Gratitude makes the journey better and so does kindness

Category: Learning Page 3 of 32

Weekly column: Teachers deserve to be listened to for the sake of us all

Originally published as a column on Monday, February 22, 2021 on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News.

You may have peeked at the news of the new variants appearing in some schools in the Lower Mainland. As I started writing, two more schools have been added to the exposure list for the U.K. variant, bringing the total number to five.

We are told there are ways to reduce the risk and generally improve our state of health. Eating healthy and getting daily exercise, washing hands and airing out properly so fresh air can reduce the number of disease-causing particles.

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: Here’s why wearing a mask is not such a big deal after all

Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News on Monday, August 10, 2020.

One of last week’s most commented news piece was the one about Walmart and their new mask requirement starting next week.

It’s an interesting one still when it comes to masks. Some grumble and openly refuse to even consider wearing one, while others just go with it, saying it’s good for everyone’s safety. It is. And it does not eliminate the risk completely but it sure takes it down a few notches when we’re out in public.

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.

Weekly column: Why we need to reconsider pet ownership

Originally published as a column on CFJC Today Kamloops and Armchair Mayor News on June 29, 2020.

Snakes near playgrounds, dead dogs on airplanes, horrendous puppy mills, exotic pets that should never be owned by anyone other than Mother Nature – welcome to the dark side of pet ownership.

The latest story was the snake spotted in Coquitlam near a playground a few days ago. Luckily, no one was hurt and the snake was apprehended.

That’s not always the case with escaped exotic pets.

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