okanagan mission residence association

A quarterly newsmagazine published by the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association - Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

www.omra.ca Summer 2010

Celebrating 150 years

Join our anniversary celebration on August 7 - See pages 4 & 12

2 Okanagan Mission Review | Summer 2010 Okanagan Mission Review | Summer 2010 3

From the editor | Dona Sturmanis

A RICH PAST MAKES A RICH PRESENT

Colourful people, fascinating places, stimulating eventsall contribute to the appealing character of the Okanagan Mission.

Contents

Please direct alladvertising inquiries to

Mr. Robin Tracy at 250-764-3141.

E-mail: [email protected] newsletter deadline

August 25

Editor’s Message 3President’s Message 5OMRA Directors List 7Mayor’s Message 8Neighbour Profile 10In the Works 24

Regular Features

Special Features

Celebrating 150 years 12Learn all about the history of Father Pandosy Mission.

Getting Fit 14Making it fun, flexible and friendly.

Tony Bull 16Remembering an upbeat and humorous man.

Business Profile 18Hands On Keepsakes. A charming way to replicate mementos.

Woodhaven Park 19Our regional park introduces a new eco art project.

The Renfrew House 21The Mitchell family restores a heritage home.

Councillor Report 22Charlie Hodge remembers childhood times by Mission Creek.

Tantalus Vineyards 26It’s the first 100% certified LEED winery in B.C.

Chute Lake Elementary 28Students at our new school learn to look beyond themselves.

A Very Big Garage Sale 30A 13-year neighbourhood tradition continues to grow.

It’s only fitting that heritage is the theme of our summer edition. There’s a big celebration for our area coming up August 7. Rather than repeat in this editorial what many of our writers have to say about it inside, I’ll let you peruse the pages.

Celebrating the past...Ron Hallick and Mayor Sharon Shepherd invite you to the significant event paying tribute to the big 150. You’ll thoroughly enjoy Alice Lundy’s informative article on the history of the Father Pandosy Mission. Council-lor Charlie Hodge pens reminiscences of his youth, much of which was spent in this neck of the woods. Stan Chung profiles third generation Okanaganite and Okanagan Mission resident Doug Sperling and his wife Bev who have been farming since 1978. Tribute is paid by Ann and Ray Bostock to the late Tony Bull who was highly regarded and popular in this area. The Renfrew House, home of Paul and Tracy Mitchell and recent recipient of

a heritage building award, is profiled by Rand Zacharias.

Celebrating the present...Len McFarlane brings you up to date on the impressive progress of some local engineering projects. Deanna Merrick reports on the first year of Chute Lake Elementary, a progressive school with a unique approach to nurturing its students. Karen Kelly covers the artful re-opening of Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Park and the fundraising 16th annual Kettle Valley Garage Sale. Rand Zacharias tours the new LEED-certified winery of Tantalus Vine-yards. Barbara Shave profiles the charming new local business Hands On Keepsakes. Cherry Edwards of Kettle Valley Fitness gives you some tips on how you can start getting in shape right now.

I’m very pleased with the variety of stories and writers in this issue of the Re-view. It shows that this magazine is richly evolving, as is the Okanagan Mission from its historic past.

Extra copies of this publication are available at the Okanagan Mission Library.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 Board. It is for information purposes only and, while it cannot be guaranteed, it was obtained from sources believed to be reliable.

Layout and design by Len McFarlane.

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President’s Report | Ron Hallick

DON’T MISS THIS ONE

It’s a birthday party that celebrates our contribution to Kelowna.

We are now into the year of our 150th anniversary of the founding of the Father Pandosy Mission and the begin-ning of the settlement of the community of Okanagan Mission Valley. Relative to the date of our earliest settlers, which was 1860, we can all be described as newcom-ers. Why then should this past event and its celebration be significant to us? Several reasons come to mind.

Over the past 150 years, Okanagan Mission has grown together with its neighbours and amalgamated to form one city. In order for our community to thrive and maintain a fair degree of self-determination within the amalgamation of Kelowna, we need to maintain a sense of place, and a feeling of pride towards our place within the City, and Okanagan Valley. While many aspects of our surroundings can serve to achieve this end, one of the most grounded of these aspects is our history.

There’s Much Pride of Our PastFather Pandosy spent his first winter

here in 1859 near Duck Lake in Lake Country. This location failed to provide the adequate basics for survival, and the winter was difficult to the point of starvation. He backtracked to what was then called L’Anse au Sable by the French fur traders. This translates to the Cove of Sand, referring to the point where Mission Creek empties into Okanagan Lake, creating a large sand bar which

still exists today. Here he found arable land and abundant fish stocks in Mission Creek. “All who know it, praise it,” Father Pandosy wrote of the Valley.

Eli Lequime and his wife Marie Louise were one of the early families to move to Okanagan Mission. Lequime was a Frenchman from Bordeaux who came by way of California where he operated a laundry in San Francisco. They mined in the Fraser Valley, and then walked a trail from Hope to Rock Creek with their two children during the stampede for the

Kettle River gold strike. By 1861 the gold had petered out. Hearing of the valley of L’Anse au Sable from Father Pan-dosy, and who advised

the Lequimes to go into business at his new mission, they packed their belong-ings onto a horse and their children on the back of a cow, and followed a trail to Okanagan Mission. They later opened a store and post office.

In 1892, the Canadian Pacific Railway launched the steamboat Aberdeen on Okanagan Lake. Bernard Lequime and his brother Leon, sons of Eli and Marie Louise Lequime, realized the transportation ad-vantages offered on the lake and arranged to have property they had acquired on the waterfront laid out as a town site. The original map of the town site of Kelowna was deposited on August 13, 1892. Hence we see members of an early Okanagan Mission family founding and naming Kelowna.

This is just a thumbnail sketch of our history; however, we are endeavouring to reproduce The History of Okanagan Mission by Primrose Upton which was written and published by the Okanagan Mission Centennial Committee in 1958. The Association plans to offer this booklet to residents free upon request through our newsmagazine. We encourage our residents to acquire this booklet when it comes available to augment their knowl-edge of our local history. It is hoped this will help create a sense of place and a sense of pride in our historic community, now and into the future.

Cover

Clockwise: Hockey in Okanagan Mission (1908), Kelowna Hospital Senior Auxiliary (1920s), Simeon’s

Auto Stage (unknown date), On the Belleview Hotel Steps (1910).

Centre photo: Motoryclist at Okana-gan Mission wharf (1920s).

Photos courtesy of Kelowna Museum Archives

Continued on page 7

“All who know it, praise it,”

Father Pandosy wrote of the Valley.

St. Andrew’s Anglican ChurchServing the Mission since 1911

Sunday services 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM

4619 Lakeshore Road

www.standrewskelowna.ca

Income tax preparation services in the Mission

3017 Tutt StreetPhone 250-861-4481

On South PandosyCome experience the fun

of making your own great tasting wine.

250-763-8479#3 - 2925 Pandosy St.

150th Anniversary Celebration

Father Pandosy Historic Site on Benvoulin Road

August 7, 2010 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Admission is free

11:00 amEntertainment by Bob Corbett Trio

1:00 pmWelcoming and Opening Ceremony

Chief of Westbank First NationFirst Nation Drummers and SingersMayor of KelownaOblate RepresentativeMLA RepresentativeKelowna Historical Society

3:00 pmSquare Dancers entertainment

4:00 pmOld Time Fiddlers entertainment

5:00 pmMass at St. Charles Garnier ChurchBarbecue and Cutting of the Cake

6:00 pmWhite Sails Chorus entertainment

7:30 pmSilent Auction Winners announcement (Alex Fong original watercolour)


Address:

Name:

Phone:

E-mail:

Postal Code:

I would consider becoming a director of OMRA

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

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 = 470

Okanagan MissionResidents’ Association

Directors 2010 - 2011

PresidentRon Hallick 250-764-8697

Vice PresidentKerry Lomax 250-764-8892

SecretaryKerry Lomax 250-764-8892

TreasurerPeter Pugsley 250-764-7672

DirectorsRon Erickson 250-764-3217Sue Goodwin 250-764-0097Mark Ranger 250-764-7187Mark Thompson 250-764-9357Gary Toombs 250-764-0657Wayne Wolfe 250-764-6430

Web site:www.omra.ca

E-mail:[email protected]

Commemorative Art Proposed for Park

To commemorate this anniversary, artist Crystal Przybille is creating a bronze sculpture of Father Pandosy and native peoples. The Residents’ Association is proposing to the City of Kelowna that the statue be located in the new Okanagan Mission Community Park being planned and located on the southwest corner of DeHart Road and Gordon Drive. The park is now in the planning stage, therefore, the statue could be properly incorporated as a focal point of interest and beauty.

Considering our history, we also argued the proper placement of the statue would be within the historic community

of Okanagan Mission. If you support this concept it would be very helpful to make it known to our mayor and council. Con-tact information is always included in this publication to facilitate just such commu-nications between residents and our local government.

Should you wish to support this proj-ect a tax-deductible donation can be sent to the Okanagan Historical Society at:

Each donation not only adds up, but

works to show community support, and thus strengthen our resolve to have this future timeless landmark placed proudly within our historic community.

We hope to see you at the 150th birth-day celebration being organized by the Father Pandosy Mission Committee and held at the Father Pandosy Mission site on Benvoulin Road on Saturday, August 7th, 2010. Please mark this date on your calendar and plan to attend.

This is a great opportunity to learn about and appreciate our history, and show your support for our historic com-munity. Don’t miss it! After all, the next celebration of place will be the bi-centen-nial in 2060, fifty years from now.

President’s Report continued

The statue could be properly incorporated as a focal point of interest and beauty.

Continued from page 5

Spoil Your SenSeS

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An Experience for All Seasons open year round wine shop & old vines restaurant

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1.800.420.9463 | 250.769.4451

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OHS Commemorative Art Projectc/o Alice Lundy1388 Lombardy Square, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 3S4


Canada Winter Games as we challenge Prince George and Kamloops for the honour of being the host.

Pandosy Town Centre Development in Progress

Pandosy business representatives are working towards achieving their own Business Improvement Area and will be working hard in the upcoming year to obtain more business support. There are many new development projects occur-ring in the Pandosy Town Centre by the Lake including the building of the very needed New Opportunities for Women (NOW) housing project. Please be sure to provide your comments in the upcoming Official Community Plan review about the height of buildings that you feel would be acceptable in all the town centres includ-ing Pandosy and area.

Let’s All Become Water-SmartConcerns continue about the low water

levels throughout the Valley and drought planning by the five water purveyors in our city has been completed. All the water purveyors throughout the Valley have different water sources and despite the city utility being from Okanagan Lake, it is recommended that all the residents utilize water saving techniques in the upcom-ing months. This year there is a goal to decrease the water total and peak use by 10% and beginning June 1 to September 30, there will be odd/even water use re-striction for all residents. Enhanced educa-

tion will continue to be a priority on how to become water smart. Xeriscape plant-ings are encouraged and recent classes on this subject brought great interest from the community.

Acts Under ReviewThe Election Act and the Water Act

are both undergoing review between the province and the municipalities in B.C. There appears to be support for an exten-sion of the present three-year term of council and the school board trustees to go to four years and there is non-support for a corporate vote. More information will be made public as the committees make their recommendations to the province.

Owls Now ProtectedThe Central Okanagan Regional District

board has recently approved a steward-ship agreement to protect the endan-gered Western Screech Owl nests in the Woodhaven Nature Conservancy in the Okanagan Mission as well as along Mission Creek Greenway.

Park Planning Continues DeHart Community Park planning

continues and it is anticipated that the conceptual design will be completed this spring and summer. Depending on upcoming budgets and priorities, it is proposed that the detailed design be con-sidered for 2011 and construction in 2012. This will be a real asset for the Okanagan Mission and broader community.

Book Your BinsDon’t forget to apply for the larger

yard waste bin if that is of interest to you! There is an annual service cost of $6.00 and the application can be found at www.kelowna.ca/utilities. Just a reminder to not put your yard waste in the garbage pickup!

Stuart, Knox and PandosyStuart Park is now open so be sure to

go and take a look. Please also consider trying the new pedestrian and cycling only times up Knox Mountain Drive. Auto traffic is prevented until 9:30 am Monday to Saturday and noon on Sundays as the city analyzes the use of that route by our citizens.

I hope to see you at the Father Pandosy Mission 150th on August 7th!

Father Pandosy celebrations are being planned for August 7th to celebrate 150 years in our valley. Father Charles John Felix Adolphin Pandosy, born in France, settled in the Mission Creek area with a large farm and cattle ranch as an Oblate priest. The first church and school of the region were also built here. He travelled with Father Pierre Richard to ab-original settlements around the Okanagan sharing their missionary work. This is now a provincial historical site owned by the Catholic Diocese.

New Bridge Safe for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Celebrations of new infrastructure that comes with traffic challenges begins with Gordon Drive closures between Lexing-ton and Cook which will occur through the summer months into October while a four-lane bridge replaces the two-lane bridge. This new bridge will enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists as the Mission Creek Greenway will extend under it and eliminate the crosswalks on the roads. West Shore Constructors will be contracting the work for over $4.8 million. The Mission Creek Greenway will tempo-rarily have no access at Gordon Drive and if entering at Lakeshore, one will only be able to walk to the construction area and will then have to turn around.

Gyro Beach Parking ImprovesConstruction of the multi-use cor-

ridor along the west side of Lakeshore Road from Gyro Park to Rotary Beach will take place in the upcoming months as well. Parking changes will take place at Gyro, one of the busiest city beaches, as the original city-owned parking lot on Lakeshore and Richter has been sold and will be replaced by a much larger parking lot at the north end of Gyro Beach off of Watt Road.

We Really Are a Sports TownThe H2O Centre and surrounding

Capital News Centre and sports fields continue to be extremely busy. A new electronic clock has been installed at the outdoor artificial turf partly funded by the 2008 BC Summer Games Legacy. I believe we are becoming a sports tourism capital of the nation!

There is a lot of interest in our sport-ing facilities with the Detroit Redwings practicing at Prospera Place, pre-Olympic training for curling, sledge hockey and women’s hockey, bringing players from such countries as Germany and Sweden, and hosting of the National Wheelchair Curling and National College Basketball Championships. Our staff and volunteer committee have been dedicating many hours to the application for the 2015

PANDOSy BIRTHDAy AND LOTS Of CIvIC PROgRESS

The Mayor brings us up to date on the flurry of local development and activity.

Kelowna MayorSharon Shepherd

A quarterly message from the Mayor“I believe we are becoming a sports tourism capital of the nation!”

The New Opportunities for Women (NOW) housing project on Tutt Street currently under construction.

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Mayor Sharon Shepherd250-469-8980

[email protected]

Councillor André Blanleil250-862-0592

[email protected]

Councillor Kevin Craig250-448-1490

[email protected]

Councillor Robert Hobson250-868-5224

[email protected]

Councillor Charlie Hodge250-575-1674

[email protected]

Councillor Graeme James250-575-9424

[email protected]

Councillor Angela Reid250-215-7714

[email protected]

Councillor Michele Rule250-762-3749

[email protected]

Councillor Luke Stack250-878-4990

[email protected]

Mayor and [email protected]

City Council Contact List

Good 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.


The OMRA board believes that every person has a story. With an Okanagan Mission population of over 12,000 we have many little narratives to discover. This is just one.

Dona Sturmanis, Editor

Doug Sperling thinks about time. He thinks about his grandfather arriving in the Okanagan in 1888. He thinks about his immaculate farm on the corner of DeHart and Swamp that he has owned with his wife Bev since 1978. He thinks about his parents who also farmed, own Pioneer Market, and still live in town.

Doug was born at KGH in 1950. He at-tended St. Joseph Elementary, Immaculata High, and completed his degree at UBC in agriculture. He played football and has been a fixture on the basketball coaching scene in Kelowna for decades. He is a tall, strapping man with a solid handshake. He speaks with the energy and sensitivity of a wise man.

“Farming is about luck. It’s about timing. It’s about location,” he says, glancing at Bev.

“We eat what we grow. We source local products. But living this way isn’t very easy,” Bev says.

“It’s called farmer’s paranoia,” Doug says, laughing. “You never really know what’s going to happen.”

“Try living on one paycheck per year,” Bev says.

But the Sperling family has made the

best of it. They remember the hard times, but they’ve also raised five children who all have found reward-ing careers. They have nine grand-children. They give back to their community in a variety of ways, too.

“In the old days, we used to look to the Westside at night to see if we could spot a single light. Wouldn’t that be ridiculous now?” Doug says.

After the couple met at UBC, they were married a year later. Doug says when Bev leaves the deck to answer a call, that “I couldn’t imagine my life without Bev. She is my equal partner in all things.”

I can hear this strong man’s voice tremble.

“Farming these grapes and selling to wineries like Gray Monk,” he continues, “well, it keeps you grounded. It’s been an interesting evolution these past four de-

cades. There aren’t many of us original farmers left. People want to grow grapes, start wineries, but they have no idea

how challenging it is to make a living.” Bev returns and the topic changes to

the old days. They tell me about the Chi-natown that once thrived in the Kelowna downtown. They talk about the Japanese farmers and families.

“I remember that it used to take all Sat-urday afternoon to walk down Bernard,” Bev says, “because you bumped into so many people that you knew.”

“Things have changed a lot,” Doug says,

“but we still love it here. After the last of the grapes is on the truck in late October, we then have a sense of freedom and gratitude.”

Bev nods her head and smiles. “We love the seasons. We love skiing and enjoying life after the harvest is off.”

“Winter is the fun time for us,” Doug says. “It’s an easy time. There is no sense of urgency. We live by the seasons. One season after the next. I guess time really flies.”

I sit on Doug’s deck and marvel at the valley before us. The shimmering lake. The houses. The agriculture. The stories behind the beauty of it all. Bev excuses herself to attend a meeting.

“I’ve just started watering today,” Doug says. “The fertilizer is done. Now, it’s hand work. Lots of pruning. Lots of hoping for a good harvest.”

“We celebrate forty years of marriage this year,” Doug says. “We work with each other every day. We’re a team. I can’t imagine living any other way.”

Stan Chung’s book Global Citizen comes out this summer. Contact Stan at stanchung.ca.

LIfE IS A HARvEST

Third generation Okanaganite Doug Sperling and his wife Bev literally live off the land.

Neighbour profile | by Stan Chung

Bev and Doug Sperling

“I remember that it used to take all Saturday afternoon to

walk down Bernard.”

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It is hard to believe that it was only 150 years ago that this beautiful Valley of ours was settled. If you look at Eastern Canada with settlement over 400 years ago, you have to ask yourself, “How come it took so long to develop the west?”

One of the reasons, of course, is the vastness of our great country. The train did not arrive into the Okanagan area until the early 1900s and not into Kelowna proper until 1925. Transportation before that time was by boat on the Okanagan Lake, by “shank’s mare” (foot), or by horseback.

Father Charles John Felix Adolphin Pan-dosy OMI (Oblate of Mary Immaculate), born in France, came to the “wild” west of Oregon in 1847. With the uprising there between the First Nations and the U.S. army, it was deemed that the Oregon territory missions should be abandoned.

Under the direction of Father D’Herbomez OMI, administrator of the new territory of New Caledonia (now British Columbia), Father Pandosy OMI, along with his colleagues, was to establish a mission in the Interior. In 1859, he was directed to go to Colville, Wash-ington, to pick up supplies for his travel there.

He was not able to receive much help from the Jesuits because of the weather and poor crops. He did, however, con-vince Cyprian Laurence and his aboriginal

wife Teresa, his brother Theodor, and a Flathead native and his wife, as well as William Pion, their packer, to accompany him into the Interior.

In the meantime, Father Pierre Richard OMI and Brother Philip Surel OMI had travelled via Kamloops to procure horses and more supplies.

On October 9, 1859, Father Pandosy OMI sent a letter to his superior, stating that they had arrived at a place they had chosen for their mission. This first loca-tion had been at the end of Duck Lake, but as they had a very harsh winter (hav-ing to eat some of their horses in order to

survive) it was deemed that they move a few miles south to a more wide open flat expanse.

For both the availability of fresh water and a supply of fish, they chose the lands next to the creek that later became known as Mission Creek. The 160-acre pre-emption was registered by Father Pierre Richard at the Rock Creek government office on November 30, 1860. Thus, the

first non-aboriginal settlement in the Inte-rior of New Caledonia (British Columbia) began.

The Mission is EstablishedA pre-emption was a document with

the government. It required that the ap-plicant had to have a personal residence on the property, which had to be used for agricultural purposes, and the applicant had to stake the property.

The Oblates established the first church, to teach the Catholic religion to the aboriginal population. This church

was built of cedar dove-tailed logs harvested from the property. The Brothers also planted the first orchard, and the first ground crops, built irrigation ditches, and raised cattle and horses. They were not only teachers of religion, but also teachers of agriculture, horticulture, husbandry

and architecture.The Roothouse must have been the

first cold storage building in the Interior. It is constructed of two-four inch cedar logs with air space in between that was filled with earth. This showed intuitive knowledge of dead air space as an insula-tor. This building today is always very cool

fATHER PANDOSy’S MISSION 150 yEARS OLD

Historical Report | by Alice Lundy

August 7 marks the historic birthday of the first non-aboriginal settlement in the BC interior.

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150 years ago materials were fashioned by hand with home made tools.

“In 1954, Mr. Sorenson was going to destroy these structures, but with the intervention of seven gentlemen, and the Father Pandosy Knights of Colum-

bus, these buildings were saved.”

Continued on page 13

in the summer.The Oblates also administered to the

health and well-being of both the aborigi-nal and settler population. With not much help from their superiors, the Oblates had to fend for themselves. Their requests for seeds, clothing, eye glasses, and other necessities went largely unanswered. The Lay Brothers of Surel OMI, their carpen-ter, and Brothers Vernay OMI, Felix OMI and Joseph OMI looked after the orchard, ground crops and the cattle.

There were many other Oblate mission-aries who were located at the mission but the most prominent person was Father Pandosy OMI, the founder of the first non-aboriginal settlement in the Interior.

He never refused a call from one of his charges. He had been summoned to a dy-ing parishioner in Keremeos. On the way there, he caught a severe chill and with his arthritis bothering him, he still maintained that he was going back to his Immaculate Conception mission.

Father Pandosy died in the arms of the Penticton First Nations chief Francois on February 6, 1891. He had faithfully, but not without some complaints, served his Oblate congregation for over 54 years.

This small Oblate of Mary Immaculate mission community had gradually grown to over 2000 acres when it was deemed to have the headquarters moved to St. Louis Mission in Kamloops. Thus, these Oblate of Mary Immaculate lands were sold in 1902 to the Kelowna Land and Orchard Company Limited.

In 1908, the Mission Ranch site of 15 acres was sold to Dr. Paul de Pfyffer, a lawyer from Switzerland. He had planned that the two story frame residential home would accommodate his family of ten. Un-fortunately this structure burned in 1932.

In 1947, the de Pfyffer estate sold the property that held the three cedar dove-tailed historical structures built by the Oblates to Karl Sorenson. In 1954, Mr. Sorenson was going to destroy these structures, but with the intervention of seven gentlemen, and the Father Pandosy Knights of Columbus, these buildings were saved. It took four years to com-plete the transactions from finding the buildings, restoring the buildings and to re-dedicating the buildings.

On June 15th, 1958, this ceremony of re-dedication took place on the Mission site.

Come Celebrate This Historic SiteThis August 7th, 2010, a celebration

of the building of the historic chapel and registration of the lands will take place at the original Mission site at 3685 Benvou-lin Road from 10 am to 8 pm. There will be many traditional demonstrations of quilting, quilling, shake roof building, rug making, spinning and weaving. There will be many displays including a wood-fired irrigation pump. For the young-at-heart, there will be a petting zoo, a colouring corner, and scavenger hunt. There will be some refreshments on site during the day.

The silent auction winner of the Alex

Fong painting of the Mission will be presented with the framed artist’s work in the afternoon. The quilters will have a quilt raffle for those who wish to purchase tickets.

A full program of speeches, a celebra-tion of Mass by Most Reverend Gerald Wiesner OMI, Bishop of Prince George, a barbecue (tickets to be purchased ahead of time), and entertainment are all slated for the day. There is no charge at the gate, so please come and join us for this fun-filled family day.

You can e-mail [email protected] to place your silent auction bid for the Alex Fong painting.

For further information on the event phone 250-868-1269 or 250-763-3458.

Mark your calendarsRemember; mark your calendars for

this FREE August 7, 2010, celebration at 3685 Benvoulin Road, 10 am to 8 pm. for a wonderful day of entertainment.

Alice Lundy was born in Kelowna and graduated from Kelowna High School. She is a knowledgeable and popular writer and historian and is currently the Father Pandosy Mission and Museum site chairperson.

“father Pandosy died in the arms of the Penticton first Nations chief francois on february 6, 1891.”

“Father Pandosy’s Mission” an original watercolour by Alex FongSize 25” x 35” valued at $2100

Submit your silent auction bid to Marguerite Berry at [email protected]

Continued from page 12


The sun is shining, the flowers blooming and summer is here. There isn’t a better time to take advantage of all the spectacular surroundings to motivate yourself towards your personal fitness goals. There are so many advantages we have in the summer months when there is more appeal to being outdoors. The sun in the sky stays up later, keeping you encouraged until later in the day.

Starting out on a program towards living a healthy lifestyle is as easy as going for a morning or evening stroll through your neighbourhood. We have many trails through the Okanagan Mission area on which you can walk, jog or bike.

Joy in exercise is easy to spot in children as they play. Use some of those ideas to bridge family fitness by going out on a bike ride together, swimming at the beach, joining in on a game of beach vol-leyball or grabbing a skipping rope or ball and playing together. Fun is the key!!

There are various avenues to take when considering your start at a healthier lifestyle.

It is sometimes easier to get started when you have a partner or a friend with whom to work out, walk, jog or bike. They help to get you out the door and give you a push in the right direction.

It’s also good to remember that you

don’t have to be an athlete to bike at a leisurely pace or swim at the beach. Get-ting fit does not necessarily mean exercising strenu-ously!

Fitness classes are also a great way to get you to commit to your health. They are scheduled out-ings that you plan into your week. There are a great many classes offered throughout the city through Parks and Recreation Kelowna or other private companies. En-roll in karate, dance classes, yoga, Pilates, or fitness boot camps. All of these are variations from the norm to help inspire fun in activity.

Enlist the help of personal trainers. The expertise in fitness and nutrition, as well as the positive re-enforcement they offer,

can’t be beat. They give you a plan, motivate you, help you execute your plan with scheduled appointments and

then measure your success. You can usu-ally find personal trainers in gyms or hire them independently.

Gyms also offer a great starting point towards a healthier lifestyle. By signing up with a gym, you commit to regularly

coming in for a period of time and are sur-rounded by like-minded individuals in an energetic atmosphere. Being a member of a gym also gives you opportunity to exercise in any kind of weather, at any time, since it is indoors.

Weight-bearing exercise helps to main-tain your bone density and muscle mass. All gyms also have a wide range of cardio equipment to improve and maintain cardiovascular health.

I could go on forever about how living a healthy lifestyle is so much fun in the Okanagan. It is up to you as an individual to discover the perfect start towards your individual goals. A healthy attitude towards activity goes a long way in your personal longevity and quality of life.

Just keep moving!!

Cherry Edwards is the co-owner of Kettle Valley Fitness.

Travis and Cherry Edwards motivate many people to stay in shape.

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“Joy in exercise is easy to spot

in children as they play.”

gETTINg fIT CAN BE EASy

Community Lifestyles | by Cherry Edwards

The key is to make it fun, flexible, friendly and suited to your tastes and needs.

Setting Your

Dreams Afloatwww.DocksideMarine.com

770 Finns Road, Kelowna, BC V1X5B5 • 250.765.3995 • [email protected]‘s Trusted Source for Boat, Motor & Trailer Parts/Service


.

Last year, the citizens of Okanagan Mission lost a popular member of the community.

Tony Bull would have been 81 the day after he left us!

In 1945, Captain C. R. Bull and his wife, Joyce, with their two children, Mary and Tony, moved to Okanagan Mission from the Belgo area. Captain Bull had been one of the first orchardists in the Belgo region (See Okanagan History 72nd Re-port of the Okanagan Historical Society). The family settled in a beautiful lakeshore family home with six acres on Lakeshore Road.

Tony attended school in Vernon and Kelowna and graduated from Kelowna High School. He then went to U.B.C. in Vancouver and rounded out his education with some travels to European countries.

I (Ann) met Tony when I first came to Kelowna, the Christmas of 1944, at the age

of ten. We continued our friend-ship until he left us last summer.

When Ray and I were married in 1956, I was totally surprised and thrilled when Tony arrived at the church with his future wife, Jill Robertson, whom I had known in Vancouver, from at least the age of four! What a happy coincidence.

Tony and Jill settled on lakeshore property in the Lower Mission, where they had their family, four girls and one boy: Kirsten, Alex, Malcolm, Rachel and Pippy (Phillipa). Our children grew up together and, as adults, pursued their chosen careers.

Tony and Jill traded houses with Cap-tain and Mrs. Bull after a number of years. It was a better fit for their large family.

Tony spent a number of years as an insurance adjuster and then became a lo-

cal realtor. He was a dedicated member of the Kelowna Rotary Club.

We spent many happy, hilari-ous evenings playing penny-ante poker (not for money, just for fun!) with Tony and Jill, Gordon and Isobel Hansen and Rod and Viv Pridham.

Unfortunately, Jill, who con-tinued to be my close friend, passed away in 2001.

Over the last number of years, Tony hosted a summer garden party, invit-ing a number of long-time residents of Kelowna and Okanagan Mission. What a pleasure to see so many old friends and acquaintances, and what a beautiful set-ting, overlooking the lake.

One year, Bob DeMara and Ray were discussing how delightful it was to see everyone and the beautiful view. They felt it would be great if Tony hosted a party every weekend in the summer. Ray went to Tony (with “tongue-in-cheek”) and put forth this suggestion. Tony’s reply was, “I’m all for it, as long as you supply the booze!”

The Bull family has been a strong part of Okanagan Mission for 65 years. Mary, who still resides here, has become a well-known artist. We have a sketch that Mary gave us, that we cherish.

A number of years ago, when Ray was in the hospital, Tony came to see him and

REMEMBERINg TONy BuLL (1928-2009)

Community Profile | by Ann and Ray Bostock

This upbeat, humorous man had such longlasting friendships.

Tony at our cottage at Ohama Lake. After the trip up the hill with our son, San, he was in need of “a pint”!

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asked if he could do anything for him. Ray replied, “Just trade places with me.”

When Tony was in Kelowna Gener-al and Ray went to visit, he asked Tony if there was anything that he could do for him. Tony’s reply, of course, was, “Just trade places with me.”

Tony told Ray that when his Dad, Captain Bull, was in the hospital, and a friend asked, “Is there anything I could get for you?” his dad’s reply was, “I would appreciate it if you could get me the Victoria Cross”... a true military honour!

Tony was incredibly positive during his fight with cancer. He had an unbe-lievably upbeat attitude, and never lost his sense of humour.

Tony had such long lasting friend-ships-- pals from his days at Vernon Preparatory School as well as his local buddies. An old friend, John McAlp-ine, from Vancouver, who had known Tony since he was a boy at the school, came up to see him twice, and then to join with so very many of us, to wish him a safe and final journey.

We will all miss Colin Anthony Bull.

At the age of 83 Ray Bostock still has an excellent memory of the Okanagan Valley’s early years. Ann writes it all down.The Bull house was built in the 1920s Continued on next page.

Over the last number of years, Tony hosted a summer garden party, inviting a number of long-time residents of Kelowna and Okanagan Mission.

Summer Reading Club 2010at Mission Library

Reading Rocks! is this year’s theme for SummerReading Club at Mission Library for children 5-12

or who have been in kindergarten, plus the SummerPreschool Reading Program for 2-5 year olds!

Programs on Pets, Stars, Digging up Rocks, an Eco Elf,Rhythmic Rocks, and Wilderness Survival, children’s

musician Will Stroet, weekly book draws on your reading logs, contests, family storytimes, and a puppet mascot

to be won, will all be part of your fun-filled Summer Reading Club!

In-person registration starts Friday, June 25th!For more information, contact 250-764-2254

Mission Library • Capital News Centre • 4105 Gordon Drive


On April 17 I attended the re-opening of the 8.7 hectare Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park off Raymer Road. Woodhaven contains a beautiful trail system and hosts a variety of flora and fauna because of four distinct ecosystems and climates.

The entry kiosk, information posts along the trails and an audio guide (you sign one out and use it with an iPod) introduce you to the species protected by the park and the points of interest such as an historical irrigation flume.

In the early 70s, Jim and Joan Burbridge spearheaded fundraising from the prov-ince, the Nature Trust of British Columbia and the Nature Conservancy of Canada to save Woodhaven Park land from develop-ment. The park, operated by the Regional Parks Department since 1973, was tem-porarily closed to make the trail a safer haven for humans and the delicate natural life it supports.

It is one of the few areas in BC where the endangered Western Screech Owl has a chance for survival. It is worth a visit just to hear their hoots, which start strong then taper off.

The re-opening ceremony started strongly with an introduction to the Woodhaven Eco Art Project by local poet and UBC-O professor Nancy Holmes and artist Lori Mairs and speeches from some of the local dignitaries in attendance in-cluding Mayor Sharon Shepherd, Council-lors Robert Hobson and Michelle Rule.

Then it tapered off as close to a hundred of us quietly and slowly began walking along a trail in single file, speaking in whis-pers as though the woods were a temple and we didn’t want to disturb the natural life being lived there.

You may discover a new natural object installation, a new poem or interesting sculpture at Woodhaven from now until October 31, 2010. There will also be special guided walks, performances and events throughout the season.

I think Michelle Rule captured the es-sence of the experience best. “Fabulous,” she gushed. “In the past, the goal was to keep art as something permanent. Now we have transient art. This is cutting edge and inspires people to try it. There is no wrong way to do it.”

Indeed a park with art is fabulous and it is hoped that visitors will act as stewards of this delicate eco-system.

Dogs, motorized vehicles, overnight camping, open fires and smoking are not permitted. But there is on-site parking, washrooms and regular park open hours.

For detailed information on the park’s features, things to do, videos, blogs, the history, the Eco Art Project, etc., go to

www.regionaldistrict.comand select the “Regional Parks” icon at the bottom of the page.

Karen Kelly is a freelance writer who lives in Okanagan Mission.

Community Report | by Karen Kelly

WOODHAvEN NATuRE CONSERvANCy PARK:

A magical re-opening celebrates an art project in a wondrous natural setting.

Art in the Park

The Woodhaven Eco Art Project is a series of eco art projects unfolding in Woodhaven Na-ture Conservancy in Kelowna throughout 2010 with the per-mission of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and the collaboration of Lori Mairs who is the resident caretaker of the park.

Artists and students will create multiple works of art in the park and in response to the park. The works of art will have minimal impact on the natural environ-ment, leaving nothing in the park and similarly removing nothing from the park. A short film about the art projects and the people involved will be cre-ated.

On May 15, Fairies of the For-est, a puppet play for and by children, took place. Eleven children created plat-dyed, silk fabric puppets that told a story, creating beauty and wonder in the magic of the natural world. The puppet play was created by Waldorf educator Denise Kilshaw with a team of children and helpers.

The trails are well-marked and provide an abundance of options for a quiet stroll in this oasis of natural surroundings.

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Necessity is the mother of inven-tion. Sarah Read and business partner, Rachelle McGlinchey, understand the con-cept. These new mothers and long-time friends needed an enterprise that could provide an exciting challenge for their creative and entrepreneurial urgings while allowing them to be stay-at-home-moms for their preschoolers.

Their bingo moment occurred in Janu-ary of 2009 when Sarah’s friend showed off her English-made silver pendant with the impression of a tiny handprint. “This is a miniaturized version of my own baby’s palm,” explained the friend. “It’s a huge comfort when I am at work. It feels like something of her is with me all the time. My mother-in-law wants one too, but I can’t find anyone around here who makes them.”

A quick poll of acquaintances confirmed what Sarah and Rachelle already suspected – there was an eager market for such jewelry among parents and grandparents. Unlike the ugly plaster-of-Paris impressions, which have been standard gifts to grandmas for many years (or the bronzed baby shoes of an even earlier era), jewelry is utilitarian and fashionable while filling the same keepsake need.

An internet search revealed that the nearest producer was out-of-province. Fortunately, this person was willing to share her expertise with Rachelle and Sarah. She offered to train them if they

promised to keep the process secret. During that train-ing last May, the women learned it was possible to replicate foot prints and other mementos -- like those precious children’s drawings that appear on so many family refrigerators. Key chains with impressions on bronze medallions appeal to men.

Although the process is necessarily hush-hush, the women explain this much: 1) chosen images or prints in life-size are first pressed or transferred onto a special paper; 2) these images are then computer digitized and reduced for molding into softened silver or bronze; 3) lastly, the

pieces are kiln-hardened. Working in sil-ver, the process takes two weeks. Bronze pieces require three weeks to completion.

The women’s new company, Hands on Keepsakes, was in production by October of 2009. A website of the same name was operating by November when they staged their first exhibit at a local trade show for women. Business took off immediately,

and word-of-mouth is still their best advertising.

Orders started coming from out-of-town when the women marketed via the giant online crafters’ site, www.etsy.com. Parents find promotions in Baby Welcome Wagon inclusions, in parenting magazines, and in children’s stores.

Another medallion market opened when a client inquired: “Why don’t you do paw prints for pet lovers?” Sarah and Rachelle discovered a huge market for paw print remembrances among those

who grieve deceased pets. The most unusual custom order came from a horse-owner who requested the repli-cation of a hoof-print.

Clients receive kits with instructions on application of the special transfer paper. Because every finished piece is custom-made, unique, and takes weeks to complete, Sarah and Rachelle ensure satisfaction by bonding with each customer to better understand

individual needs and tastes.Both women are enthusiastic about

the future of their new business, and both concur: “What we never expected was how passionate we would feel about this business!”

Barbara J. Shave is a Kelowna-based book author and freelance writer.

Rachelle McGlinchey (left) and Sarah Read feel very passionate about their business.

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HANDS ON KEEPSAKES

Local Business Profile | by Barbara J. Shave

Every finished piece is custom-made, unique and takes weeks to complete.


THE RENfREW HOuSE

The stately Renfrew House at 504 Keith Road is the home of Paul and Tracy Mitchell. They have carefully restored their home, originally built in 1913, and recently received the Continued Preserva-tion of a Heritage Building Award from the Central Okanagan Heritage Society (COHS). The home was also put on the registered list of heritage buildings several years ago.

The Renfrew House has a colourful provenance and as its name implies, originated with members of the Renfrew family of Canada’s famous Holt, Renfrew & Company.

It all began with George Richard Ren-frew of England who became a furrier and later joined in the evolution of what was to become Canada’s famous Holt, Renfrew & Company. In 1886, G. R. Renfrew & Co., as the company was renamed after George’s uncle, John Henderson retired, was appointed “furrier to the Queen of England.”

George and his wife Eliza had ten chil-dren, four of whom died in infancy. Two of his sons were Walter Charles, born in 1869 and Gordon Renfrew, born in 1877.

It is likely that Walter and Gordon Renfrew built this home in Okanagan Mission together. It is reported that the home was a copy of the original Renfrew family farm home in Ontario, which makes it likely that each brother had a part in its construction. The Renfrews do seem to have a history of working as a family.

The home is quite large and boasts oak hardwood floors on the main floor with

warm, colourful fir flooring on the sec-ond and third sto-ries. Teak panel-ling (Tracy Mitchell reports it may not be original) and fir mouldings adorn the home which still sports original leaded glass doors in the dining room. It is believed the dining room is detailed with cherry wood. The original windows still illuminate the home’s interior. Two bedrooms were completed by the Horne family, previous owners to the Swikert family who owned the home before the Mitchells.

“The moment we walked in, it just felt like home,” says Tracy. The Mitchells purchased the Renfrew House in 1989 when their children were ages 5, 6 and 8. “This is where we raised our family and we started to restore our new, but older, home.”

A former owner, one of the Horne fam-ily, records in a letter that the house “is a very traditional design and despite its size is extremely easy to care for.” The total living space is 4000 square feet.

With her husband Paul a lawyer in Kelowna, Tracy has spearheaded much of the restoration activity. “We started with the landscaping of the property because of the development that was going on around us,” she says. “We’ve tried to restore mouldings, fixtures, pedestal sinks and even the original glass windows, thereby matching the original design of

the home. For example, we put in a path using bricks from a foundry that could match the exterior masonry.”

Tracy continues with a slight chuckle, “When I heard the restoration of an original storm window was going to cost $80 an hour I decided it was time to go to work sanding, puttying with glaze and replacing necessary glass, then painting on my own. I must have gone through this process with 25 storm windows.”

One final historical note. Gordon Renfrew only lived in the home for nine years as he accidentally drowned in 1922 a few weeks shy of his 45th birthday. His widow, Gertrude Constance Piddington Renfrew lived to 91 years, passing away in 1967.

Walter Renfrew came up three years short of seeing the century mark in 1966.

It is unknown how long the Renfrews occupied the house. However, they may all rest peacefully knowing that the home they built is being restored room by room and preserved with loving care by the Mitchells.

Rand Zacharias is a Kelowna journal-ist and book author.

“The moment we walked in, it just felt like home.”

The west-facing veranda of the Renfrew House overlooks a spacious garden.

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A Heritage Report | by Rand ZachariasA 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 accom-

modate you during constituency breaks from the current legislative session. 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]

4600 Lakeshore Road250 -764 -7344

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

Sunday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

sunshine market

your ne ighbourhoodgrocery s tore

SuMMer in the OkanaganLearn to live with life’s simple pleasures!.

YOu can enjOY all your favourite foods fresh from your local, neighbourhood Sunshine Market. We are here for you, ensuring only the best ingredients for all your meals..

if YOu’re tOO buSY tO cOOk, then we have the answer. Our Gourmet to Go department has a great selection of Ready to Serve meals... always fresh, always different, always good.

we have a huge SelectiOn of produce, meats, bakery goods, deli items and all your essential groceries.


It seems somewhat fitting I was asked to pen an article for the summer is-sue of Okanagan Mission Review, which is focussed largely on the 150th anniversary of Okanagan Mission.

I spent much of my childhood not only at the Father Pandosy Mission site but in the Okanagan Mission area in general. Even before I moved, literally, to the banks of Mission Creek, I had traversed many miles of the Mission with my grand-father.

Reg Atkinson was a historian, author, amateur archaeologist, farmer, veteran soldier of the first war, and of pioneer stock from Penticton. As the founder and curator of the Penticton Museum (Reg At-kinson Memorial Museum is named after him) ‘Gramps’ was a wealth of knowledge about Okanagan history with his specialty

the Interior early history, Indian artifacts, and recording local history. He was an active (and I believe lifetime member) of the Okanagan Historical Society-- the same group helping to host this summer’s celebration.

My fondest memories as a child are traipsing around the shores of Okanagan, Skaha, and numerous other lakes and creeks scouring for any signs of early inhabitation. It was Grandpa who taught me the art of river walking to look for artifacts.

Grandpa would have grinned last week if he’d seen Chief Robert Louie of the Westbank First Nations telling me how excited he was with the upcoming celebration of the Father Pandosy Mission

site in August, and how his band would be involved in the festivities. The Westbank First Nations will be involved in crafting some of the historic literature and memo-rabilia that will be available for the public.

The Mission area was an early home for me. I was born in Penticton, moved immediately to Trout Creek, and then Kelowna in 1962 at age seven.

My first Kelowna home was a dream come true as we rented the Maude Roxby house at 2416 Abbott Street. It was a grand home stuck on the edge of a large swampy/marsh/woodland paradise that jutted into Okanagan Lake near Francis Avenue. That former backyard is now known as the Maude Roxby Sanctuary. A

OuR MAN ON THE MISSION:

Councillor Report | by Charlie Hodge

Our 150th birthday inspires Councillor Charlie.

“Many a childhood memory is mine of jumping off Mission Creek bridge into the sometimes dangerous water below.”

few remains of my old tree fort can still be spotted.

My second home was another rental, smack on the edge of Mission Creek Bridge where LaMission Motel now resides. Ironically, I believe it now belongs to the City of Kelowna. In those years, it belonged to a character by the name of Dodo McLaren, and aside from a tiny house, the property also boasted her donut factory.

Many a childhood memory is mine of jumping off Mission Creek bridge into the sometimes dangerous water below, or the annual mind-boggling migration of the millions (literally) of spawning Kokanee swimming up the creek.

Most of all, I remember Grandpa walking me along the banks of the river and telling me how in his childhood days, and the days of his dad’s early years, First Nations people would hunt and fish the river. He talked of Father Pandosy and how he not only assisted the aboriginal people of the area, but more importantly, how they helped Pandosy and his clan during difficult times.

I look forward to August when I will get to hear these stories again, direct from the band elders.

My Councillor Role to DateI have greatly enjoyed my role as a

member of Kelowna City Council, though admittedly, it’s been a hectic and challeng-ing year and a half. The tragic illness and passing away of Councillor Brian Given

impacted council both individually and collectively, and was a harsh reminder of priorities in life. His knowledge, passion and tenacity were inspiring.

The subsequent byelection also placed council somewhat in limbo; however, with the personable and enthusiastic Kevin Craig now at the table, we are moving forward with a full and effective council.

I believe voters elected nine very differ-ent individuals to the governing table, and yet in the big picture, we work very well together. Council is comprised of three women and six men with ages ranging from 20 to mid- 60s. I’d suggest that we collectively represent the broad spectrum of our community, not only by age and gender, but also by education, profession, interests, lifestyles, skills, philosophy, personality traits, and financial status. While we may not always agree, we gener-ally treat each other with respect and protocol.

I am fortunate to sit at the council table flanked by Graeme James on my left and Michele Rule on my right. We are three completely different characters, yet ironically, complement one another in our work. Councillor James and I chuckle at the fact we probably disagree on about 90 percent of the issues, but get along tremendously well.

I like to think I bring a passion, advo-cacy for the average citizen, and sense of humour to the table. During some of our marathon sessions, a little laughter can go a long way.

I am most proud of this council for the ability to work together despite our clear differences during some very difficult times. Council has not stooped to name calling or petty behaviour. Each and every member will fight hard on each issue, then regardless of the decision, approach the next issue on the agenda with an open mind and no baggage from the previous debate.

During the next month we will be fiercely engaged in discussions about the controversial CD-21 zone in Kelowna. I am on record as not supporting high-rises right along our waterfront, and believe the CD-21 zone needs to be looked at with the bigger vision of all downtown in mind.

It will be interesting to see if I can convince enough of my co-councillors of that theory.

Please feel free to call me anytime on any issue. My home number is 250-979-7254. If I’m not home just leave a mes-sage because ... I’m probably at a meeting somewhere.

Have a marvellous summer and enjoy the Okanagan Mission 150th celebrations.

music

art

dance

Arts BlastKIDS CAMP

Arts BlastSumm

er

Two sessions to choose from:

July 12-16 or 19-23

To register call 250-717-5304 or visit

www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com

AGES 5 - 11

Create and project an image, work with brushes, rollers and paint pens to master this art form, without being chased away by large dogs or a night patrol.

Accomplished artists Jorden and David Doody will work with the group to design and create a mural, which will cover one cement wall inside the set shop of the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Register at www.RotaryCentrefortheArts.com or 421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna, BC (250) 717-5304

4:00 - 8:00 PM • AGES 12 - 18 • $95JULY 27 - 30

Learn the techniques and styles of graffi ti and work them into a mural!

drama

Councillor Hodge finds a rare moment to relax in his garden.

“I am fortunate to sit at the council table flanked by Graeme James on my left and Michele Rule on my right.”

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supply interruption during the critical phases of this conversion period and those affected will be notified in advance.

The cost of this project is $1,000,000 but the investment paves the way for the provision of the highest possible quality of water for many generations to come.

FortisBC ProjectIncreasing demand for power in south

central Kelowna substantiated the recently approved site for the new Benvoulin substation on Casorso Road near the Fish and Game Club. This, in turn, necessitated powerline connections across Mission Creek to tie in directly to existing lines along Benvoulin Road.

The decision to go underground was a result of balancing technical, environmen-tal and social factors. There are four cir-cuits planned for the creek crossing; had FortisBC not opted to go underground the result would have been 16 additional

overhead powerlines adjacent to Casorso Bridge.

The result was an impressive project that took place over the winter as Fortis BC installed a record-breaking length of horizontal casing under the creek. It took two and a half months to drill and install the 36” diameter steel tube a distance of 140 metres from north to south beside the bridge from January through to April. The timing of the project was done to coincide with low water in the creek.

The cable distribution duct bank from

the new Benvoulin Substation to the creek crossing will be completed this summer and FortisBC will start pulling the cables in September.

FortisBC successfully worked with the Westbank First Nations allowing FortisBC to use the lands on the south side of Mis-sion Creek for the distribution duct bank and as a staging area for the drilling under the creek bed.

It is expected that the new Benvoulin Substation will be completed and ener-gized in early December.

Lakeshore Drive - Bertram ParkAs I reported in our fall 2009 edition

construction work finally began in Sep-tember 2009 after lengthy deliberations over land acquisition. It was completed in May 2010, one month ahead of schedule which was mainly due to the full coopera-tion of the weather man and his provision of a very mild and snowless winter. The newly widened kilometer-long stretch of Lakeshore Road is now a pleasure to drive since it is now a full 10 metres wide and, despite the lack of designated bicycle lanes, can better accommodate cyclists on both sides of the roadway. It also allows easier access and better visibility to enter and exit Bertram Creek Provincial Park plus better access for property owners on

both sides.As you can

see by the above photo the work is impressive as a corner of a mountain was literally pulled back several metres to accomplish the task. Out of sight of the photo is the newly widened section where the road had previously narrowed down to one lane.

The next phase continues the widen-ing of this section for another 250 metres south and up the hill passing the location of where the photo was taken.

Water Transmission LineWhen the Cedar Creek Pump Station

was re-designed a few years ago the main focus was to provide enough pumping

capacity to feed the future demands of rapidly growing residential development. The thinking at the time was to treat the water at source through an updated chlorination process plus the latest in ultraviolet technology.

Recent thinking however suggests that, in this instance, efficiency and quality would be significantly increased if the treatment were to take place closer to the reservoir. In addition, further research is suggesting that an additional filtration system may be added in the future which would require a fairly large geographical area to implement.

The decision was then made to engi-neer a plan to move the current treatment process from the Cedar Creek Pump Sta-tion to the Adams Reservoir located above the Kettle Valley subdivision. This would require the conversion of a portion of the current water main, which serves the dual purpose of transmission and distribution, to two dedicated lines.

It is this conversion project that will cause some traffic inconvenience over the summer period to residents in the Kettle Valley area when one lane of Quilchena Drive between Providence Avenue and Chute Lake Road will be excavated to install a new distribution main. Similar excavation work will be carried out in the Trumpeter and Hedeman Court areas. There will also be the occasional water

One down and two in progress.

The new Benvoulin Substation will enhance the electrical power supply to ensure Okanagan Mission residents have long-term, reliable and safe power.

In the works | by Len McFarlane

gOOD ENgINEERINg

On April 14, 2010 the FortisBC tunnelling crew breathed a sigh of relief after successfully completing their drilling operation under Mission Creek.

250-868-8801 missionlawgroup.com304 - 3320 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC V1W 4V5

MISSIONLAW GROUP

Joel A. WisemanRepresentation Agreements

Powers of Attorney

Wills & Estate Planning

Real Estate & Mortgages

New retaining wall on Lakeshore Rd. across from Bertram Park.

Due to school traffic considerations construction work on Quilchena Drive will not commence until July.

This map is for general information only. The City of Kelowna does not guarantee its accuracy. All information should be verified.

Cedar Creek Pump Station

Water MainNew Excavation

StellarPump Station

Adams Reservoir

Chute Lake Road

Kettle Valley

Quilchena Drive

Hedeman Court

Bellcara

St. HubertusVineyards

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On a recent Sunday, I made an ap-pointment with the Tantalus Vineyards general manager, Jane Hatch, to see the newly-constructed building that will hold the refined harvest from 50 acres of roll-ing hills on the east side of the Okanagan Valley.

As we entered the LEED-certified complex, owner Eric Savics was unwrap-ping some black-and-white prints taken by Takao Tanabe in 1961 of some magnifi-cent Haida totem poles created by famed carver Bill Reid. The prints were recently discovered and released in 2009.

The gallery at Tantalus Vineyards will be exhibiting these artists along with well-known West Coast First Nations carver, Dempsey Bob, whose masks are scattered throughout the sunlit and expansive recep-tion area.

Tantalus Vineyards is the first vintner estate in British Colum-bia 100 percent certified by the third-party approved and designed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program that recognizes a completely green complex that is both efficient and sustainable.

“Not only are we using new technolo-gies in our building,” Hatch comments, “but we are also completely organic. Our vineyard uses no pesticides and no herbi-cides whatsoever!”

In keeping with the LEED mindset, Tantalus Vineyards is also designing its landscaping with appropriate shrubs and flowers, conducive to the Okanagan Val-ley’s climate.

The estate has also gone so far as to invite Arlo’s Honey Farm, owned and operated by Helen and Rick Appel, to place bee hives in the forest situated on the property to pollinate orchards and indigenous plants and make honey. This very real and co-operative effort took place in May.

“Helen Appel has begun Bee Basics, a line of skin and hand products from their honey. One of those products happens to be hand soap with a honey base that we

will be using in our restroom facilities.”

Tantalus had a pre-opening on April 29 and the grand opening on May 8.

Two of the notable-mentions attending were Kelowna’s mayor Sharon Shepherd and British Columbia’s minister of agricul-ture and lands, Steve Thomson...and of course, many residents who accepted the open invitation to attend this important and innovative event.

The May 8 opening was celebratory, with many guests complimenting the minimally-styled, functional and elegant new facilities as well the great view and the wines.

Change Through the DecadesTantalus, the oldest continuously-pro-

ducing vineyard in the Okanagan is, and has been, undergoing some very extensive changes.

The acreage was originally purchased by the J. W. Hughes family in 1927 when grapes were of the Concord or American type and grown for table use. The Pioneer Vineyard label came into being and the famed horticulturist J.W. Hughes held on to the estate until selling it in 1944 to the Dulik family, which over time created the Pinot Reach Cellars.

The Duliks brought in Riesling vines from the Mosel Valley, in Germany, in 1978, and worked the property for 60 years until Eric Savics, a Vancouver corporate financier, purchased the estate in 2004.

“Tantalus was a name that Eric [Savics] really clings to,” says general manager Hatch. “He liked the idea of a fine prod-uct that would tantalize our patrons.”

The focussed strategy is working for Tantalus Vineyards as their three varieties of wine have been creating a stir through-out British Columbia, and internationally, for the past six years (with no vintage for 2004).

The original grapes are gone but the old Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay vines, planted in the mid 70s and early 80s, are growing on the hillsides with some new plantings occurring as recently

as last spring.As I drove away from the scenic es-

tate, I thought of Mediterranean rolling hills and legends of Greek gods. De-spite the bright, friendly identity of the new Tantalus Vineyards, the name actu-ally had its origins in a Greek tragedy.

King Tantalus was sent to Tartarus for stealing divine food, or ambrosia, from the gods and sharing it with humankind. His torture? To be tied to a branch above a pond of water and beneath a branch of fruit. When he reached for the fruit, the wind would blow the tantalizing fruit out of his reach. When he dipped his head for a sip of the clear

water...the waters would recede.Obviously, the name Tantalus for

this winery was chosen for its positive connotations. What’s wrong with choos-ing a moniker for wine that represents ambrosia that only the Greek gods of old were allowed to appreciate?

I tried the Pinot Noir 2007...it was exquisite...and the Riesling 2007 had the tangy acidity and snap required to remind one of a scrumptious Granny Smith apple. I will be returning to try the estate’s Chardonnay on another day.

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

TANTALuS vINEyARDS

Community Business Profile | by Rand Zacharias

The entrance to Tantalus is on Dehart near Casorso.

Team Tantalus

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“He liked the idea of a fine product that would

tantalize our patrons.”


at Chute Lake, McKay and Spring were forthcoming.

“We are no different than any other school. But we believe we have great kids and supportive families. We are looking school-wide to develop a code of conduct to deal with firm expectations on how to treat others,” McKay says.

Special needs children are fully-integrated in the school and they have teachers’ assistants when needed. Chute Lake Elementary has state-of-the-art equipment; all 7th grade students have a laptop to use.

A Good School Fosters Earnest Students

There are no better reflections of the new school than the kids themselves, and I am fortunate to meet two of the student population, Justin Towill from third grade and Olivia Typusiak, in grade seven. Jus-tin, a transplant from Anne McClymont, is very happy at Chute Lake.

“I like the school itself…the gym and the teachers. Everyone is really nice. It’s an all-round good school,” says Justin, who cites math as his favorite subject. He is also an avid hockey player, who harbours hopes for a spot on the Atom rep team next fall. Justin is involved in basketball, baseball and loves skiing.

Olivia is equally proud of her new school. Her leadership skills are apparent after I spend just a few moments with this outstanding seventh grade girl.

“We have been given lots of opportu-nities and privileges at our new school. We are treated like young adults. I was chosen as one of 15 kids to participate in a leadership program and I am part of the Buddies Program, where grade 7 kids help grade 3 students,” says Olivia, whose future aspirations are focused around drama.

Both of these kids leave you with the feeling that you may very well have met someone special, someone you will hear more about in the future.

Sharon Spring sums it up nicely.“All the students, the parents…ev-

eryone came from other schools. They arrived with a ‘can-do’ attitude. We are all working hard to build something special here.”

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

I walk down the halls of Chute Lake Elementary School with the new principal, Bruce McKay. Two tiny girls flash him toothy grins. A chorus of “Hi, Mr. McKay” follows him as we pass kids, teachers and staff. This is a new school and the atmo-sphere is as fresh as the paint on its walls.

Chute Lake Elementary opened its doors in September ’09. Both McKay and Sharon Spring, president of the parent advisory council (PAC) are very proud of the accomplishments that have taken place here.

The doors of the school don’t open precisely at 8:30. They’re open early, so kids can access the gym and library. Spring and McKay want the kids to feel ownership of this school, and their wish is being fulfilled. The entire school partici-pated in the new mascot contest, with the Chute Lake Shark their proud victor. Kids’ depictions of the Shark adorn the halls.

The most inspirational act the Chute

Lake Elementary students have under-taken so far was to raise enough money to build an entire school in India. From car washes to saving pennies and special events, they raised $8,000, the cost of a brand new school.

Teaching Kidsto Look Beyond Themselves

“In our first year at this school, we are building a culture for the students and a strong part of that culture is looking beyond ourselves. The kids want to give back, both to the local community and the world community,” explains McKay, who held principal posts at Raymer and Rutland Elementary Schools prior to this year.

The online hot lunch program allows students and parents to view menus for the next eight weeks, and parents can choose exactly what their children will eat.

“We’ve had 80 to 90 per cent participa-tion, with meals ranging from $5 to $6,”

says Spring. “And there are a lot more programs. Parents here come from Canada, South Africa, England and the US. They have new ideas and are eager to try new things.”

The Chute Lake Elementary students did a “Halloween for Hunger” food drive along with their fellow students at Anne McClymont School and got enough food to feed 300 families. They raised “Pennies for Peace” for kids in Afghanistan and the grade six students lead the school in the “Hearts for Haiti” fundraiser.

When I asked if bullying was a problem

A SCHOOL WITH A DIffERENCE

Community Report | by Deanna Merrick

Seventh grader Olivia Typusiak was chosen as one of 15 students

to participate in a leadership program.

Third grader Justin Towill likes math, hockey and other sports.

Sharon Spring is the president of the school’s parent advisory council

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“It’s not just a great way to get rid of your junk and make some cash,” says Len McFarlane, organizer of the 13th annual community garage sale, which was held on May 1st. “It’s a great way to get to know people and raise funds for commu-nity causes.”

He says the number of participants in the annual event has grown from 20 to 82 homes since 1997.

Most residents were just selling off their unwanted belongings, but five were raising money for a cause.

Graeme Casorso linked his Chute Lake Elementary School grade 7 students with the ‘Me-to-We’ program to promote student community responsibility. “They have already raised the $8,000 needed to build a school for 25-30 students in India, so garage sale proceeds may be used to add a well to the school,” he said.

Tyra Skibington will use the funds from

the sale to attend a local conference of international ex-perts who specialize in the health care area of her special needs daughter. These cutting edge professionals “will develop a personal plan for the care of my child,” she stated.

Naomi Miller’s proceeds will help send Darby Reese, a 3-year-old “who has had too many surgeries” to a medical confer-ence.

Corrie McRae raised funds to help her plans to be an ESL volunteer for a month at an orphanage in Costa Rica.

Shirley Manning raised money for the Vancouver 60k walk, A Weekend to End Women’s Cancer. “I may wear a knee brace but I still plan to walk in it,” she said.

Approximately 900 people attended the big event this year, many just for the social experience.

13TH ANNuAL KETTLE vALLEy gARAgE SALE

Community Report | by Karen Kelly

Eighty-two households part with possessions, socialize and some raise funds.

Craig Washburn, Erin Washburn and Lori Favell share a laugh over their few remaining garage sale items.

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