Community

Nearly 16 years after first coming up with the idea, Isaiah Fransen finally got around to finishing and publishing his first book this year. (Contributed)

Kelowna man publishes first book, 16 years after writing it

Isaiah Fransen was eight years old when he came up with the idea of his new book

Team Jilly’s 12 Days of Giving Campaign runs from Dec. 1 to 12. In 2020, with generous donations from local businesses and individuals, 32 families in need were supported.

Help Jillian Harris support families in need this holiday season

Donate during the 12 Days of Giving for entry to win prizes from some favourite brands

  • Nov 30, 2021
@craftcultureshows

The Holiday Market returns to Prospera Place in Kelowna

Stock up on festive cheer at Craft Culture’s Holiday Market this weekend at Prospera Place

BGC president Jeremy Welder and Kelowna Chevrolet’s Ian Specman fist bump while holding a giant cheque for $15,000. (Cole Schisler photo)

BGC Okanagan kicks off Gift of Giving campaign with $22k in donations

Kelowna Chevrolet donated $15,000 and Kelowna Kinsmen donated $7,000

BGC president Jeremy Welder and Kelowna Chevrolet’s Ian Specman fist bump while holding a giant cheque for $15,000. (Cole Schisler photo)
The annual United Against Violence Against Women Candlelight Vigil will take place Monday, Dec. 6 at both the Vernon and Salmon Arm campuses of Okanagan College. (Image contributed)

Vigils in Salmon Arm, Vernon to remember women killed in Montreal massacre

Okanagan College candlelight vigils to raise awareness of all murdered and missing women

The annual United Against Violence Against Women Candlelight Vigil will take place Monday, Dec. 6 at both the Vernon and Salmon Arm campuses of Okanagan College. (Image contributed)
District of Salmon Arm staff set up a Christmas tree in front of Shuswap Park Mall, Dec. 11, 1985. Image from the Observer collection, Salmon Arm Museum at R.J. Haney Heritage Village.

Shuswap history in pictures: Christmas tree

District of Salmon Arm staff set up a Christmas tree in front…

  • Nov 30, 2021
District of Salmon Arm staff set up a Christmas tree in front of Shuswap Park Mall, Dec. 11, 1985. Image from the Observer collection, Salmon Arm Museum at R.J. Haney Heritage Village.
Jesse Lafontaine is one of 11 Canadians who were awarded Rhodes Scholarships and will head to Oxford University in October 2022. (Contributed)

Med student from Okanagan named 2022 Rhodes scholar

Jesse Lafontaine is one of 11 Canadians who will head to Oxford University next October

Jesse Lafontaine is one of 11 Canadians who were awarded Rhodes Scholarships and will head to Oxford University in October 2022. (Contributed)
A group of Lake Country residents designed and built a solar-powered star which will be lit up at the top of Spion Kop on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. (Submitted photo)

Okanagan residents light up with support for flood victims

People attending the Dec. 3 Lake Country event are asked to bring a non-perishable item for flood victims

A group of Lake Country residents designed and built a solar-powered star which will be lit up at the top of Spion Kop on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. (Submitted photo)
Vernon nurse Norma Hilsmann has received a $20,000 scholarship to aid her return to school to complete a doctorate degree. (Submitted photo)

Vernon nurse wins $20K scholarship to pursue doctorate

Norma Hilsmann is researching nurse recruitment and retention at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, among other projects

Vernon nurse Norma Hilsmann has received a $20,000 scholarship to aid her return to school to complete a doctorate degree. (Submitted photo)
Marilyn Kalke, a dedicated advocate for women fleeing abusive relationships, passed away on Nov. 15, 2021. (Photo contributed)

Former key member of SAFE Society team in Shuswap will be missed by many

Marilyn Kalke passed away on Nov. 15, 2021

  • Nov 27, 2021
Marilyn Kalke, a dedicated advocate for women fleeing abusive relationships, passed away on Nov. 15, 2021. (Photo contributed)
An in-person BC Craft Brewers Conference, BC Beer Con, will take place in New Westminster come February, says BC Craft Brewers Guild. (Pixabay photo)

Something brewing for craft beer aficionados in new year with BC Beer Con

In-person craft beer conference takes place in February in New Westminster, B.C.

An in-person BC Craft Brewers Conference, BC Beer Con, will take place in New Westminster come February, says BC Craft Brewers Guild. (Pixabay photo)
The A.L. Fortune Senior Drumline marches through the Salmon Arm Fair fairgrounds during the first night of the Salmon Arm Winter Fun Fest on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)

VIDEO: First night of Salmon Arm Winter Fun Fest draws festive crowd

A.L. Fortune Senior Drumline lights up the night at fairgrounds

The A.L. Fortune Senior Drumline marches through the Salmon Arm Fair fairgrounds during the first night of the Salmon Arm Winter Fun Fest on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. (Lachlan Labere-Salmon Arm Observer)
Spectators watching Summerland’s ski jumping competition at the community’s ski hill in Meadow Valley in 1956. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)

Summerland had ski hill in 1940s and 1950s

Community’s ski hill was in Meadow Valley area

Spectators watching Summerland’s ski jumping competition at the community’s ski hill in Meadow Valley in 1956. (Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum)
An online fundraiser has been launched for Dot Glennie, a Vernon mother recently diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer in both lungs. (Facebook photo)

Financial aid sought for Vernon mother’s cancer fight

Dot Glennie was recently diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer in both lungs

An online fundraiser has been launched for Dot Glennie, a Vernon mother recently diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer in both lungs. (Facebook photo)
More than 3,800 light bulbs were brought in for recycling in less than three hours on Nov. 24, prompting the scheduling of a second event on Dec. 11. (Contributed)

Abundance of light bulbs in Salmon Arm prompts second recycling event

Product Care apologizes for inconvenience caused when unexpectedly high number of bulbs brought in

More than 3,800 light bulbs were brought in for recycling in less than three hours on Nov. 24, prompting the scheduling of a second event on Dec. 11. (Contributed)
Horsey Ladies Okanagan members Elspeth Manning, Sheila Sperling, Dana Martin, Nancy Roman, Donna McNab, Lisa Warren and Kathy Mydske prepare to pick the winners of the 12 prize bucket draws. (Contributed) Horsey Ladies Okanagan members Elspeth Manning, Sheila Sperling, Dana Martin, Nancy Roman, Donna McNab, Lisa Warren and Kathy Mydske prepare to pick the winners of the 12 prize bucket draws. (Contributed)

Farm animal sanctuary receives $5,000 donation from Horsey Ladies Okanagan

Lavington’s Forever Home Sanctuary grateful for support

  • Nov 25, 2021
Horsey Ladies Okanagan members Elspeth Manning, Sheila Sperling, Dana Martin, Nancy Roman, Donna McNab, Lisa Warren and Kathy Mydske prepare to pick the winners of the 12 prize bucket draws. (Contributed) Horsey Ladies Okanagan members Elspeth Manning, Sheila Sperling, Dana Martin, Nancy Roman, Donna McNab, Lisa Warren and Kathy Mydske prepare to pick the winners of the 12 prize bucket draws. (Contributed)
Bastion Elementary music students perform the song Small But Mighty in their video entry to the 2021 CBC Music Class Challenge. (Contributed)

Salmon Arm students weather change in plans to create small but mighty video

Bastion Elementary releases video entry for CBC Music Challenge

Bastion Elementary music students perform the song Small But Mighty in their video entry to the 2021 CBC Music Class Challenge. (Contributed)
The Stocking Stuffers for Seniors tree is back up at the London Drugs in Cherry Lane Mall in Penticton. (Jenn Waid)

London Drugs’ Wish Tree for Seniors is back across the Okanagan

Pick a gift tag from the tree with a local senior’s name on it this holiday season

The Stocking Stuffers for Seniors tree is back up at the London Drugs in Cherry Lane Mall in Penticton. (Jenn Waid)
Robyn and Ed Jespersen were recognized as two of the Shuswap’s outstanding community leaders in the 2021 Salmon Arm Top 20 Under 40 program. (Contributed)

Salmon Arm’s Top 20 Under 40: Robyn and Ed Jespersen

Program recognizes young community leaders in the Shuswap

  • Nov 24, 2021
Robyn and Ed Jespersen were recognized as two of the Shuswap’s outstanding community leaders in the 2021 Salmon Arm Top 20 Under 40 program. (Contributed)
Pete Wise (left) receives the 2021 District of Coldstream Community Achievement Award from Mayor Jim Garlick Monday, Nov. 22. Wise has devoted more than 57 years to search and rescue and helping domestic and wild animals in the region. (District of Coldstream photo)

Wise choice for Coldstream achievement honour

District pays tribute to longtime search and rescue, animal volunteer Pete Wise with annual award

Pete Wise (left) receives the 2021 District of Coldstream Community Achievement Award from Mayor Jim Garlick Monday, Nov. 22. Wise has devoted more than 57 years to search and rescue and helping domestic and wild animals in the region. (District of Coldstream photo)