Gratitude makes the journey better. Kindness, too.

Category: Social issues Page 4 of 32

Weekly column: In times of trouble, helping goes a long way and in more than one way

Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News on Monday, December 14, 2020.

No matter where you turn you get reminded that it’s almost Christmas. Of course, that’s great and exciting for many. And then, even in a normal year, Christmas is a trying time for so many others. This year especially though, it’s tougher to face the holidays knowing how many are struggling with it.

This year our family has donated more than ever to various causes because the times we live in are just that way. If you are among those who can help, please do. Kindness is never to be measured in the amount you give but in the fact that you cared.

Weekly column: Things to consider instead of protesting masks and COVID-19 restrictions

Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News on Monday, December 7, 2020.

Sunday morning came with slices of blue sky spiked by bright sunshine. It was almost 11am by the time we got home from our long morning hike.

I noticed a neighbour peeking under parked cars. I assumed she was trying to locate a runaway cat. Instead, she asked if what she was seeing was a ferret. The small, long-bodied creature was all white with a black-tipped tail and moving very swiftly.

Weekly column: Why wearing the poppy is not a political statement

Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor news on Monday, November 9, 2020.

It is Sunday afternoon as I write this, and we’re three days away from Remembrance Day on November 11. A long-overdue and overlooked commemoration has also been recently rectified by our government. November 8 has now been marked as Indigenous Remembrance Day. Their contribution was significant and the stories are emerging one after another.

A few days ago you may have heard about the poppy-centered short-lived but powerful storm that surfaced in the news and social media.

Whole Foods forbade their employees to wear the Remembrance Day poppy, but following the above-mentioned ‘storm’, the decision wilted, no pun intended. It was heartening to see how Canadians across the country, our premier included, responded to the initial ban.

Yes, we care about the poppy.

Weekly column: Let’s all do our part to reduce the risk of pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries

Originally published as a column on Monday, October 19, 2020 on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News.

It was not the fact that the car in front of me was driving faster than 30km/h in the school zone on Summit. Drivers can often and inadvertently find themselves going 50 in a school zone, which is why reminders are a must.

What irked me was seeing what happened after. As soon as a bunch of kids and their parents crossed, and while the light was still red, the driver took off, going full speed through the rest of the school zone.

Weekly column: Don’t let summer temptations lead to bad decisions

Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News on July 28, 2020.

Summer is on and though everyone hoped that the virus will just succumb to hot weather, that’s not the case. Summer weather draws people out and many choose to do it the ‘old’ way – huddling together for parties and such, forgetting any references to social distancing, masks, and the like. Yes, the number of new covid-19 cases in on the rise again. But making up for lost time should not be coming at such a high price.

Weekly column: Food grown locally means health, peace of mind and a thriving local economy

Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News, on August 3, 2020.

Here’s what caught my eye last week while perusing the news. One story was about a salmonella outbreak linked to red onions originating from California, which you can read more about here and dispose of any tainted produce you might have in your kitchen pantry.

The other news story was about a senior in New Westminster, whose balcony is a little green oasis – not just a visual one, but culinary as well since he is growing vegetables. The property rental company sent a letter to this senior asking him to remove the tall plants. The reason they cited: to conform with the uniform look of the building, and to maintain health, cleanliness, and sanitary standards.

Weekly column: Birthday wishes for Jessie

Originally published as a column in CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News on July 20, 2020.

When my eldest son turned 18 not long ago, there was a lot to think about other than baking a cake and choosing a gift.

Like all parents, I thought of what’s ahead with a mix of joy and worry, but mostly with excitement. The journey as a grownup is about to begin, right?

I also thought of my friend Jessie Simpson, whom I’ve met in November 2018 and been spending almost every Sunday afternoon with until the pandemic started. It’s impossible not to think of him every time I think of young people starting out in life or graduating, ready for adventures and embracing life.

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