Sun Peaks Independent News Volume 21 Issue 2

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IN THIS ISSUE

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BRANDI SCHIER

Publisher brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

TEGWYN HUGHES

Community Editor tegwyn@sunpeaksnews.com

LOUISE HUDSON

Freelance journalist

LIZ MCDONALD

Community Journalist liz@sunpeaksnews.com

SONIA GARCÍA

Layout & Graphic Designer sonia@sunpeaksnews.com

4

SUN PEAKS RESORT NOMINATED FOR BC TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY AWARD

The resort is one of three finalists for the 2023 Employee First award, which recognizes employers with high standards in human resources.

TELUS NANCY GREENE ALPINE CLASSIC RAISES RECORD AMOUNT

Donations will support the Sun Peaks Education Society and Royal Inlands Hospital.

6

TAKING CARE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

Sun Peaks entrepreneurs benefit from government guidance.

8

LOCAL YOGA INSTRUCTOR EXPLAINS HER INTERNATIONAL SURROGACY JOURNEY

Meghan Kolodka wants to engage people in “an open conversation about different ways to create a family.”

14

ROTARY CLUB SEEKING HOSTS FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS

The club is gauging interest from families in Sun Peaks for the 2024 to 2025 school year.

16

AMATEUR ARTISTS GET CRAFTY AT MORRISEY'S Regular “Paint & Sip” nights introduced by local tattoo artist.

18 PUZZLES

19 EVENTS

20

BUSINESS LISTINGS

21

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BC HOLDS EVENTS IN SUN PEAKS

Competitions an opportunity for athletes to connect after four years’ break.

22

SUN PEAKS ALPINE CLUB MEMBERS QUALIFY FOR CANADA GAMES

SPAC members competed in the U16 Teck Open from Jan. 26 to 29, 2022, with two members qualifying for Team BC.

TELUS NANCY GREENE ALPINE CLASSIC RAISES RECORD AMOUNT

Donations will support the Sun Peaks Education Society and Royal Inland Hospital

By Liz McDonald

This year's TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic raised a record-breaking $70,000 for two local charity organizations.

The Alpine Classic has been running at Sun Peaks Resort for 26 years, with funds raised going to multiple causes. This year's event ran from Friday, Jan. 27 to Saturday, Jan. 28, with the Sun Peaks Education Society (SPES) and the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation benefiting from skiers' support.

The donations for SPES are earmarked for creating a permanent school in Sun Peaks, staff told SPIN. The school will include publicly accessible facilities, including a gym and a library.

“[The $70,000 raised was] significantly more than we’ve ever raised before,” Nancy Greene said.

According to Greene, the funds came from a combination of sponsors and auctions held at the event, with registration fees predominantly funding the event's operations.

The auction raised $20,000, and Greene said five businesses donated an additional $5,000 each at the gala celebration after the race on Saturday.

Big White Resort in Kelowna donated $5,000, noting how vital a school was for their population. That inspired Sun Peaks Resort Corporation to match Big White’s donation. Then, Bear Country Lodging also donated $5,000.

Greene and Mayor Al Raine decided they wanted to match others' donations through NGR Resort Consultants, the company they own.

“We said, ‘well, if they're doing it, we'll do it.’ And then TELUS came forward with an extra $5,000 as well,” said Greene.

Weather leading up to the event was frigid but warmed up for the optional training day on Friday. The race saw blue skies on Saturday.

The event ran differently in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19. Greene said returning to the traditional event was a challenge.

“Sun Peaks Resort is rebuilding its events department, and they don't have a dedicated race crew, which they always had in the past,” Greene said.

The rebuilding of events meant the Alpine Classic didn’t have a chance to test the race timing system before the race.

Another factor complicating this year’s event was the ski cross course being built later than in previous years, according to Greene.

For future events, the committee that runs the Classic is looking to replace auction coordinator Janice Hoppenreys, who is stepping back from the committee.

Other changes include bringing on a communications volunteer, Cora Tataru, who built a website and a Facebook page for the event. The organization will be looking to create a permanent communications role moving forward, Greene said. Progress towards a school with community amenities will require a hefty amount of long-term fundraising, Greene told SPIN.

“We know we have to raise probably millions of dollars to put in the extra facilities … those kinds of things we’re going to have to pay for as a community.”

SUN PEAKS RESORT NOMINATED FOR BC TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY AWARD

The resort is one of three finalists for the 2023 Employee First award, which recognizes employers with high standards in human resources

By Liz McDonald

Sun Peaks Resort is nominated as a finalist for an Employee First award through the BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards.

The award recognizes tourism and hospitality employers in British Columbia that “upheld high standards of excellence in human resource practices, with a specific focus on mental health and wellness,” according to the BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference website.

Helen Davies is the director of employee experience for Sun Peaks Resort (SPR). She said SPR has built up its programs for employees over four years.

“One of the things that’s really important to us is our Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP), provided to SPR through Homewood Health,” Davies said.

She told SPIN EFAP offers 24/7 access to online resources for everything from finances to relationships and the platform can also connect employees with counselors.

She also noted the company provides a return-to-work program for employees injured while working, as the resort has a duty to accommodate injured employees.

Because SPR employees often travel from countries around the globe to work in Sun Peaks, they may not have their traditional support network of family and friends. Davies said it’s essential for people who work at the resort to know they have access to a support network through their employer.

One of the award submission questions related to retaining employees through human resource policies.

Davies said SPR looks at retention through a culture of “continuous improvement.”

“The fundamentals of our policies and procedures have not changed, [but] we’re always looking for ways to improve … there’s a heavy focus on making sure we follow up with people involved [that use human resources],” she said.

The BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards gala takes place on March 2 in Prince George as part of the 2023 Tourism & Hospitality Conference.

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TAKING CARE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

Sun Peaks entrepreneurs benefit from government guidance

By Louise Hudson

A provincial membership program is adding even more benefits for local entrepreneurs in towns like Sun Peaks, thanks in part to a 2022 federal government initiative.

Launched by the Community Futures Development Association of BC (CFBC), Taking Care of Business is a membership program where business owners and nonprofits can find resources, training opportunities and direct professional support.

Current membership benefits include free peer mentoring, training workshops and consulting services for owners and employees.

Sun Peaks councillor and CFBC program ambassador Julie Kimmel said the program’s free resources have helped strengthen the Sun Peaks region.

“The Community Futures, Taking Care of Business platform is an extremely valuable tool for businesses operating in our region,” she said. “I’d love to see more businesses from the Whitecroft and Heffley areas take advantage of the free resources offered within the program.”

Among those who have already participated are Ohana Market and Deli, Roxxy Bombs Pet Food and Supplies, Sun Peaks Yoga, Vertical Café, Zuzy Rocka and McSporties.

Some of the workshops are even facilitated by locals, including Emma Hull from Life Untethered Coaching and Wellness and Jackie Van Vliet, an investment advisor with CIBC Private Wealth.

Kimmel has also taken part as the owner of a Sun Peaks-based consulting business.

“I have found benefit from a number of the workshops and will continue to take advantage of the programming,” she said. “I’m also gaining so much insight and useful information from the free consulting services that would have otherwise cost my business thousands of dollars.”

In Sept. 2022, CFBC received $5.5 million from the federal government to support B.C. businesses and nonprofits impacted by natural disasters like wildfires and floods. This allowed CFBC to add workshops, customized trainings and mentorship opportunities to its website under the Disaster Recovery and Economic Adjustment Initiative (DREAI).

Businesses can get up to 10 hours of free consultation, tailored to their needs in a variety of

areas such as succession planning, bookkeeping, legal advice, grant writing and digital marketing.

The funding also allowed CFBC to reimburse small businesses up to $5,000 for business specific training.

When Chris Dodd, employee of local gear retailer McSporties discovered the program last fall, Kimmel helped out with initial advice.

“At McSporties we have a lot of product knowledge training before every season from various [representatives] about their product,” Dodd said. “Community Futures Taking Care of Business was a great way to get training for our staff outside of the ski industry to help them develop and bring different skills to the shop.”

Dodd said the shoulder season will be a good time to take advantage of more of the program’s workshops and give him the opportunity to work and learn alongside other local businesses.

Sonya Trevisi, Co-founder of Flight Deck Cannabis Company, joined the initiative in Dec. 2022. She said she especially enjoys the platform’s video series and workshops.

“The ‘My Hat’ series has great little quick videos with some great tools you can watch at any time and zero fees. Such a great starting point,” she said.

With extensive material and resources to explore, Trevisi hopes to fit in different workshops over time.

“There are really a huge variety of courses from bookkeeping to communication. I look forward to taking a few,” she said. “We also applied for [DREAI] and were approved, so we’re looking forward to utilizing as many resources from this as possible.”

Trevisi recommends the program to all small businesses, especially if they are new.

“It really gives you all the basic answers for starting a business you might need. Plus there is a great list of consultants if you are needing a little extra help,” she said. “I wish I would have known or sought it out sooner.”

Sun Peaks’ local Community Futures office, located in Kamloops, serves the entire Thompson Country region. Kimmel, the region’s ambassador, can be reached by email at julie@takingcareofbisiness.biz

Flight Deck Cannabis' Kyle Vike (left) and Sonya Trevisi (right) stand with CFBC ambassador Julie Kimmel (centre). Photo courtesy of Sonya Trevisi.

Chris Dodd stands in front of McSporties gear rental store in Sun Peaks.

Photo courtesy of Chris Dodd.

LOCAL YOGA INSTRUCTOR EXPLAINS HER INTERNATIONAL SURROGACY JOURNEY

One Sun Peaks local is embarking on a gestational surrogacy journey by carrying a child for a couple in Ireland.

Meghan Kolodka, a local yoga instructor and personal trainer, said she’s always thought of surrogacy as a chance to help families struggling to conceive. After having her daughters, she decided she was ready to give the gift of a child to others. She was inspired after a friend trying to conceive went through “heartbreaking infertility.”

Now in her second trimester of pregnancy, Kolodka wants to share her story with the Sun Peaks community.

“[I want] to honour those who are struggling to have the family they longed for, whether the challenges [are] fertility, miscarriages or being a same-sex couple. I want to bring awareness to the fact that there is more than one way to make a family,” Kolodka explained.

A lengthy process

While Kolodka was confident she wanted to pursue surrogacy by around 2017, she needed to find a surrogacy company to help her. At the start of 2022, Kolodka ended up contacting Canadian Fertility Consulting, located in Coburg, Ont.

The company made Kolodka “feel super comfortable with the idea and had [her] fill out a profile to make sure [she] was the right fit.”

After filling out her profile, Kolodka was matched with potential intended parents before deciding who she would connect with. Kolodka went through about 20 profiles, which often included personal notes from the intended parents.

“It was a bit heartbreaking, reading through all the struggles of these couples or single intended parents that have been wanting children for so long and knowing that I’m only going to be able to possibly help one person or one couple,” Kolodka said.

Ultimately, Kolodka went with her gut and chose Damien and Mark, a couple from Ireland. She said she felt a connection after watching a video they sent her.

“They have a daughter already, so that puts me at ease. They knew what they were getting into with having kids … They’re a little bit silly, very goofy, and I wanted somebody who was a bit more light-hearted but still took the process really seriously.”

The consulting company set up a Zoom call between Kolodka and Mark and Damien. They got to know one other more before exploring tough questions, like feelings around abortion should the fetus not be compatible with life and whether Kolodka could remain in contact with the family after giving birth.

“I’d like to have a relationship with this child; that was super important to me … [It’s important to ask] some of these tough questions because it’s a major thing to do for somebody. I wanted to make sure that we’re on the same page,” she said.

An ‘eye-opening’ experience

The next steps involved physical and mental health screenings for herself and her partner in Kamloops. The health screenings ensured Kolodka and her husband were physically healthy and mentally prepared. Kolodka also travelled to Kelowna to check if her uterine lining was responding to medications. Then she flew to San Diego for an embryo transfer.

At her appointment, Kolodka only had one embryo implanted.

“It used to be much more common to implant a few more. But IVF has come a long way, and it’s pretty efficient,” she said.

Single embryo transfers are now standard practice in Canada, depending on factors like age, history of IVF treatments and embryo quality.

For Kolodka, IVF was “eye-opening, [seeing] what people have to go through to make a child.”

She took estrogen pills and progesterone injections every day for 84 days, starting one week before the embryo transfer.

“I’m glad I got to see the other side. I don’t wish that on anybody. Injections every day in your butt is not ideal, but it’s incredible that we have the science to do that, and I’m thankful for it,” she said.

Then, Kolodka, Mark and Damien waited. Kolodka had a human chorionic gonadotropin (HGC) test

Meghan Kolodka is a surrogate for a couple in Ireland. Photo by Liz McDonald.

Meghan Kolodka wants to engage people in “an open conversation about different ways to create a family.”

By Liz McDonald

scheduled in Kamloops ten days after the embryo was transferred in San Diego to see if she was pregnant.

“I did end up taking a couple of at-home tests starting five days after transfer because that’s when I would be able to start seeing a positive,” Kolodka said. “I did get a positive on that first test.”

She excitedly sent the test to Mark and Damien. Later, her HGC test came back positive, too.

Explaining to kids, husband and community

Because she has two daughters, Kolodka explained surrogacy to her kids through conversations and books on the subject.

Kolodka wants her daughters to consider this time as an example of supporting others.

“I just want them to remember this as a time when our family was able to help one another,” Kolodka explained.

Other ways she’s taught her kids about surrogacy include keeping pictures of the intended parents in Kolodka’s home and referencing the baby as Mark and Damien’s.

Kolodka’s husband supported her decision and helped her consider potential scenarios before she moved forward with the process initially.

“He’s one that will ask the tough questions, and I do appreciate that … him asking ‘what’s the worst case scenario, what if something went wrong? What if you’re sick the entire pregnancy?’ … It’s a pretty

major process, but we talked through everything and made sure that he was comfortable with the idea and communication was open,” Kolodka said.

For community members who run into Kolodka and have questions, she said, “I’m happy to inform people [about] the process and just keep an open conversation about different ways to create a family.” A frequently asked question Kolodka gets relates to payment. There are laws in Canada around

surrogacy that prevent compensation for surrogates. The Assisted Human Reproduction Act, established in 2004, prohibits payment.

Kolodka noted she’s reimbursed for expenses related to the pregnancy but added, “I’m just doing this out of the goodness of my heart.”

Other legal aspects that are a part of Kolodka’s agreement include a detailed contract between her and the intended parents, which also outlines how both groups “wish to remain in contact after the child was born,” Kolodka said.

“How can

Kolodka is due on July 5. Damien and Mark will fly into Canada and travel to Sun Peaks a few weeks beforehand to attend the birth and get to know Kolodka and her family better.

“My hope is that my journey inspires folks to be kinder to each other and help their fellow humans if they have the means,” Kolodka explained. “It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It could be things like complimenting a stranger, picking up a piece of trash, shovelling your neighbour’s driveway, sponsoring a family during Christmas or donating gloves.”

“I hope to encourage people to wake up and wonder, ‘how can I make someone’s life better today?’”

Mark and Damien hold their daughter, Izzy. The couple lives in Ireland and are the intended parents for Meghan Kolodka's gestational surrogacy. Photo provided.

I make someone’s life better today”

NEW MURDER MYSTERY BUSINESS GUARANTEES SCARES

Blue Chest Games is running three different mystery scenarios for players to solve

By Liz McDonald

Justin Oborne owns Blue Chest Games, a new mobile murder mystery company in Sun Peaks. Photo by Liz McDonald.

Justin Oborne has always had a passion for role-playing games, and now he’s turned his hobby into a career.

Blue Chest Games is a mobile mystery company — Oborne visits customers with costumes and scenarios for a night of intrigue. What started as a hobby for friends and family is now open to the public, he told SPIN.

“[In 2021] for Christmas, my brother suggested I do a murder mystery game for a group of friends ... It went really well. I ended up doing a bunch more for friends and family over the [next] year,” Oborne said.

By Sept. 2022, Oborne ran a game for strangers.

“My guests were very impressed … And they were all saying, ‘Oh, we’d totally pay for this kind of thing.’ So I got some ideas for prices from them and went from there,” he said.

Oborne said he got to work creating multiple scenarios, writing mysteries between his other jobs in Sun Peaks. Then he made a website, started advertising and shared his business name in the community.

He booked one Santa-themed game over the holidays and has two other themed games prepared for future customers. One is a ski murder mystery, and the second takes place in a theatre. Oborne said he’s working on writing more storylines as he builds his business.

Once a customer books a date and time for their murder mystery, Oborne visits their home, sets up an evidence table and

notebooks for players to use for their investigation, and lays out costumes for people to try on, including wigs.

Then, the game starts.

“The game is broken up into three rounds. So at the end of each round, [players] guess who they think the murderer is,” Oborne said.

At the end of the game, players get small prizes based on categories like best costume or most innocent. Oborne also hands out gift cards for local businesses as prizes.

Oborne said the game appeals to those with different interests like investigations, competition or role-playing.

“I try to incorporate different things that allow people who may not be that interested in solving a mystery to have fun in their own way,” Oborne said.

Oborne said he is also available to run games in Kamloops.

The game takes two to three hours to complete and accommodates groups of up to ten players.

For Oborne, inspiration for his characters and settings comes from many places.

“Living in Sun Peaks, it’s hard not to be inspired. There’s a lot of beauty around here … the Internet … And I’ve pulled very heavily from soap operas and use a lot of tropes and stereotypes you find in [those shows].”

Those interested in booking a game with Oborne can visit his website, bluechestgames.ca

FAT BIKERS HUNGRY FOR MORE MOUNTAIN TERRAIN

Lockdown limitations in the early months of the pandemic turned many people on to biking and, once hooked, it seems many didn’t want to stop pedalling during winter.

As a result, fat biking — riding with special tires designed to cruise through snow and ice — has seen a recent renaissance.

Sun Peaks has its own fervent fat bikers, but Kamloops has the greater concentration. Fat Bike Kamloops, a Facebook group created five years ago, now has over 340 members.

Members organize group activities in and around Kamloops and plan away trips to SilverStar Mountain Resort, which offers activities like skiing and snowboarding, skating, tubing, snowshoeing and fat biking. The resort has 15 kilometres of single and double-track fat bike trails that are maintained with snow groomers to create the optimum packed snow for fat biking. While Sun Peaks is lagging behind somewhat in the fat biking territory, the Kamloops Fat Bikers are keen to see the development of more facilities here.

The Sun Peaks Resort (SPR) website includes a map detailing designated fat biking territory on the Valley Trail network, the new Family Man Loop and shared terrain on some of the Nordic trails.

However, temperatures must be below 0 C and fresh snow must not exceed 5 cm in order for fat bikers to hit the trails.

Kamloops group member Marie Mudry came with her husband to Sun Peaks in January to follow the fat biking map.

“We biked for an hour and a half to two hours … [on] McGillivray, Whiskey Jack, Raven Ramble and Raven Return [trails] as well as some of the village trails,” she said. However, comparing her day visit with other away trips, Mudry added the single-track dedicated fat biking trails at SilverStar are the most attractive to her and her friends.

Brad Heyman, manager of the Fat Bike Kamloops network, has organized three-day weekend trips to Winthrop, WA, as well as regular day jaunts to Isobel Lake. He told SPIN having another nearby trail network would be a major draw for members.

“If you have the product, people will come,” he says. “I know our group would go to Sun Peaks for a weekend if there was enough trail. Some would just come for the day but quite a few of us would want to stay for the post-ride festivities.”

Heyman suggested a figure-eight trail at the Sun Peaks Golf Course, a single-track forested route to McGillvary Lake and a lakeshore loop. He added the resort could also adapt existing snowshoe trails.

Increasing the price of fat bike day passes from $5 would be one way to offset trail maintenance costs if SPR is keen to develop its trail network, Heyman said.

“I would say a minimum of 20 to 30 kilometres of dedicated groomed trail that is for the most part rideable in both directions, that gives you close to 60 kilometres of trail [would be ideal],” Heyman advised. He also recommended SPR introduce clear multi-use trail etiquette to create a good working relationship between visitors sharing the trail.

Funding for fat biking in other regions comes partly from mountain biking associations, local communities or resorts intent on diversifying their appeal.

Here, the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) is working with the province to develop trails in an area of crown land adjacent to Sun Peaks, which may provide increased fat biking opportunities in the area in future.

“The Sun Peaks Resort team has done some great work on expanding the fat bike network this winter, with a new threekilometre dedicated fat bike trail recently opening,” SPRTA president Sam Loxton told SPIN. “We have had discussions with the resort over the past few years about ideas to help make this happen.”

SPRTA has experience adapting summer trails for winter use, like The Family Man trails and SunBurf, which are open for both fat bikers and snowshoers.

“One potential solution we'd like to see to increase trail options for fat bikers relatively quickly is to have the existing snowshoe trail network in Sun Peaks become multi-use and allow fat biking,” Loxton said. “This is a model that is used in SilverStar and other areas successfully.”

“We are keen to collaborate with local snowshoers and Nordic skiers to develop a winter trail network that works well for everyone,” he added, pointing out that building fat bike trails doesn’t require an existing trail as it is just re-shaped snow with no digging or groundwork needed.

Having identified potential terrain, the funding problem persists.

“The biggest obstacle SPRTA faces in trying to expand fat biking in Sun Peaks is not having enough resources available to develop and then maintain a network,” Loxton explained. “Trails need to be groomed regularly, especially after new snowfalls, to keep them rideable for fat bikes."

By Louise Hudson

Despite recent addition, Sun Peaks Resort’s trail offerings fall behind others, bikers say

Members of the Kamloops Fat Bikers group say more trail options in Sun Peaks would attract riders to the resort. Photo provided.

Photo provided.

Photo provided.

ROTARY CLUB SEEKING HOSTS FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENT

Do you want to be a part of Sun Peaks' first Rotary Club international exchange student program?

The Rotary Club is looking to host one international exchange student with four families next year and is holding an information session for students looking to go abroad.

Brenda Wilkinson is the Youth Exchange Officer for the Rotary Club. She said the Club is looking for families with youth in their homes or retirees who have time to engage with an exchange student.

“[We’re looking for families with kids or] a couple that is retired, who might have more time to do more special things with the student. And when there are other kids, it's really nice for the students as well,” Wilkinson said.

She said the experience is beneficial for students and families alike.

“[Students gain] language and cultural knowledge [learning] what it’s like to live in a different culture, how to adapt and be flexible,” Wilkinson said.

These skills are also transferred to host families that experience making someone feel comfortable in a new environment and learning about different cultures.

If host families are available, Wilkinson said the student would arrive in Sept. 2024 and stay in Sun Peaks until June 2025. While on exchange, the student stays with three host families for over three months each, while one family acts as a spare in case anything unexpected happens that impacts a host’s ability to house the student.

Host families do not need to speak another language because the student will travel to Sun Peaks to learn English.

When Wilkinson and her husband lived on the Sunshine Coast, she recalled they hosted students who hailed from diverse countries of origin, including from Thailand, Mexico, France and Germany. Students currently on exchange with various district Rotary Clubs are from Scandinavian countries, Europe, South America and Mexico.

According to Wilkinson, relationships forged during an exchange can last a lifetime.

“We [hosted] a young woman from France, and she said, ‘Oh, you have to come and meet my family sometime.’ So when we were on a trip with our kids to France, we went and spent some time with her family … which was a great experience,” Wilkinson told SPIN.

The club wants to hear from up to six interested families before mid-April so members can start planning the exchange in 2024.

An allowance is paid to hosts to support some food and expenses.

Anyone interested can contact Wilkinson via email at youthexchange@rotaryclubofsunpeaks.org

The Rotary Club will also provide more details in May about an information session for students from grades 8 to 10 in Sun Peaks interested in going on an exchange. The Club can only send one student.

Wilkinson said previous outgoing students showed “a high level of adaptability and flexibility” and patience to learn a new language. Students would have to extend their schooling for another year because they wouldn’t take Canadian courses while on exchange.

For more information about youth exchanges, visit the Rotary Club’s website.

By Liz McDonald

Rotary Club exchange students gather together after their exchanges.

Photo provided by Brenda Wilkinson.

The club is gauging interest from families in Sun Peaks for the 2024 to 2025 school year

AMATEUR ARTISTS GET CRAFTY

Regular “Paint & Sip” nights introduced by local tattoo artist

By Louise Hudson

A new series of monthly Paint & Sip evenings was off to a great start last month. Fully booked, the inaugural event was presented by local artist and businesses owner Amie Easton. It was a team effort in collaboration with ArtZone, JuggerBean Tattoo Parlour and Morrisey’s Public House, Easton told SPIN.

Easton, who owns JuggerBean, studied 3D modeling and animation as a student in Vancouver.. She is brimming with ideas for artsy events to host in Sun Peaks this spring, including painting, scavenger hunts and themed flash tattoo days.

“We are hopeful to start offering more than just painting classes, but this will be dependent on supplies, artist location [and more],” she said.

For now, Easton is moving forward with plans for upcoming February and March Paint & Sip events.

“Our main goal is to have a different artist host the class each time and really get artists involved in art,” she explained. “It is a great way to teach an artist to host a class — we encourage everyone in all stages of their art career who is interested to reach out.”

Nikki Ruddell came up from Whitecroft for the January Paint & Sip, attracted by announcements on Easton’s social media.

“I went into this event with zero knowledge of the mechanics behind painting,” she admitted “Throughout the night with the help of [Easton] and ArtZone I learned how to properly use highlights, blend paints, create depth and so much more.”

Her initial motivations were to meet new people and support local activities.

“I spend most of my time in Sun Peaks working, skiing and eating good food,” she said. “The overall experience was great. The organizers of the event made sure that everyone was comfortable and confident in their pieces of art. I never felt pressured or that I had to be good at art to enjoy myself.”

Although initially intimidated by the idea of going alone, Ruddell, who is a JuggerBean client, was impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

“The only person I knew was [Easton] as she is my tattoo artist. It seems scary to do something

like that by yourself but the other people at my table were kind and easy to talk to.”

Each event will be tailored to the field of expertise of various artists and geared towards different audiences.

“We want this to be accessible to all ages so we encourage other venues to come forward who may be interested,” Easton told SPIN. “Every venue will be able offer a different experience.”

A new partnership with Kamloops Art Party is helping to broaden future events

to include wine glass painting and wood burning. Easton is hopeful the series will be well received by the Sun Peaks community so she can continue to offer innovative events into the off seasons.

The next interactive painting class will be Galaxy Night Acrylic at Morrisey’s Public House on Feb 22. More information about upcoming schedules is available on the JuggerBean website or by contacting Easton directly at juggerbean@gmail.com

One of the many creations made by attendees. Photo provided.

Attendees smile with their paint & sip creations at Morrisey's Public House. Photo provided.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

by Barbara Olson © ClassiCanadian Crosswords

53 Plant's pollen producer

54 Montréal Mrs.

56 Starring actress ... and literally, what the first word of 17-, 24-, 35- and 48-Acrross can have

59 Burnt ___ crisp

60 Of the mystic arts

61 Twelfth Jewish month

62 Yellowknife is its cap.

63 Car, slangily

64 Klutz's comment

43 Audience cry to an award winner

45 Hawaiian "thank you"

46 Looked over hungrily

47 Hall and Hannah

49 Canadian rockers "Our Lady ___"

51 "Great" fifth-century pope

53 Stain treatable with club soda

53 Six-legged marchers

54 Logan is Canada's highest: Abbr.

55 Cut blades with blades

57 Invoice word

58 "___ bet" (doubter's words)

EVENTS

FEBRUARY 17 - MARCH 16

WEEKLY

Monday

·Quizzy Rascals at Masa’s Bar & Grill, 8 p.m.

Tuesday

·Locals' night, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday

Free family activity nights at Sun Peaks Centre from 4 to 7 p.m.

·AA meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sun Peaks Secondary Academy

Saturday

Live music at Morrisey’s Public House

Free family activity nights at Sun Peaks Centre from 4 to 7 p.m.

Sunday

·Sunday FUNday at Morrisey’s Public House, DJ starts at 8 p.m.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 17

Run for Ryan

Sun Peaks Resort once again hosts ‘A Run for Ryan’ to commemorate missing person Ryan Shtuka.

Feb. 18

Kaleidoscope by Kinshira

A firedance performance slopeside of the Village Day Lodge starting at 6 p.m.

Feb. 22

Sun Peaks Paint Night

Hosted by JuggerBean Tattoo Parlour and Morrisey’s Public House; register online for this event.

Feb. 25

Chakra Bracelet Workshop

Hosted by Emma at Sun Peaks Yoga. Register online to secure your spot.

Feb 25 & 26

Force of Femme

A women's coached skiing and riding weekend. Contact Guest Services to book.

Feb. 26

Reiki Infused Restorative Yin

Hosted by Emma at Sun Peaks Yoga - Register online to secure your spot.

MARCH

March 3 & 4

7 Celebrations:

Reconecting in Sun Peaks

A free family friendly event featuring local artists, artisan markets, live music performances and storytellers who will come together to showcase the culture and history of the North Thompson community.

March 4

Dirty Feet Snowshoe Fun Run/ Walk

Two distances, 5 and 10km, and family friendly. Sign up online.

Live Outdoor Music: The Trews Opening with Soul Patch starting at 5 p.m.

www.vitalpoint.ca | 778-376-2157 | info@vitalpoint.ca CLINIC

REDISCOVER YOUR BODY'S ABILITY TO HEAL Open Thu-Sat 1-9PM Sun-Mon 10AM-4PM Closed Tue - Wed

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BC EVENTS HELD IN SUN PEAKS

Competitions an opportunity for athletes to connect after four

years’ break

By Liz McDonald

500 athletes from across B.C. travelled to Sun Peaks and Kamloops in February to compete in the Special Olympics winter games, which included alpine races, snowshoeing, bowling, speed and figure skating, floor hockey, curling and cross-country skiing.

The 2023 Special Olympics BC (SOBC) took place from Thursday, Feb. 2 to Saturday, Feb. 4.

Sun Peaks hosted the giant slalom and super-G on Friday, Feb. 3.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, Sun Peaks hosted a slalom event where attendees watched from the mountain's base, close to Sun Peaks Resort.

SOBC Games Chair Jan Antons said the event was a return to tournament competitions for

athletes since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted.

“A lot of them have not returned to the sport or competition in tournaments for the last four years … there's going to be quite a lot of excitement and eagerness,” Antons told SPIN before the event.

Antons said COVID-19 impacted “athletes at all levels” and had a significant impact on SOBC athletes with intellectual disabilities.

“These games are more about enjoyment and getting together than the points or getting the

highest score. And that's really what people see in these events, how many smiles and how joyful people are,” he said.

The opening ceremony was held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at Tournament Capital Centre Fieldhouse in Kamloops.

Antons said those attending Special Olympic events should say hello to athletes if they see them.

“Say hi or wave at [the athletes] and make them feel welcome because that’s what [SOBC is] really about.”

Athletes from the 2015 Special Olympics stand on a podium in Sun Peaks. Photo provided.

SUN PEAKS ALPINE CLUB MEMBERS QUALIFY FOR CANADA GAMES

SPAC members competed in the U16 Teck Open from Jan. 26 to 29 and two members qualified for Team BC, representing the province at the Canada Games this year

By Liz McDonald

Despite poor weather upending scheduled programming for the U16 Teck Open, two Sun Peaks Alpine Club (SPAC) members qualified to represent Team BC at the Canada Games, and a third member will be an alternate.

SPAC president Duncan Currie said the four-day event was originally scheduled to include four disciplines: super-G, giant slalom, slalom and skicross. However, poor weather impacted the U16 Teck Open and organizers had to cancel the super-G and ski-cross events. The ski-cross was replaced with another giant slalom event on Sunday.

Weather impacted events

Thursday morning of the Teck Open U16 saw weather conditions deteriorate.

“Thursday, the conditions were too soft … the conditions weren’t safe for us to run super-G and then we got loads of snow overnight,” said Currie.

“Massive shout-out to Sun Peaks Resort [and the groomers] for pushing all the snow off half of the runs,” he added.

Without the last-minute snow removal, Currie said they would have lost two days of racing instead of just one.

“There’s quite a big expense for these families [coming] from as far away as Smithers [and] Vancouver to [Rossland] … So if they turn up and they lose two of their four races, that’s a big chunk of racing to lose and a big cost to them.”

The 15 cm snowfall resulted in the OSV run being unusable. Sun Peaks Resort was flexible and their groomers went out at 7 a.m. to ensure half of the OSV was available to set a course, according to Currie.

To compensate for the lack of runs, boys and girls in the slalom event skied each other's courses for their second run.

After the progams were adjusted, the qualifications criteria for securing a spot on Team BC also had to be adjusted, according to Currie.

All races involve two runs and the run results are normally combined, which determines placings for a race. Instead, the athletes were assesed on three of their best five single run results.

“[Because of weather impacts BC Alpine] would have only really had maybe two or three races to pull information from. So [race organizers] split the races up and every single run was counted for points for qualifications,” he said.

“[The changed qualifications] gave us more information so we can pick the best team possible. Rather than one race being one result, we made every individual run a result,” Currie said.

SPAC members qualify for Canada Games

Douglas Hunter and Avery Tymchyna both qualified for Team BC to represent the province at the 2023 Canada Games in P.E.I and New Brunswick. The alpine ski and para alpine events take place during the second week of the Canada Games from Feb. 27 to March 5.

SPAC member Mason Poitras will also be attending as an alternate.

Hunter is ranked first for Team BC. The 15-yearold has been training with SPAC for “around seven years,” he said.

He competed in slalom and giant slalom events, and said that the change to giant slalom (GS) after the super-G slalom event was cancelled helped him have a high placement, because he excels in GS.

“[Because of the changes in events] I got the opportunity to … have a high placement [and get] more points towards the Canada Games qualification,” he said.

He told SPIN his teammate Mason Poitras’ alternate position was “unfortunate … because Mason had been placing very well all weekend.”

SPAC president Currie said Poitras “was very unlucky — the points were very close but he has been named as an alternate.”

Hunter highlighted one of the best aspects of competing in alpine skiing is the opportunities he has getting to know “the people that you are going to compete with and against.”

He went to the BC Games in 2020 before COVID-19, where he made long-lasting connections with experienced alpine skiers.

“That really helped me after COVID once we came back to ski racing competitions,” said Hunter.

Tymchyna is ranked seventh on Team BC. The 15 year old told SPIN he’s been skiing since he was 7.

“[Going through SPAC programs has] been a great experience, learning about the sport and just meeting new people all around the province [with] travel, and it’s just amazing,” Tymchyna said.

Tymchyna’s competition was impacted because of poor conditions that caused the cancellation of the super-G slalom race, which he was looking forward to.

Tymchyna told SPIN representing the province at the Canada Games has been a goal of his since last year.

“I think it's a great opportunity for me and the club to be able to represent the province and be able to achieve my goal,” he said.

Tymchyna said that to prepare for the Games, he’s staying focused, working on his training program, listening to his coaches and relaxing while having fun.

“I’d like to thank all my coaches and all the people who have helped me over the years. I think [apline skiing] is a really fun passion, and I love the sport,” he said.

SPAC U16 team members Avery Tymchyna, Douglas Hunter, Mason Poitras and AJ Nadort. Photo provided.

NEWPRICE

Engel & Volkers Sun Peaks invites you to join us at the Sun Peaks Wine & Food Festival! On March 30th from 4:30 - 7:30, begin your night out in a white glove limo service to and from the event, then experience a tour of a featured luxury chalet listing and a night of wine tasting. Find out more and buy tickets at www.sunpeaksresort.com.

Kookaburra Lodge - $769,900

ALPINE RESORT REALTY

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

LOCATED AT SUN PEAKS SINCE 1995

OPEN DAILY AT THE KOOKABURRA LODGE

T: 250 578 8222

TF: 1 800 663 2838

E: info@sunpeaksrealty.com

4119 SUNDANCE DRIVE $3,399,000

This landscaped slope side mountain home offers the ultimate ski-in, ski-out convenience as one of the best locations on the mountain, Sundance Estates. Superior design and finishing with quality construction, with extensive use of stone, granite, hardwood and tile. This spectacular home radiates warmth and intimacy with the most incredible setting in Sun Peaks and presents and exceptional opportunity to own one of the very best in resort living. Some of the features include soaring windows, radiant in floor heat, HRV, games room, inviting hot tub, oversized double car garage. GST n/a.

$2,400,000

Whether it's a year-round address or weekend getaway, this is truly the ultimate escape. This beautiful log post & beam home has been carefully crafted into this lakeside landscape with spectacular south facing panoramic views of the crystal clear water & mountains. Enjoy 120 feet of private lakefront on the quiet end of pristine Heffley Lake. The quiet location offers privacy & serenity with nature trails & recreation out your back door. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, plus great loft/sleeping area with office, spacious living with open kitchen, vaulted ceiling, hardwood flooring & entertainment sized decks.

$1,299,000

This extremely desirable ski-in, ski-out townhome boasts 3 bedrooms plus large ski room and 3.5 baths in a relaxed mountain neighborhood. Nestled in the ‘McGillivray Creek’ complex adjacent to both the Morrisey and Orient Ridge chairlifts as well as the Nordic trailhead. This bright end unit is warm and inviting with soaring windows and vaulted ceiling featuring rich wood cabinetry and finishing throughout, updated gas fireplace, large sundeck for entertaining and heated tile floors in the kitchen, entry and 3 baths. Furnished; GST n/a.

#113/#115 - $375,000

#445 - $274,900

Relax and leave all the details to the professional and friendly in house management team. Appreciate the excellent ski-in / ski-out access, and venture just steps from the door to activities such as biking, hiking, golf, alpine & Nordic skiing. Truly an attractive family get-away and great lifestyle investment! Amenities include a full service family restaurant, indoor & outdoor hot tubs, exercise room, ski storage and secure underground parking. GST Applies.

$2,890,000

This true ski-in, ski-out 6 bedroom Alpine Chalet is located in the relaxed mountain neighborhood of Lookout Ridge. Rare RS-1A zoning for short term rentals makes this a desirable revenue producing property and also features a self-contained 2 bedroom legal suite with separate entrance & laundry, plus media/fitness room. The heart of the home is its open living area with towering fireplace which is flooded with great light passing through the massive windows that brings the great outdoors inside. A home designed to be cozy while still accommodating a houseful of guests. Fully furnished; GST appl.

Enjoy skiing in and out to within 50 feet of your front door, just one of the amenities of this Woodhaven town home. Plenty of room for family and friends in this 2 bedroom, 3 and 1/2 bath property with large daylight family room in walkout basement. The open concept main level features heated tile floors, deluxe kitchen, river rock fireplace, and spectacular views of mountains and valley. The sunny southern exposure provides wonderful light and a radiant heat that is especially valued in the darker days of winter. Enjoy decks off master bedroom and living room, and a covered patio with private hot tub!

#7 TRAPPERS LANDING $989,000

Welcome to Trapper’s Landing! This desirable 2 bedroom plus family room, 3.5 bath townhouse is located close to the Orient Ridge and Mt. Morrisey lift base stations and is only a short walk to the main village and all resort amenities. Simply ski-in, or ski-out your door or quickly access the expansive cross-country trail network close by. This mountain retreat is in excellent condition and offers the perfect amount of separation over three levels with private garage and extra storage space. Offered furnished, GST applies.

2504 EAGLE COURT

$1,590,000

Live the lifestyle you've dreamed of! This slope side mountain retreat is centrally located in Sun Peaks, and offers highly sought-after ski-in access from Mt Morrisey, via Home Run / drop in through the trees - directly into your private back yard. Only a short walk to the Village and all recreational activities Sun Peaks has to offer, this home features 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs, private patio off the primary bedroom, recently upgraded kitchen, flooring, paint, private & inviting hot tub, vaulted tongue in groove ceiling, security syst. and more! Offered furnished; GST n/a.

Custom townhome in duplex configuration in prestigious ski-in ski-out Bridge Gate location. Situated on the 15th fairway, the sense of space and unobstructed views will always remain. The main floor features an open living area with post and beams, soaring windows, massive rock fireplace, and gourmet kitchen complete with gas range and top end appliances. Superior finishing detail throughout is complimented by hardwood floors mixed with heated tile in bathrooms and entries. Offered furnished; GST n/a.

#1 BRIDGE GATE $1,950,000

5425 LOOKOUT RIDGE DRIVE

6367 LAKESHORE ROAD - HEFFLEY LAKE

#29 MCGILLIVRAY CREEK

#46 WOODHAVEN $979,000

CAHILTY HOTEL & SUITES