International Men’s Day was way more than expected . . . friendships were made.  Friends chatted, played pool, watched a football and a hockey game.Even oliveronline’s very reclusive Science Fiction author Jim Bowering was there for the fun. So was our dressmaker Dianne. We had a door prize . . .  won by our very dashing Fire Chief Bob Graham. Really. . .  the Fire chief in a kilt . . and that is all I have to say about that . . .Paul won the Boobie prize, untitled #12 by Moi . .

Why did we throw THEM a party? I asked myself that question a few times after the reactions of some people to International Men’s Day.

We did this because we wanted to help heal the divide seen coming between men and women.

I organized the Woman’s march after 45 was sworn in. Why not a party for one of God’s finest creations. . .  we noticed he did not stop there . . just sayin’.

A great time was had by all, then this happened.

Michael my friend from sooooooo long ago and I had a chat regarding Men’s day. I suggested he take a lady out for tea, the ladies of Oliver are going to throw the Men a party. Seamed like a nice idea to me.

Well . .  Michael took my suggestion, put it on steroids and near the end of the evening he surprised me from Vancouver!

However I am looking, looking really hard and realized  he had brought the amazing Tania, my wonderful friend and neighbour with him. Apparently my mouth was stuck open for a long time while my brain sorted this out, not an attractive look!

The evening ended with the three of us having tea. I did not expect that.

We all deserve to be treated wonderfully by each other. I can’t do anything about yesterday but we can help influence our future.

I am very proud of the ladies of Oliver, specially Cori and Tara . .  the door was Tara’s idea!

Gentlemen see you next year November 19th. Mark it on your calendars.

“Let’s give them something to talk about” 2007“Butterfly Boy” 2008“Pain” 1978“David” 1981“Tom” 2010

Just a few paintings in honour of International Men’s Day!

Just a few of the fabulous men and men in training with the Mothers, Daughters, Wives, Sisters and Friends who love, like and adore you!

             Of course I have missed a lot . . send me their photos, but give ’em a hug first!

I may seem a little different

But really I am not

I don’t go to your school

But I’m still being taught

You talk a little faster

And walk quicker too

I just like to take my time

But I’ll catch up to you

Don’t treat me any different

As I wont to you

And we’ll get along just fine

As all people do

When it’s all put on paper

And seen in black and white

We’re all just human beings

With all the same rights

So don’t treat me any different

And I wont to you

And we’ll be then best of friends

It’s all up to you

Irene Sutherland, Oliver BC

Double Double DUO is a ‘double threat’ when classically trained international soloists, Dr. Kornel Wolak (clarinet/piano) and Michael Bridge (accordions/piano) join forces on the Venables Theatre stage Friday, November 16th.  They succeed in giving classical music a modern voice through dynamic performances and eclectic instrumentation. Comedy, vituosity and musical sensitivity are used to bring their broad repertoire to life.

Collaborating since 2011, the pair have been actively touring in Poland, France and Ecuador and perform across Canada for arts organizations as diverse as the music they play – from the Ontario Philharmonic to the Calgary Stampede.  Expect all-original arrangements of classical showpieces, sensitive jazz ballads and fiery folk music from around the world.

The South Okanagan Concert Society urges you to get your tickets and bring a friend. Our first concert of the season, the Marc Atkinson Trio, had the audience on their feet hammering hands together and calling for more.  So often, locals hear about the fantastic concert they missed and since each group only performs here once, a miss is a miss.  Don’t let that happen to you.  Encourage some friends who perhaps have not been introduced to the high quality SOCS performances and get your reserved seats now!

Tickets are on sale at <www.venablestheatre.ca> or at the theatre box office Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10 to 3 pm.  Thanks to our generous sponsors, tickets are affordable.  Two or more tickets in advance are $21 each.  A single ticket in advanced is $23.  Single tickets at the door are $25.  Children and youth are only $2.50.  All concerts in the series start at 7:30 pm.

So who are these ‘double threat’ musicians?  Of Polish origin, Dr. Kornel Wolak performs on clarinet and piano.  “Control and a smooth expressivity are what make Wolak shine” (Toronto Star).  He is currently pioneering collaborative research in oral articulators with the Department of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Toronto.  He is an internationally renowned soloist, teacher and touring chamber musician.

Originally from Alberta, Michael Bridge (accordions and piano) was named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians under 30” in 2016.  He is a winner of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Medal and the Canadian Digital Accordion Championships.  Active in new music, he has over 30 world premieres to his credit.  He is a graduate student in accordion performance at the University of Toronto studying with Joseph Macerollo.

Arrive early at Venables Theatre for the extra treat of hearing Helen Wolfe and her handbell choir perform pre-concert in the foyer.

Public is welcome. No monetary cost to attend though we would appreciate a food donation to the knights of Columbus food hamper box we have at the entrance. The women of Oliver will serve appies, desserts and some refreshments, door prizes etc. Should be a lot of fun.

Update the party will be held in the canteen!

Jim writes about 750 words a day . . . after coffee.

“If I have a good line to start the day the rest of the day is great”.

He writes long hand with a Parker 51 fountain pen. ( I’ll see if I can get a shot of  the manuscript and maybe the pen).  Jim says he can write dialogue all day long, it is just like me taking dictation.

With the end of the serialization of The Plainsrunner on OliverOnline, it will soon be time to take down the chapter files from the Green Comet website. At that time it will no longer be possible to download them, so if you are missing any now is the time to get them.

Jim has decided to leave them in place until the end of November to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance to get them all, but as of December 1st they will be gone forever. Thanks again for taking part in the OliverOnline Book Club, and if you know anyone who needs to complete their collection of chapters please let them know of this deadline.
I thank Jim and the readers for this great experiment!

PS My wish came true . . .

The Plainsrunner – Review Copies Available

Free review copies of The Plainsrunner are now available.  If you would like a copy of the finished novel, simply request one from the author.  You are not required to actually submit a review of the book, although Jim would really appreciate it.  Go to the Green Comet website for further details.

https://greencomet.org/2018/11/14/review-copies-of-the-plainsrunner/