Kamloops United Church celebration on May 14 and 15 brings the community out to celebrate their recent changes.
The housing development is now complete. Members and Kamloopsians celebrate in a street party with musicians, activities for children, a one-day art gallery, speeches and stories and food.
Bike to Work Week continues through Sunday, June 5.
Those taking part in Kamloops can register or log in with an existing account online at www. biketowork.ca/kamloops.
There are a number of prizes are available for all riders, with a provincial grand prize of a cycling trip to Vietnam up for grabs. Grand prize in Kamloops is a Norco Storm cross-country mountain bike. Participants can enter to win by cycling through a celebration station.
Additionally, registered riders are eligible to win one of two spots in the RBC Whistler GranFondo.
For a complete schedule of morning and afternoon celebration stations, check the website.
This year, there are six elementary schools hosting a celebration station:
• Beattie School of the Arts (McGill elementary campus)
• L’Ecole Lloyd George elementary
• David Thompson elementary
• South Sahali elementary
• Pacific Way elementary
• Pinantan elementary
The focus of this year’s Seniors Symposium in Kamloops is healthy aging.
On Friday, the Oncore Seniors Society, in partnership with the City of Kamloops and the Centre for Seniors Information, will be hosting this year’s symposium, which will be held at the Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel on Lorne Street between Second and Third avenues, across from Riverside Park.
The third annual event — Aging in a New Age — will focus on the theme of healthy aging in the community.
The keynote speaker is Neena Chappell, former Canada research chair in social gerontology. She is a professor of sociology and the founding director of the Centre on Aging at the University of Victoria.
In addition, other speakers and guests presenting will touch on topics relating to seniors’ safety, care and housing, health and wellness and more.
The full-day event is filled with information and education for seniors and those interested in seniors’ issues and will also provide social, interactive and self-care opportunities for those attending.
There will also be a community trade show, including local business, non-profit agency and government information booths.
The cost for this year’s event is $20 per person and sponsorship is available for seniors on a fixed, low income. Lunch, snacks and refreshments are also provided.
The symposium is open to the public, but pre-registration is required.
For more information or to register, call the Oncore Seniors Society at 250- 828-0600.
The Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception took place on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Dean Mike Henry (left) and TRU professor Matti Havereila (right) present the Top Graduating Student – MBA Award to winner Kai Haverila during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Dean Mike Henry (right) presents the James McCreath Outstanding International Student Award to winner Tatiana Fedotova during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
RBC downtown branch manager Dave Maurer (left) and RBC Sahali branch manager Kathy Reeves (right) present the RBC Student Scholar to Business Award and a job to winner Jenelle Hawrys during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
Scotiabank downtown manager Kevin Rains (right) presents the Scotiabank Business Plan Award to winner Tanner Sherwood during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
Ken Lepin (right) presents the Ken Lepin Prize of Business Excellence, Entrepreneur and Communication MBA Award to winner Oluwatobi Oje during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
Ken Lepin (right) presents the Ken Lepin Outstanding Business Student of the Year Award to winner Christian Woolley during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
Ken Lepin (right) presents the Ken Lepin Entrepreneurship Spirit Award to winner Peter Renkema during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
KPMG partner Paula Presta (right) presents the KPMG Student Scholars to Business Award to winner Christian Woolley during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
Thompson Rivers University Deanof the School of Business and Economics addresses students to be awarded financial awards on Tuesday (June 7) during a Convocation and Awards Reception in the International Building.
Thompson Rivers University president Alan Shaver heads out to another convocation ceremony after addressing School of Business and Economics students to be awarded financial awards on Tuesday (June 7) during a Convocation and Awards Reception in the International Building.
Ken Lepin (right) is recognized for establishing the Ken Lepin Business Excellence Awards during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
School of Business and Economics director of development Kim Cassar Torreggiani (left) and Ken Lepin are among the participants during the Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics Convocation and Awards Reception on Tuesday (June 7) in the International Building.
Thompson Rivers University president Alan Shaver addresses School of Business and Economics students to be awarded financial awards on Tuesday (June 7) during a Convocation and Awards Reception in the International Building.
Thompson Rivers University School of Business and Economics students gather to be awarded financial awards on Tuesday (June 7) during a Convocation and Awards Reception in the International Building.
Cheyann, at age 6 in 2012, met the most famous mouse in the world during her Make-A-Wish trip to Disneyworld in Orlando.
Ten-year-old cancer survivor Cheyann Taylor of Logan Lake wants to show a little love for the Make-A-Wish Foundation this Canada Day, four years after having her own wish granted.
In 2012, when Cheyann was six, she endured a long battle fighting leukemia.
During that time, she was granted a wish through the Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon Chapter to visit Disneyworld in Orlando.
Four years later, Cheyann hasn’t forgotten her experience.
She recently approached her mom, Montana, asking if she could walk in the Logan Lake Canada Day parade while wearing her Make-A-Wish T-shirt.
Morgan called the Make-A-Wish office in Vancouver and got the green light — and Cheyann and her mom have been sent a few goodies in the mail to help spruce up their appearance in the parade.
“We truly appreciate it when our past wish kids like Cheyann support us in their own community,” said Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon CEO Ross Hetherington.
“It’s a great reminder for us that, even years after, families still feel the positive effects from their wish experiences and find ways to share that hope, strength and joy with their community. We’re so glad that Cheyann is doing well.”
On Friday, Cheyann will be marching in her blue Make-A-Wish T-shirt and carrying a Make-A-Wish banner.
Canada Day Celebrations start with the parade at 10 a.m. from the Highland Valley Foods parking lot on Opal Drive to the intersection of Chartrand Avenue, then to the northeast on Galena Avenue to the highway. It will end in the parking lot of the recreation centre, where cake will be served.
As more researchers and doctors recommend the benefits of handwriting for children and senior citizens, Summit elementary and Berwick on the Park retirement community have joined Domtar’s PaperPal program.
Unveiled by Domtar’s PaperBecause campaign in February, the PaperPal program connects generations through letter writing. It helps youths develop fine motor skills, spurs seniors to practise a useful cognitive exercise and connects generations.
Penpals Bea Boyd (left) and seven-year-old Trevor Molett share stories a resident at Berwick on the Park on Wednesday (June 23) as students from Mrs. Rena Murdoch’s Grades 2/3 class finally meet in-person their penpalls. The local seniors and elementary students have been exchanging handwritten letters with of the past months.
93-year-old Margaret Whiffin (left), a resident at Berwick on the Park chats with a very inquisitive Anna August, Whiffin’s seven-year-old penpal on Wednesday (June 23) at Berwick on the Park.
Domtar tested the program in 2015 at a school and a retirement community in Van Nuys, Calif. The project was so successful that the groups wanted to continue writing letters after the initial two-month period ended.
Since then, the program has spread throughout Canada and the United States. Volunteers at Domtar’s pulp mill in Kamloops recently pushed to bring PaperPal to their community as part of their work with the EarthChoice Ambassadors program, which encourages employees to make a difference.
“Research about the benefits of handwriting shows why this program can be useful,” said Mike Sun, the EarthChoice ambassador spearheading the Kamloops plan.
“But, besides the educational and cognitive benefits, Domtar is excited about how it will spark smiles and hugs for children and senior citizens.
Teachers at Summit elementary were immediately drawn to PaperPal.
“This will be a fun way to help students grow academically,” said Rena Murdoch, who teaches second and third grades.
“The importance of purposeful writing experiences for children is what PaperPal provides, and knowing that this also benefits the residents of the retirement community makes us that much more excited.”
Residents at Berwick on the Park are also benefitting from the program, which launched in April.
“Our residents can’t wait to share their stories with the children and they’ll also be so happy to hear the voices of the students,” said Paula Popadynetz, Berwick on the Park’s recreation manager. “It’s very heartening and it’s very rewarding.”
To learn more about PaperPal or to receive a starter kit, click here.
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod handed out inaugural MP Youth Awards on Canada Day.
“During my eight years as Member of Parliament, I have been so impressed with the number of local youth who are highly engaged within our communities,” McLeod said.
“I was honoured to present awards to 11 young individuals who have contributed their time and effort to improving the lives around them and making our riding a better place to live.”
This year’s winners:
Alexa Adema: Arts and Culture (Grades 1-7)
Dylan Barrett: Sport (Grades 8-12)
Julian Coleman-Hilke: Caring Youth (Grades 1-7)
Gradyn Cooper-Robertson: Caring Youth (Grades 8-12)
Hannah Feller: Agriculture (Grades 8-12)
Ty Hartman: Volunteerism (Grades 1-7)
Kieren O’Neil: Science and Environment (Grades 8-12)
Benjamin Ovington: Science and Environment (Grades 1-7)
Zak Peters: Sport (Grades 1-7)
Leanne Varney: Volunteerism (Grades 8-12)
James Watson: Arts and Culture (Grades 8-12)
In the Kamloops Minor Baseball Association’s Challenger Program, children with cognitive or physical disabilities learn to play the game — and to embrace teamwork — at a level structured to their abilities. The final weekend of the Challenger Program was held on McArthur Island on Saturday with the Kamloops Riverdogs bantam A squad dropping by to lend a hand. Stacy Willis runs the Challenger Program and is also head coach of the Riverdogs. To learn more about the Challenger Program, email
challenger@kamloopsminorbaseball.ca. KTW‘s Allen Douglas stopped by to capture some images of these Challenger champions.
Wai Hung Ma has been spending plenty of time at the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA in the past year, perfecting his swimming.
That’s not easy for him.
Ma has cerebral palsy, a condition he was diagnosed with at birth.
But, he perseveres and, with one good arm, he’s planning to use his new ability to help out the Y Women’s Emergency Shelter.
Ma plans to swim two kilometres on Aug. 19 — that’s 40 laps of the Y’s pool — and has been training hard to ensure he meets the goal. He’s hoping people will support and has set the maximum donation he’ll accept from any person at $5 for the Swim All the Wai Event.
Ma is also writing a book about his project and the work he’s put into it that he hopes will be ready for purchase later in the summer. A portion of sale proceeds will also go to the shelter.
For more information or to make a donation. contact Ma by email at whungma@gmail.com or contact Graham Specht at graham@kcris.ca.
When Gracyn Sieracki heard first heard about Camp Got2Go, during one of his monthly rounds of treatment at the B.C. Children’s Hospital, it was an opportunity too good to pass up.
The Alberta-based summer camp brings together youth aged 12 to 17 from across Western Canada who live with Crohn’s disease — a chronic condition that can cause abdominal pain, fatigue, internal bleeding and diarrhea.
Though the disease is fairly common in Canada, with 1 in 150 people diagnosed, Gracyn hadn’t met many people with it in the two years since he was first diagnosed, and no one his age.
“There’s an instructor — I do Taekwondo — but he’s 50. He has Crohn’s, but there’s no one in my age group,” Gracyn said.
Soon, he was shooting an application video in the hospital with an IV needle still in his arm. On Sunday, he will join more than 50 other teens for a week away from home.
“It’s not just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him, it’s a chance to see other children who may be as sick as him, more sick, they may have colostomy bags, who knows?” said mom Carmen.
“I think it’s going to be a good eye-opener for him and a chance to get some pen pals and make some lifelong friends.”
While Gracyn, 12, has spent two years in treatment for the disease, Carmen said he hasn’t gone into remission yet, meaning her son still often deals with pain and fatigue.
That can make camping hard, as can the increased bathroom trips common with Crohn’s.
“It takes a lot of extra attention to make sure he has everything he needs,” she said.
The trip will also be Gracyn’s first time away from home on his own for this many days.
While he admits he’s nervous, he’s also looking forward to the experience.
“I’m excited,” he said.
