Heroes abound in local scouting lore

At some point in the next decade or two one of us is going to plant a space-suited foot on the surface of Mars and make that first footprint.

The world’s first postage stamp, Britain’s “Penny Black,” went on sale in May 1840. Other countries soon followed, printing early “classic stamps” that usually featured monarchs, coat of arms, or numerals of value. Not very thrilling subjects, but that didn’t stop people from enthusiasticall…

Editor’s note: This is part of our continuing series of articles highlighting some of the people involved in the Boy Scout movement, which is celebrating its 110th year of existence in our region. A celebration is planned for later in the year.

Members of a Penticton family who have dedicated their lives to helping others weren’t about to let the pandemic slow them down.

Something for under the budgie

Newspaper headlines from October, 1918 splashed the news: “Vancouver battles deadly Spanish flu — 522 cases were reported today.”

Frank Oscar McDonald was a youth member of the Penticton Corps of Baden-Powell’s Boy Scouts, one of the earliest Scout troops in the province, when it started in 1910.

Peter O’Flynn of Penticton recently celebrated 60 years in the ministry. He spent much of his career at St. Saviour's Anglican Church in Penticton where he still remains active in the role of honourary assistant to the incumbent. In this photo from May 1960, he's pictured with his proud pare…

Growing Roots is an innovative local program operated by the South Okanagan Immigrant Community Services and supported by Aging Well Penticton.

Stamp collectors love errors. New stamps are closely reviewed to see if any mistakes in subject or spelling have been made; these are classed as design errors.

Who would have ever known on June 2, 1953 that Queen Elizabeth II would still be on the throne 66 years later on June 2, 2020. In actual fact she changed from Princess Elizabeth to Queen Elizabeth II on Feb. 6, 1952 the day her father George VI died.

Forty-seven years ago, a young man from Penticton died in a tragic automobile accident in England. This month a young graduating student from Pen-Hi will be recognized as the worthy recipient of an annual award in honour of Robert Gordon Halcrow.

Honey, I mailed the kids

Jamboree is a highlight of the scouting movement for every youth member, but only a few are able to attend due to cost and timing. Every generation of scouts should be able to participate in at least one of these large gatherings, since it enables the scout to experience his membership in a …

More than 300 cards were sent to a Penticton woman to help celebrate her 109th birthday.

Today I heard an old familiar song, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” by Bette Midler. As I sang along to the beautiful tune, I reflected on the forces that shaped my life and the significant people who supported me to become the person I am today.

I collect stamps. There, I admitted it in public.

Ruby Cumberland, one of Penticton’s oldest residents, celebrates her 109th birthday on Tuesday, May 12. The Hamlets, where she resides, is inviting friends, or people who don’t even know her, to send a birthday card as social distancing will prevent her from having a celebration. Cards can b…

John Vassilaki said it was truly love at first sight.

When the stay-at-home directive came down in March to help control the spread of COVID-19, Alice Unruh’s hectic weekly schedule came to a crashing halt.

Alan Dawkins arrived in Penticton in 1975 from Red Deer and Calgary, where he had begun a lengthy relationship with the Boy Scout movement as far back as 1956. On his arrival, he quickly became Akela to the Wolf Cubs of 3rd Penticton Scouting Group, under the sponsorship of St Saviour’s Angl…

Collecting postage stamps is a very personal and enjoyable hobby for people of all ages. Building a collection is a creative way of spending time and can give much satisfaction.

Editor’s note: This is part of our continuing series of articles highlighting some of the people involved in the Boy Scout movement, which is celebrating its 110th year of existence in our region. A celebration is planned for later in the year, and local museums will also be highlighting the cause.

Autograph dogs were popular with teenagers from the late 1940s until the 1960s. They were often used to record the signatures of classmates upon graduation. This example belonged to Pat de Boer, who attended Pen-Hi in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The names are those of her grades 9 and 10…

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of columns from the Penticton and District Stamp Club, members of which will take turns writing under the club’s name.

OVERVIEW: Those seeking decisions on actions to be taken are feeling the pressure. Try not to be impatient with those you need on your side. There may be some hoops to jump through by you or them. Do whatever helps to make you relax while you wait.

OVERVIEW: Consolidate data or messages so they can be viewed quickly. This is important to the end game. Discuss short cuts that can be cost saving measures when all is said and done. Those wishing to move on to other things should take their stuff and go. Sort out the emotional reasons for …

OVERVIEW: Those feeling out of sorts should get more sleep or stay home. Others around you don’t need to be put on edge by this. Do some soul searching to tune into where you should be placing your focus. Balance needs with wants. Flirtations can create a fun distraction if you have time on …

OVERVIEW: Start the week slowly as some are feeling a bit dreamy under the influence of the new moon in the sign of Pisces.

OVERVIEW: The week begins under the influence of mercury turning retrograde so be ready for things to stall or back up. Avoid signing anything that is not already decided or drawn up, etc. This happens close to Neptune. There will be some fudging of the facts, masking the truth or outright d…

OVERVIEW: The week starts under the influence of waning moon energy during the night. Egos should be cooling allowing for some dialogue. There is no need to be a wrecking ball, as no one wins when everyone’s house is flattened. It’s better to convince others to give you the keys.

OVERVIEW: Talks of unity are carried over from last week affecting personal or global matters. The key will be to empower what is right and true. Calm the water of division as everyone needs a break. Discuss areas that would be mutually beneficial.

OVERVIEW: Pay attention to information coming to you in dreams or intuitively. It can give you the edge in any choices you are going to make regarding what to do next.

OVERVIEW: Being out the door too fast can cause delays or having to go back. Pause and do a recount.

Paul Kalamalka is a name which has long interested me, calling out to be researched and documented. Much of my interest in this name, of course, is because it is shared with the beautiful lake located in our valley.

OVERVIEW: Those who rain on your parade need to explain the reasons why. There is always someone who thinks they know better. Discount those who don’t have any investment in the end game.

OVERVIEW: Toss around different ideas and solutions to problems as the week begins. Some are stewing in their corners about this before bringing it to the attention of those being affected.

OVERVIEW: Check out opportunities and look at different ways of doing things.