Community

SilverStar Mountain Resort recently made a donation from its Play Forever fund to the North Valley Gymnastics Society, which lost its Vernon facility to a fire on Hallloween morning. (SilverStar Photo)

Vernon ski resort fund amps up December initiatives

SilverStar Mountain Resort’s Play Forever Fund has donated more than $140K since 2019

SilverStar Mountain Resort recently made a donation from its Play Forever fund to the North Valley Gymnastics Society, which lost its Vernon facility to a fire on Hallloween morning. (SilverStar Photo)
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.

Ellie’s journey: Rare condition points to critical research need

BC Children’s Hospital shares need for increased research for childhood cancers

  • Dec 20, 2021
Dr. Rebecca Deyell, pediatric oncologist at BC Children’s Hospital, with Ellie, treated for a rare childhood cancer at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to vital donor support, researchers can explore uncharted paths and treatment options for children like Ellie.
(L-R) Les Folles Jambettes’ Vanessa Reyes-Golding, Sarah Leslie and Melanie Shenstone pose for a photo next to a family of snow people displayed at a home on 17th Avenue, near the intersection of 77th Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 18. Photo: Laurie Tritschler

Grand Forks’ Can Can dancers trot out Christmas flash mobs

City residents with amazing Christmas displays were treated to the surprise dances

(L-R) Les Folles Jambettes’ Vanessa Reyes-Golding, Sarah Leslie and Melanie Shenstone pose for a photo next to a family of snow people displayed at a home on 17th Avenue, near the intersection of 77th Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 18. Photo: Laurie Tritschler
Rocky Raccoon, the mascot of the Kelowna Rockets, poses in front of the net cam during an intermission at the Kelowna Rockets vs. Prince George Cougars game at Prospera Place on November 30, 2019. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Shoot the Breeze)

The Kelowna Rockets’ annual Teddy Bear Toss game is tonight at Prospera Place

Saturday’s game (Dec. 18) against Kamloops marks the eighth time the Rockets have hosted the event

Rocky Raccoon, the mascot of the Kelowna Rockets, poses in front of the net cam during an intermission at the Kelowna Rockets vs. Prince George Cougars game at Prospera Place on November 30, 2019. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Shoot the Breeze)
In 1908, Summerland’s first curling rink was located on the community’s drinking water reservoir. The man with the bowler hat was Frank Osler. The Osler family is one of Canada’s most famous families. One of Frank Osler’s brothers was Sir William Osler, one of the world’s most esteemed medical doctors. Another brother, and Summerland land owner, was Sir Edmund Osler, national president of the Dominion Bank (later TD bank). Another brother was Britton Osler, a famous lawyer (Louis Riel trial). Another brother was Judge Fetherston Osler. (Photograph courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Curling in Summerland was once held outdoors

Drinking water reservoir was once used for curling

In 1908, Summerland’s first curling rink was located on the community’s drinking water reservoir. The man with the bowler hat was Frank Osler. The Osler family is one of Canada’s most famous families. One of Frank Osler’s brothers was Sir William Osler, one of the world’s most esteemed medical doctors. Another brother, and Summerland land owner, was Sir Edmund Osler, national president of the Dominion Bank (later TD bank). Another brother was Britton Osler, a famous lawyer (Louis Riel trial). Another brother was Judge Fetherston Osler. (Photograph courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
Volunteer Liesa Howell carries food for the Gospel Mission’s Easter Dinner on Saturday. - File photo

Kelowna’s Gospel Mission serves up Christmas dinner

Dinner will be served at noon on Dec. 18

Volunteer Liesa Howell carries food for the Gospel Mission’s Easter Dinner on Saturday. - File photo
Sid

KCR: Volunteering provides health and safety services

KCR Community Resources shares stories of its volunteers in a weekly column

  • Dec 16, 2021
Sid
Shannon Lake Elementary school in West Kelowna. (Contributed)

West Kelowna students facing middle school catchment shift

Graduating Shannon Lake Elementary students could be redirected to École Glenrosa Middle

Shannon Lake Elementary school in West Kelowna. (Contributed)
Salmon Arm resident Sara Mitchell was able to locate the intended recipient of a gift basket left at her house on Dec. 5. Now the recipient, Karen Whidden, is trying to find the person who made the initial delivery to say thanks. (Contributed)

Delivery mystery: Salmon Arm resident hopes to give thanks to sender

Bouquet, gift basket initially dropped off by mistake at neighbour’s house

Salmon Arm resident Sara Mitchell was able to locate the intended recipient of a gift basket left at her house on Dec. 5. Now the recipient, Karen Whidden, is trying to find the person who made the initial delivery to say thanks. (Contributed)
Staples Vernon manager Jamie Wattie (left) and Leo Campeau of Sleep In Heavenly Peace Vernon hope people will Fill the Bunks with new bedding accessories. Donations of new pillows, blankets, sheets and covers can be made at Staples. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)

Building a good night’s sleep: Vernon group ensures all kids have a bed

Sleep In Heavenly Peace made up of volunteers who build bunk beds for those who have nothing to sleep on

Staples Vernon manager Jamie Wattie (left) and Leo Campeau of Sleep In Heavenly Peace Vernon hope people will Fill the Bunks with new bedding accessories. Donations of new pillows, blankets, sheets and covers can be made at Staples. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)
Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu (second from right) thanks a Vernon Jubilee Hospital employee for their work with breakfast Tuesday morning, Dec. 14. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)

North Okanagan hospital staff spirits boosted with burritos

Harwinder Sandhu, former nurse, sponsors breakfast for healthcare workers to say thank you

Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu (second from right) thanks a Vernon Jubilee Hospital employee for their work with breakfast Tuesday morning, Dec. 14. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)
Supt. Kara Triance of the Kelowna RCMP at the gala. (Impact Tomorrow)

First responders, frontline workers celebrated at Kelowna gala event

The Impact Tomorrow gala was the largest in-person event in Kelowna of 2021

  • Dec 14, 2021
Supt. Kara Triance of the Kelowna RCMP at the gala. (Impact Tomorrow)
In 1958, Vancouverite Ann Meraw swam Okanagan Lake non-stop, without a wetsuit from Kelowna to Penticton (88 kilometres) in 32 hours, 12 minutes — a feat that has never been matched. (BC Sports Hall of Fame Vancouver Public Library Historical Photographs Collection)

The woman who swam the entire length of Okanagan Lake in 1958

Many have attempted the 88 km swim, but no one has matched Ann Meraw

In 1958, Vancouverite Ann Meraw swam Okanagan Lake non-stop, without a wetsuit from Kelowna to Penticton (88 kilometres) in 32 hours, 12 minutes — a feat that has never been matched. (BC Sports Hall of Fame Vancouver Public Library Historical Photographs Collection)
James Dyck (sixth from left), with daughter Cadence Trottier, was the surprised and grateful recipient of a refurbished Jeep gifted to him with a year's insurance by Braby Motors, Fix Auto, Kal Tire and SASCU in the 4th annual Shuswap Christmas Car Giveaway. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)

VIDEO: Salmon Arm businesses surprise former first responder with early Christmas gift

Braby Motors, Fix Auto, Kal Tire and SASCU unite for 4th annual Shuswap Christmas Car Giveaway

James Dyck (sixth from left), with daughter Cadence Trottier, was the surprised and grateful recipient of a refurbished Jeep gifted to him with a year's insurance by Braby Motors, Fix Auto, Kal Tire and SASCU in the 4th annual Shuswap Christmas Car Giveaway. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)
The cold snap has opened more temporary shelter space for Vernon's homeless population. (Turning Points Society photo)

Vernon shelters full, but not turning away homeless

While space is not an issue, Turning Points is asking for Christmas donations

The cold snap has opened more temporary shelter space for Vernon's homeless population. (Turning Points Society photo)
Chains on the tires are required when one takes the shortcut to Naramata on frozen Okanagan Lake. In the early 20th century, the lake would sometimes freeze over in the winter. However, it has been many decades since the lake last froze over. At times there has been ice near the shore, allowing for some skating on the frozen surface. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Boats and cars have been seen on Okanagan Lake

Lake used to freeze over during the winter

Chains on the tires are required when one takes the shortcut to Naramata on frozen Okanagan Lake. In the early 20th century, the lake would sometimes freeze over in the winter. However, it has been many decades since the lake last froze over. At times there has been ice near the shore, allowing for some skating on the frozen surface. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
Shooting for the Stars is one of several artworks up for auction in support of the Okanagan Science Centre. (Roxi Hermsen photo)

Okanagan Science Centre shoots for the stars

Auction to purchase new projector in memory of founders

Shooting for the Stars is one of several artworks up for auction in support of the Okanagan Science Centre. (Roxi Hermsen photo)
A Penticton man found out he won a BCLC Keno ticket from a Nov. 16 draw, banking $60,000 in the process. (Photo courtesy of BCLC)

Penticton man banks $60,000 while waiting for windows to defrost

Jordan Hutton found out he won the Keno prize while waiting for ice to melt off his windows

A Penticton man found out he won a BCLC Keno ticket from a Nov. 16 draw, banking $60,000 in the process. (Photo courtesy of BCLC)
This historic photo is of a Volkswagon Rabbit crossing one of the KVR trestles in 1987. The photo was shared to the Old Kelowna Facebook page by Arlene Hildred, and features her and her husband in the car. She said the trestles are located just after leaving the parking lot of Myra Canyon. If you have photos of Kelowna’s historic past that you would like to share please send them to newstips@kelownacapnews.com to be featured.

A look back at Kelowna’s past

KVR trestles in 1987

  • Dec 9, 2021
This historic photo is of a Volkswagon Rabbit crossing one of the KVR trestles in 1987. The photo was shared to the Old Kelowna Facebook page by Arlene Hildred, and features her and her husband in the car. She said the trestles are located just after leaving the parking lot of Myra Canyon. If you have photos of Kelowna’s historic past that you would like to share please send them to newstips@kelownacapnews.com to be featured.
Cleo

KCR: Lake Country organization seeking board directors

KCR Community Resources shares stories of its volunteers in a weekly column

  • Dec 9, 2021
Cleo