Issuu

Special Supplement to the

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 Summerland Review

Christmas music

Summerland’s Community Choir, under the direction of Del Riemer, performed at the annual Community Christmas Carol Festival on Dec. 1 at Summerland Middle School. The choir also performed at the Summerland Festival of Lights.

Together, before a Great Love by Rev. Rick Paulin Anglican Church of St. Stephen

The words of an Advent hymn, “O come, O come Emmanuel, and

ransom captive Israel,” are now replaced with, “Joy to the World! The Lord is come!” Indeed, our faith, perseverance and hope

are rewarded with the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Our God of love responds to a broken world with Good News

in the form of a child being born, “What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” This is a good question

for all to pray and reflect upon as we rest before the Christmas tree, the crèche scene, or the fireplace. This news still reverberates throughout the

world and moves many to their place of worship to stand in awe and wonder, with their brothers and sisters, before such a Great Love.

PRIVATE 24 HOUR SENIOR CARE

PRAIRIE VALLEY LODGE 10312 Prairie Valley Road Summerland, BC Private Suites, Professionally Staffed, Diligent Individual Care

at the

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: December 24th - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm December 25th - CLOSED

Seasons Greetings Colin and staff would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Holiday.

All the best in 2014. 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

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Summerland Review Thursday, December 12, 2013

An invitation to the faithless by Rick Gay Summerland Alliance Church

O Come, All Ye Faithless. No, that is not a misspelled word. Rather, it is an intentional changing of the title for a well known Christmas carol. Recently on a Sunday morning our church family was taught that the slight change in the carol’s title opened up a wonderful reality. For if only the faithful could come and adore Christ the Lord, the invitation is limited and quite exclusive. But when we think that the invitation is extended to the faithless, the world is welcome to come and see the Christ-child. Two encounters with Jesus recorded in the Scriptures come to mind. Matthew 9:12 records the words of Jesus when He said: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” In three of the four Gospels we read of the distraught father who brought his son to Jesus when the disciples were unable to provide any form of relief. Jesus addressed the crowd as faithless. Then, turning His

attention to the father, He asked if he believed. The father uttered those familiar words: “Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw the crowd of onlookers growing, He rebuked the evil spirit that controlled the boy and restored the boy

to wholeness. One other Scripture really helps to bring this truth home to our hearts. It is found in 2 Timothy 2:13: …”if we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny who He is.” God is faithful, whether we are or not.

When we fail Him… He remains loyal. When we wander away or abandon Him… He never leaves us or forsakes us. When our love for Him wanes… His love for us stays strong and constant. When morals shift and

Ice sculpture

laws weaken… His laws are fixed and firm. When truth erodes and fades… His word abides forever! His invitation is for you to come. Come faithless. Come with your

struggles. Come with your doubts and insecurities. Come with your questions and skepticism. But come. And He will make you joyful and triumphant. From all of us at Summerland Alliance Church – Merry Christmas!

Carla McLeod Special to the Summerland REview

Harold Sawatzky of Ice Decor works on an ice sculpture at the Summerland Festival of Lights on Nov. 29.

a & a MINI STORaGE & Wine Cellar Happy Holiday Season Best Wishes in 2014

Susan and Pat would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a happy & safe 2014 Christmas Shopping Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Christmas

From Kelsey, Katrina, Jason & Staff at

from Cy & Lorraine Taylor

9400 Cedar Ave. phone/fax 250-494-5444

13216 Henry Ave. 250-404-0392

PETE’S PLACE BARBER SHOP

Wishing all my clients Happy Holidays and all the best in 2014 Open: Tuesday - Friday 6 am - 1 pm 13224 Henry Ave. Phone: 250-809-1103

9201 Alder St. 250-494-9054

Merry MerryChristmas Christmas From Fromthe thestaff staff and andowners ownersofof

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!

Summerland Monday Monday -- Saturday Saturday 99 am am -- 5:30 5:30 pm pm Sunday Sunday 10 10 am am -- 44 pm pm

Christmas Christmas Season Season Hours: Hours: Dec. 24th th 9 am - 4 pm Monday 24 9 am - 4 pm CLOSED Dec. 25th th Tuesday CLOSED CLOSED Dec. 26th 25 th Wednesday 5:30 pm Dec. 27th 26 9 am -CLOSED 5:30 pm Dec. 28th 27th 9 am -CLOSED Thursday 9 am - 4 pm Dec. 31st 1st Thursday CLOSED CLOSED Jan. 1st

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 Summerland Review

New words for the Christmas season by Larry Schram Summerland Baptist Church I love new words. Our language keeps changing and it is fun to see what new words are officially added to the dictionary each year. Recent additions include fun words like “earworm” — a description for the song that keeps repeating itself in our heads and “greycation” — taking a holiday with your grandparents to save money. Clearly our language keeps adapting and we need to learn new words for some old realities. Maybe we need to take the same approach to Christmas. After all, the irritating reality of a song stuck in our heads was around for a long time before being described as an earworm. Likewise people have vacationed with parents and grandparents for decades before someone

coined the phrase greycation. Maybe we also need a new word or two for celebrating the birth of Christ. May I suggest one? How about eucatastraphe? Admittedly, it is not a new word. J.R.R. Tolkien first coined it in 1947. He combined two Greek words to describe a sudden unforeseen turn of events that brought good instead of disaster. For him, it was the moment when all was lost and suddenly, out of nowhere, goodness came and light drove back the darkness. I can think of no word more fitting for the heart of Christmas. Rudolph saving Christmas Eve is a eucatastraphe. The Grinch miraculously changing his heart is again a eucatastraphe. The concept is already there in all of our Christmas stories because all

of our stories are based on the greatest eucatastraphe of all: the arrival of the Baby in Bethlehem. This Baby brought unexpected goodness and eternal light that would forever drive back the darkness. So instead of saying the old words “Merry Christmas” maybe we should start saying “Blessed Eucatastraphe”! I don’t think it will ever catch on but I do know there are many people in our world who need a eucatastraphe this year. They need an unexpected moment of grace when goodness comes and darkness is driven back. If you are one of them please know this: it is possible and it begins when you really understand the baby in the manger. In the meantime, I pray you will have a blessed eucatastraphe.... you never know it just might catch on!

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

Decorations

Amy Morgadinho helps Amanda, three years old, decorate a gingerbread man at True Grain Bread. A number of the downtown businesses have held special events and are offering evening shopping on Fridays.

Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season

Happy Holidays from all of us at the

AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE

9305 JUBILEE RD. East

250-494-7471

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Summerland Review Thursday, December 12, 2013

What lights you up? by Rev. Michael Colbeck St. John’s Lutheran Church What lights you up? It was Light Up not too many nights ago… a chance for people to get excited about Summerland and the Christmas season. While it was a bit cool and damp, it was fun to listen to some of the groups on the main stage. And, of course, when the lights came on it was wonderful. So, what is it about Christmas and this time of the year that gets you all lit up and excited? Is it Light Up and the festive spirit of that night? Is it giving or receiving gifts? Is it Christmas carols that bring joy to your heart? Do you still like to send and receive Christmas cards? Do you light up when you watch a young child open a present and smile? Or, is it the food… Do

you get excited about a turkey or is it more important to you that the cranberry sauce is homemade rather than from a can? Does dessert come first? Maybe it is as simple as spending time with others – family or friends – to experience the intimacy and acceptance of those who truly care about you and for you. For me I enjoy many of those things. I love lights and fireworks. I love seeing people smile. I love delicious food. I love being with others. But most of all what I love at Christmas is the good news of the Christian faith that God sent his Son into the world. Jesus is God’s gift of love to us, because God wants nothing more than to spend time with us so that we would experience his love. Have a Merry Christmas!

Season’s Best from the Management & Staff of

In the fire truck

Kaidan Buckley, four years old; Gabriel Buckley, seven and Ashlynn Buckley, nine were among the many children to get behind the wheel of a fire truck during the Summerland Festival of Lights. Firefighters were out raising money for their annual Toys and Toonies for Tots and Teens drive.

Old Fashioned General Store

“May the joy of the Christmas season be with you all year!”

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! from Steve and Debbie

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TOY HEADQUARTERS #101-9901 Main St., Summerland 778.516.5656

We’re really proud to be of service and gratefully acknowledge your loyal support. Thanks!

Come Join Us

1st & 3rd Tuesday 6pm Kiwanis Lodge 10912 Quinpoole Rd.

Where the Locals Shop! It has been our pleasure to serve you!

Holiday Store Hours: Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26

7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 6:00 CLOSED 9:00 - 5:00

Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Dec. 31 Jan. 01

7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 6:00 9:00 - 5:00

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.

Our office will be closed the following dates:

Practice road safety

Please drive safely during this holiday season. If you have been drinking, please call a taxi or have a sober friend drive you home.

December 20th, closed at noon December 23rd - January 5th, Closed We will reopen at 9:00 am on Monday, January 6th, 2014

Dan Albas, MP Okanagan-Coquihalla

TOLL FREE: 1-800-665-8711 dan.albas@parl.gc.ca www.danalbas.com

BELL, JACOE & COMPANY LAWYERS THE HONOURABLE

STOCKWELL DAY, MP PRESIDENT OF THE TREASURY BOARD AND MINISTER FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC GATEWAY

1-800-665-8711

www.stockwellday.com

13211 N. Victoria Road, Summerland

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 Summerland Review

Christmas in France For Balthasar Bau, Summerland’s Rotary exchange student, Christmas in Canada will be a change from the festivities he knew growing up in France. There, as here, the season is a time for food, family and gifts, although the traditions are not entirely the same. “It’s very close to what you have in Canada, but there are also a lot of differences,” he said. The tree is decorated on Dec. 15, but it is left in place until late February. Along with the tree

and other decorations, a crèche, or nativity scene display, based on the Biblical Christmas story is set up in many homes in France, but the figure of the baby Jesus is not added to the display until Christmas Day. The religious element of the season continues with church services on Christmas. Bau said one memorable service was during a family visit to Paris, when they were at Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris. The Christmas service is one of the few times each year when families

will attend a church service. B a u explained that the s e a s o n has plenty of foods, i n c l u d i n g Balthasar Bau sweets and rich desserts, but the Christmas meal is not necessarily a turkey dinner. The dinner may be turkey, capon, beef or another meal, depending on the family’s wishes. Desserts and sweets will vary, depending on the region of France. His family’s Christmas desserts include a

Christmas log, but in Alsace, gingerbread is common. In Provence, a holiday season tradition is the 12 Desserts of Christmas, a series of desserts served over a 12-day period. “Christmas in France is the time we eat a lot of very good foods,” he said. The big dinner is held on Christmas Eve, not on Christmas Day. The gift exchange also takes place on the evening of Dec. 24. Bau said the tradition in his family and others is to specify what one wants for Christmas, so the gifts are often what one expects to receive.

Holiday Hours 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

“Earning your trust since 1937” B.C. Reg. 2893-2

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.

250-494-5202 The Board, Management & Staff wish you~~ A time of joy. A season of hope. A year of happiness.

13606 Kelly Ave.

E-mail: summerland@hagenstravel.com www.hagenstravelsummerland.com

Carla McLeod Special to the Summerland Review

Please drive safely

Be prepared for winter road conditions if you are travelling during this holiday season.

ou Y g n i h s i W

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.

The air up there...

Bryce Beckett greets festival goers in a very stilted fashion during the Summerland Festival of Lights on Nov. 29.

SEASON’S GREETINGS from Josh and Staff at

Christmas hours:

from your friends at Aleta, Daisy, Cindy, Barb Heather, Hanneke & Gayla

9902 Main Street Summerland

December 24th: 9 am - 3 pm December 25th: CLOSED December 26th: CLOSED December 31st: 9 am - 3 pm January 1, 2014: CLOSED

9515 Main St. Ph: 250-494-7088

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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Summerland Review Thursday, December 12, 2013

Food bank provides seasonal help This holiday season, the Summerland Food Bank will distribute 105 hampers to individuals and families in need. The hampers will assist 161 adults and 81 children. Kathy Hogman, a volunteer with the Summerland Food Bank, said the community has been generous in helping those who are in need at this time of the year. “That’s what this community is: people helping one another,” she said. The annual Toys and Toonies for Tots to Teens drive, organized by the Summerland Fire Department with assistance from volunteers at the CIBC branch, provides gifts for children and teens. Donations have been collected since the Festival of Lights. Many have already dropped off donations of gifts or cash for the drive. “Literally hundreds of people are involved” Hogman said.

Stocking the shelves

Jennifer Dykstra of the Summerland Food Bank stocks the food bank’s shelves. This month, the food bank will distribute 105 hampers to individuals and families in need.

While the need for the food bank exists, she

said it is often hard to see.

www.photosbychris.ca facebook.com/PhotographyByChris

Help Light The

Tree of Dreams The Eighth 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 Digital X-Ray equipment. Three X-Ray rooms along with the portable machine used for the Emergency Department have outdated X-Ray cassette equipment that must be changed into state of the art X-Ray Digital Radiography. The goal is bold but these urgently needed pieces for PRH are critical. To complete the campaign we must raise $500,000.

Thank you for making us feel so welcome. Have a cozy Christmas! Barbara and Sam Gillespie

Hair Design

Holiday Hours: Closed December 24th, 25th 26th, 30th, 31st and January 1st.

May you celebrate the holidays in style with those near and dear to you.

385 Martin St. 250-492-2355

We’re hoping your holiday season is a picture of happiness. Working with people like you has been a snap this past 34 years. Happy Holidays and sincere thanks!

munity, poverty is a hidden shame,” she said.

Diane’s

Photography by Chris

Smile... It’s Almost Christmas!

“Oddly enough in our open and loving com-

“People are so afraid that they will be seen as ‘less than.’” In addition to providing food, the Summerland Resource Centre and Food Bank provides access to various services. “Some people need more than just food,” Hogman said. “We want a support system for those people.” While the need for the food bank is greatest in December, there are many who require assistance throughout the year. In November, 88 families and a total of 186 people used the food bank. In October, the food bank helped 71 families and 157 people. Food and monetary donations in December help the food bank in January to March. In spring and summer, itinerant fruit pickers, working in the Okanagan for the season, often require assistance.

Best of everything in the festive season from Diane, Vi and Annette

10105 Main Street 250-494-1314 www.cherrytreequilts.ca

778-516-5778

10104 WHARTON STREET

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!

LARRY PIDPERYHORA

CLIF MARTINS

MARINA HUMENNY

LARRY PIDPERYHORA JR.

MARTIN LONGMORE

General Sales Manager

Sales Manager

Business & Development Manager

Financial Services Manager

Pre-Owned Product Advisor

CHARLES “Chuck” FULLERTON

CHRIS WOOD

MICHAEL BERRY

AUDREY LANCE

ED MAUER

Product Advisor

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

PENTICTON

www.pentictontoyota.com 2405 SKAHA LAKE ROAD • 250-493-1107 • TOLL FREE: 1-888-493-1107 • DL. #6994

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 Summerland Review

Gift giving

Summerlanders have generously contributed to the 43rd annual Operation Santa Claus gift drive. Gifts were collected until Friday. Staff at McBain Insurance Agency have packaged the gifts and taken them to the Summerland Food Bank for distribution.

Ring in the

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.

Good Cheer

FROM VALLEY WEST AUTOMOTIVE LTD. Just a note of thanks to our loyal customers and friends. Wishing you all the best this holiday season.

Dr. Grant Goods Dr. Kimberley Goods 13225 Victoria Rd. N. Summerland 250-494-9266 Closed Dec. 25,26, 28 & Jan. 1 & 4, 2014

Try our Tuesday’s Original, a modern take on classic English cider. Available in Summerland at Local Liquor Mart & Perch Liquor Store

summerlandcider.com 250-488-9703

CLOSED DEC. 21 - JAN. 1

PH./FAX: (250) 494-0010 9203 JAMES AVE SUMMERLAND

g Servin nd erla Summ Years for 21

Dave Hughes 250-490-7734 The Christmas Season is once again upon us and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday season and “All The Best” for 2014. On behalf of all previous and present clients, I will once again be making monetary donations to the ‘Toys & Toonies for Tots & Teens Campaign’ & the ‘Summerland Food Bank’. Thank you all very much for your patronage and once again...

Happy Holidays!

Yours Truly Dave Hughes, Summerland Realty.

IN STEP WITH THE SEASON

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 www.summerlanddance.ca

Happy holiday to all our clients. Thanks for helping us make the cut!

BARBER BILL’S BARBERSHOP OPEN 7:30 am - 5 pm Monday - Saturday 9914 Main St. Summerland

250-494-0252

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Summerland Review Thursday, December 12, 2013

Christmas carols

Carollers provided musical accompaniment during a dramatic reading of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Summerland Singers and Players gave a dramatic reading of the story on Dec. 6 at Summerland United Church.

We wish all our clients, friends and family a fantastic Christmas holiday and a Happy New Year!

~ Shelley & Amanda

Wine tasting

Nik Durisek of Bonitas Winery shows some of the wines at Summerland Gold and Silver Exchange on Friday evening. Wineries from Summerlandâ€™s Bottleneck Drive conducted tastings at several downtown businesses on Friday evening during Wine, Walk and Shop. The initiative was held to promote local shopping.

SENDING OUR BEST

250-494-2181

email: summerlandrealty@yahoo.com 13219 N. Victoria Rd., Summerland, BC

Christmas Hours: 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

merry christmas from all of us at summerland realty! have a safe & happy holiday

Dave, Leona, Shelley, Bryan, Nathan, Amanda, Liz & Ann

Amanda Brown 250-490-0065

Merry Christmas and a

Great 2014! Thank you to the residents and businesses of Summerland for another year of support. Jonney & Catrina

Tel: 250-494-6431

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 Practice road safety Drive with reason this holiday season.

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 Summerland Review

Flash mob

Summerland spectators sing along with the 70-voice Summerland Community Choir during a flash mob number at the Cherry Lane Mall and at Wal-Mart in Penticton on Saturday. The choir was also featured at the Community Carol Festival in Summerland earlier this month.

Wagon Wheel Bistro Monique, Rita, Alana, Kayla, Peter, Jessica, Frank, Simon & Sarah

Here’s hoping the holidays are filled with the best of everything for all our friends and neighbors, everywhere.

To all our friends and customers may you find love and laughter and good times this Christmas

We appreciate your patronage and sincerely look forward to seeing you in the future.

Happy Holidays!

Winter Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Closed Saturday, December 21st will reopen Monday, January 6th 9909 Main Street, Summerland Phone: 250-494-8203

e h s s ! i W l l e W Blessings of health and happiness for you and your family. 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

Summerland rental Centre 10008 Victoria road s.

250-494-6916

Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year! MLA:

Dan Ashton

Constituency Office: 210 - 300 Riverside Drive, Penticton, BC V2A 9C9 Phone: 250.487.4400 Fax: 250.487.4405 Toll Free: 1.866.487.4402 Email: dan.ashton.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.danashtonmla.bc.ca

In the Spirit of the Season...

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!

We will be closed Monday, December 23 and will re-open Monday, January 6, 2014

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. - David & Rock Appleton, & Gene Stafford.

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 100% near and far or the feeling of peace within our hearts?LOCAL 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.

250-494-0031

250-494-0611 1-800-663-5117

SPONSOR NAME

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Summerland Review Thursday, December 12, 2013

Fundraising effort

Megan Minty of the Summerland Credit Union shows Fitz, a plush stuffed fox, used for this year’s charity drive. From the sale of each of the plush foxes, $10 will be donated to the Summerland Middle School breakfast program. The Summerland Credit Union has used similar stuffed animal fundraisers in the past.

Dramatic reading

James Fofonoff reads a portion of A Christmas Carol, the classic novel by Charles Dickens. Summerland Singers and Players staged the dramatic reading at Summerland United Church on Friday evening.

We hope your Christmas is decorated with fun and laughter.

ESS

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V A LL

MERLAND UM

Merry Christmas to all our families and friends.

O RI S CH

E S CH O O L

Extra Copies of the Season’s Greetings are available at the OFFICE 13226 N. Victoria Rd. Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00 pm

HOLIDAY HOURS: Open everyday except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Wishing All a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! from the staff at

Johnston Meier Insurance Agencies Group 10102 Main Street Summerland

250-494-6351 www.jmins.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 25 years!! 250 494-0505

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 Summerland Review

Gift donations

Kathy Janzen, left, Wendy Schindel and Maxine Millis sort through the many gifts in the basement of the Summerland CIBC branch. The three retired bank tellers have been active in preparing the gifts for the annual Toys and Toonies for Tots to Teens gift drive. Toys and cash donations are collected by the Summerland Fire Department. Gifts are given to children in the community each year.

Volunteers help with gift drive by Carla McLeod Special to the Review

A treasury of toys is being held in a small basement room at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and being managed by three retired bank tellers. Kathy Janzen, Wendy Schindel and Maxine Millis first became involved with the Summerland Fire Department’s fundraiser, Toys and Toonies for Tots to Teens, back in the late 1990s. They were working for CIBC at the time and it was something all the bank staff had decided to support. Since that time they have all three retired and taken over care and control of the operation because they say they have a good system and it works. The bank continues to provide a room for them. Shelves have been built and labelled in order to store and organize the toys. “When we were working here, if you ever needed an uplifting experience you’d just run downstairs and rearrange some toys and it just made you feel better.” Janzen said. Throughout the year the firefighters organize events in order to raise cash and collect toys.

Many businesses and organizations, schools and other banks all contribute to the cause.

Preparing breakfast

“It’s a very generous community. We wouldn’t be able to do this if we weren’t given all this

stuff,” said Janzen. Once the toys and cash are collected, the firefighters deliver it to the ladies

and they then proceed to sort the items and place them on the shelves. In November a form

Terry Sotir, co-owner of Santorini’s Restaurant, and firefighter Rick Leardo prepare breakfast on Nov. 30. The breakfast is an opportunity to collect gifts and donations for the annual Toys and Toonies for Tots to Teens drive. This is the second year Sotir and co-owner Alison Schmidt have hosted the breakfast.

is sent out to the families that the Food Bank serves. The forms are filled in specifying the age and gender of each child and what that child would like for gifts. They are allotted one main gift and several stocking stuffers. The ladies then proceed to fill the requests, drawing from the shelves and going shopping with the cash for items that they do not have in stock. The bags of gifts are then taken to the Food Bank and given out to the families in time for Christmas. When asked as to why they continue to volunteer their time in this way, Janzen said, “Oh because it makes you feel so good and it’s fun. It’s very rewarding.” Schindel added, “When you see those families coming, they’re so grateful. Some of them are crying they are just so thankful. It really gets you in the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of giving.” “It makes you feel good that those kids are going to have a nice Christmas,” Millis said. If you know a positive story about someone in our community, contact Carla McLeod at carlamcleod@shaw.ca or contact the Summerland Review newsroom at 250-494-5406.