December 21, 2014

X2 Seasons Greetings Sunday, December 21, 2014 - The Morning Star www.vernonmorningstar.com

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Lending A HandMirin Moore gets a helping boost from family friend Tia Wagner to hang an orna-ment on the tree during the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerces Downtown Christmas Tree Decorating in downtown Armstrong.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Hanging OrnamentsTelus employee Gord Nelson hangs an ornament in downtown Armstrong during the Armstrong Light Up.

PHOTO BY MEGAN NOONAN

The man behind the beardApril Lee Pollock is mesmer-ized by Santa Claus at the Armstrong Light-Up.

Merry ChristmasMerry ChristmasAt this special time, it is our

great pleasure to offer our best wishes for a joyful holiday.

3155 Pleasant Valley Rd, Armstrong, BC (250) 546-9174

www.countrywestsupply.com

farm & ranch supplies | pet food | bagged feed | tack & clothing

Wishing you a picture perfect holiday season

lled with beautiful moments

Merry Christmas andHappy New YearHappy New YearHappy New Year

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce& Visitors Centre

250.545.6906#10 - 1800 Kalamalka Road, Vernon, BC

www.franksautobody.ca

Once again we would like to take a moment and say "Thank You" to all the customers who chose Franks Autobody for their collision

repairs this past year! We appreciate your business and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Let us give you,the Quality You Expect

and the Service You Deserve

Courtesy Car and Shuttle Service

Windshield and Glass Replacement

ICBC and Private Insurance Claims

Private Autobody Work Paintless Dent Repair

AND A NOTE OF THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS

Seasons Greetings Sunday, December 21, 2014 - The Morning Star X3www.vernonmorningstar.com

LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR

Scott Hemenway (left) and Chris Ludwig put up the handmade decorations made by students at M.V. Beattie Elementary School for the Enderby Light-Up.


Merry MeetingMrs. Claus chats with M.V. Beattie kindergarten stu-dents as they help decorate a tree in downtown Enderby Friday. All the students at M.V. Beattie Elementary School made a decoration for the Enderby Light-Up.


Meeting SantaKindergarten student Nathan Treat visits with Santa as he enjoys hot chocolate and a cookie from Hungry Jacks as the M.V. Beattie Elementary School students help decorate for Enderby Light-Up.

Residential Commercial Auto Glass Mirrors Shower Doors

We Fix Panes

Wishing all our customers and friends a very

Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

3415 OKANAGAN STREET, ARMSTRONG250-546-8845 24 hr. Emergency Service 250-503-8475

Open

8am - 5pm

Monday to

Saturday

3119 - 30TH AVE. VERNON, BCPH: 250-545-1528

easonsS

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Each Christmas, Its OurTradition To Thank ThoseWho Have Supported Us

Throughout The Year.

We Look Forward To Seeing You In The New Year.

From The Bottom OfOur Hearts, Thank You!

YOUR DOWNTOWN JEWELLER

reetingsG

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Let us help you take care of all your holiday entertaining needs

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Two Vernon Locations


ESTELLE NOAKESFor The Morning Star

Two exiting things happened at Christmas when I was a child. One was the North Shuswap Christmas Concert held at the Celista Hall. The other was Aunt Lils Christmas box.

Aunt Lil was my mothers sister. Every year she sent a Christmas box with a gift for everyone - a fair undertaking

as there were nine children and two adults to provide for. My aunt was not wealthy but con-siderably better off than my family. It was an act of great kindness and deeply appreciated by all of us. Sometimes, other than the gift

from the concert, it was the only gift we would receive. My father was not religious and he didnt believe in tell-

ing untruths so we knew the gifts did not come from Santa. They would be placed under the tree to be felt and shook until Christmas morning, when their tattered coverings would at last reveal their contents. When I was six, my three older sisters and I received perfume. We were not sure what to do with it. Our only outing was to school and we would

surely be teased if we wore it there. We were all tomboys and we had to uphold our reputations.

We decided our goats needed it more than we did, espe-cially that stinky Billy Goat. We massaged it into their coats and were pleased with the results. The mixing of normal Billy goat odour and perfume was an unimagined scent and I have never smelled anything quite so fascinating since. Just as we finished our Dad came into the barn. The look on his face was one I have never forgotten. We didnt know if we should run and hide - but as our motto was, when in doubt giggle, the barn was filled with girlish giggles and Dad fled.

For the rest of the winter, Dad would visibly blanch when he entered the barn. The odour lingered through the winter and when the Billy goat was sold in the spring for very bad behaviour, he took with him the lingering odour of Aunt Lils perfume.

When I open my Christmas box of decorations each year, I find, almost with surprise, a plaster cast statue of a lady in a tiered ball gown. There are chunks of her missing but I cant find it in my heart to throw her away. She stood on my dresser for many years before being relegated to the Christmas box. She was a present from my Aunt Lil when I was eight and is now more than sixty years old, a symbol-

ic reminder of a lady whose generous heart

meant so much to myself and my sib-

lings. Our Aunt Lil passed away

last year at the age of nine-ty six.

BARB SHETTLERFor The Morning Star

Last November the Vernon Pro Life Thrift Store received a donation of a beautiful watch which, it was decided, should be sold on silent auction.

The watch was worth $50 and the bids started at $15.

A young man named Cam came in and noticed the silent auction and said, Im going to get that watch.

Every Saturday he came in and stud-

ied the bid sheet and assured us that he would get the watch.

On the final day of the bid process he came in, looked at the bid sheet and noticed there had been two bids by Marg.

Well, he said, the watch is mine, as he entered his name and marked in the highest bid.

He handed in the money and took the watch and said, I think Marg really wanted this watch.

Then he handed us the watch and said, Please give it to Marg.

BARB SHETTLER

Aunt Lils Christmas Box

Seasons Greetingsfrom the staff and directors of the

Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce

Wishing you & your loved ones a very Merry Christmas

and a prosperous New Year! All the Best.

Eric FosterGovernment Caucus Whip & MLA Vernon Monashee250-503-3600

SHEPHERDS HARDWARE3525 Mill Street, ARMSTRONG, BC

2410 Pleasant Valley Blvd., ARMSTRONG, BC

1-888-546-3002 250-546-3002Locally Owned & OperatedSTORE HOURS: Monday to Saturday 8 am - 6 pm Sunday 10 am - 4 pm

Great Price, Friendly Advice

ShepherdsOutdoor Living

May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you

through the year.

To all of our customers and friends, thank you for your

loyal support.

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year



Clayten Colmorgen plays Blitzen in Blitzens Boogie in the BX Elementary Celebrate the Season Christmas concert.

Beachcomber Home Leisure would like to thank the

North Okanagan for your support

throughout the year.

THANK YOU!

5309 26th Street, Vernon

250-542-3399

from the Management and Staff at Beachcomber Home Leisure! We look forward to seeing you in 2015.

The foundation of every successful business is its customers

Home LeisureBEACHCOMBER

May the JOY of the holiday season fi ll your home with

LOVE and PEACE.

www.teadesire.comVernon BC (250) 542-5TEA

Come check out our great gift selections & stocking stuffers!

We Hope To See You Again Very Soon!

May you and your family be surrounded by love this holiday season.

VILLAGE GREEN CENTRE 250-545-4944 380 ALEXANDER STREET NE - SALMON ARM 250-832-8040

www.jcbradleyjewellers.com

REINDEE

R


JIMMIE KOBAYASHIFor The Morning Star

A fir tree stood in a Tree Farm, shivering, as the wind blew through his branches. He was cold and lonely, an outcast. He was sup-posed to be a beautiful cultured Christmas Tree, gone by now with the others, to a home in the city. But, here he was, left by the harvesters in a corner of this vast Tree Farm with only the last springs seedlings for com-pany. There were of course the winter birds and animals but, they were all busy looking for food.

Only a short time ago the Tree Farm had been covered with beautiful cultured trees, standing, row upon row, in all their stately pride. First the sheltering older trees beside him had gone, and finally, his own brothers and sisters had been trucked off to be sold in the city. There each would stand proudly in a place of honour, decorated with tinsel, lights and ornaments, looked upon lovingly by the family which had bought them.

The young fir tree knew this because, from the time that he and his family had burst forth from their seeds, and pushed up through the warm earth, they had been told the story over and over again by Blue Spruce. When asked how he knew this, the older tree had explained in glowing detail the story handed down from generation to gen-eration. It began when some men took the seeds from tree cones and planted them here for the first time. They watered and fertilized the seeds, just like they do to us and then, as the seedlings grew into little trees, about three feet high, they started shaping them, just like you are being shaped, by having the tips of your branches snipped off. The snipping makes you into a thick and sturdy cone shaped tree. While this was going on the men planted more and more seeds and treated them the same way. When the first ones grew to five feet or more they were cut down and trucked off to the city. Once there they were put in the market and sold.

Oh, is that good? Asked one little seed-ling.

Spruce had replied. That is why we are here. Every year a crop of new trees is ready to go. This coming year that far bunch you see over there will go. In a few seasons it will be me and my family until finally you and your family will go too.

What will happen then? Another seed-ling asked.

Well a family will come and pick you out, pay for you, and take you home to a cozy house. They will stand you up in the living room and decorate you ready for Christmas Day. They will put presents for each other under you and gather around you to sing Christmas carols. They will sing about Jesus the Christ Child and even a song or two about us. Youll see. Its our destiny.

Over and over the story was told, by a special Blue Spruce, to every generation. Each year the seedlings were so excited they couldnt wait to mature and each year they grew more beautiful.

The lonely fir tree remembered how he had felt himself, as the gentle snow covered his branches in winter and the sun reached down to him in the summer. He thought of the rain, how it tickled his toes, making him grow, and how in the winter he had pre-tended that the icicles on his branches were Christmas decorations and he would shake himself and listen to them jingle. How lovely it was when the wind blew and all the trees sang as they danced together.

One day as the men who cared for the trees were looking them over, he heard the foreman say. We have a fine looking crop here, but I dont know about that one in the corner. He looks like it is sitting in the sprin-klers dead spot.

What do you mean, dead spot? One of the workers asked.

Thats where the waters from the sprin-klers dont quite meet and that tree didnt get enough water to grow and thicken up like

continued on page X7

www.vernonmorningstar.com

The Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of aThe Destiny of a

6236 Pleasant Valley Road, Vernon250-542-3470 Toll Free 1-800-668-8022

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May your holidays be filled with joy and may you all find peace and serenity this Christmas.

Seasons Greetings!

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and a big Thank You for choosing us as

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New Year.

3304 - 32nd Street (beside Total Pet) 250-545-2002Centre Drycleaners

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HappyHolidaysHappy

HolidaysOur Seasons Greetings and sincere appreciation go to all those whose friendship and support we value so much.

Thank you for your loyal support and confidence!Please Drive Safe!Please Drive Safe!


Morning Star sales representative Sue Beugeling (right) congratulates Sharon Jones, the winner of The Morning Star recipe contest. She won the contest for her Stuffing Balls recipe.


the others. Its pretty skinny.Hes looking right at me, the lonely fir

tree had thought. Hes talking about me. He said out loud.

Thats right, and you sure dont look like the rest of us. One of his brothers had said. You had better hurry and fill out or you wont be a Christmas tree. Said another. Youll be some other kind of different tree from the rest of us.

What do you mean. Im a Christmas tree arent I Blue Spruce.?

Well----. Blue Spruce said, with hesi-tation.

You said it is our destiny. But Blue Spruce didnt reply.

Ill show them. Ill be the first one taken when our time comes. Ill be the most beautiful tree. He muttered and shook his branches in the wind.

That summer he had noticed that there were a lot of birds sitting on his branches and he asked Mrs. Robin why so many

more came to him than to the other trees. She had told him that it was because they could get between his branches because he wasnt thick like the others. He had wondered about that and bending over he looked down at himself. Why, he could see the ground all around his trunk. Oh no. But it was true, he could see through his own branches. The other trees had been right, he wasnt nice and thick. He wasnt a Christmas tree; he was just a skinny fir tree- a different kind of tree from his brothers and sisters. As the memories flooded his mind he grew sadder and sadder and decided not to think of the past, the past with Blue Spruce and his family. This is now he told himself. That was long ago.

I said, Would you mind if my mate and I built our nest in you? It was Mrs. Robin talking to him, and she had said that he would make a very nice home for their babies.

GRETA HELIN/SUBMITTED

Aristan Guild ShowCrowds gather to do their holiday shopping at the 35th annual Okanagan Artisans Guild show and sale in the Best Western Vernon Lodge ballroom.

continued from page X6


Seasons Greetingsand thank you to our loyal customers and

friends. We hope the caring, thoughtfulness and generosity of this season continues for you

throughout 2015.

Thank you for your unfailing

support.

Kseniya, Ziba, Julia, & Fareed.

3021 30th Avenue Vernon 250-545-7997

... For a Lifetime

Happy Holidays! May the joy of the season light your way to a wonderful

year ahead. Seasons Greetings from Cindy Derkaz,

candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada in the North

Okanagan-Shuswap.

www.cindyderkaz.liberal.ca

www.vcharlettesweb.com250.546.3119 250.307.5588

ARMSTRONG/SPALLUMCHEEN V. CHARLETTE LAVIKV. CHARLETTE LAVIK [email protected]

May the magic of the holiday season make all your

Christmas dreams come true.

From all of usat

Kiki Gardens Restaurantwe wish you a

Holiday Hours:Christmas Eve: 11:30am - 9:00pmChristmas Day: CLOSEDBoxing Day: 4:00pm - 9:00pmNew Years Eve: 11:30am - 9:00pmNew Years Day: 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Merry Christmas andHappy New Year

3411 - 30th Avenue, Vernon

250-503-8475


PHOTO BY MEGAN NOONAN

Armstrong Light-UpKatie Noonan warms her hands by the fire outside of Shepherds Hardware during the Armstrong Light-Up.

Build their nest in him? That is what she said. Well why not. Im not a Christmas tree so I might as well be a nesting tree. He had told Mrs. Robin. And so it was. The robins brought grass and twigs and before long a nest was built and little blue eggs were laid. He even looked forward to the day when the baby robins were hatched from the eggs in the nest. The robins were good company and soon there were other nests and he wasnt so lonely.

The other trees laughed at him. Hey Bird Tree, how do you like having bird droppings for ornaments? Thats what you are, a Bird Tree.

Dont let them bother you. Some day you will be a Christmas tree and you will be a better tree than any of them. Father Robin told him.

But the seasons passed and Blue Spruce and all of his family left, and then the day finally came when the men started taking the young fir trees family away to the city to be beautiful Christmas trees. What about this one in the corner. We arent taking him are we. Do you want us to throw him out? He heard one of the workers ask.

No, leave him. The birds nest in him so they dont poke holes in the cultured trees and the animals find shelter under him.

So here he was with the little seedlings, the birds and the rabbits. A skinny nobody, spared the garbage dump only because the birds and rabbits liked him.

Feeling very sorry for himself, he was just about to cry tree tears, when he heard one of the seedlings talking to him. Big Tree, please tell us about our destiny. Please.

He turned away, filled with gloomy thoughts. Your destiny, like all the others, he thought, but not mine. Ill never be a Christmas Tree so its no use thinking that I will. Im left here just to keep the birds away from the rest of you. Thats what the man said, so thats my destiny. He stood there ignoring the little trees who were so eager to hear the story just as he had once been.

That night it was very cold. The snow came along with a gusts of wind so strong they blew him about and he found himself not liking the wind, who before, had always been his friend. The birds

clung to his branches and the rabbits crawled in under him. Thank you for your shelter, they all whispered, and he tried very hard not to let the wind blow him around so much.

In the morning the snow was in high drifts, but the rabbits and birds were safe. The quail family had come to him and now they shook themselves and thanked him. The chickadees hopped all over him chirp-ing their thanks and the rabbits sat up and thanked him.

The sun came up and smiled down on him and, as he looked across the Tree Farm he felt a warmth fill him and he knew, yes he knew. Turning to the little trees he saw that they had come through the storm and he knew that he must carry on for Blue Spruce. He remembered Father Robins last words to him before he left for the south. You have been a good and true friend to us over the years and I thank you. Remember, you will be a Christmas tree. See you in the spring.

As he looked over the field of seedlings they were all looked up to him expectantly. Forgive me for ignoring your request yes-terday, He said. There is a story I havent told you yet. In fact, it is a new story; so, listen closely, because some of you may someday find it applies to you. You may be different from your brothers and sisters and your destiny may not be the same as theirs. You, like me, may not go to the city to be decorated by people in their homes. But some of you, like me, and the trees in the great forests, will stay where your roots are, to be decorated for Christmas by nature for nature. You will have icicles for lights and snow for garlands. The birds will be your ornaments and the animals will lie at your feet.

So a new chapter was added to the his-tory of the Tree Farm to be told over again each year as the Christmas season arrived. He smiled a lot now as he welcomed more and more birds and little animals. Squirrels came and even a friendly fox. A family of little mice hid under him and in the spring he laughed when the babies were born. Yes, he was the finest Christmas Tree the Tree Farm had ever grown.


Crowds flock to the Vernon Presents A Festival of Crafts at Kal Tire Place.


C. Lawanda Henderson250-306-1214 250-546-3119 ARMSTRONG

Wishing everyone a Safe & Happy Holiday this

Festive Seasonand ank You so much

for your support and

loyalty.

Seasons Greetings

ARMSTRONG & ENDERBY PHARMACY

Our Management and Staff wish you a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year.Above all else, we wish

you good health.We look forward to seeing

you in the new year.

ARMSTRONG ENDERBYSTORE: 250-546-3169 STORE: 250-838-6469PHARMACY: 250-546-3195 PHARMACY: 250-838-0502HOLIDAY HOURS:DEC 24: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (BOTH STORES)DEC 25: CLOSED (BOTH STORES)DEC 26: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM(ARMSTRONG ONLY - ENDERBY CLOSED)

DEC 31: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (BOTH STORES)JAN 1: CLOSED (BOTH STORES)

#1 - 100 KalamalkaLake Road, Vernon, BC

Merry Christmas everyone, and thanks for your continued loyal

patronage with us.We look forward to serving you in

the New Year!Cheers, Cheryl & Staff

250-549-8468Open Tues. - Sat. 10am-5pm

Best Wishes all around!

A Festival Of


May your holidays be happy, restful, and filled with well-behaved relatives.

Merry Christmas from CLAC.

clac.ca

Seasons Greetings Sunday, December 21, 2014 - The Morning Star X11X10 Seasons Greetings Sunday, December 21, 2014 - The Morning Star

Our Publisher & the Sales Team!

The Classi eds & Circulation Ladies!

The Editorial Team!

The Production Team!

FROM ALL THE STAFF AT



Willow Kane, five, doesnt let the cold keep her from decorating a cookie at the Downtown Vernon Associations Christmas Light Up.


Light Up Obstacle CourseLogan Therrien, three, gets some help from his mom Tricia as he does the Pacific Sport obsta-cle course at the Downtown Vernon Associations Christmas Light Up.

Light Up Obstacle Course

Heres hoping your holiday is blessed with the perfectcombination of peace,

harmony and joy.

Merry Christmas!

Blancas Hairstyling

2906 - 31st Avenue, Vernon

I would like to take this moment to thank all my family, friends & clients for all their love & support through my battle this past year.

The fear of total kidney failure & imminent death has such a devastating effect. I am on the mend and am returning to work and ever so grateful!

Thank you so much and have a HEALTHY New Year!

For appointments, call 250-308-1037

I would like to take this moment to thank all my

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Locally Owned & Operated

BC

# 36

46-63005 - 30 Ave,

Downtown Vernon 250-542-5371

TM

Thank You!

Happy Holidays & Best Wishes for 2015!

Marlin Travel would like to thank their clients for choosing to deal locally and for supporting local businesses.

In lieu of holiday greeting cards, Marlin Travel is donating to the Upper Room Mission

and the Vernon Food Bank.

Warm WishesTo our Families,

Friends and Clients.

Thank You for your support this past

year and welook forward

serving you inthe New Year.

5 LOCATIONS IN THE NORTH OKANAGAN TO SERVE YOU3905 32 St

250-260-353314 - 2601 Hwy 6250-260-7740

5205-25th Ave250-260-5922

2501 58 Ave250-260-6583

Armstrong2101 Harding Rd250-546-8088

Seasons Greetings Sunday, December 21, 2014 - The Morning Star X13www.vernonmorningstar.comwww.vernonmorningstar.comwww.vernonmorningstar.com

Morning Star StaffBC Childrens Hospital wants families to

make safety a top priority for the holidays.The Trauma Department at BC Childrens

Hospital (BCCH) is reminding parents and families to take simple steps this holiday season to reduce the risk of ending up in the emergency room.

Choking and swallowing small objects are frequent reasons for emergency room injury visits, said Lisa Widas, manager of the Trauma Program at BCCH. Widas says incidents of choking happen all year, but with the toys and decorations that come with the December holidays, parents and other caregivers need to be extra vigilant.

We see about 15 to 20 choking or accidental swal-lowing-related hospitaliza-tions every December, and they can have severe health impacts, said Widas. For example, if a child swallows button batteries, they can cause serious internal burns. Magnets will be attracted to each other right through body tissue and can cause severe internal injuries as well.

Widas recommends par-ents and gift-givers carefully check safety labels to ensure appropriate age recommen-dations, promptly discard of broken toys and popped bal-loons, and be sure to keep toys for older children away from their younger siblings. As a general rule, if a piece from a toy, or the toy itself, can fit through a toilet paper roll, it could fit into a young childs mouth and cause choking.

Other holiday safety tips: Christmas trees: Keep

trees well watered and avoid fires by placing far enough away from heat sources like fireplaces and heaters. Use LED lights which emit less heat and keep strings of lights away from children to avoid strangulation; Candles and matches:

Keep lit candles off of table cloths which a child could pull down. Place lit menorahs on a high surface and not too close to the edge of a table or shelf. Fireplaces: The glass of

a gas fireplace heats up to 200 C (400 F) in just six minutes, and takes 45 minutes to cool down. Stay close when a child is in the room and block the fireplace with a hearth gate or screen that bolts into or around your fireplace, or put a safety gate in the doorway to the room with the fire-place.

Dr. Ash Singhal, pediatric neurosur-geon and director of the Pediatric Trauma Program at BCCH, advises using overall precaution during the winter season.

We all want to enjoy the holidays, but make safety a part of your planning, whether its around your home, outdoors or on the road, said Singhal. At BC Childrens, we have seen many holiday season tragedies that might have been avoided with a little more patience and caution. Planning ahead can help everyone enjoy this festive time of year.

This Holiday Season

5011 Bella Vista Rd., Vernon250-542-8088

www.planetbee.com

From all of us to you...

Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday Season filled with good times, good friends and good memories.

We thank you for your support this past year and our sincerest wishes for a safe

and happy holiday season.

SUBARUHILLTOP

VERNONNISSAN

WATKIN MOTORS

VERNON HYUNDAI

VERNON

VERNONTOYOTA

Please accept our best wishes for a very Happy Holiday Season and our sincere thanks for your support over the past year.

We look forward to serving you in 2015!

TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS, NEIGHBOURS & FRIENDS.

SEASONS

HOLIDAY HOURS:

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVECLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

CLOSED BOXING DAY CLOSED NEW YEARS DAY

BANNISTER


MONIQUE HUBBS-MICHIELFor The Morning Star

What type of Christmas gift would you choose for someone who has been told they only have months to live? How would you celebrate when in all likelihood they will not see their next Christmas? As an extended family you make every effort to be together, to have that special Christmas dinner and to make traditions last longer than time.

On a more personal note what do you give? Do you tell her you remember the year you spent together when all the older sib-lings were off at school? Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches remain a child-hood favorite. Do you remind her of the time you got lost (wandered away actually) and how happy and angry she looked all at once, when the police brought you home? How about the Christmas you found out about Santa and yet Christmas morning you found under the tree the most beautiful pink plush cat that you could ever hope for! Santa must have been truly magical to know what you wanted that year. You can remember watching her cook countless camping meals; all so your family could have a great summer holiday.

Does she remember, as well as you do, the time she ran out in the back yard and yelled at your friends, who were going to play a mean trick on you? It was only a childs prank but she would protect you no matter the consequences. What about that time you won a special award in high school and they were both there to share it? That was

the first time you got flowers from anyone. Even the punishments you received you recall with some amusement. No one else you know could give out a smack and break her own blood vessels doing so! Who else could use wooden spoons so creatively?

I remember thinking to myself that if I had been able to have more than one child, I hoped I would be like my mother and never play favorites. I would let her know, how I remembered over the years and came to appreciate as I got older, the fact she never interfered but was always there to offer sup-port or advice if I wanted it.

I think back on the anguish she must have felt when I myself was very ill; looking back at my own newborn son and finally realizing what being a mother really means. I ache to tell her now, after all these years of watching my own son grow up, how much I missed her sharing in the more recent years with him and my husband. I am saddened by the reality that she will not be here to see her grandson marry his high school sweet-heart next June.

At the same time I hold dear all we did share together and that is the ultimate gift you give someone. The very essence of your memories and having been able to say about that special someone that, yes, they did make a difference in your life! You keep on giving by sharing all those memories with family and friends. The chance to continue to build precious memories is a Christmas gift to us all.

Merry Christmas to all and their families!


ShoparamaFran Lyons and her daughter Bev Lyons do some Christmas shopping at Shoparama at the Recreation Centre.

ROGER KNOX/MORNING STAR

Kathy Kuroluk was lucky enough to be first for serving at the annual Kindale Community Christmas Lunch in Armstrongs Centennial Hall.


Vernons Josh Godfrey enjoys a Christmas card he received from a friend during the annual Kindale Community Christmas Lunch at Armstrongs Centennial Hall.

First In Line!

Christmas Reading!

Greg KylloMLA Shuswap

250.833.7414greg.kyllo.mla.leg.bc.ca

The Christmas season is a time of tradition, celebration and being

surrounded by the ones you love.

May your holidays be all this and much more!

Our office is closed from Dec 22 Jan 5.For immediate help call Inquiry BC 1-800-663-7867.

ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACTORS

INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL BUDGETS AUTOMATION

VERNON, BC 250-545-3254 www.1and2electric.com

DATA VOICE FIBEROPTICS AUTOMATION WIRELESS CCTV

POWER QUALITY250-545-3254 Vernon, BC

www.1and2electric.com

MORE POWER TO YOU AT CHRISTMAS!Were wishing you and yours

a bright and shining holiday season!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Electrical and Communications ContractorsA Division of 1 & 2 Electric Ltd.

Wed like to thank our clients for all their support through our first year of business! Wishing you all

a happy and safe Christmas!

from Tammy, Cathy, and Gracie

1 0 3 4 4 1 6 2 7 T H S T R E E T

250.260.1116

HAIR DESIGNShades

2813 - B, 35th St., Vernon, BC

250.545.8054

Kind and Gentle Care

K9Care & GroomingPet & Show Grooming

31 Yrs. Experience

Merry Christmasfrom Joy & Stewart

All the Best

in 2015!

BOARDING AVAILABLE


PHOTO SUBMITTED

IT Technician all revved up for the holiday spiritSteve Hachey of Vernon Dodge is Mr. Christmas and decorates his desk area exten-sively every year.

Vernon Veterinary

Clinic

Celebrating our 50th Yearin Business!

805 Kalamalka Lake Road, Vernon, BC 250-542-9707 www.vernonvetcl inic .com

Merry Christmas from all of our families to yours!Merry Christmas

Merry ChristmasTo Our Many Good Friends This Holiday Season

In the course of doing business this past year, we feel blessed to have made many new acquaintances, while enjoying the opportunity to serve many of you whom we know so well.

For this privilege we are grateful, and wish you all a very merry Christmas filled with

glad tidings from beginning to end.

4705 - 31ST Street, Vernon250-545-2980

DIETERS AUTO SERVICE


JOY STOBBEFor The Morning Star

Wrapping myself up in a quilt, I tried to make myself comfortable for another sleep-less night.

I watched as the lights on the Christmas tree danced in the dark.

Red, blues, greens and yellows flashing on and off in sync with the music that played quietly on the stereo, casting lights on the candy canes, teddy bears and red bows that garnished the tree.

There were no creatively wrapped pres-ents with big bows and fancy ribbon under the tree, this year we had decided to do something different.

A bed of straw on a burlap sack, with a little wooden stable lay under our tree.

Plastic cows, goats, sheep and chickens were scattered about the stable.

A little woman, representing Mary sat upon a bale of straw and Joseph stood beside, both looking in awe at the tiny figure inside the manger.

Because we could not find any plastic camels for the wise men, donkeys stood at their sides.

In their hands they held silver, gold and green wrapped toffee to represent the gifts that the wise men presented to the Baby Jesus.

A bright star twinkled in the darkness above the manger scene, the light leading the wise men to that special place.

As I thought about that special night over 2000 years ago, I imagined what it must have been like.

Even though such a great, no a miraculous event was happening, there was a quietness, a stillness surrounding this little stable scene.

Mary and Joseph found it hard to take their eyes from their precious son to wel-come the visitors that arrived.

They knew that this little bundle held more importance to this world than those around could ever imagine.

I knelt at the manger and looked in won-der at the baby, tears rolled down my cheeks.

I thanked firstly, Mary and Joseph for their obedience to God and then to Baby

Jesus for His willingness to follow in His Fathers footsteps.

He may be just a tiny baby right now, but I knew already what He would go through in His life, for that I cried.

He would go through suffering and even-tually a horrible death so that I would have a life of eternal peace.

I sat on my couch and wiped my cheeks and whispered a prayer of thanks for all that Jesus was doing in my familys life.

We knew the meaning of Christmas this year and we had a desire for others to know the meaning, too.

A tiny baby that wants to bring peace to a world so full of violence and unrest.

Help us Lord, to live a life that exempli-fies the meaning of Christ in the story of Christmas.


Special AnnouncementRabbis Will Gockeln (from left), Justin hildebrand and Caleb Bunn announce the coming of Jesus to market patrons during Emmanuel Baptist Churchs annual Bethlehem Star presenta-tion at the church.


Grand Prize WinnerIan Jensen, publisher of The Morning Star, presents Beverly Nickel with a Gund Bear and $500 in gift certificates in The Stars annual Christmas Bear contest.

Seasons Greetings Sunday, December 21

We would like to thank all of our customers

for their continued support over the past year & wish you all a safe and happy holiday!

REIMERS FARM SERVICE

260-0110250REIMERS FARM SERVICE 250-260-0110

GATEWAY TO THE MONASHE

ESimply the Best

Village of Lumby

Christmas Holiday HoursThe Municipal office will close at

12:00 noon on Wednesday, December 24th andopen at 8:00am on Friday, January 2nd, 2015

Please come in and pick up your dog licence,renew your insurance or your drivers licence

prior to December 24th.

Mayor, Council & StaffThank you for your patronage and

we wish everyone a

Very Merry Christmas and aHealthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year

INDEPENDENT L IV ING SUITESINDEPENDENT L IV ING SUITESLANDING

INDEPENDENT L IV ING SUITESINDEPENDENT L IV ING SUITESLANDINGLANDINGreeksidereeksidereeksideC

Call Dorothy Miller 250.306.48316190 Okanagan Landing Road VERNON, B.C.

From our home to yours

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

AMENU


VIOLET MOBLEYFor The Morning Star

It was shortly before Christmas, the time of year that always is especially happy for the Lawrence family. Joe and Kellies son Stephen had just turned nine years old on December 21st. They were also very happy about the fact that the holidays were coming. This year the Lawrences thought it would be fun to spend Christmas at their log cabin they owned out in the woods, so thats exact-ly what they were doing.

The family had arrived at the cabin a few days before Christmas. It was now Christmas Eve. Kelly Lawrence was busying herself baking some bread inside the cabin. Her husband Joe was chopping wood for the inside fire place. Their son Stephen and his dog Sasha were both keeping him company while he chopped away at the wood.

Dad, Stephan began to say. Im bored. I think Ill go for a walk in the woods.

Fine, his father Joe said. But dont go too far. Itll be dark soon. You shouldnt get lost. I wont and Ill be back soon.

With that Stephen began walking on a particular snowy pathway that led into the woods. Joe made sure that Sasha, their Doberman Pinscher, was staying back with him for fear that if the dog went along he might stray and get lost so Stephen was off by himself.

Stephen came to a part of the path that broke off from the familiar pathway. Thinking it would be fun to explore where hed never been before the boy decided to walk along it. Things became more and more unfamiliar as Stephen walked along. He then turned to try and find his way back

but found he couldnt. He realized he was lost. Worst of all it was getting dark and his stomach was growling

with hunger. Big fat snowflakes began fall-ing.

Im in trouble, the boy thought to him-self. He walked more and more until finally tiredness and hunger overtook him. Stephen collapsed up against a tree and went to sleep.

Morning came with a pink glow filtering through the trees. Snow had stopped falling sometime in the night. High above a lone owl was calling hoo - hoo. Somewhere far in the distance a pack of wolves began to howl. A shiver crept up Stephens spine as he awoke.

Im still lost, the thought flooded his mind.

Oh, Im really hungry.Then his something caught his eye. There

was a bush with red berries across from where he sat. Getting up he walked over to where the bush was. The boys father had taught him what berries were edible and which ones were not. Recognizing these to be the edible ones he gratefully began stuff-ing handfuls into his mouth. The sweet taste of the berries flooded his mouth. He was very glad he had found them.

Meanwhile, unknown to Stephen, his father Joe had contacted some of his friends from town and told them about his son gone lost. They had formed a search party. They were now all out combing the woods looking for the boy. One man named Frank was the fastest on foot and was quickly finding his way deep into the woods ahead of all the others.

Way up ahead Stephen had finished his berry breakfast. He had walked on further and had found a lake in a clearing of the

wood. It was of course all frozen over.A lake, he thought. This is going to be

great. Im really thirsty. What I must do now is search for a thick stick. Ill use it to poke a hole in the ice so that I can cup my hands, fill them with water and then take a drink.

Looking around to find a stick strong enough to puncture a hole in the icy lake so that he could take a drink, he found one. Picking it up he walked out onto the middle of the lake and began harshly thrusting the stick down so as to break through and make a hole. It worked. Stephen managed to punc-ture a hole in the ice. When he did it made a loud, crackling sound.

Finally, I can take a drink, the boy said happily aloud to himself.

But to Stephens great surprise cracks in the ice began forming around the area where he had thrust down the stick. A loud sound of ice crackling filled the boys ears as it was

breaking all around where he stood. He realized he was in the centre of real,

thin ice. The ice kept right on cracking and breaking where the boy stood. Then to Stephens horror he fell right into it. His legs and waist were submerged in the ice cold water of the lake. Stephen had fallen right through. Holding himself up by having both his arms pressing on the surrounding ice was all he could now do to prevent himself from falling down underneath the ice and drowning.

Help, somebody help me, he began call-ing out at the top of his lungs.

While this was happening Frank, one of Stephens fathers search party members was close by. He was accompanied by Sasha, the boys dog. A wind had come up making Stephens cries nearly impossible to hear.


Sashas Last Gift

ZELANEY FARMS5481 Petworth Rd., Coldstream

250-549-2436www.zelaneyfarms.ca

Brian & RachelleAlbert & Natalie

and the Staff at Zelaney FarmsWould like to wish everyone a

Very Merry Christmas!

The newly expanded Hogarths Clinic Pharmacy invites you visit our updated space and enjoy our friendly old fashioned customer service. If you have questions or concerns about your medication, well be happy to review it with you. We handle blister packaging, vaccinations, travel medicine consults and

much more we will even deliver your prescription to your door! So whether it is a cold, the u, diabetes or another

ailment, our team at Hogarths Clinic Pharmacy is by your side. We understand the position of trust you

allow us to hold and we appreciate your loyalty and friendship. From pharmacists Mark, Jamie, and myself, Todd, and our staff we wish you the very best this holiday season and a bright, prosperous and healthy New Year. Hogarths Clinic Pharmacy, The Biggest Little Drug Store In Town!

As you take time out to enjoy the holidays with friends and family, please remember the less fortunate. Hogarths Clinic Pharmacy is once again supporting the Salvation Army and hope you will too.

HOGARTHS CLINICPHARMACY LTD.

3310 - 32nd Avenue, Vernon250-545-3660

Seasons Greetings


he management & staff would like to thank our loyal

customers for their support this

past year

he management he management he management he management & staff would like & staff would like T

Always Great Food & Good Times!

4513 25th Ave, Vernon 250-542-9222 & LIQUOR STORE

past yearpast year

eres wishing you & your family Safe

& Happy Holidays!

eres wishingeres wishingeres wishingeres wishingyou & your you & your

H

He doesnt seem to be around here, Frank said to Sasha.Turning, Frank wanted to go back into the woods to search

in there for the boy when suddenly Sasha dashed away from the man.

Sasha, come back here, Frank called after her. No sense of you getting lost too. Frank broke into a run and went after the dog.

Seconds passed, then minutes. Stephens voice was becom-ing more and more hoarse as he kept right on yelling. Minute by minute it was getting more and more difficult for Stephen to hold his upper body above the hole in the water so that he wouldnt fall right through. ing for the boy. One man named Frank was the fastest on foot and was quickly finding his way deep into the woods ahead of all the others.

Way up ahead Stephen had finished his berry breakfast. He had walked on further and had found a lake in a clearing of the wood. It was of course all frozen over.

A lake, he thought. This is going to be great. Im really thirsty. What I must do now is search for a thick stick. Ill use it to poke a hole in the ice so that I can cup my hands, fill them with water and then take a drink.

Looking around to find a stick strong enough to punc-ture a hole in the icy lake so that he could take a drink, he found one. Picking it up he walked out onto the middle of the lake and began harshly thrusting the stick down so as to break through and make a hole. It worked. Stephen man-aged to puncture a hole in the ice. When he did it made a loud, crackling sound.

Finally, I can take a drink, the boy said happily aloud to himself.

But to Stephens great sur-

prise cracks in the ice began forming around the area where he had thrust down the stick. A loud sound of ice crackling filled the boys ears as it was breaking all around where he stood. He realized he was in the centre of real, thin ice. The ice kept right on cracking and breaking where the boy stood. Then to Stephens horror he fell right into it. His legs and waist were submerged in the ice cold water of the lake. Stephen had fallen right through. Holding himself up by having both his arms pressing on the surrounding ice was all he could now do to prevent himself from falling down underneath the ice and drowning.

Help, somebody help me, he began calling out at the top of his lungs.

While this was happening Frank, one of Stephens fathers search party members was close by. He was accompanied by Sasha, the boys dog. A wind had come up making Stephens cries nearly impossible to hear.

He doesnt seem to be around here, Frank said to Sasha.Turning, Frank wanted to go back into the woods to search

in there for the boy when suddenly Sasha dashed away from the man.

Sasha, come back here, Frank called after her. No sense of you getting lost too. Frank broke into a run and went after the dog.

Seconds passed, then minutes. Stephens voice was becom-ing more and more hoarse as he kept right on yelling. Minute by minute it was getting more and more difficult for Stephen to hold his upper body above the hole in the water so that he wouldnt fall right through.

Then out of the corner of his eyes Stephen saw a Doberman Pinscher running out of the forest. The dog came up on the bank barking.

Its Sasha, Stephen gasped.Then Frank appeared, who had run after the dog.Help me, Stephen screamed louder than the times before.Frank spotted the boy. Within minutes he reached the

frightened youth. The ice made crackling noises where the big man stood. He held out both his hands to Stephen. Stephen took them both and within minutes was pulled up out of the water by Franks strong arms.

The ice began crackling loudly around both of their feet.



ChristmasGREETINGS

H & L GLASS Ltd.2809 - 45th Avenue, Vernon 250-542-9309

www.hlglass.ca

Youre never too old to see Christmas through the eyes

of a child.

May all the excitement you felt as a youngster

revisit you this Christmas and make this holiday

the best one yet!

To all our drivers and carriers who go above and beyond, not just at Christmas but all year long!

www.vernonmorningstar.com

4407 - 25th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1P5

250.545.3322

Tammy, Tammy & The Morning Star

StarMorningThe

tdanbrook@gmail .com250-260-0453

Thank you to all my wonderful clients, past & present

Seasons Greetings!

DOWNTOWN REALTY


Run Stephen before we both fall through, Frank exclaimed.

Both man and boy made a mad dash for the shore where Sasha ran around wildly barking. Stephen thanked Frank for saving him, then placed both hands around Sasha saying If it werent for you Frank would have never found me. Sasha youre a hero! They both praised Sasha for a few moments stroking her fur.

Frank then let Stephen warm up by having the boy put his coat on over his.

Lets get you back to the cabin.That sounds like a great idea, Stephen hap-

pily replied. Then he said Hey, wheres Sasha? Where did she go?

Frank turned his head in order to look for the dog. She must be already heading back to the cabin. Come on Stephen, lets us go back too.

Both man and boy entered the woods begin-ning to head back, each sighing great sighs of relief that they were both alright.

A while later they met up with Stephens father Joe and the other men that had been combing the woods, searching for Stephen. Joe expressed great gratitude to Frank for pulling Stephen out of the icy lake. They both replied if it wasnt for Sasha Frank wouldnt have ever found Stephen.

Sasha is the real hero, Stephen said with a big smile.

When his son said this a strange look came over Joes face.

That cant be, Joe began saying. I dont know how to tell you this but to come right out and say it. The same evening when you had gone missing Sasha went to sleep. Son, she never woke up. Stephen, your dog passed away.

Years later Stephen and his family would sometimes talk about the mysterious way that Sasha had appeared to save Stephens life. It was Sashas last gift to her family.

DON COULTESFor The Morning Star

The forest was dark and snowy. Most of the bird fam-ilies had migrated, leaving only a few hardy, cold weath-er birds to join the winter active animals. Already ice had formed on the river, while mist made the morn-ings damp and dull.

When will the warm spring and sunshine return, Mother? This was a ques-tion frequently presented to parents throughout the forest community these days.

Soon, their mothers replied. Every house was dipping into the patience jar. Being indoors much of the time during this period of less daylight caused many of the younger children to be restless and bored.

But those animals who hibernated were content, sound asleep until spring, cozily tucked in their warm beds.

One night while heavy dark clouds hid the moon and stars, a sweeping, swish-ing, rustling sound of wings suddenly broke the silence throughout the forest.

Whooo, remember win-ter solstice, whooo, a deep voice announced in passing. Then everything became quiet again.

What is winter solstice? Winnifred Wolf asked her parents as she poked her head outside of their den. She was less than one-year-old and it was her first experience of winter. Also, the young girl was unfamiliar with this fes-tive season.

Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, when the sun is farthest from the equator, Winnifreds parents explained. It occurs on Dec. 21 each year, just a few days

before two other special occa-sions, Christmas and New Years.

Beginning after winter solstice, the length of daylight will gradually increase, then at the vernal equinox March 21, day and night become equal in length and spring will return with warm breezes and lots of bright sunshine.

Olly Owl is reminding us to prepare for the celebration we shall enjoy on the eve of winter solstice. All of the ani-mals and birds of the forest meet together and we have a feast, dancing and games. Many forest folk from differ-ent territories whom we sel-dom see during other times of the year will also join us.

Finally, the special day arrived. In the afternoon, all of the beavers came up from their lodge. Such a racket they produced in the glade. Whack, whack, thump, thump, their tails slapped down hard and rapidly on the soft snow. Soon it was firm and smooth. They dragged logs to form a large circle surrounding this smooth sec-tion.

In the evening, all of the animals and the birds gath-ered in the groves around the glade. Every family brought food. Squirrels came with a sackful of nuts and the jays brought sunflower seeds. The deer each brought a mouthful of tender twigs. The mice sup-plied a bunch of fried berries, the beavers came with fresh bark while the moose brought soft moss. The foxes, coyotes and wolves each brought a bone to gnaw.

The winter solstice festi-val began with everyone join-ing in a welcome song. The birds and animals enjoyed a delicious meal, with plenty of food for everyone. Then

it was time for dancing and games.

Deer lowered their heads to let the tiny mice scramble up on their large backs for a ride. Beavers gave children tail-sled rides, speeding them down the slopes on their big flat tails. Squirrels, chipmunks and various birds played hide and seek in the tree tops. Fox, coyote and wolf cubs played a vigorous game of catch a tail, racing, dodging and leaping among the trees in the groves.

Many of the adult animals and birds danced excitedly on the smooth snow in the glade. Older folks sat on the logs around the circle and chatted.

Molly Moose was the only child unable to join in the lively games. She was blind but Molly remained a cheer-ful, energetic girl and always thankful for things she could do. Her keen sense of smell and hearing helped Mollys family in many ways.

The other children gath-ered around and explained the various happenings to her. We will be your eyes so you can enjoy the evening together with us. All of the animals and birds who knew Molly loved her and enjoyed the cheerful manner she expressed in every situation.

After two hours of dancing and play, everyone felt quite tired but also glad through participating in the enjoyable activities of the evening. One by one, the families made preparations to head back to their homes.

The little mice slid down the deer noses and scampered to join their friends. Birds and small animals returned from the trees to accompany the rest of the crowd. Coyote and wolf cubs trotted back to the glad from the groves and the beavers took one more slide down the hill before stopping to rest their tired tails.

There still remained one final event to conclude the evening.

All of the animals and birds formed a circle and

each clasped the paw, hoof or wing tip beside them. They sang farewell and gave thanks for such a wonderful evening together at the festival.

Molly Moose clapped her hooves and thanked the children for their kindness towards her. The children were also very joyful because they helped to bring delight and pleasant memories for everyone to cherish while having fun playing together.

Then all of the forest birds and animals shouted eager-ly in unison, Happy Winter Solstice everyone.


SOLSTICE FUN in the forest

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Thank you for your business!

Complete Renovations Basements / Kitchens / Bathrooms

Ron @ 250.309.0435 www.nulookhomework.ca

www.jaydeeassociates.com [email protected]

TILE CARPET HARDWOOD SUPPLY & INSTALL

Serving the Greater Okanagan area!

Call to book an appointment in my new showroom!Renovations & Flooring

Duane Vankeimpema 250.938.2994

May the Holiday Season fill your home with joy, your heart with love

& your life with laughter.

Thanks for your support over the past year!

Phone: 250-545-8220 Email: [email protected]

BRIGHT LIGHTS, JOY

FUL LAUGHTER,

GOOD FRIENDS AND

SPECIAL MEMORIES

May you perience all the

wonderful things the holiday season has to er!


A Family Business, with Family Values BANNISTER

Brad NakucyjSales Manager

Terry BaptistSales

Robert McLarenSales

Alex KreisSales

Richard BissonSales

Scott YoungBusiness Manager

From our family to yours!

4703 - 27 Street, Vernon BC bannisters.com250-545-0606 DL#

9133

Thank You for your continued support & we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Tyler CullSales

Chris BeatonSales Manager

Mike BaerSales

BEST TRUCK DEALER

NORTH OKANAGAN

BEST CAR DEALERNORTH OKANAGAN

From our family to yours!

Just Voted 3RD

YEAR RUNNING!

Theresa LadukeBusiness Manager

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December 21, 2014