“Character is king,” is a line that both my family and church community hear me repeat often.

Ashton silent when Penticton needs him

Women deserve better facility from PRH

NDP gymnastics

Technology is wonderful and amazing. It offers instant access to literally everyone you know via text messaging, Messenger, email and cell phones.

The people who choose not to get vaccinated should not be shamed or persecuted. Nobody changes their mind when someone is shouting at them or ridiculing them. If you’re sincerely trying to change the mind of someone who is hesitant or outright refusing to be vaccinated, start with listening …

This week the prime minister created a bit of a stir in Ottawa when he announced his latest sound bite; that Canadians can enjoy a “one-dose summer.”

Kampe property could be put to better use

I was way too optimistic in thinking the pro-disease anti-vaxxers had mostly gone away.

Here’s something nobody says enough — thank you, nurses.

Disabled people often hide their relationships

I was present at a talk recently given by British Columbia’s Seniors’ Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie. Given all the media focus that seniors in long-term care received during the pandemic, I was anxious to learn what she sees as the major challenges facing seniors in the coming decade.

I’m so blessed.

Mothers are a priceless gift.

Penticton residents believe in democracy

Sunday is Mother’s Day.

On May 26, the moon will be “blood,” “super” and eclipsed.

Fish habitat at risk near Trout Creek

Please exercise your right to vote

People assume every community in Western Canada has a facility like Moog and Friends Hospice House.

Music, Arts education provide life-long benefits

The church calendar is rapidly moving towards Pentecost, a day we often refer to as the birthday of the church.

Leave Knox Mountain access the way it is

This week has been World Immunization Week. Although, given the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, it feels more like World Immunization Year.

A correction was made to this column. Pods are of 60 students, not 16 as originally stated.

The last “ism” to be tackled in our society

For anyone who still doubts the value of music education, look no further than the rhythm section of Pen-Hi’s music department.

I will begin this week’s report by sharing part of a conversation I once had with a now retired provincial cabinet minister. 

A third pandemic letter to my unborn grandchild Sparky:

Thanks to incredible staff at Haven Hill

Overdose crisis should at least be on par with COVID-19

Any government budget is primarily a political document.

Kettle Valley Railway needs our support

Sunday night’s Academy Awards telecast had its moments — a celebration of diversity, small films being recognized, the charming setting of a railway station.

The federal budget is in. As presented by Finance Minister Christia Freeland last week, the budget expects to run a $354 billion — yes, that’s billion — deficit for the current fiscal year.

I want to remind you that there is nothing too small for God’s love.

Loving legacy of Sharon Levesque

Forgive me for having a high school flashback, but one of my favourite rock/pop songwriters — top three, for sure — died this week. Jim Steinman was 73.

Is large development in public’s best interest?

Shelters keep people off Penticton’s streets

This week the Liberal government tabled its first budget in over two years.

Until we discover otherwise, the first ever known powered flight on Mars has just happened.

How will the hidden homeless be counted?

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, thousands lost their jobs, homes, businesses and farms. With no options available, they migrated to the larger centres.

Even if 80% or more of the population eventually gets vaccinated against COVID-19 and its many variants and we approach so-called “herd immunity,” it does not follow that those not vaccinated will never contract or spread what may be a fatal illness.