The Connector Jan 2017 by The Connector

VOLUME 25, NUMBER 9, JANUARY 2017

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Happy New Year!

What are your goals for this year? Published by Oncore Seniors Society - A non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors

Happy New Year

Oncore Keith Bonnah Executive Director Programs, Hello everyone and welcome to 2017. We used to have a tradition in our family when we were kids that at midnight we would open the front door to welcome in the new year and then all rush to the back door to let the old year out! As there was a lot of us (I had eight siblings) and we lived in a small house, this was usually a crazy mad dash usually accompanied by a crash or two! I think that I may re-enact that tradition this year if I can manage to stay awake past 10 p.m. I am always curious to

hear from our readers about what they would like to see in The Connector. My favourite section is the community calendars, which give a good picture of what’s going on in Kamloops and our surrounding communities. If you have an idea for a story or would like to give us feedback we would like to hear from you! For me, mail or email works the best because it gives me an opportunity to think through the comments and respond in a way that will be helpful. I also have a strong appreciation for the written word which was instilled in me by some great teachers when I was a wee laddie. So, if you have a comment, an observation or whathave-you, please feel free to send us a note and we will take your thoughts into consideration as we swing into 2017! You can either contact me directly, or you can contact our editor at: editor@connectornews.ca.

Pins for all occasions By Jessica Messerer-Trosin

Irene Covington’s holiday-themed pins have brought smiles to the faces of many people. Always a fan of crafting, Covington began knitting at age 19, but eventually she grew tired of it. “I used to knit, knit, knit a lot and I got tired of knitting so I wanted to do something else,” she said. Based on the design of a wreath pin her aunt had, Covington made her first pin. When she had six prepared, she took them with her to church on Sunday. They were a hit! “I showed the girls and they were, ‘ooooo,’ ‘ohhhh,’ ‘ahhhh,’ and I thought ‘ah-ha! I can make some money with those’.”

Covington comes up with all of her own designs which are then traced onto felt, sewn together and then handembroidered with beads and sequins. Covington, now 93, has been making these pins for about 20 years now, and from the beginning has sold them to raise money for the choir at the Kamloops United Church. “One day I opened my big mouth and said, ‘Can I help?’ and then you’re in with both feet,” she said. She also helped out with meals and special dinners. In addition to Christmas pins, Covington has made rabbits, eggs, flowers and butterflies for Easter and

pumpkins and “b-o-o” for Halloween. Selling the pins for $3 each, she has raised a substantial amount for the choir. One year alone, she contributed $1,500. This year Covington didn’t sell pins for the

See "New title" page 4

choir; instead she made over 100 to give to the residents and staff at Bedford Manor. That didn’t stop her charity, however. Covington knitted 41 toques for PIT Stop to help those less fortunate in Kamloops.

See "Lifelong crafter" page 7

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Page 2

January 2017

On January 25, I’m inviting everyone over. JAMES MACAULEY, AT CHARTWELL SINCE 2011. If you’re like James, you never miss an opportunity to get together with friends and have fun. That’s why you’re all invited to our Robbie Burns event. Join us and learn why our residents feel so at home at Chartwell. CHARTWELL.COM

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January 2017

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WINTER FUN

Page 3

New Year’s Eve at the local pub On New Year’s Eve, Marilyn stood up in the local pub and said that it was time to get ready. At the stroke of midnight, she wanted every husband to be standing next to the one person who made his life worth living. Well, it was kind of embarrassing. As the clock struck, the bartender was almost crushed to death. Source: jokes4us.com

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Page 4

January 2017

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Your Voice in Ottawa Cathy McLeod, MP First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and all the Best for 2017. As Parliament was about to recess for the Christmas break, I had the opportunity to make a statement in the House of Commons honouring 10 recipients from our riding who received a Governor General’s Award in 2016. Five Decorations for Bravery were presented to Mike Heide, Wilbert Kent, Robert Reid, Thomas Blair, and Leading Air Cadet Shannon Young. From rescuing people from drowning, from a burning vehicle, or from an armed intruder, these individuals all showed

great courage and a willingness to risk their own life to save another’s. The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers was awarded to Dennis Robertson, while the Caring Canadian Awards were presented to Lori Fry and Linda and Paul Blanchet. These individuals were recognized as exceptional volunteers, who have made significant and sustained contributions to their respective causes. I know that the Post Polio Awareness and Support Society of B.C., the Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Society and the Canadian Council for the Blind have all benefited greatly from these individuals’ efforts. Finally, the Meritorious Service Award was dedicated to Gordon Gore. Kamloops will always be thankful to Gordon for sharing with us his love of science, passion for education and his dedication to the Big Little Science Centre. To these ten recipients, your actions inspire our nation and command our deepest gratitude.

New title for Bonnah Continued from page 1 Oh…and for those of you who are detail-oriented, I do have a new title. The board of Oncore made this change at our November meeting to be more in keeping with the tradition in Not for Profit societies! You can email me at kbonnah@oncoreseniorssociety. ca or mail to: Keith Bonnah Executive Director-Programs Oncore Seniors Society 330-Seymour Street Kamloops BC V2C 2G2

The Connector 330 Seymour Street Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2G2 Editor: Becky Mann editor@connectornews.ca

Design & Production: Moneca Jantzen (Daily Designz) creative@connectornews.ca

Sales: Darlene Kawa

darlene@connectornews.ca The Connector is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve and entertain adults 45 and over. Deadline for advertising and editorial copy is 12 days prior to the last Tuesday of the month.

It is published by Oncore Seniors Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors. Letters to the Editor must be signed and have a phone number (your phone number will not be printed unless so requested). Other submissions are gratefully received but The Connector reserves the right to edit all material and to refuse any material deemed unsuitable for this publication. Articles will run in the newspaper as time and space permit.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Oncore Seniors Society. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The Connector, Oncore Seniors Society, or the staff thereof. Subscriptions are $35 per year in Canada.

Any error which appears in an advertisement will be adjusted as to only the amount of space in which the error occurred. The content of each advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser.

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prudent consumer discretion.

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January 2017

Page 5

Review leads to more informed 2017 Health Matters Missagh Manshadi, B.Sc, Pharm Pharmacist/Owner

I think we talked about pretty some important health-related topics in 2016 and I would like to quickly summarize some of the most important points — especially for those who need a reminder or did not have a chance to read every article. 1) We are lucky that we live in a beautiful province, and under the government of

British Columbia, we can obtain free nicotine replacement therapy for three months through any pharmacy and without a prescription. Make a resolution for 2017 and add 14 years (on average) to your life by not smoking. There are a number of good reasons to quit smoking; however, adding 14 years to your life is a pretty big one. 2) Thousands of Canadians that have a stroke and/or heart attack die or become disabled as result of not receiving medical treatments quick enough. Let’s review the signs and symptoms, and remember to dial 911 if you or someone you know shows any signs.

Possible heart attack symptoms include: upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating and nausea and light-headedness can also be present. For signs and symptoms of a stroke, remember FAST. If the face is drooping, arms are not able to move, speech is slurred or jumbled, then time is of the essence. 3) Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals in the country. Get to know your pharmacist in a more personal way and always discuss your concerns. 4) Untreated or poorly treated diabetes can reduce your lifespan by five to 15 years. Some of the symptoms

of high-blood sugar are: increased thirst, increased urination, a change in weight, fatigue and an increased appetite. 5) Familiarize yourself with the rescue drug Naloxone, which is an overdose antidote that can save lives. Also drugs that are called downers such as fentanyl, heroin, opiates and so on are causing most of the overdoses. Downers should not be taken with alcohol and some prescription drugs. Street drugs are becoming more and more potent and dangerous and killing people that are using. 6) The sun in Canada is strong enough to cause skin cancer. Skin cancer or melanoma is

on the rise. We should limit exposure to the sun, avoid sunburns and use sunscreens during extended exposure, especially during high peak UV. 7) As of December 2016 PharmaCare has changed the coverage for certain drugs use in treating high-blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and stomach acid. Please talk to your pharmacist to see if it affects your medicines and what you can do about it. 8)In 2016 the College of Physician and Surgeons in British Columbia brought forward guidelines and standards for physicians as how to prescribe opiates, sedatives and stimulants.

9) It can be difficult to differentiate between cold and flu. The flu is usually worse than a cold and comes on suddenly, is usually associated with fever and severe muscle or body aches. The flu can cause severe complications and can kill. 10) Inappropriate use of antibiotics can cause resistance to common antibiotics, MRSA, C.difficile and gut problems. The most common ailments are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. I hope this article will help you live a healthier life in 2017.

MANSHADI PHArMAcy

Assistance and accommodations available to vulnerable witnesses The following is part of a series of informational articles aimed at increasing public awareness about the services provided by the Kamloops Victim Services Unit. The Unit offers a variety of information and services, at no cost, to any victim or witness of crime or trauma. All Unit members have received specialized, comprehensive training in victims’ issues, the criminal justice system and crisis intervention techniques. The Unit is located at the main Police Detachment at 560 Battle St. Victim Services operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and may be accessed by calling 250-828-3223. The Criminal Code of Canada allows for the use of testimonial aids and special accommodations for vulnerable witnesses in providing testimony in criminal court. Children under the age of 18, and adults with physical or mental disabilities may have difficulty telling their stories without the use of these aids. This article will review the available aids and accommodations. Witnesses may testify behind a screen in the court room, which prevents witnesses from seeing the accused. The use of closed circuit television allows witnesses to give testimony from a location outside the courtroom. Allowing a support person to be present while testifying may make witnesses more comfortable. An order excluding the public from the courtroom can be issued to protect witnesses. A publication ban can be ordered to

prevent the publication, broadcast or transmission of any information that could identify a victim or witness. A lawyer may be appointed to conduct cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses when the accused is selfrepresenting. The use of testimonial aids and accommodations are automatically applied for when a witness is under the age of 18, or when an adult has a mental or physical disability. A judge must grant the application unless the judge believes it would interfere with the administration of justice. Other vulnerable victims and witnesses may receive a testimonial aid or accommodation if the judge feels it is necessary for the witness to give full and candid testimony. The judge considers the age of the witness, whether the witness has a mental or physical disability, the nature and type of offence, the relationship between the witness and the accused, and whether the use of a testimonial aid would bring the administration of justice into disrepute. It is the responsibility of Crown Counsel to make application for the use of a testimonial aid and accommodation, therefore it is important to tell the prosecutor about your wishes in advance. If you are required as a witness in court, Victim Services may support you through the court process. Please contact our office at 250-828-3223, for more information.

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Phone and place your grocery & prescription orders.

Grocery Shopping Assistance Oncore Seniors Society, in conjunction with Canada Safeway will help you with your shopping. Two options available: phone-in or in-store.You can shop on your own or have the help of a friendly volunteer.

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Page 6

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Insurance Brokers

THANK YOU

to our sponsors & volunteers who made the 14th Annual

SENIORS CHRISTMAS GALA A merry event!

Generous Contributors

• Allianz Global Assistance • Beacon Underwiriters Ltd. • Eliann Burnett • Chubb Insurance Company • Chutter Underwriting Services • Coles the Book People • Laura Christianson • Family Insurance Solutions • Gore Mutual • The Grocery People • HUB International Insurance Brokers

• Intact Insurance Company • The Mutual Fire Insurance Company • Northbridge Insurance • Peace Hills Insurance • Seniors Community Centre at Desert Gardens • Strange Brew • Travelers Canada • Trisura Guarantee Insurance Co. • Van Houtte Coffee Services • Wawanesa Insurance

A special thank you to the Kamloops RCMP who volunteer to serve meals each year!

Thank You to the Seniors Community Centre at Desert Gardens for their hospitality and Gary Krause who has been an outstanding “Santa” for the past 14 years and Nanette Robertson, our photographer!!

299 Third Ave. 37-945 Columbia St. 16-750 Fortune Dr. 2-111 Oriole Rd.

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January 2017

Have you been named as an executor?

Legal Ease By Kerri D. Priddle The job of acting as an executor to an estate is a very important and often difficult job. Generally speaking, the executor gathers up the estate assets, pays the deceased’s debts, and divides what remains of the deceased’s estate among the beneficiaries according to the will. However, the job comes with obligations and legal liability. Acting as an executor can be challenging, time-consuming and stressful. The executor usually has a year (called the “executor’s year”) to complete the process but it can take much longer than that, depending on the estate. Here are the basic steps: Funeral Arranging for the funeral is usually your first responsibility. The funeral home will issue the death certificate, which you will need to carry on the rest of your duties. Protect the estate Make sure valuables are safe and that sufficient insurance is in place. You should immediately change the locks on the apartment or house, and put any valuable things into storage. You should also cancel all of the deceased person’s charge accounts and subscriptions.

Pension & benefits Immediately attend at Service Canada to inform them of the death and apply for any death, survivor or orphan benefits. You should also check with the deceased person’s employer about any benefits available from his or her place of work. Note that any CPP or OAS benefits paid after the month in which the person died must be returned. Notify beneficiaries The Supreme Court Civil Rules and the new Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) require that all beneficiaries (as well as certain family members who would be heirs if there was no will, or who are eligible to apply to the court to change the will) must be given written notice of the executor’s application for an estate grant, including probate, plus a copy of the will. This is generally done by the estate’s lawyer. Probate Probate is the process of getting the court to rule that a will is legally valid and gives the

executor the authority to act on behalf of the deceased. You will need the probate grant in order to distribute the estate assets. If probate is required, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer to assist you in this process. You’ll also have to pay the probate fees as assessed by the court registry. The deceased’s bank will usually allow you to take these funds out of the deceased’s account. Certain assets can be passed down without requiring probate. In addition, RRSPs and insurance policies with named beneficiaries aren’t considered part of the estate and therefore don’t require probate. Income tax & debt You are responsible for filing tax returns and paying the taxes owing on behalf of the deceased person. It is a good idea to hire an accountant to help with the tax returns, as tax returns must be filed for any years for which the deceased didn’t file a return. Also, if the estate made any income (rent, interest on investments) after the

date of death, tax returns will have to be filed until the estate is wound up or paid out. The estate must pay taxes and obtain a Clearance Certificate from CRA before the estate can be distributed to the beneficiaries. This certificate confirms that all income taxes or fees of the estate are paid. This is important because you could be personally liable if you don’t pay the deceased’s debts, including any taxes owed, before you distribute the estate. Accounting & distribution You should submit a full accounting of the estate’s financial activities and obtain a release from each beneficiary prior to distributing the assets to them. Having all beneficiaries sign off on this accounting limits your liability and makes certain everyone involved is on the same page. A lawyer can help you to understand the wide range of issues that arise with executor and estate administration.

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January 2017

Resolutions & the house

Page 7

Lifelong crafter Continued from page 1

Home Maintenance Tips Lyle Killough, Homewell Services Co. One of many New Year’s superstitions is that if the first person to enter your home in the new year is a tall, dark and handsome man, he will bring luck to your home. Who knows where these ideas come from, but take a moment and open your front door and step outside. Turn around and look back through the open door into your home and try to see it with the eyes of a stranger. Is the first impression that a visitor gets of your home one that says you need a little luck, or does it say that this is a well-maintained home? Don’t confuse style with maintenance when you make this assessment.

Perhaps the colour scheme for the paint on your walls is not what the designers are calling the “hot colours for 2017.” There is nothing wrong with that; it’s your home and you get to choose. However, if your favourite colour of paint is also stained and grimy and your walls are damaged, the need for maintenance is probably noticed no matter how fashionable the paint. Poor maintenance is much easier to notice than good maintenance. In 2016, the three most popular New Year’s resolutions were around aspects of health. The number four resolution was to save more or spend less. Odds are that the 2017 list will be similar, so here’s a way that you can spend less.

Conduct regular maintenance on your home. It is far less expensive to maintain most things than it is to replace them. For example, the modest cost of fixing a leaky toilet or regularly changing the furnace filter can prevent the need for the costly replacement of rotten floors or installing a new furnace. Your home is likely to be the most expensive thing you own. Plan to spend a little money in the next year to take care of it so in turn, it will keep you safe and comfortable for years to come. A final caution on the tall, dark stranger bringing luck: apparently if his eyebrows are joined in the middle or he has flat feet, the good luck effect is cancelled. Happy New Year!

Although a lifelong crafter, it wasn’t until she changed residences that she took up her hobby of making pins for a second time. Before moving into Bedford Manor, Covington decided to give up making pins. “Then all of a sudden, I had had it. And I got rid of all my stuff,” she said. When she moved, the lady in charge of the recreation heard about what Irene had done and insisted that she Co. makeServices one. “That got me going again,” she said. “I was going through the felt in the craft room, and I saw some orange and I thought ‘oh, that’s great, I’ll take that,’ and I brought it home here and and I turned it over and there on the top corner was my tracing of ‘b-o-o.’”

Homewell omewell HServices Co. omewell HServices Co. Home Maintenance Specialists

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“After all those years, how it turned up and how they got it, I don’t know. But I cut it out and I’ve got it in a box,” Covington said. “I couldn’t believe my eye but I knew it was mine.” She is especially proud that her pins have made their way across Canada and into the United States. Many women have bought them and mailed them away, she said. Over the years, she has made some custom pins as well. With all her experience, Covington doesn’t have to look at the beads anymore — she just feels for the tiny holes with her fingers. “I should know how to do it by now, if I’m ever going to learn,” she said.

• Maintenance • Repairs • Handyhelp • Renovations • Emergencies We can be part of your plan to keep living independently in your own home.

Protecting your hardwood in winter The Flooring Expert Bill Hungerford, Nufloors Kamloops

If you’ve invested in hardwood flooring as a focal point in your home, you’ll want to protect your investment. Winter’s in full force outside, and this time of year is critical in preserving the quality of your hardwood. Unsuspecting dangers to your beautiful hardwood floor such as sidewalk gravel, salt, and melting snow are abundant. While many hardwood floors are scratch resistant, they are not invincible and can only take so much

abuse. Here are a few tips for protecting your wood floors this winter: • Avoid wearing shoes while walking on hardwood. Small rocks and pebbles get trapped in the shoe’s tread and will scratch and leave small dents in the wood. • Use an area rug or good quality mat in high traffic areas, such as your front entryway or back door. Not only does an area rug or a mat help protect your floor from daily wear but also helps to stop any melting snow from pooling directly on your hardwood. • Be selective with your cleaning products! Water and wood do not mix and the moisture will damage the wood over time. If a spill occurs, wipe it up immediately! Also, be

wary of using products that leave residue or have acidic properties that eat away the hardwood’s finish. • Use the right tools. Regularly sweeping away the dirt with a broom with polypropylene or acrylic bristles prevents scratches. When using a vacuum on a bare-floor, attach it with a brush or felt-type head for the best results. Follow these few tips to keep your wood floor looking brand new! If you’re not sure what cleaning product is best for your hardwood floor, or have questions in general, give us a call or drop in and we’d be happy to assist you. All the best in 2017!

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Page 8

January 2017

Kamloops Adult Learners Society (KALS) invites all seniors and adults to register for their affordable daytime courses in winter 2017 (January to June). Course information and registration can be found on the KALS website: kals.ca. Course registration continues from Dec. 12, and can be done online with a credit card, by mail or in person at the office. Note that the office will be closed for the holidays, Dec. 19 to Jan. 3. KALS new office is located at 262 Lorne St. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9

a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.). The new phone number is 236-425-4414. KALS is a nonprofit society committed to increasing lifelong learning for adults in the Kamloops/Thompson area. KALS keeps tuition costs affordable for those on a modest income by using volunteer instructors, many of whom are TRU professors, and by charging a minimal membership fee of $15 per year plus course fees. Winter 2017 course titles are listed below and a full description can be found on the website. See "KALS Course listings" page 13

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 



North Shore Community Centre update Happy New Year everyone! We hope you enjoyed your holidays and are ready to start those resolutions on the right foot. The North Shore Community Centre will be in full swing right away! We are excited to be able to offer many of the same activities as 2016. There are some changes this year, so be sure to check out the calendar or give us a call at 250-376-4777. The Kamloops Adult Learners Society (KALS) will be starting their winter session this month. There are several courses being set up to choose from and the

Submitted by Jo-Ann Eisenberger topics range from Senior in a safe environment. Driving to The History Zumba will be starting and Politics of Russia up on Monday, Jan. 4 to An Introduction to at 6:15 p.m. and every Energy. Please go visit Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. the website, kals.ca for a We are pleased to full list of courses. welcome our new yoga I would like to highlight instructor, Warren Lewis. our Fitness Fun for On Mondays there will be Seniors Class this month. a Gentle Chair Yoga Class This class is held on from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. on Thursdays there will and Fridays at 10:30 be a Beginner Yoga Class a.m. This class is open from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 to everyone and is very a.m. and on Fridays, suitable for participants there will be a Beginner who may have balance Yoga Class from 5:30 issues, medical p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Classes conditions or physical are only $5 for members limitations. Please call of the North Shore Jan at 778-471-3886 for Community Centre and more information. $7 for non-members. Come and enjoy the Our next Community excitement of Zumba Dinner will be on

452 – 730 Cottonwood Ave Kamloops V2B 8M6

North Shore Community Centre



  

Phone: 250-376-4777 • Fax: 250-376-4792 E-mail: nsccs@shaw.ca 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector ©

SUNDAY

www.edwardjones.com

MONDAY 1

Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund

TUESDAY 2

Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Gentle NIA 6 pm Zumba 6:15 pm

#101 - 1835 Greenfield Ave. Kamloops, BC V2B 8R5

250.376.9596 greenfieldplace@shaw.ca

30 - 1 bdrm units $850/mth 2 - 2 bdrm units $961 (double occupancy only) Independent, low income living in a safe and secure 55+ building in Brock. 1 and 2 bdrm apartments with full kitchens in-suite. Shared coin laundry in the building. Housekeeping weekly included in rent. Common facilities for all include: Dining area, common room, sunroom & bus outings. Level parking, sidewalks and easy access. No smoking, no pets.

WEDNESDAY

Easy Yoga 10 am Tai Chi 10 am Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Gentle NIA 6 pm Zumba 6:15 pm

Watercolour 9:30 am Easy Yoga 10 am Tai Chi 10 am Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Gentle NIA 6 pm Zumba 6:15 pm

3 Bridge 9 am Pattern Dance 10 am Ukulele Group 1:30 pm Woodcarvers 6:30 pm

10 Bridge 9 am Pattern Dance 10 am Fitness Fun for Seniors 1:15 pm Ukulele Group 1:30 pm

Bridge 9 am Pattern Dance 10 am Fitness Fun for Seniors 1:15 pm Ukulele Group 1:30 pm Woodcarvers 6:30 pm

24 Bridge 9 am Pattern Dance 10 am Fitness Fun for Seniors 1:15 pm Ukulele Group 1:30 pm

Bridge 9 am Pattern Dance 10 am Fitness Fun for Seniors 1:15 pm Ukulele Group 1:30 pm Woodcarvers 6:30 pm

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

4 Footcare Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Weightwatchers 5 pm Tabletop Gaming 5:30 pm Zumba 6:15 pm

Footcare 9 am Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Cottonpickers 1 pm Weightwatchers 5 pm Tabletop Gaming 5:30 pm Zumba 6:15 pm

18 Footcare Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Weightwatchers 5 pm Tabletop Gaming 5:30 pm Zumba 6:15 pm

25 Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Cottonpickers 1 pm Weightwatchers 5 pm Tabletop Gaming 5:30 pm Zumba 6:15 pm

Sunday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. We will be offering a Community Dinner every second month, usually on the second Sunday of the month. The dinners include entertainment, door prizes and a 50/50 draw. Cost is $15 a ticket and must be purchased in advance at the front desk at the North Shore Community Centre, 730 Cottonwood Ave. Memberships in the North Shore Community Centre Society are on sale now at the Front Desk — $15 a year goes towards helping us to provide our community events. Once again we would like to wish everyone all the best in the New Year 2017.

SATURDAY

5 Diabetic Clinic 9 am Cribbage 1 pm

Diabetic Clinic 9 am Yoga 10:30 am Cribbage 1 pm Tina’s Ukulele 6:30 pm Social Dance 7 pm

19 Diabetic Clinic 9 am Yoga 10:30 am Cribbage 1 pm Social Dance 7 pm

26 Diabetic Clinic 9 am Yoga 10:30 am Cribbage 1 pm Tina’s Ukulele 6:30 pm

6 Hair by Loreen 9 am Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm

7 Weightwatchers 8 am

13 Hair by Loreen 9 am Fitness Fun for Seniors 10:30 am Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Yoga 5:30 pm Hair by Loreen 9 am 20 Fitness Fun for Seniors 10:30 am BCGREA Lunch 12 pm Seniors Chair Massage 12:30 am Carpet Bowling 12:45 pm Yoga 5:30 am

14 Weightwatchers 8 am

21 Weightwatchers 8 am

Hair by Loreen 9 am Fitness Fun for Seniors 10:30 am Retired Teachers Lunch 12 pm Yoga 5:30 pm

28 Weightwatchers 8 am

January 2017

The Connector

Page 9

NEW Y EA R , N E W W A Y O F

Opening February 1, 2017 We’re excited to announce The Residence will be officially opening its doors on February 1st, 2017, and we can’t wait to show you all the finishing touches! The Residence is a mature-lifestyles community located in Kamloops’ newest premier address at Orchards Walk. Your residency membership includes a condominium style suite and access to in-house services including dining services, a beautiful wine bar, concierge service, workshop, and top floor view lounge. Visit our presentation centre today to reserve your suite.

www.theresidencekamloops.com MODERN LIVING. PREMIUM AMENITIES. VIBRANT COMMUNITY.

Presentation Centre Winter Hours: Fri & Sat 11am-5pm, Sun (*new) 11am-3pm at 3201 Valleyview Drive 236.425.3473 | gm@theresidencekamloops.com | www.theresidencekamloops.com

The Connector

Page 10

January 2017

A New Year prayer for the elderly God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune to run into the ones that I do, And the eyesight to tell the difference.

ACSServices

Active Care Senior Services

Royal Canadian Legion Br. #52

Office Hours: 1 pm to - 4 pm Monday - Friday

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector ©

Comfort & Security in a Beautiful Setting

Limited Rooms Available in our newly expanded 21 room residence!

SUNDAY

We are a home that offers an active social life, nutritious meals and a carefree lifestyle. For more information on our unique, home-style assisted living residence, call or email Jenna.

MONDAY 1

CLOSED

9 Bar Open 2pm-10 pm Darts

Meat Draw 2:30 pm

250•554-9244

General Meeting 12pm Bar Open after meeting-7pm Meat Draw 2:30 pm Bar Open 12pm-7pm

25 Bar Open 12pm-11pm Darts 7:30 - 11 pm

Bar Open 2pm-7pm

Bar Open 2pm-10 pm Darts

18 Bar Open 12pm-11pm Darts 7:30 - 11 pm

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Euchre 1:30 pm

905 Notre Dame Dr. Kamloops (250) 828-0810

*Must be 60 years or older and be a ClubPet member.

Sunday Night Dance Chair Fitness 10am Lunch 7:30 - 11 pm 11:30 am-1pm $10 at the door

Euchre 1:30 pm

Sunday Night Dance Chair Fitness 10am Lunch 7:30 - 11 pm 11:30 am-1pm $10 at the door

HOURS Mon–Fri: 9am–8pm Sat: 9am–6pm Sun: 11am–6pm Follow us on facebook: facebook.com/petlandkamloops

16 Chair Fitness 10am Sunday Night Dance Lunch 7:30 - 11 pm 11:30 am-1pm $10 at the door Euchre 1:30 pm

Euchre 1:30 pm

12 Bar Open 12pm-11:30pm Crib 7pm Darts 7:30pm

Bar Open 12pm-7pm

NO DANCE

NO MEAT DRAW

Bar Open 12pm-11:30pm Dance Siera $10pp

Executive Meeting Bar Open 12pm-11:30pm Crib 7pm Darts 7:30pm

Bar Open 12pm-11:30pm Crib 7pm Darts 7:30pm

Bar Open 12pm-11:30pm

Bar Open 12pm-7pm

Meat Draw 2:30 pm

20 Bar Open 12pm-11:30pm

Bar Open 12pm-7pm

NO DANCE

Meat Draw 2:30 pm

Bar Open 27 12pm-11:30pm Dance Strange Brew $10pp

Bar Open 12pm-6pm

Meat Draw 2:30 pm

Kamloops, B.C. V2B 3L9 info@csikamloops.ca • 778-470-6000

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

Lunch 11:30 am-1pm Cribbage 1 pm

Lunch 11:30 am-1pm Canasta 1 pm

11 Lunch 11:30 am-1pm Diabetes Info 11:45 am - 1 pm Cribbage 1 pm

12 Stitchers Club 10 am Bridge 1 pm Whist 1 pm

Pot Luck Lunch 12 pm Canasta 1 pm

Wood Carving 10 am BINGO 6 pm

18 Lunch 11:30 am-1pm Cribbage 1 pm

19 Stitchers Club 10 am Bridge 1 pm Whist 1 pm

24 Wood Carving 10 am BINGO 6 pm

25 Lunch 11:30 am-1pm Cribbage 1 pm

26 Stitchers Club 10 am Bridge 1 pm Whist 1 pm

10 Wood Carving 10 am BINGO 6 pm

FRIDAY

5 Stitchers Club 10 am Bridge 1 pm Whist 1 pm

Wood Carving 10 am BINGO 6 pm

CLOSED

Last Thursday of every month

Bar Open 12pm-11:30pm Crib 7pm Darts 7:30pm

9A - 1800 Tranquille Road

WEDNESDAY

Sunday Night Dance Chair Fitness 10am Lunch 7:30 - 11 pm 11:30 am-1pm $10 at the door

REGULAR PRICED ITEMS*

SATURDAY 6

Bar Open 2pm-7pm

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector

New Year’s Day

FRIDAY

Brock Activity Centre SUNDAY

Office: 250-374-1742

11 Bar Open 12pm-11pm Darts 7:30 - 11 pm

Bar Open 2pm-7pm

Bar Open 2pm-10 pm Darts

Meat Draw 2:30 pm

THURSDAY 4

Bar Open 12pm-11pm Darts 7:30 - 11 pm

Bar Open 2pm-7pm

Bar Open 2pm-10 pm Darts

Meat Draw 2:30 pm

WEDNESDAY 3

Bar Open 2pm-7pm

CLOSED

Bar Open 12pm-7pm

TUESDAY 2

425 Lansdowne St.

Kamloops, B.C. V2C 1Y2

31 Wood Carving 10 am BINGO 6 pm

20 Lunch 11:30 am-1pm Canasta 1 pm

21 Prostate Cancer Support Group 10 am

27 28 Lunch Breakfast 11:30 am-1pm Pancake 9 - 11 am Canasta 1 pm

Lunch will be served 3 days a week Monday, Wednesday & Friday $6 for members | $7 for non-members Come in and meet Camille, our new cook! Hours: 8am - 9pm everyday

250-376-5757 ©Petland Canada Inc. 2016

#38 - 1800 Tranquille Road, Brocklehurst, Kamloops, BC V2B 3L9

saveonfoods.com

Proud to sponsor CSI Activity Centre

The Connector

January 2017

Page 11

Cathy’s Comfort Drink — a Secret Recipe, shhhh… Dr. Preety Desai

Kamloops’ Premier Laser Implant Periodontal Specialist

Natural Health Cathy Lidster, B.Sc, GCFP, ACNRT Are you or your loved ones feeling sluggish and unmotivated in the winter months, especially after the holiday excesses? Could your body be trying to recover from too much sugar, flour, dairy, and alcohol and other toxins? Did you put on a few more pounds this year? Have you been getting every cold that comes around? Do you have achy joints, dry skin, bloating and gas? Instead of reaching for the coffee, tea or hot chocolate this winter, try this simple, inexpensive and convenient Comfort Drink that is loaded with benefits for your health. Cathy’s Comfort Drink not only tastes delicious, but helps your body get rid of many toxins that clog your organs, arteries and joints, helps your digestion, boosts your immune system and even

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and your teeth Dentists can tell! reduces your appetite. Here’s the secret recipe and why each ingredient is special: To a large mug of warm filtered water add: 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar - Full of enzymes, good bacteria, helps devour starch and lowers blood pressure 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice - Helps balance blood sugar, alkalizes and contains vitamin C 1 rounded teaspoon of local raw honey - Loaded with B vitamins, boosts your brain, increases energy, is antimicrobial, a great healing agent and oh so yummy! ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon

Think long term

- Number one blood sugar balancing herb; very high in anti-oxidants and tastes delicious! ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ginger - Ginger is an antimicrobial, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, supports digestion, helps with cramps and pain, muscle aches and weight loss…Don’t forget the ginger. ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper - Increases metabolism, circulation and helps with blood sugar ¼ to ½ teaspoon of turmeric with a pinch of pepper - The pepper is necessary to help you absorb the curcumin in the turmeric. - It has an antioxidant,

anti-inflammatory and perhaps anti-depressant properties. Use high quality, organic ingredients and always put your love and fun into it — make it taste good for you! To make it simple, mix your spices ahead of time and have your own Secret Spice-Combo Recipe ready to sprinkle. Yes, you have my permission to make it your own, share it and rename it Your Secret! Shhh… One caveat: If you cannot tolerate apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in your GI tract you most probably have a leaky gut and/or auto immune situation and you should seek a health practitioner.

“Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be food.” HIPPOCRATES

Continued from page 18 If you wait for things to “calm down” before investing again, you might miss out on the opportunity to participate in the next market rally. Think long term. Keep this in mind: You’re not investing for today or tomorrow, but for many years from now. Try to keep a long-term focus when making all your key investment decisions. By doing so, you can avoid overreacting to shortterm developments, such

as a sudden drop in the market or a “momentous” political event that actually decreases in importance as time goes by. Try to follow these financial resolutions as best as you can. You could make 2017 a year to remember. Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Member – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

Energy Response Exam & Report, Allergy Clearing and Nutritional Get Well Programs

New Year’s Wish Dear Universe, My prayer for 2017 is a FAT bank account and a THIN body. Please don’t mix it up like you did last year!

Cathy Lidster, B. Sc., GCFP, ACNRT Nutritionist and Natural Health Educator

250.314.4106 • 250.819.9041 cathylidster@gmail.com

OSA is a very serious health concern that health providers are more aware of today. Recent research has now identified many causes. Long term health effects are very serious because low oxygen, stresses the heart and brain but also increases heart rate and blood pressure. Car accidents are increasing due to fatigue from poor sleep quality. The frequent lack of oxygen at night, takes its toll on the body’s immune system lowering its ability to fight infection, inflammatory conditions, chronic stress all result in lowered antioxidants. What happens is that while sleeping, breathing actually stops from 5-60sec periods during the night and most often during REM sleep. The throat muscles relax and block the upper airway resulting in snoring or clenching in order to open the mouth and bring the jaw forward to subconsciously get more oxygen. Symptoms of OSA are narcolepsy, headaches, clenching or grinding, TMJ, gastric reflux, hypertension, fatigue, irritability, depression, restless leg syndrome. In children who have major allergies and blockage of the nasal passages, it can result in grinding or clenching, bed wetting, and SIDS has even been suggested. There are over 90 device styles that your dentist can make to bring the lower jaw forward and open the airway. Traditionally if this does not work there was always CPAP devices which are costly and cumbersome but work. Today a less invasive approach is laser treatment of the soft palate with a fractional laser handpiece to “shrink” the soft palate as well. We used to think that dental grinding was from ‘stress’ because dentists had no better answers! We used to tell people this and it made NO sense! Today with scientific research, it is about understanding a person’s jaw anatomy, occlusion of how teeth come together, orthodontics and the science of measuring AHI (%tage index of O2). Presently you can get tested for all these factors. So if you or someone you know can identify the above mentioned sleep or daytime habits and health issues or even if you have a ‘scalloped’ tongue with dents on the sides or boney bumps in the mouth (ie exostosis), then you could be at risk for OSA and not even know it. Go for your dental exam and check it out - your dentist is the physician of the mouth!

kamloopsperiodontist.com 101-775 McGill Road • 778-471-6001

The Connector

Page 12

Alzheimer Caregiver and Early Stage Support Groups meet the second Thursday of the month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the fourth Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Alzheimer Society Resource Centre, 405, 235 – 1st Ave. For more information contact Tara Hildebrand, support and education coordinator Alzheimer Society of B.C. at 250-377-8200.

Brown’s Repair Shop Ltd. 220 Lansdowne Street Est. 1922 • Eric Brown

250-372-3656 • Safe sales & service • Lock sales & service • Keys by code • Window grilles • Locks rekeyed

ALZHEIMER AWARENESS MONTH: Help unlock the stigma. Check out www.alzheimerletsfaceit.ca to find out what early diagnosis can mean?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a Thief

See your doctor if you or a loved one may be showing signs of Alzheimer’s or other dementia

January 2017

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month Dementia is a term that generally refers to a variety of brain disorders. Different physical changes to the brain cause different dementias. Some are reversible, meaning that they can be treated and cured, while others are irreversible, meaning there is no cure. Symptoms worsen over time and include: loss of memory, changes in judgment and reasoning, difficulty performing familiar tasks, problems with language and changes in mood and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and eventually fatal. Other dementias include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia (including Pick’s disease), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Lewy body dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but age is the biggest risk factor. What the numbers say As of 2016: An estimated 564,000 Canadians are living with dementia. By 2031, this figure is expected to rise

to 937,000, an increase of 66 per cent. The combined healthcare system and out-ofpocket costs of dementia is estimated at $10.4 billion. By 2031, this

the next 15 years. Three out of four Canadians know someone with dementia. Women represent 72 per cent of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s.

Do you want to make a difference in your community by supporting the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia? Anything for Alzheimer’s makes it easy for you to fundraise by taking your unique idea and making it a success. For the estimated 70,000 people in B.C. living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, you will provide Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow…® And do your own thing in your own unique way. It just takes a little creativity, some planning, and the desire to make a difference in the lives of people affected by dementia. Visit joinbc.alzheimer.ca to find out more and plan your fundraising event! figure is expected to increase by 60 per cent, to $16.6 billion. For more information, please visit alzheimer.ca. Quick facts 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias today, a number expected to increase to 1.4 million in

For every person with the disease, two or more family members provide care. Women account for 70 per cent of family caregivers. In 2011 alone, caregivers spent 444 million unpaid hours providing care. That’s the equivalent of $11 billion in lost income or 230,000 full-time jobs. Dementia costs the

Let’s make Alzheimers a distant memory

Let’s fight for those that can no longer remember

Support research efforts towards a cure

Kipp-Mallery

Manor

Pharmacy | kippmallery.ca

273 Victoria St. 250-372-2531 “Dad used to have a mind like a trap. Now he barely remembers my name. It makes me so mad.” Just remember, its something that’s happening to your dad; not something he’s doing to you.

330 Seymour St., Kamloops, BC • 250.828.0600

Terry

lake MLA,KamloopsNorth Thompson

Todd Candace Cates – Elmer Epp – Mike Fulton – Morgan Elander

 Estate Planning  Wills  Trusts 䘀

伀

䌀䔀

䌀䄀吀䔀匀䘀伀刀䐀伀䤀䔀一䔀倀倀䔀匀吀⸀ ㄀㤀㠀

䈀䄀刀刀䤀匀吀䔀刀匀 ☀ 匀伀䰀䤀䌀䤀吀伀刀匀

#300-125 Fourth Avenue Kamloops, BC V2C 3N3 Tel: (250) 372 8811 Fax: (250) 828-6697 www.cfoelaw.com

Canadian economy $33 billion per year. By 2040, that figure will skyrocket to $293 billion per year. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia. After age 65, the risk doubles every five years. Dementia also occurs in people in their 50s, 40s and even in their 30s. Dementia is a progressive disease. Progression varies greatly from person to person and can last between eight to 10 years – or even longer. Dementia is fatal. Its causes are not fully known, and there is still no cure or effective treatment to prevent or reverse the disease. Dementia is a collective term to describe brain disorders whose symptoms include: decline in memory, reasoning and communication skills; gradual loss in ability to carry out dayto-day activities; and changes in personality and behaviour. Dementia can be present in the brain for up to 25 years before symptoms appear. Information supplied by the Alzheimers Society Canada: alzheimer.ca

stone MLA,KamloopsSouth Thompson

760 Mayfair St., Kamloops Tel: 250.376.6536

755 Mayfair St., Kamloops Tel: 778.471.7600

JanUaRY Is alZHeIMeR aWaReness MontH

10 warning signs

Whether you’re experiencing possible symptoms or are concerned for someone you care about, the Alzheimer Society has developed the following list of signs to look for: 1. Memory loss affecting day-today abilities – forgetting things often or struggling to retain new information. 2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks – forgetting how to do something you’ve been doing your whole life, such as preparing a meal or getting dressed.

3. Problems with language – forget- 7. Misplacing things – putting things in strange places, like an iron in the ting words or substituting words that freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl. don’t fit the context. 8. Changes in mood and behaviour 4. Disorientation in time and – exhibiting severe mood swings space – not knowing what day of the week it is or getting lost in a familiar place. from being easy-going to quick5. Impaired judgment – not recogniz- tempered. ing a medical problem that needs 9. Changes in personality – attention or wearing light clothing on a behaving out of character such as cold day. feeling paranoid or threatened. 6. Problems with abstract thinking 10. loss of initiative – losing interest – not understanding what numbers signify in friends, family and favourite activities. on a calculator, for example, or how If you are concerned about any of they’re used. these signs, talk to your doctor.

lake: 618B tranquille Rd., kamloops, BC • t: 250-554-5413 stone: 446 Victoria st., kamloops, BC • t: 250-374-2880 •

• F: 250-554-5417 • terry.lake.mla@leg.bc.ca @toddstonebc • todd.stone.mla@leg.bc.ca

The Connector

January 2017

Page 13

KALS course listings Continued from page 8 The Aging Reversal: An Ayurvedic Approach How’s Your Nutrition? News and Views

New Year’s Celebration at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 755 Tranquille Road. Featuring Geoff Morris, and a buffet dinner on Saturday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. Join us for dinner, dancing, champagne and party favours. Tickets for members are $40 — non-members $50. Call 250-3764633 for more information.

End of Life Ceremony and Rituals Come to the Concert Fraud, Personal Safety & Reporting Crime Tai Chi for Beginners – An Introduction to Taoist Tai Chi

Essential Life Skills: Relaxation and Stress Management Kamloops Sustainable Environment Judaism Senior Driving Update St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program The History and Politics of Russia Today First Nations Languages and Why They Matter Israel/Palestine – Then & Now An Insider’s Look at Farmers Markets An Introduction to Energy How Secure Is Our Food System and Is It Sustainable? Beyond the Coloring Book – Coloured Pencil Art Your Vehicle and You Nature in Canadian Poetry, Prose and Song What Is Restorative Justice and Who Does It Help? Escape with Huck Finn and Friends Pickleball Anyone? The Mysteries of the Criminal Justice System Explained Stretch Your Legs – An Easy Walk (free) Lawn Bowling: “Come Out and Try It” Find Your Stride – A Moderate Walk (free) Wildlife Conservation in the Warmth Lambs You Can Cuddle Art and Conversation (10 individual sessions, free) How Your Pharmacist Can Improve Your Health

(1967) Norkam Secondary 50th Grad Reunion: The reunion is being held at the Dunes Golf Course in Westsyde, Kamloops, May 20, 2017. There will be buffet dinner and music by Stan Bailey. If you are interested please contact Lynda at 250-579-9781 or Karen at 250-579-8762. Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in May. Come and celebrate. All Open Mic Night: Saturday, Jan. 21. Many times over the past 19 years, hundreds of open mic performers have graced our stage with their music. We welcome you to our All Open Mic Night, both new and experienced performers. You are assured of playing 3 songs. As an added incentive, the audience will vote for their favourite act and the chosen performer(s) will be offered the Feature Act spot for a date of their choice in the 2017-18 season. The winner will be announced at the Feb. 18 coffee house. Doors open at 7 p.m. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission $5 - free for open mic performers and children under 12. FMI contact Christy at 250-573-0025, barnhartvalecoffeehouse.com or visit our Facebook page. January, at the Old Courthouse Gallery, 7 West Seymour St. Sale of seconds, discontinued items and old stock. Original fine art and craft by local artists. Jewellery, stained and fused glass, paintings, pottery, baskets, textile, photography weaving and First Nations art. Sale starts Jan. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Free parking, handicap accessible. Visit: kamloopscourthousegallery.ca Thompson Valley Activity and Social Club presents Let’s Dance, Jan. 14. Taking place at the Brock Activity Centre, doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., following by a dance until midnight. Doors open at 7:45 p.m. for the dance. Music will be supplied by Midnite Dancer. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Contact the TVASC information line at 250-571-5111 or email tvsaclub@ gmail.com. Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 4. Kamloops Old Time Fiddlers’ Association dance on Jan.7. Enjoy cowboy two steps, waltzes, polkas, schottisches, foxtrots and more. Location is the Heritage House, 100 Lorne St., 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission (at the door) is $6 for members and $10 for non-members. Everyone is welcome. For more information please call 250-376-2330.

Bugs ‘n Us: Entomology in the Interior BC An Update on the Roma of East-Central Europe

For full course descriptions visit www.kals.ca NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

ONLINE-MEDICAL CLINIC Now open on the North Shore! SEASONAL Have an emergency? FLU VACCINE STARTED No Doctor? NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Come in and register for our new online medical clinic

For more information call 250.376.9991

NORTH SHORE PHARMACY

#4 - 517 TRANQUILLE ROAD, KAMLOOPS, BC V2B 3H3

WE DON’T JUST SELL TIRES! MUFFLERS & EXHAUST OIL & LUBE • BRAKES SHOCKS & STRUTS FULL AUTO SERVICE LICENSED MECHANICS TUESDAY IS SENIORS DAY!

FREE COURTESY CAR OR SHUTTLE NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

DOWNTOWN TIRE

TIRES • WHEELS • BRAKES • TUNE-UPS • OIL CHANGES • ALIGNMENTS • SHOCKS • ETC.

Specializing in fast, efficient service 1020 VICTORIA ST., KAMLOOPS 250-851-8887

REFACE-IT!

Page 14

Cabinet Refacing

The Connector

Don't Replace it...

Ring in the new year in order

REFACE-IT! ...

REFACE-IT! REFACE-IT!

C aa bb iinneet t RRe ef af ca icni gn g C

it e c a pl e Kitchen Cabinet R 't on D it... ReFacing e c a pl e R 't Don

REFACE-IT! REFACE-IT! Makes Dollars and Cents of Your Remodeling Project!

Cabinet Doors Counter Tops

Kitchen Cabinet ReFacing

Kitchen Cabinet ReFacing Makes Dollars and Cents of Makes Dollars andProject! Cents of Your Remodeling Your Remodeling Project!

BEFORE

AFTER

• All new doors and drawer fronts — our exclusive heat and on OR thebeautiful cost of warp resistant raised panel, resin-core doors • All new doors and drawer fronts — our exclusive heat and new cabinets solid wood warp resistant raised panel, resin-core doors OR beautiful • Choice of over 300 door style and color combinations solid wood • Exclusive Permanent Lamination All exterior cabinet • Choice of over 300 door style and Process: color combinations • Exclusive Lamination Process: All exterior cabinet arePermanent covered with matching laminate, vinyl or and • surfaces All new doors and drawer fronts — our exclusive heat surfaces are covered with matching laminate, vinyl or natural wood warp resistant raised panel, resin-core doors OR beautiful natural wood • Beautiful new high-quality hardware and hinges solid wood • Beautiful new high-quality hardware and hinges

• Choice of over 300 door style and color combinations Also available: • Exclusive Permanent Lamination Process: All exterior cabinet Also available: • Additional matching cabinetry or a free standing island surfaces are covered matching laminate, or • Additional matchingwith cabinetry or a free standingvinyl island • New custom made drawers and tracks • New custom natural wood made drawers and tracks •• New countertops and laminate with Corian • New countertops and backsplashes backsplashes ininlaminate with Corian Beautiful new high-quality hardware and hinges or or wood accents wood accents Also available: • Additional matching cabinetry or a free standing island • New custom made drawers and tracks • New countertops and backsplashes in laminate with Corian or wood accents

REFACE-IT! REFACE-IT! Cabinet Refacing Cabinet Refacing REFACE-IT! 250-314-4795 250-314-4795

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KAMLOOPS & SURROUNDING AREA

Everything Organized Shawn Ferguson

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday season that was filled with family, friends and holiday cheer. January to me is like a blank sheet of crisp paper waiting for the next story to unravel. The new year is a time to reflect on the year that has passed and appreciate our blessings and lessons learned. Because of my families love of Christmas, we seemed to accumulate a great many boxes of decorations and everything Christmas, really everything! At an early age, I would have

to deal with the mass volume and innocently enough this began my ‘organizing’ training without realizing it at the time. I learned how to deal with a ton of stuff that needed to fit into a our tiny storage room which was an art form in itself when you considered all the different seasons, boxes sizes and different array of items stored there. I began to realize how to maximize space in any storage room by using the following tips: - Do some measuring to find the square footage of the storage area. - Use measurements to choose boxes/totes to maximize storage area. Free isn’t always useful or easy. - When changing to new storage system it’s a great time to downsize and purge. - Label all containers and ensure labels are

displayed when storing. - When storing in small area’s stack in ‘stacking lanes’ (easy with consistent packaging) when dealing with high volume storage like Christmas and camping which is also good for easy removal of one lane without empting whole unit. - When looking for free space don’t forget about the walls and ceilings as there are many hanging systems out there to maximize space. These are just a few ideas that have worked for me...just remember that it may sound or look like a big job but if you do it now, you can enjoy the fruits of hard labour for years to come. However, if it’s all too much and you begin to ‘spin,’ treat yourself to a little help...and give us a call. After all, our tag line is “Life Made Simple” for a reason.

Murray has died: I’ve called the funeral home, what do I do now?

save

over 50%

January 2017

Ask Drake Drake Smith, Funeral Director You don’t have to do anything right away, especially if Murray wished to be cremated. The law in B.C. states Murray cannot be cremated for two days following his death. I call it the “48-hour law.” So, if a funeral home (or well-meaning family member or friend) urges you to “get going,” you can gently (but firmly) suggest that you’d like to take your time with this matter. Recently, a nurse in Kamloops told me about her experience regarding her mother’s death. Her

Mom died a few years ago. As next of kin, the nurse/daughter thought she needed to call the funeral home right away, so she did. Mom had died in the middle of the night, and this poor, exhausted daughter found herself in the funeral home just a few hours later. They asked her many questions and required her to make huge decisions on the spot. It didn’t have to be that way, but the nurse didn’t know her options. She didn’t know that she could go home, get some sleep, have something to eat, talk with her family, and do whatever she needed to do at that moment. She didn’t know she could tell the funeral home when she would be

ready to meet with them. She ended up signing a cremation contract at the funeral home and not feeling very good about it. So, if you find yourself facing the death of a loved one, remember that you can take some time to gather your thoughts and look after yourself. Unless your religious affiliation requires you to act quickly, you don’t need to rush into making funeral or cremation arrangements. Sometimes your friends/ family will insist that you “set a date for the service” so they can book time off from work, etc. But, as executor or next-of-kin, I hope you will remember the 48-hour law in B.C., and take your time.

Women get a little more excited about New Years Eve than men do. It’s like an excuse: you drink too much, you make a lot of promises you’re not going to keep; the next morning as soon as you wake up you start breaking them. For men, we just call that a date. ~ Jay Leno

The Connector

January 2017

The Oncore Seniors Society crew enjoyed some Christmas cocoa at the Open House held Dec. 20 at the Seymour St. office. (Bottom left): Santa and his elf stopped in with pizza from Dominos. Dominos continues to be a sponsor of the Snow Angels program and provides pizza to volunteers that shovel driveways and walks for seniors all over Kamloops. Members of the Kamloops CAP team also stopped in for some holiday cheer The Oncore team from left to right, Keith Bonnah, Theresa (bottom right). Busch, Lorraine Mallon and Kirsten Herman.

Page 15

Salmon Arm Seniors Drop-In Society JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector © SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

1 Spiritualist Church 10:30 am - 1 pm

2 Mt. Ida Painters 9 am - 2 pm

8 Spiritualist Church 10:30 am - 1 pm

Mt. Ida Painters 9 am - 2 pm

Spiritualist Church 10:30 am - 1 pm

Painting Group 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Spiritualist Church 7 - 9 pm

23 Mt. Ida Painters 9 am - 2 pm

29 Spiritualist Church 10:30 am - 1 pm

Painting Group 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Spiritualist Church 7 - 9 pm

30 Mt. Ida Painters 9 am - 2 pm

Painting Group31 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Srs’ Computer Class 9 am - 1 pm Spiritualist Church 7 - 9 pm

MONDAY

TUESDAY

New Year’s Day

Potluck Dinner 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Happy To Help Community Outreach and Support

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES

Support, where and when you need it

Christie Lane, CSW & Owner

250.819.4450

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Keep Fit 10:45 am Table Tennis 2pm Social Bridge 6:30 pm Crib 7 pm

am Table Tennis 8:30 am 9 Weightwatchers 8:3010 11 Pancake Breakfast 8 Board Meeting 9:30 am Scrabble 9:30 am Canasta 9:30 am 8 - 11:30 am Keep Fit 10:45 am Ladies Pool 12 noon Floor Curling 2:30 pm Duplicate Bridge Line Dancing 1:30 pm Advanced Line Dancing 1 pm Chess 6:30 pm 250-515-2530 • 1 pm Darts 1 pm Crib 1:30 pm Square Dancers 6:30 pm Jammers Dance Shuswap Photo Arts 7 pm Weightwatchers 5:30 pm Scrabble 7 PM 7 pm Euchre 7 pm

Keep Fit 10:45 am Table Tennis 2pm Social Bridge 6:30 pm Crib 7 pm

15 Duplicate Bridge 250-515-2530 • 1 pm

22 Duplicate Bridge 250-515-2530 • 1 pm

29 Duplicate Bridge 250-515-2530 • 1 pm

Table Tennis 8:30 am Keep Fit 10:45 am Crib 1:30 pm

Table Tennis 8:30 am Keep Fit 10:45 am Line Dancing 1:30 pm Crib 1:30 pm Ukulele 6:30 pm

23 Table Tennis 8:30 am Keep Fit 10:45 am Crib 1:30 pm Line Dancing 1:30 pm

30 Table Tennis 8:30 am Keep Fit 10:45 am Line Dancing 1:30 pm Crib 1:30 pm

SATURDAY

Weightwatchers 8:3017 am Table Tennis 8:30 am 18 Scrabble 9:30 am Canasta 9:30 am Ladies Pool 12 noon Floor Curling 2:30 pm Advanced Line Dancing 1 pm Chess 6:30 pm Darts 1 pm Weightwatchers 5:30 pm Square Dancers 6:30 pm Scrabble 7 PM Euchre 7 pm

Keep Fit 10:45 am19 Social Bridge 1 pm Table Tennis 2pm Crib 7 pm Vintage Car 7 pm

Weightwatchers 8:3024 am 25 Table Tennis 8:30 am Scrabble 9:30 am Canasta 9:30 am Ladies Pool 12 noon Advanced Line Dancing 1 pm Floor Curling 2:30 pm Chess 6:30 pm Darts 1 pm Weightwatchers 5:30 pm Square Dancers 6:30 pm Scrabble 7 PM Euchre 7 pm

Keep Fit 10:45 am Social Bridge 1 pm Table Tennis 2pm Crib 7 pm

Weightwatchers 8:3031 am Scrabble 9:30 am Ladies Pool 12 noon Advanced Line Dancing 1 pm Darts 1 pm Weightwatchers 5:30 pm Euchre 7 pm

Foot Care 17 (by appt. only) Lunch w/Friends

SUNDAY

Genealogy Workshop 1 - 4 pm 14

Whist 10 am Canasta 10 am Bridge 1 pm Dance Class 6 pm

27 Whist 10 am Canasta 10 am Bridge 1 pm Dance Class 6 pm

Whist 10 am Canasta 10 am Bridge 1 pm Dance Class 6 pm

MONDAY

Bingo 1 pm Bridge 7 pm 29

Genealogy Workshop 1 - 4 pm

Bingo 1 pm Bridge 7 pm

Genealogy Workshop 1 - 4 pm

Bingo 1 pm Bridge 7 pm

28 Bingo 5-10 pm Doors open 4 pm Walk-ins 6 pm Regular Games 7 pm

320A Second Ave. NE

Phone 250-832-7000 Fax 250-833-0550 Office Hours: 9 am - 3 pm

THURSDAY

FRIDAY 5

Day Away

Foot Care (by appt. only) 18

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Day Away 12

Day Away

Day Away 19 Board Meeting 10 am Good Food Box Pick Up

SATURDAY 6

Day Away

Lunch w/Friends

WEDNESDAY

Phone: 250-837-9456 www.revelstokeseniors.ca

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2 3 4 Carpet Bowling5 6 9 am Carpet Bowling Billiards 9 am Coffee Drop In Bingo 1 pm Senior Exercise 9 am Senior Exercise 9:30 am Bridge 7 pm 10 am Darts 7 pm 10 am Crib 1 pm Dance Club 7 pm

Bingo 1 pm Bridge 7 pm

Genealogy Workshop 1 - 4 pm

Doors open 4 pm Walk-ins 6 pm Regular Games 7 pm

Foot Care (by appt. only)

TUESDAY

Genealogy Workshop 1 - 4 pm

21 Bingo 5-10 pm

Salmon Arm, B.C. V1E 1H1

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector

5thaveseniors.org

Weightwatchers 8:30 am3 Table Tennis 8:30 am 4 Scrabble 9:30 am Canasta 9:30 am Ladies Pool 12 noon Advanced Line Dancing 1 pm Floor Curling 2:30 pm Chess 6:30 pm Darts 1 pm Weightwatchers 5:30 pm Square Dancers 6:30 pm Scrabble 7 PM Euchre 7 pm

CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY

WEDNESDAY

Lunch w/Friends

Revelstoke Seniors

OFFICE HOURS MON-FRI 9-4 RAINBOW CAFE OPENS 11:30-1:00

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector ©

Monday Morning Market

Email-christieklane@gmail.com | www.facebook.com/happytohelp84

Foot Care (by appt. only)

24 Monday 23 Foot Care Morning Market (by appt. only) Caregiver Support Group Lunch w/Friends 10 am

KAMLOOPS | SALMONARM

MONDAY

Monday Morning Market

A variety of support services at affordable rates. Visit our Facebook page for more info!

SUNDAY

Doors open 4 pm Walk-ins 6 pm Regular Games 7 pm

Srs’ Computer Class 9 am - 1 pm

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Monday Morning Market Caregiver Support Group 10 am

14 Bingo 5-10 pm

Bingo: ......................................................................................................Wendy 250-253-3516 Hall Rental:...................................................................................................Dave 250-833-0902 Better at Home: ......................................................................................Wysteria 250-253-2749 Computer Class: ........................................................................................ Darcy 250-463-4555 Tuesday Art Group: ......................................................................................Ross 250-832-3579 Spiritualist Church: ....................................................................................Norm 250-832-0442 Mount Ida Painters: ......................................................................................... Al 250-832-5149

Office Closed

Srs’ Computer Class 9 am - 1 pm

WEDNESDAY

Doors open 4 pm Walk-ins 6 pm Regular Games 7 pm

Director’s Meeting 10 - 11 am

7 Bingo 5-10 pm

Srs’ Computer Class 9 am - 1 pm

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector © 1

SATURDAY

Seniors’ Resource Centre - Salmon Arm SUNDAY

FRIDAY

5 Srs’ Computer Class 9 am - 1 pm

Spiritualist Church 7 - 9 pm

Mt. Ida Painters 9 am - 2 pm

THURSDAY

Spiritualist Church 7 - 9 pm

15 Spiritualist Church 10:30 am - 1 pm

Drop in Pool 10 am - 2 pm Monday - Friday

WEDNESDAY

Box 1552 — 31 Hudson Ave. NE Salmon Arm, V1E 4P6 250-832-3015

10 Carpet Bowling 9 am Darts 7 pm

11 Billiards 9 am Senior Exercise 10 am

12 Carpet Bowling 9 am Coffee Drop In 9:30 am Crib 1 pm Dance Club 7 pm

17 Carpet Bowling 9 am Darts 7 pm

18 Billiards 9 am Senior Exercise 10 am

19 Carpet Bowling 9 am Coffee Drop In 9:30 am Crib 1 pm Dance Club 7 pm

24 Carpet Bowling 9 am Darts 7 pm

25 Billiards 9 am Senior Exercise 10 am

26 Carpet Bowling 9 am Coffee Drop In 9:30 am Crib 1 pm Dance Club 7 pm

Carpet Bowling 9 am Darts 7 pm

Senior Exercise 10 am 20

Senior Exercise 10 am 27

Senior Exercise 10 am

The Connector

Page 16

Passchendaele Road, Sorrento, B.C.

Sorrento Drop-In Society

Phone: 250-675-5358

President: Jennie Wiebe 250-679-8310 Hall Bookings: H. Skulmoski 250-675-2126

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector © SUNDAY

Church Group 9 am 8

Church Group 9 am 15

Church Group 9 am 22

Church Group 9 am 29

Church Group 9 am

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

2 Glee Club 9:30 am AA Discussion Group 7-9 pm

3 Men’s Snooker 1 pm Crib 1:30 pm Rock Club 7 pm

Glee Club 9:30 am AA Discussion Group 7-9 pm

10 Men’s Snooker 1 pm Crib 1:30 pm Wheels to Meals

16 Glee Club 9:30 am AA Discussion Group 7-9 pm

Wheels to17 Meals 12 pm Men’s Snooker 1 pm Crib 1:30 pm

23 24 Glee Club Men’s Snooker 9:30 am 1 pm AA Discussion Crib 1:30 pm Group 7-9 pm Wheels to Meals 30 Glee Club 9:30 am AA Discussion Group 7-9 pm

THURSDAY

Carving 9 am - noon Cards 1 pm 11

MONDAY

TUESDAY

18 Carving 9 am - noon Cards 1 pm

19 20 21 Quilting Scottish 10 am - 3 pm Dancing Men’s Snooker Ladies Pool 1 pm Country 9:30 pm - noon 1 pm

26 27 28 Quilting Scottish 10 am - 3 pm Dancing Men’s Snooker Ladies Pool 1 pm Country 9:30 pm - noon 1 pm

Carving 9 am - noon Cards 1 pm

Scottish Ladies Pool 1 pm Country Dancing 9:30 pm - noon

Chase Creekside Seniors

542 Shuswap Avenue • 250-679-8522

Open 8:30 to 11:30 am, 1:00 to 4:30 pm

WEDNESDAY

Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm 8

9 Guys & Gals Exercise 8:30 am Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm

10 Bells & Bows 10 am Bingo 1 pm

16 Guys & Gals Exercise 8:30 am Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm

17 Bells & Bows 10 am Bingo 1 pm

23 Guys & Gals Exercise 8:30 am Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm

24 Bells & Bows 10 am Bingo 1 pm

30 Guys & Gals Exercise 8:30 am Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm

31 Bells & Bows 10 am Bingo 1 pm

THURSDAY

4 Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm Jam Session 7 pm

Guys & Gals11 Exercise 9 am Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm Jam Session 7 pm Guys & Gals18 Exercise 9 am Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm Jam Session 7 pm Guys & Gals25 Exercise 9 am Snooker 1 pm Canasta 1 pm Jam Session 7 pm

FRIDAY

12 13 General Meeting Wood Carving Mini Crib Sign Up 9 am at 10:30 am Carpet Bowling Start 11 am 10 am 19 20 Wood Carving 9 am Crib 1 pm Carpet Bowling 10 am

26 Wood Carving 9 am Carpet Bowling 10 am

Wood Carving 9 am

Crib 1 pm

TUESDAY

Crib 1 pm

Submitted by Linda Haas The mission of the B.C. Seniors Games Society is to improve the health, lifestyle and image of British Columbia’s 55+ population. This is done by organizing the annual 55+ B.C. Games as an opportunity for those 55+ to participate in physical and social activities. Activities that promote community awareness of the contemporary image of this population group as physically active and socially engaged, and encourage year-round participation at the zone level. The 55+ B.C. Games will continue to be friendly and welcoming, offering lively competition in the spirit of fun and camaraderie, and presenting activity opportunities that are inclusive of all levels and abilities. Only eight months to the 2017 55+ B.C. Games in Vernon held on Sept. 12-16. Visit 55plusbcgames.org, which will be updated on a regular basis for ongoing information. Wish to get involved? Read each issue of The Connector and access Zone 8 from the website. Minutes of monthly meetings

reside there, along with info on special events, and contact information for the executive, area representatives, and the sport/activity event coordinators. The Zone 8 geographical area includes Anglemont, Ashcroft, Avola, Barriere, Blue River, Celista, Chase, Clearwater, Clinton, Enderby, Falkland, Grinrod, Kamloops, Lillooet, Little Fort, Logan Lake, Lytton, Merritt, Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Valemont, and all points between. Most events are divided into age categories, with individuals or teams competing for medals within their age range. Most also have male and female categories, although some pair and team events are mixed. Playoffs, if required, normally occur in April, with some in March, May or June. You need to become a member ($20) and pay a registration fee ($5) before any playoff, or entering as a participant. Since the number of participants determines if a playoff is needed, you should contact your sport event coordinator early,

at the February meeting, by phone or email. Once you enter the Games, there is a $50 participant fee. A list of sport event coordinators will be in the February Connector. Physical and mental activity increases energy levels, reduces the risk of diseases such as heart, diabetes and osteoporosis, builds stronger bones and muscles, helps maintain healthy weight, enhances concentration, increases self-esteem, and promotes relaxation, stress reduction and better sleep. Get involved! Zone 8 welcomes all people to check out why we are excited about the Games, about the people who take part and about going to different locations each year. Share our excitement! The first meeting of 2017 takes place, Thursday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. at the Moccasin Square Gardens building on Shuswap Road, opposite Sun Rivers. We thank the Band for allowing us to use their great facilities to hold our monthly meetings. Their generosity is much appreciated.

Happy New Year to all our Creekside Members!

Lakeview Centre Squilax/Anglemont

Drop-in Centre Open: Mon-Fri 1–4 PM

Hostess on duty Tues, Wed, & Thurs 1-4 pm

WEDNESDAY

55+ folk live in the moment, training for the Games

Note to members: Be sure to renew your yearly membership dues and attend our general meeting on January 12. Installation of our executive will take place.

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector © MONDAY

SATURDAY

Lakeview Community Centre Society SUNDAY

31 Men’s Snooker 1 pm Crib 1:30 pm

Bells & Bows 10 am Bingo 1 pm

5 6 7 Quilting Scottish 10 am - 3 pm Dancing Men’s Snooker Ladies Pool 1 pm Country 9:30 pm - noon 1 pm

Quilting 10 am - 3 pm Men’s Snooker 1 pm

JANUARY 2017 Calendar of Events - The Connector © 1

SATURDAY

Carving 9 am - noon Cards 1 pm

Chase Seniors Centre SUNDAY

FRIDAY

January 2017

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Bingo 2 pm

9 Carpet Bowling 10 am - 2 pm Table Tennis 1-3 pm

16 Carpet Bowling 10 am - 2 pm Table Tennis 1-3 pm

23 Carpet Bowling 10 am - 2 pm Table Tennis 1-3 pm

30 Carpet Bowling 10 am - 2 pm Table Tennis 1-3 pm

11 Hawaiian Dancing 10:30-11:30 am Anglebay Entertainers Practice 1-3 pm Bridge 7 pm

Carpet Bowling 10 am - 12 pm Drop in Cribbage 1-3 pm

Table Tennis 10 am

17 Hawaiian Dancing 18

Drop-in Craft Time 10-2 pm Bring a lunch General Meeting 2:30 pm

Drop-in Craft Time 10-2 pm Bring a lunch

24 Drop-in Craft Time 10-2 pm Bring a lunch

31 Drop-in Craft Time 10-2 pm Bring a lunch

10:30-11:30 am Anglebay Entertainers Chorus Practice 1-3 pm Bridge 7 pm

Carpet Bowling 10 am - 12 pm Drop in Cribbage 1-3 pm Bingo 2 pm

25 Hawaiian Dancing 10:30-11:30 am Anglebay Entertainers Chorus Practice 1-3 pm Bridge 7 pm

Carpet Bowling 10 am - 12 pm Drop in Cribbage 1-3 pm

Table Tennis 10 am

14 Rise & Shine Breakfast 8-11 am

Table Tennis 10 am

MAKING LIFE BETTER Your life belongs to you. We respect and honor this at Parkside Community. The greatest amount of authority and decision making is placed into the hands of our Elders and their loved ones.

743 Okanagan Avenue, Chase, BC 250.679.4477

PARKSIDECOMMUNITY.CA

SENIOR

LIVING

The Connector

January 2017

Page 17

Did you have a “complete” Christmas? Spiritual Thought Rev. David Schumacher In a Family Circus cartoon, the little girl sits her baby brother on her

lap and tells him the story of Christmas. According to her version, Jesus was born just in time for Christmas up at the North Pole surrounded by eight tiny reindeer and the Virgin Mary. Then Santa Claus showed up with lots of toys and stuff and some swaddling clothes. The three wise men and the elves all sang carols

Start a Joy Jar

Start the year an with an empty jar and fill it with all the good things that happen throughout 2017. Next New Year’s Eve have a look at all the wonderful things that happened over the course of the year.

while the Little Drummer Boy and Scrooge helped Joseph trim the tree. In the meantime, Frosty the Snowman saw this star... You have to wonder what goes on in the mind of a child, eh? Speaking of “reading minds,” have you ever wondered what Mary was thinking the night Jesus was born?

Cathedral

Sat & Sun Liturgies Saturday 7 pm Sunday 8:30 am 11:30 am, 6 pm

COMMUNITY CHURCH 344 Poplar

Confession Times Saturday 4-5 pm Sunday 5:30-6 pm Wed 5:15-5:35 pm 1st Friday of the month 5:30-6 pm

Weekday Masses Monday 7 pm Tuesday 7 am Wednesday 9 am Thursday 7 am Friday 9 am Saturday 8 am

255 Nicola Street • 250-372-2581

United ChUrChes of Canada

A Place to Belong!

Sunday Service 11:00 am Sunday School 11:45 am

Please check out our website for any upcoming events

Kamloops United Church

www.kamloopsunited.ca 421 St. Paul St. • Sundays 10 am Rev. Bruce Comrie

Mt. Paul United Church

www.mtpauluc.ca 140 Laburnum St. • Sundays 10:30 am Rev. LeAnn Blackert

Plura Hills United Church

250-554-1611 www.plurahillsunited.com Way • Sundays 10 am Debris &2090 JunkPacific Removal Dump Runs www.kamsa.ca Landscape Demolition

SENIORS If you require assistance with shopping, medical appointments, travel/outings or household chores. Call Dave at 250.819.7646

DOG & CAT GROOMING BOOK YOUR XMAS APPOINTMENT EARLY Pick Up & Delivery Available

TEETH CLEANING

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864 C -8 th Street, Kamloops For appointment please call:

The Insight Story Wendy Weseen

When growing up, people would say to me, “Don’t be such a Pollyanna, Wendy.” Though I had never read the book released in 1913 or even knew the story, I came to understand that to be a Pollyanna was a bad thing — she pushed difficult situations under the carpet and did not face life’s realities. In the dictionary pollyannaish is defined as a blindly optimistic person.

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than 16 years old — just a teenager. Can you believe that one? God chose a teenager to bring Jesus into the world. And that’s just the point, isn’t it. As God chose Mary to bring Jesus into her world, so now He has chosen you to bring Jesus into your world. Jesus says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and

knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelations 3:20) That’s what God promises to all who believe in Jesus — His presence in your heart and in your life.Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches your heart.

Playing the glad game

Church Directory

Sacred Heart

Personally, I think she must have felt really, really small. I mean, God was right inside of her. Of all the people in the world to choose from, God chose her. She wasn’t a King’s daughter, or an oil magnate’s wife, or a powerful prophetess, or a wise priestess. She was just a girl — probably no more

Just before Christmas, in an immaculate twostar hotel butting up against Stanley Park in Vancouver, I watched the PBS version of Pollyanna. This little girl saw people suffering and directed them towards something she called the glad game believing there was something to be glad about in the midst of loss and misfortune. She brought hope and determination to the tiny village she moved to when she became an orphan. Mantras and sayings cross my Facebook page every day telling me what I think affects my ability to weather the storms of adversity, find a way to carry my losses, and eventually find the energy to move forward. I’m careful not to imply we should not mourn our losses. I sure don’t want anyone telling me what the gains

are when I’m as raw as a dog’s bone.I feel that way about the abuse of our planet. I grieve every time I see a coffee cup on the sidewalk, a pile of water bottles around a garbage container, and a totally unnecessary product being marketed, knowing the truth and wishing I didn’t. It’s hard sometimes to find my way when I’m in the middle of such a loss. After another Christmas in the marketplace while I stayed in my small Vancouver hotel room, at the end of the most commercial of streets, I knew acquisition of things did not satisfy me in the long term and that its practice will destroy our sustaining planet. It did not even make me happy to be giving. Advertising would have me believe that this food or that, a skin wrinkle remover, or a myriad of other products will

bring me happiness. I admitted to a momentary flash of pleasure as I pulled my purchases from their bags, but Christmas reminded me that happiness lies within myself and does not come from external stuff.In today’s world, we need a different way of thinking before we can ever begin to solve the world’s problems and to embrace a path that honours our planet Earth. We do need to grieve the earth’s losses that already exist, but eventually a new way of thinking will be imperative. We will need to carry our sorrow, but move into new thinking that includes hope, determined action and energy. Albert Einstein is famous for saying, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Perhaps Pollyanna had it right. I hope I do too.

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Interior Home Handyman Services free estimates • seniors discount • honest reliable service

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Footcare Nurse 250.554.4500

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The Connector

Page 18

January 2017

Consider some New Year’s (financial) resolutions

Looking to buy or sell?

Office/Pager: 250-374-3331 Toll Free: 1-877-374-3331 Fax: 250-828-9544 E-mail: edbarker@remax.net

by Adrian Powell 1

by 17Adrian Powell 1

Ed BarkEr

258 Seymour St. Independently Owned and Operated

22 26 36

37 29

42 36

28 34

bed09_july

60 54

59 63

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E C H O

Y E E S N S S

K N O T

KALS Office: 262 Lorne St., Kamloops V2C 1W1 (Closed Dec 19 to Jan 3) Office Hours: Mon - Fri 9 am to 4 pm (Closed 12 noon to 1 pm)

www.kals.ca Phone: 236-425-4414

A H M E E E B S A

KALS is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to increase the availability of educational opportunities for seniors and adults in the Kamloops/Thompson region. We offer a wide variety of courses with high quality instruction. For more information contact:

H O OW E N

“Lifelong Learning for Seniors”

DrakeCremation.com 210 Lansdowne st., kamLoops • drake@drakecremation.com

G C Y A M

250.377.8225

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If not, you may need to happens, you may need make some changes. to “rebalance” your You’ll also want to study holdings. your investment mix Avoid mistakes. None to make sure it still of us can avoid all accurately reflects your mistakes, in life and in risk tolerance. Over time, our investment activities. and often without your But as an investor, taking any significant you’ll clearly benefit actions, your portfolio from minimizing your can “drift” to a place errors. For example, it’s where you are taking generally a mistake to on too much risk – or jump out of the market even too little risk – for in response to a period of your needs and longvolatility. term objectives. If this See "Think long term" page 11

RO IWN G E L I A E N S O L U I D NL GOS Y SA ARL U TDA B SR EEV E E W T E A E A U PL YLN E H E Q U A R O R N I M I D E

We’re just about ready to open the door to 2017, so you might be thinking about some New Year’s resolutions. What’s on your list this year? More visits to the gym? Learning a new language? Mastering the perfect beef bourguignon? All worthy ambitions, of course, but why not also include some financial

so you can choose the investment mix that fits your objectives and risk tolerance. Therefore, if your salary goes up this year, or if you think you can find other ways to free up some money, increase your contributions to your retirement plan. Review your portfolio. Is your investment portfolio still on track toward helping you meet your long-term goals?

E P A S H A

Submitted by Lili Seery of Edward Jones

It’s not easy to cut down on one’s debt load. But if you can find ways to reduce your debts, you’ll help improve your overall financial picture. Many debts are not “useful” – that is, they don’t carry any tax advantages – so every dollar you spend to pay down those debts is a dollar you could use to invest for your future. Boost contributions to your retirement plan. If your employer offers a group RRSP or similar retirement plan, take full advantage of it. Your earnings have the potential to grow tax deferred and your contributions may lower your taxable income. Plus, most plans offer a selection of investment options,

D A D C A B U EV TEE N T A L E V R T O R T O E O AU U L D O L SN TEOWA Y H EP RR I TAWRE EN T N O R S N I N T O S S I D E SH A P A I S T I M E S A X I L B Y R D

Financial Focus

resolutions? By reviewing your needs and goals, you can identify some resolutions that are particularly relevant to your own situation. But here are a few suggestions: Build an emergency fund. If you needed a major car repair or a new furnace, or faced some other large, unanticipated expense, could you cope with it? If you didn’t have the money readily available, you might have to dip into those investments intended for long-term goals, such as retirement. Instead, build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Cut down on debts.

The Connector

January 2017

Overlander Women’s Institute members give thanks Overlander Women’s Institute would like to wish all our readers a very prosperous New Year. Thanks again for all you support during the year. A cold December made it harder for our Families’ First and Babies Head Start families to come and enjoy their Christmas dinner at Mt. Paul United Church. With the families, social workers and Santa, they all had a delicious lunch that our ladies catered to.

Winter comfort health on Jan. 20. For more information on Overlander Women’s Institute, please contact Cathy at 250-376-9810.

On Jan. 6 we are having a business meeting and a convener meeting on home economics and

4431 Barriere Town Road Box 791 Barriere V0E 1E0

TUESDAY

Adult Support 9:30 am to 1 pm Whist 7 pm 8

Carpet Bowling 9:30 am

Adult Support 9:30 am to 1 pm Whist 7 pm

Breakfast 8 - 10 am

Carpet Bowling 9:30 am

Adult Support 9:30 am to 1 pm Whist 7 pm 29

WEDNESDAY

Carpet Bowling 9:30 am

Adult Support 9:30 am to 1 pm Whist 7 pm

Carpet Bowling 9:30 am

Adult Support 9:30 am to 1 pm Whist 7 pm

THURSDAY

Adult Support 9:30 am to 1 pm Fun Cards 1:30 pm

15 3rd Sunday Social 12:30 Wells Gray Inn

Whole Health Footcare Carpet Bowling 9:30 am

Farmer’s Market 10 am - 1 pm Mid-Winter Bash 3 pm

Whole Health Footcare

A winter staple, served many Sundays with baked potatoes and veggies.

TUESDAY 2

(unless otherwise noted)

Phone: 250-674-8185

Carpet Bowling 1-3 pm

16 Carpet Bowling 1-3 pm

THURSDAY FRIDAY 4 5 6 WGCSS Meeting Carpet Bowling 1-3 pm Hike: Meet Seniors Drop In Writer’s Circle @ Strawberry Centre 10 am Library @ noon Moose 9 am Bingo 10 am Crib 1pm Seniors Book Club Legion Library @ 2 pm Darts 7 pm Legion

10 Seniors’ Luncheon 10:30 am @ Elks Hall

11 Crib 1pm Legion

17 Bunco 1:30 pm Seniors Drop-in Centre

25 Crib 1pm Legion

12 Carpet Bowling 1-3 pm

Crib 1pm Legion Music & Refreshments 1 pm

Meat Loaf

Evergreen Acres

WEDNESDAY

Carpet Bowling 1-3 pm

29 Giant Crib Legion 10 am M&M Lunch Wells Gray Inn 12:30 pm

Carpet Bowling 1-3 pm

Bingo 5-9 pm Elks Hall

Carpet Bowling 9:30 am

MONDAY

Farmer’s Market 10 am - 1 pm

Carpet Bowling Windows 10 Info 9:30 am 1 pm

Carpet Bowling 9:30 am

Adult Support 9:30 am to 1 pm Fun Cards 1:30 pm

SATURDAY

Carpet Bowling 9:30 am General Meeting 3 pm

Adult Support 9:30 am to 1 pm Fun Cards 1:30 pm

FRIDAY

Clearwater Seniors’ Activities SUNDAY

Recipes of the Month

Reprinted with permission and in loving memory from Eleanore Moore’s cookbook “Family Favourites, Past & Present”

Barriere & District Seniors Society SUNDAY

Page 19

SATURDAY 7 Dinner 5 pm @Legion

13 14 Hike: Meet @ Strawberry Meat Draw 3-5 pm Moose 9 am @Legion Darts 7 pm Legion

19 20 Carpet Bowling Hike: Meet 1-3 pm @ Strawberry Writer’s Circle Moose 9 am 2 pm Library Darts 7 pm Legion

21 Dinner 5 pm @Legion

26 27 28 Carpet Bowling Hike: Meet 1-3 pm Meat Draw 3-5 pm @ Strawberry Moose 9 am Seniors Book Club @Legion Darts 7 pm Legion Library @ 2 pm

Carpet Bowling 1-3 pm

Hours: 9am-7pm EVErYDaY

Proud to sponsor the Clearwater Seniors Activities Calendar of Events 101 - 365 Murtle Crescent • Clearwater • (250) 674-2213

2-3 lbs lean ground beef 1 cup rolled oats 2 eggs beaten salt and pepper dash of garlic salt 1 chopped onion In a mixing bowl combine the above. Mix well. Put mixture in an 8” x 4” loaf pan. Combine: 1/2-1 cup of ketchup 1/2-3/4 cup brown sugar Pour over meat loaf and bake 350-400 F for 50 to 60 minutes. Great way to finish of a winter meal.

Baked Custard 3 beaten eggs 1 1/2 cups milk 1/3 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla Combine eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Pour into 8x8” baking dish. Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon. Set baking dish in a pan of hot water. Bake in a 325 F oven for 50 to 70 minutes or till a knife inserted near the centre comes out clean.

Baked Rice Pudding Prepare as above, except stir in 1 cup cooked rice and 1/2 cup raisins into egg mixture. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, stirring after 30 minutes.

Cry Baby Cookies 2 eggs 1 cup white sugar 1 cup molasses 1 cup butter or margarine 1 cup cold water 4 cups flour 1 tsp soda 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 2 tsp ginger 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cloves 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped nuts

In a large mixing bowl cream together sugar and margarine until light. Blend in the molasses and unbeaten eggs. Add the cold water. Mix dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, mixing well to make a soft dough. Add raisins and nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a lightly greased baking sheet Bake at 350 F for 12-15 minutes. Yield: Makes 5-6 dozen cookies.

The Connector

Page 20

Logan Lake Seniors 50+

Drop-in Centre 80 – 150 Opal Village Centre Mall

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 3

Open 9 am - noon

Closed

17 Open 9 am - noon Games Morning

24 Open Crib Tournament Open 9 am - noon 9 am - noon 1 pm WHY Bingo 6 pm Games Morning 29

League Bowling 10 am - 2 pm 18

League Bowling 10 am - 2 pm

The Queen of the North Disaster: The Captain’s Story

13 Open 9 am - 3 pm Bingo 1 - 3 pm

Open 9 am - noon

By Colin Henthorne Harbour Publishing 2016 Non-fiction, 212 pages Available in book stores and through the TNRD library system

19 Open 9 am - noon Genral Meeting 1 pm

20 Open 9 am - 3 pm Bingo 1 - 3 pm

Open 26 9 am - noon Carpet Curling 10 am

27 Open 9 am - 3 pm Bingo 1 - 3 pm

MONDAY

TUESDAY

2 Seniors Exercises 10:30 am Cribbage 2:30 pm

THE MERRITT SENIORS ASSOC. and O.A.P.O. Br. #168

Hall 11:00 am Bingo 1 pm Duplicate Bridge 7 pm

Seniors Exercises 10:30 am Cribbage 2:30 pm

12 Floor Curling 1 pm

25 Carpet Bowling 1:30 pm Court Whist 7 pm

TUESDAY

8 Savona Weight Loss9 Club 8:15 am Exercise 9:30 am Crafts 1 pm Carpet Bowling 6:45 pm

Exercise 8:30 am

Rummoli 7 pm

24 Exercise 8:30 am

Foot Clinic

THURSDAY 4

11 Exercise 8:30 am Coffee 9:30 am UPS 7 pm

25 Exercise 8:30 am Coffee 9:30 am UPS 7 pm

31 Exercise 8:30 am

Donna Schwieger 250-373-2334

Exercise 8:30 am Coffee 9:30 am UPS 7 pm

Exercise 8:30 am

29 Savona Weight Loss 30 Club 8:15 am Exercise 9:30 am Crafts 1 pm Carpet Bowling 6:45 pm

O.A.P.O Branch #129

Exercise 8:30 am Coffee 9:30 am UPS 7 pm

Pot Luck Dinner

22 Savona Weight Loss 23 Club 8:15 am Exercise 9:30 am Crafts 1 pm Carpet Bowling 6:45 pm

6605 Buie Road/Savona Access Rd

WEDNESDAY 3

15 Savona Weight Loss 16 Club 8:15 am Exercise 9:30 am Crafts 1 pm Carpet Bowling 6:45 pm

2 Savona Weight Loss Club 8:15 am Exercise 9:30 am

Hall 11:00 am Bingo 1 pm Duplicate Bridge 7 pm

MONDAY

Executive Meeting 10 am Monthly Meeting 1:30 pm Rummoli 7 pm

26 Floor Curling 1 pm

Savona and Area 50+ 1

SATURDAY

6 Rummoli 7 pm

19 Handicap Floor Curling 10 am Floor Curling 1 pm

Carpet Bowling 1:30 pm Court Whist 7 pm

Hall 11:00 am Bingo 1 pm Duplicate Bridge 7 pm

30 Seniors Exercises 10:30 am Cribbage 2:30 pm

FRIDAY

5 Handicap Floor Curling 10 am Floor Curling 1 pm

Carpet Bowling 1 pm Whist 7 pm

Hall 11:00 am Bingo 1 pm Duplicate Bridge 7 pm

THURSDAY

4 Carpet Bowling 1 pm Whist 7 pm

Hall 11:00 am Bingo 1 pm Duplicate Bridge 7 pm

16 Seniors Exercises 10:30 am Cribbage 2:30 pm

1675 Tutill Court • Phyllis Riley, President

WEDNESDAY

9 Seniors Exercises 10:30 am Cribbage 2:30 pm

New Year’s Day

Open 9 am - 3 pm Bingo 1 - 3 pm

31 Open Open 9 am - noon 9 am - noon Games Morning

SUNDAY

By Marilyn Brown

SATURDAY

Book Review

Open 9 am - noon

Merritt Senior Centre SUNDAY

FRIDAY

Open 9 am - noon

8 9 10 Crib Tournament Open 9 am - noon Open 1 pm 9 am - noon WHY Bingo 6 pm Games Morning 15

THURSDAY

January 2017

FRIDAY 5

Exercise 8:30 am Carpet Bowling 6:45 pm

12 Exercise 8:30 am Carpet Bowling 6:45 pm

19 Exercise 8:30 am Carpet Bowling 6:45 pm

26 Exercise 8:30 am Carpet Bowling 6:45 pm

SATURDAY 6

Exercise 8:30 am Coffee 9:30 am Crib 7 pm

27 Exercise 8:30 am Coffee 9:30 am Crib 7 pm

In March of 2016 a routine Inside Passage sailing of the B.C. Ferries passenger ship, Queen of the North, ended horrifically when the ship sailed too close to Gil Island, ripping open the ship’s bottom. The ship sank. An incredible effort by the ship’s officers and crew, and heroic efforts by the Hartley Bay First Nations community, the coast guard, and many others, combined to assist in the evacuation of those on board. Unfortunately, two passengers were never found and have been declared deceased. Theories soon circulated about the cause of the accident. Considerable media attention focussed on the two people on the bridge of the ship at the time of the incident: the officer in charge, fourth mate, Karl Lilgert, and the quartermaster, Karen Briker. Were these two distracted from their duties due to a past intimate relationship, and the necessary course change (to avoid Gil Island) omitted? The captain of the ship, Colin Henthorne, gives his analysis of what may have happened. The book begins with a quotation from Joseph Conrad: “You can’t, in sound morals, condemn a man for taking care of his own integrity. It is his clear duty.” The quotation is appropriate because Capt. Henthorne was subsequently fired from his job. The Queen of the North: The Captain’s Story is perhaps his

quest to “take care of his own integrity.” He begins with a statement of his credentials and experience as a master mariner prior to being hired as a captain for B.C. Ferries, and what he hoped to bring to the job, including his expertise regarding safety issues in the fleet. He believes his subsequent recommendations receive insufficient attention. Henthorne meticulously describes such things as the placement of key technology on the bridge and how to improve procedures there, how to improve emergency cabin-search

procedures, and how to keep crew up-to-date on new or changed equipment. He draws interesting parallels with the aeronautic industry, using his own experience as a pilot to formulate suggestions for more rigorous safety procedures. Ironically and sadly, some of the same areas of concern are significant when The Queen of the North

sinks. The captain’s conclusions about what may have happened on the bridge of the ship don’t excuse the lack of attention to duty by the officer in charge on that shift, but do offer a less salacious and more likely scenario. (A trial by jury found Karl Lilgert guilty of the two charges of criminal negligence causing death.) In his own situation, Henthorne details the inquiries and legal issues which directly affect his career and personal well-being. It is up to the reader, of course, to decide if the information presented seems solid or not. The captain concludes the book with an update about some of his crew and some of the passengers since the incident. In spite of a style that is liberally “salted” with mariner terms and definitions and possibly too much detail, The Queen of the North Disaster: The Captain’s Story is compelling because of the many layers of tragedy combined with the courage and compassion of those who experienced the events on the night the ship went down. The author, Colin Henthorne, was born and raised in B.C., with a life involved in the marine industry, including significant experience as a commander. He is currently a Canadian Coast Guard rescue coordinator at the Joint Rescue Co-Ordination Centre in Victoria.

The Connector

January 2017

Page 21

Don't try to be young. Just open your mind. Stay interested in stuff. There are so many things I won't live long enough to find out about, but I'm still curious about them. You know people who are already saying, 'I'm going to be 30 — oh, what am I going to do?' Well, use that decade! Use them all! ~ Betty White anytime for some fun and

Looking ahead to 2017 at the Seniors’ Community Centre at Desert Gardens The board, staff and volunteers of the Seniors’ Community Centre at Desert Gardens wish everyone a Happy New Year! Another year has come and gone and we are still wondering where. Hope everyone had a great holiday season and are all refreshed and ready to start another year. We will be open for business as usual on Jan. 3, 2017. Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who participated in Christmas events at our Centre and we certainly enjoyed being able to play Host to you. Secondly, we would like to applaud all our volunteers who so generously gave of their time and energy. Our

fantastic cook Charlie, outdid himself with all the delicious meals he presented and a big thanks to our manager, Seiko, who worked tirelessly to fit all the events into time slots and make sure all the arrangements were in order. Kudos to our setup ladies who made every event look astounding with their beautiful table decorations. First impressions are always so important. Our programs will all be back into full swing and we invite you to come on down to our Centre during these cold winter days and enjoy a game of cards, yoga class, table tennis or any of our other programs. Breakfast is always available after

8:30 a.m. and lunch is served daily after 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinners are Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Remember, the coffee/ tea pots are always on, Monday to Friday. Come on down and enjoy a visit and make some new friends. The Ladies’ Auxiliary gift shop is open daily and always has new display of items each week. Come have a browse, you never know what you might find. Auxiliary members also serve a sweet and cup of tea or coffee every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. for two toonies. Delicious! Until next month, stay warm and pop down

Seniors’ Community Centre at Desert Gardens MONDAY

1 CLOSED

2 CLOSED

EVERY SUNDAY

EVERY MONDAY 9 Coffee Club 10 am Chair Yoga 11 am Weightwatchers 5:30 pm Kamloops Blazers Booster Club Dinner 6:30 pm

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

EVERY TUESDAY 3 Coffee Club 10 am Weightwatchers 11:30 am Kiwanis Club 11:45 am Grape Vine 12 pm Bridge 1 pm DG Dinner Party 5 pm Table Tennis 7 pm

EVERY WEDNESDAY4 Coffee Club 10 am Chair Yoga 11 am Mahjong 1 pm Scrabble 1 pm Two Toonie Tea 2:30 pm

EVERY THURSDAY 5 Toastmasters 7 am Coffee Club 10 am Gamblers Anon 11 am Grape Vine 12 pm Table Tennis 12:30 pm SCC Dinner Party 5 pm 12 Toastmasters 7 pm Square Dancing 7 pm

Desert Gardens Ladies Auxiliary Submitted by Shirley Lunan

Hope everyone had a great time over the holidays. We have had a great year in the gift shop. Our garage sale went well, had lots of people in. I would like to thank all the people that helped at the sale: Jean, Flo, Margaret, Amy, Barb, Craig, Alice, Margie, Marian, Pat, Los, Buddy, Verna, Penny, Seiko, Alida, Isabelle, Jenny, Judy, and May. Thank you again. See you in the new year — that’s all for now.

FRIDAY

Open everyday 11 am Meat Draws Friday at 7 pm & Saturdays at 3 p.m.

NEw MEMbERs ALwAYs wELcoME! mooselodge1552@shaw.ca

Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1552 730 Cottonwood Avenue • 250-376-8022

law • n. 1 the principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people, whether in the form of

CHAHAL PRIDDLE LLP

legislation or of custom and policies recognized and enforced by judicial

decision. 2 any written A or Partnership positive rule or collection rules prescribed of LawofCorporations under the authority of the state or nation, as by the people in its constitu-

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law and order. 4 a system or collection of such rules. 5. the department of knowledge concerned with these rules; jurisprudence: to study law.

EVERY FRIDAY 6 Weightwatchers 9 am Coffee Club 10 am TGIF 10 am Chair Yoga 11 am Cribbage 1pm Mahjong 1 pm

Hardeep S. Chahal

Kamloops 102-635 Victoria Street

250-372-3233 1-877-372-3233

SATURDAY

Merritt 102 – 2840 Voght Street

250-378-4966

Kerri D. Priddle

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Mother Goose 9:30 am 8 Thursdays from Jan. 12 to Mar. 2

THE FAMILY FRATERNITY

Phone: 250-372-5110 • Fax: 250-372-3429 Email: desertgardens@hotmail.com

TUESDAY

Loyal order of Moose • women of the Moose • Moose Legion

540 Seymour Street, Kamloops V2C 2G9

friendship.

PROTECTED BY:

$100,000 CDIC Insured $100,000 Assuris Insured Unlimited Credit Union Insured

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Centre Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am - 4pm Weddings & private functions: Anytime!

Oasis Cafe: Open Mon - Fri: 8:30 am until 1 pm Dinners on Tues & Thurs 5pm

Seniors Healthy Living • Questions about your medications? • Having trouble remembering to take your medications? • Do you know what compounded medications are? “Your prescriptions & compounding specialist”

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THE BRADFORD FINANCIAL TEAM Retirement Income Specialists Bradford Financial Services Inc.

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Give us a call or drop by our pharmacy and see for yourself how we may be able to help.

Todd Peters

info@bradfordfinancial.org Vanessa Cullen

The Connector

Page 22

January 2017

2017

Payment Dates for Old Age Security & the Canada Pension Plan If you have signed up for direct deposit, your Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments will be automatically deposited in your bank account on these dates:

January 27 February 24 March 29 April 26 May 29 June 28

July 27 August 29 September 27 October 27 November 28 December 20

Cruising the waterway of the Tsars

“Russia is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”

Part of rIVErBEND SENIorS CommuNIty

MANOR

Independent Supported Living RiverBend Manor’s Seniors Community has expanded with the opening of Mayfair Manor’s 20 bachelor rental units. Amenities include 3 meals daily, weekly housekeeping, utilities, a workshop, indoor scooter parking, and recreational programs along with cable, phone, internet, same floor laundry and more!

755 mayfaIr St. KamlooPS, BC • 778.471.7600 oNCorE SENIorS SoCIEty

Wishing all our customers, family & friends a happy & adventurous new year!

Leonie, CIndy, Stacey and Rose 450 - 500 Notre Dame Dr. Across from Boston Pizza 778.471.5619 | maritimetravel.ca

YOU CAN EARN HBC (HUDSON’S BAY) POINTS WITH US!

- Winston Churchill

Part I - Moscow Photos and story by Nancy Van Veen

I arrived in Moscow in midSeptember and settled easily into my stateroom aboard the Viking Akun. My floating hotel was docked on the Moskva River by a fantastical, eerie, old and abandoned Stalinesque River Station. The ship was small and easy to navigate after only a couple days. The food was amazing, featuring standard fare, delicious local specialties, appies, desserts and beverages, all included. Dining, common rooms and decks are comfortable and offer good views of the river. The elevator and helpful staff offer aid to those with mobility issues throughout the trip. That said, while Russia is quite modern, it remains off the main tourist track and infrastructure can be challenging. English signage is somewhat rare. Moscow was unexpectedly impressive! There are so many iconic sites. One can see a million pictures, but when you feast your eyes on the whimsical, swirling onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square it proves to be a real “pinch me moment.” The Unesco Site Cathedral was built by Ivan the Terrible in 1554. The atmosphere in the Red Square, which separates the Kremlin from

the merchant’s plaza is unique. “Red” in Russian actually means “beautiful.” And so it is, from the magnificent architecture of the State Historical Museum, the famous GUM department store, Lenin’s mausoleum, the churches to the wide open space, past and present history clash to delight the senses. Next we explored the red brick walled Kremlin. Kremlin means “walled fort,” so there are many in Russia, but this is the largest and oldest. It boasts the biggest bell never to be rung and cannon never to be fired, as well as 20 towers, four palaces, five squares, the armoury and lovely gardens. The four cathedrals feature gorgeous frescos and Russian icons. There the tsars were crowned and entombed from the 13th to 18th centuries. Even Mr. Putin walked down the same stairs to be instated as president. Putin is the first leader to reside outside the walls, but I did spy his personal helicopter pad! Another “simply must see” highlight of Moscow is the metro system. Built in 1935 as a tribute to the soviet working class, it’s a wonderful network of underground stations, the deepest being 276 feet below the city. Each station is unique, and embellished with different statues, murals, paintings, lighting and mouldings. My favourite station is

the Ploshchad Revolyutsi, which has numerous arched marble doorways framed by captivating bronze sculptures depicting soviet soldiers, aviators, farmers, athletes, workers and children. Other points of interest include the Bolshoi Theatre, the Pushkin Museum, Tretyakov Gallery, Fallen Monument and Gorky Parks. The Moscow Canal is a great vantage point and I would recommend a “Moscow by Night” cruise. The city’s sights are lit in a stunning nocturnal display, including Red Square. While in Moscow I also took in a wonderful concert featuring classical, folk and popular music and dance performed by a youth band playing traditional Russian instruments. I always find it fulfilling and educational when travelling to get out on your own. Do lots of walking and use public transit. Experience some local neighbourhood cafe´s and markets, where you are sure to find great prices on a variety of foods, spices and various items. Get out there and enjoy lively and often comical conversation with everyday people. Sure, I get lost and have to use sign language a lot...but that’s half the fun! Next time we explore the scenic waterway between Moscow and St. Petersburgh!

The Connector

These group listings are offered as a courtesy and are dependent upon the amount of space we can free up from editorial or paid advertising priorities. Aberdeen Lions Club meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at noon. Meetings are held at 9-A 1800 Tranquille Rd. New members welcome. Call 250-828-1765. Army Navy & Airforce Veterans in Canada - Unit 290. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans and the community. We are located at #9-177 Tranquille Rd. Contact information: 250-554-2455.

Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Connection a source for cancer information can be accessed at 1-888939-3333. Chronic Pain Association of Kamloops meets the last Wednesday of each month at noon at People In Motion, 182B Tranquille Rd., for resources, support and fellowship. Parking in back. Call Ashley at 778257-1986 or email ash. westen@gmail.com. Diabetes Support: There are two support groups in Kamloops. RiverBend (760 Mayfair St), last Tuesday/ month, phone 778470-8316 for details; and, Hamlets (3255 Overlander Dr.), first Monday/month, phone 250-579-5707 for details. Everyone welcome. Fraternal Order of Eagles welcomes you, 755 Tranquille Rd. Saturday and Sunday: Meat draws from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday: Pull Tab draws from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: Horse races from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kamloops Antiques, Collectibles and Heritage Club meets on the second Thursday of every month, September to June at Heritage

Kamloops Bridge Club meets at Heritage House every Monday at 7 p.m. A game for 0 to 49 points and an open game. Every Tuesday at 7p.m. for 0 - 299 points players. Every Thursday at 7 p.m., at Cottonwood, games for 0 - 199 points players and open game. Coffee, tea and goodies are available. Our club holds workshops and lessons. Starting Jan. 5, a beginner course at Heritage House. For more information email Brenda at bmathews@ tru.ca. Kamloops Chapter of the Kidney Foundation: A group of dedicated volunteers who try to make a difference in the lives of renal patients. Through our parent organization, the Kidney Foundation of Canada B.C. and Yukon Branch, programs and services designed to improve the lives of those living with kidney disease are made available as well as raising awareness about organ donation and supporting innovative research on kidney disease. Call Linda at 778-470-8236. Kamloops Family History Society meetings take place at Heritage House in Riverside Park on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (September to May, except December). For more information call Connie at 250-852-3218. Kamloops Floor Curlers meet Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Heritage House, top floor, Riverside Park. New members always welcome. Free parking for members. No special The group runs all year. Call Kay at 250-376-0917, Kay at 250-828-0819 or Liz at 250-372-5493. Kamloops Heritage Model Railroad Club meets on the first Friday of each month at 7 p.m. Come and investigate a great hobby. Call 250-554-3233 for more information.

Kamloops Kidney Support Group will meet the on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. This is an informal, non-medical group which will welcome drop-ins who have kidney issues or know someone who does. Any patients who wish to attend but are unable to fit the outing into their budget should call Edna as well. For more information call Dorothy at 250-573-2988.

Kamloops Naturalist Club meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., at Heritage House in Riverside Park during the months of September to May. An interesting guest speaker is followed by refreshments prior to the business portion of the meeting. We are dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the natural environment. Guests are welcome. For more information phone 250-554-1285. The Kamloops Ostomy Support Group is a group for ostomates and their support persons. Enhance your quality of life through interaction with others who live with an ostomy. FMI re meeting dates and venues please call: Edie at 250-819-0945 or Nightingale Medical at 250-377-8844. Kamloops Parkinson Awareness Group meets the third Wednesday of each month from Sept. to June, at Desert Gardens, 540 Seymour Street — 1 p.m. For more information contact Rendy at 250-374-0798. Kamloops Photo Arts Club meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays (September to June) for learning and sharing. Meetings are held at the Henry Grube Education Centre, 245 Kitchener Cres., Rm. 1B. Phone: 250-372-1778 or our website is www. kamloopsphotoarts.ca for more information. Kamloops Prostate Cancer Support Group meet at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month at The Seniors Activity Centre, 9A-1800 Tranquille Rd. Phone 250-376-4011 or email larube_kam@shaw.ca.

It has been said that change is better than rest. We at Kamloops Riverside Lawn Bowling Club invite you to find out for yourselves. Bowling takes place six days a week from March to September. Come as an individual or a group. The first three sessions are free. For more information contact Roy Simmons at 250-374-2135 or visit kamloopsriverside lawnbowlingclub.com. Kamloops Tai Chi Club practices Yangstyle short form Tai Chi, Sword form and Qigong. Join our non-profit group every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. For more information contact Dave at 250372-0717 or Claudette at 250-851-0944. Please visit our website at kamloopstaichiclub.com. Kamloops Stamp Club meets at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Mt. Paul United Church, 140 Laburnum. Contact 250-314-1021. Kamloops Stroke Recovery Group, a support group for people who’ve suffered a stroke and their caregivers, meet the second, third and fourth Thursdays of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group also offers a speech software program to help those with speech recovery. To confirm dates of meetings, location and other information, call Shona at 250-320-1348. McArthur Park Lawn Bowlers on McArthur Island meet Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 7 p.m., with an arrival at 6:30 p.m. New members are always welcome. Call Brenda Clark at 250 579-5775. National Association of Federal Retirees welcomes current and retired federal employees which includes Armed Forces, RCMP and Federal Judges. To learn about us go to:www. federalretirees.ca. To contact us: email is kamloopsoffice@gmail. com and voice mail is 250-571-5007.

Taoist Tai Chi® practice offers many health benefits to both body and mind. We are a registered charity that holds classes on Tuesdays, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Heritage House in Riverside Park, Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at St. Andrews on the Square, 159 Seymour St., and Fridays from 10 a.m. – noon at Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul St. Everyone is welcome. Contact our answering service at 250–374–8125 or visit taoist.org/Kamloops.

Ping Pong / Table Tennis: Ping Pong is a low-impact activity and keeps the body and mind healthy. We welcome all ages; beginners and competitive players and we continue to play through the summer months. You can make new friends and have lots of fun. We play Tuesdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Desert Garden Community Centre., 540 Seymour St. Drop in fee is $2. Please call 250-372-3965 for more information.

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Brock Central Lions Club meet the first and third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Meetings are held at the Centre for Seniors, 9-A 1800 Tranquille Rd. Call 250-371-0115.

House on Lorne St. Guests and new members welcome. All meetings start at 7 p.m. For more information call Bernice at 250-372-0468 or 250-377-8364 and ask for Joyce

Groups

Page 23

NTURIST AS DE S

January 2017

ars • et • scientia

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Page 24

The Connector

January 2017

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah or Solstice…

No matter which of the numerous holidays that you will be observing at this time of year, we hope you have an enjoyable holiday season. It’s not a secret, I really love the tradition of sitting down to muse on the past year’s events, and write this letter to you. As I sit here, a little later than usual this year, I’m reflecting on the history of Kamloops Hearing Aid Centre. It seems like only yesterday I was sitting with Al and he was inviting me to join him in this new business venture. That was in 1999! It seems odd to say I was planning this business before the turn of the century. (ha ha). It was a lifetime ago. We’ve seen so many changes in the industry and with the technology. As I mentioned in the CBC radio interview that I did in January, I had a hearing aid rep tell me back then that “one day” we would be able to hear our disk man (this was way before MP3 players) in our hearing aids! Now we can stream music directly into our bluetooth compatible hearing aids. How the world has changed. While the world keeps on moving, the one thing that I’m thankful for is that for more than the past decade we’ve had Lynda and Joanne as part of our Kamloops Hearing family. In fact, just last week one of our customers pointed out that they appreciate the relationships that they’ve built over the years with everyone at our centre. It’s interesting to watch the interpersonal relationships with the staff and our clients - we’ve laughed, cried, celebrated and mourned with so many of you. The moment you walk through the door I know whether I’m going to hear a joke, see some family photos or pet a familiar dog. And just like in all families - we love it when we can give you a good ribbing or a supportive hug. Like in the past, 2016 was an incredible year. It was filled with music and muses - creating memories that will last a lifetime. This was never more evident than in January when we got together with 3,200 of our closest friends, actually they were other hearing healthcare professionals, at the Las Vegas Hearing Expo hosted by Starkey Hearing Technologies. We had a peak of what’s to come when we toured the ‘Office of the Future’. It was complete with a 3-D hearing test, virtual reality goggles and a look at the new Hearables industry which integrates hearing loss amplification devices with other medical and social interfaces. There were some good vibrations happenin’ when we grooved to the surf songs of The Beach Boys, who performed at the conference. Blaine seemed to sing along with every song even though he tried to tell me that it wasn’t his kind of music. In March members of the Kamloops Kidney Foundation asked us to participate in the annual World Kidney Day event that was held at Northills Centre. If your kidneys aren’t working properly this can affect your hearing, as well as some medications. We talked to so many people and introduced our new friend - Fred the Head. Fred is a 30 second hearing screening mannequin. He’ll give you a simple pass or fail hearing screening which can indicate whether you should book an appointment for a full hearing assessment. A hearing assessment is never a bad thing because we keep them on file and you

will have a baseline test to refer back to. If in the future your hearing changes, we can refer back and find out how much and how fast. Believe it or not, spring was in the air by April this year and we did our first family camping trip of the year. We ventured all the way up to Heffley Lake to relax for the weekend. It was quite warm - over 20 degrees. Blaine’s parents just moved from Edmonton last year and couldn’t believe the weather. To be honest, we were impressed as well. Joanne was gearing up for spring too. She adjusted her hours to fit in all of her work hours into four days a week in order to be able to spend more time at the cabin at Griffin Lake. As she says, she spends the day potting and puttering and it is fabulous! Maybe that’s why she always seems so calm, cool and collected? We were able to show off our variety of customized hearing protection for adults and children at the Kamloops Gun and Antique show. There was quite the interest, especially in our amplified hearing protection. Many people commented that they loved the fact that they could leave them in their ears to hear conversation while they work but they turned into full hearing protection when noise was present. No more taking your earplugs in and out of your ears! May is Better Speech and Hearing Month and just like every year there are new hearing aids launched by manufacturers. Previous hearing aids focused only on speech and conversation but this year it was different. Dual processors in the new Starkey Muse hearing aid is revolutionary, not only is the speech platform better than ever, but now there is a dedicated platform to enhance and highlight music like never before. Those who know me, will understand the weight of this statement. I was actually speechless when I heard this hearing aid for the first time. For a long time, we’ve been fans of Country music, so when the drummer of Blaine’s band asked us to take a vacation to Nashville with him we said yes. Who knew Nashville would be so much fun? We were there during the Country Music awards and here are the highlights; we toured the Grand Ol’ Opry; we saw Steven Tyler, Martina McBride, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, The Oakridge Boys and on and on and on. Not just the big name acts either, everyone was so talented. It was music, music, music for a solid week of unforgettable fun. I could go on and on, but ask me about it the next time you’re in because there is just not enough room to tell you more. On the topic of music, Blaine and his band were very busy this year. It seems that it’s not just me (their number 1 groupie) that think they’re the cat’s pajamas. They played at Canada Day, Music in the Park, a couple of times at the Blue Grotto, Cascades Casino and even did a road trip to Vernon and to Sicamous. He was nice and warmed up for our annual Christmas sing-a-long on December 16th! I’m sure that you’ll all agree that Canada is one of the best countries in the world. We are so fortunate in our life and feel strongly about giving back.

Along with our ongoing commitment to support the Starkey Hearing Foundation So the World May Hear program we also donated a pair of hearing aids and our services to the Shriners Children’s Charities. We have experienced firsthand the generosity of the Shriners and it was nice to be in position to give back to a charity that has given so much to us. This summer Lynda welcomed grand baby number six into their family. He’s such a big boy - at three and a half months old he’s already in nine-month clothing! This groovy grandma isn’t one to sit still, she and her husband paddled the Bowron Lakes for their summer vacation. She has stories to tell - ask her about it. If you ask me why I’ve stayed in this business for so long the answer is quite simple. The smiles I see when someone who’s gradually lost their hearing is reintroduced to the sounds of life make it all worthwhile. The look of joy and the realization that they were hearing sounds that they hadn’t heard for a long, long time. Even the mundane sounds of everyday living can be like music to your ears. One such example of this is Joanne’s father-in-law. We fit him with hearing aids this Fall and after wearing them for just a short while he asked me, “why don’t people wear them all the time? This is awesome!’ I explained to him that people often don’t always come back as often as they should for follow-ups and adjustments. Often the sounds and sensations that stop you from wanting to wear your hearing aids can be fixed. Please, please, please, don’t think you are being a bother. We want you to be successful with your hearing aids and understand that sometimes this process takes time. Once again, I have to thank you for your friendships and in the spirit of all the holidays wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Love Jan

Phone 250.372.3090 Toll Free 1.877.718.2211 Online www.KamloopsHearingAidCentre.ca 414 Arrowstone Drive Kamloops, BC Email: info@kamloopshearingaidcentre.ca Find us on facebook: /KamloopsHearingAidCentre