2013
U2 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
www.vernonmorningstar.com
ROGER KNOX/MORNING STAR
Dinner Guest
Tax collector Zacchaeus (Patrick Tobin, right) has his servant Hadassah (Kathy Haupt, centre) prepare a meal for special guest the Lord (Doug de Jong) during the short play Wise Men Still Seek Him, part of Emmanuel Baptist Church’s annual Bethlehem Star presentation.
Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Peter Y SATE MPLSimply the Best LLITE I S AUTHORIZED SHAWDIRECT DEALER
Birth Announcement
ROGER KNOX/MORNING STAR
Angels Brookner Tobin (from left), Madison Fox and Jenna Halvorson announce the birth of baby Jesus during Emmanuel Baptist Church’s annual Bethlehem Star presentation.
250-275-7966 Office 250-558-7440 Cell info@simplysatellite.ca www.simplysatellite.ca
Warm wishes for a Christmas season full of love and laughter.
Incarcerated
ROGER KNOX/MORNING STAR
Their punishment for failing to run the gauntlet in the ancient games of chance during Emmanuel Baptist Church’s annual Bethlehem Star presentation was being put in jail by Roman soliders for Nicole Hawthorne (from left), Elsie Wilson and Mary MacLennan. The church transformed into Bethlehem for three nights, Dec. 6-8, and featured a first century marketplace, play, and a Christmas wonderland.
Merry Christmas
from all of our families to yours!
Thank You
for voting us the #1 Veterinary Clinic in the North Okanagan
Vernon Veterinary Clinic 8 0 5 K a l a m a l k a L a k e R o a d , Ve r n o n , B C • 2 5 0 - 5 4 2 - 9 7 0 7 • w w w. v e r n o n v e t c l i n i c . c o m
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U3
www.vernonmorningstar.com
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING
STAR
Sisters Olivia and Caden ce Doorman keep warm in their fuzzy toques at the Do Vernon Light Up on 30th wntown Avenue.
Ingredients for life. One Stop Shopping For Your Holiday Needs
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Christin Kane and her daughter Ridley, seven, roast marshmallows around the bonfire at the Downtown Vernon Light Up on 30th Avenue.
Let us help you take care of all your holiday entertaining needs
Stock Up for Holiday Baking! Party Trays • Great Groceries • Bulk Baking Supplies • Signature Deli • Pharmacy • Organics • Floral LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
ie creations Francescutti, nine, show off their cook Triplets Thomas, Brynne and Brooke on 30th Avenue. during the Downtown Vernon Light Up
Two Vernon Locations VERNON SQUARE 4300 - 32 St • 250-542-2627
DOWNTOWN 3417 - 30 Ave • 250-542-8167
May the magic of the holiday season make all your Christmas dreams come true. lavikvc@shaw.ca ARMSTRONG/SPALLUMCHEEN
V. CHARLETTE LAVIK
250.546.3119 • 250.307.5588
www.vcharlettesweb.com
U4 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
VIOLET MOBLEY For The Morning Star
A very
Years ago a man named John had been very wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Having had to go off to jail he left behind a loving wife and their infant daughter, only three months old. The real guilty party had now been found and John was set free. Having traveled back to Vernon he had wanted to go back to the same house he and his wife Emily and child had shared. He didn’t know where they had gone. Emily probably moved somewhere to a smaller home. Both Emily and John had just started out as piano teachers when John had been accused of the crime. They both didn’t have enough music students to earn a good living. Emily must have a home somewhere that she can afford, but where? Needing money, John had been hired to play Santa Claus at the mall. Being close to Christmas the mall stores and hallways were buzzing with shoppers. Everyone wanted to get what was on their gift lists. Long line ups with impatient buyers were at every check out. Decorations on the shelves were busily being bought. Children were tugging on their parents’ arms to come see the toys they wanted for Christmas. However, the most favourite thing that really caught the eye of these children was John, dressed as Santa Claus. He was sitting up on a red throne that had been put there just for him. Life-size reindeer were set up next to where he sat. A chain creating n the course of doing business this past a border around year, we feel blessed to have made many new him was still acquaintances, while enjoying the opportunity locked, so that no to serve many of you whom we know so well. one could get to where he sat, until or this privilege we are grateful, and wish the time was really you all a very merry Christmas filled with ready for the chilglad tidings from beginning to end. dren to see him. A line of children was beginning to form in front of 4705 - 31ST Street, Vernon him. There was a red, velvety chain
s a m t s i r h C
Merry Christmas
To Our Many Good Friends This Holiday Season
I
F
DIETER’S AUTO SERVICE 250-545-2980
Wishing you & your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! All the Best
around the area where John sat. A woman was opening up this area, pulling back the chain, giving anxiously waiting children access to Santa. A group of happy Kindergarten children were first in line. They were there with their teacher who led the first child to sit up on Santa’s knee. The small boy was thrilled as he whispered into Santa’s ear that he wanted a computer of his very own. Next came a little girl who said she wanted the newest Barbie that the stores now had out. All her friends were wishing for the same doll so she felt she had to do the same. So it went on and on with small children whispering to Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Then came the last child, a little girl. John noticed that she wore quite a glum look on her face. He decided to be extra jolly for the child. Maybe it would cheer her up. The little girl whispered something in John’s ear that really touched his heart. “Please Santa, would you please bring me a daddy for Christmas so that mommy will stop crying at night. She’s so lonely. My real daddy had to go away. Mommy says he’ll be gone for a very long time. I don’t know if he’ll ever come back.” John looked at the child who gazed up at him with such hope in her eyes that it managed to cause a lump in his throat. He was about to speak when the child’s teacher reached up to her saying, “I had told you, your mom may sometime find you a new daddy. There’s not enough time before Christmas for this to happen. Remember I told you, you could wish for that doll house you said was also on your wish list.” The child nodded and said to John how she wanted the doll house. Then she jumped off his lap and holding her teacher’s hand she left the mall with the rest of her school class. Lots of other children sat on John’s lap that day. Then it was nine o’clock. As the mall closed for the day John couldn’t help but still think of that one little girl who had
www.vernonmorningstar.com wished for a daddy for Christmas. “I hope the little girl’s mom meets someone nice in the new year so that the child does get a daddy she can love.” John stopped at the mall office to pick up his cheques as his first week of playing Santa was over. After work John decided to take a walk downtown. He was enjoying seeing all the brightly decorated windows when suddenly he saw a sign in one of the shops that read: Wanted - Pizza delivery man. John decided that he would apply for this position as well. This way he would still have a job after Christmas until he got back into teaching piano lessons somewhere. Next morning John went to the pizza delivery place and was happy as they hired him right on the spot. He was now delivering at the time of day when he wasn’t playing Santa. One place around noon had John delivering pizza to an apartment downtown near the city park. John knocked on the door. A woman answered it. John and the woman’s eyes locked in a gaze of amazement. Then she cried out, “John, is it really you?” “Yes Emily,” John cried out. “It’s me.” Emily was John’s wife he had left behind to go to prison. She had thought that her husband would have been there for a much longer period of time. Just then a small child appeared from somewhere inside of the apartment. John saw that it was the sad little girl from the mall. “Mommy, who are you talking to?” the child asked inquisitively. “Jenny, darling this is your father. He’s come back to be with us. Come meet your father!” John bent down as Jenny jumped into his arms crying out with joy, “Daddy! I have my real daddy!” “Jenny, my sweet little Jenny! I love you and mommy very, very much. Not a day went by when I didn’t think about each of you and wonder how you both were doing. I’m so glad to be back. So very, very glad.” Little Jenny got a lot of gifts for Christmas that year, including the doll house that she wanted. However, the favourite present Jenny got was of course having her father back!
g Needin , money ad h n h o J ed r i h n e be y to pla s Clau a t n a S at the mall.
Darrin, Jeff, Erwin & Roswitha
Our Sincere Best Wishes for a Safe, Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
Erwin & Roswitha Schuster along with the staff at Sunshine Autobody (Vernon) Ltd. understand that an accident can be an upsetting inconvenience and we will help to get your vehicle back on the road while offering quality repairs & service in our modern State of the Art shop.
Eric Foster Government Caucus Whip & MLA Okanagan Monashee 250-503-3600
4504 - 29th Street, Vernon Located behind Canadian Tire.
www.sunshineautobodyvernon.com
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U5
www.vernonmorningstar.com
A different HELEN BREWIS For The Morning Star
C
hristmas 2013 will be a different one for our family – the first one since the passing of both of my beloved parents – Margaret and Gordon Anderson. Christmas 1993 was also a different experience and I thought it would be interesting to share – particularly to the folks who have experienced Christmas away from home. Most of us living in the beautiful Okanagan are used to snowy and cold, ‘Winter Wonderland’ Christmases. In 1993, the Brewis family moved to a company town site in the jungle of Sumatra, Indonesia. This is a tropical zone that is hot and humid year round. On top of that because Indonesia is largely Muslim populated, Christmas is not the renowned celebrated event that it is in western countries, so one has to be resourceful. I remember using a watermelon for our Jack o’ Lantern at Halloween! We were fortunate in our small company town site to have many international expatriate workers and their families, so we had a community that wanted to celebrate Christmas together. We were also fortunate to have with us a wonderful Canadian woman called by the locals ‘Ibu (Mother)
May you and your family be surrounded by love this holiday season.
Anne’. ‘Mother Christmas’ as I like to think of her, brought with her to the tropics, her wonderful, plentiful decorations – including a huge artificial tree and its ornaments. With December 25 approaching she secretly gathered some of the town’s children to help her construct and paint a fireplace hearth and chimney that would surround her TV playing a ‘fire crackling’ video! On Christmas Eve she and her husband held the most memorable Christmas party that I think I’ll ever experience. We were greeted at their home by white lights glittering among their patio shrubs. Entering was a sight to behold! Christmas carols playing in the background, the smell of delicious food and spicey hot mulled wine, the delightful din of many good friends talking and laughing, fireplace glowing, gifts to be shared under the tree – it was truly a Christmas feeling in the middle of the tropics! I’ve come to realize that it’s who you are with and how you feel, not where you are that makes the Christmas spirit come alive! Truly the best gifts in life are free – love and friendship – share them! Merry Christmas everyone – wherever you might be celebrating it this year!
BRING THE Sparkle HOME
VILLAGE GREEN CENTRE • 250-545-4944 380 ALEXANDER STREET NE - SALMON ARM • 250-832-8040
WHY I
w w w. j c b r a d l e y j e w e l l e r s . c o m
BELIEVE
IN
BEATRICE BRYAN For The Morning Star
In my home, when I was a child, there was no Santa. Our mother told my brothers and me that it was a lie. We had Christmas presents, stockings and even a tree (for a couple of days). All of this because Dad said: “Now Mama let the kids have their Christmas,” and she always did. We had a huge feast with cousins, aunties and uncles. Christmas was wonderful, but – no Santa. I felt deprived, no Santa, no elves, no fairies, no magic allowed in our house or our lives. Not like my cousins, who believed. As I grew up, much to my mother’s horror, I even stopped believing in God. Time passed. I grew up and had children of my own, five of them. My boys had Santa, and elves and fairies, all the magic their little hearts desired. Our family saw hard times as I became a single mom with five boys and very little money. But we always had a good Christmas. A great feast, homemade gifts from me, and lots of imagination, inventive wrappings, re-gifting, maybe giving one of your brothers your most treasured possession because you couldn’t afford to give him
anything. They knew the true meaning of Christmas. Giving not getting. Being thankful for the feast and always finding someone worse off than us to share it with. They also knew not to ask for anything expensive, even Santa has limits in a low income family. The year my third son was 13, he wanted a skateboard so badly he could taste it. Of course he didn’t stand the proverbial snowball’s chance in the hot place of getting one – and he knew it. Being the middle child in a large family can be a very hard thing. At that time I joined a peer group of low income single parents to share ideas, parenting strategies and offer support to each other. There was a Christmas party for all the children. Santa came with gifts for all of them. They were all very nice gifts and all the children were delighted. My middle son’s gift was a skateboard! He was the happiest boy in Canada that day. I was the happiest mom. I finally discovered that there really is a Santa Claus. No one can tell me otherwise because I know he’s real. By the way, so is God, she’s in our hearts, just be still and know.
ay this M Christmas end
the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh & bright New Year!
wishing Here’s you & your
family Safe & Happy Holidays! Always Great Food & Good Times! 4513 - 25th Ave, Vernon • 250-542-9222
U6 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
www.vernonmorningstar.com
CLOSED DEC. 25, 26 JAN. 1
A rewarding
Story
Thank you for the support over the past year. Look forward to seeing you in the new year! Keith & Staff
CHASERS BOTTLE DEPOT
250-503-1311 • 4702 31ST STREET, VERNON BC
MON-FRI 8AM-5PM • SAT. 9AM-5PM • SUN 10AM-4PM
Warmest Holiday Wishes From all of your friends at Askews. We value your business and wish you all the best this holiday season and in the New Year.
Country Court Mall, Armstrong 250-546-3039 www.askewsfoods.com
May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you through the year. To all of our customers and friends, thank you for your loyal support.
BOB PATMORE For The Morning Star
Just out of Vernon, B.C., a young family from Mexico, had come to work in the orchards, picking apples and pears. The season wore on, and soon the fruit picking was finished. Times were hard then for the young family as they had no money coming in. They had two children in school, Carlos and Vereniz. These two had made friends at school, named Eddie and Marion. All four kids were in Grade 5. Eddie and Marion noticed that Vereniz and Carlos did not have very much food in their school lunches, not enough to make a good meal of, actually. It was getting on toward Christmas, and all the exciting preparations were being made at school. Most of the kids were quite excited, but not their young Mexican friends. They didn’t say much, but Eddie and Marion just knew that all was not well at home for Carlos and Vereniz. So when Eddie and Marion told their parents at suppertime that the Mexican family seemed to be poor, their parents decided to make some enquiries. Their dad, Jimmy, went to see the orchard owner that the Mexican workers were working for. The orchard owner, Harold, said that although the fruit picking was finished he was still giving them a few dollars to get by on, until they could find another place. But he did say, that he would soon have to put the Mexican folks out of the mobile home, as he wanted to move it, and renovate it for next year. When Jimmy heard that, he asked Harold to see if he could help them a bit as the workers were not doing well. Harold was alarmed, and said that he would see about at least keeping a place to live for the family. When Jimmy got home, he and his wife, Jeannette, talked about what they could do
to help the family, perhaps not only by helping with food, but also thinking up something they could do to give the Mexican kids, Carlos and Vereniz, a fun Christmas. They talked it over with their kids, Eddie and Marion. The kids suggested that they ask their big Uncle Jerry, to help. Together they planned a Canadian Santa Claus visit for Carlos and Vereniz and their parents. They all went to see Uncle Jerry, and he was really enthusiastic about their plan. He said: “Sure, I’d love to be Santa Claus. We could get my big boat in the water, so Santa Claus can come in an unusual way. We’ll start from here, and go along around the shore so we come out at that old Steamboat Landing, where they live on the beach. Only thing is, I don’t know where you’ll ever find a Santa suit big enough for me. Jimmy’s wife, Jeannette, said, “Just you leave those things to me. I have some ideas. I’ll go up and talk to my friend at the Thrift Shop.” So, right after lunch, Jeannette took their old truck, and off she went to the Thrift Shop. She told her friend Justine all about what they planned to do to help the Mexican family have a good Christmas. Justine was so happy to be able to give some Christmas help to the Mexican family. She said: “Look here, we have these Christmas toys and games for the boy and the girl, and here are warm jackets and sweaters that will fit them, and they’ll need mitts too!” “Well,” Jeannette said. “That’s just great, but we have another big problem too! We need a great big Santa suit to fit Jerry, Jimmy’s brother.” “Oh boy,” Justine said. “He’s big alright, but you know, I think I have just the thing. It’s a huge suit, but we stowed it away, as I couldn’t imagine who’d buy it here at the continued on page U7
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ROGER TEPPER/MORNING STAR
Locally Owned & Operated
SHEPHERD’S HARDWARE ARMSTRONG, BC
Holiday Cheer
c hot drink t as she pours a cinnamon pear balsami Liz Pihulak (left) has the holiday spiri g during the stron Arm ri Olive Oils and Vinegars in sample for Pat Broster to enjoy at Sapo annual Christmas light up.
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U7
www.vernonmorningstar.com continued from page U6
Thrift Store. Just give me a few minutes and I’ll dig it out.” Then Justine got all the toys and clothes, and the Santa suit together on the counter. Jeanette said, “Oh, and we’ll need some wrapping paper too! Now how much do we owe you?” “Well,” Justine said. “It’s surely for a good cause, so I guess about $5 would be quite enough.” So they put all the things in a big box, and Jeanette started for home. Jerry tried the Santa suit on, and you know what? It fit him just right! At this point, Jerry’s enthusiasm really got in gear! He said, “Well, the boat’s ready to go in the water. I found this big shiny brass bell, that I can stand up and ring as we get there.” The kids, Eddie and Marion, wrapped the toys, games and clothes in Christmassy paper, tied with red ribbon. Jeannette made some special Christmas cookies. Jimmy went over to tell Harold, the orchard owner, about their plans, he was enthusiastic too. He said, “And I’ll go up and get a Christmas turkey, and some other eating stuff, to give them when we all get there.” The early afternoon of the Saturday before Christmas turned out to be sunny and fairly warm. Jimmy and Jeannette, Eddie and Marion took all the goodies and went over to Jerry’s to start off. Jeannette had found some Christmas garlands and long paper decorations to put up when they got there. Jerry put the huge Santa suit on, and Eddie and Marion thought he looked just right, huge. They loaded their gifts in Jerry’s big boat, everyone got in, and
they slowly started off, away from the shore, up the lake and around that headland toward the old Steamboat Landing. As they neared the landing, Harold, and his family, watching for their arrival, came down off the hill, so they all got to the landing together. Jerry rang the big bell loudly and pulled the boat in close to the dock. Everyone got out of the boat, and all in a body, started for the old mobile home. Along about this time, Harold and his wife arrived. The Mexican couple, Santos and Rosa, came out on the step along with their children, Carlos and Vereniz. Everyone was laughing and visiting. ‘Santa’ rang the big bell some more, and began giving out some of the gifts in his red bag, along with oranges and candy. Jimmy and Jeannette handed out cans of pop, and the party was in full swing. Now Harold and his wife presented the turkey and food hamper to Santos and Rosa. Their children, Carlos and Verenez, hugged Eddie and Marion. It was a nice afternoon, so all the folks gathered around the old picnic table. Jeanette and Harold’s wife started everyone singing carols and Christmas songs. After a good visit, with best wishes to everyone, Jerry gathered up the boatload of family to start for home before darkness fell. Harold had a few words with Santos, telling him they could stay in the trailer, at least til spring. He also suggested that Santos could find a job pruning trees with his friend down the valley. So, you see, everyone had a great Christmas, and many friendships were established that day.
Joyful~ May God’s good graces fill you with love, happiness and peace this holiday season.
BROWN INTERNATIONAL SERVICES
Merry Christmas from Jake, Mary and Melinda at
3003 - 30th Street Vernon (kitty corner to the Greyhound Depot)
vernonflowershop.net • 250-545-2181
Christmas Is For Kids
AND A NOTE OF THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS
ROGER KNOX/MORNING STAR
Lumby’s Ulyn Weston, on e, helps mom Lori and da d Brad pick out some goo Lumby Christmas Fair at dies at the the White Valley Commun ity Centre.
Once again we would like to take a moment and say "Thank You" to all the customers who chose Frank’s Autobody for their collision repairs this past year! We appreciate your business and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
S eason’s G reetings
Let us give you, the Quality You Expect and the Service You Deserve
May you be filled with peace and happiness during this special time of year. Thank you for your loyal support throughout this year, and we look forward seeing you in the New Year.
• • • •
Hagemann 3119 - 30 AVE. VERNON, BC PH: 250-545-1528 Jewellers TH
(2 DOORS UP FROM THE ROYAL BANK)
FREE Estimates Insurance Assistance Courtesy Car and Shuttle Service Windshield and Glass Replacement
• ICBC and Private Insurance Claims • Private Autobody Work • Paintless Dent Repair
250.545.6906
#10 - 1800 Kalamalka Road, Vernon, BC
www.franksautobody.ca
U8 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
www.vernonmorningstar.com PHOTO BY DAWN MACE
Festive Friends
Season’s Greetings! May your holidays be filled with joy and may you all find peace and serenity this Christmas.
Mrs. Claus and Logan Collins cuddle up at the Enderby Light Up in Riverside Park.
Always ready. Always there.
www.okrestore.com
6236 Pleasant Valley Road, Vernon 250-542-3470 • Toll Free 1-800-668-8022
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, let us not forget all our loyal patrons and friends. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from these Armstrong businesses! 1996
2013
Wishing you a Happy Healthy Holiday Season!
WINES • CIDERS • COOLERS • BEER
REVERSE OSMOSIS SELF-SERVE WATER
From all of us at
Both At One Location! 2545 Patterson Ave. 250-546-6954
www.armstrongwineandbrew.com
CIBC Armstrong
Armstrong Machine Shop Ltd.
Propane Solutions - Unparalleled Service
Merry Christmas
from John and the Staff 1791 Eagle Rock Rd. 250-546-3422
All the best from Ernie and Staff • Manufacturer of Gravel Dump Boxes & Flat Decks • Equipment Repair
250-546-3081
Happy Holidays! A Growing Nursery in the Okanagan
s a m t s i r h C y r r e M ! g n i r p s e h t n i u o y See
Kiki Gardens Restaurant we wish you a
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Holiday Hours: Christmas Eve:
11:30am - 9:00pm
Christmas Day: Boxing Day: New Years Eve:
CLOSED 4:00pm - 9:00pm 11:30am - 9:00pm
(Tuesday)
(Tuesday)
New Years Day: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
We are proud to be part of the Armstrong Community
1871 Pleasant Valley Rd.
3411 - 30th Avenue, Vernon
250-545-2757
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U9
www.vernonmorningstar.com
! u o Y k n a h T
Beachcomber Home Leisure would like to thank the North Okanagan for your support throughout the year.
from the Management and Staff at Beachcomber Home Leisure! We look forward to seeing you in 2014.
“The foundation of every successful business is its customers”
Christmas Tradition
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Isabella King, seven, holds her dog Birdie’s paws as she dances to the Christmas music at the Downtown Vernon Light Up on 30th Avenue.
5309 26th Street, Vernon
250-542-3399
BEACHCOMBER
Home Leisure
Season’s Greetings from
Hogarth’s Clinic Pharmacy Todd Dew, owner and pharmacist at Hogarth’s Clinic Pharmacy, wishes to extend a holiday greeting from the friendly folks at Hogarth’s. They hope you have the merriest holiday ever! As you take time out to enjoy the holidays with friends and family, please remember the less fortunate. Hogarth’s Clinic Pharmacy is once again supporting the Salvation Army and would like to encourage you to do what you can this holiday season, with monetary donations, donations to the food bank or volunteer for the kettle drive.
HOGARTH’S CLINIC PHARMACY LTD.
3310 - 32nd Avenue, Vernon • 250-545-3660
U10 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
25
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U11
Celebrating
Suzanne Beugeling
Sheryll Bissell
Brenda Burgess
Tracy Cole
Cara Brady
YEARS
Katherine Mortimer
Moana Peltier
Bruce Rasmussen
Richard Rolke Donna Ritchie
1988- 2013
From
Janice Collier Graeme Corbett
Kristin Froneman
Lynnaya Frasch
Trent Dansereau
&
Kim Slattery Lisa Smilowski
Brenda Giesbrecht
Jennifer Smith
Michelle Snelgrove
Roger Knox Ian Jensen
Sharon Johnson
Stephanie Stecyk Tammy Stelmachowich Lisa Vandervelde
Sean McConkey
Lisa Starke
Glenn Mitchell Kevin Mitchell
Deb Moore
The Morning Star staff... 25 years ago
Carol Williment
We would like to take this opport unity to Thank our entire community fo r their support and loyalty. Season’s Greetings to all. We wish you a New Year of success, joy and fulf illment.
U10 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
25
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U11
Celebrating
Suzanne Beugeling
Sheryll Bissell
Brenda Burgess
Tracy Cole
Cara Brady
YEARS
Katherine Mortimer
Moana Peltier
Bruce Rasmussen
Richard Rolke Donna Ritchie
1988- 2013
From
Janice Collier Graeme Corbett
Kristin Froneman
Lynnaya Frasch
Trent Dansereau
&
Kim Slattery Lisa Smilowski
Brenda Giesbrecht
Jennifer Smith
Michelle Snelgrove
Roger Knox Ian Jensen
Sharon Johnson
Stephanie Stecyk Tammy Stelmachowich Lisa Vandervelde
Sean McConkey
Lisa Starke
Glenn Mitchell Kevin Mitchell
Deb Moore
The Morning Star staff... 25 years ago
Carol Williment
We would like to take this opport unity to Thank our entire community fo r their support and loyalty. Season’s Greetings to all. We wish you a New Year of success, joy and fulf illment.
U12 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
www.vernonmorningstar.com TIM FITZGERALD PHOTO
Star Light Up
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for your business!
Two-year-old Ben Enlow gets up close and personal with Santa as he gives him his Christmas wish list during Silver Star’s third annual Light Up celebrations.
Complete Renovations • Basements / Kitchens / Bathrooms
Ron @ 250.309.0435 www.nulookhomework.ca
We send the joy of Christmas to you & your loved ones.
Merry Christmas from Mayor, Council and Staff
to the Residents of Lumby & Area. We will be closing for the holidays from 12:00 p.m. December 24th and opening 8 a.m. January 2nd, 2014
r e g n a r t
Come in before December 24tb to renew your drivers license, dog license and vehicle insurance.
AS
Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season and an Amazing 2014 Dr. Phebe-Jane Poole PhD, Psychotherapist and Hynotherapist
250.307.3015
www.pjpoole.com • pjp@pjpoole.com
REIMERS FARM SERVICE 250-260-0110
REIMER’S FARM SERVICE
250
We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support over the past year & wish you all a safe and happy holiday!
260-0110
ALYSSA REYNOLDS For The Morning Star
Over the hill, ricocheting across the sky, the bells are ringing. We live by the bells. They tell us when to wake, when to work, when to rest. They tell us when our families die and when together true love lies. I am a Bell Ringer. I have rung the time, the day, the year but I have never rung for danger. For we do not speak of it, but the bells are there to tell us when the monsters are coming. Our little village is one of the few left. Probably because the north has always been an unappetizing environment, even in the glory days. Partly, it is thanks to a mayor, some hundred years back, who had the foresight to build great stone walls like the medieval ancients. All the rest of our thanks go to the bells and the towers from which they hang. When the world powers wiped each other out, all they controlled, tested, tried, and trapped, got out. These are the monsters and we, the Bell Ringers, are responsible for watching over our city and her people. When you train as a Bell Ringer, there is one rule. Harped upon until you are red in the face from all the chanting. Bell Ringers signal hope. It had been a rough winter, far colder than any, even the oldest villagers, could remember. Our stores of wood and food
were running low. I was on bell duty. It was barely light when I ran out for the morning toll. As I yanked on the frost encrusted ropes my eyes spotted a shape moving somewhat quickly toward the village walls. In my lifetime not a single attack had come down on our village. All I knew of horrible monsters, of the greed of humanity that led to near eradication, were as tales told in whispers and warnings when naughty. I stopped ringing and leaned over the edge of the tower’s rail, pulling a spyglass from my belt pouch. Sure enough, there was a shape moving toward the town, which manifested into what looked like a great sleigh, moving without a single animal. It was full of many sacks and a human-shaped figure sat at the fore. In my life we never had any travellers either. Could this be a monster? What if the village was in danger? Anything that could move that fast without an animal had to be trouble! It was my duty to warn the village. I could mark history with this moment! I scrambled to ring the bells in the pattern of danger. They clanged in the rising morning light. Dissonant and different, causing people to step in confusion from their homes and gather in a muttering panic in the center pavilion. I hurried to join the gathering group, fully prepared to explain what I saw from the bell tower as the Mayor continued on page U13
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U13
www.vernonmorningstar.com continued from page U12
of the town converged on the panicking families. Gathering attention over the shouting and shoving, the Mayor commanded, “go back to your homes, my people. Your safety is assured. Simply a false alarm. There is no danger.” The shouting and shoving started up again but I ignored it in my confusion. Had the sleigh reached the main gates already? Did the Mayor know who it was? I decided to check with the Gate Keeper first. The stranger had to be at the town gate by now. I backed away from the frenetic crowd, barely controlled by the Mayor. Before I could go far however, I was stopped by the Head Bell Ringer. She did not ask if it had been my bell tower to ring first. She asked me to recite the Bell Ringers’ one rule and then she gave me a stern look. “You have incited disorder where there should have been none. Henceforth you are relieved of your duties.” I gulped but nodded, knowing my place. “Yes ma’am.” Oh to not even know the length of my sentence. The horror. I loved the bells. They were a part of my blood. My family, where I had none, especially as a lone bundle found outside the gates as a babe. That part of my blood, not born in the silent walls, reared its head then turned me faster, toward the main gates. I barged into the Gate Keeper’s cottage causing the old man to trip over two great burlap sacks which revealed bright fruits, breads and toys. The Gate Keeper hurriedly got to his knees and shoved the items back into the sack and out of sight. It was as he did this that I noticed a figure at the kitchen table, a scrap of bread, dripping in stew, in hand. “You!” I pointed. “You’re the stranger?!” The grey-bearded man nodded. “Why are you here? If you’re safe, why did I lose my position?” I stomped, like a little child, in my frustration. The Gate-Keeper chuckled but I was too focused on the stranger to get annoyed. The stranger straightened a sprig of spiky green leaves and red berries on his lapel and asked, “Tell me, what is your one rule as a Bell Ringer?” “Bell Ringers signal hope,” I stated, not realizing until much later I never asked how he knew I was a Ringer. “Why is that the one rule?” he asked. I shrugged after a moment. “When the world fell,” he said, “humanity lost everything. Even hope. Except for a few distant legends of human kindness. We have become insular and distrustful. I am a Bibliophile and it is my duty to spread hope. In the winter, this comes by giving gifts. However, it must be done secretly, otherwise people will come to expect the gifts and with expectation there
comes greed. You, little Bell Ringer, became greedy for recognition and forgot your rule. A rule held to keep peace and order. To rebuild hope within the human race.” The stranger stood up and stepped toward me, pulling the sprig of leaves and berries off his coat. “This is called holly, it is a hardy winter plant which grows out in the wild, far beyond your walls. Once, in the glory days of humanity, it was a symbol of hope during the dreary winter months. Please take it and remember, your bells sing of hope.” “But...” I protested, still not content with the answer I had been given. “Why can’t the villagers know of the gifts you bring?” “To have hope.” The stranger nodded to the Gate Keeper, patted a hand on my shoulder and walked out the cottage door. I ran after him only to see snow, twirling up in the wind. The ting of a bell sounded. Faint. But it was there. A bell of hope.
EXECUTIVES REALTY LTD
Personal Service You Can Count On
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Best wishes for the New Year! Shelley Duggan • 250-550-5570 www.ShelleyDuggan.com
TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS, NEIGHBOURS & FRIENDS.
Please accept our best wishes for a very Happy Holiday Season and our sincere thanks for your support over the past year. We look forward to serving you in 2014!
HOLIDAY
HOURS: VERNON TOYOTA
OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE CLOSED BOXING DAY CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY CLOSED NEW YEARS DAY
BANNISTER
HILLTOP
VERNON NISSAN
SUBARU VERNON
VERNON HYUNDAI
Vernon Volkswagen WATKIN MOTORS
U14 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
www.vernonmorningstar.com ROGER KNOX/MORNING STAR
B e st W I S H E S
and thank you to our loyal customers and friends. We hope the caring, thoughtfulness and generosity of this season continues for you throughout 2014. Thank you for your unfailing support.
Members of the Coldstream Christian Church choir sing O Come All Ye Faithful during the Coldstream Community Christmas Light Up at the church.
Julia, Ziba & Fareed.
106 3334 30th Ave. Downtown Vernon (Next to Welk-Mart) • 250-545-7997
#
Our Management and Staff wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Above all else, we wish you good health. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.
ARMSTRONG & ENDERBY PHARMACY
ARMSTRONG STORE: 250-546-3169 PHARMACY: 250-546-3195
ENDERBY STORE: 250-838-6469 PHARMACY: 250-838-0502
HOLIDAY HOURS: DEC 24: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (BOTH STORES) DEC 25: CLOSED (BOTH STORES) DEC 26: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM (ARMSTRONG ONLY - ENDERBY CLOSED)
DEC 31: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (BOTH STORES) JAN 1: CLOSED (BOTH STORES)
Happy Holidays! … and a big Thank You for choosing us as your drycleaners. We look forward to seeing you again in the New Year. … from all of us at …
Centre Drycleaners
3304 - 32nd Street (beside Total Pet)
250-545-2002
ghter ... we ay season u la d n a y d , jo Happiness hat and more this holi ll t wish you a
The Christmas Party
To my surprise, the party was a huge success. Everyone showed up, One summer not long ago, my princi- and I found myself watching these big, pal asked me if I wanted to teach a special tough, street, sex, and drug-hardened young program in the upcoming fall term: “Teens adults playing junior high and elementary at Risk.” school games like hangman and charades; I accepted the offer, and in September, I they were laughing and carrying on if they were normal pre-teens in a normal school went to work. I soon met my students. They were a with normal lives, full-stomachs, and bright diverse and rowdy bunch of unwanted, futures. The party went late. I had to tell them unloved, and generally unwashed teenagers. 36 of them on the register! But only to leave already: it was after 4:00. The room 6 showed up the first day! Next day was was a mess with chips, empty pop bottles, better and the year progressed as the class and Christmas decorations. So they relucgrew to a coherent core of about 20 students. tantly ended their games, cleaned up, and Most of these “teens at risk” lived in wel- started leaving one by one, to go to wherever fare flophouses. They were all hardened, their temporary homes were. The last one out was a young woman tough, hyperactive, difficult, and messed up. Nevertheless, somehow we became a (18 years old.) She stopped by my desk and said, “Thanks…that was fun…you know I class. The months went by, things were going never really had a Christmas party before… fairly well. I had to deal with several weap- thanks.” I said, “Sure, no problem…yeah it was ons issues, a couple of fist fights, and many typical classroom discipline issues, in addi- fun, and see you after the Christmas break. tion to teaching something to these stu- And Merry Christmas!” She paused briefly, as if about to tell dents, but overall, order prevailed and learning was happening. Several students were me something more. Or maybe it was to close to getting their first high school credits just wait for me to say something more. in English and math. Soon Christmas was Regardless, we smiled and parted ways well. Central office called me early on my first upon us, and I planned to have a class day back, but I had already had the news Christmas party. I told the students that it was a celebra- from my class: Sarah (the same 18 year old tion of our learning community (which who was last out of the Christmas party) had I’m sure they didn’t understand!) and that killed herself a few days after New Years. It I would bring in the chips and pop (which was an overdose of pills. Apparently, she they did understand!)—breaking with our had been depressed since her baby had died about a year before. This was her third (and healthy eating rules. final) attempt. I thought back to our Christmas party and recalled those moments of joy and her youthful glow underwritten by all that sadness. And what struck me like a bell crushing my heart was the realization that in the ordinary lives we lead, we often miss the heavenly rapture and grace of those moments of wonOpen der and light that fight • Residential • Commercial m 8am - 5p against the darkness and to • Auto Glass • Mirrors • Shower Doors y Monda despair of our time on this y Saturda planet. Merry Christmas! There are no wasted notes 3415 OKANAGAN STREET, ARMSTRONG in the Universe. 250-546-8845 • 24 hr. Emergency Service 503-8475 MARV MACHURA
For The Morning Star
Wishing all our customers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
“We Fix Panes”
Rossworn Henderson LLP Chartered Accountants Tax Consultants
Armstrong 250-546-8665 Enderby 250-838-7337 Salmon Arm 250-832-5129 Vernon 250-542-4432 Toll Free 1-888-818-3276
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U15
www.vernonmorningstar.com
ELVES BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER!! SANDRA HOVEY
For The Morning Star
One of my most memorable Christmases is when I was in the hardest situation in my life. I recently became a single mom with two boys in diapers and no family or friends nearby. The time was very hard on me, emotionally, financially, and having the stigma attached of being a “Single Mom.” But our small wonderful community of Enderby made my bad situation into a wonderful Christmas for us. My story: I was emotionally torn and struggling to make ends meet, and presents for the boys was an added hardship. Being recently made a single mom, I had no real friends or family close by and I didn’t know where to go, but I needed to get help. I believe it all started when I approached the Enderby Resource Centre “Family Place” in our small town and asked for help. They helped me find the right steps to go through and helped me set goals to get back on my feet. One day the boys and I were at home, when we heard a knock on the door. I went to the door and there stood a man in an elf costume with a box in his hands and behind him two more elves with boxes. “What is this all about” I thought to myself. They asked me “are you Sandy V..., with two boys, Chance and Caleb”. I replied “yes.” “We are Santa’s elves and have come to bring you Christmas cheer,” he replied. I stepped aside as they walked into our home with 3 boxes of food and wrapped gifts. I remember standing in my kitchen kind of stunned, shaking, crying, tears of heartbursting relief and joy. I realized then that there are people who care, “a community that cares for us”. The first elf came back to me and hugged me with tears in his eyes too and said “I was in a similar situation like you, struggling to make ends meet for my family at Christmas time and Santa’s elves
came and helped us out, and I always told myself I am going to pay it forward when things got better, things will get better for you too.” Looking at me still with tears in his eyes he said, “oh there is more!” They went back to the truck and brought in a large box full of Christmas Dinner, snacks, goodies...Food! I asked him, who had done this for us and he replied “I can’t tell you but please accept it and have a wonderful Christmas, things will get better for you too.” I hugged them and they left. I am sure their hearts were full too... feeling the best feeling, “giving from the heart.” When they left I remember my boys asking me “Mommy who were those people?” I replied “Santa’s elves, they came to bring us Christmas early for Santa, who is really busy this year.” I remember our Christmas morning, the boys tearing open their gifts and me sitting back watching them, with just as much anticipation and joy, to see what they received. I felt relieved, even for just the moment, that we were going to be alright. We had food, shelter and a wonderful Christmas memory to remember. For a couple of years after that I received help from the Enderby and District Community Resource Centre, Enderby Lion’s Club, the Faith Community Church and who else I do not know “Santa’s elves.” But I want to tell you my little community of Enderby with HUGE hearts, I have not forgotten your gracious gifts of relief, joy, food and presents for my little family, and most of all the gift of feeling cared for and loved even being a “Single Mom.” I am now Ok, yes, with much struggle, but lots of support, things did get better! Thank you with all my heart. I now work with Family Place and am paying it forward too. It has been a humbling experience which I believe has made me into a much better person too.
Ardel & Ken would like to thank their customers for the support shown to us over the past year.
We wish all a Merry Christmas and continued prosperity in the New Year
VERNON HOBBY CENTRE
1011 Kal Lake Road, Vernon, BC TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 5PM
250-542-8232
Warmest
WISHES
At this special time of year, we find ourselves reflecting on good friends, family and you, our customers. We wish you all the best of the Holiday Season, and we look forward to serving you in the New Year. 4 LOCATIONS IN VERNON TO SERVE YOU
3905 32nd St 14 - 2601 Hwy 6 5205-25th Ave 250-260-3533 250-260-7740 250-260-5922
2501 58th Ave 250-260-6583
We would like to thank our valued customers for their continued support over the past year. We wish you and yours health & happiness through this holiday season & into the New Year. S T O V E S • F I R E P L A C E S
W O O D • G A S • P E L L E T
Barb & Dan 7155 Meadowlark Rd. Vernon • 558-1668 WE ALSO SELL, INSTALL & SERVICE HEAT PUMPS & FURNACES
The
U16 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings PHOTO BY DAWN MACE
Dancing Duo
Craig Bell and Emmett Robinson groove to some festive tunes during the Enderby Light Up in Riverside Park as they get in the holiday spirit.
www.vernonmorningstar.com
Bells Wishing you a picture perfect holiday season filled with beautiful moments
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce Brian & Rachelle Albert & Natalie and the Staff at Zelaney Farms Would like to wish everyone a
Very Merry Christmas!
ZELANEY FARMS 5481 Petworth Rd., Coldstream 250-549-2436 www.zelaneyfarms.ca
EILEEN PASISHNEK For The Morning Star
‘Tis the day before Christmas and all through the house I’m the only one stirring, being quiet as a mouse… It is early morning. I tiptoe down the hall, into the living room, my blanket wrapped around my shoulders. I head for my favourite spot - the big comfy snuggle chair. As I settle in, it feels as though I am being wrapped up in a warm embrace as the soft fluffy cushions envelope me in a welcoming blanket of love. I am fifteen years old. I’m a guy. I shouldn’t be feeling so “sappy”. But I do! The moon casts its light on the freshly fallen snow and fills my space with a soft warm glow. I look at the bell ornament on the end table. It seems like it has been around forever. Such an old fashioned thing, but I love it! I am glad my mom never replaced it for some new modern decoration, like so many mothers do, just because it doesn’t match the “décor”. It originally belonged to my Grandma. She gave it to my dad one year because she said she didn’t need it anymore. She knew how he had always loved it when he was growing up. He was very happy to be able to share the sentiments attached to it from his childhood, with his own children. The ornament consisted of three red plastic five inch bells that were fastened together with wire at the top. The wire was hidden by a big plaid satin ribbon that draped itself over the top of the bells. Under one of the bells was a sort of “key” and when you wound it up, it played phrases from three Christmas Carols. My dad used to wind it up every Christmas and my brother and I would sit together with him, in that big old comfy chair, in the quietness of the early morning light, listening to the music of the
bells. When the music stopped, my dad would wind them up again. We would listen to the music-box sounds , over and over…. again and again. Then, one Christmas, the bells stopped working. That didn’t matter. We still put them out on the end table; year after year. The three of us would still sit together in that big old comfy chair, and without the accompaniment of the music from the bells, sing the Christmas Carols together. It is one of my favorite memories. This year, and for every Christmas for the rest of my life, I am going to have to sit here without my dad. You see, he passed away this year and Christmas will never be the same for any of us. Nothing will ever be the same. I stare out the window as the tears run down my cheeks and drop off my chin onto my blanket. Plop! Plop! Plop! The stars are shining brightly and I silently whisper a prayer. “God, if you can hear me, please tell my dad how much I love him and how much I miss him. If you could somehow send me a sign that he hears me, that would be the best Christmas present ever!” Daylight begins to break over the horizon. I dry my tears. I pick up the Christmas Bells and turn them over. Just for old times sake, I wind up the key at the bottom. I place them back down on the table. Then something strange happens that I will never have an explanation for. All of a sudden, in the stillness of the morning light, the sounds of music fill the air. Music Box Sounds! “Silent Night”…. “Jingle Bells”…. “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. I look up towards the heavens and smile as I sing the songs of the “Christmas Bells” and, I know, I am not singing them alone. I walk out of the darkness, into a new kind of light, and whisper, “Thanks Dad! Merry Christmas to you, too!”.
Season’s Greetings
To All Our Clients A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
From Our Pack to Yours
K9
BOARDING AVAILABLE
Care & Grooming
Kind and Gentle Care
Locally owned & operated since 1994
Pet & Show Grooming
Joy & Stu
From the staff at
30 Yrs. Experience
Residential • Commercial
#3 - 4311 25th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1P5 • 250.542.9932 www.okanaganprewire.com • Mon.- Fri. 8am - 4:30pm
2813 - B, 35th St., Vernon, BC
250.545.8054
www.vernonmorningstar.com
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U17
A
Merry Christmas
Special Christmas Tree
DON COULTES
For The Morning Star
The beavers were very busy these days. They chopped trees and chiseled them into short pieces for winter, so they would have lots of tender bark to chew when it is cold outside. Grandpa Benny sat near the forest path whittling toys for the tiny children, while teaching the youth many woodworking skills. “Have you got your Christmas tree up yet Grandpa?” Catherine Crow caw-cawed from a tree high above. “There are only five days left until Christmas. Look, we have arranged a circle of fir twigs around our nest.” “Humph, humph,” replied Grandpa. “Plenty of time, We are busy.” Grandpa sounded grumpy when he spoke and he looked grumpy, but that was his outside nature, for on the inside he was a friendly and caring old gentle beaver. The young beavers watched every tooth chomp while Grandpa worked. “Have you got your Christmas tree up yet Grandpa?” Frederick Fox trotted by. “There are only four days left until Christmas. Look at the pine wreath we placed around our den door.” “Humph, humph,” Grandpa Benny replied. “Plenty of time. We are busy.” Grandpa noticed how thin and weak Frederick looked. Mr. North wind blew strong, cold air and frosty snow fell so deep the animals experienced a difficult time finding enough food. But they kept trying. “Have you got your Christmas tree up yet Grandpa?” Winnie Wolf came by. Grandpa noticed how she was limping. Frost had nipped her paw and it was very sore. “There are only three days left until Christmas.” She was carrying a branch of spruce in her mouth. “I am putting this in front of our den.”
“Humph, humph. Plenty of time. We are busy.” Grandpa thought about Winnie’s sore paw as she hobbled down the path. But she remained cheerful. “Have you got your Christmas tree up yet, Grandpa?” There are only two days left until Christmas.” Delbert Deer was carrying a few cedar branches on his antlers. “I’m placing these around my bed,” he said. “Humph, humph. Plenty of time. We are busy.” Grandpa noticed Delbert licking snow because he was thirsty. The river ice was very thick along the side where animals drank, but it was too thin in the centre to be safe for drinking or walking across. “Have you got our Christmas tree ready to put up Grandpa?” Grandma Bertha Beaver swam over to ask him. “There is only one more day until Christmas.” She knew Grandpa was very wise and always had a special reason for everything he did. “Tonight we will put it up together,” Grandpa replied. After supper all the beavers gathered wood to build a log bridge across the centre of the river where the ice was thick so the animals could cross to the other side. A stream flowed there which never froze and the animals could drink everyday. The snow was less deep so they could browse and hunt easily in the meadow and forest. The beavers worked hard all night and completed it. Next morning the animals saw a strong bridge with fir, cedar, spruce and pine branches lining each side. Grandpa Beaver invited the animals to walk across on the ‘Christmas Tree.’ The animals were grateful to have a bridge to cross. Now they could have food and drink and be healthy again. This community Christmas tree was a very special tree and all the animals rejoiced.
At this special time, it is our great pleasure to offer our best wishes for a joyful holiday.
farm & ranch supplies | pet food | bagged feed | tack & clothing
3155 Pleasant Valley Rd, Armstrong, BC (250) 546-9174 www.countrywestsupply.com
’s n o s a Se ings! Greet
Your Gravel & Excavation Specialist Celebrating 69 years in business
We’d like to deliver a load of best wishes to our patrons along with a bundle of thanks. Have a great Holiday!
9245 Kalamalka Rd. Coldstream, BC 250-545-5008
Hay River And Back W. FOURNIER For The Morning Star
from Hay River to Fort Simpson didn’t run on Christmas Eve. He was calling from the hotel in Hay River, 350 miles south of Simpson, with no way to finish his journey until December 27th. We decided that Alan and I would take my truck and go to Hay River and bring him home. The weather was cold, it had been 45 degrees below zero for about 10 days with no relief in site, so northern travel precautions were taken. My truck was equipped with a tidy tank that held 100 gallons of gasoline, so fuel was no problem. Sandy made us a big lunch of sandwiches, a thermos of soup, a
In 1977 when we were living in Fort Simpson in the NWT, a small town on the MacKenzie River, at the confluence of the Liard River, our family was spread out as much as it is now. I want to tell you about a trip that was made by son Alan and myself on Christmas Eve of that year. Alan was attending school in Yellowknife and living in the hostel for students there. He had come home for Christmas and we were planning a modest Christmas celebration, with only Sandy, Alan and myself, as the other children were living continued on page U18 too far away to make the trip to Fort Simpson, or so we thought. On Christmas Eve we had eaten supper and were busy wrapping gifts and getYou’re never too old ting things ready for the next to see Christmas day. The phone rang and through the eyes to our surprise it was our of a child. other son Jim, who was living in Calgary at that time. May all the excitement you He had decided to come felt as a youngster revisit to Fort Simpson by bus for you this Christmas and Christmas and had wanted make this holiday the best to make his visit a surprise. one yet! We weren’t the only ones surprised, as when he got to Hay River he found out 2809 - 45th Avenue, Vernon • 250-542-9309 that a locally operated bus www.hlglass.ca
Christmas GREETINGS
H & L GLASS Ltd.
We would like to thank all of our fabulous customers for their continued support over the past year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cheers, Cheryl & Staff
#1 - 100 Kalamalka Lake Road, Vernon, BC
Open Tues. - Sat. 10am-5pm
250-549-8468
MORE POWER TO YOU AT CHRISTMAS! We’re wishing you and yours a bright and shining holiday season!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS INDUSTRIAL • MAINTENANCE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • BUDGETS • AUTOMATION
VERNON, BC • 250-545-3254 www.1and2electric.com
A Division of 1 & 2 Electric Ltd. DATA • VOICE • FIBEROPTICS AUTOMATION • WIRELESS • CCTV POWER QUALITY
250-545-3254 • Vernon, BC www.1and2electric.com
U18 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
www.vernonmorningstar.com
continued from page U17
large thermos of coffee, and a generous serving of Christmas cookies and cakes. We took along a tank of propane and a tiger torch, and a tool box, and a hand lantern, in case of a breakdown, as there was nothing between the two towns. No service stations, garages, cafes, or habitations of any kind. Finally at about 8:00 p.m. we were ready to go. We were dressed in our northern clothes, woolen underwear, heavy pants and shirts, down parkas, felt lined boots, skidoo mitts, and threw in a couple of down sleeping bags. It was a perfectly clear night, the moon was almost full and the northern lights were putting on a real show, the kind of night you often read about but not often experience. Under those conditions radio reception in the north is unbelievable, we were bringing
in stations from all over North America. Our trip to Hay River was without incident, the truck ran well, we heard every Christmas hymn, carol, story and song that was ever written. We got to Hay River at 2:00 a.m. Got Jim out of bed at the hotel, put him in the driver’s seat and started back without delay. Our trip back was as good as the trip there, but better, as we had a lot of talking to do to bring us up to date on what we had been doing. We got to Fort Simpson at 10:00 am. on Christmas morning, and what a happy time it was. Sandy made us a fine breakfast, we opened our gifts, and spent a rather lazy day enjoying each other’s company. When I think of memorable Christmases this one stands out as one of the best.
Season’s Greetings Wishing everyone a Safe & Happy Holiday this Festive Season …and Thank You so much for your support and loyalty.
FIONA FORSHAW PHOTOGRAPHY
C. Lawanda Henderson 250-306-1214 • 250-546-3119
ARMSTRONG
Devon and Lila Secord get to know Santa Claus during the Downtown Vernon Association Light Up, where Image Studios gave out free photos with Santa to hundreds of families who stopped by his workshop downtown..
To all our drivers and carriers who go above and beyond, not just at Christmas but all year long!
Tammy, Donna & The Morning Star Staff 4407 - 25th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1P5 250.545.3322
www.vernonmorningstar.com
Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings U19
www.vernonmorningstar.com
Proud supporter of the North Okanagan community 250.545.5371 Vernon • 250.546.8791 Armstrong • royallepagevernon.com
From our family to yours
Wishing you all the timeless treasures of Christmas ... the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends. One of the greatest joys of this season is the opportunity to say Thank You and to wish you the very best for the New Year.
Happy Holidays from my family to yours.
To all our wonderful friends and clients, our sincerest thanks! Warmest wishes for the Christmas Season and throughout the New Year
Your REALTORS® on the MOVE for YOU
tdanbrook@gmail.com
250-260-0453
Judi Reinhardt
Dan Reinhardt
250-308-9664 www.judireinhardt.ca
250-309-9111 www.danreinhardt.ca
vernononthemove.com DOWNTOWN REALTY
Thank you to all my wonderful clients, past & present
DOWNTOWN REALTY
From home to home and heart to heart, warm thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New Year 2014!
Lynne Smith www.vernonhomes.com
DOWNTOWN REALTY
250.938.0404
May the spirit of Christmas ring in your heart and echo throughout the New Year.
Lana Polman Tuin 250.307.5446
DOWNTOWN REALTY
U20 Sunday, December 22, 2013 - Season’s Greetings
www.vernonmorningstar.com
Brad Nakucyj Sales Manager
Terry Baptist Sales
Robert McLaren Sales
From
! s r u o y o t y l i m a our f
Alex Kreis Sales
JUST VOTED ND
Leif Peik Sales
2 YEAR RUNNING!
BEST CAR DEALER
BEST CAR DEALER NORTH OKANAGAN
NORTH OKANAGAN
2013
WINNER
Bannister GM
BEST CAR DEALER
BEST TRUCK DEALER
NORTH OKANAGAN
NORTH OKANAGAN
Scott Young Sales
THANK YOU
for your continued support & we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
Chris Beaton Sales
Richard Bisson Sales
2013
WINNER
Bannister GM
“A Family Business, with Family Values ”
bannisters.com 250-545-0606
DL#9133
BANNISTER
4703 - 27 Street, Vernon BC