okanagan mission residence association

2 Okanagan Mission Review | Spring 2012 Okanagan Mission Review | Spring 2012 3

From the editor | Dona Sturmanis

a landmark edition

With the turnover in City Hall, which included new councillors and new mayor Walter Gray, it will be interesting to watch Kelowna’s continuing progress. We are fortunate to have in this issue of the Okanagan Mission Review a final report from past mayor Sharon Shepherd on what was achieved during her term in office and what she hopes to see in the future.

This issue has several stories of a landmark nature to the Okanagan Mission. Len McFarlane chronicles the history of the annual Lake “O” hike (Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park) that OKM Second-ary students have been taking since the school opened in 1977. Rand Zacharias shares the evolution of CedarCreek Estate Winery which is celebrating 25 years of existence this year. And Deanna Merrick tells the story of the Browne family, which started CKOV radio and was instrumental in the birth of CHBC TV.

You’ll also get to meet multi-talented Shanna Graham, fifth recipient of the

annual OMRA $1000 award to a high-achieving Okanagan Mission high school graduate.

One specific story in this issue that particularly charmed me was Bob Sher-man’s report on how some Kettle Valley families are adopting rabbits as household pets. Apparently, bunnies are the third most popular pet after cats and dogs. I did not know this.

You’ll also find out about the upcoming Mission Painters show and sale, highlights of the Spring Wine Festival and the many recreational programs run by the City of Kelowna in the Okanagan Mission. Learn about the welcome new Mission Recre-ation Transit Exchange which will greatly improve local transportation. Discover ways of keeping fit in the Okanagan Mission, as well as local places ideal for de-stressing.

Finally, check out In the Kitchen for some tips on easy beaning.

Have a great spring!- Dona Sturmanis

Extra copies of this publication are available at the Okanagan Mission Library while supplies last. This and archived editions are available for download at www.omra.ca

The material contained within this newsmagazine does not necessarily reflect the views of the OMRA Board of Directors. It is for information purposes only and, while it cannot be guaranteed, it was obtained from sources believed to be reliable.

Publisher: Len McFarlane for the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association

Contents

Editor’s Message 3Past President’s Message 4OMRA Directors List 5Past Mayor’s Message 6In the Works 11In the Kitchen 30

Regular Features

Special Features

Advertising Inquiries

Fit in OK Mission 8Keep moving into spring.

Local Mindfulness 12Meditate in one of these natural spots.

Winery Turns 25 14Respected CedarCreek continues to evolve

Lake “O”- A History 16Wilderness hike tradition for students.

Mission Media Family 20The Brownes developed Kelowna radio and TV.

Mission Painters Show 22Upcoming exhibition and sale.

Long-Eared Loved Ones 24Charming house pets.

Spring into Action 26City of Kelowna programs in our area.

Multi-talented Grad 27Shanna Graham was our award winner for 2011.

New Transit Exchange 28A new bus route for our neighbourhood.

Dona Sturmanis at [email protected]

Summer edition deadlineMay 13

Spring Wine Festival 23Fine wine and palate pleasers.

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this issue celebrates the past, present and future as we move into spring.


more members, more influenCe

awareness through a special edition news-letter is both too slow and too expensive. To date we have only used our list once; however, it should prove to be an effec-tive tool in order to communicate the collective feelings of our community to city council.

The list is kept confidential and is not used for any other purpose. Should you wish to be added to the list, please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. You do not have to become a member to be added to our list.

End of April AGM

Our annual general meeting will be held on Monday, April 30th at Okanagan Mission Community Hall. We will be announcing guest speakers and topics through a special edition newsletter. Please watch for that publication and plan to attend, and become a member in sup-port of this historic community, in which you have chosen to live. The support of the residents is the vital element towards the health, strength, and future of Okana-gan Mission.

Cover

These ordinary looking teens have completed something

quite extraordinary.

Standing from left: Alex Normanand Shan Rajapakshe.

Seated from left: Nicole StewardKayla Johnston, Erika Wiklund,

Bri Little and Bryce Millman

Please see the full story on page 16.

Past President’s Report | Ron Hallick

Address:

Name:

Phone:

E-mail:

Postal Code:

I would consider becoming a director of OMRA

Anyone living in Okanagan Mission who makes a minimum donation of $10.00 to the Association will become a member as long as the member remains living in Okanagan Mission.

Current Membership = 487

Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association MembershipPO Box 29138, Kelowna BC, V1W 4A7

email: [email protected] www.omra.caOMRA Directors

2010 - 2011President

Kerry Lomax 250-764-8892

Past PresidentRon Hallick 250-764-8697

Vice PresidentMark Ranger 250-764-7187

TreasurerPeter Pugsley 250-764-7672

DirectorsRon Erickson 250-764-3217Shane Herrington 250-764-4931Robin Tracy 250-764-3141Mark Thompson 250-764-9357Wayne Wolfe 250-764-6430

During the course of our last board meeting, our board members suggested we emphasize the importance of membership. At the present time, our membership stands at about 450 mem-bers. When Okanagan Mission residents consider the issue of membership, we are sure they would like to know the implica-tions and benefits.

The association is a society registered under the Society Act of British Columbia. The act stipulates we must collect a mem-bership fee. The fee is $10.00 per person and the membership is valid for as long as the member resides within the boundar-ies of Okanagan Mission. There are no renewals. Members may voice their con-cerns at any monthly board meeting, and are encouraged to attend annual general meetings in order to give direction to the board and vote upon any issue. Mem-bers are not solicited for monetary donations nor asked to volun-teer their time in any way.

The directors understand it is cumber-some to become a member by writing a cheque and mailing it along with your name and address. Therefore we are arranging a method of payment through our web site which will be published in our summer edition of Okanagan Mission

Review.The more vital importance

of membership has to do with community strength and identity. Now vital means absolutely necessary, such as the vital signs of breath-ing and pulse. A healthy community needs to display its collective sense of identity and also a concern for the future.

This becomes apparent when appear-ing before city council on any given issue. Okanagan Mission Review newsmagazine is delivered to about 6000 homes, which means we could have the potential for about 12,000 members. Should our mem-bership be increased to even 2000, our

influence at city council would become greatly enhanced.

As an example, the Of-ficial Community Plan has recently been reviewed,

and we can have some faith that the docu-ment will offer us assurance that future development will follow the form and character which we have come to expect.

However, developers are allowed to contribute cash towards city funds aimed at promoting affordable housing or public amenities in order to achieve variances which are essentially exemptions from

regulations such as height and size restric-tions. These cash contributions may seem a little strange; nonetheless, this is what city council has been doing in past years and it tends to diminish our faith in the Official Community Plan By-law. If we need to deal with a proposal which does not fit well into the form and character of Okanagan Mission, then this would be an instance in which we would like to have the support of several thousand members on our membership list.

Join Our Action E-Mail List

In like fashion, we have begun to com-pile a political action e-mail list. The win-dow of opportunity to write council with regards to an issue may only be a couple of weeks prior to the public hearing. The political action list allows our association to notify members regarding the details of an issue and contact information for the city clerk and council members.

The former method of community

Understand how the Official Community Plan will affect your family’s

future into the year 2030.

Join our neighbourhood association for the health, strength, and future of okanagan mission.

Being members of a team allowed these OKM students a proud achievement in September 2011.

Annual General MeetingMonday, April 30 at 7:00 pm

Okanagan Mission Community Hall(Corner of Sarsons and Lakeshore)

Guest speakers

Everyone is welcome


Mayor Walter Gray250-469-8980

[email protected]

Councillor Colin Basran250 575-4535

[email protected]

Councillor André Blanleil250-862-0592

[email protected]

Councillor Maxine DeHart250 469-8865

[email protected]

Councillor Gail Given250 469-8677

[email protected]

Councillor Robert Hobson250 469-6224

[email protected]

Councillor Mohini Singh250 469-8949

[email protected]

Councillor Luke Stack250-878-4990

[email protected]

Councillor Gerry Zimmermann

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Mayor and [email protected]

City Council Contact ListGood communication with

people can make a difference in the way you live in your commu-nity.

Similarly, the following people know that in order to vote on matters in your best interest they must hear from you.

First of all, I would like to say thank-you to all of the Okanagan Mission resi-dents and businesses that have supported me over the last 15 years as an elected official for Kelowna. I am definitely going to miss the challenges and opportunities that became such a significant part of my life. I absolutely loved representing our municipality and know that I could not have done that without the dedicated support of my family, friends and the public. I would also like to thank the city staff and previous council for all their hard work and the many decisions -- some very tough ones -- that we made as a board.

Much Achieved in Previous Term

Decisions that will move our commu-nity forward made during the previous terms of office include a housing strat-egy, plans for airport expansion, transit improvements and support of UBC-O and KGH improvements. There are now many multi-modal corridors connecting our community such as from Gyro Beach to Rotary Park, along Gordon Drive and Casorso Road, Angel Way by Parkinson Recreation complex, the pedestrian over-pass at Landmark, and the Cawston Av-enue connection to the Rail by Trails. The outdoor skating rink at Stuart Park has

surpassed my expecta-tion and the controver-sial H2O facility fulfills a healthy life-style for residents of all ages.

The Glenmore Park plan will proceed over the next few years due to the council’s support and perseverance for a land agreement with the Agriculture Land Com-mission. The Kelowna Yacht Club relocation to a new facility and the moving of the Seniors Centre to Parkinson will enhance the park space

aCtive to the endSharon Shepherd

Former Mayor’s Report | by Sharon Shepherd

Developer Lloyd Nestman and Councillor Sharon Shepherd building a playground in Kettle Valley in September 2000.

in the downtown core. The Official Com-munity Plan (OCP) to the year 2030 identi-fied a hospital precinct, character areas in some neighbourhoods, a permanent growth boundary to prevent the ongoing sprawl and protect the agriculture land, and a fifth town centre around the Capri area for densification. Downtown plan-ning went from a four block plan to an overall plan that sets the stage for growth in a manner that most in our community agree with. Bernard Avenue revitalization will cause some short-term pain for the merchants and the community but ulti-mately will become a jewel in our city.

Strength in Neighbourhoods

I began my career in municipal politics as a neighbourhood advocate and strongly believe there needs to be more ongoing regular commitment and dialogue with the many volunteers throughout the city that represent the general public. I began an annual meeting between council and the neighbourhood association represen-tatives and hope this continues. I encour-age the community to get involved with the neighbourhood associations to make them stronger and influential in the deci-sion making process that determines the future of our city.

Better Representation for Local

Government

I have advocated for a dialogue around representation at the municipal political level. Pros and cons should be considered

for a ward system (four areas of the city with two representatives each and the mayor elected at large), partial-ward sys-tem (four areas of the city with one repre-sentative each and then four councillors and the mayor elected at large), municipal political parties or other options. When 40 people agreed to have their names considered for the eight positions of council, it was very difficult for the public to scrutinize those candidates with experi-ence and those that are newly involved in municipal politics.

I am also an advocate for enhanced accountability of those that are in the positions of mayor and council. There has been research done on different systems of representation for local government and I hope that a community dialogue takes place in Kelowna determining what the residents feel would be most appro-priate for a community our size. In fact, status quo may be the ultimate outcome but at least consideration of options should occur.

Good Public Ideas for

Lakeshore Corridor

The planning for the bridge on Lakeshore over Mission Creek is under-

way. I did participate in a recent workshop around this issue and was very excited to hear some options from the community. Ideas such as a pedestrian/cycle tunnel access under Lakeshore Road so the new bridge and road access would not have to be built so high came from a representa-tive of the Friends of Mission Creek.

Ideas around traffic circles versus intersection lights along Lakeshore also brought up some interesting visions around being able to move traffic ef-ficiently while enhancing a beautiful multipurpose corridor that would extend from Rotary Beach to Lanfranco. Can you imagine such a corridor all the way out to Bertram Park? That would be world class!

Kudos to OMRA

In closing, I would like to thank the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association for all the hard work they have done for so many years. The Okanagan Mission Re-view has been part of the commitment of the dedicated volunteers of the area and I have certainly appreciated the opportu-nity of providing a regular written column.

Thanks for the opportunity to repre-sent all of you!

Sharon Shepherd

leaving office with an impressive record and many new ideas

MLA Ben Stewart and Mayor Sharon Shepherd share a laugh at the official opening of the new Gordon Drive Bridge in October 2010.


living aCtive lifestyles

Fitness Report | by Teri-Lynn Rootham

With warmer weather coming okanagan mission offers so many ways of staying fit.

The Okanagan Mission springs into action as many people embrace the sunshine and new-found motivation to set goals, try new activities and live healthier lifestyles. The best part is that we only have to look within our neighbourhood to find endless opportunities to engage in these various activities.

There is no better time to reinvigorate your fitness plan! Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or hibernated all winter, these following ideas will keep you active close to home -- some in the spring and others as summer arrives.

Lace up your running shoes and join fellow joggers along Lakeshore Road. The popular Boyce-Gyro Beach will have you wishing you stopped for a game of beach volleyball.

Strap on your roller blades for a glide by the kite boarders and wind surfers at Rotary Beach Park.

Go for a swim with the whole family at Sarsons Beach Park or Strathcoma Park.

The Mission Creek Green-way is a nice groomed walk-way for strollers and leisurely bike rides.

Take your fido down to Cedar Creek Park for a dip in the lake and walk along the pathways.

Take a drive to the Bertram Creek Regional Park for hiking trails or continue down the same road to the Okanagan Mountain Park for a hike or mountain bike.

Check out Kelowna Crags within the Cedar Mountain Park. You will find climb-ing and bouldering cliffs, beautiful views and great hiking options right on our doorstep.

Play a game of tennis at the court in Kettle Valley’s Quilchena Park or join the Okanagan Mission Tennis Club on Lakeshore Road for games and lessons.

Take a step indoors to your neighbour-hood gym. Take the time to keep muscles balanced by lifting weights and working

on your core strengthening! Check out the local gyms for upcoming

spring and summer outdoor boot-camps in the many green spaces throughout Okanagan Mission.

Sports fields come alive at this time with team sports to participate in such as football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and rugby.

Try a yoga class that will inspire you to calm your mind and remain flexible to prevent injuries. Watch for the outdoor yoga options as well.

Stay fit, happy and healthy!

Teri-Lynn Rootham is the owner and personal trainer at Kettle Valley Fitness and may be reached at 250-764-0476.

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The intent was to engage the public in a discussion of community values as they relate to the upcoming reconstruc-tion of the Lakeshore Road transpor-tation corridor between Richter and Lexington.

The engineering firm Urban Systems Ltd. was present at the session hosted by independent facilitator, Hugh Culver.

Attendees included local residential and commercial property owners plus other interested stakeholders such as Friends of Mission Creek, the Cycling Coalition and the Public Art Committee. OMRA was represented by new director Shane Herrington.

It was made known that there is nei-ther a chosen nor a preferred design for the new bridge or corridor.

It was also announced that the City’s application to the General Strategic Priorities Fund (GSPF) was unsuccessful which means that funding for the project may have to revert back to income derived from Development Cost Charges (DCCs). This will mean that construction will not proceed in 2012. However, city staff will reapply at a later date follow-ing the completion of the Preliminary Engineering Study.

A successful GSPF application must include a strong case within the project’s design to include initiatives towards the reduction of green house gas emissions.

An overview was also presented explaining the Lakeshore Road Project’s

importance as a transportation corridor within the framework of the 2030 Official Community Plan (OCP).

Attendees were therefore to consider the scope of the Lexington to Richter project within the greater context of the entire length of Lakeshore Road. It was noted however that City staff may con-sider the new Lakeshore Bridge crossing Mission Creek as a separate segment in order to balance against draws on an individual budget year.

Fourteen community values were evaluated resulting in a ranking of the top four. In general terms these were:

1) Create an attractive destination draw with a unique identity for resi-dents and visitors to enjoy.2) Incorporate an Active Transporta-tion Corridor for non-vehicle use that is both practical and safe.

These ranked equally in importance.3a) Provide a safe transportation cor-ridor for all users.3b) Provide an uninterrupted route for users of the Mission Creek Greenway to continue west to Okanagan Lake.The community at large will soon be

invited to share their perspectives and priorities through an on-line survey and a subsequent open house in late spring or summer.

Len McFarlane is an Okanagan Mission resident and the publisher of the Okanagan Mission Review.

Ron Cannan, MPKelowna - Lake Country

114-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4

(250)-470-5075 [email protected] www.cannan.ca

Communities like the Okanagan Mission thrive when residents

are involved.By being an active member in

the community you are making a positive difference.

If I can be of any assistance on matters related to the federal

government do not hesitate to contact me.

a lakeshore road evaluation

in January City of kelowna staff hosted a focus session for a selected group of approximately 35 people representing a diverse cross-section of the community.

In the Works | by Len McFarlane

O.M.R.A.Annual General Meeting

Monday, April 30 7:00 pm

Okanagan Mission Community Hall

(Corner of Sarsons and Lakeshore)

Guest speakers

Everyone is welcome


We are blessed with an extraordinarily beautiful environment in Okanagan Mis-sion. The natural beauty and geographic diversity of the area brings enjoyment and appreciation. It also provides an abun-dant venue for the supportive de-stressing practice of mindfulness.

Mindfulness can be described as a focused awareness on the present mo-ment; observing the moment to moment thoughts and activity of the mind; not judging or attaching to the thoughts or the activity. This place of observing the mind can be referred to as the seat of consciousness.

There is a growing and popular trend to mindfulness practices as our culture has discovered that the pace, competitive nature and intensity of our high technol-ogy society has contributed to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and dissatisfac-tion. Mindfulness meditative practices have been proven scientifically to counter the stress response and positively access the parasympathetic nervous system, sometimes known as the “rest and digest” response.

The practice is simple: Focus on the breath, begin to watch your thoughts (like watching a movie), watch with detached interest. As your thoughts wander, do not follow them; let them pass and bring your focus back to the breath. The goal is not to completely empty the mind, (although there may be moments of mindless bliss),

but to detach from your thoughts over and over again. Simple and also challenging: it takes commitment. But the benefits are truly worth it.

Places to go

Mindfulness practices can be done anywhere. Okanagan Mission provides some particularly wonder-ful venues to support the practice and offers countless other benefits from the pure beauty of these treasured spots. Some of my favourite venues for practic-ing mindfulness in the Mission:

1. The Mission Creek Greenway. (Be-gin km. zero at Lakeshore and Truswell) The Greenway provides a wonderful walk-ing meditation experience. Use the above guidance to focus on the breath and release the mind. As you walk become aware of your feet and connecting with the earth; keep the focus on a steady and even breath. Soften the eyes and remain fully present with your surroundings. When thoughts arise, allow them to pass and bring the focus back to the breath and your feet connected to the earth.

2. Cedar Park (also referred to as the Kelowna Crags, 2.6 km from the left turn off Chute Lake Rd. onto Mountainside Drive, and continue up the mountain on Chute Lake Rd.) This beautiful little park offers a very peaceful, high elevation ex-perience of the valley; perfect for a quiet seated meditation. A short walk from the

parking lot is Lebanon Creek; it offers a spot to sit and be with a mountain stream and nature. Or continue on and find a boulder to perch on and silently sit and be with your breath and enjoy the energy of the dynamic outcrops of the rocky crags. Sit comfortably, with spine erect, allow the eyes to be soft and downcast and focus on the breath. Again, allow any thoughts to rise and pass and continue the focus on the breath.

3. The Labyrinth at St. Elizabeth Seton House of Prayer (5819 Chute Lake Road. Take the left fork on same road to Cedar Park: see above) Walking a labyrinth is a historical and sacred mindfulness practice. It can be treated as a pilgrimage or a sym-bolic journey of life to death and rebirth. I like to enter the labyrinth posing a ques-tion or an intention to heal a situation and as I walk, focus on each step my mind releases, force to be fully present with the shape and design of the labyrinth. I walk silently, head slightly down and at one with the labyrinth. The centre of the laby-rinth allows a moment of contemplation

Well-Being Report | by Lori Pinnell

mindfulness in okanagan mission

An excellent location for a walking meditation.

before turning back and be open to receive any insights or clarity on my original intention for being there. (Note: it is respectful to bring a small donation to support the care of the Labyrinth and the Prayer House.)

Mindfulness practiced in the beauty and peace of the Okana-gan Mission is a special, supportive and sacred opportunity. Enjoy.

Lori Pinnell is a certified transformational life coach and holds a master’s degree in transpersonal studies. She operates InnerWorks Consulting at her home in Kettle Valley.

there are special local spots perfect for stress-relieving practices.

Breathe.

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As one of the first eight wineries of the Okanagan Valley, CedarCreek Estate Winery in Okanagan Mission is celebrating its 25th birthday this year.

“Respect the land, honour tradition and pursue perfection,” has been the motto since 1987, when Ross Fitzpatrick, long-time senator, purchased the Uniacke Estate Winery. The Uniacke name can be traced to early Irish-Canadian roots in Newfoundland belonging to an 18th-century gentleman named Richard John Uniacke, who had 12 children.

The purchase in 1986 of the Uniacke Estate Winery was partnered with a home-coming for Fitzpatrick and his family—

they bought the property, and built the present home across the street from the winery. He’d spent his childhood roaming the orchards around Oliver where his father managed a packing house in the fruit industry.

The ownership change was not im-mediate in reaping quality vintages for the newly-named CedarCreek. In the early years, before the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), things were slow to get going. A stable, but relentless, series of investments and improvements followed to build production to the pres-ent 40,000 cases of wine per year.

In 1992, a CedarCreek vintage Merlot inspired the Okanagan Wine Festival’s judges to create a special platinum award; a gold medal was perceived as inadequate. This inspired the name of CedarCreek’s top tier of wines called Platinum Reserve.

Moving Up and Out

After the initial plantings at the home vineyard, growth and expansion contin-ued with the purchase of Greata Ranch near Peachland in 1994, Desert Ridge in Osoyoos in 2001 and Haynes Creek in Os-oyoos in 2006. With these sites through-out the Okanagan Valley CedarCreek has 150 acres in a variety of climates and the opportunity to create even greater vintages.

After Fitzpatrick’s son, Gordon, became the CEO in 1996, a new era of quality

began. The B.C. wine industry was starting to gain confidence and Gordon Fitzpatrick realized the focus on premium quality had to continue. This is the path the winery continues to tread.

In 1998, winemaker Kevin Willenborg and vineyard consultant Eric Neil were hired. Willenborg left in 2000, and Califor-nian Tom DiBello stepped into the role to oversee an amazing period of success during the past decade. The early years of the DiBello era were full of excitement. The winery saw a complete makeover in 2002, with large investments in both winemaking equipment and building design. The original Mediterranean-styled winery built atop the cellar was designed by former Uniacke partner David New-man-Bennett.

Tom DiBello moved on in 2010 and Australian winemaker Darryl Brooker has had the exciting yet daunting task of tak-ing the wines to the next level.

The Next Level and Beyond

“Darryl spends a lot of time in the vine-yards,” says Gordon Fitzpatrick.

“I want to get to know the best sites and make wines that reflect the terroir,” states Brooker.

Terroir is the present buzz word in the industry, meaning that the soil and climate of an area influence the character

resPeCted Winery noW 25

CedarCreek Winery in 1986

St. Andrew’s Anglican ChurchServing the Mission for 100 years

Sunday services 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM

4619 Lakeshore Road

www.standrewskelowna.ca

of the wines it produces. In fact, this new focus is so strong that all Platinum Reserve wines have become products of single vineyards.

“We’ve probably made the most changes to the aromatic whites,” says Brooker. “I want to make the wines more distinctive to the varietal—each more distinct from another.”

He’s also trying to “get some finesse and elegance with more classic Pinot Noir character in the wines.”

With 25 years of experience in producing fine vintages, the changes and evolution continue at CedarCreek. Adapting to the times and consumers’ increased interest in terroir-driven wines, CedarCreek is keeping ahead of the curve, continuing to make better wines and keeping things interesting.

Rand Zacharias is a Kelowna jour-nalist and book author.

CedarCreek continues to expand and evolve.

Ross FItzpatrick at work.McLean & Fitzpatrick Limited were growers, shippers and packers of

fruits and vegetables in Kelowna, Oliver and Osoyoos.Young Ross growing up in the Okanagan.

Community Business Reportby Rand Zacharias

www.maximaid.net


lake “o” - a history

Community Report | by Len McFarlane

In November I had the privilege of attending a pot luck supper at OKM Sec-ondary through the courtesy of teacher Michael Ross. The intent was to provide me with some information about a little hike that the students take part in every year, affectionately known as Lake “O” (Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park). A compilation slide show was the feature of the evening , but what became increas-ingly apparent was that the pot luck supper event was more like a giant family reunion. The “family” was created in September when 137 of them completed a week-long task that many adults would have difficulty with.

In the beginning

1976 was an exciting year in Okanagan Mission. While the country was celebrating the success of the Montreal Olympics, teachers and stu-dents at OKM were on shift at KLO Secondary and longing to move into a new school being built on Gordon Drive, which was to be completed in early 1977.

One afternoon the discussion in the staff room centred around motivation, and keeping kids focussed. “How do you stimulate teenagers to be creative, self-motivated, and interested? How do you get them to write poetry with meaning?” Law 11 teacher Doug Gillett volunteered a possible solution, “Put kids in a new en-

vironment that overwhelms them to such a degree that they must interact with it.”

The place he had in mind was a climb from Lake O’Hara, up to Abbot Pass and a night in the Abbot Pass Hut. The rationale was to challenge them with a voluntary removal from their comfort zone by placing them in a totally foreign envi-ronment and thereby provid-ing an opportunity for an awakening. For Doug’s Law 11

students it could provide an awareness of the necessity for Environmental Law. English 11 students could similarly be stimulated to wax poetic on the beauty of nature.

In early 1977 OKM Second-ary opened its doors and Mr. Bernie Monteleone, the first principal, fortunately

shared Doug’s vision. By June of that year the first expedition was on its way to the Rocky Mountains in a Rent-a-Bus with 20 students and three chaperones on board. The cost to the kids was $20.00 each.

It was anyone’s guess whether the trip would be successful as the challenges were great. The first day was

a long drive to Yoho National Park plus a 12 kilometre hike up to Lake O’Hara at 5200 feet above sea level. They were car-rying food and supplies to last a week and there was still snow on the ground at the higher levels.

On the second day they had to face a climb up to the top of the saddle between Mount LeFroy and Mount Victoria (hid-den from view in the photo on the facing page) to Abbot Pass at 9585 feet above sea level. It is not reassuring to learn that the pass is named after Philip Stanley Abbot

who fell to his death after climbing LeFroy in 1896. They would spend the night in the stone hut at the top of the pass.

“We had to be up there before the sun warmed the slopes,” says Doug Gillett, “in order to avoid the notori-

The group of 1981 cling to the side of Mount Victoria on the final leg of the ascent up to Abbot Pass.

Helmets are mandatory due to the risk of falling rock.

Doug Gillett in 1977

Doug Gillett in 2008

“Put kids in a new environment that overwhelms them to such a degree that they must interact with it.”

ous avalanches off the surround-ing mountains.”

They set off the next morn-ing at 5:00 am in order to beat the clock and to complete the steep 4400 foot climb. It would be treacherous at this time of the year due to the snow and ice and if a rock is dislodged it has the potential to fall several thousand feet.

“The students performed amazingly,” says Doug, “as they pushed through the physical and mental walls of exhaustion, cold, blistered feet, and altitude head-

aches.” Tired, sore

and hungry, they all made it to the top to enjoy the over-whelming view below. “With just a turn of the head you

can look east down into the Lake Louise Valley of Alberta,” says Doug, “and to the southwest into the Rockies and Kootenay Mountains of B.C.

“The experience created the desired result, a new respect for the environ-ment and an awareness of the astounding beauty of our Canadian landscape.”

Even the outhouse offers poetic oppor-tunities as it literally straddles The Great Divide.

“The next day,” says Doug, “all students made it safely down the mountain and the remainder of the trip was spent hiking the trails around Lake O’Hara. All in all students put on an average of 60 to 70 kilometres with a total change in elevation of approximately 10,000 vertical feet.”

One of the students that week was 16-year-old John Arnold, “It was a magi-cal time for me,” he says today, “I can not overstate the influence it had on my life.” After high school he went on to an Outward Bound program then studied conservation reclamation in college. He later worked in environmental protection as a fisheries officer at various locations throughout B.C.

“It also opened up a whole new world of exploration for me,” he says, “I’ve been on climbing, cycling and kayaking expedi-tions as well as paragliding and sailing adventures around this beautiful globe of ours.”

The experience of this first group did not dissuade future students. In fact by 1979 there were so many who wished to

participate that they had to make two trips back to back.

Over the years

It became increasing difficult to ac-commodate all students with the Lake O’Hara - Abbot Pass experience, so the trip expanded to the trails in Kootenay National Park, Banff National Park and Glacier National Park.

The large number of stu-dents also cre-ated transporta-tion hurdles as the availability of drivers with Class 4 drivers licences became an issue along with the steady increase in the cost of fuel. Other challenges included the training of sufficient chaperones with first aid certifi-cation, the rising costs for national parks camping fees, hiking permits, vehicle per-mits and increasing Alpine Club of Canada

John Arnold at 16

John Arnold at 51

Mount LeFroy Abbot Pass

Lake O’Hara (foreground) is only one of many Outdoor Ed locations for today’s OKM students.


camp cookware, stoves, tents, outdoor clothing and boots. If you wish to make a cash donation, please contact Mr. Michael Ross at [email protected] or through the school office at 250-764-4185 during business hours.

Len McFarlane is an Okanagan Mission resident and publisher of The Okanagan Mission Review.

fees for the use of their huts.It is only through the dogged persever-

ance of teachers like Doug Gillett, and the outstanding support from parents and administration staff that this program has been so consis-tently successful.

Today

Despite Doug Gillett’s retirement in 2009, the Lake “O” pilgrimage to the Rock-ies lives on. Students now graduate in grade 12 and provincial exams have necessitated mov-ing the program from June to September.

“There are no signs of diminishing sup-port for Lake O”, says Mr. Ross. “The grads of 2012 were the largest group ever with 137 participants. There were 17 different groups with 38 chaperones.”

Bri Little (17) was one of this year’s participants. “I was part of a small group of eight with six students and two chap-erones,” she says. “We climbed to the summit of the Floe Lake Trail in Kootenay National Park.” With a grade elevation of 696 metres including some very steep sections this was one of the more difficult routes. “I loved it,” she says.

As remote as these trails can be, it is not unusual to meet hikers from around the world who have travelled great dis-tances to enjoy the beauty and ruggedness

of our Rocky Mountains. “We met one elderly couple who had been hiking together for many years”, says Bri, “They couldn’t get over how young we all were to be taking on such a difficult trail.”

On a separate occasion they came across an Israeli soldier who had heard about

the Floe Lake Trail through a Vancouver firefighter. “He was there to challenge him-self,” says Bri, “and expressed his shock when he discov-ered that there were over a hundred of us from the same school.”

Encounters like these are not uncommon. “We learned a lot about his home country that day,” says Bri, “and an appreciation for our good fortune in living where we do.”

Looking ahead

“We have already begun preparing for

the 2012/2013 trip,” says Mr. Ross. “Meet-ings with our grade eleven students and parents (over 100 students have already signed up) are underway and we will soon be holding information sessions on gear, mountain safety and menu planning plus getting them started on route planning, fitness hikes and first aid training.”

Meeting the Costs

A large part of the preparation is in the organizing of fund raising, since costs have risen so dramatically, and with the recent loss of lottery funding and provin-cial government travel programs parents must come up with approximately $300 per child.

Everyone agrees that it is fundamental that no student be denied participation

due to costs or the availability of equipment. Fund raising has therefore become a criti-cal factor in the success of the program.

“We ask that you save your recyclables for our annual bottle drive,” says Mr. Ross. “Please keep a look out for our flyers in May for more

details.” The organizers have great pride in knowing that no student has been denied the “Lake O” experience due to lack of funds.

The program is also accepting used sleeping bags, sleeping mats, backpacks,

Bri Little in 2012

Mr Ross in 2012

outdoor education 12 - lake o’haraCourse obectives

#1 - to gain real world experiences.#2 - to learn about the environment and human impact on that environment.

outdoor education 12 - lake o’haraCourse obectives

#3 - to enhance student leadership skills for the remainder of their lives.#4 - to enhance and further develop students’ interpersonal communication skills.

This was a life-changing moment for these OKM students and chaperones on the top of Abbott Pass in 1981.

With a week’s worth of food and supplies on their backs a group from this year’s grad class manoeuvre over a precarious creek crossing .

For all yourSpring Gardening needs.

located at the corner of Benvoulin and Pioneer

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#201 - 1583 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A7Bus: 250-861-8440 Cell: 250-862-4685

Email: [email protected]

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Residential, Commercialand Development Property

Real Estate Appraisal & Consulting


Dig deep into the last hundred years or so of Kelowna’s history, and the Browne name will pop up with resound-ing frequency. The Brownes are con-sidered, and rightfully so, the leading family in the evolution of the local media world. They pioneered both radio, in the 1930s, and later television, in Kelowna. But their influence and interests reached far beyond the operation of their media outlets. Check the history of the Kelowna Airport, for example, and you’ll find that Jim Browne was also instrumental in keep-ing the fledgling facility operating after World War II.

Big Jim Comes to Town

The Browne Family is now headed by Jamie Browne, currently a local devel-oper. His grandfather, J.W.B. Browne, was known around town as “Big Jim,” a reflection of his 6 foot, 225 pound stature. Of British descent, Big Jim had fought as an under-aged soldier in the Boer War, ar-riving in B.C. in the first part of the 1900s. Jamie’s grandparents came to Kelowna in 1914, after marrying in Vancouver. His grandmother, Tryphena, and Big Jim started The Oil Shop, reflecting J.W.B.’s passion for all things automotive. The store was Kelowna’s first Imperial Oil and

Goodyear outlet. Within about a year of their arrival, Jamie’s father J.H. (Jim) Browne was born.

The Birth of CKOV Radio

Jamie recollects his family’s initial foray into the broadcasting industry.

“Prior to the start of CKOV in 1931, there was an amateur radio club, 10-AY, with a small transmitter. My grandfather was very involved and it was run by community volun-teers. When my grandfather applied for a commercial license, the club agreed to give up 10-AY to allow for the operation of a full time radio station, which was the first in the Okanagan,” he says.

Jamie’s grandfather started that station on the heels of the great

depression, a time when few new business start-ups were being attempted. But Big Jim saw the need for the sharing of infor-mation throughout the Okanagan Valley, foreshadowing the advent of World War II, when the station played a very prominent role in keeping valley residents informed. Big Jim was also a natural entertainer, and was heard often on the radio station.

“My grandfather loved poetry and musicals...both he and my grandmother were very musical. But the music gene definitely skipped my father and I,” Jamie laughs.

Big Jim suffered lingering health problems from his service during the Boer War. His son, J.H., Jamie’s father, was a gifted technician and initiated many first-of-its-kind technological innovations during the radio station’s evolution. J.H.’s self-taught skills were often sought after in larger cities across Canada.

“My father was a very good broadcast engineer,” Jamie recalls. “He also loved ranching. He’d bought the Crawford Ranch (now Crawford Estates) and was running it until 1950, when he gave it up to become general manager of CKOV.”

The Birth of CHBC TV

Television was introduced to Canada in 1952, and it immediately piqued J.H.’s

Jim Browne with Bill Carruthers of CKOV announces the Milk for Britain Campaign in 1942.

the brownes expanded kelowna’s horizons through radio and tv.

Community Report | by Deanna Merrick

mission media family

4600 Lakeshore Road250 -764 -7344

Open Monday to Saturday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sunday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

sunshinemarket

your ne ighbourhoodgrocery s tore

WE CATERSchools, business lunches, party trays, events!!

FISH AND CHIPSAuthentic English Style Fish and Chips - served daily from 3:00 pm until closing.

FROM OUR INHOUSE SMOKEROur own brisket and hams- always .99 per 100 grams

BANK MACHINEBMO bank machine now in service.

WE ALSO SELL - stamps, fresh flowers

and Garbage Tags for extra garbage

Jim Browne with his wife Tryphena in 1939.

interest. Big Jim died in 1954 and shortly after that, J.H. became involved with the development of CHBC-TV in 1957.

“My dad took on the TV station for the technical challenge. By the mid-1950s, there were radio stations in Kelowna, Pent-icton and Vernon, and they knew television was coming. The broadcasters had what it took; they knew about licensing and so forth. Dad was the driving force. He also started Kelowna’s first FM station in 1964 and was the first person outside Vancouver and Toronto to do so,” says Jamie.

Jamie Joins the Station

By the late 1960s, Jamie too was involved in the operation of CKOV and he became general manager in the 70s, where he honed his skills on the job.

“At times it was a real struggle,” he remembers. “There were not a lot of broadcast schools, teaching you how to run this kind of business. But I enjoyed it, and I loved the fact that there was a sense that we were an important part of people’s lives. It was far more personal and important than it is today.”

By the 1980s, Jamie says that the regulatory requirements for operating radio stations were becoming increasingly burden-some. Around that time, the Browne family received an out-of-the-blue offer to sell the business. The family and their accoun-tant came to the conclusion that it was a good time to sell, and so they did.

Jamie is currently a developer of residential properties in and around the Okanagan. Spend a few moments with him and it’s quickly evident that he still has his finger on the pulse of this community and cares very much about the people here.

Deanna Merrick is a freelance writer who lives in Okanagan Mission.

Original owner of CKOV RadioJ.W.B. “Big” Jim Browne in 1956

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Community Event Report | by Myrna Nelson

mission Painters shoW and sale

The Mission Painters invite you to their show and sale on May 12th & 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days at the Mission Activity Centre, 4398 Hobson Rd., Kelowna.

The Mission Painters group started in 1978 with seven founding members. Their first show was in 1985 and there have been many shows at various venues throughout the years. There are members who have been painting from the time they could hold a brush in their hand to members who are begin-ners. This is a diverse, but close-knit group that paints on Wednesdays at the Centre.

The membership number at the moment is 26 and the group welcomes interest.

Members work in various mediums

including watercolours, acrylics, oils and collage.

The subject and styles in the works are as interesting as their creators. Visitors to the show and sale will find paintings of landscapes, animals, archi-tecture and florals, in styles that range from representational to impressionist to abstract. Original and print greeting cards will also be for sale by individual members.

There will be refreshments and a door prize at the show. The shows are always well-attended and when the weather permits, the group displays some of the exhibits outdoors. It is a must see for residents and tourists alike.

Myrna Nelson has been a member of the Mission Painters for 11 years.

Bernice James getting started on a new painting.

Come out and see art works as diverse as the group’s members.

Myrna Nelson

The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival is coming May 4 through May 13, and Okan-agan Mission residents don’t have to travel far to enjoy some of the finest experiences the event has to offer. Unique activities, wonderful wines and fine foods are served up in the area’s most spectacular settings.

From May 4 to 13, stop by the Wild Apple Restaurant at Manteo Resort for Chef Bernard’s Dinner on the Lakefront. Enjoy a two-course dinner and a glass of award-winning wine for only $39.00. Reservations are recommended.

On May 5, it’s time to sample the unique beauty of four of Okanagan Mission’s finest wineries at Discover the Lakeshore Wine Route; Cherish our Heri-tage. This one is truly a best buy – you’ll enjoy an array of food and wine pairings featuring award-winning Rieslings and

Pinot Noirs at only $20 per person for all four wineries, includ-ing CedarCreek, St. Hubertus, Summer-hill and Tantalus.

Another don’t miss is Cabana Bar & Grille’s Gourmet and Grapes on May 6, a great event for mix-ing, mingling and grazing, featuring food from six of the region’s finest restaurants. Famed local winemaker Howard Soon will be there with his acclaimed Sandhill Wines, along with Gray Monk, Burrowing Owl, Church & State and a host of other great Okanagan wineries. Also included is Round 7 of Iron Chef Okanagan, which will be filmed, narrated and broadcast

throughout the evening. There is a long list of events held daily

during the spring Okanagan Wine Festival. Check www.thewinefestivals.com for a complete list of events and information on purchasing tickets.

Deanna Merrick is a freelance writer who lives in Okanagan Mission.

Community Events | by Deanna Merrick

sPring Wine festival

great deals, fine wine and palate pleasers.

A golden opportunity to taste all our Okanagan Mission wines.

Saturday, May 5

Okanagan Mission Seniors SocietySarsons Centre, 4398 Hobson Road

Regular Weekly Activities250-764-7642

3rd tuesday every month at 11:00 amsask. retired teachers

for information phone the Centre during the time listed for the

activity that interests you.

Monday 9:00 Quilting 2:15 Gentle YogaTuesday 9:30 Keep FitWednesday 9:00 PaintingThursday 9:00 Crafts 1:00 Mixed BridgeFriday 9:30 Keep Fit 1:00 Cribbage

March 29 Brandon Isaak & Keith PilotMarch 31 The David Vest TrioApril 9 Connie KaldorApril 30 Erica Sigurdson (comedian)May 16 Rick Fines & Carlos del Junco

250-764-23014638 lakeshore road

www.minstrelcafe.com

voted best place to eatand hear live music!

Mission PaintersArt Show and Sale

Saturday, May 12 & 1310:00 am to 4:00 pm

Mission Activity CentreCorner of Sarsons and Hobson


TICKETS: $30/Adult, $10/Student - Rotary Centre for the Arts (250) 717-5304, 421 Cawston Ave. Kelowna, BC or www.SelectYourTickets.com For show details visit www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com

www.sweetlife.com

UBUNTU The Cape Town Project

HIGH BAR GANG“Roots Supergroup”

- North Shore News

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) Apr

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Inside some Kettle Valley homes, there are some neighbours whom you’ve probably not met yet. You likely will not see them, since they live indoors all the time. They don’t go for walks, and you won’t hear them. These neighbors, in the care of their humans, are Kettle Valley’s house rabbits.

It may surprise you that the domestic rabbit is the third most popular house-hold pet in North America, preceded, as you might guess, by cats and dogs. They are a different genetic variety than their wild cousins. With a little patience, most domestic rabbits can be litter-box trained. They are intelligent, curious and entertaining pets. Much of the joy of having a house rabbit in your family is simply watching your bunny explore and have fun. A happy bunny will often do a

“binkey,” which is a maneuver of jumping high into the air, often at a run, and twisting about as if a gym-nast. A key element with a house rabbit is earning the rabbit’s trust. Most rabbits do not like being picked up, but will sit next to you on the floor or chesterfield to enjoy a petting session.

A rabbit’s schedule fits well with the schedules of most families. Bunnies are active in the morning when daylight comes. They are also active in early eve-ning. At these times, they enjoy super-vised time out of their indoor hutch. The hutch is best placed in a quiet area of the house, perhaps an extra bedroom, or in a utility area, not in the isolated garage. The rabbit’s play area should be “bunny-proofed,” meaning it has been made clear of electrical, phone, and computer cords,

or that such cords have been made safe with a covering. A folding wire exercise pen, available at pet stores, is an ideal way to limit the area of play so that your bunny can be supervised.

A healthy rabbit diet is really very simple. Unlimited good quality Timothy hay is a must. Certain greens, such as a handful of romaine lettuce and cilantro, should be offered morning and evening. You would be surprised to see how quick-ly your rabbit will go back to his or her hutch when the greens are placed inside. About a quarter cup of Timothy hay-based pellets each day is a good supplement.

The digestive system of a rabbit is very sensitive, so various treats are not recom-

long-eared loved ones

Community Pets | by Bob Sherman

Consider a bunny as a furry household friend.

The Shermans’ Dutch Dwarf Sunshinehas been with them for over 3 years.

mended. The Bugs Bunny myth has bun-nies constantly eating carrots; the reality is that carrots are too high in sugar content and can cause severe digestive problems for a rabbit. Vegetables such as cabbage cause gas and can be fatal.

Our three house rabbits all have distinctive personalities. When one pays attention to the non-verbal cues offered by house rabbits, they often can tell you what they want.

Our Dutch Dwarf, Sunshine, has been with us since he was 12 weeks old. He had been dumped at an apartment com-plex by some uncaring individual.

Lucky Bunny is our shy black rabbit. We volunteer helping main-tain a TRACS Rabbit Sanctu-ary, and while cleaning one day, noticed an extremely lethargic rabbit. We took him to our rabbit veterinarian and he was diagnosed with a life-threatening parasite infection. He came home with us and we brought him back to health. As you can imagine, he

won our hearts and is liv-ing with us.

Honey Bunny is another rescue. We rescued her at the place where she was being kept; they could not deal with her cage-aggressive behavior of grunting and nipping. We learned she had not been spayed, and reasoned that this, plus a false pregnancy, was the root of the behavior. We had the spaying done and this high energy Brit-tania Petite is now a constant joy to watch and enjoy her interaction.

There are other rabbits in Kettle Val-ley. One lives near the Town Centre and was adopted by a family as a result of our TRACS Rabbit Advo-

cates Forever Homes adoption program. A wonderful family gave Mushroom a forever home, and has told us that Mush-room has changed their home in a most

positive way. In another family, Mom and Dad have high stress jobs, and their house rabbit named Elliot has been a great addi-tion to their family, and quite spoiled by their daughter Peyton.

If you think you might be interested in a new long-eared family member, please do some research and learn what these pets are about. They are a commitment. They are not suitable for very young children. Rabbits can be the right pets, for the right reasons, in the right home. Please give us a call if we can be of any assistance. We would be most pleased to help you in any way possible in consider-ing a new family member.

Bob and Marie Sherman are Kettle Valley residents and can be reached at 250-764-0775.

Phone: (250) 869-8487Website: www.lakelandoil.ca

Mission Owned, Valley Wide Service

When you call Lakeland Oil for your next Farm Diesel or Gasoline Delivery, we’ll take care of your needs within 48 hours.

Ask about our Monthly Lube Specials.

TRACSThe Responsible Animal Care Society

is a registered, non-profit charity dedicated to the kind and

compassionate treatment of all living beings.

www.tracs-bc.ca

a healthy rabbit diet is really very simple. good quality timothy hay is a must.

Bunny-mom Paige with Mushroom.

Bob Sherman


It’s time to stretch out in Okanagan Mission.

Okanagan Mission Activity Centre 4398 Hobson Road Cedar Creek Centre 5160 Chute Lake RoadMission Sportsfields Gordon Drive & Lexington Drive

kelowna.ca/recreation

Join any of the various courses, available for all ages, from Adventure Bootcamp to Zumba offered at the following locations.

Spring is here and so are a multi-tude of programs offered by the City of Kelowna Recreation & Cultural Services.

Did you know that activities for every member of the family are available in your neighbourhood?

Here are some of the locations in Okanagan Mission:

Cedar Creek Centre (formerly the Ce-dar Creek Firehall) offers a wide variety of programs by enthusiastic instructors and the Centre is available for rentals, too.

The City of Kelowna programs offered for spring are:

Mini Chefs and Rhyme, Rhythm & Romp for 2-3 year olds on Wednesday & Friday mornings. This parent-participation program will allow your child to socialize and experience new things in a fun-filled

atmosphere. BellyFit and

HOGA (Hiking and Yoga) will energize and refresh.

Try some Salsa or West Coast Swing dance lessons so you can hit the dance floor with confidence.

Sports for Life, an introductory skill development program for boys and girls is being offered at Chute Lake Elementary after school on Fridays.

The free Neighbourhood Walk series offers some guided walks in the South Pandosy area. A hike at Scenic Canyon is also planned for May 5.

Angela, our walk instructor, will lead you into areas you may not have explored

before.At the Okanagan Mission Activity Cen-

tre (OKMAC) at Sarsons & Hobson Roads (beside Sarsons Beach), the Okanagan Mission Senior Society uses the Centre to host activities such as Duplicate Bridge, Keep Fit and the Mission Painters, just to name a few, and membership is only $5 per year.

There are also multi-age programs of-fered this spring at OKMAC such as: Yoga for all ages and abilities, gardening work-shops, acrylic painting and a fitness class

sPring into aCtion!

Community Programs Report | by Kathleen Rowe

the City of kelowna offers a wide variety of programs at various locations in okanagan mission.

Painting in the vineyard at St Hubertus Winery is part of the Pleine Aire program happening this spring.

Each year the Okanagan Mission Resi-dents’ Association presents a $1,000 award to a graduating Okanagan Mission high school student. The recipient is selected by the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society based on our criteria of long term Okanagan Mission residency, school and community service, accom-plishments in business, arts or science and the stipulation that the money be used for further education.

The fifth annual recipient of the OMRA Award is Shanna Graham. She joins a growing list of remarkably accomplished young people who have received the Award in the past.

While maintaining a 4.0 GPA through-out high school, receiving academic excel-lence awards for highest marks in English, Math, Drama, PE, French and Science, and regular inclusion on the Principal’s List of Academic Distinction and Work Ethic, Shanna has found time to be very active in school and community service, team sports and volunteer coaching, plus exten-sive involvement in drama and music. She was voted Student of the Year in Grade 9.

Shanna participated in the Peer Counselling, Leadership Excellence and Social Justice Club Programs, garnering Leadership and Service Awards at OKM. She played on the school basketball and volleyball teams and volunteered as a U6 Boys soccer coach. With a passion for the performing arts she was involved in the OKM Mainstage Theatre Company, staging seven plays over her high school years

plus three musical per-formances through the OKM Fine Arts Academy including the very successful Footloose and Hairspray productions. Shanna is a member of the Commercial Music Club and completed her Grade 4 Royal Conser-vatory of Music vocal exam with Honours in 2008. She hopes that the performing arts will always be a part of her life.

Shanna is currently at the University of Guelph in the Biomedical Science program and looking forward to a career in medicine, perhaps specializing in der-matology. She maintains a healthy balance between her studies and social life and is still involved in dramatic arts, one reason why she chose U of G. Next year she plans to join the Student Support Peer Counsel-ling Network and the Frontier College student reading program.

One of the guiding principles of Shanna’s life is a quote from Mother The-resa: “We cannot all do GREAT things, but we can do many small things with GREAT love”.

We congratulate Shanna on her accom-plishments and encourage her to carry on in the same vein.

Robin Tracy is a director of the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association and the founder of OMRA’s annual student award program.

OMRA Award | by Robin Tracy

multi-talented grad

Shanna Grahamspecially designed for people living with arthritis.

At the Mission Sportsfields there will be T-Ball and Kick ‘n’ Run Soccer for your pre-schooler. These activity programs will give your child a taste of how much fun these sports can be and they will learn the value of teamwork.

Children’s dance classes are held at the Kinsmen Fieldhouse along with many adult programs like Financial Awareness, Wild Writing and a variety of fitness classes to suit every need.

Try Latin Dance for Women Only, Family Safe or Essential Self-Defense at the Kinsmen Media Centre on Monday nights.

Lots of interesting and fun activities are planned in your neighbourhood this spring!

Register early to avoid disappoint-ment.

For more information or to register please call 250 469-8800 or online at Kelowna.ca/recreation.

Kathleen Rowe is the Community Recreation Coordinator for the South Quadrant of Recre ation & Culture, Community & Neighour hood Pro-grams Branch for the City of Kelowna.

sports for life, an introductory skill development program for boys & girls is being offered at Chute lake elementary after school on fridays.

fifth recipient of our residents’ association award.

HOGA


1299 Transit Info 250·860·8121 • www.bctransit.com

Service ChangesEffective March 25, 2012

1299_KEL BC TransitMission Review4.75" x 6"Insertion date: March 2012

Reber Creative for BC Transit250-385-5255

City of KelownaDistrict of West KelownaDistrict of Lake CountryRegional District of Central Okanagan

More frequent service to the Mission area begins on March 25.

• DirectservicetoH2Oadventure + fitness and Capital News centres

• Newtransitexchangeat Mission Recreation Park

• NowthreeroutesservingMissionarea: 15 Crawford, 16 Kettle Valley and 17 Southridge

• Latereveningserviceon routes 15, 16 and 17

Visit www.bctransit.com and click Kelowna for new routes and schedules.

Mission has been modified to two-way routes. Now transit users from Kettle Val-ley, Crawford Estates and Southridge will experience more direct, efficient transit service.

The exchange and transit service chang-es are an integral part of the Kelowna Regional Transit system. Project infrastruc-ture was funded in part by the federal government and the service changes were funded through provincial and municipal contributions.

If you want to get active, reduce green-house gas emissions, and save money, then consider enjoying a stress-free ride on public transit.

For more information about Kelowna Regional Transit and active transpor-tation in Kelowna, visit kelowna.ca/transit. To view the Transit Future Plan for the Central Okanagan, go to bctransit.com/transitfuture.

Summer Bracey is the Marketing & Communications Coordinator for the City of Kelowna.

finally, we can get where we want to go quicker than ever.

Community Transportation | by Summer Bracey

neW mission reCreation transit exChange

Safe, efficient transportation, health benefits and a sustainable environment – these are just some of the benefits of taking transit. These are also reasons the City of Kelowna is excited to announce the opening of the Mission Recreation Exchange, bringing us one step closer to the Central Okanagan Transit Future Plan. The new transit exchange is just one of many projects underway in 2012 to improve overall transit infrastructure and

service. The Mission Recreation

Exchange is conveniently located between the Capital News Centre and H2O adventure + fitness centre and will serve as a comfort-able transfer point to other transit routes servicing Kelowna. The project includes route restructuring, giving residents departing from downtown, Okanagan College and Upper Mission a direct link to

one of the city’s largest recreation areas. The exchange will feature three bus

shelters complete with ample seating, backlit panels for customer comfort and solar-powered streetlamps.

By restructuring routes, the previous bus loop that went around the Upper

A new route, #17 Southridge, has been added to the Kelowna Regional Transit System.

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4600Lakeshore Road

(beside Sunshine Market)

4600 Lakeshore Rd. (beside Sunshine Market)

250-764-2900

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A message fromSTEVE THOMSON

I would be pleased to meet with you to discuss any issues or concerns you have regarding the Provincial Government. Please call the office for an appointment and I will

do my best to accommodate you. Or, feel free to send me an email at the address noted below.

Province of British ColumbiaSTEVE THOMSON

MLA KELOWNA MISSIONOffice: 250-712-3620

E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected] 250-681-1948

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When many of us hear the term legume, we immediately think of canned brown beans (actually, mostly Boston beans--”brown” is from the sauce recipe). The different types of legumes far exceed this definition and are quite staggering. Lima beans, black-eyed peas, Boston beans, chick peas, field peas, green beans, green and yellow peas, red, black and white beans, mung beans, lentils, soy beans, Fava beans, kidney beans, snow peas, even peanuts are just a few on the list of legumes.

Legumes are plants in which seeds grow in pods. They are low fat, low sugar, low cholesterol (heart-healthy), high-fibre, high-protein complex carbohydrates (good) and packed with vitamins and minerals. Some legumes such as soy beans contain saponins, an anti-inflammatory that helps protect against cancer and low-ers cholesterol. And that’s just the start from a nutritional point of view.

Legumes are also cheap, especially when you buy them dried. They’re versatile and can be used in everything from chili to soup to curry and even desserts and more inventive recipes. Legumes are a good substitute for animal protein, especially when combined with rice, bread or tortillas. They can

make you feel full and help with constipa-tion.

So what’s not to like? A lot of people complain about flatulence, but this can be avoided with a product like Beano.

I will be the first to admit I don’t eat legumes all the time, but I certainly do have my favourite recipes. The easier and tastier, the better. All it takes is some cooking and seasoning time. Most recipes are available on the Internet or in some bean-specific cookbooks, so check them out. But you probably already know how to make a few classics on your own. I am a cook-to-taste kind of person, so I look up a basic recipe and then improvise on my own.

Soaking dried beans reduces cooking time. The bigger the bean, the longer the soak. Not over-night, though, they might ferment. The best advice: put into cold water, boil, then soak for 1-2 hours.

Pea Soup: My mother made the best pea soup. She boiled a ham bone in the stock, simmered the dried yellow or green peas, added onions, carrots and some seasoning, and pouf! Instant meals for days to come. I like to make a lentil soup. Same idea. And you don’t always have to

use a ham bone.Chili: A classic in our family. Kidney and

black beans were the basis, but personally I like to use a variety of legumes, such as adding brown beans and chickpeas. Add some browned lean ground beef if you like or not. Some sauteed onions, canned tomatoes and spice it up to your preferred level of hotness.

Hummus: The greatest dip ever, and so easy to make. All that is required to make this Greek-inspired dip is a blender, some canned chickpeas (garbanzos), fresh lemon, olive oil, cilantro and pressed garlic. Give it a whirl. Yum!

I also make an amazing southern-style peanut soup, inspired by a recipe from Georgia. With the addition of such ingredients as mustard, garlic and curry powder, believe me, it does not taste like Skippy’s mixed with water.

Legumes are wonderful additions to salads, and if you get inspired, you can find recipes that make them into excellent meat substitutes.

Easy beaning.

Dona Sturmanis loves to cook and to edit the Okanagan Mission Review.

This chili contains kidney beans and black beans.

take up easy beaning to improve your cuisine, health and pocket book.

In the Kitchen | by Dona Sturmanis

the lovely legume

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250-763-9300 www.appreciateyourworth.ca

16 Feb 2012 100% V6FILE NAME CC_MagAdFeb2012-V6 DESCRIPTION Mag Ad – Okanagan Mission Review

CLIENT Cedar Creek COLOURS C M Y K PMS 000

PMS 000 PMS 000 PMS 000DOCKET

TRIM 8.125 x 10.5 PIC INFO Final HRBLEED 0.125" SEPS RUN yes

LIVE N/A OUTPUT make-up INDD files

FOLDED PAGE 1 FONTS Minion Pro

Blair Dewan | Principal + Creative Director | 604-732-3343

cedarcreek.bc.ca Kelowna 250-764-8866

It’s difficult to put our 25 years of winemaking

into words.~ We can, however, pour them into a glass. ~

CEDARCREEKWINE

okanagan mission residence association

Documents

okanagan mission review

okanagan mission library

ok mission

upcoming mission painters

mission media family

great spring

new transit exchange

new councillors