The article below appeared in THE TYEE on October 18, 2023. As I cannot share it electronically on social media I choose to reprint it here, with attribution, and with a suggestion that readers subscribe to THE TYEE newsletters and consider supporting this excellent independent news source. The truth be told, the truth is told... Continue Reading →
One year, yesterday — Celebrating life in our little town
It is hard to believe, but as of yesterday we have now lived in Summerland (for a second time) for a full year. I tried to publish this blog yesterday, but we were simply too busy—hence the odd blog title. Oen year and counting, it is hard to believe how rich our lives are here.... Continue Reading →
My support for The Tyee – Please consider for yourself
I recently received a note from The Tyee, a BC independent media source I follow daily with both interest and appreciation. Here is what I received: Thank you so much for your ongoing support of The Tyee, especially in this very uncertain time for media in Canada.I have to tell you, it’s a very strange... Continue Reading →
Summerland – The Town where dogs should not be seen or heard
I am Incredulous! I could not believe my eyes or ears. It seems that the “Downward Dog” has new meaning and potency this morning in our little town. Summerland council said NO to making the pop-up Peach Orchard dog park permanent. Citing significant neighbour and resident objection, council will seek alternate locations for a permanent... Continue Reading →
Pooling our Thoughts: Decision Time in Our Little Town of Summerland
The New Pool referendum draws nigh, and the conversations continue. New pool, old pool. Fix ‘er up, or, don’t throw new money after bad. The seesaw continues—in locker rooms, at coffee shops, on social media, and around the dinner table. Summerland residents will decide the fate of a new recreation facility in a referendum on... Continue Reading →
Funding and filling the food bank
Shared by Kamloops’ good guy Rick Windjack, one who knows the street and the world of the poor really well, and originally posted on Facebook by Tricia Anne Meyer in 2001, here on some tips on what works and what does not work when we contribute to local food banks everywhere. Thanks Rick for the... Continue Reading →
Such a fine Fall Fayre – Summerland does it again
Another in our “Life in my Little Town series” I was lost, and no one was able to help me. I asked several bystanders where the TAFA booth was located, but no one knew—I received only puzzled looks and pity—people had other priorities. We were surrounded by perhaps 100 beautifully restored cars. While a few... Continue Reading →
So what is a veranda used for? A Victoria residential case study
On a recent visit to Victoria we stayed in a lovely historic three-bedroom house on Selkirk Street in the Gorge district of Victoria West. This charming neighbourhood has much in common with areas of the city such as Fairfield and Fernwood, areas we know well having stayed there over the years. Vic West is however... Continue Reading →
Economy and democracy in Zimbabwe – Thoughts from Eddie Cross
Eddie Cross has a long and distinguished career as an administrator, economist, politician, writer, and more recently a blogger in Zimbabwe. Introduced to me online by my friend, Chris Rose--a personal acquaintance of Mr. Cross—I find his social, economic, and political analysis not just historically interesting, but also instructive for our own experience here in... Continue Reading →
A Letter, concerning “The Letter” – A must-see during the 2023 Season of Creation
Good friends, Greetings from the fire-ravaged BC interior, and the unceded land of the original people of the Okanagan, the Syilx. Some of you are part of the Johnson book project (now at the publisher copy-editing stage!); others are local St. Stephen’s Summerland leaders. Some are members of the Social and Ecological Justice working group... Continue Reading →