploring Molson, head further along the road for an interesting drive back to Oroville on a different route along the US/Canada border. It follows a well-graded gravel road past part of the old Great North-
ern Railway Right-of-Way, historical markers, and offers scenic views of Canada’s Hwy.3 and Mt. Baldy. For more information about Molson, and to get a free map, go to the Visitor Center kiosk at the Oroville Depot Museum, a block west of Hwy.97 (Main Street) on Ironwood and 12 Avenue in Oroville.
Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug 10 www.oksun.ca
Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug
OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 11
The Grist Mill and Gardens, Keremeos What is grist? Just ask John Millar, the Acting Manager of The Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos. “Grist is grain, any grain, wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn ... ,” he explains. “When the grain is clean and ready to be ground into flour then it is turned to grist... it is grist for the mill.” The Grist Mill and Gardens is a unique place to visit, as it is the last remaining pioneer flour mill in the West. It is in a charming garden setting with a creek running through it. The grist mill and a general store were founded by businessman Barrington Price in 1877, to serve the needs of local ranchers, miners, natives and travellers on the historic Dewdney Trail. In the 1890s when business declined, and the log store became a home and the mill part of a farm. The government bought the mill in 1979 and it was restored by BC Heritage Trust until 2002 when it was devolved. It went through some lean years after that and even closed in 2008 due to a bankruptcy, but a year later Brenda and Jim Millar were contracted by the BC Heritage Branch to run it. They have revived and renovated the site and once again it is attracting visitors from far and wide. There are charming heritage gardens to stroll through and walkways leading
12 www.oksun.ca
to the three main historical buildings. Apple House A creaky door leads inside Apple House to a welcome coolness and respite from the summer heat. With 60 cm (24”) thick walls of concrete, and set underground, John notes, “It’s just natural. It stays at 14 degrees Celsius summer or winter. It can be thirty outside, it’s 14 in here.” It was built when irrigation came into use in 1900, hence new orchards in the Keremeos area were producing an abundance of apples. “This was built to store apples (in the fall) from all the farmers in the neighbourhood,” explains Millar, “and the apples were still good at Christmastime or ... still good next spring.” The White House A short walk further along the pathway takes the visitor to a building dating from 1877. “ Barrington Price is the man who built the mill,” says Millar, “and two years after he got the mill started he earned enough money to build this house. And this house was a magnificent house. The best in the area for many miles.” It first served as Price’s general store, and later be-
came a home about 1895. The original 1894 wallpaper can still be seen. “How do you put wallpaper on a log wall?” asks Millar. “Step one, you put linen on and you tack the linen in place with shoe tacks.” Next, mix up a paste of flour and water, put on the linen, then attach the wallpaper. If you are lucky, Millar will show you the secret trap door in the building, leading down a wooden ladder to a dark room below. It was discovered about 20 years ago, and says Millar, “It’s left to us to speculate what the purpose of it is. It’s about ten or 12 feet square and eight feet deep, heavy stone walls in it, and there’s two versions of what it’s for.” The first theory is that it once stored the mill ground wholewheat flour, in order to keep it cool and unspoiled. The second theory is that “it’s also an interesting spot to keep bootleg whisky,” says Millar. All are rumours and speculation though, he lightheartedly adds. The Grist Mill The main attraction of the site is the mill itself, which is ‘pretty much as it was in 1877,” says Millar. “The people that restored it did an excellent job of evaluating where stuff went and why.” The Grist Mill has logs and boards dating from 1876, and an upper and lower floor with the original machinery set up as it would have been by the early pioneers. The Water Wheel and flume were reconstructed in 1984 based on archaeological work that revealed the foundation timbers beneath 20 cm of silt. It is operational, and still used to grind grain brought in from Saskatchewan to make baked goods for sale in the site’s tearoom. A tall photo of Barrington Price overlooks the proceedings on the upper floor of the mill. Millar has a tale to tell about the colourful character. “He became a very, very successful businessman here. He developed wealth and power, was highly respected... ,”
he says, then asks, “What else does a man like that need?”Once again, he answers his own question: “A girlfriend and access to whisky, and may as well start gambling...he lost the mill on a gambling debt.” He adds,“Old and sick he got on the boat and went back to England where he came from.” The Grist Mill is open seasonally from the Spring until Fall, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. Admission for the self-guided tour is $5,00 for adults, $4 for students and senior, and under five free. For a guided tour by John Millar, there is an additional charge of $5. There is an extensive heritage gift shop and a delightful tea room where light homemade lunches and home baked goods are served. For more information on The Grist Mill and Gardens go to www.oldmillgardens.ca
Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug Acting Manager John Millar stands in front of the Apple House (built about 1906) at The Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos.
Winnowing at the Grist Mill...
Students on school tours or groups of visitors with children at the mill are especially welcome to take the walk up to the wheat field with Millar. “I take them up there and I show them the wheat, and I say, This is where your hotdog buns come from, this is your pizza crust, this is your cake. And they are baffled by that. They don’t understand that this green grass stuff can convert into cake.” To show them that it works, Millar will give them each a handful of dry wheat plants that were harvested from the year before, and shows them how to thrash the wheat kernels of the wheat plant, then explain to them the old process of winnowing, originally done in 1877. “What you do is you put all your wheat chaf and everything in the middle of a blanket, and the kids stand in a circle holding the edge of the blanket. They have to throw the wheat up in the air and then catch it again in the blanket when it comes down,” he says.”The purpose of it all is the breeze will blow the light chaf away and the clean heavy wheat falls straight back into your blanket. The process is to clean the wheat.” After that, they go to the museum and they’ll grind that wheat into flour. “And it is very difficult,” notes Millar. “ It’s hard work to grind wheat and I make them work their arms off cranking this grinder.” There is only one snag...Millar would like the children to be able to go on to bake cookies with their flour in the tearoom kitchen, but Food & Safety won’t allow it. So the flour is taken home for mom to do the baking. Some things never change. Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 13
Linden Gardens, Kaleden Linden Gardens is like a hidden jewel, as it is somewhat surprising to find it located on a quiet side street in the picturesque and low-key community of Kaleden. Kaleden is nestled on the northwest side of Skaha Lake, about five minutes south of Penticton, off of Hwy.97. A short drive along Lakehill Rd. will take the visitor to a sign at the turnoff to Linden Gardens, proclaiming ‘ Our little bit of heaven. Historic Kaleden.’ Linden Gardens owners Ken and Margaret Hayter are the couple who have brought this little slice of heaven to the South Okanagan. “We’ve just always built and created...,”explains Margaret. The 10 acre site encompasses extensive gardens and meandering walk-
ways bursting forth with a myriad of flowers, everything from from lilacs and azaleas to daisies and roses, Grasses, shrubs, and other garden favourites. Small bridges curve over gently flowing brooks, shade trees abound, as do scenes of tranquillity such as the lily pad laden ponds, and manicured lawns, with the scent of flowers wafting throughout. The land has been in Ken’s family for 75 years, and in the early days was planted with an orchard full of fruit trees. Ken carried on the tradition, and from 1977 rebuilt and replanted it with cherries apricots and apples, and along with Margaret worked the land until the fruit industry became less viable. “We wanted to do something dif-
ferent,” explains Ken. “ We were about done with fruit farming.” The beginning of the transformation into the beautiful oasis that it is today came in 2001. The couple had been pondering what to do with the choice property, and then Ken heard BC Master Gardener Brian Minter on the radio one day, which gave Ken an idea. “That’s what we’ll do. We’ll build a garden,” he recalls. Ken began by designing an airy West Coast style building as a centrepiece for the gardens, with BC Douglas fir wood displaying an Indian Longhouse influence, high Asian top windows to bring in sunlight, and a simple post and beam support construction. “The building was homemade, there’s
Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug
Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug 14 www.oksun.ca
Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug Linden Gardens owners Margaret and Ken Layter have turned what was once a 10 acre fruit orchard in Kaleden into a flower garden of delight open to the public. no pre-stressed trusses or anything. Everything that you see in this building is real, same as the food, real all the way through.” The food Ken refers to is served inside in the Frog City cafe, all garden-inspired fresh menu homemade selections, with a pleasant outdoor patio overlooking the surrounding gardens. It is also an ideal locale to hold celebratory events for all occasions. The site is visited by guests from all corners of the world, and is one of the most popular spots to hold weddings in the South Okanagan. “We had some close calls in the last week,” notes Ken. We had four weddings in four days. We were very busy because you work seven till midnight on those days.” Linden Gardens is approved by Tourism British Columbia as a Designated Tourist Attraction, and is open seven days a week from April to October. Admission to tour the gardens is $5. For more information, go to www.lindengardens.ca
...positive, upbeat stories from the South Okanagan
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www.oksun.ca OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 15
Alignment
GOLF TIPS
By Derek Highley
O
ne of golf’s fundamentals that is far too often overlooked (and can quickly send your game into a tailspin) is alignment. The ability to aim yourself at your intended target is a skill that needs to be learned, developed and practiced. I just returned from a golf trip and while I was there, I played a round with a few of my old friends and watched first hand how improper alignment can destroy an otherwise good swing in a matter of a few holes. During my round I watched one of my friends, who has a really nice swing and very good mechanics, slowly but surely destroy all of the good things that he has going because of poor alignment. He played the first three holes without any issues: fairway, green, two putts. But then he began to get out of alignment. It started on the 4th tee. I noticed that he was set up to the right of his target, aiming straight into the right trees, and sure enough that is exactly where he hit the ball. On the 6th tee he did it again, but this time even a bit farther to the right. By the 8th tee he was trying to compensate for his poor alignment by over-releasing the club at impact, this resulted in his next 2 drives being violently
16 www.oksun.ca
snapped hooked. I go could on, but I’m sure you get the picture. The rest of the day was spent looking for tee shots both left and right. Unfortunately some of you reading this column may be all too familiar with the scenario. To correct an alignment problem you have to begin by training or re-training your eyes and body to see and feel proper alignment. You do this by heading out to the practice range and setting up a hitting station by placing guides on the ground to help you get into the correct position. I normally use three clubs for this drill but out “On Tour” it has become very popular to use reflective poles instead of clubs. You can pick up these poles at any major hardware store for a few dollars each. You are going to start by picking your target somewhere out on the range. Now place one of your clubs or poles pointing directly at your target, this is your target line. Place your other two clubs on the ground running parallel with your target line, one on the left and one on the right. You can now pick up the middle club that was acting as your target line so you are left with two clubs that if extended out should create a “railroad” track visual right over your target.
Set yourself up to hit shots by aligning your feet, knees, hips and shoulders inline with the club that runs parallel left of your target (for right handed players). If you have had improper alignment in the past, when you look up at your target you may feel as if your aim is way off. This is what I mean by “re-training” your eyes to recognize proper alignment. Even though you may feel that your aim is off you know that it is correct because you took the time to lay down your guides. Hit 10 to 20 shots with your guides on the ground so that you begin to feel comfortable with your alignment, then take them away for awhile. Alternate back and forth, a few shots with your clubs on the ground then a few without until you find that you can consistently line up correctly without the help of your guides. When you head back out to the golf course for your next round you can visualize having your clubs on the ground to help with your alignment and your eyes and body should now be trained to know the look and feel of proper aim. If you find that you are still hitting the ball all over the place, at least you can take comfort in knowing that your alignment is not the problem.
Breakfast With Church Ladies By B. H. Bates Can you imagine being imprisoned, brainwashed, beaten and threatened with a pitchfork and fire? I’m not talking about a poor criminal being tortured in some third world country; I’m talking about an eleven year old boy - me. I hated getting up early on Sunday morning to attend church services. Half asleep and bound in tight ill fitting clothes I sat there as some old man tried to bore me to death. Stand up, sit down and kneel before the image of a dead man hung on a cross. It all had an effect on my young mind; religion scared the crap out of me and the Indian residential school system made me feel uncertain of myself and fearful to the point of cowardice. By the time I grew into a rebellious teenager I’d had enough of early Sunday morning preachers. From then on I used Sunday mornings for sleeping off Saturday night hangovers. Even though I’d walked away from the church I still had a healthy respect for the man upstairs. I was positive that he controlled everything on this planet and I was instilled with a fear that he’d strike me down if I were to utter GD or OMFG.
As the years passed I began to mature; I think it was around my 40th birthday. I slowly began to question the existence of God. Scientific proof began to take over my thought processes and it wasn’t long before I saw the light. One thing that bothered me about the existence of God(s) was how each side, in every war, always proclaimed that God was on their side. How could a supposedly merciful and loving god let fools kill each other in his (or her) name? And which side is He really on? Which army will win the war of souls? Will it be the Allah alumni, the Christian crusaders or will common sense prevail? Speaking of sense and nonsense; take for instance the religious survivor of a deadly tornado, who praises the good lord for saving his life. Yet this same man also believes that god creates everything - including that killer tornado. This savior scenario makes no sense to me - it’s either that or God has one sick sense of humour. And speaking of humour; I think that ‘Ha, Ha’ will be the true savior of mankind. If we humans can share a good laugh we have a much better chance of defeating
hatred and intolerance. How can thou fight with thy neighbour if thou are joking around? And who ever heard of a clown taking the lords name in vain at a kids birthday party? It doesn’t matter to me if you believe in God. All I can say is: live and learn. And the most important lesson I’ve ever learned is knowing right from wrong. So as I ride off into my golden years I have no problem with people knowing that I’m a scientific atheist. It just feels right to me, and if you feel that I’m wrong - then that’s up to you - just don’t hate me for it. So, just how does a reformed bad-ass atheist come to share laughs and breakfast with a bunch of little old church ladies? Even after I told them how I felt about religion; these beautiful people were wise enough to know that it didn’t matter. They didn’t try to preach, teach or scold me. What they did next was more impressive than any televised evangelist - they invited me to join them every Sunday - after church - for breakfast. Bless their little old souls!
OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 17
Local Artist wins position in International Australian Art Show
S
hannon Ford of Oliver has been selected as one of thirty Equine Artists in a worldwide competition out of Australia. The winning entry was Winsome Ranch’s Mare “Etched In Silver” owned by Keremeos Thoroughbred Breeder Merv Nelson.
The painting titled “Quiet Time in the Meadow” was juried into the Australian show “Life At the Stud” and will be shown this summer in a three-city tour in Australia. There were many entries, but only thirty pieces selected for this
The marketing advantage of magazines The affordability of newspapers
International show with paintings from Canada, USA, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. More of Shannon Ford’s paintings can be seen at www.ShannonFord.ca. Shannon is represented by the Oliver Art Gallery.
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Royal LePage Grand Opening
The Royal LePage team in Oliver celebrated their Grand Opening with a customer appreciation event on July 28th. Wine, fudge, and door prizes, backed by music on the new patio rounded out the festivities. The new location is at The Southwinds Crossing Shopping Centre #125 - 34017 - 97th Street. Ann Hayes, Broker/Owner said that the team is very pleased to be in the new building. “We also feel good that stores like Canadian Tire and Buy Low are investing in Oliver,” she said. “We are very excited to be here.” Sales Representative Mark Pankratz echoed Hayes’ comments about the new Shopping Centre. “It’s already generating a positive impact on the local economy,” he said. “It’s been very positive for the town.” Photo Brian Highley
OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 19
Head Lice Awareness
By Meghan Highley, BSc, Rph
Hwy 3 & 97 in Osoyoos
Internationally Known...
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250-495-8098 20 www.oksun.ca
Head lice is a common problem parents encounter usually around late summer when the kids come home from camp, or in the fall when they start back up at school. Whereas body lice are associated with health hazards and indicative of poor hygiene, a head lice infestation is a relatively benign condition. Some people experience redness or itching of the scalp, whereas other people are completely asymptomatic. Lice are very small (2-4mm - the size of a sesame seed) wingless insects that feed off blood drawn from the scalps of their human hosts. In order for nits to hatch (lice larvae), they require heat greater than what is found at normal room temperature. This is why they concentrate on the warmer areas of the human scalp towards the base of the neck and behind the ears. Treatment is only considered to be necessary if actual live lice are detected - the finding of nits only is a sign that there was an active infestation prior; it does not necessarily indicate a current infestation. The lice crawl very quickly -they cannot hop or fly - and are often tricky to detect. Nits are very tiny (the size of a grain of sand) and whitish-grey, tan or yellow ovals found attached to the hair shaft usually within 0.6mm to the scalp. Head lice are spread either through direct head-to-head contact or indirectly by sharing combs, brushes, hats, helmets, pillows, etc. Misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment can be costly and contribute to insect resistance. Once an accurate diagnosis of an active infestation has been made, one of the approved topical treatments available in Canada should be used, ensuring reapplication within seven to ten days. Family members and other people within close contact of a person with a confirmed case should be examined for an active infestation, and only treated if live lice are found. Topical insecticides (pyrethrins, permethrin) are still considered first line treatment and proven to be effective head lice treatments. Commercial brands available include R&C Shampoo, Nix Creme Rinse, and Kwellada-P. Another product relatively new to Canada is called Resultz (contains myristate/cyclomethicone) and works to dissolve the insects’ outer wax coating (whereas the insecticides are neurotoxic to lice). Lindane is still available in Canada, but is not considered first line therapy due to the potential side effects. Lindane has been known to cause neurological side effects due to systemic levels being reached through skin absorption. It is contraindicated for use in patients with a history of seizures and should not be used in children under two years of age , pregnant or nursing mothers. The main concern with pyrethrin/piperonyl butoxide-containing products is a potential cross-reactivity for people with an allergy to chrysanthemums. Any of the topical agents can cause a residual irritating effect to the scalp. It is important not to misinterpret side effects of the shampoo as treatment failure. If redness or itching persists after use of the product, a mild corticosteroid or an oral antihistamine is recommended to ease the temporary discomfort. Parents should avoid having a child sit in the bath while rinsing the product out of the hair, to avoid unnecessary contact with other parts of the body. It is good practice to go through the hair with a fine tooth comb and tweezers and pull off any nits that are found. Because none of the products are considered completely effective at killing the eggs, re-treatment in seven to 10 days ensures the nits that were missed and have now hatched will be killed. Household products (ie/ olive oil, petroleum jelly) and natural products (ie/ tea tree oil) have little to no evidence to support their use; the efficacy and safety of such measures are considered dubious. The items found to have come into contact with the infected individual will need to be dealt with: washed in hot water, dried in a hot dryer for 15 minutes or sealed into a plastic bag for 14 days, to make sure both live lice and nits are dead. Before pulling all your hair out, stop by Skaha Pharmacy to discuss treatments.
3030 Skaha Lake Rd Penticton, BC V2A 7H2 (250) 493-8155
Now is the Time to Prepare Your Estate Plan
I
t could be the discomfort of having to face one’s mortality, the lack of any immediate tangible benefits, or simply not knowing where to start. Whatever the reasons, one fact is clear when it comes to estate planning: People tend to procrastinate, putting the task on the backburner year after year. But tragedy can strike anytime, and if you die without a will, your assets may not be distributed as you want them to be. So put an end to the delays and start today. Now is the time to think about protecting your assets for the sake of your children and grandchildren. Now is the time to communicate your wishes to your family. Now is the time to ensure your wishes will be realized after you pass away. Estate planning affects everyone, regardless of wealth. In simple terms, an estate is everything you own – including real estate, investments and other property, as well as the debts you owe. An effective estate plan will not only make it clear who gets what, but ensure that your assets are distributed efficiently and as tax-effectively as possible. A financial advisor can help you create an estate plan. Some specific expertise will also be required from a lawyer and a tax
professional. Your financial advisor can coordinate gathering their input and incorporating it into your plan. Your plan will likely consist of a few key pillars. This includes a will to specify the distribution of your assets after death; power of attorney to authorize someone to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated; and life insurance to help ensure your family has enough cash to live comfortably after you pass away. Some estate plans can incorporate the use of trusts. Trusts can be used to provide for a spouse or disabled child, place limits on a gift, or potentially reduce income taxes. With a trust, you transfer legal title of assets to a trustee for the benefit of a beneficiary. The trustee manages the assets on behalf of the beneficiary by following the instructions you have written in the trust document. There are many kinds of trusts. For example, an alter ego trust can be created when you’re 65 or older. You can benefit from the trust’s assets and income while you are alive. When you die, the trust distributes the remaining assets to your beneficiaries. A joint spousal trust is similar, only it names both you and your spouse as beneficiaries during your lifetimes.
Whether it’s trusts, wills or any other aspect of estate planning, communication with your grown children and other trusted family members is essential. This will help you avoid potential confusion, hard feelings and family conflict when it’s time to settle your affairs. In fact, it’s probably best to have your loved ones involved early on in the process. If you don’t have an estate plan, speak with your financial advisor today to get started on your estate plan now. Edward Jones, Member * Canadian Investor Protection Fund Edward Jones does not provide tax or legal advice. Review your specific situation with your tax advisor and/or legal professional for information regarding, or issues concerning, the tax implications of making a particular investment or taking any other action.
MATTHEW R TOLLEY (250) 495-7255 #3-9150 MAIN STREET OSOYOOS, BC V0H 1V2
OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 21
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Rhubarb and Ginger Upside-Down Cake (makes one 8-inch cake)
My rhubarb plants are going gang busters this year. The following recipe comes from Pastry Chef Wendy Boys formerly of Lumiere Restaurant in Vancouver. It will bring you rave reviews.
1 ¼ sticks (10 tbsps. unsalted butter at room temperature, plus more for the pan) Rhubarb (about 1 ½ lbs.) peeled and cut into 8 inch lengths – can use any other fruit ½ cup packed light-brown sugar ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. fresh ginger 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ cup sour cream or buttermilk
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. ground ginger 1 oz candied ginger (Australian is the best) 2 large eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8 x 8 inch cake pan. Line it with parchment paper. Butter parchment In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 2 tbsp/ butter with the brown sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a small offset spatula, evenly spread butter mixture in the bottom of the prepared pan. Position the rhubarb stalks horizontally across the pan in neat rows. Set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and powdered ginger; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat remaining stick of butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed and stir in the fresh and candied ginger. With the mixture on the lowest speed, add flour mixture in two parts, alternating with sour cream and beginning and ending with flour. Using the offset spatula, spread batter evenly over the rhubarb. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until the cake is golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool approximately 30 minutes. Invert onto a cake plate; peel off the parchment paper. Serve cake slightly warm or a room temperature. If the cake cracks you’ve over mixed or baked on too high heat. Great served with good quality icecream or White Chocolate Crème Anglaise Sauce (recipe later) Frances at Osoyoos Home Hardware has a great collection of baking pans, dishes and utensils. She has the timers and the scales and the parchment paper. Everything a baker needs to outfit their kitchen. Check it out. If you can’t find what you are looking for ask the staff. They are all well informed. She also carries Wendy Boys dessert sauces which are called Cocolico . The Burnt Caramel Sauce and the Chocolate Sauce are favourites of mine.
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Green And Clean: Energy Funds Support Local First Nations Two local First Nations will receive a total of $290,000 in funding from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) to develop environmentally sustainable energy plans and complete work on existing projects. Lower Similkameen Indian Band are set to receive $40,000 to determine feasibility and develop a business case for small-scale wind power generation. As well, Osoyoos Indian Band will receive $250,000 to complete the construction of Senkulmen Business Park, an environmentally friendly industrial and commercial business park based on the GeoExchange energy system. “This funding will move us away from our reliance on diesel power and create a greener environment for families to enjoy for years to come,” said Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater. “We really will see these initiatives pay off in the future.” Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak discussed the benefits of the program. “This funding will help Aboriginal communities across B.C. to become a part of our growing clean energy sector, reducing reliance on diesel power and supporting hydro, biomass and wind power projects,” she said. “The First Nations
Clean Energy Business Fund will help to create real opportunities for communities and families.” FNCEBF promotes increased First Nation participation in the clean energy sector through: - Revenue sharing from eligible clean energy projects. · Equity funding of up to $500,000 for First Nations to invest in clean energy projects. · Capacity development funding of up to $50,000, to support First Nations with feasibility studies or engagement
with private sector proponents of clean energy projects. The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund was created to support First Nations and new power projects, with an initial contribution of $5 million from the Province. The fund is expected to grow, with further investments based on revenues the government receives from power projects as the clean energy industry grows. For more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund please visit: www.gov.bc.ca/arr.
JOHN SLATER, MLA Boundary Similkameen
8312 - 74th Avenue Ph: 250 495-2042 P.O. Box 1110 Fax: 250 495-2042 Osoyoos, BC Toll Free: 1 877 652-4304 V0H 1V0 john.slater.mla@leg.bc.ca www.johnslatermla.bc.ca
8h_Wd Ce[d
BUS: (250) 497-5541
PENTICTON: (250) 493-2244 FAX: (250) 497-8449 CELL: (250) 809-6192
24HR. PAGER
brianmoen@royallepage.ca
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837 Main Street, P.O. Box 329 Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0
Thank you for your trust. REALTOR OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 23
Play Safe Near Okanagan River This Summer The public is urged to take extra care near the Okanagan River as water levels remain high. With the summer season in full swing, the Okanagan River is a popular place to enjoy B.C.’s great outdoors. Visitors and residents are reminded that the Okanagan River’s high water levels mean additional risks to public safety posed by a deep and fast flowing current. Adults are urged to keep children and pets under close supervision at all times when near the banks of the river. If going into the river, take precautionary and safety measures such as using a safe watercraft and wearing a life jacket. Run-off from this year’s snowpack melt into Okanagan Lake has been well above normal and outflow from the lake into Okanagan River has been high for the past several weeks. Flows in Okanagan River between Okanagan Lake and Osoyoos Lake are currently over three times above normal and are expected to remain high throughout the summer.
Now Available at
OLIVER 250.498.3448 35633-99th Street
24 www.oksun.ca
Visit our fully stocked seasonal showroom for best selection and price on appliances & electronics.
Price match guarantee!
OSOYOOS 250.495.6655 7611-85th Street
Anti-Aging Medicine
Hope, Hype Or Hucksters? By Jorg Mardian Anti-aging can be a difficult topic to address because it has a number of different common meanings and connotations. Each is championed by a particular group or coalition of interests which define their terms in ways that can make the subject confusing. For the scientific community, anti-aging research refers exclusively to slowing, preventing, or reversing the aging process. In the medical community, anti-aging medicine means early detection, prevention, and reversal of age-related diseases. The wider business (health) community (taking away hucksters and adventurous branding to increase sales) usually concentrates upon looking or feeling younger. The confusion lies not only in the definition, but also the application. There is, as of this time, no medical technology that allows us to slow, prevent or reverse the aging process. Nor is there any currently available method (short of waiting for people to die) to accurately measure the effects of an alleged anti-aging therapy. Early detection and prevention is always a noble cause, but sadly we are focusing on the effect, rather than the cause. And of course intervention does not lengthen life spans, but only allows natural biological process to go on unabated for a specific time. By arresting diseases we merely prevent the interruption of the normal life span. This cannot be called true anti-aging medicine as it has no effect on the aging process itself. Still, many remain eternally optimistic of modulating the human aging process and mapping a possible route to individual immortality. Dr. Ronald Klatz, founder and President of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine sincerely believes we’re looking at life spans of 120 to 150 years of age, with perhaps no natural limits.” (V. Kannisto, Development of Oldest-Old Mortality, 1950-1990). Yet at this present time, the only verified case of a human living beyond
120 years is Jeanne Calment, a Frenchwoman who died in 1997 at 122 years. We may ask the question, “Which community – whether scientific, medical or marketplace – has turned back the clock on time one iota?” Name a study, cite a legitimate claim, or even give a personal reference. It’s true that people desire real anti-aging medicines, but these therapies simply don’t exist. In that sense, I believe science is selling a pipe dream of hope when it advertises regenerative medicine, repairing mitochondria, gene therapies or nanomedicine as possible mechanisms to extend life. Normal human cells have a built-in program that prevents them from replicating more than a predetermined number of times. In fact, scientists have already identified genes that appear to accelerate human aging, but they have yet to find genes with the opposite effect. It is true that medicine can help us to prolong the time spent in age-related disability. But this also begs the question, “Do the extra years allow us to enjoy life, or just cling to it?”Aging is not an illness pathologized by false hope, neither should it be paying homage to a dubious youth obsessed culture. If we can get past all the hype, hucksters and theories, we see that the only provable concept available to humans today is optimizing the normal lifespan. Using appropriate lifestyle and diet choices will help you live a years longer and in better health than your sick neighbour. And instead of calling it “anti-aging,” we could apply the more appropriate label of “graceful aging.” In rather simple terms, it involves prevention, good maintenance, and moderation to allow the biochemical processes of the body to operate most efficiently. Eat healthy foods, get sufficient sleep, exercise and fresh air, practice good hygiene, proper elimination and right thinking. Then live life to the fullest in the time you have, because you can!
8404 - 97th St Osoyoos 250.495.7237 OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 25
WHAT’S NEW AT BONNIE DOON? Balance Your Brain Chemistry
Reverse Or Prevent Alzheimer’s, Aging, Memory Loss, Weight Gain And More
A
s we age, many of us fear losing our memory. The threat of Alzheimer’s is particularly scary: in l997 alone, 2.3 million people as young as age sixty were diagnosed with this disease. Most people worry about forgetting names, telephone numbers, and where they put things. The good news is that most memory complaints are not problems with memory at all but can be attributed to a biochemical loss that also shows up as anxiety, depression , illness, or emotional disturbances. For example, the tip of the tongue syndrome, in which you forget things but feel as though you’re on the verge of recalling them, is really just a symptom of anxiety. What’s more, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and memory loss are not inevitable consequences of aging. Rather, they are concrete indications of brain chemical deficiencies, and they can all be reversed. When mild deficits are uncovered early, nature-specific remedies can be used to postpone the ravages of senility. If you experience any problems with memory, don’t ignore them. As we age, we lose many of the brain’s nerve connections, but we do not lose brain cells. YOUR NATURE DEFINES YOU Specifically, your unique brain chemistry directly affects your memory, attention, personality and physical health. The combination of the bio-chemicals, dopamine,
26 www.oksun.ca
acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin controls how you think, how you feel, and how you behave. Your dominant biochemical, which is the one your brain produces in the greatest quantity, governs the other three.
The Braverman Nature Assessment, was developed. This 20 minute test identifies your dominant brain chemistry by both examining physical symptoms and evaluating temperament and personality. This assessment, can also reveal the early stages of a brain biochemical IDENTIFING YOUR DOMINANT deficiency which will explain the BIOCHEMICAL, AND IN TURN subtle symptoms you experience YOUR DOMINANT NATURE, IS when you don’t feel quite right. The ONE OF THE KEYS TO UNDERresults of these tests then become STANDING YOUR PHYSICAL AND the guide for all your health-related MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS. issues. It is also important to know which bio-chemicals you are lacking, or not producing in sufficient quantities. These deficiencies are the direct causes of many medical problems. Knowing how to restore either your dominant nature or your secondary natures is the way to begin regaining vibrant health. To identify both your dominant nature and possible bio-chemical deficiencies, a simple test called,
For more information or to book a test call 250-495-6313 or drop into Bonnie Doon Health Supplies in Osoyoos and let our Holistic Nutritionist, Laara Harlingten, MASc., show you how the “ SMART NUTRIENT DIET” can help you regain your proper brain chemistry, and therefore adjust many of your health concerns. Ref: Eric R. Braverman. M.D.
Bonnie Doon Health Supplies Let us help you to better health 8515-A Main St Osoyoos, BC
(250) 495-6313
PUZZLE PAGE
Each Sudoku has a solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit, as must every column, and every 3X3 square. Answer at www.oksun.ca
WORDSEARCH Parlez vous francais?
cafe chateau garage chef baquette hors douevres chandelier menu coq au vin
parfait creme brulee eclair armoire fiance rendez vous croissant RSVP escargots OKANAGAN SUN • AUGUST 2011 • 27
Set along the lush fairways of the Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Resort in Oliver – the wine capital of Canada – the Canyon Desert Golf Villas represent the first release of desert-inspired homes that are as sensible as they are stylish. Designed to celebrate the active lifestyle, this latest Bellstar community combines the best of golf resort and residential living under the warmth of the Southern Okanagan sun.
OCCupaNCy SpRiNG/SuMMeR 2012
Two and Three Bedroom Villas Starting in the MID $300,000’s with NO HST!
The developer reserves the right to make modifications and changes to building design, specifications, features, floorplans and pricing. Plan sizes are approximate and subject to change. E&OE.
28 www.oksun.ca