Category Archives: Community

Christmas, Community

Our Christmas In Hedley, 2022

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I helped Linda with icing the Christmas cookies.

Due to covid, Linda and I did not celebrate Christmas with family in Abbotsford the past two years. This year we were determined to make up for lost time, but once again it was not to be. Police warnings and reports of accidents on ice laden roads convinced us to hunker down here and once again enjoy a more subdued Christmas. There were several highlights and adventures that gave us memories we will long treasure.

One highlight came from our 21 year old granddaughter Alexa. She said to her mother (our daughter Vivian), “without grandma and grandpa here last year, Christmas didn’t seem the same. If they don’t feel safe driving here, I’m going there to pick them up and I will also return them.” We weren’t willing to endanger her and it didn’t happen, but knowing she was willing lifted our spirits.

One adventure we didn’t anticipate began to unfold when the phone rang a few days before Christmas. The call was from our friend Brian who has been in prison approximately twenty years. He is currently in the Idaho Maximum Security Penitentiary. We were connected with Brian by our friend Arnet Hales about six years ago. Arnet has passed since then but we have corresponded with Brian by mail and an occasional phone call.

When the call came, a recorded message from the prison operator offered a confusing selection of numbers to press before we were permitted to talk. “Press 5 if you want to accept the call,” she said. I followed her instruction and the line went dead. I had blocked all future calls from him. The operator wasn’t on the line so I couldn’t tell her it had not been my intention. Linda and I are pretty much his only contacts outside the prison. For two days I attempted to talk with someone at the prison to explain my predicament. No one answered my calls. I finally left a message on the “Captain’s” voice mail, virtually pleading with him to undo my mistake. Not knowing if he was already off for Christmas, Linda and I waited, and prayed for divine intervention. Two days later Brian called. The Captain had explained to him what I had done. He also undid my bungle and we could talk.

In the meantime, Linda was baking approximately 15 dozen Christmas cookies for friends and for individuals with few connections here. She has done this for several years and sometimes in the days prior to Christmas we receive not so subtle hints that cookies would again be welcome. This happened in the post office one day. Ron came in and his first words were “Is Linda baking cookies this year?” Another man accepted the plate of cookies and said, “Linda’s cookies are the best I’ve ever eaten.” As in past years, some of the recipients have few connections in Hedley. The cookies are our way of saying “you aren’t forgotten. We value you.”

Snow on the ground and the mountains surrounding us, plus below zero temperatures have heightened our sense of Christmas. Also, friends and family have reached out with cards, phone calls, and baking. One evening our friend Pixie showed up at our door bearing a jumbo platter with enough food for two meals. Our neighbor Di treated us with tourtiere (a French Canadian meat pie). A call from Ivan McLelland, Penticton V’s hockey great, was a nice surprise. There were other thoughtful gestures which gave this Christmas a special significance for us.

Two Hedley organizations hosted Christmas dinners, which we chose to miss because of covid concerns. Christmas Eve we attended a Carol Sing at the little church here. At the end of the service the lights were extinguished and we held lit candles while singing Silent Night. Then we gathered in the fellowship room for coffee and treats. On New Years Day we were invited to a delicious turkey dinner with friends in the home of Ruth Woodin.

It was a simple but enjoyable Christmas, uncluttered by commercial blandishments. This enabled us to focus more clearly on what for us is the reason for this time of celebration, the birth of Jesus.

 

Community, Hedley Times

Marvin’s 90th Birthday Party

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Marvin knew there was to be a celebration of his 90th birthday at the Hedley Hall. He dressed for the occasion and his appearance was pretty spiffy. Even though he had been told this little party was for him, when he entered the hall his face and physical demeanor registered astonishment.

Marvin paused when he entered the hall.

Maybe he had expected only a handful of his neighbours to come, not the approximately 30 smiling guests shouting “Happy Birthday Marvin!” Also, he likely had not expected elaborate decorations including a large banner wishing him a Happy 90th birthday. For a moment he stood transfixed.

Marvin lives alone on the far side of the community, alongside 20 Mile Creek. I stop and chat with him when I meet him on the street, but I don’t know his full name. It’s quite possible no one in town knows his last name.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch served by the Hedley Hall ladies. Some of us were still eating when there was a loud knock on the exterior door.

Marvin was still eating his cake when there was a loud knock on the door.

An elderly woman entered, wearing a long dress with a shawl around her shoulders, a kerchief tied over her grey hair, and walking with a cane. By her accent we understood she and Marvin have a common Ukrainian heritage.“My name is Baba,” she announced. “The farmers from back home on the Saskatchewan prairies sent me to share best wishes and words of wisdom.”

Marvin broke in and said, “I’m almost afraid to hear their message.”

“Be mindful of corona virus,” Baba advised. “Don’t drink that beer in the sun. That’s the truth of where corona virus comes from. Also, don’t fall for any of those crazy health food fads. At our age, we need all the preservatives we can get!”

After dispensing more sage advice, Baba said, “your friends sent me to dance for you. I’ve been taking lessons but I warn you, I’m just a beginner. I’m going to do a pole dance!” and she held up 2 canes. Then without moving her feet, she vigorously moved her hips from side to side.

 

Marvin enjoying the humor.

Baba paused, glanced at her audience and winked at us. She ended her speech with, “Marvin was a good dancer. He sure knew how to shake, rattle and roll! He still does … every morning when he gets out of bed.”

Marvin smiled many times during Baba’s humorous presentation, then got up and did a mini jig on the spot. “This is the best town I’ve ever lived in,” he said. He was given a number of gifts, including a gift card to use at the Hedley Country Market. There was also a walking stick with his name carved on it.

Marvin expressed his appreciation.

The members of the Hedley Hall gave Marvin a party he may never forget. And they gave us all an opportunity to get to know him better and have some great fun.

 

Community, Indigenous People of Similkameen Valley

The Wake For Mary Allison

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The accident occurred near Bromley rock, in the early hours of August 5, 2022.
(Wikipedia Photo)

The name Mary Allison is well known in our community. She was a descendant of John Faul Allison and his indigenous wife, Nora. John Faul was the first white settler in this valley. Nora ran a pack train carrying groceries and other supplies from Hope through inhospitable mountainous terrain to Princeton and beyond. To this day she is revered for her courage and independent spirit. John Faul subsequently married a Caucasian woman, but it is Nora’s offspring who make up much of the Allison clan.

A few weeks ago Mary’s life was snuffed out when the pickup truck in which she was a passenger careened off Highway #3 near Bromley Rock. The vehicle plunged into the Similkameen River and she was unable to extricate herself.

Linda and I have had only limited contact with the Allison family. When Mary’s mother, Christine Allison announced there would be a wake in her home, we felt an urging to attend, but wondered if this would be appropriate. Would the people view us as curious outsiders intruding on a sacred gathering of their people? Linda said she felt somewhat uneasy about going, and I had similar thoughts. We did feel, however, it was important for the Hedley community to show support and compassion, so in spite of misgivings, we decided to go.

Christine and her husband Rick Holmes live on the local reserve. We found their home at the end of a long driveway running parallel to the Similkameen River. It’s an idyllic setting with a splendid view of the valley and mountains.

When we arrived we saw men sitting or standing around a fire. Some Indigenous communities light a fire to honour the individual who has passed from this world. A handful of people near the house greeted us and we asked if we could participate in the wake. They assured us we were welcome and one of the young women led us into the home. Arriving at the top of a short flight of stairs, we saw that the living room, dining room and kitchen were fully occupied. Upon seeing us, there was an immediate stirring. A couple of chairs became vacant and we were invited to sit down. Several individuals greeted us warmly and we quickly felt at ease and welcome.

They were just completing prayers for Mary. Ramona, who has a strong pleasant voice, then led the group in singing several hymns. We sensed that people wanted to support and bless the grieving family.

After the singing it was announced that there was plenty of food and we were urged to fill our plates. “We just finished supper,” Linda said. “We don’t have room to eat now.” Carrie Allison, a respected and much loved Elder said, “Go ahead and fill your plates. You can take them home and eat later.” We followed her suggestion and one of the ladies took the plates and carried them to our car.

Christine had stepped outside and we met her there. She told us that a few days before the accident Mary had said she was wondering about what career would be suitable for her. Her journey through the teenage years had been fraught with difficulties. Now, at age 19 she was beginning to think positively about her future.

As we negotiated the long dirt driveway back to the highway, we realized we had benefited greatly from the warmth and congeniality we had experienced. We had hoped to bless, and had been blessed ourselves.

Community, Hedley Times

Hedley Street Dance July 30, 2022

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                                                Big Buck Band  (photo from their fb site)

In spite of the Heat Dome firmly entrenched over the Similkameen Valley last weekend, people began arriving in our quaint former gold mining community early Saturday afternoon, ready to party. Due to the covid pandemic, the highly popular annual Hedley Street Dance had been cancelled the past two years. Now the festive atmosphere suggested a pent up desire to make up for lost time.

Cars, pickups, motorhomes and motorcycles lined virtually every street. Scott Avenue, our main street buzzed with the excited chatter of people renewing acquaintances and making new friends. According to Mike, co-owner of the Country Market, 160 meal tickets had quickly been snapped up, many by outsiders. Those who were unable to buy tickets could console themselves with the knowledge they would still be able to dance. Two blocks of Scott Avenue had been cordoned off, and as in the past, the bandstand was placed near the Hedley Country Market.

I had been in the store earlier in the afternoon when there was a sense of controlled pandemonium, although not panic. Store owners Mike and Viktoria were rushing about, ensuring nothing was overlooked. I saw Sara, a cashier run out to attend to something, then hurry to her post at the till. Although the dance was organized by the Hedley Community Club, last minute decisions and actions were emanating from the store. It reminded me of a bee hive ready to swarm.

I saw that several tents had been erected in Woodlie Park in the heart of our community. They were needed to protect servers and food from the heat of the Hedley sun. In the late afternoon volunteers began bringing out bowls of salads and steamed potatoes. Pieces of chicken were ready to be placed on two barbeques.

Tables and chairs had been set up on the street in the shade of Hedley’s two story Post Office building. The places were quickly occupied and it was evident people were anticipating a sumptuous meal. Glancing around, I noticed that all age groups were represented, from the very young to white haired seniors. I recognized a number of Hedley people, but it was evident many attendees had come from other communities. Two couples I spoke with were from Kamloops, others from Princeton and Keremeos and a few from more distant places like Vancouver.

Dusk was already approaching as people finished eating. A hush of anticipation fell on the crowd when “Big Buck, ” a rock and country band, mounted the band stand. Young women, some in colorful summer party dresses, moved eagerly to the centre of the street with their partners.

My attention was drawn to a pretty young girl, about age 4. Wearing a flowing, brightly colored ankle length dress, she quickly became totally immersed in the music. With eyes closed, she was clapping her hands gently and swaying, seemingly in a trance and overtaken by delight.

Leaning against the stone wall at the front of Woodlie Park, I noticed a big man with an impressive black beard that aroused my envy. When the chair beside him was vacated, I sat down and asked his opinion of the music. He very much approved. He told me his home is in Princeton and he drives a logging truck for a local firm. I asked if he knew my friend Jesse, who also drives a logging truck. His face brightened noticeably and he said, “yes, I know him. When you see Jesse, greet him for me and tell him you were talking with James the Bear.” He stroked the luxurious black beard.

A skinny man of about 40 was standing close to me. Wearing no shirt or shoes, he was nervously shifting his feet as though trying to develop the courage to dance. Suddenly his lean body sprang into action and he hopped and skittered along the sidewalk, maneuvering through the throng of revelers. Waving an open can of beer and splashing the contents on a few passersby, he soon lost momentum and stumbled back and forth. People mostly ignored him but when he lost his balance, a pretty blonde woman gently grasped his arm and steadied him. Embarrassed, he mumbled “thanks” and ambled off into the darkness.

Observing the energetic, light footed dancers and the happy onlookers, I realized again that we’re fortunate to have community members willing devote many volunteer hours to breathe life into events like this. They bring us an abundance of joy.

Community, Hedley Times

Hedley Street Dance Brings Joy

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The Big Buck Band

It was party time in Hedley this past Saturday night. People arrived in the afternoon from all over the Similkameen Valley and beyond. They came in cars, pickups, motorcycles and even a truck pulling a horse trailer. Fifteen to twenty exuberant partiers emerged from the trailer, anticipating a good time. There was also a bus from Princeton, with members of the Princeton Posse hockey team aboard. Side streets were lined with vehicles, the majority from out of town. After more than a year of covid warnings from Doc Henry, it was time to release a lot of pent up frustration and energy. A time to celebrate life, friendships and the end of the virus (which of course is still creating havoc in some places).

The annual street dance has long been a much anticipated event in our community. Organized by the Hedley Community Club, it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. “The Big Buck Band had been scheduled to perform in 2020,” Cindy Regier, one of the organizers told me. “When group events were prohibited by the authorities, the band committed to being here this year.” Cindy estimated that approximately 300 people participated. My own guess was 500. “We sold about 150 tickets to the dinner,” Cindy said. “Doug Bratt prepared the chicken and a number of people helped with salads. We also delivered a number of meals to individuals living alone, some in poor health.”

The five Big Buck Band musicians come from diverse points in B.C., including Kamloops and 1OO Mile House. They set up their stage on Scott Avenue, Hedley’s main street, in front of the Country Market. Although I’m more than a tad older than many of the attendees, I enjoyed their tunes, which Cindy described as a mix of country and rock. They began their performance at dusk and the younger crowd quickly flowed to the areas nearest the stage. Several pretty teenage girls in brightly colored, flowing dresses led the way. Their fluid movements reminded me of monarch butterflies I had observed with fascination when I was a kid living in the country. The ecstasy of these young women was palpable.

The more mature crowd needed time, and in some cases a little “fortification,” to join the dancers. I drifted among those who were content to observe, watching for photo opportunities. Seeing three attractive young women sitting on the stone fence in front of Woodlie Park and chatting animatedly, I said, “I’m looking for photos for my blogsite. Can I snap a picture of you?” “Sure,” the nearest one responded without hesitation. They ceased chatting and posed as though this was for the Vancouver Sun.

Seeing two young couples standing away from the crowd indulging in a cigarette, I asked if they were enjoying the music. “Yes,” one said enthusiastically. “It’s good music.” Noting that they were making no attempt to social distance, I asked if they had accepted the covid vaccination. “I had an appointment,” one of the women said, “but I didn’t go.” They expressed concerns about possible side effects.

There likely were a few masks somewhere in this crowd, but I didn’t see even one. Also, there appeared to be no thought of social distancing. These were friendly, easy to like people and I do hope none will suffer for this evening of fun and freedom.

At midnight, after chatting briefly with Cindy, the band leader said, “I’m going to show my softer side.” The band began singing “Amazing Grace” in enchanting 4 part harmony. A hush fell on the crowd and it became a magical moment. People began joining the band in singing. For Cindy it was one of the highlights of the evening.

Although beer sales appeared to be brisk at The Country Market, I neither saw nor heard reports of untoward incidents. Someone suggested the trouble makers have departed from our community. Some cannabis use was evident but not extensive or a problem.

An event like this requires many hours of planning and often tedious work. In this case, the organizers went home at about 2pm, long after everyone else had departed. I’m personally pleased that the Community Club has revived the Street Dance. It’s a lot of fun and it brings a positive identity to our community. We owe the organizers a huge thanks for again making it happen. I’m sure they’d welcome the participation of others to lighten the load next year.

 

 

Community, People

Lynn Wells, End of an Era

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Lynn Wells shared some of her experiences.

Only rarely do the faint of heart apply for a leadership role. Leading can be a messy undertaking, fraught with unanticipated challenges and sometimes undeserved criticism. Knowing this, I’ve noted the fortitude of Lynn Wells as head of the Hedley Improvement District for many years. She completed her third and final term last week and Hedley will now need to look for new leadership.

In a two hour conversation in our home, Lynn shared some of her experiences, beginning in 2010. “The community needed to upgrade its fire truck or accept a huge increase in property insurance,” she recalled. “I asked if I could serve on the committee set up to research the matter.” There were widely differing opinions as to whether the town should purchase a new truck or find a used one. At times the discussions in the community became pretty heated. It was Lynn’s first foray into local politics.

In 2011 she ran for a position on the Hedley Improvement District (HID). Trustees receive a $100 per year honorarium and are responsible for the water system, street lighting and fire department. She paused for a moment to reflect, then said, “I didn’t know what to expect. It was a steep learning curve. I wanted to understand what I had become involved in so I looked into the history and responsibilities of improvement districts. I learned the HID had been set up in 1952. Funding is an issue because we’re not permitted to apply to the provincial government for funds. Improvement Districts can apply to the Regional District, but every community has a wish list and there is fierce competition for grants.”

Lynn considers the lack of funds for infrastructure upgrades as Hedley’s most pressing issue. “Several years ago I wrote two proposals requesting grants from the RDOS,” she said. “Elef Christensen, our Area Director at that time, was able to obtain only enough money to replace water pipes on one block of Daly Avenue.”

As in many communities in our province, much of our water system is well past the “best before” date. Underlying this issue is a longstanding debate as to whether Hedley should join the RDOS. This could give us access to provincial grants, providing of course the government isn’t bankrupted by the covid crises. In the past there has been a solid wall of opposition to this prospect. Some old timers in town attach great importance to the almost complete lack of building and other regulations.

Lynn pointed out that whatever course of action we take, we must expect there will be an increase in taxes and fees. She is acutely aware this could cause hardship for people on fixed incomes. In spite of the drawbacks, she favours joining the RDOS. Last spring she felt the town could not ignore the issue much longer and wanted to initiate the required consultations with local citizens. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing nixed this idea due to the covid pandemic.

“We have low levels of arsenic in the water,” she said. “If this rises above the permitted level, Interior Health may require us to upgrade our infrastructure. To undertake this ourselves would entail borrowing about 2 million dollars. If we join the RDOS, they may cover up to 75 percent. To this time we’ve been applying bandaid solutions in emergency situations. This siphons off funds saved for capital projects. It’s not sustainable.”

To this time Lynn has stickhandled the community through the various water issues. The trustees have held town meetings to provide information and explain HID decisions. One of these meetings became boisterous, with a few disgruntled citizens throwing unfair barbs at her. Resilient and resolute, Lynn remained unflustered, refuted the allegations graciously and carried on. Someone else might have walked out of the meeting in frustration. The most effective leaders are able to remain focused on important objectives and not be distracted by opposition.

In recent years a number of people have moved out of Hedley for health and other reasons. New people with fresh ideas and greater means are taking their place. Also, some of us who have been here a while are realizing we need to begin seriously grappling with the water issue before the system crumbles. Change is coming. Without Lynn Wells leading, we really should all pay more attention and accept greater responsibility for our community. Thanks, Lynn, for your years at the helm.

Community, Inspiration, People

Hedley Saga Continues To Unfold

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Trisha Mills and Bill Carmichael at the entrance of their future home.

When the iconic Hitching Post restaurant went up in flames the night of October 23,2018 it marked the beginning of a Hedley community saga that is ongoing to this day. Since the fire, the story of Bill Carmichael and Trisha Mills, the loss of their business and health, and their courage in the midst of calamity has been unfolding mostly behind the scenes. Also largely behind the scenes has been the response of some in our community. It’s an intriguing and inspiring chapter in local history and deserves to be passed on to the next generation.

When Linda and I visited Bill in the Penticton hospital shortly after the fire, we were appalled at his multiple serious injuries. Trisha had been taken to the Kamloops hospital with equally devastating injuries. Although Bill expressed hope for the future, we feared they might both be confined indefinitely to wheelchairs. Many in Hedley rallied to their cause, contributing to a gofundme site set up to help them with initial living and medical expenses. The insurance company has been resistant and for most of two years Bill and Trisha have lived in a 22 foot motor home with their dog Dexter.

In spite of significant continuing pain, they have struggled to regain their ability to walk. Often I have seen them hobbling down the alley behind our home, steadying themselves with their walking sticks. Unless asked, they don’t talk about the extreme discomfort, or the loss of income and possessions. “We talk every day about our plans for the future,” Bill said. “We want to again provide a food service to Hedley,” Trisha added. “How that will look will depend on what our bodies allow us to do.” This summer they purchased a food truck business as a first step toward achieving that goal. This helped sustain them financially over the summer but with colder weather, they have suspended the business until next year. “My body requires double digit temperatures to function in the food truck,” Trisha said.

Putting the food service on hold doesn’t mean they will relax over winter. Needing a home, they decided to erect a metal structure on their lot behind the restaurant site. “It’s less expensive, and it won’t burn,” Bill said. “I put one up about 25 years ago, with the help of a rugby team. There was lots of scaffolding and quite a few ladders. I was planning to do it again. Several men from the community offered to help.”

He’s amazingly gritty but much more limited physically now. Realizing this would be an extremely difficult project for Bill, Dennis Matson, pastor of the local church, suggested he bring in a contractor with a mechanical lift. “We don’t have the funds for that,” Bill said. Dennis talked with a Princeton contractor and obtained a considerable reduction in price. The church contributed some funds, bringing the cost down to an affordable level.

Dennis Matson, pastor of the local church, suggested Bill bring in a contractor with a mechanical lift to erect the structure.

Prior to erection of the metal structure, I visited Bill at the building site. With a shovel and wheelbarrow he was distributing a large pile of coarse gravel fill around the perimeter. For about an hour I loaded the wheelbarrow and he pushed it and dumped the fill. The terrain was uneven and I saw that he needed to call on deep inner reserves of determination and perseverance to do the work. He didn’t groan or complain, but admitted that he and Trisha have “clenched bodies” at the end of each day.

When I showed up the following morning to help complete distributing the fill, Trisha was there and had already finished the project. I expressed concern that she was pushing her injured body so hard. “It’s o.k,” she said. “It needed to be done.” The metal portion of the structure is now in place, but it needs to be insulated and the ends enclosed.

Bill and Trisha both live with pain every day. Bill still needs three more surgeries. I consider their story important because they are showing our community it is possible to call on deep inner reserves and forge ahead in spite of adversity.

Their story is also a reminder that in this time when communities are struggling with increasingly complex issues like covid-19, opioid deaths, homelessness, poverty and much more, we need to stand by individuals and families in distress. When the people of a community reach out to those in need, everyone benefits.

Community, Inspiration

It’s “Yes” In Keremeos

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Sarah Martin, Executive Director of LSCSS

When I was much younger, I worked one year for a flourishing community services society in the Fraser Valley. Since then I’ve observed that quite often these local organizations have to scramble to attract financial resources and volunteers. Knowing this, I was deeply intrigued by what the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society is accomplishing in Keremeos and surrounding communities. “We have wonderful volunteers and staff,” Executive Director Sarah Martin said in a conversation last week. “Also, the people on our board are amazing.” She attributes the organization’s success to the skills, energy, time and compassion of committed people. By working collaboratively, they have developed a vibrant network of services.

Sarah’s enthusiasm about the society’s programs is palpable. Her voice is animated and her hands at times wave in sync as she talks. She still seems a little surprised at her leadership role. “My family moved to the Yukon when I was six months old,” she said. “We did a lot of hunting and fishing. My husband Karl lured me to this area with a promise of warm water and fresh peaches. We moved onto the farm of his mother, Lee McFadyen, where we still live and help. I attended the Okanagan College, mostly by the Distance Education program, with an emphasis on Business Administration.” She probably earned enough credits for a diploma but apparently this wasn’t important to her and she didn’t apply for it. “I knew I had an affinity for numbers,” she said, “but I wasn’t aware of any leadership potential.” She began working for LSCSS in 2008.

After a thumbnail biographical sketch, Sarah turned her attention to the people and programs. She gave full credit to Walter Despot, former Keremeos mayor and current board member. “Walter was one of the individuals who mentored me,” she said. She recalls vividly his observation that, “some people have to plan for longer than their own lifetime.” She also benefited from the counsel and guidance of Eileen Oliver- Bauer.

“We benefit from having many services under one roof,” she said. “In some communities there is competition for resources and volunteers. Here we are all part of the same organization.”

They receive funding from the United Way and OneSky Resources. “There are also small pots that provide funds. About 55 % of our income comes from housing projects. This provides a measure of stability and permits us to pay our office staff, cooks, care aides and others. Our budget is over 2 million.”

“Our services address needs from cradle to grave,” Sarah said. “Mother Goose and Friends is an early literacy program. It features stories, games, music, fun and community field trips for young children. PEACE provides short term education, information and supportive counselling on an individual and group basis to children and youth who have witnessed or experience violence. The program also supports youth up to age 19 in developing healthy relationships and independent living skills.”

An impressive number of services enable seniors and persons with disabilities to stay in their homes. The Volunteer Drivers program transports people to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other activities needed for health and well-being. Meals on Wheels provides hot lunches three times a week. Better at Home, a provincial program, allows seniors to remain in their homes by assisting them in day to day tasks. Recently they have added housekeeping and light yard work.

Tumbleweed Terrace in Keremeos

Some years ago there was an awareness of a growing migration to this area from the coast. Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others with limited income needed affordable housing. In 2008 they applied to have Tumbleweed Terrace constructed. “People are happy at Tumbleweed,” Sarah said. “One woman told me when she moved in it was the first time she could afford new linens for her bed.” She smiled, then added, “Tumbleweed Terrace and Mountain View Manor give people a sense of safety and security. They no longer need to impose on their children and grandchildren for a place to live. We have a long waiting list and currently we’re building 24 new units.”

Sarah understands that often when people apply to a government office for assistance, the answer is “no.” “Because of the wide range of services and committed staff, people who come to us are likely to hear “yes.” We’ll find help or support for them. A provincial official told us our program is amazing and should be replicated throughout the province.”

Community

Spencer Coyne, Community Minded Mayor

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Spencer Coyne with a possible future mayor on a tour of Princeton Town Hall. (Photo by Andrea DeMeer)

At the end of a conversation with Spencer Coyne recently, I asked if he has thoughts of making the switch to provincial politics when Linda Larson retires after this term. He responded without hesitation. “I was here when the mine closed in 1996,” he said. “I watched people leave, including some of my own family, because jobs dried up. It broke my heart. Seeing so many good people leave made me feel lonely. We have a strong community now and my goal is to see it thrive. Local government is where we can be most effective in strengthening Princeton and the entire Similkameen valley. My job as mayor isn’t nearly done.”

Spencer’s family roots go down a long way in Princeton. “I was born here, a descendant of Nora,” he said, referring to the iconic indigenous woman who operated a pack train hauling supplies from Hope to Greenwood. She was the first wife of John Fall Allison, an early settler. Spencer’s great grandfather bought a farm in the Princeton area, wanting to provide for his future family. Spencer grew up in the midst of uncles, aunts and cousins. He and his family live on the farm and his parents operate a market garden there. “I’m very much a product of my family and community.”

As a kid, school wasn’t easy for Spencer. “I was dyslexic,” he said. “Reading was extremely difficult, and I dreaded spelling tests. In time I learned to work around this though and now I’m an avid reader.”

His first foray into the uncertain world of politics came in grade 5 when he managed the campaign of a friend running to be class president. “We lost,” he said with a chuckle.

Apparently the experience whetted his appetite. “I enrolled at the University College of the Okanagan, intending to become a teacher.” He was soon diverted from this goal. “I got elected to the student government as VP of Student Services. We provided all services to students and I was responsible for a budget in the millions. We had extensive negotiations with the Administration concerning food services.”

This political experience was a preparation for the future, but he had a restless mind. “I challenged myself and my profs,” he said. “I wanted to understand what I was being taught. Also, I wanted to know if my thinking was sound. I was learning to think critically, but after three years I wondered what my history major was getting me. I decided I needed to return to Princeton and run for Council.”

At age 24 he ran for a seat on council and won. “We laid a lot of groundwork for the future. We established important relationships, especially with the RDOS and the local band.” He had plenty of energy and ideas, but in a run for re-election, he was defeated. “I don’t think the time was right for me. I wanted change, but Princeton wasn’t ready.”

With the approach of the most recent election, he asked his partner and 2 children (now 7 and 10) how they felt about him running for mayor. They approved and he entered the fray with enthusiasm and determination. Winning the right to sit in the mayor’s chair was the easy part. “We’re going to have more people coming to our community,” he said. “Providing affordable housing is a challenge, a balancing act. We’re spending some money on beautification projects. I’d like Princeton to become a destination, not just a place to pull off the highway for gas and a coffee. We don’t want to limit ourselves by thinking ‘this or that.’ We need to think ‘this and that.’ We’re working to bring in new industry and other opportunities that will provide employment.”

I noticed that Spencer laughs easily. “I focus on the positives,” he said. “I feel joy when city staff are happy, and when citizens are happy.” There are challenges along with the positives. “Your life becomes not your own,” he observed. “There’s lots of scrutiny. Giving time to the public instead of my family is the hardest part.”

He focuses on what he and the council are seeking to accomplish. “We have a strong community,” he emphasized, “and we’re getting stronger. We want a community where families feel welcome and safe. No, I have no inclination to jump into provincial politics. Here there is no Party Whip to tell us what we can or cannot do.”