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.
Recently,however, I counted 20 free magazines in Kelowna’s Capri Centre mall. We believe North of 50 is different. 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 We pay our writers and do not publish ads under the guise of advertorial.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.
North of 50⁰ is the BEST READ magazine in our region. So here’s the thing. We’re changing our business model. We will now be a reader supported, subscription based, bi-monthly publication. We are still printing 14,000 and mailing to businesses and subscribers.
WHY SUBSCRIPTION BASED – 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.
That’s not to say North of 50⁰ doesn’t value advertisers. We do! We hope to attract advertisers who wish to be associated with a quality read, who believe there is a need for a progressive, independent voice in our region.
WHY BI-MONTHLY – It takes time to investigate stories. To ensure we can deliver the quality content we are committed to, we need two months to research and gather information, to arrange interviews, to check and double check sources. We want to bring you stories and interviews that mainstream simply can’t.
WILL YOU STILL CARRY THE SAME COLUMNISTS? Yes, we will. And more, too. Calvin White and Don Sawyer ‘went national’ years ago; each has been published in major magazines and newspapers across the country. They’ve been called the best opinion writers in Canada, and for good reason. Whether you agree with them or not, they certainly bring compelling editorial to the table.
We would like to hear from others, too and we invite submissions from authors from various backgrounds and levels of experience. We’re especially interested in social, political and cultural issues, especially as they relate to the Thompson/ Okanagan.
The new North of 50 will require more eyes and ears, more editorial focus than little old me can handle on my own. So I have asked Christine Pilgrim to act as editor. The idea of the new magazine with the new editorial focus is right up her alley. Christine Pilgrim has been a regular contributor for several years, and has tackled topics like poverty and homelessness, and arts and culture. Now, she will add a new title to her resume, as editor of the new North of 50.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT North of 50⁰? – Please show your support by sending us your contact / subscription information by email, fax or snail mail. Or call the office toll free, 1.877.667.8450. You can also subscribe online:
IF YOU ARE ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER, thank you, thank you. If you are already a subscriber, you will continue to receive North of 50⁰ for the number of issues you subscribed to.
http://www.northof50.com
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Can you live on $610 /month? - Press Release from Raisetherates.org
“Welfare Challenge” group challenges BC to match Alberta’s disability rates
Raise the Rates, the BC coalition that challenged MLAs to live on the welfare rate of $610 a month issued a new challenge today:
“We challenge the BC government to immediately raise disability rates to the Alberta level of $1588 per month,” said Andrina Perry of Raise the Rates. “There is no reason for BC residents who have a disability to have their health issues compounded by trying to live on the mere $906 that they get in BC.”
Raise the Rates wants the BC government to increase all income assistance benefits, including those for single parents and single people, to levels that are adequate to live on.
“People with disabilities in BC are living in poverty,” said Robin Loxton of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities. “We call on the BC government to immediately increase BC’s disability rates.”
“If BC copied the Alberta increase it means people with disabilities like me could go to the community fitness gym for physiotherapy without taking the money out of our food budgets,” said Brenn Kapitan. “It would mean I could get a massage for my inflamed joints, have a longer life expectancy and reduce my risk of cancer.”
Alberta also increased the amount of earnings that people with a disability can keep from $400 a month to $800.
raisetherates.org
Raise the Rates, the BC coalition that challenged MLAs to live on the welfare rate of $610 a month issued a new challenge today:
“We challenge the BC government to immediately raise disability rates to the Alberta level of $1588 per month,” said Andrina Perry of Raise the Rates. “There is no reason for BC residents who have a disability to have their health issues compounded by trying to live on the mere $906 that they get in BC.”
Raise the Rates wants the BC government to increase all income assistance benefits, including those for single parents and single people, to levels that are adequate to live on.
“People with disabilities in BC are living in poverty,” said Robin Loxton of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities. “We call on the BC government to immediately increase BC’s disability rates.”
“If BC copied the Alberta increase it means people with disabilities like me could go to the community fitness gym for physiotherapy without taking the money out of our food budgets,” said Brenn Kapitan. “It would mean I could get a massage for my inflamed joints, have a longer life expectancy and reduce my risk of cancer.”
Alberta also increased the amount of earnings that people with a disability can keep from $400 a month to $800.
raisetherates.org
Monday, December 19, 2011
Habitat for Humanity South Okanagan is Celebrating.
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
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
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.
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