Lifelong science educator Gordon Gore (left) chats with B.C. Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon and Sen. Nancy Greene Raine after receiving the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) on Friday. The
honour was announced in December. Read the story online here.

Carmen Litke (left), Jae Joseph and Barbara Hicks were among a group that joined in a fun game of Uno during a recent Games and Gab sesssion at the North Kamloops Library. You, too, can play each Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Dave Eagles/KTW

Thirteen girls from Second Aurora Sparks visited Royal Inland Hospital to donate craft kits for the pediatrics ward. The girls created the craft kits and decorated the paper bags, hoping they will make a child’s stay at the hospital a little more fun. Joining the Sparks was Gerry Miller of the Royal Inland Foundation (centre).

It’s been just 15 years since Margaret Trudeau finally confronted the health issue that plagued her much of her life.

After the death of her ex-husband, former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, and that of their son Michel two years before, the woman who once shocked the country by partying with rock stars in New York City entered a hospital and confronted bipolar disorder.

Since then, she has written about her life with the mental-health condition.

Trudeau will be in Kamloops on Wednesday, April 13, as the feature speaker at a fundraiser to benefit the mental-health unit at Royal Inland Hospital.

The breakfast is being co-sponsored by Flaman Fitness and the Rotary Club of Kamloops. It starts at 7 a.m. in the Grand Hall of Thompson Rivers University. Money raised will go toward renovating the ward that provides care to about 1,000 people every year. Among the needs in the ward are better lighting, an improved common area with a kitchen and personal space, an upgraded outdoor area that can accommodate more people at one time, comfort items for patients, an improved ambience that promotes healing and better exercise equipment, library and personal-care items.

Tickets are $50 plus $2.74 service charge.

They are available online at brownpapertickets.com. Search for “Shine the Light.”

Former B.C. Lion JR LaRose speaks to students at Twin Rivers Education Centre on Wednesday during a    presentation about treating women well as part of the CFL club’s Be More Than a Bystander campaign.
Dave Eagles/KTW

It was a no-brainer decision for now-retired BC Lions’ safety JR LaRose to take part in the team’s program that aims to break the silence on violence against women.

Having grown up in what he called a broken home, where he witnessed his mother and, later, his sister suffer abuse, the message hits home.

“My story is so relatable to what our First Nations youth are facing,” said LaRose, who is a member of One Arrow First Nation in Saskatchewan.

“So, for me, it’s to provide hope and show that everyone here has purpose.”

Speaking at the second annual Kamloops aboriginal youth gathering Seven Sacred Teachings on Wednesday, LaRose and Lions’ offensive guard Tchissakid Player shared personal stories of violence while encouraging youth to act when witnessing abuse.

When learning about the Be More Than a Bystander initiative, LaRose said the statistics were most shocking, despite the glaring relevance in his own life.

One in three women will suffer sexual violence in their lifetime, while every year 800,000 children witness violence against women.

LaRose said his mother was a residential-school survivor who turned to drugs and alcohol.

Violence was not an irregularity in her life and the pattern continued with his sister, who worked in the sex trade.

“There was one time she got beat up so bad. I remember going to the hospital and I wasn’t even able to recognize my sister,” LaRose said.

“It doesn’t just happen in First Nations communities. It happens in communities all across Canada. We need people to stand up.”

LaRose — who has been part of the initiative since 2012, though he began sharing his story through public speaking in 2008 — encouraged the youth to be leaders in taking a stand against violence by reporting it to counsellors, teachers or parents.

He emphasized the importance of reporting any form of violence, since verbal abuse leads to physical attacks, which lead to sexual violence, so no form of assault should be downplayed.

As for Player, who has been involved with the program for two years, he said learning about consent through the training was eye-opening, especially when alcohol is a factor and a person can’t give consent, which he noted is a gateway for assault.

“To be able to tell your youth and spread the awareness is very important because that right there can get you into a lot of trouble,” Player said

“We’re not the experts on this. We don’t have every foreseeable answer, but there is help available.”

Local resources include the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre and the Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA Women’s Services.

Elexa and Delling Sastaunik enjoy the early days of spring by jumping in the biggest mud puddle they could find at Westsyde’s Centennial Park. Lindsay Sastaunik took this shot, which is the winner of KTW’s monthly photo contest for March, the theme being Spring. The April photo contest is underway, with the theme Earth Month. To enter, go online to kamloopsthisweek.com and click on the Contests tab at the top right side of the home page.

The 2016 CFJC-TV Boogie The Bridge takes place on Sunday, April 24.

In this series, organizer Jo Berry offers tips through her column and participants Susan Duncan, Kathy Elliott and Kathy Sinclair pen diaries as they progress through their training.

All the information on Boogie can be found online at boogiethebridge.com.

Pick up a copy of KTW each Tuesday to follow the progress of our runners and to soak in tips from Berry.

Read all Boogie training entries by clicking here.

Jo Berry

JO BERRY, BOOGIE THE BRIDGE ORGANIZER/RUNCLUB GURU

I f you’ve ever watched children playing in the backyard or sprinting to the neighbours, you know they don’t just run — they fly, they jump, they play. They arms jut out, their knees are high and their smiles are big.

Running to kids is no rules, just pure joy. They also love it when we adults watch them play.

I remember vividly my two little beauties, Gaby and Makena, always saying, “Mom, did you see that?” and “Hey mom, did you watch?”

Same thing goes for our one-kilometre Mini-Boogie. Yes, we watch the kids!

Did you know Boogie is one of the very few races that have all the adults cheering on the kids? Some of our adults get restless and don’t understand why we do this. It’s based strongly in our Boogie philosophy and on the asset-building model (community development for youth).

This philosophy is so important to our team and, we hope, to you, too.

At the core of the one-kilometre Mini-Boogie is a commitment to strengthening the 40 developmental assets in our children. The asset-building model is one I studied heavily in my social-work practice and is based on the 40 developmental assets that support healthy children. Here are our top five assets in the Mini-Boogie:

• Family support: Parents run for free with their kids in the Mini-Boogie. Families who play together stay together.

• Other adult relationships: Kids receive support from non-parent adults (we all cheer on the kids).

• Empowerment: Community values kids and they know we appreciate them.

• Personal power/self-esteem: Every child in the Mini-Boogie (and all the distances at Boogie) feels success. When they cross our finish line, the celebration is huge.

• Supported expectations: We keep Boogie non-competitive. Our race bibs have a slogan — “All kids are number one” — and we truly believe this.

The Boogie philosophy is a collaborative strategy that brings huge success and gives our Kamloops kids a unique (and very fun) experience in a race environment. They love it — and we do, too!

Kids at Boogie have fun. We believe it’s a fantastic way to get children running for fun at an early age.

After they finish, the fun continues. McDonald’s provides healthy snacks and Boogie is proud to announce  Princess Parties, Interior Freeze Athletics, Soccer Quest, 4Cats Art Studio and Uncle Chris the Clown will all be on site to cheer you on.

So, the next time you are at Boogie and are wondering why we always run the kids first, come and cheer louder.

Help us celebrate healthy living to our young people.

You just may change a life.

Susan Duncan

SUSAN DUNCAN, IH COMMUNICATIONS

When people refuse to contemplate the idea they might be capable of running, it’s frustrating because they could be missing a great opportunity to improve their health — all because they cling to a belief ingrained from old PE classes.

Some of the better runners I know today were the non-athletes among their classmates. Many of them discovered they could run after being dragged to RUNClub, where people run in groups that suit their fitness level.

Tuesday night’s Boogie session reminded me once again of the benefits of training with a group.

Although I am basically a solo runner because it works better for my schedule, I succeed at more challenging aspects of training when I exercise with other people.

On occasion, I run with a group of women who love trail running. I never run trails on my own. I prefer a nice, easy — flat, if possible — expanse of pavement where I don’t trip over my weird running stride.

But there is no question I get a better workout when I run with my pals.

Similarly last Tuesday, when Horrible Howie Goodman (and I mean that with the greatest affection) forced us onto the track at Hillside Stadium.

This session incorporated running, strength exercises and stairs.

It wasn’t an easy 24 minutes for me and I suspect it was even more difficult for people who are new to running.

But it was fun and, boy, did I feel healthy.

That’s an important element of training — changing things up. Doing some hills, some upper body work and some sprints all help make for a good race day.

KATHY ELLIOTT, LONDON DRUGS DEPARTMENT MANAGER

Some days are not as easy as others

I’m looking at the rain coming down on my trek to work and thinking of ways to blow off Monday night’s run when who should pull up beside me? My new friend, Diane, from RUNClub.

We are stopped at a red light and, with a big smile on her face, she gives me the thumbs-up and mouths the words, “Are you going to RUNClub tonight?”

Now I have to go and I am so glad I did. I would have missed shots of chocolate milk passed around and Cathy’s story about how she ran into not one, but two snakes while she was doing her run homework. It’s only April. Yikes!

The week starts off harder than it’s ever been. I think the nasty weather may have something to do with it. Three-and-half minute walk followed by one-and-a-half minute run six times. I can do this, I say to myself. It makes it so much easier when you have buddies to talk to.

The time flies by so fast and, before you know it, coach Laurel yells out: “OK, last one we are running.”

I am thinking this is a long minute-and-a-half. It feels more like 20 minutes. Coach Laurel then calls out: “Good job, ladies, you ran two minutes.” They are a little sneaky at RUNClub.

We make our way down to the parking lot, where we do some stretching, and out comes the jug of chocolate milk. Who knew chocolate milk was a great recovery drink?

Apparently, it replenishes sugar stores in the muscles and starts the process of muscle rebuilding.

I can’t wait till next week to see what Jo pulls out of her hat.

Kathy Sinclair

KATHY SINCLAIR, KAMLOOPS ARTS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KATHY SINCLAIR

Kamloops Arts Council ED

Mahalo from Kihei, Maui!

This week’s training has been completed during my vacation in the Hawaiian islands.

I know, I know. Life is rough. But truth is, though there are a few pros to running on the tropical island paradise of which Oprah owns half, there are also some serious downsides.

Here are just a few.

Pro: Because of the time difference — Hawaii is three hours behind Kamloops — it’s easy to wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 5 a.m. and go for a run. Also, it’s the only time to go as it’s way too hot the rest of the day.

Con: Falling asleep right after dinner.

Pro: Tropical scenery: plumeria trees, poolside lounge chairs and mai tais.

Con: Plethora of poolside lounges makes it way too easy to flop into one as you run past, thereby not completing your run.

Pro: Sun, sand and surf.

Con: Humidity that makes you sweat buckets and leaves you with a fine red-mottled complexion from exertion. Plus, sunburn.

Pro: Delicious tradewinds to cool the sweaty running bod.

Con: Windstorms of 45 m.p.h. with resulting flying debris. Seriously, seed pods the size of iPhones fall from these trees. They could give you a concussion!

Pro: Seeing lots of healthy, fit, tanned people out running in the morning makes you feel like part of a club.

Con: Why does everyone have a better tan than me?

Pro: Running on the beach.

Con: Land sharks. (They exist, right?)

Pro: Hawaii = paradise for running.

Con: Yeah, OK. There isn’t one.

CATCH UP ON ALL THE TRAINING WEEKS

Boogie The Bridge: Week 5 training

Boogie The Bridge: Week 4 training

Boogie The Bridge: Week 3 Training

Boogie The Bridge: Week 2 Training

Boogie The Bridge 2016: Week 1 training

The 2016 CFJC-TV Boogie The Bridge takes place on Sunday, April 24.

In this series, organizer Jo Berry offers tips through her column and participants Susan Duncan, Kathy Elliott and Kathy Sinclair pen diaries as they progress through their training.

All the information on Boogie can be found online at boogiethebridge.com.

Pick up a copy of KTW each Tuesday to follow the progress of our runners and to soak in tips from Berry.

Read all Boogie training entries by clicking here.

Joe Berry

JO BERRY, BOOGIE THE BRIDGE ORGANIZER/RUNCLUB GURU

Boogie is five sleeps away.

It’s exciting and touching to see how much Boogie has grown and to see our mantra — Movement is Change — impact a community.

Movement is Change means movement in all spheres: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. We all know movement creates a change — a positive change — and our Boogie team is passionate about sharing this important message and changing lives.

This past year, I have heard two high-profile speakers talk of movement as a powerful antidote for healthy mental health and advocating to reduce the social stigma of mental illness. It was Clara Hughes this past winter and Margaret Trudeau last week.

Listening to Margaret, I had tears running (actually pouring) down my face, the kind of tears you can’t stop, the kind of tears that come on so strong, you can’t control them and did not expect them.

Her mesmerizing presentation was potent to me and rang close to home. Margaret was describing my mother. Memories flooded in and I could see my mom as clearly as though I could reach out and touch her.

I knew my mom had experienced similar episodes Margaret so vividly painted for us.

There was humour, too, and laughter, also resonating strongly with me.

My mom was a fun, lovely and kind human being, but she never had the life-saving opportunity of a proper diagnosis and support. We lost her in 1999.

Alongside the immense grief I was experiencing, I began to connect the dots between depression and the powerful message of getting outdoors. Yes, movement is change. Yes, Boogie started that same year.

In 1999, I also felt the stigma.

As I started to deliver the message, I was often described as being “a little weird” or “eccentric” or “ hippy-like.” Yet, in my heart, I knew I needed to be courageous. I knew movement helped people become happier, healthier and live a better and more productive life. I went to university, studied and learned about mental health and addiction.

Skip forward to 2016. High-profile celebrities are helping the world see our mental health is extremely important and needs the proper care and attention (without being stigmatized).

So, this Sunday, when we are all in red and standing at the Boogie start line, let’s celebrate healthy living and community.

When you cross the finish line, kick up your heels, give a high five and notice how amazing you feel.

Boogie is about living a big, fun, healthy and happy life. Inside. I will be feeling my mom and thankful she continues to teach me how important it is to be brave and speak out. See you at the start line!

Susan Duncan

SUSAN DUNCAN, IH COMMUNICATIONS

Seriously, I deserve a pat on the back.

When I got ready for this week’s session, I could feel a cold settling in. My throat hurt and I had a mild headache, but did I put away my running gear and stay home?

No, I did not.

I know only too well the opening question of each session: “What’s the hardest part of RUNclub?”

And we all chime in: “Getting there!”

So, I took an extra-strength Tylenol and I got there. (Don’t judge me. I wouldn’t have gone if I had been really sick.)

My reward? Our group’s coach for a hilly trail run was Chris “I love to run 50 miles at one time” Larouche. And his partner in crime was my old pal Coach Terry Lowe, who takes particular pleasure in making sure our 10K Bold group gets a workout.

This duo, combined with a trail run — my least favourite surface — was not going to be good. Surprising, though, if I must be honest, it was good. Too fast, of course, but exhilarating.

Trails are horrible when I am doing them, but afterwards, when I haven’t tumbled down a hillside or met a bear, I feel like a survivor. Kelly Hall did say I ran right by a big bear. He was lying, but I forgave him because he came back like a true RUNclubber, so I didn’t have to run alone on a scary part.

Yes, I continue to run well at the back of the pack. However, there’s a bright side. I never have to do a pick-up.

By the way, see you at Boogie on Sunday.

Kathy Elliott

KATHY ELLIOTT, LONDON DRUGS DEPARTMENT MANAGER

I love my RUNClub.

The conversations are priceless, from where to buy a good sports bra to where to clip your keys when you’re running.

Our Monday night run starts out in Valleyview. I thought running was hard, but trying to stay vertical in the hurricane-force winds was a challenge.

I was a little bit relieved to hear some of the ladies felt two-minute run intervals were a little hard, so Jo decided we would do a two-minute run/three-minute walk four times and a one-minute run/three-minute walk four times.

I thought it was oh so much easier — until I saw the hill.

As we conquered the hill, I had so many questions for Coach Tracy and Coach Jill: Can you run in the winter? What’s the best surface to run on?

Of course, they had the answers to all my questions, including the great tips to buying a running bra. It’s important to have the girls locked in.

So, if you’re one of those people who say you can’t run, you’re so wrong. These ladies are such an inspiration to all. They will motivate you, make you laugh and make you feel good about moving.

As a first-time participant in RUNClub-plus, I would highly recommended you try this. You don’t need any fancy equipment — just a good pair of runners.

This is a wonderful program with great energy, so stop thinking about it and register for the next RUNClub-plus.

It starts on May 16 and runs to July 4.

See you all at Boogie!

Kathy Sinclair

KATHY SINCLAIR, KAMLOOPS ARTS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Coming toward me across the south end of Overlanders Bridge, walking slowly with the assistance of forearm crutches, she stood out among the throng of people.

It was Boogie the Bridge 2014, my first time doing the event. I ran the 10K, the first 10K of my life. And I was tired.

My throat tightened when I saw this woman and I fought back a tear. I didn’t know her, but clearly, for her, walking was a challenge. Yet she joined thousands of us in this celebration of movement and community health.

I was almost finished the course. She was just at the beginning. She moved at a snail’s pace, but she kept going.

What would I say to her as I passed? The usual platitudes passed through my mind: You’re an inspiration. You’re amazing.

Then she was in front of me. Our eyes met. I took a deep breath, ready to speak. But she beat me to it.

“You’re doing a great job!” she shouted.

It was a moment that, to me, encapsulated what Boogie the Bridge is all about.

Some of us run marathons. Some of us walk. Some of us wheel.

Some of us have physical limitations. Some of us, as Margaret Trudeau recently shared with a Kamloops crowd, are fighting challenges that can’t be seen.

We’re all just people and we can all cheer each other on.

Having you watch my training progress through this column has been a huge motivator during the weeks I just wasn’t sure I would make it.

But training is complete.

Thank you.

See you at Boogie on April 24!

RELATED

Boogie The Bridge: Week 6 training

Boogie The Bridge: Week 5 training

Boogie The Bridge: Week 4 training

Boogie The Bridge: Week 3 Training

Boogie The Bridge: Week 2 Training

Boogie The Bridge 2016: Week 1 training

Brothers Brayden (left) and Dyllan MacLean hit the books while waiting for a ride home after a day of classes at Valleyview secondary. Brayden says he’s looking forward to taking his driver’s exam shortly, knowing eventually some of the family driving duties will fall to him.
Dave Eagles/KTW

Henry Pejril speaks during the Kamloops 2011 Western Canada Summer Games, of which he was president. Pejril and John Hatchett of Sun Peaks have been named recipients of B.C. Community Achievement Awards.
KTW file photo

Residents from Kamloops and Sun Peaks are among the 2016 recipient of the B.C. Community Achievement Awards.

Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chairman of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, have named those being honoured for leading by example and making a significant contribution to their community either as volunteers or in the course of their work.

Local recipients are Henry Pejril of Kamloops and John Hatchett of Sun Peaks.

In announcing the recipients, the foundation had this to say about Pejril:

“Sports are at the core of Henry Pejril’s life and his dedicated passion drives his volunteer efforts. What started as coaching his children’s sports teams grew into the presidency of the Kamloops Sports Council and expanded into organizing numerous national and provincial cycling championships. He has also served as president of both the 2006 BC Summer Games and the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. Henry’s work has allowed young athletes to compete and develop their physical and mental fitness.”

The foundation had this to say about Hatchett:

“John Hatchett worked diligently initiating health services in the community of Sun Peaks. Through his efforts, thousands of visitors and residents have received medical assistance and access to doctors who collectively responded to John and his vision. His volunteer spirit is reflected in many achievements in Sun Peaks and he never hesitates to serve community activities on the mountain.”

An independent committee selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards.

The 2016 selection committee members are Christopher Seguin, vice-president academic at Thompson Rivers University, Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun, Terrace Mayor Carol Leclerc, Victoria Dobbyn of Roberts Creek and Daphne Goode of Victoria.

Award winners will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony at Government House in Victoria on May 25. Each recipient will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed by the province of B.C. to celebrate excellence in the arts, humanities, enterprise and community service. Launched in 2003, the B.C. Community Achievement Awards were the first initiative of the foundation, followed by the B.C. Creative Achievement Award for Applied Art and Design, B.C.’s National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, the B.C. Creative Achievement Award for First Nations Art, and the B.C. Aboriginal Business Awards.

Learn more about the BC Achievement Foundation online at: www.bcachievement.com.

Longtime Ord Road resident John Emery enjoys a game of snooker with friends while visiting the Centre for Seniors Information in the Brock Shopping Centre.
Dave Eagles/KTW

The semi-annual Rotary Food Drive on Saturday saw 56,500 pounds of food collected for the Kamloops Food Bank via the familiar yellow bags that were distributed in editions of KTW. You can still help the cause by dropping off donations at grocery stores or at the food bank, which is located at 171 Wilson St. in North Kamloops.
Allen Douglas photos/KTW

South Kamloops secondary Grade 11 students Brynn Rebinsky (let) and Luke Olsen join other student volunteers to paint the fence of a local senior this week during the United Way Day of Caring. Students from three area schools — South Kamloops, Valleyview secondary and Brock middle school — helped fix up three local homes on McMurdo Drive, Centre Street and Sitka Avenue.
Dave Eagles/KTW

We may be in the digital age, but good, old-fashioned comic books remain popular, as was evident Saturday by the lineup of people waiting to enter High Octane Comics and Collectibles in downtown Kamloops on Free Comic Book Day.
Allen Douglas photos/KTW

With spring in full swing, plant sales are growing. This sale took place last weekend at St. Andrews on the Square, at Seymour Street and Second Avenue. The same venue will be used on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon as the CanGo Grannies host their fifth annual plant sale.
Allen Douglas/KTW

Kamloops Ford Lincoln commercial-accounts manager Hedzer Vanderkooi (left) and marketing co-ordinator Kayla Matusiak are busy trying to find room for all the donations arriving at the North Shore dealership. All city new vehicle dealerships have asked customers to help with donations for the people of Fort McMurray impacted by wildfire. Non-perishable goods, water, clothing and financial donations for the Canadian Red Cross are being shipped to Alberta this week and again at the end of May.
Dave Eagles/KTW

Urban Buzz teammates Sarah Mulholland (left) and Stephanie Carter work to get the correct spelling down during the fifth annual Adult Team Spelling Challenge Thursday at Hotel 540. A number of teams — including a group from KTW — were tasked with spelling a number of words that stumped more than a few participants. The final verdict on each spelling was left to the judges in the background: Kamloops RCMP Supt. Brad Mueller (left), Kamloops Fire Rescue Chief Dale McLean and Kamloops-Thompson school district Supt. Karl deBruijn. All funds raised at the spelling bee benefit literacy programs in Kamloops and are part of Interior Community Service’s Raise-A-Reader campaign.
Dave Eagles/KTW

Two-year-old Hudson Eberle shows no fear as he explores the various levels of the play structure in McDonald Park with mom Nicky during a recent visit to the North Kamloops park. Visitors to McDonald and other parks will need to dress lighter this weekend with a forecast of sunshine and highs in the upper 20s.
Dave Eagles/KTW

Rana Upreti from Delhi, India and grandson Etasit from New York state play the street piano in front of Erwin’s bakery at St. Paul Street and Fourth Avenue. The pair was visiting Kamloops last  weekend and was blessed with  summer-like weather. The outlook this  coming weekend is less encouraging, with showers  and cooler temperatures forecast.
Allen Douglas/KTW

For the first time ever, Emergency Services in Kamloops join forces to present Emergency Services Day, recently, on May 14.

The free event combines Emergency Preparedness Week with National Police Week to give the opportunity for residents to meet the emergency response community.

The event features a variety of emergency services partners:Kamloops Fire Rescue, local RCMP, BC Ambulance Service and others, including CN and CP Police, Conservation Service, the Air 4 RCMP Helicopter, the BCSPCA, and Emergency Management BC.