Summerland asking for community input in long-term vision for rodeo grounds – Penticton News

Melanie Eksal – Feb 21, 2023 / 3:28 pm | Story: 412604

Fourteen-year-old Hannah Rutten is swimming in support from the local community as the competitive swimmer collects bottles in an effort to raise funds to cover travel expenses for upcoming competitions.

“It’s crazy,” Rutten said. “I think we have close to 100 bags, and probably 20 boxes of wine and beer bottles that we’re going to take into J & C (Bottle Depot).”

Bottles aside, Rutten has also received monetary donations from the community.

“I never thought people would be so willing to just send money. It’s been amazing,” she said.

Proceeds will help cover travel expenses for Rutten, who is set to leave in eight days for Saanich on Vancouver Island, where she will compete in Provincials. After a quick trip home, Rutten will then fly to Calgary on Mar. 14 for the Westerns competition. Come July, she will be off to UBC in Vancouver for another round of Provincials, and at the end of that month, she’ll be flying to Toronto for Junior Nationals.

It’s a busy time of year for the Grade 9 Pen-Hi student, who trains seven to eight times a week for these types of events that she’s been competing in since she was eight.

“I really enjoy the environment of swimming,” she said, adding that, while she gets nervous, she loves competing.

This is Rutten’s 10th season with the KISU Swim Club, and her seventh season swimming competitively. Last year, she attended the Swim BC Prospect’s club, where Rutten said she “met a lot of incredible girls,” and has been invited back again this year.

And looking forward, Rutten hasn’t shied away from the idea of one day competing in the Olympics.

“It’s definitely something I’ve thought about,” she said. “It’s a big goal … not for 2024, but more for 2028 or 2032.”

Rutten’s mother, Pamela, said this time of year is “always exciting.”

“It’s the high season,” she said. “(It’s) so exciting, and nerve wracking. Lots of travel … she (Rutten) trains really hard. These are the four biggest events of her season.”

Pamela said she isn’t sure who is more nervous – herself, or Rutten, as she and other parents watch the swimmers compete.

“It’s always exciting to see the final results after all the hard work they put in after the season,” she added.

For those who would like to donate, Pamela has asked that they reach out to her through Facebook to arrange pick-up of the bottles.

Mark Brett, Penticton Herald/Local Journalism Initiative – Feb 21, 2023 / 1:04 pm | Story: 412565

EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to the first part of our four-day series highlighting the work of the Ukraine Nightingale Project and some of the families it’s helping right here in the South Okanagan. To help fund that work, the UNP is staging performances by the Tryzub Ukraine dance troupe Thursday in Oliver and Saturday in Penticton. Click here for details.

Until last year, Oleg Varnystka had never held a gun but he now carries an AK-47 and risks his life on the front lines to defend his Ukrainian homeland.

Fortunately six months ago his wife Vitalina Varnytska and their children, daughter Vlada, 17, and son Ustym, 15, managed to escape their war-torn country.

The family’s travel itinerary out of their country reads like this: in the Ukraine, Kyiv to Lviv to Ternopil, then to Poland, to the Czech Republic, Austria.

They arrived in Canada at Drummondville, Que., before moving to Vancouver, Port Moody and finally Penticton.

Under the current state of martial law in Ukraine, Oleg had no choice but to stay behind, however, according to his wife, he would have stayed regardless of his military conscription.

“Of course I am worried about him but it is important to him because it is our land and Russians kill people, Ukrainian people, women and children,” said Vitalina who along with her children speak to Oleg sporadically when he has cell phone service available. “We know our history and we know how it will be if Russians take Ukraine. Maybe more people will die than live.”

Before she left, her husband told her the war is not going to be over quickly and it was too dangerous for she and their children to remain.

She recalled the fears she felt for her own life and. more importantly, the lives of their children as the ground and air attacks continued day and night near their home in Kyiv, the country’s capital.

“I see a big tank, I see a lot of people who were gone, Ukrainian people not Russian people,” said Vitalina. “I see airplanes in the sky. I see bombs. I listen every day, many times for the sounds of those bombs.”

For her the nights were the worst, “Then we sleep not at home. We sleep in a big room under a house where many people hide. It was so cold and wet and my daughter was crying. We had to leave.”

However, getting away was not simple.

“It was very dangerous. Volunteers moved me and my children to a train station. Very many people, so many people,” said Vitalina. “We found an electric train and we had to stand for the 12 hours, we drove to the west part of Ukraine.”

They even took their pet hamster, Mouse, with them but he had to stay behind with family members in Ukraine.

Coming to a new land for mother and children was not easy — especially leaving Oleg behind with such an uncertain future.

Once in Canada, Vitalina also had to worry about day-to-day life: putting food on the table, a roof over their heads and education for her kids who are now attending Princess Margaret Secondary School.

Having escaped with little more than the clothes on their backs, the family struggled financially.

When Vitalina realized she was running out of money she reached out to Jennifer Martison of the Ukraine Nightingale Project (UNP).

The UNP is an organization Martison formed late last year to provide support needed by displaced Ukrainian families to start a new life in the South Okanagan.

She quickly came to the aid of the Varnystka family, helping Vitalina find a full-time job and part-time employment for the kids, among other things.

In addition, she helped them with government matters and even aided daughter Vlada with her application to the Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

“I have nothing but respect for this woman (Vitalina), she’s unbelievably strong and I’m amazed she is holding it together as well she is,” said Martison. “She’s very independent. I almost have to force stuff on her. She’s really proud and really doesn’t want to take too much. Gotta respect that.”

For her part Vitalina struggles to find the words to express her appreciation to Jennifer and the many others who have helped her family since arriving in this country.

“I couldn’t live in Canada without these people, I couldn’t,” she said. “There’s so many good people asking me what I need. Without these people we would really have nothing.”

Vlada agreed: “Everyone from Canada is so very nice. I really like it here.”

She admits when she first got here it was a struggle, especially with the language, but that has improved and she’s enjoying her time now.

While things are improving, the family’s hearts and prayers are thousands of kilometres away in their embattled homeland with the man they love.

Overwhelming support for Ukraine Nightingale Project

Since she started the Ukraine Nightingale Project, Jennifer Martison has been overwhelmed by the generous support of the community.

That includes everything from in-kind and financial donations to people providing accommodations for those coming to the South Okanagan to escape the war in the Ukraine.

As just one example she pointed to Skaha Ford dealer Brad Jinjoe who stepped up to the plate when he learned from his service technician, Dave Balzer, that Vitalina Varnystka’s vehicle was in need of repairs.

He allowed Balzer and the other technicians, who donated their time and paid for the parts, to use the dealership’s facilities.

Not long ago Vitalina had a flat tire and Skaha Ford and Jinjoe again came to the rescue putting four new tires on the car donated $300 to the family.

“We’re in a position to help and I truly believe that’s our responsibility, our duty,” said Jinjoe.

“Their husband and father is on the front line and the family comes here, I don’t know how you can say, ‘no I’m not going to help.’

“It’s not something we here can imagine. I hope to God we never have to.”

This story was published under the Local Journalism Initiative

The trial of accused Naramata murderer Wade Cudmore still has no date set, as progress continues slowly through the court system.

Cudmore is accused in the deaths of Carlo and Erick Fryer, brothers from Kamloops whose bodies were found outside of Naramata in May 2021. A co-accused, Anthony Graham, remains at large.

Cudmore has pleaded not guilty. A preliminary inquiry in October 2022 determined there was enough evidence to proceed to trial.

In B.C. Supreme Court in Penticton Tuesday, a date was due to be fixed, but lawyers asked for more time and to move the matter to Kelowna.

“This has been bumping along for some time, hasn’t it?” asked the presiding justice.

Lawyers explained that the case’s complexity has led to delays, necessitating the assignment of a case management judge.

The decision was made in December to move the complex trial to Kelowna, and since then, they have been awaiting a case management judge to be set before fixing a date for the trial.

As of Tuesday in court, lawyers still had no indication that had been done.

The justice agreed to move the fix-date matter to Kelowna where the trial will eventually be held, rather than spending more time in the Penticton courts.

Cudmore’s next appearance to fix a date for trial will be March 13. The trial is expected to take up to six months.

A 47-year-old man is safely in custody following an armed standoff overnight.

On Monday, Feb. 20 at 9 p.m., Oliver RCMP responded to a report of domestic assault at a residence in the 5800 block of Main Street.

The victim was able to leave the residence, but the man remained inside, barricaded. He had access to firearms, and threatened to harm himself or anyone who came to the door.

The Southeast District RCMP Critical Incident Response Team and a crisis negotiator joined the efforts for several hours.

They utilized distraction devices, and through the use of those and the negotiator, were able to get the man out of the residence at 2:30 a.m.

“The investigation is ongoing and the man faces potential assault charges as well as firearms offence charges,” said Oliver detachment commander Sgt. James Bayda.

One former owner of the Naramata Inn is suing two others for nearly $6 million, alleging they were promised coverage for losses from its most recent sale.

A lawsuit filed in Vancouver on Feb. 14 alleges that defendants Keith Leach and Hugh Rennie, former owners of the company that owned the now-Naramata Inn at 3635 1st Street in Naramata, owe the owner who stepped in after them compensation for their losses during the sale.

The suit claims that Abbotsford Concrete Products Ltd (ACP), now known legally as 1146492 B.C. Ltd., provided financial help to renovate the hotel “based on the defendant’s guarantee that the plaintiff would not suffer any monetary loss.”

In December 2001, ACP purchased the inn to provide long-term financing, and the suit claims an indemnity agreement was signed that made Leach and Rennie liable for any monetary losses ACP accrued in relation to financing and operating the inn.

At the time, ACP’s cash investment was $2.4 million. Leach and Rennie, according to the lawsuit’s recounting of the indemnity agreement, would be liable for any losses on a 66.67 per cent and 33.33 per cent basis, respectively.

According to the suit, following the 2001 agreement, ACP provided cash transfers to the hotel, paid expenses and staff, covered insurance, and more.

The inn was sold on February 21, 2020. Proceeds from the sale were reported as $1.8 million.

The suit claims that since those proceeds are less than what ACP had put into the inn, they are owed money from Leach and Rennie.

As calculated in the lawsuit, taking into account interest, Leach is being sued for $3.96 million and Rennie is being sued for $1.98 million, as per their two-thirds, one-third split.

A lawyer for the plaintiff reached by phone said she could not comment on behalf of her client. Leach and Rennie were not immediately available for comment.

None of the claims have yet been decided on in court.

A little bit of rain isn’t stopping Penticton families from enjoying free activities this Family Day at Gryo Park.

All are welcome to join the fun, with organized activities running until 1 p.m.

Pop down and enjoy skating, games, food trucks and more.

The ultimate fitness showdown of the Okanagan Valley is coming to Penticton in just a few weeks, featuring competitors vying for excellence in a CrossFit-style event.

The 10th annual Okanagan Valley Throwdown takes place March 18 and 19 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Center.

More than 200 athletes aged 14 to 70 will compete in the challenging physical endeavour, coming from all around the Okanagan region.

Participants compete as individuals or in trios, tackling five events designed to test agility, strength, endurance and overall fitness.

“We are proud of the growth and success of this competition, and we are excited to showcase the fittest athletes in the Okanagan Valley while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in our community,” reads a statement from the organizers.

This year, the competition will include a Vendor Village featuring many local businesses. On Sunday, the Vendor Village will expand further and become the first Penticton Sports and Fitness Expo, showcasing local groups such as roller derby and dragon boat racing.

It is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about and engage with different sport groups and organizations.

Local CrossFit gyms Beach City CrossFit, CrossFit Penticton, CrossFit Okanagan, and CrossFit West Kelowna partner with organizers, as well as send competitors and members to volunteer as officials. The energy and vibe of the competition are fun, inclusive, and encouraging, making it an event suitable for everyone to come and watch.

The event kicks off at 7 a.m. both days, and spectators are encouraged to join. For more information, click here.

Darrien McWatters has played, coached and officiated hockey most of her life, but this might be one of her most important roles.

The Summerland woman, who transitioned about five years ago, has been tapped to unofficially advise Hockey Canada on diversity and inclusivity.

McWatters was featured in a Pride Month article on the Hockey Canada website last June. That led to a conversation with the newly appointed director of sport safety.

“(I said) I don’t know what’s in the works but whatever potentially comes up I want to be involved,” she explains.

A full-time director of gender expression and diversity was hired last fall by Hockey Canada. That person reached out to McWatters to get her input on new policies and procedures.

At the same time, she was appointed to a six-member Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup with BC Hockey. She feels it’s important to use her profile in the game to show that hockey is inclusive.

“There may be a kid or a parent or somebody in the stands or on the bench or the ice that says hey, I identify with them. If they’re staying with this game and they love it, then I should be able to stay with this game. I should be able to be who I am,” says McWatters.

The second virtual meeting of the workgroup is this week.

McWatters says some of the first changes will be in the upcoming seasons for BC Hockey.

“What’s our common bond? We love hockey and we just want to play hockey. So, how do we make it more inclusive?”

She points out that while Hockey Canada registration has flatlined overall, the female game is growing by 25 % a year. That means the mixed or male side of the game is dropping off. Why that is happening is part of what the new director of gender expression and diversity will be investigating.

McWatters adds that she’s so much happier knowing she will be part of the hockey world for decades to come. Her two sons, aged 19 and 22, are also excited for her.

“When I transitioned to the authentic person that I am I didn’t think that … In a way, I didn’t think that hockey was going to come back to me. When I started playing hockey three-and-a-half years ago in a female league and as a female I was just overjoyed how accepting it was, how much of the community I was and that my two worlds came together again.”

However, there is still a long way to go to ensure everyone feels accepted and represented.

“We’re playing the long game. We’re not on this workgroup to make recommendations for July and that’s it. We’re on this workgroup for basically years.

“It’s about evolving. As culture evolves, as our game evolves. It’s about people staying with the game, having fun with the game and growing with the game.”

Darrien McWatters is the director of transgender community involvement with Kelowna Pride. She is also the operations manager of TIME Family of Wines. Her late father, Harry McWatters, is considered one of the founders of BC’s modern wine industry.

Castanet – Feb 20, 2023 / 4:00 am | Story: 412369

“Four seasons of fun” is an ongoing collaboration between Castanet and Visit Penticton showcasing what Penticton has to offer all year round. Watch for it every Monday morning.

There is no such thing as winter lull in Penticton, with many exciting events on the docket in the coming weeks.

Explore the many global cultures that form a mosaic in the community at the 10th annual OneWorld Multicultural Festival, hosted by South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services.

On Feb. 25, join the SOICS team at the Penticton Lakeside Resort for the immersive, exciting experience with more than 35 countries represented.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., browse through the booths representing local businesses, learn about immigrant success stories, watch multicultural performances and taste international cuisines. And best of all, admission is free.

The OneWorld Festival is thrilled to be back in person, after COVID-19 forced virtual operations. Check out their 2022 virtual festival online here.

Looking for something outdoors-y? Hoodoo Adventures is offering a snowshoe tour with three-course fireside dinner on Feb. 25.

It is a feature event for February only, so this will be the last chance this year to take part in the unique experience.

A shuttle departs from Hoodoo Adventures in Penticton at 3 p.m., taking guests up to the trailhead for a snowshoe tour, ending in dinner, drinks and a bonfire.

The mouthwatering menu features a starter, main and desert, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Watch a sneak peek video of what the experience has been like in past years online here.

Later in the month, get excited for one of the most Canadian winter pastimes: Curling.

From Feb. 28 through March 4, the Penticton Curling Club is hosting the AMJ Campbell BC Mixed Curling Championships.

The prestigious tournament is hosted in a different British Columbia community every year, featuring squads from around the province competing for the right to represent BC at the National Mixed Curling Championships in November.

It’s an incredible display of provincial curling talent, and it all takes place in Peach City.

“The South Okanagan will put on a great show,” said Lindsay Shannon, Curl BC administrative manager, when Penticton was picked as host.

“Not only for the curlers and their families, but also for fans from across BC who visit or watch through our livestreaming services. I’m confident this will be an event remembered for years to come.”

On March 12, another exciting athletic event will take place in the Penticton area. Nickel Plate Nordic Centre will host the final iteration of the Teck Okanagan Cup regional nordic ski series this winter.

Skiers from all around the province will gather at Nickel Plate to tackle a challenging and fun course in freestyle format, with categories for all ages and skill levels.

The 2022 event saw a beautiful blue sky day, and Nickel Plate encourages anyone interested to join them for the unique event.

“If it’s anything like last year’s race day we’re in for a treat! Come up with your friends and enjoy a day of racing, sunshine, and incredible conditions.”

Registration is open until March 8 for anyone interested in participating. For more information, click here.

This is just a taste of what Penticton has to offer. For more options, check out Visit Penticton online here.