Hey everyone, looks like the power’s back on in the Okanagan! Another good reminder to keep those emergency preparedness kits stocked with flashlights, batteries, and candles.
Heat warnings
Hey everyone, with the current heat warnings in effect please take extra precautions to keep cool at this time.
Stay updated on heat warnings and current wildfire info (https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/) and find out what measures are in place locally for cooling centres and heat response/resources, should you need them. Example from Kelowna here: https://www.kelowna.ca/our-community/news-events/news/cool-down-locations-available-public-temperatures-climb
Stay safe everyone!
Fire Safety – new program
Hey everyone, there’s a pilot program taking place in Kelowna to help residents make their properties more fire-safe and reduce the impact of wildfire on the community by offering free removal and chipping of specific woody debris. Check it out!
Celebrate International Women’s Day!
Hey everyone, Kelowna Museums is hosting Women of the Okanagan — a virtual celebration of women. Tickets include interactive packs, fun props and coupons for local businesses, and additional proceeds are in support of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter. If you’re interested, check out the info here!
End of an Era…
Hey everyone, as you’ve probably heard, as of tomorrow (May 15th) we will no longer be providing our community support services in Kelowna. This is a bittersweet moment for us, as this decision was not made lightly, and we have many fond memories of the community support program over the years.
So, today, we are celebrating! We are celebrating all of the wonderful people we have supported. We are celebrating all of the wonderful employees that we have worked with as we have provided supports. We are celebrating all of the achievements and memories that have come along with our time providing these services.
As we mark 30 years providing support in our communities, we are grateful that we have had all the opportunities and experiences in community support with you along the way. We remember with joy all the Naramata retreats, the Canucks trips and the sports games, the road trips and the beach days. We remember with pride supporting and celebrating community living month with our friends and colleagues at Pathways. We remember with gratitude all those who participated, supported, and celebrated WE Days with us in Kelowna.
This is absolutely a big change. It marks the end of an era in our agency’s history. But, with every ending, comes a new beginning. We know that all the people we have supported will continue to make great memories and to explore new opportunities with whatever comes next.
Even though the time has come to wish everyone we supported in community support all the best, we will still be around in the community providing our other supports. We will also still be around on here, our own corner of the internet. We welcome you to drop us a line here any time, and you’re always welcome to leave comments for discussion.
Thank you all for being part of our community support here at Community Connections!
Sincerely,
Jackie & Brian
BC Family Day!
Family Day is coming up on Monday (Feb. 15) and, even though we are all adjusting to COVID-19 safety precautions, we are all feeling grateful for those closest to us at this time.
Here are some ideas for a fun (and socially distanced!) Family Day weekend:
CRANBROOK: The Cranbrook History Centre is offering a new YOUNG HISTORIANS program, helping record what the last year has been like in Cranbrook for future generations. If you don’t feel comfortable coming into the museum, you can participate online – check out more info here.
KELOWNA: The City of Kelowna is running a Family Day Active Photo Contest, encouraging families to participate in any kind of physical activity and tagging #KelownaFamilyDay to enter. Contest runs from Feb. 12 to Feb. 16, and photos can also be emailed to recreation@kelowna.ca to be eligible for prizes. Check out details here.
Stay safe and healthy, wear a mask, and have a Happy Family Day!
Your social distancing reminder…
…comes with a link to the City of Kelowna news bulletin that lists ideas to stay active this winter while also safely social distancing! Try a hike, book a time to skate, or check out the City’s list of (COVID-19 modified) programs indoors.
Grocery Shopping Support – COMMUNITY CARE
Hey everyone, there is a Shop-by-Phone program available in Kelowna in partnership with Save-on-Foods (Mission) offering weekly service to Community Care clients who need help with grocery shopping and delivery.
Check out their brochure (below) and contact Neda (Volunteer Services Coordinator – Central Okanagan) if you have questions or are interested in obtaining a referral: 250.980.1558.
FoodSafe
Hey everyone, if you’re interested in Foodsafe Level 1, Kim has a class coming up on Dec 14th (assuming no further regulatory changes) at the Kanata Kelowna Hotel starting at 8:30am. Contact Kim for info: Kimberley Cresswell (FOODSAFE Level 1 Certified Instructor) at kcresswell@shaw.ca or call 250.863.8112.
Have Your Say In…Transportation!
Over two years in the making, the draft plan for transit in the Central Okanagan is published – have your say! The draft was prepared by The Sustainable Transportation Partnership of the Central Okanagan (STPCO), a group of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland and Westbank First Nation officials.
Give feedback and engage in how you want your transportation needs met in your community here!
The West Kootenays are also planning for the future of transit – check out their plan’s webpage!
You can also give feedback about West Kootenay and Kelowna Regional Transit services online.
