OCTOBER 2011 Rise and Shine!
SOSS
Remembered
E E R F
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100% locally owned OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 •
Wild West Fest
Sun Sightings
Aaron and Eli Halladay (above) go for a spin on the mechanical bull at the Wild West Fest in Centennial Park in Okanagan Falls September 24th. Aaron later entertained the crowd as “Almost Alan”, a tribute to country singer Alan Jackson.
EMINART
Oliver artist Sandy Boblin of EMINART works with her medium of graphite pencil during the recent Okanagan Falls Wild West Fest. She describes it as The ‘Eminence’ of your animal ‘In Art.’ She is now taking commissions of animal artwork, and she is expanding her talents to do commissioned scenery as well. To view Boblin’s artwork, go to www.artincanada.com/ sandyboblin/ www.oksun.ca
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From October 1 to the 29th, Nk’Mip Cellars in Osoyoos will for the first time play host to an extensive show of fine art by Artists of the South Okanagan-Similkameen. This group of artists is known for presenting fine works of art in beautifully-hung shows. With 40 artists participating, you can be assured that there will be lots of variety to please your eye. So with the lovely fall weather, and the spectacular location overlooking Osoyoos, you will want to plan to make a special trip to the winery to see this exhibition.
Downtown Osoyoos
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“Art at Nk’Mip Cellars” is open from 9am to 8pm daily, and the show dates are October 1-29th.
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OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 •
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CONTENTS • OCTOBER High School Remembered 6 Art show at Leir House 11
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
Fire prevention week 23
Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart, and mind, confidence is the key to all the locks. ~ Joe Paterno OCTOBER 2011 Rise and Shine!
S.O.S.S.
Remembered
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100% locally owned OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 1
ON THE COVER
Frank Venables Auditorium at the Southern Okanagan Secondary School as photographed by Tyrone Borba
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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.
REPORTER & PROOFREADER
Nav takes Nepal Part II 13
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CONTRIBUT0RS
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!”
MAUREEN KRESFELDER was a teacher for 28 years. She retired to Osoyoos where she reconnected with her love of writing. Kresfelder belongs to the O’s Own writing group. Her work appears in two O’s Own anthologies, Sharing The Well and Whispering Down The Well. Both are available at the Osoyoos Library. 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:
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OK SUN
IN THIS ISSUE Thank you for picking up this copy of Okanagan Sun Magazine. This publication is free to you, thanks to the support of our outstanding advertisers. First off, congratulations and thank you to event coordinator Myleen Mallach for her work with the Wild West Festival in Okanagan Falls. That was a great party again this year, and we look forward to Wild West Fest 2012! Here at Okanagan Sun Magazine, we try to focus on positive, uplifting stories about local people and events. However this past month, news in our region has been dominated by some very sad news indeed. Photos and stories of the fire at Southern Okanagan Secondary School reached a national audience, and students and teach-
ers heading back to school were left scrambling for temporary locations and adjusted timetables. By the time you read these lines though, the school will be fully operational and all students will be back to the grind, thanks to the efforts of the Board of Education, the school, the teachers, the students, the district staff and the Ministry of Education. Check out page six for a school fondly remembered. While we’re on the topic, the week of October 9th is Fire Prevention Week, so we check in with Okanagan Falls fire Chief Bob Haddow on page 23 for a word on fire prevention. Also in this issue, we’re excited to bring the first installment of Oliverite Nav Gill’s column from Nepal, where
OLIVER THEATRE All movies presented in Dolby Stereo Surround
Enjoy your evening out, taking in a movie at the Oliver Theatre!
October, 2011 Programme
Sat. - Sun. - Mon. - Tues., Thurs. - Fri. Oct. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4, 6 - 7 Fri. & Sat. Showtimes at 7:00 & 9:10 p.m.
*
Regular Showtimes
she is doing volunteer work with Women Security Pressure Group Nav’s column and photos are on page 13. The province of British Columbia and the BC Association for Community Living have declared October Community Living Month. Every year in October, communities around the province and across Canada celebrate the gifts that people with developmental disabilities bring to our communities. Check out the South Okanagan Association for Integrated Community Living’s website to learn about the great work that they do in and for our communities. They’re at www.soaicl.bc.ca Drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you. brian@oksun.ca
*
Sun.-Mon.-Tues.-Thurs...7:30 P.M. Fri.-Sat.................7:00 & 9:00 P.M. (Unless otherwise stated)
Phone 250-498-2277
Oliver, B.C.
Thurs. - Fri. - Sat. Oct. 20 - 21 - 22 Fri. & Sat. Showtimes at 7:00 & 9:30 p.m.
Available at
Oct. 8 - 9 - 10
olence.
Violence, coarse language.
Sat. - Sun. - Mon. - Tues. Oct. 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 Sat. Showtimes at 7:00 & 9:25 p.m. Back By Popular Demand!
Coarse language.
Sun. - Mon. - Tues.
Oct. 23 - 24 - 25
Violence, frightening scenes.
Thurs. - Fri. - Sat. Oct. 13 - 14 - 15 Explicit violence.
Thurs. - Fri. Oct. 27 - 28
. 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 There will also be a matinee of this show on the Sat. at 2:00 p.m. All seats $4.50 for the matinee.
Sun. - Mon. - Tues.
Oct. 16 - 17 - 18
Violence, coarse language.
Sat. - Sun. - Mon. - Tues., Thurs. - Fri. Oct. 29 - 30 - 31, Nov. 1, 3 - 4 Filmed in Osoyoos, Vaseaux Lake and other BC and Yukon locations.
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Violence.
Subject to Classification Programme subject to unavoidable change without notice
778-515-5555 OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 •
Fondly Fondly Remembered... Remembered...
Photo by Tyrone Borba
By Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug
S
outh Okanagan Secondary School may have been reduced to ashes, but the fond memories remain. The Oliver school which burned down in the early hours of September 12, had housed thousands of high school students since its official opening on January 28 of 1949. It was in the process of having millions of dollars worth of renovations done before the fire started about 2 a.m. Longtime SOSS teacher Ian Gibson was one of those quietly watching the school engulfed in flames, along with fellow retired teachers, at 4 a.m. on that Monday morning. “The saddest part, or the strangest part, was the full moon went down and the sun came up and Frank Venables (auditorium) collapsed,” he says. “And it was so strange, to me it was the most important part of the school, and to see it go last might have been appropriate, I don’t know.” “That’s where the tears really
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started for the old people,” adds Gibson, choking up as he describes the scene. The $700,000-plus school building was innovative and modern for its time, nicknamed the ‘Taj Mahal’ with its unique Streamline Moderne architectural style, especially evident in the curved corners, geometric designs and other Art Deco features of its Frank Venables auditorium. It was the first large school built in the province following WWII. Frank Venables more than a building The auditorium seating about 700 people was more than a building, it was a meeting place for all of the community. In fact, the whole school was a work of art, with its features such as oak handrails and teak doors, modern heating and ventilation system that did away with open windows,
ceilings of acoustical tile, T- double glass windows, and most impressively, its Art Deco design, with the auditorium standing front and centre. In 2007, SOSS was recognized by the Town of Oliver on the Heritage Register. Auditorium a centre of culture “When it was built it was almost like the centre of culture for the whole South Okanagan....and the western Boundary country really,” comments former SOSS student Larry Shannon, whose three children, now grown, also attended the school. At that time Ok Falls, Osoyoos, as well as Boundary country students would bus in to attend classes in Oliver. The ones from Beaverdell especially had a long commute, heading to Rock Creek at five a.m. on a Monday, then on to Osoyoos, put on another bus and brought to
SOSS. “They stayed all week, they were billeted, and on a Friday afternoon they would go home... ,” recalls Gibson. In 1978, Oliver resident Marion Boyd, along with other local volunteers, started the South Okanagan Concert Society (SOCS), which brought out-of-town musicians and musicals to the Frank Venables auditorium. “Everything happened in our auditorium,” says Marion. All four of her children went through the high school at various times, and says how they felt when they heard about the school, “Oh they’re just so sad, just sad.” In earlier years, during the 1950s and 60s, there had been performances by community groups such as the Choral Society and seasonal concerts. “So every Christmas the whole community’s there singing Christmas carols, you know, all off key, terrible but anyways,” laughs Boyd. “And my one that’s in Tokyo, you know, he was the pianist, and remembers all of the recitals that they had there, and the school concerts,” she says. “But it was school and community, it wasn’t seen as ‘the school’ auditorium, it was seen as ‘our auditorium.” Marion says that current SOCS president Janet Marcotte has been receiving condolences that “ have just been rolling in from former performers. The musicians loved that theatre.” One important stage presence over the years that has been safely kept from harm is the old Steinway piano that was played at many events. “We knew that the renovations were going to take some time, and we had this dear old Steinway, who is past her prime like many of us,” laughs
Marion, and it had already been removed and given a new home. (See article this issue).“It really worked out well for the community and the concert society that a good concert piano was not in the auditorium at the time of the fire,” says Shannon. “And that’s a blessing.” School memories Shannon has many good memories of his years at the school from grade seven until 12. He had been active in alot of school sports, including basketball. “Oliver still has a reputation for a good basketball program,” he says, “and even back in the 60s and even 1950s, they were among the best teams in the Okanagan... .” Fortunately, the basketball team’s familiar green and yellow Hornet emblem had been cut out of the floor in the original gym during renovations, so it is safely in storage. Shannon also remembers the school’s cafeteria, which prepared lunches daily, and where every Friday they served fish ‘n chips. “And I think meals were 15 cents, 25 cents and 35 cents, depending on what size portion you got,” he recalls. When Gibson first arrived to teach at SOSS in 1976, there were close to 900 students, with about 20 of those from Okanagan Falls and about 50 from Osoyoos. This year there is in contrast close to 500 students. Gibson says when Osoyoos Secondary School opened that “losing the kids from Osoyoos hurt the school.” He also notes that nowadays many Okanagan Falls students to go Penticton High School.
Photo by Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug
Class reunion tours Although Gibson is now retired after 33 years of teaching at SOSS, he still coaches the school’s field hockey team. He also often took former students who came back for school reunions on tours of SOSS. The last class reunion he took to tour the school was the Class of ’61 on the long weekend in May. When he took the grad classes on tours, there was one of the old change rooms under the auditorium that had been used to store student records. When the renovations started three years ago, it became an electrical room so the files were all moved out and stored elsewhere. “But there were records back to ’37 for every student, and they were all in these really cool wooden boxes. So I would take these people on tour and they’d want to know what their marks were,” says Wilson with amusement. “And the person they would really want to know the marks for was Bill Barisoff. And so all these people wanted to look at Barisoff’s marks, and I of course said no.” He adds, “But lots and lots of students, when I took them on tour, wanted to know their parents’ marks... ,” and information such as when they got sent to the office. “I went on that tour with another retired teacher in 2008 when we had our 40 year reunion, and we were shown that same room,” recalls Shannon, “and we were given permission to look at our own files.” Line down the hallway Gibson also remembers one of the stories that the Class of ’52 told him on one tour. “They were telling me about this principle who would snap all the time. They (he) had a line painted down the hall,” says Gibson. “So there was Battleship linoleum, and I believe it was a yellow line, and you had to stay on either side.” Shannon was a student at the time, and remembers the line being a more forbidding colour of black. The Battleship linoleum proved to be very enduring though, as it lasted about 58 years, and was only taken out recently. “And the original lockers were taken out and replaced recently,” says Gibson. “There are lockers, there’s a bank of lockers somewhere that were kept, some of the linoleum may’ve been kept, and ... right till this spring...was still in the cafeteria.” Many people have been in touch with the well-liked former teacher since the fire. “And visits to the house and phone calls, it’s been quite interesting the last two
OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 •
days,” notes Wilson. “I taught about 7,000 kids and I’ve heard from alot of them.” Although about 70 percent of the school is gone, some parts were saved, the new gym, science wing, most of the cafeteria and music room among them. The students are now in temporary school accommodation in Oliver, including in the undamaged portables. Murals safe Some of the decorative features of the school had been taken out of the building during the renovations, and may be incorporated back into the school when it is rebuilt. An example is the five massive murals of school sports scenes painted by the art classes in 1984, that were taken down and stored elsewhere. “...And they’re pretty incredible,” says Gibson. “On the Facebook (SOSS page), people
who painted them are talking about them.” Shannon likes the idea of adhering to the Art Deco theme, saying, “I still think, even in the plans, modern architects could look at pictures and come up with a similar looking facade. It might be with more modern materials, but the appearance, the visual effect, could be similar.” Oliver Archivist Lynn Alaric notes that the preliminary sketches originally used would have had to map the Art Deco style auditorium already “to match it with the renovations... .” “And you know, the additions that were made, it flowed to sell with the rest of the building. I was impressed with it, I thought it actually looked really spectacular. It didn’t take away from the old school portion of the school whatsoever, it just complimented it really well.”
The fire has affected those students who are there greatly, as evidenced by some of the comments on a new Facebook page ‘I love SOSS’ where they can express their thoughts . As Shannon notes, “The feeling from former staff and students is let’s make sure it comes back up.” “They spent half their lives there, if you think about it, in their youth, you know,” observes Archivist Lynn Alaric of Oliver & District Heritage Society Archives. “So when they’re not at home, they’re at school, and it was quite emotional.” “This loss will not only leave gaping physical scars on the landscape, it will leave poignant emotional scars as well,” notes Alaric. “Generations of Oliverites have walked the halls of SOSS and have an attachment to the school, it has been our children’s home away from home.”
‘I love SOSS’
Comments from I Love S.O.S.S. facebook page “Proudly she stood” wrote J.V. below a photo of the Frank Venables auditorium posted on the page. “What a sad, sad sight” wrote K.H. about a posted photo of the school burning down. “The SOSS still appears in my dreams now and again!” T.L. “What a beautiful school it was.” B.S. “Reflecting back to the way it was. No one then, could possibly imagine what would befall 24 years later! M.H.
8145 Main Street Osoyoos www.oksun.ca
To the students and staff of SOSS. Hope you have a great day your first day back. Especially not too stressful.” M.S.
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By Marion Boyd South Okanagan Concert Society Music, “an outburst of the soul”, cannot be quelled in Oliver. Our lovely auditorium smoulders in ruins but the “Old Lady” is safe and sound. Our somewhat elderly Steinway has been a center piece for dazzling world class pianists over the decades. Angela Hewitt, Jon Kamura Parker, Anton Kuerti and, most recently, Sara Beuchner are just a few who have thrilled us with their mastery of the keyboard. Condolences from many musicians who have played here are rolling in as they get word of the fire. They take heart in the story of the Steinway. The story goes this way. Knowing the renovations at the Venables Auditorium could not be completed in time for this season’s concert series, the South Okanagan Concert Society made temporary plans to relocate to another venue, the Oliver Alliance Church. But what to do about the Steinway was the question. A small ‘new piano fund’ had been growing slowly over the years. When it became apparent the Steinway would have to be moved, at the very least, to another part of the school, stored in a secure site with consistent humidity and temperature, tuned a number of times and insured against damage or loss for an extended period while the auditorium was being made ready, the executive decided to seize the moment. This was the time for a new piano. So a partnership was formed with the Adopt-A-Seat Committee and School District 53. By joining forces and using the expertise of Bob Park an arrangement was made to trade in the old Steinway and buy a gently used Yamaha C3 grand piano. A beautiful concert instrument , the Yamaha could be delivered upon completion of the auditorium and the storage cost savings were directed against the replacement cost. S.O.A.P. and the Town of Oliver were all in agreement and the plan took place. So where are we now? The old Steinway is safe in her new home and escaped the ravages of the fire. The new concert piano is on hold and ready to be delivered when a new auditorium is rebuilt. AND we have a series of concerts designed specifically to take advantage of the smaller, more intimate Alliance Church venue to delight us over the winter. Music is alive in Oliver. You can get flex or single tickets at Beyond Bliss. Imperial Office Pro or at the door and be comfortably seated on Friday, October 28th at the new time of 7:30 pm. Alexander Sevastian, originally from Minsk, Belarus and now a Canadian citizen, will magically turn his accordian into a whole orchestra as he showcases amazing dexterity and musicality. Get your tickets quickly. Citizens of Russian descent in Grand Forks went wild for his Kossak Variations and are expected to gobble up tickets here too. Let’s make this the winter Oliver turns grief into joy through music.
OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 •
OK Falls bench program a hit
O
kanagan Falls recently rolled out a plan for commemorative benches along the south shore of Skaha Lake as part of the new waterfront development project. The Recreation Commission (RDOS) invited families or service clubs or to donate one of 10 benches and to commemorate the family name with a bronzed plaque. The response has been impressive and enthusiastic, with nine of the benches already donated. There is such a wealth of history in Okanagan Falls, and this project now commemorates some of the family lineages of this community. The benches will afford some of the best lake views in the valley, and are now expected to be installed before the snow flies. Kathleen Doyle (l) and Betty Schneider (r) were the first to come forward with their $2,000 donation, in memory of their parents, Edward and Violet Thomas. The Thomas family arrived in the Okanagan Valley at the turn of the last century. They purchased a 20 acre parcel off Allendale Rd in Okanagan Falls for $1,500 and set to work making the land fruitful. There is still one more bench available by donation. Please see www.okfalls.net/news
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Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation invites any individual, family, or organization to donate one of 10 benches to be placed along OK Falls’ Heritage Walk. The cost of each bench is $2000. A plaque dedicating the donated bench to a specified individual, family or organization is included. Donors will receive a tax receipt, if requested.
Encaustic Paintings at Leir House Where Oliver gets together to chat www.oliverdailynews.com
O
n display at Leir House, Penticton from September 8 – October 6, 2011, is the work of Thea Haubrich and Bethany Handfield. Though a generation apart, the two artists share a love for colour and texture. Featured is a selection of their works in encaustic, a medium that involves painting with melted beeswax to which coloured pigments have been added. The versatility of the medium untangles the imagination of artist and viewer alike, to freely enjoy the often unexpected changes during the painting process. Thea Haubrich has been working in encaustic for almost 15 years. She is a sought-after instructor and a proud “RipOff artist” (www.ripoffartists.ca). Echoing the colour and light of the Okanagan, her paintings are vibrant, full of texture and sometimes hidden messages. One of her greatest passions is networking and connecting people, which she realizes through her Ning social network, blogging and writing monthly newsletters. Through her workshops Thea has another opportunity to share her love for encaustic and bring people together. An active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, she has participated in numerous juried and non-juried art shows, winning several awards and honorable mentions. Her paintings are in collections around Canada, the USA and Europe. Also on display is a selection of her
Photo by Tim Tweed
Zentangle drawings, which she created as she was undergoing chemotherapy, and some portrait drawings. The drawings have been dipped in beeswax, giving them a wonderful translucent quality. Some drawings are for sale as postcards, with proceeds going towards the BC Cancer Foundation. Bethany Handfield is an encaustic and mixed media collage artist who resides in Kaleden. She is inspired by exterior and interior landscapes and views painting as a form of inquiry and meditation. She worked for many years in the Vancouver film industry as a television and film editor. Her encaustic instruction is ongoing with the amazing artist, teacher, and friend Thea Haubrich. She has been fortunate to also study encaustic with the innovative Anna Maria Aigner of Austria and the talented Linda Womack of Portland, Oregon. Bethany is the acting Secretary for the Federation of Canadian Artists South Okanagan Similkameen Chapter and has been in numerous shows locally. She will be exhibiting at “Encaustic Masters: Inspirational Visual Voices” in Troutdale, Oregon in late September. Her paintings can be found in collections in Canada, Spain & Australia. For more information about both artists, please visit their websites: www.theahaubrich.com and www.bethany- Photo Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug handfield.com OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 11
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Increasingly busy rural roads that lead to some of B.C.’s best wineries are getting an $800,000 asphalt resurfacing, meaning smoother, safer rides, and easier access for everyone from locals to tourists to transport truck drivers. “We spend millions of dollars inviting people to tour Okanagan wineries, and having smooth and safe roads is a simple way to improve their experience in our region,” said Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater. “Tourism is one of our major industries. We invite people to our region for the experience and the memories. I want to help this industry ensure those memories are positive, and this project is one way to do that.” The $832,321 contract was awarded to Peter’s Bros Construction of Penticton, who will begin work immediately. Completion is expected by the end of October. Roads being paved include portions of: o o o o o o
Tinhorn Creek Road Road 8 Road 9 Road 11 Road 13 Road 18
Slater said that timely resurfacing increases safety by reducing cracks and potholes while extending the life of the road at minimal costs. “Wineries are a major economic engine for the Okanagan, in both direct employment, and as a destination for agri-tourism,” he said. “Improved roads provide better access for tourists and large delivery vehicles will have easier access to wineries when they’re making deliveries.”
PART II Desert-Inspired Living on the Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course
Photo by Nav Gill
By Nav Gill Exactly one month ago, I took on the personal challenge to step out of Oliver, BC and travel halfway across the world to Kathmandu, Nepal. I had zero expectations for my travels, as I believe expectations ruin the experience. Day to day living in Kathmandu is completely different than Canada as cultural norms vary. As I’ve engaged in the work field and living at base camp, I’ve noticed everything is slow paced. Running late to meetings is not just normal but it is expected, and everything is performed by a “live by the moment” vibe. Most people are very social and spend much time socializing over tea, which is served just about everywhere you go as a welcoming
gesture. Before I left, I was told that Nepali food has a bad reputation. I would definitely not hold any truth to that statement. Dhaal Bhaat, which is mixed lentils and rice, is the most common food prepared in Nepal as most Nepalis will eat it two times a day. During orientation week, I also had the opportunity to prepare and try Momos, which are traditional dumplings. The spicy tomato broth which they’re served in definitely picks up the unique taste. The food is absolutely amazing, and if cravings ever take over, burgers and pizza are just a walk away in Thamel! The hardest thing to get used to is the traffic and honking. Traffic comes from
all directions as road separation is usually ignored, and honking is a signal to get out of the way and for passing. Therefore, walking within the city is not easy! Crosswalks are not used if there even are any, and your fear of getting hit increases by 100 percent! Aside for watching out for cars, you also have to watch out for chickens, dogs and cows as they are usually found wandering the streets. But hey, it’s all about the ultimate Nepal experience! My daily phone alarm clock has been replaced with barking dogs, truck horns and the sound of birds chirping. If one needs to be up at 7:30 am, a special alarm clock is available for that. A lady yelling as loud as she possibly Photo Andrea OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 13
Photo by Nav Gill can for her special fresh spinach passes the alley every morning. My days are filled with smiles when seeing the children run around the streets playing their games. The high tone dialogue has become natural to my ears, as the thought of fighting is now replaced with happiness. I’ve been enjoying chatting with my friend Anu Didi from Thamel about life in general, and when the monsoon rain does fall, the smell of nature comes from all directions. Overall, I have been having an amazing time learning about a new culture, new traditions and being surrounded by a new world. Now of course I cannot go into detail about everything, but let me take you through my top five most enjoyable moments! 5.My New Placement WSPG My main focus in Nepal was to be volunteering with Nagarik Aawaz, which is an organization that promotes 14 www.oksun.ca
peace amongst women and children. The travel route ended up being four hours in total each day, so we decided to switch my placement to the Women Security Pressure Group ( WSPG), who work to promote equality, especially at the government levels. My work for the next month will consist of writing about women in Nepal for a new journalism section within WSPG, which I am taking the initiative to start. My two passions of writing and women’s rights combined together. What more can I ask for?! 4. Durbar Square Durbar Square is the most beautiful area in Kathmandu City. The entire area is filled with traditional architectural temples and buildings. The colour red pops out from every temple and the detailed wood carving on the buildings stand out from a mile away. Durbar Square is also home to Kumari
Devi, the living goddess of Nepal. The Kumari is a young girl who is chosen for her beauty and strength amongst her peers. When she hits puberty, a new Kumari will be selected and the religious tradition continues. You’ll be extremely lucky to spot the Kumari, but her courthouse is open to the public. While in Durbar Square, we climbed the stairs of the highest temple and watched life in Nepal go by. People were busy buying fruits from wagon vendors, rickshaw drivers parked waiting for customers, tourists taking pictures all around, and street vendors working extra hard to sell their goods to anyone walking by. Durbar Square is the place to be for observing culture, seeing history and being surrounded by beauty. 3. Walking through Thamel Thamel is a very well known area of the city for tourists, as it has just about
everything within it’s premises. You will find live music, bars, coffee shops and bakeries, a variety of different cuisine restaurants, spas, laundry services, grocery stores in case you’re really missing something from back home, and of course souvenir shops offering Nepali handmade paper, meditation bowls, ceramic statues of Buddha or Lord Shiva, local Newari jewellery and so much more! Now with all of those amazing things all in one place, its quite hard to walk through the streets of Thamel without making a purchase. But if you can, take on the challenge as it’s a great feeling afterwards!
All around the main temple are prayer wheels. They have different chants written on the outside, and have 1,000 slips of paper with the chants written on them, therefore when you pray you’re really praying 1,000 times. The temple itself is used for praying to both Lord Gautam Buddha for Buddhists and Haritima for Hindus. The reason I fell in love with Swambunath temple was because of the unity it represents within religions. Both Hindu and Buddhists all over Nepal share their different religions, and show the world the environment we can create if we learn to celebrate our differences.
2. Swambunath Temple Known to tourists as the Monkey Temple, Swambunath is located northeast within Kathmandu valley. We left basecamp at 5:15 am and started the hour long journey. The temple is located on a hilltop, and once you get to the base there is a climb of 365 steps, each representing one day of the year. Even though I was completely out of breathe climbing up, the view from above was breathtaking! You could see Kathmandu Valley for miles and miles.
1. District of Ramechhap The highlight of my trip so far is visiting the district of Ramechhap where World Neighbours Canada’s funded organization TSS is located. TSS works in the district of Ramechhap to provide clean drinking water systems to those in need. They have a hospital located in Manthali, Ramechhap, and have so many other programs to increase accessibility through development. Thanks to the help of Brita Park from Oliver and Suresh Shrestha
from Nepal, I had the opportunity to visit WNC’s newest and largest water development system. The project site is in Tekanpur, a small village nestled within the hilltops just a half hour drive from the TSS office. This particular project reaches out to 665 people, and there are 11 taps throughout the covered area. These citizens were walking at least an hour to get one trip of water from natural sources that also would leave them waterless throughout the dry season. As we approached every tap, someone would do the honours of turning it on just to show us they were indeed working. It was extremely touching to see how happy all of the citizens were about this system. World Neighbours Canada, you are showing Ramechhap citizens that miracles do indeed happen. Nepal is an amazing country as I discovered while travelling to Ramechhap. I have many plans for the next month, and cannot wait to share the second half of my trip with you in next month’s edition. Nameste!
OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 15
Make It Routine
GOLF TIPS
By Derek Highley
W
hen watching professionals play you will notice that they all have pre-shot routines that they perform almost religiously prior to any shot. A quality pre-shot routine is something that every golfer should incorporate into their game. But please do me and everyone that may end up playing behind you a favour. Create your own routine, do not run out and copy the pre-shot routine of a touring pro. Their habits are often long, complex systems that include analyzing yardage books, deliberating over club selection, calibrating wind direction and a few dozen practice swings. An act like this will not only bring your pace of play to a grinding halt, but it is pretty much unnecessary for the aver-
age recreational player. The goal of your pre-shot routine should be to help you visualize the shot that you are about to play, help you achieve proper alignment, activate muscle memory and most importantly, relax. Incorporate these key elements for a quick and effective pre-shot routine: Start by positioning yourself behind your ball. Quickly visualize the shot you would like to play. Take two or three relaxed and flowing practice swings while visualizing your shot. Allow your muscles to “feel” the type of shot you want to play. Pick out an intermediate point on the ground about
The marketing advantage of magazines The affordability of newspapers
two to three feet in front of you, on a line between you and your target. This intermediate point helps with alignment. It is much easier to line up properly to something that is only a few feet from you, as opposed to a target that may be a few hundred yards away. Now step up to your ball, align yourself with your intermediate point, take one last look at your target … swing! Your routine should take no more then 30 seconds With repetition comes comfort. Having a solid and consistent pre-shot routine will help you to stay relaxed over your shots, and will assist in generating more confidence in your game.
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16 www.oksun.ca
The Midnight Motoring Madmen
By B. H. Bates
H
“
ell on wheels, that’s what those boys are,” the old lady scoffed. “They’re headed for an early grave; as sure as evil walks at night.” It was as if the old woman had whispered an evil curse into the night air - because she had no sooner turned her back when she heard tires screaming and a loud explosion. The boys she spoke of were the Vedamn brothers, Bernard and Floyd. All these boys wanted was the next thrill, the next drink and their next victim. They ate like hungry wolves, cursed with every breath and sneered at anyone who crossed their path. Even the toughest men in town feared these wild dogs - not because they were good fighters, but rather the opposite. They were cowards who’d come creeping in the dark of night with gasoline, spray paint and baseball bats. Most people enjoy festive holidays - but these two morons of mayhem thought that Halloween was created just for them. Every year in the sleepy little town of Westbank; Halloween became a night of screeching tires, screams and arson. Parents watched over their children as they made their way from house to house. The worst thing was not knowing where the Vedamn brothers would strike next. Even the law couldn’t catch these madmen; only tire tracks, destruction and a trail of piss marked the road of woe left behind by
the brothers Vedamn. Fear has a way of making honest folks cringe and huddle behind locked doors. Just two hoodlums made an entire town live a wary existence. People worried about their children, their property and even their mortal souls. Sometimes men would boast how they would teach the VeDamns a thing or two - but nothing ever happened - nothing that is until the boys messed with the wrong man. To look at this unassuming man you’d never think that he was a vicious and ingenious viper. He only stood about five foot seven with a wiry build and pitch black eyes. People thought he was just a loner who moved to town about eleven months ago. All they knew for sure was that his name was Angelo DeRepair and that he had a job tending to the old cemetery on Last road. The funny thing was; no one seemed to know who had hired him to care for an old graveyard that was full and no longer in use. It was almost a year ago at Halloween; that was the night that those two son’s of sin met their fate. It was on that cold night when the old lady ran towards the explosion. She slowed down, gasped for air and saw that the Vedamn’s car on fire ... but the brothers were no where to be seen. Then she noticed two large pools of blood in the middle of the highway. Just blood;
no bones, no eye-balls, no guts only two puddles of steaming blood. And just like that the Vedamn brothers were gone. It wasn’t until the anniversary of their disappearance; exactly one year later on All-hallow’s-eve, two shadows darkened that old lady’s porch steps. Bang, bang! Upon opening the door she went as white as a pearl, fell against the wall, gasped for air and stuttered, “am I dead too?” Bernard Vedamn assured her that she was alive. As the two men sat her in a kitchen chair, Floyd began to tell her of their amazing journey; from death’s door step to her front steps. Floyd continued to explain; how they had wronged Angelo DeRepair and how he had cut their veins wide open with a razor last Halloween night. “Then he set our car on fire,” Bernard interrupted, “he then told us that if we didn’t go with him right away - we’d more than likely bleed to death. Then DeRepair cared for our wounds, then he locked us up in that old mausoleum on Last road. Then Floyd added, “he would only give us one piece of food for every wrong we confessed to, every lie we told and for every person we had hurt.” Together they VeDamn Brothers smiled and said, “that’s why we’re here. We’re sorry Mrs. Bates if we hurt you in any way.” As the two men began to walk into the dark night they turned and said: “Bye the way, Happy Halloween.”
OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 17
Spinners and Weavers Sale
Osoyoos tour of historical sites Join Ken Faverholdt from the Osoyoos Museum for a two hour tour of local historical sites, on Saturday, October 15. It will focus on the interconnections between the pioneers, where they lived and what they did for a living. The tour will include a visit to the Osoyoos Customs House site from 1861, the nearby Lakeview Cemetery, and a short visit to the Brigade trail and railway bed. Register at the Sonora Community Centre. The tour is from one to three p.m. and the cost is five dollars. Meet at the Lakeview Cemetery.
available at
Now Available at The Osoyoos Art Gallery presents an Exhibit and Sale by the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers this month from October 8 to 29. The public is invited to come to the gallery between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. to view the exhibit. The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers Guild was begun in 1977 by a few weavers, in their homes, to encourage innovation and education in spinning and
weaving. It now encompasses many more crafts including dyeing, knitting, felting, rug hooking and fibre art, in other words, anyone interested in working with fibre. The guild, a non-profit organization, has over 60 members of all ages covering the South Okanagan from Summerland to Osoyoos to Keremeos. There is a drop-in every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oliver Parks and Recreation Centre
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from September to June. Business meetings are held monthly with ‘show and tell’ following the meetings; ‘soup day’ once a month; lessons; as well as in-house and invited instructor workshops. Members come and work on a project, perhaps use library equipment, books and magazines, get some help, or participate in a specialty study group such as garment study or exotic fibre spinning.
BUS: (250) 497-5541
PENTICTON: (250) 493-2244 FAX: (250) 497-8449 CELL: (250) 809-6192
brianmoen@royallepage.ca
The referral of your friends and family is the greatest compliment you can give me.
Thank you for your trust. REALTOR 18 www.oksun.ca
837 Main Street, P.O. Box 329 Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0
24HR. PAGER
Graphic courtesy Barb Derksen
By Maureen Kresfelder
W
e can have nuclear-free zones, smoke-free restaurants, fat-free diets, but we cannot have foible-free families. Let me explain. A foible is a minor weakness of character or idiosyncrasy. And we all have foibles—they are part of the human condition. My family, however, seems to have an unfair share. My husband, Lionel, has a foible that usually just makes me smile. He is a tsker. That’s right, a tsker. He tsks when he spills something, or burns the toast or can’t find a matching sock in the dryer. But when he loudly and rapidly tsks my driving, creative cooking, or lengthy telephone chats, that’s when I lose my understanding smile and change into an eye roller. “I may be a tsker,” he says, “but you’re one heck of an eye roller. Not only do you roll your eyes but you throw back your head. All I do is utter an innocent tsk or two.” So tsking, eye rolling, and head tossing are three of our family’s foibles, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. When my mother comes to visit, Lionel’s tsking gets right out of hand. He tsks just about everything she says, and, let me tell you, she has a lot to say for herself. To make matters worse, my mother is also a tsker. Sometimes I’m virtually bombarded by tsking—tsking on the left, tsking on the right, tsking in surround sound. I react by rolling my eyes, tossing my head and covering my ears. My mother saves one of her most outrageous foibles for the news. At the very sight of a politician she begins
to cuss like an inmate from Kingston prison. Hearing this, I stop my dinner preparations, rush into the living room and switch off the TV. “Mother,” I say, tossing my head, “if you cannot control yourself, the TV remains off.” She looks at me resentfully, and then grudgingly agrees to just watch and not cuss the news. She does sneak in a lot of tsks, however, to make up for the cussing ban. At which I roll my eyes. Thus, in the course of an evening we tsk, cuss, eye roll and head toss until it’s time for bed. Lionel and I go to bed at 10 o’clock. And that’s when my 90-year-old mother pulls out yet another feisty foible from her repertoire – The Sniff. “That’s way too early to go to bed,” she says. Sniff. “I always stay up and listen to the 11 o’clock news.” Sniff. Pause. Sniff. Lionel and I look at each other in horror, mumble something about “a very long day,” and flee to the bedroom with sounds of sniffing echoing in the hallway. My brother John, an investment advisor, adds to the foible folly at our house, especially when he comes to visit with my mother. He is prone to sighing, not just small everyday sighs, but mighty pay-attention-to-me sighs— almost always related to money. “I don’t know if this bear market will ever turn around,” he might say mournfully. “I can’t even cash in on my blue-chip stocks.” Sigh. And I really need the money. It must be nice to be rich like you guys.” Mighty sigh. At this, Lionel tsks fiercely and scowls at him. I throw back my head and roll my eyes: “Whaddaya mean by rich?” “Well,” he says, “I sure can’t afford to buy a house. I can’t even afford to pay mother the five thousand dollars
I owe her.” And he turns to sigh in her direction. My mother, appalled, swiftly activates her most powerful foible, the Evil Eye. She directs it at my brother who has just breached her confidentiality. It immediately silences him. Not even a sigh can be heard from him now. Lionel has one more foible that causes me to groan. He is obsessed with the weather. He is sensitive to its every nuance. “Don’t like the look of that sky,” he will say. “Those clouds look ominous. I need my sunshine and warmth,” and adds for the one millionth time, “I am from Africa.” And he draws out the last word so it sounds like Aaa….frii….caa. The only thing missing from this pronouncement is the beating of his chest and the wearing of a loincloth. “Actually,” I say, rolling my eyes and tossing my head, “even Africa needs rain, and gets it too. Actually, I rather enjoy the four seasons.” “You must stop saying ‘actually’ in such a condescending and downright arrogant way”, he retorts. “Actually,” I say (in a downright arrogant way), “I don’t agree with you. I think I say ‘actually’ quite democratically.” “Tsk, tsk, tsk,” he says with staccato rapidity, tugging at his rapidly thinning hair, “you’ve done it again.” “Actually, that was a very immature response,” I snap, this time evoking from Lionel the most primal of screams. See what I mean? Humans are full of foibles. They incubate in our psyches and hatch prolifically—especially in our family. Actually, laughing at them is quite cathartic.
OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 19
Flu Clinic Available at these and other fine locations: OSOYOOS
Ambrosia Suzie Q’s Buy Low Ella’s Greek Restaurant Dairy Queen Family Foods Petersen’s Market Shell Husky Sun Valley Dental Centre Waterfront Eyecare Mike’s Barber Shop Pharmasave Bonnie Doon Edward Jones Osoyoos Art Gallery Yore Movie Store Shoppers Drug Mart
OLIVER
Oasis Gas Bar T2 Market Buy Low A&W Super Valu Eastside Grocery Ye Olde Welcome Inn Sabyan Automotive Service & Repair Canadian Tire Amos Realty Pizza Yum Yum’s Crucetti’s Macdonald Realty Oliver Art Gallery
OK FALLS
IGA Pharmasave Caitlin’s Heritage Market Falls Market
Skaha Pharmacy in Penticton will be holding a Flu Clinic on Wednesday October 19th. 2011. Skaha Pharmacy has a private Nurse’s office where a pharmacist is able to administer a flu or pneumonia shot to anyone 5 years of age and over with no prescription required from your doctor. Flu Shots are covered by the government for: • People 65yrs and older and their caregivers/household contacts • Children and adults with chronic health conditions and their household contacts • Children and Adolescents (6mos-18yr) with conditions treated for long periods of time with ASA and their household contacts • Healthy children age 6-23 mos (**note we can only administer injections to 5yrs and older**) • Pregnant women who will be in their third trimester during influenza season and their household contacts • Pregnant women who are in other high risk groups can be immunized at any time of their pregnancy • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities • Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications • Inmates of provincial correctional institutions • People who work with live poultry and/or swine • Individuals who provide care or service in potential outbreak settings housing high risk persons (ie/crew on ships) • People who are morbidly obese (>BMI 40) • Aboriginal people Skaha Pharmacy is also offering the Flu Shot to those people who are not qualified for coverage at a cost of $25 flat fee. Pneumonia Shots are covered by the government for: • All persons 65yrs and older • All residents of Extended or Intermediate Care Facilities • All persons 2yrs and over with: (**note we can only administer injections to 5yrs and older**) • Anatomic of functional asplenia • Sickle cell disease • Immunosuppression related to disease or therapy • Congenital immunodeficiency states • Chronic heart or lung disease • Chronic kidney disease • Chronic liver disease including cirrhosis, chronic Hep B, Hep C • Receipt of hematopoietic stem cell transplant • Solid organ or islet cell transplant (candidate or recipient) • Diabetes • Alcoholism • Cystic Fibrosis • Chronic CSF leak • Cochlear implant (candidate or recipient) • Homelessness and/or illicit drug use The Flu Clinic will be held on Wed Oct 19th from 9am - 5pm ****Please Phone in Advance to make an Appointment: 250-493-8155****
3030 Skaha Lake Rd Penticton, BC V2A 7H2 (250) 493-8155 20 www.oksun.ca
Why What Happens in Europe Matters Here The stock market has been extremely volatile over the past few weeks. And one of the core reasons behind it may surprise you. Recently, the European debt crisis has been a major driver of global stock market volatility. While in the past, issues halfway across the world had less impact on Canadian investors, today it seems like even small-scale events can send the markets into a tailspin. We all know the world is round, but more and more it seems that the financial world is merging. As a result, there may be steps you need to take as an investor. Currently, the eurozone is undergoing a public debt crisis. Many eurozone countries ran up public debts over the past decade that they are now unable to support. As a result, Ireland, Portugal and Greece have received financial support from fellow eurozone members to help meet debt obligations. We believe uncertainty regarding how potential future bailouts will work has driven market volatility higher and led investors to seek less risky investments. In addition, we think the seed of this crisis is a series of slow and indecisive policy responses by European Central Bankers and government officials to the problems facing the region. As a result, the crisis has grown, aided by dwindling economic growth prospects and fears that this European debt crisis may spill over to the banking sector and ignite another global financial crisis Why Does the Eurozone Matter for North America? There are two main reasons why the eurozone is important for North America. First, the European Union constitutes approximately 26% of global GDP and is one of the largest trading partners of the U.S. as well as China. If the debt crisis continues to linger, it could cause economic growth in the eurozone to stall even further, increasing the possibility of recession both there and worldwide. Second, as we learned during the financial crisis, the banking system has become increasingly globalized. Generally speaking, a significant portion of a eurozone country’s public debt is held by banking institutions either within the country (Italian banks holding Italian debt) or within the eurozone (German banks holding Italian debt). That said, if a eurozone country
were to default, the solvency of eurozone banking institutions could be questioned. This may lead to a global credit crunch, where banks essentially shut off the spigot of lending. This also would slow growth and significantly increase the probability of a global recession. Think Like a Eurozone Citizen Thus far, the policy decisions of both politicians and central bankers on debt concerns have been inadequate because they have lacked the political will (the views of their constituents) to pass definitive measures to quell market concerns. Going forward, the question is not whether further action will be needed, but how much action will need to be taken. Based upon our analysis, the following scenarios have the highest probability of occurring: • Scenario 1: The eurozone retains its present struc- ture and moves toward greater unification. France and Germany provide substantial financial backing above current commitments that will allow debt- ridden neighbours to meet debt obligations and pursue the restructuring of their debts. • Scenario 2: Financially weaker countries are removed from the current eurozone. Financial support on behalf of France and Germany occurs under this scenario as well but is spread over a now collectively stronger group of countries. However, in this scenario weaker countries removed from the eurozone may default. There is no question both scenarios involve financial pain for more stable countries, such as Germany. If you are a German citizen, the thought of paying more taxes to cover the bills of your neighbours could be frustrating. But at the end of the day, we believe the first scenario is more probable because it provides the least amount of financial pain for Germany. German and French banks have large holdings of neighbouring sovereign debts, and default of a peripheral nation’s debt could lead to large losses at the German bank resulting in recapitalization. Put more simply, a German can pay either $5 to bail out his Greek neighbour or $10 to bail out his own country’s banks. We believe the sensible choice remains the Greek neighbour.
Why Does the Eurozone Matter for North America? There are two main reasons why the eurozone is important for North America. First, the European Union constitutes approximately 26% of global GDP and is one of the largest trading partners of the U.S. as well as China. If the debt crisis continues to linger, it could cause economic growth in the eurozone to stall even further, increasing the possibility of recession both there and worldwide. Second, as we learned during the financial crisis, the banking system has become increasingly globalized. Generally speaking, a significant portion of a eurozone country’s public debt is held by banking institutions either within the country (Italian banks holding Italian debt) or within the eurozone (German banks holding Italian debt). That said, if a eurozone country were to default, the solvency of eurozone banking institutions could be questioned. This may lead to a global credit crunch, where banks essentially shut off the spigot of lending. This also would slow growth and significantly increase the probability of a global recession. What Should Investors Do? We believe an uncertain, volatile shortterm environ- ment is likely to persist until the meaningful policy decisions are put into place that lead to stabilization (which we believe is likely). Meanwhile, we believe long-term investors can best navigate this uncertainty by staying committed to the principles of diversification. Our recommendation for you, as an investor, is to work with your Edward Jones advisor to: 1. Review your portfolio in light of your current risk tolerance 2. Reduce risk exposure where appropriate 3. Remember that you may find opportunities to add quality investments at lower prices.
MATTHEW R TOLLEY (250) 495-7255 #3-9150 MAIN STREET OSOYOOS, BC V0H 1V2
OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 21
ey
JU C D W O Y’S ith R Ju N dy E H R ar v
In celebration of our Canadian Thanksgiving dinner
The executive Chef from the Lakeside Resort, Chris Remington, did a phenomenal cooking class at Osoyoos Home Hardware. He shared his veggie dishes with us that I know you will want to try. Chris won the Iron Chef Competition at the Tomato Festival at Covert Farms this past August He looks forward to defending his title next year.
Roasted Garlic and Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes 4 each ¾ cup goat cheese ¼ # butter Salt and pepper to taste • • • •
large russet potatoes peeled and cut into even sized pieces 1 cup heavy cream 1 roasted garlic bulb (cut in ½ and roast 20 minutes at 350)
Place potatoes in cold salted water and bring to a simmer. Strain and put back into pot to dry Simmer cream, butter and goat cheese with the garlic and salt and pepper Add to potatoes and mash. Do not over work the potatoes, as they will get thick and gluey Check seasonings and serve.
Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes (leave skins on) 2 each medium sweet potatoes 2 tbsp. butter • • •
Cut into ½” coins and blanched 2 fluid ounces maple syrup
Slice sweet potatoes and blanche in boiling salted water until ¾ cooked Heat butter in sauté pan and add potatoes When sweet potatoes have started to caramelize add syrup and continue cooking until syrup starts to colour.
Brandied Carrots and Parsnips 4 each carrots Peeled and large chop 4 each parsnips Peeled and large chop ¼ cup butter 2 oz. brandy 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped) Salt and pepper to taste • • •
Place carrots and parsnips in cold salted water and bring to a boil. Bring butter to the point of going brown and add thyme Add cooked parsnips and carrots and the brandy and reduce. Check seasoning.
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Candied Almonds 2 dozen brussel sprouts 6 Strips bacon 2 sprigs rosemary (chopped) • • • • • •
Cleaned and blanched cut into lardoons (or use prosciutto or pancetta instead) ½ cup sugar 1 cup sliced almonds
Dissolve sugar in a small amount water and bring to the boil As soon as the sugar starts to change colour add almonds and stir (turn down heat to medium) Place on a sheet of parchment paper to cool Fry bacon until fat has rendered out and bacon is crispy Add rosemary to fry for 10 seconds to release oils Before cooking brussel sprouts, cut an x on bottom of sprout so the end cooks evenly with the rest. After cooking drop them into a salt bath to keep their green colour. Add brussel sprouts and heat through Top with almonds and serve
Frances at Osoyoos Home Hardware has the most amazing serving dishes. They are reasonably priced and make the presentation of your dishes so amazing. Remember 60% of our taste is in our vision - If it looks good it tastes good. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 22 www.oksun.ca
Taking Preventative Measures During Fire Prevention Week
F
ire Prevention Week takes place from October 9th through to October 15th, 2011. The theme for this year is “Protect Your Family From Fire©”. Fire Prevention Week is recognized every October during the full week – Sunday through Saturday – that October 9th falls on. Despite the fact that fewer fire losses are reported in Canada, still, on average, eight Canadians die from fire every week. Most of these fires are preventable and caused by careless behaviour. That is why it is critical to educate Canadians and incite them to act. During this week, fire departments across the nation will promote public awareness of the dangers of fire and the ways we can protect ourselves from fire. To this point, Fire Prevention Canada’s newly revamped website contains
fire prevention and educational material. It is designed for the public to consult at, www.fiprecan.ca.
Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bob Haddow says, “This year’s theme underscores the importance of making Canadians aware of the simple preventative measures they can take to prevent disaster from occurring to them. Statistics reveal that most fires are caused by careless behavior. An ounce of prevention in this case will save lives, homes and everything that we hold dear. It is the responsibility of every Canadian to educate themselves on the simple fire prevention measures they can take.” Haddow reminds citizens of the South Okanagan that the most important preventative measure that they can take is to test their fire detectors. “Fire detectors prevent loss of life,” Haddow says. “Have you tested yours lately?”
JOHN SLATER, MLA Boundary Similkameen
Available at
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
in Oliver
john.slater.mla@leg.bc.ca www.johnslatermla.bc.ca OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 23
Garden Talk With Lloyd Park ROSES
LOCATION: Sunny. Blooming time should be from June to October SOIL PREPARATION 1/3 Humus (well-rotted manure, mushroom compost) 2/3 soil with some coarse sand When planting, make sure the graft is showing above the ground ROSE SPACING Floribunda or polyanthus plant 18” apart Hybrid Tea Plant 24” apart Grandiflora plant 30” apart David Austin roses plant 4” to 5” apart Meidiland roses 24” apart Heavy scented Rosa Rugosa plant 3” apart Dwarf roses are excellent for container planting
FERTILIZER For a stronger, healthier rose 3-4 light feedings of 6-8-6 organic, watered in on the drip line from March to August ending by the 15th of August to harden plants up for winter. PRUNING In late October, anything above 12” on Floribundas 18” on Hybrid Teas 24” on Grandifloras and any extra growth on David Austin and Rosa Rugosa, clean and burn. The reason for this is to help control fungus and eliminate insect eggs. In addition, this forces the roses into dormancy. In April, prune Floribundas to 6”, Hybrid Teas to 8”-9” and Grandifloras to 12”. When pruning climbing roses leave your main trellis, making sure the ends of those branches are cut. Prune all secondary growth to 5”-6” leaving 3-5 buds. Their growth will produce your flowers. SPRAY PROGRAM As soon as the leaves start to appear, spray with Malathine for insects and Bordo, or Garden Sulphur (which is a wettable powder). Spray early in the morning for best results. Make sure the graft is showing. Spray with Dormant Oil and Lime Sulphur during November, December and twice in January. Ensure that the soil is sprayed also to control pests and disease from wintering over in the soil. Spray the compost pile. It’s another good way to eliminate pests for the next season. If you prefer not to spray plants with insect control, use garlic and Marigolds.
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
Thoughts on turning 70 and other glitches in life
By Jorg Mardian
A
while back, I wrote an article about suddenly turning sixty, a bench- mark age for sure, but not one of panic. Personal friends of mine in this age category still work hard, play sports, and vacation around the world. Others may have slowed down a step or two, but live in a decade which suggest some miles to go before the journey’s end. Still time, as the old newsreels did, marches on and despite some mis- givings you’ve gone and turned seventy. For some it becomes a descriptive and precise time marking the homestretch of life. For others it’s a period of acute denial. What, me 70 - go on, whaddya, kiddin’ me? I don’t feel any old- er. Sure my kids are now middle aged, but that’s only some only kind of cosmic aberration in life. I can still do everything I did 30 years ago, and better. Maybe so, but for most reality demands a heavy payment for fool- ish notions. Yeah, that’s the 40 year- old inside talking, that same loutish youth who still wants you to eat cho- lesterol with impunity. He’s also the same one who allowed you to enter thirty without notice, slip into fourty with denial and then turned fifty, and sixty into a crisis. Why are you still listening to him? Most everyone intends to live to one hundred, it’s a nice round number. And we want to do it without too much snap, crackle and pop when we get up, or too many aches in our joints. There is no guar- antee, of course; I know that, but if you had known you were going to live so long, would you have tak- en better care of yourself? That way you may have steered clear of a heart at- tack, dodged that menacing cancer, or missed the roll of the dice known as diabetes. If you didn’t, then you’ll become coolly analytical. Your dentist will call it cranky as you put him off on spending thousands on dental work until you get your forth- coming physical. Hopefully the memory stick is also still fully charged at this time, but if not, set aside 10 min- utes or so a day to find
your glasses and fountain pen. The hearing too may start to suffer now and you might have trouble perceiving children with high-pitched voices in restaurants. This is not necessarily a bad thing – just ask some overstressed mothers. But overall, turning sev- enty speeds wisdom to- wards maturity. You grew up in an age where adults were serious about work, commitments and family. As you raced along the path of life, you witnessed not only the death of men and ideas, but principles and customs. You rejoiced at births, cried at injustice and held the hand of good friends. Now major victories or notable accomplish- ments, which were im- portant even 10 years ago, are less meaningful than friendship, family and love. Disappointments and failures are lessons to grandchildren about being been down but not out. As Chateaubriand (1768- 1848), so famously wrote: “...he is of a different race from the human species in whose midst he is ending his days.” So, don’t be intimidat- ed by the years, because they’re a natural flow of life. Regard instead the age of your character, which is something that will be sorely missed when the torch of your flame flickers out.
OKANAGAN SUN • OCTOBER 2011 • 25
WHAT’S NEW AT BONNIE DOON? Services Available For Fall
Weight Loss for the Mind and Body
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healthy weight is a product of many factors including your genetic blueprint, your emotions and a variety of brain neurotransmitters that affect appetite and uncontrolled cravings. Short term fad diets based on willpower are usually not successful in the long run. Take the time to Discover your “True Weight Blue Print” and lose safely, easily and permanently. Take part in an assessment developed by Dr. Eric Braverman of “The Path Clinic” in New York to determine which of your four main neurotransmitters may be nutritional deficient. Many of us have heard about the role of Serotonin in Depression, but did you know that Gaba, Dopamine and Acetylcholine all affect your personal food choices, and behaviour. You will be amazed to discover that just knowing this key information about your brain will help prevent Alzheimers, Heart Disease and help you to relate to your loved ones better. This very powerful tool will help you to understand how others around you “tick”… and the real Secrets for achieving your Ideal Weight. For your assessment contact: Laara Halingten,,MASc. Holistic Nutritionist. at 250-495-6313. Laara began her interest in Nature Based Therapies at the age of 20. For the past 35 years she has been passionate about “Discovering the Cause” behind Dis-ease. A booking with Laara includes a Free Compass Supplement analysis. The Zyto Compass System prioritizes your body’s preferences for specific nutritional supplements. This information helps you make better decisions about which ones to purchase and
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use. Reg price is $29.98 Other services include the Foot Detox Spa. This specially designed spa stimulates the 2000 plus sweat glands located in each foot, providing a channel for toxins to be pulled from the body and deposited into the water. Special pricing in effect for the fall detox season. Live and Dry Blood Analysis Blood is essential for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the body and for removing carbon dioxide and waste. When blood cells are damaged or compromised, the body cannot function properly, resulting in sickness and disease. Since blood simultaneously “feeds’ and “cleanses”, it contains many good/bad substances, “organisms”, and cells that can tell us what is happening. We can show you up to 27 different “conditions”, in just two small drops of blood! This takes a lot of the
guesswork out of “what you need to do, where you need to start, and the sequence of treatment you need to follow! Using up to 20,000 X magnification, we examine two small drops of blood from the client’s finger, You will see these “live” on a high definition monitor! George Cheyne has dedicated his life to health care, starting many ears ago as a registered laboratory technologist, supervisor, and consultant to 52 hospitals in Saskatchewan. He is a qualified instructor in Photo-comparative Live and Dry Blood analysis. Mr. Cheyne operates out of his clinic in Salmon Arm, but will be offering Sessions in Osoyoos Oct. 25-26 at Bonnie Doons. Call 250-495-6313 to book an appointment. For more information on any of these services please call 250-495-6313 or drop into Bonnie Doon Health Supplies at 8515A Main St. Osoyoos, B.C.
Bonnie Doon Health Supplies Let us help you to better health 8515-A Main St Osoyoos, BC
(250) 495-6313
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28 www.oksun.ca