A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland by the Very Rev. Ken Gray -- Sunday, May 17, 2026 Today I stand before you without my hearing aids. After several years of good service, my hearing aids now require some repair. Thankfully, they are still under warranty. This means a trip for them back... Continue Reading →
Pomp and Circumstance 2026 — Pulling back the curtain on the opening of the UK Parliament
Post by the Reverend Richard Coles โ cleric, broadcaster, writer and former Communard. Off to the State Opening of Parliament today and we went as guests of the Speaker, whom I know from the football at Chorley. (Football) We had smashing seats in the Lordโs Strangersโ Gallery, sitting between Arthur Edwards, doyen of Royal paparazzi,... Continue Reading →
Another well deserved prize for Maggie Helwig and her homeless community โ Encampment: Resistance, Grace, and an Unhoused Community
A video of her acceptance speech at the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing is here A transcript is below. (Check against delivery.) [Maggie Helwig] This is not my book. This book belongs to a community. I am cognizant that I am in the kind of room which I am not in very often, and... Continue Reading →
New developments in the dark room
Josh Dawson - May 1, 2026 / Castanet // Photo: Castanet Kamloops photographer Jess Beaudin poses for a photo while setting up her exhibit at at the Old Courthouse at 7 Seymour Street West. Sagebrush, chokecherries, shells and salt water are all you need to develop film, thanks to a new process created by Kamloops... Continue Reading →
Let’s make Pluto great again — A cause you should consider
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman testifies during a hearing held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies to review NASA's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. (Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky) NASA chief Jared Isaacman says he's fighting for Pluto: 'I... Continue Reading →
A student praises his teacher โ Phil Dwyer remembers Bill Cave
First published on Facebook [Phil Dwyer] When I was a youngster, my parents attended many local dances, and I heard repeatedly about how great a dance band Bill Cave and "The Cavemen" was. When I was in grade 7, Bill took over the music program at what was then Qualicum Middle School. From day one,... Continue Reading →
JULIA KEEFE INDIGENOUS BIG BAND
"The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band embodies defiant beauty." - San Francisco Classical Voice "Julia Keefe came on with her big band and completely blew the roof off of the venueโฆ" - Aisha Ahmad-Post, Newman Center for the Performing Arts Band Statement: Indigenous jazz musicians, ensembles, and big bands have their place in the contemporary... Continue Reading →
Jazz Vespers, again, this Sunday May 3, 2026
Once again, another Jazz Vespers service looms large. Information is on the poster, but allow me to add: Justin Glibbery on pianoStefan Bienz on bassLoni Moger on guitarEric Manuel on drums The announced theme is Joyspring, (I don't expect this to be played as we don't have a trumpeter on this gig), but you never... Continue Reading →
Letโs Save this Organ somehow, somewhere
From Anna Lapwood / Marnie Giesbracht, and others Sadly, plans have been made at the highest levels of the University of Alberta, Canada to remove the 1978 Casavant Memorial Organ from Convocation Hall in the Old Arts Building. These plans were confirmed when Joachim and I (Marnie Giesbrecht) met with Dean of Arts, Robert Wood... Continue Reading →
Thank You Taylor family and the Toronto Blue Jays
Hundreds out for opening of rebuilt baseball field in Summerland Casey Richardson - Apr 18, 2026 / 3:40 pm | Story and photos / Castanet Summerland Click here to view gallery Hundreds of people came out to Summerland's Living Memorial Park on Saturday to celebrate the opening of a special baseball field, more than a... Continue Reading →