This just came across my desk and thught I would share the good news.
The Real Estate Foundation of B.C. granted $20,000 to HFHSO! This will help to build the Huth Avenue house in Penticton. This is an unusual decision as the Foundation generally has not been funding single-family homes in favour of multi-plexes. However they were intrigued with the elements of the Habitat build that follow Green Building strategies such as, solar hot water, solar light tubes, aerothermal heating and cooling, and rammed earth as part of the front wall. The Foundation was also impressed by this affiliate’s commitment to developing ongoing community involvement in providing affordable housing in this high-priced province.
More info at: http://www.habitatsouthokanagan.ca/index.html
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Gaming for Ghana Fundraiser - this just in
Just received this press release about a Kelowna fundraiser for Ghana.
Twelve Kelowna youths will be hosting a marathon gaming event, from Monday, December 19, beginning at 12:00 noon, and ending Friday, December 23, 12:00 noon. Their charity of choice is “Villages of Hope and Heart”, a Kelowna-based non-profit organization which is dedicated to the health and education of women and children in Northeast Ghana. The goal of the fund-raising event is $5,000, and this will help purchase a soccer field, sanitary facilities, and full uniforms for over 300 residents of the Bolgatanga area.
“Thanks to the generosity of many people, last time we held an event like this, we were able to buy therapeutic equipment for Kelowna General Hospital. This time, our team decided that they wanted to positively impact the lives of others in a country desperate for our help,” said Geoff Webb, spokesperson for the group. “By providing a ‘pitch’, their name for a soccer field, giving them shirts, shorts, and shoes, and teaching them the elemental rules of soccer, they can also learn family skills, health information, and personal empowerment.” When asked about the area, Webb said, “Youth like us breathe soccer. Ghana was a quarter-finalist in the 2010 World Cup. The children there have very little, except for a passion for ‘football’. The kids and women there are poor in every way, and they need our help. Our team of eighteen- and nineteen-year-olds are dedicated to this cause. Soccer can provide education, inspiration, and most of all, hope.”
So how do you donate? Webb says, “You can watch the Marathon ‘live’ on YouStream during the event. You can interact, donate, or just watch. At any time, you can donate by going to
Happy Holidays form the youth of Kelowna and Ghana
Michael Patten
Villages of Hope and Heart
"Joan's Villages"
778-478-1148
Twelve Kelowna youths will be hosting a marathon gaming event, from Monday, December 19, beginning at 12:00 noon, and ending Friday, December 23, 12:00 noon. Their charity of choice is “Villages of Hope and Heart”, a Kelowna-based non-profit organization which is dedicated to the health and education of women and children in Northeast Ghana. The goal of the fund-raising event is $5,000, and this will help purchase a soccer field, sanitary facilities, and full uniforms for over 300 residents of the Bolgatanga area.
“Thanks to the generosity of many people, last time we held an event like this, we were able to buy therapeutic equipment for Kelowna General Hospital. This time, our team decided that they wanted to positively impact the lives of others in a country desperate for our help,” said Geoff Webb, spokesperson for the group. “By providing a ‘pitch’, their name for a soccer field, giving them shirts, shorts, and shoes, and teaching them the elemental rules of soccer, they can also learn family skills, health information, and personal empowerment.” When asked about the area, Webb said, “Youth like us breathe soccer. Ghana was a quarter-finalist in the 2010 World Cup. The children there have very little, except for a passion for ‘football’. The kids and women there are poor in every way, and they need our help. Our team of eighteen- and nineteen-year-olds are dedicated to this cause. Soccer can provide education, inspiration, and most of all, hope.”
So how do you donate? Webb says, “You can watch the Marathon ‘live’ on YouStream during the event. You can interact, donate, or just watch. At any time, you can donate by going to
Happy Holidays form the youth of Kelowna and Ghana
Michael Patten
Villages of Hope and Heart
"Joan's Villages"
778-478-1148
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Reader Response to new model
I do believe going to the post office is now my favourite excursion. We don't have mail delivered to our door here in downtown Armstrong, so we (Caralyn) makes the daily 1 block trek to Canada Post Office.
North of 50 was distributed on Monday via the free racks. Two days later (Wednesday, Dec 7th) there were 7 new subscriptions at the post office and three via email. That is what I call a quick response.
Thank you supporters! Let's keep the momentum going!
North of 50 was distributed on Monday via the free racks. Two days later (Wednesday, Dec 7th) there were 7 new subscriptions at the post office and three via email. That is what I call a quick response.
Thank you supporters! Let's keep the momentum going!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A reader supported magazine
Somethin’s happening here ….
When North of 50⁰ was first published, almost 10 years ago, I could count the free magazines distributed in racks in the Central Okanagan on one hand. It was an efficient, cost-effective way to distribute our magazine - a win-win for the retailers and other high traffic businesses who allowed North of 50⁰ racks on their premises; each benefitting from the other’s clientele.
Today, it’s a different story. Recently, I counted 20 free magazines in Kelowna’s Capri Centre mall. It’s become a dog eat dog world out there. Businesses are inundated with print advertising sales reps cold calling, each trying to convince the prospect that their magazine will get them better results than any other.
Is any one publication better than the other? That’s not for me to say. Of course, I believe North of 50⁰ has the best content – that is North of 50⁰ has something to say. We present stories about social and political issues. We remain independent, not influenced by advertisers. We pay our writers and do not publish ads under the guise of advertorial. We are the ONLY magazine in the Okanagan that adheres to those high journalistic standards.
Our plan is to change our business model to a subscriber based magazine. What does that mean?
A reader supported magazine makes us accountable to our readers. It gives us more freedom to print stories that some advertisers and mainstream media will steer away from. We’re not interested in turning into an” off the wall” or “lefty” magazine; we ARE interested in being a progressive, forward thinking, publication, unafraid to dig deeper, to say more. We want to do more investigative reporting, print more opinion pieces and offer content different from mainstream media that relies so heavily on advertising for income.
The question is: Will readers support us? Send us your comments to: editor@northof50.com
When North of 50⁰ was first published, almost 10 years ago, I could count the free magazines distributed in racks in the Central Okanagan on one hand. It was an efficient, cost-effective way to distribute our magazine - a win-win for the retailers and other high traffic businesses who allowed North of 50⁰ racks on their premises; each benefitting from the other’s clientele.
Today, it’s a different story. Recently, I counted 20 free magazines in Kelowna’s Capri Centre mall. It’s become a dog eat dog world out there. Businesses are inundated with print advertising sales reps cold calling, each trying to convince the prospect that their magazine will get them better results than any other.
Is any one publication better than the other? That’s not for me to say. Of course, I believe North of 50⁰ has the best content – that is North of 50⁰ has something to say. We present stories about social and political issues. We remain independent, not influenced by advertisers. We pay our writers and do not publish ads under the guise of advertorial. We are the ONLY magazine in the Okanagan that adheres to those high journalistic standards.
Our plan is to change our business model to a subscriber based magazine. What does that mean?
A reader supported magazine makes us accountable to our readers. It gives us more freedom to print stories that some advertisers and mainstream media will steer away from. We’re not interested in turning into an” off the wall” or “lefty” magazine; we ARE interested in being a progressive, forward thinking, publication, unafraid to dig deeper, to say more. We want to do more investigative reporting, print more opinion pieces and offer content different from mainstream media that relies so heavily on advertising for income.
The question is: Will readers support us? Send us your comments to: editor@northof50.com
Sunday, April 3, 2011
My visit to Sparkling Hill Resort
My Sparkling Weekend
IF YOU'VE EVER SEEN that poster of a frazzled cat, its extended claws clinging to the ceiling, you will understand my usual state of mind. I’ve been heard to say, “I’m not tense. I’m just terribly alert!”
The calming effects of last year’s 21 day Panama cruise subsided long ago. Recently, I’ve been hankering for some alone time, a break from the pressures of deadlines, crashing computers and home responsibilities.
So, in January, when fellow-Panama-cruise-passenger-turned-friend Gwen Holt invited me to a weekend yoga retreat at Sparkling Hill, I was ripe for the picking. I’m not a girly girl; I’m not much into pedicures, manicures or massages, but when she dangled that “relaxing weekend, time-to-yourself” carrot in front of my nose, I snapped it up.
On Friday afternoon, I packed my bathing suit and my bad disposition into the car, bid good-bye to colleagues and family and drove a half hour to paradise. At least that is what Gwen promised and I was holding her to it.
I would not be disappointed. Even the drive to the resort was relaxing. The snow covered branches of grand ponderosa pines shimmered under the sun, as I followed the winding road through Predator Ridge golf community up to the top of the hill. Relaxation shifted to awe when I rounded the last corner. It’s as if the resort, inspired by the elements, has grown out of the granite. 240,000 square feet of cutting edge architectural brilliance sits on 188 acres atop Mount Royce, with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake and the Monashee Mountains.
If you’ve lived in the Thompson Okanagan long enough you are probably already taking your surroundings for granted. But not from this spot. It’s not possible.
And inside, the marvel continues. The lobby boasts an outstanding three story glass atrium, adorned with crystal chandeliers more impressive than any I’ve seen on a cruise ship, and yet none of it is pretentious. 1.9 million Swarovski Crystals are embedded in ceilings, walls, tiles, staircases, pools, fireplaces and the spa, and it is stunning.
My lake view room was equally spectacular. Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting off the crystal fireplace. A two person bathtub sits right in front of the window, taking advantage of the breathtaking view.
“I could kick off my shoes and just stay right here for the weekend,” I thought, but I had agreed to meet the rest of my yoga group in the library for a tour of the spa. When I arrived, the buzz was all about the rooms. None of us had experienced anything like this before. So when Sparkling Hill CEO, Hans Peter Mayr arrived to lead us on a tour of the spa we were all gushing with excitement.
Hans Peter explained that the 40,000 square foot KurSpa focuses on health more than pampering. We viewed the spa’s six aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms, three traditional pools, therapeutic Kneipp waterway, and the Serenity Lounge. He told us that a naturopath, a reflexologist, and a massage therapist were all available for consultation or treatments.
We spent a few minutes in the aqua meditation room, with its huge U-shaped bench moulded for comfort. The central water feature provided a focal point, while soft music served to relax. I don’t know much about ergo dynamics but the seats were so comfortable and the experience so restful that I eased into a completely different frame of mind.
Gwen facilitated two sessions per day – gentle yoga and meditation/relaxation in the morning and another meditation/relaxation in the early evening before the inclusive dinner. That meant a stressed out, multi-tasking wife and businesswoman could have all the afternoon and evening to herself, without the pressure of dashing from event to event. It also provided an opportunity to take advantage of the countless spa treatments on offer.
I tried the Fango Treatment where hot fango (Italian for mud), comprised of pure volcanic dust and water, was laid on my back; then I was wrapped in plastic and towels and left to lie in peace for 15 minutes while the natural minerals in the compound detoxified my skin and reinvigorated my muscles. Because the mud is heated to 50°C, I had wondered about hot flashes. No need. No flashes. And when I was unwrapped, no jangled nerves either!
By contrast, several of my new found yoga buddies chose to try the Ice Sauna, aka cryotherapy, which involves subjecting the whole body to extremes of low temperature for short periods. How low is the temperature? Minus 110 degrees Celsius.
Mercifully, I don’t suffer from arthritis or joint issues, the ailments most often eased by this treatment. As I watched others, dressed incongruously in shoes, socks, masks, earmuffs and bathing suits, from outside the glass windows, I felt like yelling “Are you nuts?” Obviously, they weren’t, because when they emerged, cold and red, they said they felt fantastic.
In case anyone didn’t feel fantastic, Hans Peter stayed inside with them, dressed immaculately in suit and tie, ready to escort them out to the warm waiting room if necessary.
I chose to forgo the ice sauna and chill out in the indoor pool instead. Oh, I was enjoying this experience. It was just too wonderful not to share. I’d intended to indulge myself but now I wanted my husband to relish the holistic experience too – pools, saunas, steam rooms, spas, and sheer luxury. So I called and my husband arrived in time for a superbly designed, cooked and presented dinner in the European inspired dining room.
After we’d eaten, we sipped liqueurs in the Barrique and Java social gathering spot downstairs, where Ken Heatherington - founder, vocalist and lead guitarist with Kelowna’s Zamboni Brothers - was giving an impromptu concert. What better way to end a perfect weekend than to laugh, sing and dance into the late evening?
Now I’m feeling renewed, revived and absolutely able to cope – at least until the next deadline.
IF YOU'VE EVER SEEN that poster of a frazzled cat, its extended claws clinging to the ceiling, you will understand my usual state of mind. I’ve been heard to say, “I’m not tense. I’m just terribly alert!”
The calming effects of last year’s 21 day Panama cruise subsided long ago. Recently, I’ve been hankering for some alone time, a break from the pressures of deadlines, crashing computers and home responsibilities.
So, in January, when fellow-Panama-cruise-passenger-turned-friend Gwen Holt invited me to a weekend yoga retreat at Sparkling Hill, I was ripe for the picking. I’m not a girly girl; I’m not much into pedicures, manicures or massages, but when she dangled that “relaxing weekend, time-to-yourself” carrot in front of my nose, I snapped it up.
On Friday afternoon, I packed my bathing suit and my bad disposition into the car, bid good-bye to colleagues and family and drove a half hour to paradise. At least that is what Gwen promised and I was holding her to it.
I would not be disappointed. Even the drive to the resort was relaxing. The snow covered branches of grand ponderosa pines shimmered under the sun, as I followed the winding road through Predator Ridge golf community up to the top of the hill. Relaxation shifted to awe when I rounded the last corner. It’s as if the resort, inspired by the elements, has grown out of the granite. 240,000 square feet of cutting edge architectural brilliance sits on 188 acres atop Mount Royce, with sweeping views of Okanagan Lake and the Monashee Mountains.
If you’ve lived in the Thompson Okanagan long enough you are probably already taking your surroundings for granted. But not from this spot. It’s not possible.
And inside, the marvel continues. The lobby boasts an outstanding three story glass atrium, adorned with crystal chandeliers more impressive than any I’ve seen on a cruise ship, and yet none of it is pretentious. 1.9 million Swarovski Crystals are embedded in ceilings, walls, tiles, staircases, pools, fireplaces and the spa, and it is stunning.
My lake view room was equally spectacular. Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting off the crystal fireplace. A two person bathtub sits right in front of the window, taking advantage of the breathtaking view.
“I could kick off my shoes and just stay right here for the weekend,” I thought, but I had agreed to meet the rest of my yoga group in the library for a tour of the spa. When I arrived, the buzz was all about the rooms. None of us had experienced anything like this before. So when Sparkling Hill CEO, Hans Peter Mayr arrived to lead us on a tour of the spa we were all gushing with excitement.
Hans Peter explained that the 40,000 square foot KurSpa focuses on health more than pampering. We viewed the spa’s six aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms, three traditional pools, therapeutic Kneipp waterway, and the Serenity Lounge. He told us that a naturopath, a reflexologist, and a massage therapist were all available for consultation or treatments.
We spent a few minutes in the aqua meditation room, with its huge U-shaped bench moulded for comfort. The central water feature provided a focal point, while soft music served to relax. I don’t know much about ergo dynamics but the seats were so comfortable and the experience so restful that I eased into a completely different frame of mind.
Gwen facilitated two sessions per day – gentle yoga and meditation/relaxation in the morning and another meditation/relaxation in the early evening before the inclusive dinner. That meant a stressed out, multi-tasking wife and businesswoman could have all the afternoon and evening to herself, without the pressure of dashing from event to event. It also provided an opportunity to take advantage of the countless spa treatments on offer.
I tried the Fango Treatment where hot fango (Italian for mud), comprised of pure volcanic dust and water, was laid on my back; then I was wrapped in plastic and towels and left to lie in peace for 15 minutes while the natural minerals in the compound detoxified my skin and reinvigorated my muscles. Because the mud is heated to 50°C, I had wondered about hot flashes. No need. No flashes. And when I was unwrapped, no jangled nerves either!
By contrast, several of my new found yoga buddies chose to try the Ice Sauna, aka cryotherapy, which involves subjecting the whole body to extremes of low temperature for short periods. How low is the temperature? Minus 110 degrees Celsius.
Mercifully, I don’t suffer from arthritis or joint issues, the ailments most often eased by this treatment. As I watched others, dressed incongruously in shoes, socks, masks, earmuffs and bathing suits, from outside the glass windows, I felt like yelling “Are you nuts?” Obviously, they weren’t, because when they emerged, cold and red, they said they felt fantastic.
In case anyone didn’t feel fantastic, Hans Peter stayed inside with them, dressed immaculately in suit and tie, ready to escort them out to the warm waiting room if necessary.
I chose to forgo the ice sauna and chill out in the indoor pool instead. Oh, I was enjoying this experience. It was just too wonderful not to share. I’d intended to indulge myself but now I wanted my husband to relish the holistic experience too – pools, saunas, steam rooms, spas, and sheer luxury. So I called and my husband arrived in time for a superbly designed, cooked and presented dinner in the European inspired dining room.
After we’d eaten, we sipped liqueurs in the Barrique and Java social gathering spot downstairs, where Ken Heatherington - founder, vocalist and lead guitarist with Kelowna’s Zamboni Brothers - was giving an impromptu concert. What better way to end a perfect weekend than to laugh, sing and dance into the late evening?
Now I’m feeling renewed, revived and absolutely able to cope – at least until the next deadline.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
We're looking for Salespeople
North of 50 Degrees is seeking a Print Advertising Account Executive. The successful candidate will generate advertising revenue by prospecting and building relationships that result in new business.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Develop proposals for clients and potential clients. (cold calling)
• Understand client objectives, contribute to marketing strategies and develop innovative advertising campaigns.
• Follow through with superior client servicing to ensure client objectives are delivered as promised.
• Drive revenue to meet or surpass revenue targets and object.
• Better than average remuneration
Email your resume to: sales@northof50.com
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Develop proposals for clients and potential clients. (cold calling)
• Understand client objectives, contribute to marketing strategies and develop innovative advertising campaigns.
• Follow through with superior client servicing to ensure client objectives are delivered as promised.
• Drive revenue to meet or surpass revenue targets and object.
• Better than average remuneration
Email your resume to: sales@northof50.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
WIN A HOUSEBOAT VACATION on the Shuswap
We are always striving to make North of 50 more relevant to our reader's needs and interests. To do that we need to know more about you. So we've created a reader survey and you can complete it online at http://www.northof50.com our website.
We are not beneath bribing you to fill in the survey and give us your feedback. That's why we're giving away a Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacation. To be eligible for the draw, please fill out our readership survey.
We are not beneath bribing you to fill in the survey and give us your feedback. That's why we're giving away a Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacation. To be eligible for the draw, please fill out our readership survey.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
This Just In - Rotary Clubs Spring Breakout Fast Approaching
This press release just came across my desk and I thought I would share it with you. We've already sent our files to press, so it won't make it in the printed March issue. Sounds like a fun event.
ROTARY CLUB OF VERNON'S 50TH ANNUAL SPRING BREAK-OUT FOR SENIORS RAPIDLY APPROACHING
Highly Anticipated Event Attracts Up To 500 Local Area Seniors to Free Evening of Dinner and Live Entertainment
The Rotary Club of Vernon’s Annual Spring Break-out for Seniors takes place on the evening of Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 at the Vernon Recreation Centre. The highly anticipated event has been held for more than 50 years and is a free dinner and dance with live entertainment for local seniors. Nearly 500 attendees will enjoy a delicious complimentary meal with wine, served by Rotarians themselves. Door prizes, dance performances and live music will round out the fun evening.
The Spring Break-out runs from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (doors open at 5:00 pm) and allows seniors to get out and have a social evening at no charge while welcoming the return of spring. The event is made possible through the generosity of local sponsors and volunteers, as well as donations raised from December’s Rotary Carol Festival. It is an opportunity for these valuable members of the community to mingle and meet people of the same age group and share common interests. The Rotary Club of Vernon also provides free drives for those who do not have transportation of their own.
Admission for seniors is by complimentary advanced ticket only, which can be picked up free of charge from the Vernon Schubert Centre or the Recreation Centre. Requests for drives may also be made at the same time.
The Rotary Club of Vernon is a member club of District 5060 of Rotary International. Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.
ROTARY CLUB OF VERNON'S 50TH ANNUAL SPRING BREAK-OUT FOR SENIORS RAPIDLY APPROACHING
Highly Anticipated Event Attracts Up To 500 Local Area Seniors to Free Evening of Dinner and Live Entertainment
The Rotary Club of Vernon’s Annual Spring Break-out for Seniors takes place on the evening of Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 at the Vernon Recreation Centre. The highly anticipated event has been held for more than 50 years and is a free dinner and dance with live entertainment for local seniors. Nearly 500 attendees will enjoy a delicious complimentary meal with wine, served by Rotarians themselves. Door prizes, dance performances and live music will round out the fun evening.
The Spring Break-out runs from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (doors open at 5:00 pm) and allows seniors to get out and have a social evening at no charge while welcoming the return of spring. The event is made possible through the generosity of local sponsors and volunteers, as well as donations raised from December’s Rotary Carol Festival. It is an opportunity for these valuable members of the community to mingle and meet people of the same age group and share common interests. The Rotary Club of Vernon also provides free drives for those who do not have transportation of their own.
Admission for seniors is by complimentary advanced ticket only, which can be picked up free of charge from the Vernon Schubert Centre or the Recreation Centre. Requests for drives may also be made at the same time.
The Rotary Club of Vernon is a member club of District 5060 of Rotary International. Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
We're switching from our Facebook Group to a Facebook Page
We are moving our Facebook group/North of 50 to better reach - and to be more involved - with our members, who will now be “Fans.” If you haven't already become a fan, please go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-of-50-Degrees-Newsmagazine/63324367480 and click LIKE to become a fan.
Or visit our main website: http://www.northof50.com/ and click LIKE at the top of the page.
Can't wait to see you there!
Cheers
TJ
Or visit our main website: http://www.northof50.com/ and click LIKE at the top of the page.
Can't wait to see you there!
Cheers
TJ
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
$8/hour means $16,640 per year before tax and CPP deductions. Could you live on that?
Check out this excellent report on Myths and Facts about BC's minimum wage. It's from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
http://www.policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/BC%20Office/2011/02/CCPA_BTN_minimum_wage_facts_2011_web.pdf
http://www.policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/BC%20Office/2011/02/CCPA_BTN_minimum_wage_facts_2011_web.pdf
Friday, February 11, 2011
What's a Facebook Page and Why do we have one?
Oh heavens, now North of 50 has a Facebook Page. We already had a Facebook Group and I am not clear on what the difference is, but I do know this...
I foolishly made a bet that I could get fifty (50) people to visit the page and click on LIKE in the next week. It was explained to me why this was important, but I didn't quite understand. The trouble with me is I can't turn down a challenge and now I have to ask all of you to help me win the bet.
Please visit North of 50's facebook page at
I foolishly made a bet that I could get fifty (50) people to visit the page and click on LIKE in the next week. It was explained to me why this was important, but I didn't quite understand. The trouble with me is I can't turn down a challenge and now I have to ask all of you to help me win the bet.
Please visit North of 50's facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-of-50-Degrees-Newsmagazine/63324367480 and click on "LIKE" on the bottom left of the page.
Many thanks.
TJ
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Free Permaculture Info Session at Schubert Centre on Feb. 18
Element Eco-Design is hosting a free Permaculture Info Session
Friday February 18th, 2011
7pm-9pm
Schubert Centre, 3505 30th Avenue, Vernon.
Rob Avis of Verge Permaculture will be presenting a slideshow followed by a Q&A session.Friday February 18th, 2011
7pm-9pm
Schubert Centre, 3505 30th Avenue, Vernon.
The presentation is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend! If you have any questions please email us or give us a call.
Feel free to pass this invitation along to family, friends and colleagues.
Gordon and Jana Hiebert
Permaculture Designers
Element Eco-Design 250-938-5148
elementecodesign.com
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Congrats to the Darfield Earthship house for winning 'A Better Organic World Contest.'
In April 2010 North of 50 ran a story about a Darfield couple, Sandra Burkholder and Chris Newton, who were building an ultra eco-friendly earthship house. I have just received a press release announcing that Sandra won So Nice's (the organic soy beverage company) "A Better Organic World" contest.
The Grand Prize was $5000, which Sandra will use to help execute her sustainable plan, The Darfield Earthship.
In her winning contest entry, Sandra stated that she would spend $5,000 toward a better organic world on teaching and demonstrating a sustainable lifestyle. In July 2009, her family began building an earthship – a sustainable house built of used tires and pop cans. Burkholder said they would invest the $5,000 in developing teaching tools to educate the many visitors that they have, and will continue to have, once their earthship is completed in early 2011. At the end of this blog post is a link to the original story if you're interested.
“Since we found out we were the Grand Prize winners, we've had a hard time keeping it to ourselves while all the details were being finalized,” said Sandra. “The first thing we are planning to do is to create signage to explain how an earthship integrates green building methods, water conservation, organic growing techniques and renewable energy into one home. We hope to educate the hundreds of visitors we receive each year, and perhaps to inspire them to live greener, better organic lives."
Sandra's entry was chosen out of 20 contest finalists by a 6-person independent judging panel, consisting of (in alphabetical order):
Lindsay Coulter
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/
Élise Desaulniers
http://penseravantdouvrirlabouche.com/
Valerie Lugonja
http://www.acanadianfoodie.com/
Celine MacKay
http://www.puregreenliving.com/
Raul Pacheco
http://www.raulpacheco.org/
Kate Trgovac
http://www.mynameiskate.ca/
The So Nice “A Better Organic World” contest ran from August 16 to December 31, 2010 and resulted in 500+ entries from across North America.
Here's a link to the story from our past-issues archive. It is a large pdf file Darfield Earth House, April 2010 North of 50
The Grand Prize was $5000, which Sandra will use to help execute her sustainable plan, The Darfield Earthship.
In her winning contest entry, Sandra stated that she would spend $5,000 toward a better organic world on teaching and demonstrating a sustainable lifestyle. In July 2009, her family began building an earthship – a sustainable house built of used tires and pop cans. Burkholder said they would invest the $5,000 in developing teaching tools to educate the many visitors that they have, and will continue to have, once their earthship is completed in early 2011. At the end of this blog post is a link to the original story if you're interested.
“Since we found out we were the Grand Prize winners, we've had a hard time keeping it to ourselves while all the details were being finalized,” said Sandra. “The first thing we are planning to do is to create signage to explain how an earthship integrates green building methods, water conservation, organic growing techniques and renewable energy into one home. We hope to educate the hundreds of visitors we receive each year, and perhaps to inspire them to live greener, better organic lives."
Sandra's entry was chosen out of 20 contest finalists by a 6-person independent judging panel, consisting of (in alphabetical order):
Lindsay Coulter
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/
Élise Desaulniers
http://penseravantdouvrirlabouche.com/
Valerie Lugonja
http://www.acanadianfoodie.com/
Celine MacKay
http://www.puregreenliving.com/
Raul Pacheco
http://www.raulpacheco.org/
Kate Trgovac
http://www.mynameiskate.ca/
The So Nice “A Better Organic World” contest ran from August 16 to December 31, 2010 and resulted in 500+ entries from across North America.
Here's a link to the story from our past-issues archive. It is a large pdf file Darfield Earth House, April 2010 North of 50
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Better Late than Never - The February 2011 issue finally hits the stands
Oh good gravy - I actually used substantially fouler language when the February 2011 issue of North of 50 showed up two days late, but I am self-editing for the purposes of this blog. I know. I know. #*@! happens and glitches are more common than smooth sailing in the publishing business. But, I wonder if I would appreciate the final product - the print magazine - if there wasn't this bit of chaos to remind me that it isn't easy, but it is so worth it.
I look at this month's cover story and I think, 'don't sweat the small stuff'. The story of Kevin Kienlein's double lung / heart transplant was researched and written by regular contributor, Christine Pilgrim. Once recovered Kevin plans to take up inspirational speaking to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
Also in this issue, because it's February and Valentine's Day is right around the corner, there's a story about finding love on the Internet. That story and the Kevin Kienlein transplant piece can be found on the web version of the magazine, too, at http://www.northof50.com. I love that the Internet allows North of 50 to be read worldwide, but I confess, I like the feel of the print magazine in my hands. I like flipping through the pages, scribbling in the margins, reading in the bathtub, which is exactly what I plan to do right now.
Cheers
TJ
.
I look at this month's cover story and I think, 'don't sweat the small stuff'. The story of Kevin Kienlein's double lung / heart transplant was researched and written by regular contributor, Christine Pilgrim. Once recovered Kevin plans to take up inspirational speaking to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
Also in this issue, because it's February and Valentine's Day is right around the corner, there's a story about finding love on the Internet. That story and the Kevin Kienlein transplant piece can be found on the web version of the magazine, too, at http://www.northof50.com. I love that the Internet allows North of 50 to be read worldwide, but I confess, I like the feel of the print magazine in my hands. I like flipping through the pages, scribbling in the margins, reading in the bathtub, which is exactly what I plan to do right now.
Cheers
TJ
.
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