2012
From your
Summerland Merchants Special Supplement to the
December 13, 2012
2 www.summerlandreview.com
Thursday, December 13, 2012 Summerland Review
Focussing on Mary’s son, our Saviour by Michael Colbeck St. John’s Lutheran Church
Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favoured woman! The Lord is with you! Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favour with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God… For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. (Luke chapter two) A blessed Christmas to all of you! When it comes to leading Christmas services, I
would like to think that I have it all under control. I hope things will go as planned and trust that it will all come together. Choirs practice and musicians plan special songs of praise. Children and adults prepare for a Christmas drama. We sing lovely Christmas carols on Christmas Eve, ending with Silent Night with the sanctuary lit by candles. It is all comfortably familiar. I know what to expect at Christmas and maybe you do as well. Light Up and fireworks… houses covered in Christmas lights… Christmas trees with presents… special meals… family and friends… The first Christmas was quite different though. There were no Christmas carols, presents, trees, lights or turkey. But there was a young girl on the verge of womanhood who received an unexpected message from God. Mary was engaged to Joseph when the angel came and told her about giving birth to a son. Even though Mary was devout and likely had prayed for
the coming of the Saviour, it came as a bit of a surprise that God was going to bring the Saviour into the world as her son. She had likely been thinking of her upcoming wedding and having a family down the road.
one… Mary, Joseph, you and me! And Jesus is not just the boy next door. He is the Son of God come into our world to share our journey, to walk in our world and to bring us hope, joy, peace and love. As we approach Christ-
mas, that same love of God which caught Mary by surprise is still able to take away our breath today. May you enjoy this coming Christmas and may God draw you close to him. Have a blessed Christmas!
Christmas carols
Marj Plitt leads the choir from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Advent Celebration at the Summerland Community Carol Festival on Dec. 2. Choirs from Summerland’s many churches performed at the event.
START 2013 WITH A BANG Peacocks Perch Pub
It’s the party of the year, and you’re invited! December 31st • 8:30 pm NO COVER CHARGE DJ Music, Party Favours, Prizes! FREE Midnight Snacks! FREE Shuttle - 12:30 am - 3:00 am
HOLIDAY HOURS PUB:
Still, as much as it was a surprise to Mary, it is more surprising that God would do such a thing. For Jesus, born of Mary, is not only the Saviour of Israel, but of everyone. He extends the love and mercy of God to every-
December 24th - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm December 25th - CLOSED
Our Christmas Story Who: What: When: Where: Why: How:
The Entire Staff Best Wishes In Time for Christmas In Your Favourite Newspaper Because We Love Our Readers With Heartfelt Appreciation
Happy Holidays from all of us at the
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A child is born by Rev. Rick Paulin St. Stephen’s Anglican Church
Christmas is a time for reflection. There are so many memories that are attached to Christmas. These memories can be good or they can be painful. Because it is a happy time of year for most and many are in a festive mood, the pain for some is that much greater. The loss of a loved one, the loss of job and security, the loss of health are all accented at Christmas because of love and joyful and healthy moments shared in the past. These moments are brought back to life by the Christmas tree and presents, sing-songs and food. Christmas centres us on a promise of love and hope. Deep within all people this promise strikes a chord, be it happy or painful the root is the same, a deep and profound love. It is a time when we are not afraid to look the stranger on the street in the eye and say, “Merry Christmas.” We reach out to others at this
time of year more than at any other. We are indeed touched by a spirit that runs deep within all humankind regardless of race, colour or creed. A spirit that unites us all intimately together in joy and pain. We have come to call this spirit the “Christmas Spirit.” For Christians, the “Christmas Spirit” is the Spirit of God. Our God touches us in the flesh by the birth of Jesus who came to be called the Christ, the Saviour, the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counsellor. Heaven touches earth in the miraculous birth of Jesus. Because of its simplicity, it touches every human being to their depths. We can now relate to our great God in a new and intimate way. Yes, Christmas is a time for reflection. A time to discern just what this “Christmas Spirit” is that moves within us. It is a time for those who experience only pain and loss to take hope in the promise of new life through the birth of a child.
Diane’s
Hair Design
May you celebrate the holidays in style with those near and dear to you. Best of everything in the festive season from Diane, Vi and Annette
778-516-5778
10104 WHARTON STREET
Craft work
Carol Barton, left, and Hannah Peter, eight years old, work on a craft at the IOOF Hall during the 25th annual Summerland Festival of Lights on Nov. 30. Organizers say around 5,800 people attended the event.
Susan and Pat would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a happy & safe 2013 Christmas Shopping Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
13216 Henry Ave. 250-404-0392
Christmas
From Kelsey, Katrina, Jason & Staff at
9201 Alder St. 250-494-9054
SEASON’S GREETINGS from Josh and Staff at
Our office will be closed the following dates: December 21st, closed at noon December 22nd - January 1st, Closed We will reopen at 9:00 am on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013
BELL, JACOE & COMPANY LAWYERS 13211 N. Victoria Road, Summerland
from your friends at Susan, Sylvie, Daisy, Cindy, Barb Heather, Jennifer & Angela
9902 Main Street Summerland
To our many fine customers and friends, we extend our very best wishes for a season filled with joy and all the white stuff. Thanks for making our year a huge success! Open until 7:00 pm on Dec 24th and closed on Dec 25th to enjoy time with our families. Back to Regular hours Dec 26th
#1 - 13604 Sungate Plaza
250-404-4241
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Thursday, December 13, 2012 Summerland Review
Preparing your home for the holiday season
The festive season is a busy time of year. Between decorating, getting organized for entertaining and shopping, that to-do list can quickly become overwhelming. To help eliminate surprises along the way, here are some tips to keep the season in check and remind you of something you’d just about forgotten. No need to stress. The best way to enjoy the
holiday is to plan ahead and make lists of tasks and items you can pick up in advance. Be sure to de-clutter communal spaces such as the living room, kitchen and front entrance. Keep your home clean and fresh when the temperatures are too chilly to open the windows. Especially in the winter, stale odours tend to stay in the home.
Prepare for overnight guests in the event that someone has a little too much eggnog. Stock the guest bedroom with and offer magazines on the nightstand. This is the most wonderful time of the year. String lights, hang a fresh evergreen wreath and run garland along your exterior porch to bring some holiday spirit to your home. www.newscanada.com
Parkside Realty
May your world be filled with warmth and good cheer this Holiday Season. All our Best... From all of us at Royal LePage Parkside Your #1 Real Estate office for MLS® sales in town for the past 24 years!! 250 494-0505
Holiday baking
Carla McLeod Special to the Summerland Review
Griselda Evans hands out gloves to a long line of people as they select Christmas baking at the Snowflake Tea and Sale held on Saturday at the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church. rating Celeb 20th our sary er Anniv
Tis the season to be jolly To deck the halls with boughs of holly And so we feel we’re right on cue By sending our best to you!
IN STEP WITH THE SEASON
JOHNSTON • GOODRICH LAWYERS
It’s been a pleasure watching our students learn and grow every step of the way, and we’d like to extend our gratitude to all of you for your kind support. Thanks for helping to keep us “on our toes” this year.
Summerland School of Dance 9316 Jubilee Rd. E. 778-516-5583
We will be closed Monday, December 24 and will re-open Monday, January 7, 2013
250-494-0031
www.summerlanddance.ca
Seasons Greetings Colin and staff would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Holiday.
All the best in 2013. Store Hours: December 24th: 8 am to 6 pm December 25th: Closed December 26th: 10 am to 6 pm December 31st: 8 am to 7 pm January 1st: Closed
Summerfair Mall 7519 Prairie Valley Rd. Summerland 250-494-4376
eviewSummerland Review Thursday, December 13, 2012
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Be.Free by Rick Gay Summerland Alliance Church
Christmas cards. Christmas scenes. They portray pictures of peace, serenity, calm, and silence. And they should. For the message of Christmas abounds with words of peace, joy, hope, and good will towards all men. But there are scenes that challenge our modern day portrayals of the birth of Christ. First, the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem was anything but easy. Second, the appearance of the heavenly host to the shepherds seems to be anything but a silent night. The King James Version uses words like “sore afraid” to describe the reaction of the shepherds. Modern day translations just say they were “terrified.” However, one biblical description of the birth of the baby Jesus stands in stark contrast to all other descriptions. And that is the description of the apos-
tle John in Revelation 12. The imagery in Revelation 12 resembles more the cover of a modern day video game than most Christmas cards. Allout cosmic warfare was waged between the forces of good and evil — heaven and hell — God and Satan. And in the end, God prevailed. Jesus was born. Salvation came to earth. The result is everlasting life to those who believe. Love, joy, peace, hope, salvation and freedom are available to mankind due to the victory won in the heavenly battle that was fought. At Summerland Alliance Church, we have begun a 12-step program that offers freedom from the hurts, hang-ups, and habits that prohibit us from living a life of joy, hope, and love. We meet every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. You are welcome to come. Our prayer for you is that you will experience the wonderful message of Christmas in all of its fullness. God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Festival food
Ron Sanders cooks hamburgers while Tanya Spencer and three-year-old Kenley look on during the 25th annual Summerland Festival of Lights on Nov. 30. The event marks the start of the festive season in Summerland.
Old Fashioned General Store MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR from Steve and Debbie Closed for renovations Dec. 23 - Jan. 7
#101-9901 Main St., Summerland 778.516.5656
Help Light The
Tree of Dreams The Seventh Annual Tree of Dreams campaign is underway. Honour yourself or someone close to you by purchasing a bulb or a strand and help light the Tree of Dreams. The focus of this year’s campaign is to provide Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH) with several pieces of essential medical equipment for a variety of departments including the Surgical, Renal Dialysis, Respiratory, the Emergency and the Intensive Care Unit. The goal is bold but these urgently needed pieces for PRH are critical. We must raise $632,500 by April 2013.
You will be making a difference in someone’s life, maybe your own. Send your Donations to: South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation 550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, B.C. V2A 3G6 Ph: (250) 492-9027 • Toll Free: 1-866-771-0994 Visit us on-line at: www.sosmedicalfoundation.com
Whatever you do, we hope the joys of the season become precious memories to cherish in the year ahead. We’re really proud to be of service and gratefully acknowledge your loyal support. Thanks!
Come Join Us
1st & 3rd Tuesday 12 noon Kiwanis Lodge 10912 Quinpoole Rd.
From Darla, Terry, Dana, Angela & Stacy
Country Cafe
Home Style Cookin’ 250-494-8411 13228 Kelly Ave.
Season’s Best
from the Management & Staff of
ou Y g n i h s i W
Where the Locals Shop! Holiday Store Hours: Dec. 20 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26 Dec. 31 Jan. 01
8:00 - 9:00 8:00 - 9:00 8:00 - 9:00 8:00 - 9:00 8:00 - 6:00 CLOSED CLOSED 8:00 - 7:00 CLOSED
It has been our pleasure to serve you! Otherwise regular hours in effect:
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WED. THURS. FRIDAY SAT.
8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00
-
8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 9:00 8:00
Well
Our prescription for a happy holiday season includes generous measures of goodwill and cheer along with a healthy dose of gratitude from us. We’re really thankful for your confidence and support.
Christmas hours:
December 24th: 9 am - 3 pm December 25th: CLOSED December 26th: 10 am - 2 pm December 31st: 9 am - 3 pm January 1, 2013: CLOSED
9515 Main St. Ph: 250-494-7088
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Thursday, December 13, 2012 Summerland Review
Looking for the meaning of Christmas by Daniel Croft Sonoka Worship Centre
Christmas is approaching again. So Christmas is coming and just like every year there are the Christmas tunes in the stores, advertisements on radio and television, and the mail out inserts that make the mail bulge to overflowing. Does Christmas shopping really begin just after Halloween like the stores
would have us believe? Would not most husbands tell you that Christmas shopping is only a one night event, usually Christmas Eve? But isn’t it important to know why we celebrate this event? What is the meaning of Christmas? So how do we answer the question: “What is the meaning of Christmas?” In order to explore this
question in more depth I asked 20 people this question. Here are their answers: Give thanks to everyone, family, friends, everybody else; time for
giving, peace, Christmas dinner; a promise fulfilled; a time to celebrate Jesus’ birth and give thanks, try harder to put peace and love in the
Thank you for making us feel so welcome. Have a cozy Christmas! Barbara and Sam Gillespie Holiday Hours: Closed December 24th, 25th 26th and 31st and January 1st.
10105 Main Street 250-494-1314 www.cherrytreequilts.ca
We hope your Christmas is decorated with fun and laughter.
P
MERLAND UM
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Keith Quesnelle, manager of McBain Insurance, packs some gifts for Operation Santa Claus. The gift drive was organized by the Summerland Review.
E
Y
S
Merry Christmas to all our families and friends.
The spirit of giving
9535 Main Street, Summerland, BC
250-494-5066
L ESS
O
MO
NT
O RI S CH
O
PR
E S CH O O L
SENDING OUR BEST Christmas Hours: December 24 - 9 am - 3 pm December 25 & 26 - Closed December 31 - 9 am - 3 pm January 1 - Closed
9310 Jubilee Road
250-494-6921
Season’s Greetings Just a note of thanks to our loyal customers and friends. Wishing you all the best this holiday season. Colleen and Sean
world; shortbread; celebration of Christ coming to save us, thinking of others; Birth of Jesus; a really, really busy time for musicians; time of thinking of other people and a giving time; a celebration of birth of Jesus Christ; love and friendship found in the church; peace, love and joy; celebrate Christ’s birth; family; retrospection and anticipation; celebration of love; thankful we can all be together; outpouring of unconditional love of mankind; getting together with family every other year; the giving of scotch; being thankful for all we have in this world. When we look at these individual answers to this question it is interesting to note that the consumerism that we hear so much about is not present in this list. Family, thankfulness, friendship, peace, and love are the most conspicuous associations in the minds of these people. Giving and family gathering together is important. There is no mention of the busyness of pre-
paring the house and our schedules, nor about the crowds in stores. It is also important to note that the underlying thought in this list is the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus the Christ which we celebrate on Dec. 25 every year. This child, Jesus Christ, who was born to us, is God’s example of giving. The greatest gift ever given is to teach us how love is to be shared. Love, this is the greatest gift that we give each other. In fact that is the gift that we give as we gather with our family and friends as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. As you gather with family and friends at Christmas give thanks for all the blessings that we share. Please join Sonoka Worship Centre on Christmas Eve on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. in the United Church as we gather to celebrate Jesus’ birth. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Sonoka Worship Centre to wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
a & a MINI STORaGE & Wine Cellar Happy Holiday Season Best Wishes in 2013
from Cy & Lorraine Taylor
9400 Cedar Ave. phone/fax 250-494-5444
as Chrisstm Wisheof furso.m all May you share in the wondrous joys of this special season MLA: Hon
Bill Barisoff
Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. So that we may enjoy our families and community this holiday season our holiday hours will be; Monday, December 24th: 9 am - 5:30 pm Monday, December 31st: 9 am - 5:30 pm We will be closed December 25th, December 26th and January 1st On January 2nd, we will be open to greet you and 2013 from 9 am - 8 pm
Constituency Office: 210 - 300 Riverside Drive Penticton, BC V2A 9C9
Summerland Medicine Centre
Phone: 250.487.4400 Fax: 250.487.4405 Toll Free: 1.866.487.4402
#100-13009 Rosedale Ave. Pharmacy: Over! Come on 250-494-0531
Email: bill.barisoff.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.billbarisoffmla.bc.ca
®
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Seeing the signs of the Advent season Holy Child Catholic Church
The song begins “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go.” We see the evidence of its arrival everywhere; in the windows of stores, in the full parking lots of the malls, in the folds of the newspapers filled with flyers and on the television commercials. We see signs of the coming of Christmas on our main street and on streets around the community in the form of lights strung on roofs and trees. The external signs are all there, but it’s inside of us that we must look for evidence of Christmas. The season of Advent is here, the season of preparation and anticipation. It’s a time for Christians to turn their hearts
to God in anticipation of the great celebration of the birth of His son. It’s the season for reflecting on the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary in the humblest of places. Emmanuel, God with us. What will you do to honour that gift? The external signs of Christmas have overwhelmed us and sometimes we feel that we can’t shake ourselves free. There is so much shopping to be done, so many events to attend, so many expectations to live up to. The silence and clarity we need become even harder to find in these frantic weeks. We have all been given the most wonderful gift this Christmas. A child came down from heaven to be with us, to show us the way to live and to love. Jesus has
Thank you to all our past and recent supporters who, along with our volunteers and committee members, have worked so hard to make the camp a reality. Agur Lake Camp is a barrier free wilderness experience for people with special needs and their families. We are located just 15 km west of Summerland but welcome guests from throughout the province of British Columbia.
e Enjoy th Holiday Season!
been with us for over two millennia and he comes to us in the Mass in the
form of bread and wine, body and blood, and in the faces of those we
encounter every day. That’s the gift that we must look for under our
tree. Find that silence and clarity and you will find the gift.
The sounds of Christmas
The Holy Child Catholic Church choir performed African Noel at the Summerland Community Christmas Carol Festival earlier this month. The festival was organized by the Summerland Ministerial Association.
Historic St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (The Stone Church at Prairie Valley and Rosedale)
Invites you to an Ecumenical Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 16th at 7:00 pm
and to a Candlelight Midnight Service
FROM VALLEY WEST AUTOMOTIVE LTD. Just a note of thanks to our loyal customers and friends. Wishing you all the best this holiday season.
Monday, December 24th at 10:00 pm Come and share the story of Christmas with us and enjoy the music of this special time of year. Our Church will be open to visitors (by appointment) daily from December 17 - 31. Call Doiran 250-494-5891 or Linda 250-494-8722
CLOSED DEC. 24 - JAN. 1
PH./FAX: (250) 494-0010
www.agurlakecamp.ca
9203 JAMES AVE SUMMERLAND
The Christmas season is here, and we hope yours runs smoothly from the front end to the back. We’d like to wish everyone a great Christmas with miles of smiles!
Dine in or T ake Out
LARRY PIDPERYHORA
CLIF MARTINS
MARINA HUMENNY
LARRY PIDPERYHORA JR.
Open Tues. - Sat. at 4 pm
General Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Financial Services Manager
Product Advisor Financial Services
MARTIN LONGMORE
CHARLES “Chuck” FULLERTON
CHRIS WOOD
ROD HARRIES
Pre-Owned Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
(250) 494-8711 13220 Victoria Rd. N. Summerland Reservations recommended
CELEBRATING 12 YRS!
PENTICTON
TOYOTA
www.pentictontoyota.com 2405 SKAHA LAKE ROAD • 250-493-1107 • TOLL FREE: 1-888-493-1107 • DL. #6994
8 www.summerlandreview.com
Thursday, December 13, 2012 Summerland Review
The nativity and then what? by David Sparks Summerland United Church
Think of Christmas, think of Christmas in church and what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many it will be the nativity scene; Mary and Joseph in a serene tableau, with the baby Jesus in a manger, a few rough looking shepherds round the holy family and three regal kings in the background. There will be sheep and a donkey nosing their way into the group and angels floating above it all. The difficulty at Christmas is to get beyond this
cozy picture to the reality that the ‘God-sent’ Jesus is all about, and the reality is nothing less than to make the world and our own small Summerland part of it look a whole lot different. Mary and Joseph didn’t want to come to Bethlehem and end up with Mary giving birth a long way away from home in Nazareth, they were early refugees. They point us toward the present day situation where thousands of Syrians are living in tents just across the border in Turkey and 450,000 refugees are in the tent city of Daadab in Kenya, Kenya’s third largest city. The charities Care, UNICEF and the UNHCR organization are helping in both places. The shepherds who are there are a reminder that it was the angelic voices
that called them to a huge turnaround from sheep care to adoration and worship. They point us to a change in priorities that could be possible for us as well. Maybe to give fewer gifts to our families, and an extra gift to the Summerland Food Bank (250488-2099) and so help
families who will really feel the financial pinch this Christmas. And those regal looking kings or wise-persons? The gospel writer Matthew has them in the nativity for a reason, and that is calling on his readers to remember that Jesus, God’s chosen one,
had come to turn the values of the ancient world upside one. Are we satisfied with values in our government that speak first of economic advantage and opportunity and are short on justice for the poor, the prisoners and those children in Africa who could benefit from low-
cost Canadian drugs to fight AIDS. Maybe a call to our MP is a necessary part of our Christmas celebrations. The Christmas nativity scene is holy, is cozy, but the Christ in Christmas calls us to look to the authentic meaning of this festival and to act compassionately.
United in song
Merry Christmas and a
Great 2013! Thank you to the residents and businesses of Summerland for another year of support. Jonney & Catrina
Tel: 250-494-6431
Members of Summerland United Church and Sonoka Worship Centre performed at the Summerland Community Carol Festival on Dec. 2.
Happy holiday to all our clients. Thanks for helping us make the cut!
“Earning your trust since 1937” B.C. Reg. 2893-2
BARBER BILL’S BARBERSHOP OPEN 7:30 am - 5 pm Monday - Saturday 9914 Main St. Summerland
250-494-0252
etings Season’s Gre e at from everyon Prima Pizza
There are many joys of the season, but one of the best is the opportunity to thank you and wish you much success in the coming year.
Holiday Hours: Dec. 24th ~ 3 - 7 pm CLOSED Dec. 25th Dec 26th ~ 3 - 8 pm Dec. 27th - 30th ~ Regular Hours Dec. 31st ~ 4 - 9:30 pm New Years Day ~ 4 - 8 pm
13204 Kelly Avenue
250-494-5202 13606 Kelly Ave.
E-mail: summerland@hagenstravel.com www.hagenstravelsummerland.com
Summerland (across from the pool)
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
250-494-1000 Merry Christmas from Bruce and all the staff at
Dave Hughes 250-490-7734 The Christmas Season has arrived once again, and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope the past year has been a prosperous one. Once again this year I have decided to donate on your behalf, monies to those less fortunate than us. This money will be going to the Toys for Tots to Teens Campaign and to the Summerland Food Bank. Thank you for your patronage. Yours truly Dave Hughes Summerland Realty
Summerland Dollar Store Happyr! a New Ye
- Stocking Stuffers - Gift Ideas - Gift Wrap - Christmas Decorations
Christmas Hours Monday 24th: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th: Closed Thursday 27th to Saturday 29th: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Monday 31st: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Tuesday, January 1st: Closed
9923 Main St. • 250-494-4326
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www.summerlandreview.com 9
Obscure places and unassuming hearts by Larry Schram Summerland Baptist Church It happened again just the other day: “I live in Summerland” I said. Then the inquiry came: “Where exactly is that?” “Between Kelowna and Penticton on Okanagan Lake,” I replied. Then, once again, I heard these words: “You mean there is something between Kelowna and Penticton?” Conversations like these always feel negative to me. Describing my location by where I don’t
live doesn’t feel particularly positive. In fact, it feels that where I live and what I do is irrelevant and obscure. Have you ever felt that way? Ever wondered if caring for the needs of your children was anything more than unassuming? Ever wondered if going to work and paying your taxes meant anything more than one more irrelevant day? Ever felt that your life was so far removed from important people and places that you, and all you do, is irrelevant and obscure?
If so, I remind you that the story of Jesus’ birth began in a place so obscure it wasn’t even listed as a village by historians. Like Summerland, Nazareth was also described by what it was close to and not by what it was. It was deemed to be so insignificant that people would say, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Yet out of that obscure place came a young woman who would change the world. Mary was poor, uneducated and did not have much hope for anything more than to be known
by where she didn’t live and what she didn’t have. Yet, with a simple act of trust and obedience, she became the Mother of Jesus Christ and changed the world. She simply said, “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38) It was a miracle in an unassuming life and in an obscure place. I know I am not alone in liking that thought. Most of the popular songs and stories of Christmas contain elements of the obscure and the miraculous. Old silk hats make snowmen live, rejected
reindeer save the day, and a little drummer boy can play for the Christ child. Miracles and obscurity go hand in hand and somehow change the world. Maybe you feel obscure and perhaps you need a miracle this Christmas. I can’t promise you an end to obscurity and I definitely can’t promise you a miracle, but I do want to remind you that God does some of his best work in obscure places and in unassuming hearts. He looks for people like Mary, Joseph
and you and for places like Nazareth and Summerland. If you need hope, grace and a new beginning, I encourage you to attend a church service this Christmas season. It may seem obscure and feel irrelevant, but remember that God does some of his best work in places like this and in lives like yours. All he asks is that you follow his lead like Mary did and believe that he can change the world — beginning with your life.
May you and yours celebrate a season of joy and love with family and friends. It's been a privilege and a pleasure serving you this past year.
Dan Albas, MP Okanagan-Coquihalla
TOLL FREE: 1-800-665-8711 dan.albas@parl.gc.ca www.danalbas.com THE HONOURABLE
STOCKWELL DAY, MP
Christmas songs
Teresa Braam and Brandon Dykstra lead music at the Community Christmas Carol Festival at Summerland Middle School earlier this month.
250-494-2181
PRESIDENT OF THE TREASURY BOARD AND MINISTER FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC GATEWAY
1-800-665-8711
www.stockwellday.com
Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season
email: summerlandrealty@yahoo.com 13219 N. Victoria Rd., Summerland, BC
Dave Hughes 250-490-7734
Leona Hopman 250-460-0964
Shelley Parker 250-490-6302
Bryan Hart
250-490-5948
Nathan Bowman 250-488-5025
Amanda Brown 250-490-0065
SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM ALL OF US AT SUMMERLAND REALTY! HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY
Dave, Leona, Shelley, Bryan, Nathan, Amanda, Liz & Ann
AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE
9305 JUBILEE RD. East
250-494-7471
10 www.summerlandreview.com
Thursday, December 13, 2012 Summerland Review
How to keep it simple this holiday season Whether you like it or not, with the holidays fast approaching life is about to get a lot busier. Never ending social engagements, get-togethers, cooking, decorating, shopping - the list seems endless. By following these simple tips, you can stay organized and stressfree this holiday season. Make a list, and check it twice to ensure nothing gets overlooked. Along with your master list, create a budget of how much you want to spend and stick to it. When possible, plan ahead. According to a recent Duracell survey, over a quarter of parents have forgotten to buy necessary gift accessories, such as wrapping paper, tape, or batteries for gifts. Another great time saver is to have a supply of host and hostess gifts on hand, like wine or chocolates, so you never have to worry about
showing up to a party empty-handed. Finally, one of the most stressful parts of the holiday season can be entertaining friends and
family. Whether you’re in charge of dessert, or the entire meal, always plan out what you’re cooking and buy ingredients several days in advance,
so you have everything on hand. Try preparing some dishes a day or two in advance to cut down on event day stress. And remember, it’s the season
of giving, so if you’re running out of time just ask friends and family to give you a hand. Even though the holidays are often overwhelm-
Holiday-themed costumes
ing, remember that the most important task on any to-do list is to relax and enjoy the warm company of family and friends. www.newscanada.com
Carla McLeod Special to the Summerland Review
Summerland Royalty, Miss Congeniality Lindsey Jenner, Maddy Campbell and Miss Summerland Susan Watkins dressed as Santa’s elves during the Festival of Lights on Nov. 30.
In the Spirit of the Season... The executive committee at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22 wish to thank everyone for their support and offer their best wishes of the season and a Happy New Year!
Here’s hoping your Christmas joy is deeper, friendships stronger, and your days brighter in this and every season throughout the year. Merry Christmas to all our loyal customers, and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
What is it about the holiday season that makes us love it so? Is it the scent of fresh pine, the crackle of the fire or the taste of homemade cookie dough? Is the laughter of friends and family near and far or the feeling of peace within our hearts? Whatever the reason, we love the holiday season and want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
250-494-0611
SPONSOR NAME The lights are dazzling, the decorations grand, but nothing fills us with so much joy as the sight of our friends and acquaintances. Thanks for seeing us this past year.
HOLIDAY HOURS: Open everyday except Tuesday Dec. 25, Wednesday Dec. 26 and Tuesday Jan. 1
Dr. Grant Goods Dr. Kimberley Goods 13225 Victoria Rd. N. Summerland 250-494-9266 Closed Dec. 25,26, Dec. 29 & Jan. 1
lessings Well Wishes! B ppiness of health and ha r family. for you and you
Dr. Jese Wiens, B.Sc. ND Naturopathic Doctor www.doctorwiens.com Within Summerland Family Chiropractic 106 - 13615 Victoria Rd. N. 250-494-3321 Penticton 778-476-6016
Smile...
It’s Almost Christmas!
We’re hoping your holiday season is a picture of happiness. Working with people like you has been a snap this past 33 years. Happy Holidays and sincere thanks!
Photography by Chris
385 Martin St. 250-492-2355
www.photosbychris.ca facebook.com/PhotographyByChris
eviewSummerland Review Thursday, December 13, 2012
www.summerlandreview.com 11
Old and new traditions for Christmas
Christmas crafts
Carla McLeod Special to the Summerland Review
Ashley Jestin decides on which hat to purchase from vendor Jeanne George, at the Christmas craft fair held at the Kiwanis Lodge on Saturday.
We’re wishing you a real gem of a holiday season filled with many golden moments to cherish always
30% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE EXCEPT WATCHES GREAT GIFT IDEAS FROM $20 ON UP BRING IN YOUR OLD, BROKEN AND UNUSED JEWELLERY FOR A FREE EVALUATION YOU’LL BE AMAZED AT WHAT IT IS WORTH!
Monday - Friday: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
GOLDSMITH
• CUSTOM DESIGN • REPAIRS
Wishing All a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! from the staff at
Johnston Meier Insurance Agencies Group 10102 Main Street Summerland
Christmas is a time full of tradition. Some have been around for centuries and others have been started in the past few years. Many families, for example, prepare for Christmas by bringing greenery into the house to decorate, a custom which began with the ancient Romans. This can include a tree, wreath, beautiful holly, or ivy wrapped around banisters. Christmas joy and carols go hand-in-hand. Songs were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago and eventually they made their way into
popular culture. Now carols are sung all over the world, in many different languages. The older customs are a source of comfort and happiness for families, but by creating new ones, families can add their own unique spin. Young children might leave candy for the reindeer along with cookies for Santa or a family could make a new tree ornament together each year. A new tradition can bond a family together and will demonstrate what makes them unique. www.newscanada.com
Merry Christmas From the staff and owners of
Summerland Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5:30 pm Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Christmas Season Hours: Monday 24th Tuesday 25th Wednesday 26th Thursday 27th Thursday 1st
9 am - 4 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED
250-494-6351 www.jmins.com
Wagon Wheel Bistro
Holiday Hours
Monique, Anne, Rita, Jessica, Alana, Simon & Sarah
To all our friends and customers may you find love and laughter and good times this Christmas Winter Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Saturday, December 24th will reopen Wednesday, January 2 nd 9909 Main Street, Summerland Phone: 250-494-8203
Thank you for your loyal trust and for making 2012 a vintage year for us. CLOSED DEC 22 thru JAN 2
Keller's Cellar 250-494-7776 13228 N. Victoria Rd
Dec. 24 - closed at 1:00 Dec. 25 & 26 - Closed Dec. 27 - OPEN ~ Dec. 31 - closed at 3:00 Jan. 1 - Closed Jan. 2 - OPEN The Board, Management & Staff wish you~~ A time of joy. A season of hope. A year of happiness.
12 www.summerlandreview.com
Thursday, December 13, 2012 Summerland Review
Amanda Lusted of McBain Insurance packs some of the many presents which have been taken to the Summerland Food Bank for distribution.
Christmas gifts provided
The spirit of giving is still alive and well in Summerland as many gifts were donated through the annual Operation Santa Claus drive. The gifts were dropped off at the Summerland Review and will be distributed through the Summerland Food Bank when recipients pick up their Christmas hampers.
Gifts were packed on Friday by staff from McBain Insurance. Keith Quesnelle, manager of McBain Insurance, said the number of gifts was quite a bit higher than the 150 collected last year. The gift drive has been an annual event since 1967. In the past, gifts were
Dawg Gone Grooming Best Wishes to our furry friends. Hope the holiday Gifts were dropped off at the Summerland Review for the annual Operation Santa Claus gift drive. The drive was started in 1967 and has become a giving tradition in the community.
is a howling success! Sungate Plaza #4-13604 Victoria Road N.
250-494-3472
Ring in the
Here’s hoping the holidays are filled with the best of everything for all our friends and neighbors, everywhere.
Good Cheer
We appreciate your patronage and sincerely look forward to seeing you in the future.
Happy Holidays!
Summerland rental Centre 10008 Victoria road s.
250-494-6916
Try our Tuesday’s Original, a modern take on classic English cider. Available in Summerland at Local Liquor Mart.
summerlandcider.com • 250-488-9703
collected and sent to three Arctic communities, but in 2009, the initiative
changed its focus and the presents collected now stay in the community.
Merry
Christmas
To all our clients, friends and family. It has been a pleasure to partner with you as you take the next step in your lives. We wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Shelley and Amanda
PETE’S PLACE BARBER SHOP
Wishing all my clients Happy Holidays and all the best in 2013 Open: Tuesday - Friday 6 am - 2 pm 13224 Henry Ave. Phone: 250-809-1103