Special Supplement to the
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Thursday, December 11, 2014 Summerland Review
Wintery village
Heather Jurgens shows her model village of Lostlitreville, a winter-themed display with 385 miniature people and many buildings, winter activities and trees. She has been collecting the pieces of this village for at least 10 years.
Peacocks Perch Pub
PRIVATE 24 HOUR SENIOR CARE
PRAIRIE VALLEY LODGE December 31st @ 8:30pm
10312 Prairie Valley Road Summerland, BC All ground floor private en suite rooms. Professionally staffed. Fully equipped to meet all your nursing needs. 250-404-0203
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Parkside Realty
May your world be filled with warmth and good cheer this Holiday Season. All our Best... Holiday Hours Pub: Dec.24th - 11am - 5pm December 25th - Closed
From all of us at Royal LePage Parkside Your #1 Real Estate office for MLS® sales in town for the past 26 years!! Please drive safely this season. 250holiday 494-0505
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Summerland Review Thursday, December 11, 2014
Christmas a quiet celebration in South Korea As Ho Won Lee prepares for Christmas, he is amazed by the large-scale celebrations in Canada.
“We don’t celebrate that way in Korea,” he said. “We don’t give a lot of attention to Christ-
mas.” Lee is in Summerland this year as a Rotary exchange student.
In Korea, New Year’s Day is an important celebration, with its own customs and rituals.
The New Year’s food is a special soup to mark another year has passed. “When I eat that soup,
Musical accompaniment
Larry Crawford, left, David Jonsson, Ruth Rasmussen and Ho Won Lee provided the musical accompaniment at the Summerland Ministerial Association’s annual Community Christmas Carol Festival at Giant’s Head School on Sunday evening.
Christmas
From Kelsey, Katrina, Jason & Staff at
a & a MINI STORaGE & Wine Cellar Happy Holiday Season Best Wishes in 2015
from Cy & Lorraine Taylor 9201 Alder St. 250-494-9054
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
9400 Cedar Ave. phone/fax 250-494-5444
I grow up,” he said, explaining the symbolism of the food. The meal is served in the morning and it is a special family meal. Relatives will come together for the day. Lee and others also wear special traditional clothing on New Year’s Day, similar to a Japanese kimono. New Year’s Day is an official day off in South Korea, but many will take two or three days off at that time of year, Lee said. His family also celebrates Christmas, with carols in church and seasonal plays, “but we don’t decorate this much,” he added. The seasonal gift exchange this year will be a new experience for Lee. He said in South Korea, there is a strong emphasis on working hard, but not on gift-giving traditions. “We don’t have that much time for celebrations,” he said. This year, he will follow the Canadian traditions at Christmas and New Year ’s. He does not plan to introduce the Korean New Year’s traditions to his host family. “I’m here to learn something new,” he said.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! from Steve and Debbie
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TOY HEADQUARTERS
ALL YOU NEED IS ONE #101-9901 Main St., Summerland 778.516.5656
PETE’S PLACE BARBER SHOP
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
Wishing all my clients a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2015 Open: Tuesday - Friday 6 am - 1 pm 13224 Henry Ave. Phone: 250-809-1103
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Thursday, December 11, 2014 Summerland Review
Knit handcrafts
Velvet Briere sets out some knit garments at the Holy Child Catholic Church’s bazaar earlier this month.
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
Meeting Santa
Carla McLeod Special to the Summerland Review
Four-year-old Cooper Miller had his photo taken with Santa at the Full Circle Outlet during the Festival of Lights on Nov. 28.
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 11, 2014
Be free from spiritual darkness Rev. Rick Gay Summerland Alliance Church In the song, “GrownUp Christmas List” there
appears this line: “Well heaven only knows, that packages and bows, can never heal a hurting soul.”
While gift-giving and beautifully wrapped presents can provide comfort and joy, finding healing from the hurts, hang-ups,
Holiday bazaar
Theresa Smith, left, with Keyara and Tanesha, both eight years old, look at some of the preserves and canning at the Holy Child Catholic Church bazaar earlier this month.
Thank you for a fantastic year! Have a cozy Christmas! Barbara and Sam Gillespie Open Regular Hours except: Closed December 25th, 26th, and January 1st.
778-516-5778
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’.” Good news for the terrified; joy for those afraid. Peace for those who are troubled. To those trapped in oppression, a Saviour – the Messiah – the hope of rescue and deliverance. Mind you this was not a message of political deliverance or rescue, but an announcement of something far greater – freedom from spiritual darkness! The light of Christ shone into dark hearts liberating them from the bondage of guilt and shame and bitterness. We, along with them, can live in the freedom of
Christ’s salvation. I invite you during this Christmas season to seek out the message of hope and salvation. Jesus said: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” May you know His joy and peace. May the light of Christ shine brightly in your hearts. And, may the good news of a Saviour be your news to share with others this Christmas and always. From Jan and me and the family of Summerland Alliance Church, have a safe and blessed Christmas and New Year! Rev. Rick Gay is the pastor of Summerland Alliance Church.
Ring in the Good Cheer!
Tasting Room is Open 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturdays & Sundays until Christmas
3113 Johnston Street, Summerland 778-738-1155 summerlandcider.com
10104 WHARTON STREET
Where the Locals Shop! It has been our pleasure to serve you!
Holiday Store Hours: Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Dec. 31 Jan. 01
Hair Design
Best of everything in the festive season from Diane, Vi and Annette
Season’s Best from the Management & Staff of
7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 6:00 CLOSED 9:00 - 5:00
Diane’s
May you celebrate the holidays in style with those near and dear to you.
10105 Main Street 250-494-1314 www.cherrytreequilts.ca
Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 26
and habits of life requires a gift that is lasting and complete. Enter a Saviour whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. The birth announcement heralded by angels tells the familiar story: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory
7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 9:00 7:30 - 7:00 9:00 - 5:00
Help Light The
Tree of Dreams The Ninth 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. This year’s campaign, Get BEDDER Care will help fund the purchase of technically advanced patient care beds at Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH) for the Surgical department where the most complex injuries, surgeries and wounds are treated. A bed is the one item that touches every single patient receiving care at PRH. The goal is bold but these urgently needed beds are critical. To complete the campaign we must raise $250,000.
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
Our office will be closed:
December 24th at noon We will reopen at 9:00 am on Monday, January 5th, 2014
BELL, JACOE & COMPANY LAWYERS 13211 N. Victoria Road, Summerland
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Thursday, December 11, 2014 Summerland Review
The importance of the word ‘with’ Larry Schram Summerland Baptist Church
It really is hard to imagine a more welcoming word than with. Say it slowly and as it rolls off your tongue think of the people you love the most. It generates feelings of warmth and love, peace and contentment, delight and connection. Consider: family coming home for Christmas, loved ones returning from trips, holding hands, cuddling with a baby, and the surprising joy of seeing someone you love walk unexpectedly into the room. We experience hope and peace, joy and love
with the sound of that simple four letter word. Our hunger and need for with fills our days and compels our choices. Our time, money and energy is directed to the purposes of with. Music, poetry and art express its beauty. It is the sigh of a baby asleep in your arms, the deep love of the elderly holding hands on a death bed, and the tangible delight of a young couple falling in love. It is the deep trust of longtime friendships, the joy of children wanting to be with you in your daily tasks and the even deeper sense of knowing and being known by someone who is with you.
With may very well be one of the most powerful experiences and truths of our lives. That’s probably why the lack of with creates fear, disease, imbalance and aloneness. Loss of with is not good for our souls or our hearts and it fuels bad choices. The opposite of with is alone which is pandemic these days, creating hungers that alcohol, recrea-
tional drugs, social media and technology cannot mask or sate. We all need to experience with at some level all the days of our lives. Maybe that’s partly why when God wove the Bible together he made sure that Matthew remembered the words of an Old Testament prophet as he wrote about the birth of Jesus: “The virgin will con-
ceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel — which means God with us.” Matthew 1:17. This is literally translated from Greek as “with us the God”. Please don’t miss that. In the coming of Jesus into our world God is now with us. The thing that we most need and hunger for, that drives our choices and fills our days is found
eternally in Jesus! I can think of no greater or more perfect Christmas gift than to address our greatest need for all the seasons of our lives. That’s why I encourage you to attend a church of your choice this Christmas and discover again, or for the first time, the life changing gift of with. Larry Schram is the pastor of Summerland Baptist Church.
Here’s hoping the holidays are filled with the best of everything for all our friends and neighbors, everywhere. 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
Merry Christmas Summerland!
It was a pleasure to have met so many wonderful Summerland locals at the farmers market this year. May you all have a fabulous holiday season!
Happy New Year!
In concert
The Penticton Tune-Agers, under the direction of conductor Gordon Dawson, performed a concert of holiday music at Summerland United Church on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
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.
Christmas hours:
December 24th: 9 am - 2 pm December 25th: CLOSED December 26th: CLOSED December 31st: 9 am - 2 pm January 1, 2014: CLOSED
Lisa Knight 250-490-7677
9515 Main St. Ph: 250-494-7088
SEASON’S GREETINGS To our many fine customers and friends, we extend our very best wishes for a season filled with joy. Thanks for a great 52nd year!
CHRISTMAS HOURS:
Open until 5:00pm daily until December 23 Open December 24, 9:30am - 3:00pm Closed Christmas and Boxing Day Open December 27-31, 10:00am - 4:00pm Closed January 1, 2015
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Summerland Review Thursday, December 11, 2014
A time to focus on relationships Michael Colbeck St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
“Have a holly, jolly Christmas – it’s the best time of the year!” Christmas is a great time of the year, if not the best then certainly one of the best. Here in Canada we think about having a white Christmas, with snow blanketing the earth. Perhaps a sleigh ride would be nice followed by some hot chocolate around a fireplace. It is a special time for family and friends to come together. Parties and special meals abound. Decorations and lights hang everywhere. Christmas is a holly, jolly season. A time to renew acquaintances, seek out old friends and renew our relationships. Just last week I had a phone call, out of the blue, from an old friend I had not seen for around 20 years. He was phoning some of his old friends just to see how they were doing, just to get in touch, just to see how life was going… It was very nice to get back in touch with him and the conversation came easy. It brought a moment of joy and wonder to me about life and relationships. Christmas is also the season when we remember that God gave us more than a phone call or a Christmas card.
He gave us a personal up close visit in his Son, Jesus. He came down among us, knocked on our door and came in to sit down and have a cup of hot
chocolate with us around the fireplace. Jesus came to seek us out, to get back in touch and to renew our relationship with God in such a way that it would never end.
Christmas is a jolly season. It is one in which relationships should be our first priority as we enjoy being with those who are important to us. This Christmas take
time to focus on your family and friends. This Christmas take time to be in touch with Jesus and to enjoy the gifts which God has for you.
May God’s love touch your heart this Christmas! Rev. Michael Colbeck is the minister at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Carol festival
The choir from St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, under the direction of Marj Plitt, performed Calypso Gloria at the Community Christmas Carol Festival on Sunday evening.
As Christmas rolls around again, we’d like to wish everyone the best of the Holiday Season!
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.
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
Dan Albas, MP Okanagan-Coquihalla
TOLL FREE: 1-800-665-8711 dan.albas@parl.gc.ca www.danalbas.com THE HONOURABLE
STOCKWELL DAY, MP PRESIDENT OF THE TREASURY BOARD AND MINISTER FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC GATEWAY
1-800-665-8711
www.stockwellday.com
CHARLES “Chuck” FULLERTON
CHRIS WOOD
AUDREY LANCE
ED MAUER
BRIAN EWING
WALTER STAYANOVICH
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
Product Advisor
PENTICTON TOYOTA
www.pentictontoyota.com 2405 SKAHA LAKE ROAD • 250-493-1107 • TOLL FREE: 1-888-493-1107 • DL. #6994
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Thursday, December 11, 2014 Summerland Review
Carla McLeod Special to the Summerland Review
An encounter with the Grinch
Larry Green mesmerized the crowds as he came to life as the Grinch during the Festival of Lights.
Season Sparkles
Frances Wentzell, left, and Tricia Hunt examine some of the items at the Summerland Arts Council’s Season Sparkles art show and sale. The show opened on Nov. 28 and continues until Dec. 20.
Summerland's Only Local Flower Shop.
g Servin nd erla Summ 1992 since
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
We will be closed Monday, December 22 and will re-open Monday, January 5, 2015
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. I want to thank the parents, teachers and local merchants for their support for our trip to Disneyland - Miss Eva
250-494-0031
Summerland School of Dance 9316 Jubilee Rd. E. 778-516-5583
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! What would the holidays be without the magic of Christmas floral displays? We can send your flowers around the corner and around the world.
ORDER EARLY!!! www.martinstflowers.com SUMMERLAND
#3-13604 Victoria Rd. N. in the Sungate Plaza
www.summerlanddance.ca
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 2015. 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’, and ‘Survivorship Dragon Boat Team’. Thank you all very much for your patronage and once again...
Happy Holidays! Yours Truly Dave Hughes, Summerland Realty.
250-494-5432 or 1-877-494-5432
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.
Dr. Grant Goods Dr. Kimberley Goods 13225 Victoria Rd. N. Summerland 250-494-9266 Closed Dec. 25, 26, 27, 28 & Jan. 1 & 3, 2015
Summerland Review Thursday, December 11, 2014
www.summerlandreview.com 9
250-494-2181
email: summerlandrealty@yahoo.com 13219 N. Victoria Rd., Summerland, BC
A Christmas Carol
Monica Keetch reads from the Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol, at Summerland United Church on Friday evening. The dramatic reading was organized by Summerland Singers and Players and featured readers Mark Swanson, Rev. Armand Houle, David Sparks, Keetch and Don Gayton. At right, the Summerland United Church Choir, conducted by Kathleen Estabrooks, provided music. The Summerland Children’s Choir, conducted by Linnea Good, also sang. Proceeds from the reading went to the Summerland Food Bank and Community Resource Centre.
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
Diana Andres 250-770-0028
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US AT SUMMERLAND REALTY! HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY
Dave, Leona, Shelley, Bryan, Nathan, Amanda, Diana, Ann & Dawn
“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 13606 Kelly Ave.
E-mail: summerland@hagenstravel.com www.hagenstravelsummerland.com
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 Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & a wonderful 2015!
RDOS HOLIDAY HOURS REGIONAL DISTRICT OF OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN HOLIDAY HOURS OF OPERATION The main office at 101 Martin Street will be closed over the upcoming holiday season on: December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2 If you have an urgent water or sewer problem please call the RDOS Emergency After Hours line at: 250-490-4141 Missed Garbage Pickup Please call 250-490-3888 Contact the RDOS at 250-492-0237 for further information
CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL Natural Christmas Trees, free of contaminants, can be brought to any local landfill in the RDOS free of charge. Check with your local municipality or the RDOS for potential Christmas Street collection programs in your community.
LANDFILL REDUCED WINTER HOURS Campbell Mountain Mon to Sat 8:30 a.m - 4:45 p.m. Okanagan Falls Mon to Fri 10 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Oliver Mon to Fri 12 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Sat 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Keremeos Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All landfills will be closed Statutory Holidays and Boxing Day
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Thursday, December 11, 2014 Summerland Review
Hope as an anchor for the soul Don Huston Summerland Pentecostal Church
Festive train
Santa rides a seasonal train in a model railway display set up at Keller’s Cellar on Victoria Road North in Summerland. The model railway was created by Dave Simpson. This is the second year it has been set up.
The actual statement reads: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” I have always had an appreciation for those writers who use symbols, such as this one, to relay a deeper message to their readers. I am not a sailor in any way, shape or form but my nautical friends inform me there are some very important things to know about the makeup and use of an anchor when at sea. First of all, one needs a ship to tie the anchor to; secondly there is need for a “rode” – a length of nylon rope that links the boat to the anchor; and lastly, an anchor with a length of chain attached. There are other important things to consider such as the scope, the diameter of the rope, the type of anchor to use
In the Spirit of the Season...
HOLIDAY HOURS: Open everyday except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
based on the size of the ship and the depth of the water, and so on. The true test of the anchor takes place during the turbulent tossing of the sea, when the crew realizes that there is no hope of getting back to quieter waters. They work to get the ship into shallower waters so when they lower the anchor it, hopefully, will latch firmly upon the sea floor holding the ship in place during the worst of the storm. How does this relate to our everyday lives? As a man of faith who believes in a faithful and loving God, this analogy takes a wonderful turn towards hope. Stay with me for a moment: The ship is us, the anchor and chain is God, and the rode is Christ. Christ, through His death and resurrection, became, and still is the rode that links our lives to the very heart of our heavenly Father. When we yield our lives to Christ, He literally
“anchors our souls” to the very throne of God, locking us in so tightly that when various life storms come we can rest assured that this hope we have in him “anchors to our soul, firm and secure.” As a follower of Christ, I know I am anchored in and can rest assured He has me locked and secured in His love. The Christmas season tends to be when individuals and families face some of their most difficult times. Summerland has a number of pastors and church families serving in this community, each one making themselves available to those of you who may be struggling at this time of year. Maybe, in finding the help you need, you will find hope in the One who will “anchor your soul, firm and secure.” Pastor Don Huston is the lead pastor of Summerland Pentecostal Church on Julia Street. Call 250-494-8248 if you wish to talk.
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 itWe wish all our clients, friends and so? Is it the scent of fresh pine, the crackle of the fire or Located at the end ofthe Maintaste Street,of homemade cookie dough? Is the laughter offamily a fantastic Christmas holiday Downtown Summerland friends and family 100% near and far or the feeling of peaceand a Happy New Year! within our hearts?LOCAL Whatever the reason, we love the ~ Shelley & Amanda holiday season and want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
250.494.1884
250-494-0611 1-800-663-5117
SPONSOR NAME The executive committee at Royal
FROM VALLEY WEST AUTOMOTIVE LTD. Just a note of thanks to our loyal customers and friends. Wishing you all the best this holiday season.
Canadian Legion Branch 22 wish to thank everyone for their support and offer their best wishes of the season and a Happy New Year!
Merry MerryChristmas Christmas From Fromthe thestaff staff and andowners ownersofof
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:
CLOSED DEC. 24 - JAN. 4
PH./FAX: (250) 494-0010 9203 JAMES AVE SUMMERLAND
Dec. 24th th Monday 24 Dec. 25th th Tuesday Dec. 26th 25 th Wednesday Dec. 27th 26 th th Dec. 28 Thursday 27 Dec. 31st 1st Thursday Jan. 1st
9 am - 4 pm 9 am - 4 pm CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED 10 am - 4 pm CLOSED 9 am - 4 pm CLOSED CLOSED
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Summerland Review Thursday, December 11, 2014
Holiday music
Members of the Penticton Tune-Agers performed their seasonal concerts in Summerland and Penticton. The Summerland concert was held on Dec. 3 at Summerland United Church.
The four themes of the Advent season Rev. Armand Houle Summerland United Church
Greetings Friends, Within the Christian tradition the four weeks before Christmas are called the Season of Advent. It is a time when we are called to slow down and reflect on the meaning and impact in our lives of the birth of a child many years ago. Of course trying to slow down during the run up to Christmas can be challenging and can also put us out of step with the world around us. To help us do this there are four themes that we are invited to focus on during Advent, one for
each week. They are Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. These themes reflect the gifts that Christians say were brought to the world by Jesus, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Through his life, ministry and message of Jesus shows us that the way to these gifts is by opening our hearts to God and living a life of compassion in the world, seeking justice and right relationship with one another and all creation. When we can look into the eyes of another and see a brother or sister, no matter, the colour of their skin, religion, ethnic background, economic circumstance or sexual orientation, then we will
Photography by Chris 385 Martin St. 250-492-2355
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 35 years. Happy Holidays and sincere thanks!
fully know the fullness of the gifts offered to us through Jesus. My prayer for everyone this Christmas, is that you will have an opportunity to slow down a little and pause for a moment and open your heart to the Holy, the Divine Light that shines in the darkness, the divine light that shone through Jesus and continues to
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
www.photosbychris.ca facebook.com/PhotographyByChris
250-494-0252
Extra Copies of the Season’s Greetings are available at the
shine through all women and men of Good Will. Let the light fill you, let the light embrace you,
let the light transform you, so that you will fully know the hope, peace, joy and love of our deepest
desiring. Rev. Armand Houle, is the minister at Summerland United Church.
SEASON’S GREETINGS Merry Christmas and a Great 2015!
Thank you to the residents and businesses of Summerland for another year of support. Jonney & Catrina Tel: 250-494-6431
from Josh and Staff at
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! Closed on Dec 25th to enjoy time with our families. Back to Regular hours Dec 26th
#1 - 13604 Sungate Plaza
250-404-4241
Seasons Greetings Colin and staff would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Holiday.
All the best in 2015. Store Hours: December 24th: 8 am to 6 pm December 25th: Closed
OFFICE 13226 N. Victoria Rd. Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00 pm
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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Thursday, December 11, 2014 Summerland Review
Christmas carols
Tara Commandeur, in front, and members of the Summerland United Church’s choir performed Light of the Stable at the Community Christmas Carol Festival on Sunday evening. The carol festival was organized by the Summerland Ministerial Association and featured music from the various churches in the community.
The holiday season in Toyokoro Anna Marshall
Since I’ve been in Japan, many people back home in Canada have asked me, “What is Christmas like in Japan?” Japan is largely a secular country, with people visiting Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples maybe once a year. Don’t get me wrong; there are still people who visit shrines, and temples regularly, and sometimes even churches. However, the majority of the population has their biggest celebration on New Years Eve and on New Years day. On New Years Eve, people in Hokkaido eat soba noodles, which signifies long life. They also eat something called “osechi” which is a
New Year’s card
box filled with various other Japanese foods, all of which are symbolic. I decided to ask some citizens in our sister city, Toyokoro, about how they celebrate Christmas now, compared to when they were children. The first person I asked was IshimaruKyoto-Sensei, viceprincipal at Toyokoro Junior High. He said, “On Christmas, I don’t do anything very special now. My son makes a Christmas cake and we eat KFC (yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken). When I was a child and when my son was a child, we would get presents from Santa. The only thing that I didn’t stop doing from when I was a child was eating Christmas cake, and eating chicken.” All of the
Masumi Nakamura created this card for the town of Summerland to wish the community a happy New Year. Every year, Japanese people send hundreds of these cards to people.
teachers at the junior high school were in agreement about several things. “When Santa gave us presents, instead of putting them under the Christmas tree, he would put them near our pillow while we were sleeping,” the English teachers, Abe-sensei, and Tsuji-sensei said. ”As in Canada, kids also write to Santa. “When I was young, I received a letter all in English! I thought my mother couldn’t read or write English and neither could I, so this must be from Santa!” I asked Tsuji-sensei if Santa visited every house in Japan and she said, “the kids that don’t believe in Santa, don’t get presents from him.” I asked my Grade 5 and 6 students, “Will you get anything for Christmas?” Most of the students said they wouldn’t get presents; instead they get “otoshidama” or New Years Money on New Years Day from their relatives. This may sound underwhelming, but kids receive quite a bit of money and are allowed to spend it on almost anything they want. After asking my adult English class, most things were clear. People always eat chicken (usually KFC), and Christmas cake on Christmas. I asked them what kids thought about Santa and they said, “If you are good, Santa will give you presents. But, if you’re bad, the Black Santa will come from Germany and put a dead cat in your
Holiday lights
While New Year’s is the big celebration in Summerland’s sister city of Toyokoro, Japan, the community also has many Christmas decorations in place and there is a Christmas presence to the festivities.
stocking.” Before you get too down on the lack of Christmas spirit, a story that Ikeda-san, one of my adult students told me was, “When my son was younger, every year he would make a trail from the chimney to the head of his bed so Santa would know where he was, and which pillow to put the presents near.” Lastly, I decided to ask a local Christian church, which is two hours west of Toyokoro in a town called Shimizu. The little church is run by a Korean missionary, Jaeran Kim, who holds services
every Christmas day. Since people will be working that day, the service is quite short and at night only. They usually have around 25 people from all over the region attend. During the service they have a Japanese styled feast with various Japanese dishes. One of the main dishes will be some sort of chicken. It might sound strange that everyone eats chicken on Christmas, but since turkey isn’t easy to get here, they have no other choice. Even though people don’t seem to celebrate it like we do
in Canada, the shops and radios are in fullspirit. Most stores have some sort of decorations, ranging from small ornaments to full-out Santa displays. You can rarely turn on the radio now and not hear Christmas music; one favourite here is Last Christmas by Wham! Walking down the streets here, I definitely feel the holiday season. When people in Japan think of Christmas in North America, they tend to think of it as a fully Christian holiday. I find that I have to
constantly tell people that even though I’m not religious, and many people in Canada are of other religions, they still celebrate the holidays in their own way. Even here, in Japan, people celebrate Christmas in a very unique and quite a beautiful way. The main similarity between everyone I talked to and how it is in Canada is how focused it is on family, and being with the people you love. Anna Marshall is in Summerland’s sister city of Toyokoro, Japan as the assistant English teacher.