A guest blog by James Fofonoff I just returned home from the dress rehearsal of Summerland Singers and Players latest live theatre production: We are performing six shows of "It's A Wonderful Life"—a radio play. As the cast debriefed with Director, Linda Guebert. I shared some thoughts on the value of community theatre from my... Continue Reading →
Trump and Sanders visit “It’s a Wonderful Life”
The production by Summerland Singers and Players of “It’s a Wonderful Life—The Radio Play” continues well with three performances now under our belt. The cast, including the foley (a live sound effects technician) are sure-footed and able to cope with the inevitable variations we each insert into our performances. Live community theatre is a team-building... Continue Reading →
We are a Therapy Dog Team – by Juno and her MaPaw
Juno and her MaPaw, Kathie are a certified pet-therapy team now volunteering in Summerland and Penticton “If I end up requiring the care provided in a nursing home, I will only live there if they have visiting dogs or a resident dog. End of story.” This is what MaPaw said the other day as we left... Continue Reading →
Juno’s new toy — Chat GPT
Working with her fun friend Cameron, Juno has discovered a new toy, not as much fun as a ball, but on its own terms, quite amazing. To the prompt “sea shanty about a labradoodle named Juno” the following emerged. With minor tweaks, this would be publishable. Performance rights granted to all Labradoodles. (Verse 1)Oh, gather... Continue Reading →
The Belle of the Ball, by Juno
Another in our “The shorter the word, the bigger the meaning” series Now four years old, dog-blogger Juno is a Labradoodle living in Summerland in the interior of British Columbia. Real estate agents bring cards; musicians bring EPs; academics bring recently published books. We all need something, a token, a symbol, with which to introduce... 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 →
On Failure
Image: Harmony Lawrence from Pixabay I doubt that any of us enjoy failure, but according to Jancee Dunn writing in the New York Times, if not fun, failure has its benefits. Dunn goes so far as to say that if we want to thrive, first, learn to fail. She tells of Sara Blakely, founder of... Continue Reading →
UKE & ME—An Air Canada ode
With contributions from Linnea Good It’s great to come home, especially when travelling by air, whether from a holiday, a productive work-related trip, or a visit with family and friends. It’s great to return to a familiar place, to be met by familiar people, who will help you carry your luggage out to the car—that... Continue Reading →
Yelling at the TV – A Blue Jays elegy
“My name is Ken.” “Hi Ken.” “I am a Blue Jays fan.” “Well that sucks.” It sure does, these days at least. According to Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star, “This (past week) was supposed to be a statement week for the Jays. Instead, it might be the week they gave the Rangers a second... Continue Reading →