Christmas Craft Day Invitation

Christmas Craft Day
FRIDAY, December 4th, 10:00am
Vernon Christian Fellowship Church (behind Canadian Tire)
RSVP to lina-r@shaw.ca
Cost: $2.50 per set of candles
Details: We will be making rolled beeswax candles. The children will then be able to make a simple “gift bag” to put the candles in and a “gift tag” or card if they want to give their candles away as a gift to someone special.
Note: Parents of small children will have to help their children roll the candles. We will also have a table set up with some coloring sheets and toys to occupy some of the toddlers.

Meeting Time Again!

We have the room booked again at Talk'n Donkey this Thursday night (Nov 26) from 7 until 10 pm. Hope to see you there!

Invitation to Cedar Bridge School Winter Craft Fair

Rhytmic Gymnastics Show - November 27

A couple of developments. The first is that this year they are charging parents $15. I argued and explained that these parents are their children's teachers and that we are only a loosely associated group of homeschoolers, so it would be taking children you didn't know to the show. But they have been adamant. The second development is that they are no longer taking cash at the door but I have to have confirmed numbers and pay in advance. This week, in fact. So I have already confirmed the numbers and I am currently collecting money. If you still want to come and you haven't already contacted me, let me know and I will see if we can get more seats but at this point it doesn't look likely. They don't issue tickets and we are considered an entity like a school. We will be given a section to sit in together.

Hello everyone, the rhythmic gymnastics is a show again this fall and we are welcome to attend the school performance at $5 a ticket. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to attend as these tend to fill up fast (right now there is lots of room) so I can reserve enough seats for everyone who wants to go.

Contact me (Andrea) at agordon-smith@shaw.ca.

Following is the letter from Camille Martens describing the production:

I am writing you as Head Coach/Choreographer of the Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics Club to let you know of a Production of The Wizard of Oz that we will be presenting at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre this November.

The show uses a dynamic fusion of drama, dance, music, gymnastics, acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics and cirque-like storytelling to relay the captivating tale of Dorothy, her dog Toto, the lion, the tin man and the scarecrow as they chase after their dreams. The show has been creatively crafted to be especially dazzling and interesting for children.

It is a story that will captivate young and old alike and we believe that it will be a great opportunity for students to be exposed and inspired to an artistic/athletic endeavor. They will have the opportunity to see young performers, current national and international competitors and even past Olympians in this exciting show.

We are presenting a morning show (9:30am start…or 9:40am if necessary) and are open to the possibility of also doing an afternoon show for students and staff on Friday, November 27^th Seats are $5/person. The production is one hour and 35 minutes long including a brief intermission. Buses need to be there at least10-15 minutes before start times so we can accommodate seating and start/finish on time.

We are confident that adults and children of all ages will delight in this experience.

Lantern Walk this Friday

The Cedarbridge School (Lumby) has invited all of us to attend their Lantern Walk on Friday, November 6th from 4:30 until 6pm. It's a BYOL (lantern). We attended last year and it was incredibly magical.

Meeting Tonight!!

It's the last Thursday of the month already, and we have our monthly parent support meeting at 7pm. But NEW LOCATION: tonight we're going to try the Talking Donkey, at 3923-32 Street (highway). I've reserved their private room upstairs for us to try.
Hope you can all make it! See you there!

Ski/Board Program 2010

This program is now full. Contact me if you would like to be on the waiting list.

Edited to correct the date of the third lesson from February 28 to January 28

Hello Everyone,

Its that time of the year again. I am starting to get organized for this year's ski program. I have booked ski lessons on 4 consecutive Thursdays for the North Okanagan Homelearners as follows:

Thursday 14th January @ 10:00 AM

Thursday 21st January @ 10:00 AM

Thursday 28th January@ 10:00 AM

Thursday 4th February @ 10:00 AM

The rates are the same as last year:

Lesson: $10
Lift/lesson: $17
Lift/lesson/Rental skiing: $22
Lift/lesson/rental boarding: $27

Cross Country
Lesson $10
Lesson/Track $12
Lesson/track/rental $14

Parents MUST be helping to obtain these rates:

Lift $25
Rental skiing $10
Rental boarding $13
Track ticket $12
Rental track $2

Based on my experiences I have decided to make some changes. I will be capping the ski/board program at 60 participants. This is about how many we had last year and I found those numbers much more manageable. We will have some room for drop-ins as there are usually cancellations. The sooner you contact me about it, the better chance I can accommodate you.

For anyone who has not participated before, this is the same program offered to children in the public school system. Participants get a 1 hour lesson at 10am or 11am and then are free to ski for the rest of the day but after the lesson, they are no longer the responsibility of their teachers. Lessons are group lessons. Ability is assessed by instructors and groups are divided by ability.

As space is limited, contact me as soon as possible. (agordon-smith@shaw.ca 250-503-5416)

After I have gathered everyone interested, all further information will come via e-mail.

Looking forward to long warm days in the cafeteria knitting and crocheting while all of you ski!

Sincerely,

Andrea Clarke

swimming on Friday

Marilyn Courtney will not be doing her usual swimming clinic this Friday October 23 as it is a Pro-D day and the pool could be crowded. She will continue next week

Soap Making this Saturday

This workshop is now full. Thanks everyone!

Hello Everyone,

We have one spot open up for this Saturday's soap making workshop. This is the one where we will be actually making soap. Amanda Tarjan is a great facilitator. I really enjoyed the first one and I am looking forward to this Saturday.

Here is the info if you are interested:
Date: October 17
Time: 1 - 2:30
Place: Andrea's house - 9005 Rendell Dr.

If you are interested, e-mail me at agordon-smith@shaw.ca or call me at 250-503-5416

Hockey skates need a new home TAKEN, THANKS

THESE HAVE FOUND A NEW HOME, THANKS
I have a pair of hockey skates to give away if anyone needs them. They are skate size 11, shoe size 12.

Just email me at klmackay@shaw.ca if you are interested.

Playtime at Polson tomorrow (Tuesday)

The Kelowna homeschoolers who come up to the science centre for classes will be doing so again tomorrow. They'll be going across to Polson to play about 11 o'clock if anyone wants to join them.

Simming and Skating

Hello everyone,

I would really like to organize a group swimming class for homeschooling kids. I know that Marilyn mentioned that she could possibly teach a class but if she can't I'd like to find someone else and get it going. I'd like to see how many people are interested and then go ahead and talk to her or someone else. If you have children that would like lessons can you also tell me which times would work for you.

Mary-Sue mentioned to me yesterday that the homeschooler's skating class is full but if they get enough on a waiting list they may make another class. I'll be putting my kids on the list tomorrow. I'm wondering if we could do the two lessons back to back - if there were enough of us who would like to do the swimming and skating. I don't know - maybe it would be too complicated. I just think it would be nice to get two lessons over with in one morning.

New Meeting Place

I don't know about the rest of you, but I found the Blenz (Portillo's) room quite noisy last Thursday - and the seats pretty uncomfortable for a long stretch of sitting. What did the rest of you think?

Horse Vaulting

I am organizing a horse vaulting class at Green Croft Gardens, a certified organic farm. You can read more about it here - click on 'riding school' on the left hand side. These are group lessons of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 children. Minimum age is 5. The class is gentle and very safe. Children learn how to be really comfortable on a horse by doing very simple 'tricks' like kneeling on a horse and eventually standing, etc. in a safe and supported environment. Vaulting is acrobatics on horseback. In the spring I will be organizing a horseback riding class.

Dates: Sundays, October 18 - November 8
Time: 1 - 2:30
Cost: $50 for all for classes payable in advance
Place: Green Croft Gardens in Grindrod (by Sure Crop Foods) (42 Meadowview Rd)

If you are interested, call Andrea at 250-503-5416 or e-mail agordon-smith@shaw.ca

If you want to talk to someone who has taken the vaulting class, you can talk to Cara Nunn, whose daughters, Sarah and Maya who have both taken it or Shoshana Fox, whose daughter Ursula has taken it and will be in this group.

Soap Making

Edited to add: I now only have 1 spot available

Hello everyone, I have been in contact with Amanda Tarjan, homeschooling mom from Kelowna and she has agreed to come and do a soap making workshop here in Vernon. We will have the introductory one on Oct 3 at 1pm and the intermediate, October 17 at 1pm. This workshop is for adults and children over the age of 10. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult to help with the very caustic lye. The workshops will be at my house. We need 5 people to do it and I already have 3. You will need to commit to both workshops. Please contact me right away if you are interested. If there is enough interest, I am happy to organize more groups.

Andrea at agordon-smith@shaw.ca or 250-503-5416

Here is Amanda's information:

"Hello All

I wanted to let everyone know that I will be giving classes on how to make cold process bar soap. This is real soap which is made with the chemical process when oil and lye combine and saponify to make a new substance- soap. My recipe is all natural and vegan. I use only essential oils and natural colorants. No fragrances or dyes. It is very gentle on the skin and smells lovely. You can even add ingredients to make it exfoliate.

There will be 2 classes:

#1- Beginners class:
I demonstrate how to make soap. Students will observe the process and be free to ask questions. Afterwards, the students will take home 3 bars of my already cured soap, the recipe, and all instructional papers.
Time- October 3, 1pm for 2 hours or so.
Cost- $40 per student
Class size- 5 students
Location- Andrea's house, 9005 Rendell Dr, Coldstream

#2 Intermediate class:
The students purchase the equipment and supplies prior to class and we make the soap together in class. I will provide guidance and help as you make it yourself. Students will take home about 20 bars worth of their soap and a better understanding of the process. If you prefer, I can provide the ingredients for the recipe to you for an additional $25 and you can still make a batch in class. Equipment is cheap to purchase at a thrift store.
Time- October 17, 1pm for 2 1/2 hours or so
Cost- $40 per student
Class size- 5 students (but we will need a portable burner/hot plate anybody have one?)
Location- Andrea's house, 9005 Rendell Dr., Coldstream, BC

Other Information of Note:
-The classes are meant for teenagers or adults as we will be using lye which is a very dangerous and acidic chemical. Please wear long sleeves, eye protection, and gloves for either class to prevent injury.
-The classes will be in the evening on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday at 6:30 pm.
-The class dates and locations will be firmly booked once I have a full class of students and a general consensus of what is most convenient for the students.
-Taking the beginner class first is recommended for all who would like to make the soap. Then you will have the background to come prepared for the advanced class.

***For those uninterested in making soap, but you still appreciate the product, I also have my soap available to purchase. It is $4 a bar. I currently have cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass cured and ready to go.***

Homelearner Skating Classes?

Is anyone registering for the Rec Centre CanSkate lessons they're offering for Homeschoolers on Wednesdays, Oct 7 thru Nov 18, 9:45 until 10:15? I think my two might take them. Anyone else?

Meeting this week

Hi everyone,

At our last meeting we discussed changing our location as the Bean to Cup furniture re-arrangement has made it difficult for our group to meet there. I've just contacted the Blenz that used to be Portillos and they are willing to book their meeting room for us on the last Thursday of every month if we would like it. I went ahead and booked it but will cancel it if the rest of you are not in agreement . I thought we could try it out this week and then decide. I'd like to know what you think ... is this too short notice....should we stay at Bean to Cup this month... would you like to try somewhere else? We could try it this week and phone anyone we can think of who might show up at Bean to Cup - we could even leave a message at Bean to Cup to alert people to the new location. I think it is too late for the paper this week. What do you think?

Woodcarving postponed until Spring

Hi everyone, we haven't had enough interest to have the woodcarving classes this Fall so maybe we can try again in the Spring.
Thanks

Fish

So, if anyone is interested, I have a contact for fresh salmon (spring and sockeye) caught in the river by Kamloops (Thompson, I assume?). He is selling them for $20 a salmon. They're huge but I have no idea about the weight. We cooked one up and it fed 8 adults who love salmon. I have 4 more in the freezer and I am going to can 4 more. If you are interested, contact me directly (don't leave a comment on this post) at 250-503-5416 or agordon-smith@shaw.ca. I am not sure exactly when delivery will be but you will have to come here to pick them up and it will be soon.

Andrea

Not back to school beach day on Friday at Kal Beach

Perhaps Friday will be better as it is supposed to be warmer than Thursday. I think we'll try to be there at about 11.

Not Back to School Picnic?

Any "Not Back to School Picnics" planned for this week?

Not back to school beach day?

Anyone up for a Not back to school beach day? We will be spending Thursday or Friday at Kal beach as the weather looks as though it will be nice those days.

Woodcarving Course reminder

If there is anyone who has not contacted me but would like to participate in the beginner or intermediate classes, please let me know. So far I have not had enough people interested to get the classes organized. We need a minimum of six kids for each.

Email me at klmackay@shaw.ca with your child's age and the class you are requesting.
Thanks!

Ballet class at SODA

Karen has made arrangements for a ballet dance class with South Okanagan Dance Academy (SODA) just for homeschoolers!

Here are the details:

Tuesdays, 3:30 to 4:40 pm

$480 for the season (September through June)

minimum class size = 4 dancers

maximum class size = 12 dancers

If anyone's interested please contact Karen at garlick@telus.net

Woodcarving Course with Rick Wiebe

Hi everyone, Some people have asked me about doing another woodcarving course this Fall. Rick is available for most of September so I need to know who is interested. I think we should do another beginner class for whoever is interested and then also do a class that will build on the skills they learned in the Spring course. As with the last class he prefers kids who are 9 years old and up, however we had some eight year olds who did great.

I also need to pin down some dates, so any ideas of when would be best for you would be appreciated. I think the three day class worked well, so it would be three consecutive days for 2 1/2 hours per day at $60 plus GST. He provides everything they need.
Check out his website here:http://www.woodcarvingbiz.com/

Please email me at klmackay@shaw.ca and tell me:

Which class: Beginnner or Intermediate
What dates approximately
Names of kids
Ages of kids

I will see if we have enough interest and then let you know what's up.
Thanks!

Meeting this week

The monthly meeting is this Thursday at 7pm at Bean to Cup. Hope to see some of you there.

Fall Dance Classes at the Inner World School

Dancing Buas:

At the Inner Light Yoga Studio

Creative Movement: ages 3 - 5

12 sessions for $120.00

Thursdays, September 17 – December 3

2:15 – 3pm

Creative Ballet: ages 6 – 10

12 sessions for $120.00

Thursdays, September 17 – December 3

3:15 – 4:15pm

Creative Movement:

This class for children aged 3 – 5 will work on coordination, gracefulness and self-esteem through dance. We will play games, explore different styles of dance and different kinds of music and have a lot of fun! The emphasis will be on creativity and supporting the young dancers in discovering and connecting to their own inner expression. The class will culminate in a performance for parents and friends that the students will help choreograph.

Creative Ballet:

This beginning ballet class is about connecting children with the real beauty and art of ballet and encouraging the creativity and talent of the dancers. We will go on a journey deeper into the passion, the discipline, the beauty and the art of ballet. We will use the technique of this dance form to explore self-expression and learn more about dance in general. This class will also culminate in a performance that the students will choreograph.

Kin Beach on Friday August 7th.

Is anyone interested? I'll probably be arriving some time after 1pm.

The weather was maybe going to be rainy, but now it looks like it'll be nice. We really won't know until the day!

Monthly meeting

Our regular meeting at Bean to Cup is tomorrow night at 7pm. Are any of you planning on attending?

Kin Beach Friday 1pm

Hi everyone, we are back from our holidays and would love to get together with some other people! We are planning to be at Kin Beach on Friday around 1pm. It has nice shade and lots of room. Hope we see lots of you there!

Beach Day Friday?

I have no idea what the weather will be like, but if it is nice, we are planning on going to Paddle Wheel Park/Beach. We'll probably be arriving between 11am & 12pm. If anyone else is interested, we'll see you there!

Beach Day tomorrow

I'm not sure if anyone has been going to the beach like we'd planned - I've missed the last couple of weeks. We will be going tomorrow if all goes well - around noon -
Paddle Wheel park. I hope to see some of you there.

Meeting Tonight

Just a reminder that our monthly meeting is tonight - 7pm downstairs at Bean to Cup. I'll be there - hope to see some of you there!

Homeschooling Options

Hi All:

Here is a copy of an email I sent to the Kelowna homeschoolers. If any of you are interested, let me know. It is possible that we could do something in Lake Country if Kelowna and Vernon kids want to participate.


For those of you who don’t know us and our story. I am a single mom and I have an 11 year old boy Daniel. We homeschooled for 3 years and then in October Daniel returned to public school. After 8 months of schooling I find myself feeling conflicted about what to do for September. I now see what works for our family and what doesn’t work for our family with regard to homeschooling and public school.

I really wish that there was a third option. For our family what would work perfectly would be a program where Daniel could attend some sort of alternative ‘school’ program 2 full days a week. My vision would be that there would be 10 to 15 kids between the ages of maybe 9 and 15. Then there would be 4 or 5 ‘subjects’ – each led by a really passionate expert in that field who would bring his or her enthusiasm to the group and do really interesting activities with the kids.

For example I could imagine that there would be a personal trainer type person who would lead a physical education portion one afternoon each week. This person would then organize activities and outings in which the kids would have the opportunity to experience different sports and forms of exercise. I would love to see something really broad where the kids would learn different sports and also go for bike rides, go swimming, bowling. Ideally the kids would be involved in choosing the activities. The goal would be to inspire the kids to want to be active and healthy, to help them discover what activities they enjoy and to give them an opportunity to build skills in those areas.... and of course to have fun.

Another example would be a social studies portion – led by someone (or perhaps more than one person) who loves history and is socially activity. I could imagine that there would be different sections throughout the year where the kids would focus on different time periods. Then they would also have sections where they learned about social awareness and got involved in some programs in the community. I would love to see a really hands on, fun approach that would really hold the kids’ interest.

As I think about it I can think of other ideas around a science class, maybe a foreign language class – the possibilities are endless. So what I was thinking is that the kids would have a regular place where they meet, but would also have lots of outings. There would be perhaps two subjects each day – like one in the morning from 9 – 12 and then they would have lunch together and then have another subject from 1 – 4.

All of these are just ideas that have been running around in my mind. Is something like this possible? Well, I am not totally sure, but I am beginning to think that it is worth looking in to. So first I thought I would send an email to see if there is any interest from other families. I have a few ideas of spaces that may be available and potential instructors. If there are around 10 kids that are interested, I will do some more research. So if something like this is of interest to your family please drop me an email and let me know how many kids there are and their ages. If you have any ideas around the structure or content of the program, send those too.

Half-Price Usborne Books

Sandi, in Winfield is closing her Usborne Book business and is offering a large selection of books at half price. If anyone is interested in seeing the list of books, email me (maristar2000@yahoo.com) and I'll send it to you. It's too long to put on here.

Free admission to Kelowna Falcons Baseball Game Tuesday June 16th

This was posted on the Kelowna website for any of you baseball fans:

Hi All,

I just found out that the Kelowna Falcons Baseball team is offering FREE admittance to their opening game of the season. Check out the link for info.

http://www.kelownafalcons.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=222&Itemid=1

I don't know if I can make it, but hopefully some of you can!!!

Beach Day in Vernon Friday June 19th?

Hi everyone,
I understand some people will be going to the Beach Day in Kelowna the day before, but just wondering if anyone will be coming out to a beach in Vernon the next day, Friday June 19th?? I would like to go, if anyone else can. We could meet at between 11 & 12? Is there a particular beach people have been meeting at? (I've been kind of out of the loop lately). If not, does Paddlewheel Park work?

Some Ideas for Next Year's Fun Day for Homeschoolers

Here are some of my ideas: Cooperative Fun Day and Personal Best Events
1st half: multi-age groups that include all ages (6-16 years) rotate through fun stations/games/activities with a team captain (responsible 14-16 year old)
-siblings together on one team
-have fun and accumulate points for team
-At end announce points for each team, everybody cheers for everybody and participant ribbons are handed to all

2nd Half:
-Inflatable bouncers and Personal Best Events
- Students choose to do their activities/attend as individuals
-Personal best Events: short race, long race, ball throw, long jump/standing long jump
-Students take a little photocopied index card to each event and record times/distances on their card with goal to beat their last years times and distances
-Any/all ages can line up for race/field event of choice. They can run in pairs of any age
-Only times/distances are recorded for individuals
-Participant ribbons awarded for completing each Personal Best Event
-Students of all ages can line up/do age-appropriate bouncers of choice during second half as well

Beach Day Thursday June 18th 9:30am Beasly Beach

The Kelowna homelearner's will be having a beach day in Winfield next Thursday, June 18th and would love to have the Vernon learner's join them. They will be meeting at around 9:30 am again since that seems to work best for most people who have afternoon activities. Here are the directions to Beasly Beach, part of Reiswig Regional Park

Directions:

Woodsdale Road in Winfield, Lake Country. From Highway 97 driving South turn left on Woodsdale Road at the first traffic light in Winfield. The park is on the left side of the road.

We are going to plan on being there. Hope we see you!

Atlantis Waterslides

I have booked June 25th as the North Okanagan Homelearners waterslide day.

When I booked, she wanted us to have everyone show homeschooling ID at the gate UNLESS we all arrived at a scheduled time and entered all at once. I choose the later as the option, since that seemed to be the most practical, to me anyway.

A bit of a nuisance for some though possibly.

I suggest for those who can't arrive at 9:30 am to show up with some form of homeschooling ID, say you are with the North Okanagan Homelearners and I will ask her to honour those as well.

So .....June 25th last full day before school is out and until now without any other schools booked to be there!

at 9:30 am at the entrance gate.

$7 for 4 to 12 year olds

$9 for teens and adults.

See ya then.

annette

Beach Day anyone?

We would really like a beach day while the weather is nice. Wednesday or possibly Thursday would work for us. My kids enjoy Paddlewheel with the playground and it also has some shade. We were thinking of packing a lunch and being there at 11am. Anyone able to join us.

Park Day with the Kelowna group

Hi Guys, Heather from the Kelowna group suggested a 'kick-off to Summer' get-together at Jack Seaton Park in Lake Country with us. It is a great park with trails, tennis, playground, two baseball diamonds and picnic tables. She thought it would be fun for the kids to have a bit of a baseball game again. If anyone has bats, balls and gloves, please bring them.

Amanda passed along that they thought morning would work for the most people and it was suggested 9am(I laughed, maybe even snorted)on Thursday June 11th.
THE TIME HAS NOW BEEN CHANGED TO 9:30 AM

So if you can get your kids moving bright and early, it will be a lot of fun to spend the day at this great park.I can't seem to find a link with directions or an address but I think you turn Right off the highway onto Berry Road and then take another right onto Okanagan Centre Road. Then turn left onto Camp Road. I know it is around a winery, I think it is just past but I can't remember for sure. The park will be on your left.



We are planning to go. My kids loved this park last year. Hope to see lots of you there!

Kelowna Homeschoolers at Polson Park TUESDAY aft.

TODAY! (Tuesday) is the last day for the Kelowna homeschoolers' science days. They're planning to play at Polson Park after science -- older kids will be at Polson at 2, younger kids will head over about 3pm. Everyone is welcome to join them. They enjoy playing with the Vernon group.

Want to go hunting for Opals???

I am posting this for Annette:

I have a rock enthusiast friend. He would like to take a group up to the Opal mines. He would arrange it thru the Opal mine shop just past Swan Lake.

It would cost $20.00 per person. We would need vehicles to get up the rough road and a lunch as it will be a day excursion. There is an allowable amount of opals you can take out with this price and then after that amount and if you find more, you need to pay for them. He said you can expect everyone to find some opals.

I think he is looking to get a group of at least twenty together. The date is to be set near the end of June and it would definitely be on a weekend. Great for the dads. We already have 6 so if anyone is interested please call me. 250-547-2192

Trackmeet Practice Tomorrow (Wed)

Below please find details for the next track & field practice.

Wednesday, May 20 12:30 - 2:00 N'KWALA Park. Please do not hesitate to call me on my cell the day of practices: 250.503.7654 or at home: 250.549.6778 Don't forget to mark your calendars for the track meet Friday June 12. Have a glorious long weekend!!!

Grace n Peace - Lise Halvorson

FARM TOURS June 10th 1pm

Hi, I'm posting this for Marcie. She is a new homeschooling Mom to three, who lives in Ashton Creek.

If you are interested please email Marcie at mcrozier@telus.net. There is room for 30 people so respond quickly.

Marcie is offering an opportunity for us to tour three farms in her neighbourhood. She has cows on her farm; her neighbours are the Fourniers, who have a dairy farm offering shares in cows to supply raw milk and she also has neighbours with Alpacas.

"As far as what we'll be seeing, at the alpaca farm, we can go right into
the pens with the alpacas and touch them, and Don and Sylvia will give
us an overview and answer questions. The alpacas are having their
babies so there will be some cute little ones around. They also have a
couple of sheep in with the alpacas, as well as two commandeer (not sure
of spelling) which specialize in guarding alpacas.

At the Fourniers, we'll be seeing goats, sheep, a duck, chickens, pigs,
and milk cows. Naomi will be giving the tour (she is the one who runs
the cow share milk program). We can be very hands on here too.

My address and the directions are as follows: 3668 Trinity Valley Road
(12 Km outside Enderby). North (right at the lights at the main
intersection in Enderby, Hwy 97 and Cliff Ave.). Cliff Ave. turns into
Mabel Lake Road, and continue on it until just after the Ashton Creek
Store, which is 10Km out. When the road curves to the right just after
the store, keep to the right at the "Y", and now you're on Trinity
Valley Road. Keep on Trinity Valley Road, cross the one lane bridge,
and we're the fourth house/property on the right after the bridge. Park
at my place (and not the alpaca farm) anywhere along the driveway. I'll
try to remember to put some balloons out so everyone knows for sure.

I would think people should allow for 2 hours. For questions, just have
interested parties e-mail mcrozier@telus.net or call me: 250-838-6380."

The most beautiful festival is coming this Sunday!

Admission: $3/family (to cover costs)

Friday at the Park?

I'm planning on going to Lakeview Park Friday afternoon, probably arriving at 1:30. The weather is supposed to be sunny, so here's hoping. :0)

Anyone else planning on going or are people going away for the long weekend?

Homelearner's Track Meet

Here's some information about a track meet. If you want the registration form you can email the contact on the bottom this page.

Family Fun Day and Track Meet
Friday June 12th, 2009
Polson Park Vernon
8:50am – 3:00pm

For all home schooled children ages 5yrs – 18yrs whether enrolled or registered in the public or independent school system.
Cost $10/child or $25/family ($10 per family if the parent volunteers to help for the day)

Enthusiastic participants will be put in age appropriate groups and will rotate through age appropriate track & field and fun events.

To register, print and fill out the registration form below. Mail it along with the entrance fee to:
Track Meet and Fun Day
c/o Sheri Price
8020 Jackpine Rd.
Vernon, BC
V1B 3M9
All registrations must be received by May 30th, 2009.
All fees are non-refundable

Inquiries phone Lise Halvorson 250.549.6778
Events will proceed rain or shine. (except for a down pour)
Please bring hats, sunscreen, a blanket and lunch for a picnic. Canteen on site.

Hope to see you all there,

Sheri Price
sprice@onlineschool.ca

Horseshoes

The Vernon Horseshoe club is willing to teach children over the age of 10 and their parents how to play horseshoes. They are looking for a minimum of 10 people. If you are interested in learning how to play please contact me at slpater@gmail.com with a couple of days and times that would work for you and I will make arrangements for the lesson. We can have it just as a 1 day event or we could do it for a couple. The cost for this event is free.

Sonja

Meeting Tonight!

Late reminder...
but downstairs at Bean to Cup
7 pm tonight.

Hi Everyone
Heidi asked me to post this. There is additional information but I wasn't able to post it as it was an attachment. If you want this information regarding the workshop just post a comment or email me and I will forward it.

Art & Attention Workshop for Children
Saturday, May 9th
10am to 2pm


Art & Attention Workshop for Adults
Wednesday, May 6th
6:30 - 9:30pm

Heidi Thompson Workshops at Gallery Vertigo:
The artist will also give two workshops titled "Art & Attention" at Gallery Vertigo during the run of her exhibition. These workshops will be offered free of charge but pre-registration is required. Please call the gallery for more information if you would like to participate. (250-503-2297)
"Art & Attention" is just that – a workshop aimed at developing one’s attention and then applying that focus to painting. A great combination, considering art is ultimately an expression of one’s state of mind.
A calm, observant mind, will affect one’s power to see things clearly, sustain energy and stay focused. These positive qualities will directly influence and infuse one’s artistic expression - whatever that expression may be." (Thompson)


Heidi Thompson is available to answer questions about the workshops:
htcthompson@hotmail.com
(250) 542-1551

Artist Talk @ Gallery Vertigo:
Heidi Thompson
Wednesday, April 29 - 7:30 to 8:30pm

Thompson will give an artist talk on Wednnesday April 29th from 7:30 to 8:30pm. The artist will talk about the artistic journey that led her to creating non-objective art colour fields. This discussion may interest those trying to break free from dependency on using external forms as subject matter in their art. She will discuss her painting techniques and approaches to art making.
About Heidi Thompson:
At age seventeen, Thompson moved to Europe and studied photography at the Kunstgewerbeschule in Zurich, Switzerland where she received a four year diploma. She then apprenticed under the German painter Oskar Koller in Nurnberg and then attended the Hungarian Academy for Art in Budapest. After eight years of training, the artist returned to Vernon in 1982. In 2000 she earned her B.F.A and then in 2001, her B.C. Teacher’s Certificate, For over 30 years she has been involved in painting, photography, publishing, teaching art, and exhibiting, including recent shows in New York, Toronto and Montreal. Thompson has also been practicing Vipassana (a meditation technique) for over 20 years and has conducted several Advanced Attention Development workshops in Vernon and Vancouver.Thompson has also published two books, one of which is about the late Sveva Caetani, one of Vernon's most cherished artists.

Woodcarving Course with Rick Wiebe

I am hosting a 3-day woodcarving course at my house on May 27th, 28th and 29th from 10am - 12:30pm with Rick Wiebe. The cost is $60.00 per child and he supplies everything they need. He offers this for kids aged 9 and up.
If you would like to check out his website here is the link:
http://www.woodcarvingbiz.com/

We will hopefully be able to do this outside but if the weather does not cooperate I will move furniture around in the house and make it work.

Parents are welcome to drop off their kids if they have siblings who will not be doing the course.

Email me at klmackay@shaw.ca if you are interested.
Thanks, Kathy

I forgot to say $60 plus GST

Next meeting

Hi everyone,

Hugette Allen from the Green Party is looking for small groups she can have conversations with before the upcoming election. Is anyone interested in having her come to our next meeting for the first hour or so? Sam Zaharia is in charge of planning get-togethers for Hugette and she thought our group might like to do that.

There is an all candidates forum on Monday night at the Anglican church hosted by the local Food Action Society ( I hope I got the name right) from 7-9. A good chance to get some of your concerns aired.

Swimming Today Anyone?

Hi everyone,

I'm posting this for Debby Ready. It looks like it will be too rainy for the park today. Would anyone like to go swimming this afternoon- say 12:30-1ish instead of going to the park? Debby said she and Ava will be there. I'd love to go but I still have one child with a runny nose and a cough. Hope you all have a good weekend!

free or low cost kids workshops

Hi Everyone,
We've been to the free kids workshops at Home Depot. Is there any other free or low cost kids workshops like that locally? Scrapbooking? Knitting? Other?
Thanks,
Delia

p.s. The Caetani Culture Centre has some interesting workshops and activities planned for the year.

Park this Friday? (Good Friday)

Hello everyone,
I'm not sure if some of you are going to be around this weekend. We are and if the weather is nice, we are planning to go to Lakeview Park.

Is any one else planning to?

V-Learn Open House in May?

I'm not sure where to find the info on the V-Learn website about their open house in May? Do we have to call? Does anybody know? Does the Open House include free classes? Other activities?
How many people are interested in registering (not enrolling) at V-Learn and being able to participate in their classes and activities? I am!
Cheers,
Delia

Playgroup at the park

At the last homeschooling meeting we decided to try having our playgroup start up again. So, we thought we would try for Fridays at about noon at Lakeview Park (weather permitting).

Hope to see you there.

Free Concert Tonight (Sunday)

Hi Everyone,
There's a free concert tonight in Vernon (Sunday 29) at the Vernon Performing Arts Center. Kids under 12 are free, adults and older kids pay $7.50 at the door.This is kind of like being there live for Canadian Idol, except that it's 10 finalists from the Okanagan and they're all ages 8 to 18.My son 8 year old son Jacob and his friend Kai (both homeschooled) will be playing their fiddle tunes. They call themselves Double Trouble. The audience gets to vote for their favourite act and then the winner will be announced at the end of the show. The winner gets to play at the Rare Earth Jazz and Blues Fest and wins $5000 so it's a pretty big deal.I have more info on my blog. I'd love to see a big homeschool turnout tonight!Sarah Bennett
http://fanningflame.wordpress.com/

kefir curds/grains

Hi Everyone,
I'm looking for kefir curds/grains locally (preferably). Does anyone have them or know of where I could get them?

Not too Late for Permaculture Course

Reminder about the Introduction to Permaculture course being held in Falkland on April 25,26.

Just to let you know I have extended the $130 fee until March 31 (regular fee is $150). (Just for comparison, a horse workshop being held out in Falkland on the same weekend is asking $275 for the 2 days, which also includes one dinner).

Interested in Learning More about Gardening?

Look who's coming to Vernon this weekend!!
http://www.squarefootgardening.com/index.php/Events/mel-in-british-columbia.html

meeting tonight

Hi everyone,

Just a quick reminder that tonight is our monthly meeting at Bean to Cup - 7pm in the downstairs meeting room. Hope to see some of you there. I'll be late but am looking forward to it!

Library Day

Hi Everyone,
I would like to start a weekly Library Day at the Library for Home Learners. Here are some of my ideas:
-Library to donate their meeting room (I've heard its big) for Home Learners one hour each week at the same time from Oct 1-May 31.. We could start this year as soon as possible and continue to end of May.
-Informal drop-in meeting for North Okanagan Home Learners of all ages
-Bring board games to play, projects to share/talk about, books to share etc...

Since I'm new in town I'm wondering if anyone knows of a good contact at the Library?
Any other ideas or suggestions?
Thanks,
Delia

I am posting this from the Inner World School, for those who are interested.

**************************

Hello Everyone,

This spring we are offering three Dancing Bua classes. There will be two creative ballet classes for older children (ages 6 – 10) on different days and a creative movement class for younger children (ages 4 – 6). Keep reading for descriptions of the classes and for the dates and times they are offered.

Creative Movement: This class is for children aged 3 - 5. We will work on coordination, gracefulness and self-esteem through dance. We will play games, explore different styles of dance and different kinds of music and have a lot of fun! The emphasis will be on fun and creativity and supporting the children in discovering and connecting to their own inner creativity. The class will culminate in a performance for parents and friends that the students will help choreograph. (date to be announced later)

Fridays, 3pm - 3:30

March 27 - June 19 (no classes on Good Friday, April 10)

$120.00 ($10 a class)

Creative Ballet:

This beginning ballet class is about connecting children with the real beauty and art of ballet and encouraging the art and talent of the children in the class. We will go on a journey deeper into the passion, the discipline, the beauty and the art of ballet.

This class uses the technique of ballet to learn more about dance. All participating children are expected to attend the rest of the dance series at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre ( last performance is April 17). I am able to purchase tickets for dancers and their families for $10 tickets in batches of 5.

The class will be flexible and responsive to the participants and it will also work towards goals of mastering ballet techniques and developing strength, flexibility and stage presence. Our performance at the end of the semester will be dominated by the individual choreography of the students. The instructor believes that as the children study and come to understand more about ballet, it will naturally emerge in their own style of dance. She believes that fostering this excitement, creativity, and personal expression in dance is as crucial as learning technique and will have a much longer lasting impact whether or not they continue with their studies in dance.

Two options for this class:

Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:15

March 26 - June 11

$120.00 ($10 a class)

or

Fridays 3:45 - 4:45

March 27 - June 19 (no classes on Good Friday, April 10)

To register, e-mail Andrea at innerworldschool@shaw.ca or call 250-503-5416

So, What are You doing On Monday at 1:30?

Edited to add: Council meetings are in the Council Chambers at City Hall, just to the left inside the main doors. You can bring your letter along and drop it at the reception desk, to the attention of Patti Bridal, the city clerk.
There are several opportunities here:
Sam Zaharia (fellow homeschooler) has been very active in our community around food security and has started lobbying the city of Vernon to change the bylaws so that we'd be able to keep a few chickens in our backyards, like the cities of Victoria, Seattle, New Westminster, Burnaby and Nanaimo. On Monday, March 9, at 1:30 pm Sam appears before council to give her 5 minute summation of her case. HERE'S A GREAT CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE by showing up and showing your support for a fellow homeschooler and ultimately for food security in our fair city. As cities around the world face drought and food scarcity, it's time for us to take a stand for the right to raise as much food as we can in our own backyards. Chickens are an excellent educational way to turn food scraps into compost, eliminate pest problems in the garden (cherry fly and slugs disappear when chickens are present -- they even help keep mice populations down!) and provide fresh eggs all at the same time! We're allowed to have rabbits, which can cause all kinds of environmental problems, dogs which we all know can be noisy (and their excrement can be a real environmental problem), cats which are difficult to contain and are a very real threat to bird populations, but not chickens, the most helpful pet around! Studies show that chickens raised free-range have virtually no risk of spreading avian flu (as opposed to chickens raised industrially) yet many industrial chicken lobbyists are using that inaccurate fear to keep us from having the right to raise our own eggs and meat.
ALSO, Sam is looking for a good, loving home for two breeding pairs of Auracana chickens. This means you'll get eggs and the possibility of watching while your pair raises a flock of babies! What an educational treat! Here are her details:
BREEDING PAIR (possibly two pairs) of Auracana cross. The hens lays nice blue-green eggs. The roosters are gorgeous, show all the standard traits of the breed, show very well, have won ribbons at the IPE. We love these birds and are forced by the city to give them up so they must go to a good home, not on the dinner table!!! Must go soon. Email Sam at mumpy5@shaw.ca if you're interested.
ALSO, writing a letter to council stating your own concerns about food security and how you see having backyard chickens could be a partial solution to that would be EXTRA helpful.
HOPE TO SEE YOU ON MONDAY!

Thanks to Kathy.

Thanks Kathy for organizing the courthouse thing. It was really interesting. It was rather horrifying for me to learn that people who are allowed to carry several weapons only get 3 months of training and believe that tazers have never killed anyone. It was also disturbing to find out that you can still get into the Armed Forces if you have a record for violent behaviour - but that's my mother sensibilities there! I think the kids found it all interesting and I really appreciate your effort in organizing the day - it was so cute to watch the kids do the "mock trial". They were really into it. That was definitely a real highlight for me.

So thanks!

Skating Cancelled!

This just came to me this morning from Lynn at 7:48am...

Hi all !

I called the rink this morning, and they were unable to revive the ice last night. The outdoor rink is now

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Sorry for all of us who were going to skate this morning, but on a positive side, it looks like spring is here !

cheers

Lynn

Change to Skating Time for Wednesday

This email was forwarded to me, so I thought I would pass it along:


Due to the warm weather, the rink will most likely be closed in the afternoon tomorrow. The attendant suggested we come in the morning instead, 9:30 until?.

The rest of the week will hopefully be O.K., seeing as it is supposed to get colder.


*We are going to be there tomorrow morning for sure. Hope to see lots of you!

Contact Person for the Morning Star

Hello Everyone,

I have missed the last 3 meetings and it looks like I will be working on Thursdays for the foreseeable future. Most of you know that we have an announcement that runs monthly in the Community Calendar in the Morning Star for our Parent Support Meeting. I placed the announcement and I am the contact person for people to call with questions about the meeting or our group. I was wondering if someone would be willing to take over this responsibility? The announcement runs automatically and I can connect you with Katherine Mortimer who is the editor to change the name and phone number. Other than that initial change, your only responsibility is to answer questions if someone calls and to contact Katherine if the time or place change for the meeting. I have got very few calls but I have had a few lately. I thought that someone like Jill might be a good person to do this - you always seem to know everything that is going on.

Andrea

Skating this week

Just in case not everyone got this email:

Hi there,

Seeing as it is still fairly cold, I booked skating for every day this week.
March 2 - 10:30

3 - 10:30

4 - 1:30

5 - 10:30

6 - 1:30

I will call every day or so to make sure the rink is still open, it's supposed to get warmer as the week progresses.

Michelle D.

New meeting place for Courthouse Tour?

I thought I'd post this just in case not everyone reads the comments. Michelle said that the front steps are blocked off for the winter. There is a side entrance on main street that is open.

A little bit more Courthouse Tour Info

Hi everyone, Sorry to bore you with more courthouse stuff but I thought I would let you know what we have planned to deal with our large group size. We have approximately 42 people wanting to attend.

The courtroom where we'll meet will be a little tight. Maria would like to divide the group, once we do the orientation, and send one half to do court-watching with some adults and then she will start the mock trial with the other half. She'll alternate the groups, and bring them altogether for the sheriff's presentation.

See you on the front steps at 9:50 am Monday morning

Free opportunity to observe a Chamber Music Rehearsal

I thought I would pass this along from the Kelowna blog:

Chamber Music Kelowna is offering an opportunity for home learners to observe a rehearsal by Canadian concert violinist, James Ehnes (who has appeared with orchestras in major cities around the world and has collaborated with major artists like Yo-Yo Ma) and American pianist Andrew Russo (Grammy-nominated recording artist who has also performed extensively around the globe). The rehearsal will be at the Mary Irwin Theatre (located in the Rotary Centre for the Arts) where the performers are preparing for a concert they will be giving later in the day.

As part of our Community Outreach program at Chamber Music Kelowna, we would like to offer an opportunity to the home schooled students of Kelowna to attend an open rehearsal (for free) with James Ehnes and Andrew Russo at the Mary Irwin theatre on Thursday,March 26 at 2pm-3pm. We limit this to students ages 10 & up, and 50 students is the maximum. We will have two Board members supervising, plus hopefully 3 parents in the theatre, and one outside the theatre to accompany any children on washroom visits etc.

Who would you suggest I contact to get the word out to these students? I do want to know ahead of time (by March 9) how many students are coming. Included in this hour of rehearsal will be 15 minutes of questions and answers.

If you wouldn't mind sending out my email (below) to your contacts and then people can respond directly to me, I would appreciate it. The can email me: artdir.kcms@shaw.ca or phone: 250-769-7567 and leave a message to reserve spots for their children.

In order to have as many of the 50 seats taken by students, supervising parents need to be kept to a minimum. I would like one adult to each group of 10 students with a total of 3 parents, and there will be two Board members as the other two supervisors.

50 homeschooled students will be the maximum in the theatre, as this is a dress rehearsal, and the students must be quiet and respectful of the artists who are on stage so we are keeping the group small. There will be no other groups invited for this dress rehearsal unless we can't get 50 homeschooled students age 10 and up. If we don't have enough registered with me by March 9, I will ask other groups as you advise.

Thanks for your help.

Lorna

Courthouse Tour Date Monday, March 2nd

Hi all, The courthouse tour date is confirmed for 10 am Monday, March 2nd.

There was a bit of trouble with that date but Maria has been kind enough to accommodate us. The Vernon courtroom is much smaller than the one in Kelowna and there are days when there's no room at all for the general public. She had suggested Wednesday the 4th but I know many people did not want that day. She says she can't promise the same tour as Kelowna but she'll try her best.She has suggested doing a mock trial, or parts of it first, and hope that a sheriff can then talk to us as well.

I would suggest that we meet outside the courthouse at 9:50am. If you could let me know that you have arrived, I will check your names off, so we make sure we don't start without anyone. We have a very large group.

This is the list of attendees that I have:

Kathy, Jaxsen, Dannon, Cole
Andrea, Rhiannon
Karen, Eli, Mika
Mary-Sue, Annika, Pedar
Caroline, Justin, Ashleigh
Michelle + 4
Jill, Olivia, Ivy, Rosemary
Julie, Maggie, Libby
Monique, Evan, Liam
Delia + 4
Carol Wicks + 2
Debbie, Ava

We'll see you next Monday!

Okanagan Symphony Orchestra still has seats available

I received this email from the Kelowna group this morning:

The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra still has seats available for the School Concert:

Please register ASAP if you want to join the School Concert!
Go to:
www.okanagansymphony.com -
click on "Mar 2009 education concerts" link on left side of the page and scroll down for the pdfs.

Pay the fees directly to the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.

I checked into it with the Wendy McCracken, the concert manager and Vernon still has seats available as well! She placed us in the 10:45 group under North Okanagan Home Learners.

Just thought I would let you know in case anyone else was still thinking about it.

Update on short info session about alternate school program

Would it be okay if Murray Sasges comes to discuss and get feedback on his new alternative program within the school district at the monthly meeting this Thursday at 6:45-7:30?

Any interested Junior Aviators???

Vernon youth can go flying for free
by Castanet Staff - Story: 45228
Feb 22, 2009 / 2:30 pm
Vernon youth will have a chance to celebrate the first powered, controlled air flight in Canada nearly a century after it occurred.
On February 23, 1909, on a frozen lake near the town of Baddeck, Nova Scotia, a team of aviation pioneers led by Alexander Graham Bell made the first powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flight in Canada in a craft called the "Silver Dart." The Vernon Flying Club members will celebrate the centennial occasion by volunteering their time, aircraft and fuel, to introduce young people from 7- 17 years of age to experience the thrill and excitement of flying in a light aircraft from the Vernon Airport on April 18. This event is free for "Junior Aviators," a new program launched this year by the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association. Any interested Junior Aviators should be preregistered with the Vernon Flying Club prior to April 18. It will all start with several short and informative aviation ground briefings delivered by the "Junior Aviators" coordinator and VFC member/Instructor Randy Rauck on April 18. The VFC volunteer pilots will give a pre flight briefing at the plane and will explain how their plane operates. If the weather is not suitable for flying on the 18th, the flights will be rescheduled for the 19th.
Link: COPA website

Permaculture course

Just a note that I have my poster finished and more info on my blog: www.falklandgreencorner.blogspot.com

The date is April 25 and 26 and it's a very good deal, especially if you register by March 15. This is a non-profit event - I am just paying the instructor, the caterer, and if necessary, the hall rental. The cost is $130 by March 15, $150 after March 15, and includes lunch and snacks and beverages on both days. It is being catered by fellow h/s'er Cara Nunn, who specializes in organic and restricted-diet menus, so if you have special dietary requirements, that is not a problem. This is the first time permaculture is being offered in the Okanagan and is a really great opportunity. I had to go to Langley for my first course and will be doing the 2 week intensive in the Kootenays in June.

Date requested for the Courthouse Tour

So based on everyone's comments, it seems that Monday is the best morning for everyone.I have emailed and requested the morning of Monday, March 2nd for a tour. I will let you know when I hear if that will work out. Thanks for all the input!

Smart Movement 1: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Melissa Rinvold, the creator of Smart Movement 1, has taught children’s art and movement classes for over twenty years. Previously a home educator herself, Melissa has confidence that this is a wonderful fitness program for families to implement in a homeschooling environment.

Smart Movement 1 is geared toward making the body and brain stronger and smarter, and also boosting the innate wisdom of the body to heal itself. It shows how to move correctly and safely and also to circuit the brain to greater function, resulting in a stronger immune system, better co-ordination, less injury, heightened awareness and increased sensitivity. When both the right and left lobes of the brain are working in a synchronized manner, we experience more of the brain working all at once.

The manual is addressed to children and is also excellent for the beginner. It is suitable for all ages. The movements are easy and FUN! The photographic depictions of each posture, with accompanying instructions and variations, can all be removed from the manual, laminated and used in a classroom, office or workout space.

Having attended a few of Melissa’s classes myself, I’ve experienced increased energy, decreased stress, and a healthier positive attitude.

---

PLEASE NOTE:

Melissa would be willing to offer either a one-time class, or four weekly classes
(one month in total) depending on your feedback.

Discussion, Demonstration and Q&A: $10 per family, per class

1 ½ hours, participation encouraged

Smart Movement 1 Manual: $40

(recommended but not mandatory to enjoy classes)

For more information please contact Michelle Dunlop

Email: madunlop@telus.net or Tel: 542-0158

Courthouse Tour update

Well I heard back from the lady about the courthouse tour. If we do the tour in the first week of March, what days of the week work for you? I am pretty fine with any morning, and better at the end of the week if it is in the afternoon. Let me know your preferences so we can plan this fairly quickly.

Thanks

Discussion

I have been asked by Murray Sasges who currently teaches the Global Education program at Fulton School if he could discuss an alternate educational program(Grades 9-11) that he will be starting in the next couple of years. He has been given the okay by the school district to start an alternative program that focuses on social responsibility and  would include  involvement in the community, overseas NGO-type volunteer work and wouldn't be in a traditional classroom setting. Okanagan College is also hoping to develop a program that would continue with a post secondary college program for these students. 

He would like get feedback from parents on this type of program. 

I'm not sure if our regular meeting would be the right venue but would anyone be interested in meeting him at another time. He is a really creative teacher who thinks outside the box  and has done some very interesting things with his students (he takes his students to Nicaragua to work in an orphanage, gets his students to be involved in the community by volunteering  at Upper Room Mission, Good Food Box program, working with street nurses and helping develop Vernon's Official Community Plan to name a few).

Hi everyone! My kids and I went on a tour of the Kelowna courthouse last week and loved it. First, we sat in one of the Supreme Court rooms and a lady Sheriff entertained us with her hilarious stories for about 45 minutes or so. The kids had a chance to learn all about her job and her cool "tool belt". They saw a taser in action, some were handcuffed and they were all sworn in as deputy sheriffs. Afterward, we sat in on part of a court case and the kids got to see the lawyers in action.

The lady who organizes the tours for the law courts suggested that she could do a tour in Vernon if we wanted. My kids would love to see the Vernon courthouse so we were wondering if there is any interest from anyone. If you want to do a tour let me know how many in your family would be interested and we'll see if we have the numbers. Who knows maybe they have awesome sheriffs here too.

Music that Dances

The Okanagan symphony school program for this year is called Music that Dances.

Tickets are $6 each and the Vernon show this year is on Monday, April 6 at 9:30 or 10:45. If you are interested, I can email you a registration form.

The deadline is Feb. 6 so if you want to go you have to register right away.

Swimming Lessons

My ds is #61 on the waiting list (could be up to a year wait) for the grassroots/I can swim program with the Swim club. In the meantime can anyone suggest a stroke improvement class/lessons where kids practice swimming laps? Maybe at an outdoor pool?
Thanks,
Delia

Family Fun D.

Family Fun Days

Spend an active, fun filled Saturday morning with your family as you beat the wet outdoors and release some energy playing great games and sports such as Dodgeball, Tag games, California kickball and more. Lots of laughs guaranteed. Saturdays 10-11:30am PV Gym Winter Feb 7-Mar 14 #20222 $10/drop-in or $50 for all 6 weeks

Slow Ferment Sourdough Bread

Hi All,

I've been making this bread for a couple of months now. I thought I'd share the recipe. The author's name used to be Clive Lawler and he has written a book "Whole Doesn't Mean Wholesome....a love of fermentation and all things sloooow..." Website is: nourishing store.com

Enjoy,
Delia

HEALTHY RECIPES}

Slow Ferment Sourdough Bread

By I. N. Cognito

For 2 to 3 large loaves

Start the process preferably in the evening.

Whilst 6 hours is the minimum ferment time, longer is better, allowing the activated enzymes t-i-m-e to do their priceless work.

So I prefer the overnight ferment, creating the dough at sunset, which means you get a loaf of 12>16 hours’ fermentation. But at a squeeze, you can make a dough at 7am, and bake it in the evening. Remember, the longer the ferment, the more nutritious and digestible the bread.

Doughs and ferments will vary according to many factors – seasons, temperature, humidity, presence and types of local wild bacteria, different flours, and so on.

Step 1

First make the yeast mix in a small bowl:

Granulated yeast – half a level teaspoon

Plain flour 1 teaspoon

Ginger powder 1 teaspoon

Jaggary, Rapadura or molasses 1 dessertspoon

Add 1 cup of tepid water, not so hot that it burns the finger. If it burns the finger, it will kill the yeast also.

Stir it well and leave; the yeast, etc. will slowly dissolve. A sourdough (wild yeast) starter may be used in place of baker’s yeast. But don’t be afraid of baker’s yeast, as it also positively transforms in the long ferment.

Step 2

Prepare the dough mix in a large bowl:

Put 2 to 3 kgs of 80% unbleached organic plain wheat flour (not wholemeal, as bran is indigestible) plus 20% other flours (for a mixed carbohydrate spread). For this 20%, I use plain spelt, kamut and either rye or barley flours.

I’m vague on measures, because I do it by feel, even when it’s 10kgs of flour. Precision in measures is not necessary for bread. It can vary, so can the end result. After getting the basics, you will develop the feel also. Using a higher % of plain wheat flour means a lighter loaf.

Add Ginger powder - 1 heaped teaspoon (best yeast growth material).

Good salt (Celtic) - 1 teaspoon

Now with a claw pasta spoon, stir this dry mix so that it becomes evenly distributed.

Step 3

Before proceeding to the next phase, first ensure that all ingredients in the yeast mix have dissolved. Stir it.

In a suitable bowl, mix the following - a quarter cup of olive, coconut or other good fat, plus half cup of yoghurt, and 2 cups tepid water. Toss the (dissolved) yeast mix on top of all that and stir with a wooden spoon.

Then pour this liquid mix into the flour mix and immediately stir in with a wooden spoon until it gets too thick to move any more. Then it’s the hands’ work.

As I am unsure of proportions (which as I said doesn’t matter, as any combo of ingredients will basically work, simply giving different textures and tastes), this mixture may be either too dry or too wet. Once the spoon has done all it can, get your hands into it, squeezing, kneading, punching dents into the idle of the dough and then folding it over itself, getting air into the dough –for about ten minutes.

You MAY have to either ADD more FLOUR to a TOO wet mix, or ADD more WATER to a TOO dry mix. Check and record your quantities, timings, as you go, and your own recipe will evolve. When the kneading is done, make sure you have NO dry flour remaining anywhere in the mix, on the sides of the bowl, etc.

The end result should be ever so slightly sticky to touch, not too dry, not too wet. Then make a lid, not touching the dough, of a damp cloth cover, and leave to rise. Or a normal lid will be ok, but there must be space in the pot for the dough to rise DOUBLE.

When you get up in the morning, the dough should have doubled, and ideally will be standing up strong. If it has dropped or sagged, it means that the combination of heat/humidity plus yeast has been too volatile, so you can cut the amount of yeast next time. Given t-i-m-e, even the smallest amount of yeast will eventually spread throughout the dough, causing it to double. Overnite doughs in winter may need a LITTLE MORE yeast to double, unless you find a slightly warm (not hot) nook where it can stand.

You’ll get it after a while. Persist; it’s well worth the apprenticeship.

Step 4

Next morning, lightly oil your bread loaf tins (or you can make bread rolls on an oven tray). Coconut oil is best, as it produces gorgeous brown crusty loaves, and the loaves don’t stick to the sides. If the dough is still a little sticky to the touch, no problems, simply smear a very fine film (half-teaspoon spread with hand) of coconut or olive oil on your table top and on your hands (this helps prevent sticking), throw the doubled dough on it, punch it down, and start kneading and folding over itself, getting air INTO it, treat it rough for 5 minutes. Do NOT add more flour at this stage, as it will not be fermented, which would defeat the whole purpose.

Then cut into pieces large enough to fill HALF of each bread tin (it’s gonna rise double again). Separately knead these pieces a little more, creating an unbroken top. Place in tins, and with a very sharp knife, cut across the top of each dough 4 slices at 1 cm. deep. This allows the rising to be better accommodated by an opening upper surface.

Step 5

THE PROVING

Place these tins in a warm place, a cosy corner, near a wood stove (NOT HOT). However, if the climate is warm, normal atmospheric temperatures are adequate for this second rise. If it’s a cold winter morning, I prefer to place the tins directly into the oven at 40 degrees C., completing the proving this way, then simply increasing the temp. to 170C. as the loaves again reach their peak rise. Or prove the loaves on top of a stove with the griller below on lowest heat. Once the loaves have doubled again (anytime from 1 hour onwards), put them into a pre-heated 170°C oven – and bake for 35/40 minutes.

Ovens vary a lot. Fan-forced ovens give a better distribution of heat. You will discover your own timing eventually. 35 minutes in my German Blanco oven makes a dampish, springier loaf; 40 minutes a drier, crustier loaf.

Catching the loaf as it reaches peak rise is an art that cannot be explained. If this second rise goes OVERtime, it may sag in the cooking, or if it goes into the oven UNDERtime, it will still expand while cooking and so crack along the sides. This will not affect the edibility so much, more the aesthetics. If your oven is cooking unevenly, open the door after 20 minutes and turn the bread tins around for the last 15 to 20 minutes. Tapping the crust of the bread will indicate if the loaf is cooked. There will be a hollow sound, and the surface will spring back. With experience you will be able to tell, by touch, tap and tone, when the loaf is just done, medium done or well-cooked.

Step 6

Remove loaves from tins immediately once cooked, or they will keep cooking and dry out. Place on cooling racks. VOILA!!

Once the loaves are totally cool, you may package and put in freezer. Later, when you de-freeze it will be as fresh as when you cooked it. The loaf that you start to eat direct from the oven should stay in a bread bin for the first day. That evening, put it in a sealed plastic bag and keep in the fridge.

Long-fermented bread has a much longer shelf life than quick bread. All raw food wants to ferment. If we don’t pre-ferment, pre-digest it, it’s gonna ferment in our stomachs anyway. It’s the same with breads. Quick breads will soon develop fungi, long-ferment breads hardly at all, even after weeks.

Step 7

You may make many variations upon this theme. Eg. Add olives in a savory loaf. Add organic dried apricots and fermented walnuts with rapadura sugar and cinnamon for a sweet loaf.

Sourdough Starter Recipe

Instead of using baker’s yeast as a bread starter, many people prefer to use sourdough, which is simply a flour and water mix that collects wild yeasts from the atmosphere.

Step 1

In a ceramic bowl, mix well 1 cup plain, unbleached wheat flour with 2 cups spring water (no chlorine). Cover with a cotton cheesecloth, and peg it to the rim. Leave this near the kitchen window, not in direct heat or light, but in a warm nook. Give the mix a stir a few times during the day.

Step 2

After 2 to 3 days, stirring regularly, bubbles will appear on the surface, evidencing the presence and action of wild yeasts. Now feed it, like a new baby, by adding 1 heaped dessertspoon of flour, plus same amount of water and mix well, until there is no dry flour left, and transfer the mix to a new, dry, clean ceramic bowl. Feed it more when the bubbles again appear, but when 7 days has passed, it’s ready to use.
You have your sourdough starter. And each is unique according to the variety and density of the yeasts gathered there. There are hundreds of different yeasts in the atmosphere.

Sometimes, some brown liquid (hooch) may form on the surface. This is ok. If the mix is already fairly wet, you can drain off the hooch. If not, you can simply mix it back in.

Some sourdoughs being used in the US and Europe today began their lives as far back as the 1850’s!

Step 3

After 7 days, distribute the mix into 500ml (or less) glass jars, perhaps 3 to 4 jars will be needed. Don’t use metal or plastic containers. Always leave some space at the top of the jar for expansion, and the lid should have a small breathing hole, like nail size. Store these jars in the fridge.

For use in sloooow bread-making, to make about 3 medium loaves, mix well 250mls (8.5 ounces) starter well into the dough, and leave it sit overnight (as per the previous recipe pages). It will rise slower than baker’s yeast.

When you have just 1 jar of starter left, empty it into the ceramic bowl again, add 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of water, and leave out, covered, for 24 hours, giving regular stirs. This activates a new batch. If you want more, do the same again next day. Then put back in clean jars once again, and into the fridge.

About the Author...

An explorer of all things freeing, I. N. Cognito is a Super Hero who strives to bring clarity and focus to issues of health and food freedom.