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Date: Oct 30, 2009

Entry: Hi – my name is Stanley and I am the official mascot of our Visitor Centre. A few years ago, I joined the staff there and my official duties are to welcome visitors and ensure everyone enjoys the spirit of the many activities we do in our community. I even have outfits for Lobster Festival, Remembrance Day, Halloween – and of course, greeting tourists! I have been so busy at work, that I really haven't had time to travel the Best Place on Earth – British Columbia – so when we received a letter from Ms.Seko's 4/5 Class at Pitt Meadows Elementary – I thought it was time for a road trip! So this week, Megan helped me pack and get ready to go. Ms. Seko's class is keeping active by running across Canada – and on November 6th, they will have completed the distance to Armstrong. So, why did I think I should visit them? On November 6th, they are celebrating 'Armstrong Day' complete with cheese sandwiches! When our Mayor heard about this, he went to the Village Cheese and they were nice enough to give me cheese for their sandwiches. Along with the cheese, Mayor Pieper sent a letter from Council and city pins. I made sure I took a letter from our Visitor Centre, postcards and a DVD on our community. I sure hope Ms.Seko's class can take me on a tour of Pitt Meadows Elementary School and maybe I can even get a picture with the class before they send me back to Armstrong. I have to report back to the boss and to Mayor Pieper when I get back – I will let you know how it goes. Anyways, I better get going – my Canada Post ride is leaving pretty quick!

Stanley visits Pitt Meadows Elementary School!

Date: Oct 30, 2009

Entry: City Administrator, Patti Ferguson, keeps Mayor Pieper in line after a particularly gruelling morning!

Come to the hall on Halloween Eve, it’s the scariest staff you’ll ever believe!
From the witch at the back to the group at the front, answers to your questions may be met with a grunt.
We will all have good fun from morning to night, we’ll try not to give the kids such a fright!

So have a safe and happy Halloween from the terrorizing staff of City Hall!

Just another day at City Hall!!!

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: The North Okanagan Knights are a Canadian Junior ice hockey team who will be calling Armstrong, British Columbia home for the next season. They play in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League and their home ice is at the 400-seat Nor-Val Sports Center. The Knights will be eligible to compete for both the Cyclone Taylor Cup and the Keystone Cup. The community is excited to have this level of hockey come to the community - and season tickets went quickly. Catch a Knights game and cheer for the hometeam!

New Hockey Team comes to Armstrong!

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Thank you to all of the people who helped with ice installation and club preparation this September and October. Larry was at the Club from 5:00 to 5:00 every day except for Sharon's Birthday. I had to give him the day off. Tim comes in at the drop of a hat and will work under difficult conditions 16 hours a day if required. Thanks Tim. Maurice worked as much as his job and his knees would let him. Russ, Bill, Barry, Dennis, Gord, Don, Rich, Nick, and Greg also spent many hours here when they could have been enjoying the sunshine. Dave thinks nothing of meeting me at the club at 11:00pm to put down another flood and I have to thank Bonnie as well for helping Dave with floods when I was not here on the weekends. I also would like to thank my daughter, who fills in if she is handy. Bev is the sparkplug who is responsible for the painted washrooms and changerooms. She was helped by Sue, Nick, Jackson, Dave and Dianne. Bill did the carpentry work required after the IPE. Nick and Dave spent hours cleaning all of the carpets, twice!! Once after the IPE and after ice installation and painting. Deb has put in many hours volunteering around the club, getting ready for the season and helping with fundraisers. The Armstrong Curling Club can look forward to another great year due to our volunteers!

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Thank you to all of the people who helped with ice installation and club preparation this September and October. Larry was at the Club from 5:00 to 5:00 every day except for Sharon's Birthday. I had to...more

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: IPE General Manager Bryan Burns was behind bars this week. Mr.Burns was jailed on charges of going 'hog wild' and encouraging others to do the same during the 110th Annual Interior Provincial Exhibition and Rodeo. Mr.Burns was under lock and key at the IPE office on Wednesday beginning at 10am and remained jailed until bail money had been raised and donated to the Kidney Foundation of Canada as part of their 'Round 'em Up, Bail them Out' campaign.

IPE GM accused of going 'hog wild'

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Established in 1973, we believe our market is the oldest in BC. In true country atmosphere you can get a coffee and a muffin, a smokie in a bun, ethnic foods, conventional and organic vegetables and fruits, homemade bread and other baked goods, jams and jellies, cheeses, sausage, free range eggs, snacks, gorgeous flower arrangements, plants, home and garden accessories, beautiful wooden bowls, jewelry boxes, wooden planters and garden furniture, unique clothing for kids and adults, fabulous hand made jewelry, fashion accessories, soaps and body products, and numerous other items produced by the vendors. Our motto is "we make it, bake it or grow it". It's a great way to spend a Saturday morning. As you stroll along making your purchases you can visit with friends and neighbours while being entertained by some of our local musicians. See you there!

Armstrong Farmers' Market

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Armstrong City Council is again donating to the Christmas Hamper program. As in years past, Council has agreed to provide the interest earned from the Oke Swenson trust fund to the Christmas Hamper and Food Bank programs. Under the terms of the will, the city is to spend the interest from the trust fund to aid the poor of the community. The money will certainly be put to good use with an expected increase in food bank demand.

City donation aids food bank

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: A big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Gene Richards! The winner of a pair of tickets to watch the Ladies Free Skate Medal Session during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games! With over 100 entries received from residents of the City of Armstrong, Gene was quite the lucky guy. Mayor Pieper presented him with a certificate at the regular council meeting Monday, October 26th, 2009. Congratulations again, Gene, we know you will have a blast!

The Winner Is ...

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: The Interior Provincial Exhibition enjoyed an award-winning year. IPE General Manager Bryan Burns came home with a handful of hardware from the recent BC Association of Agricultual Fairs and Exhibitions convention. 'We won six first-place awards in our attendance category' said Bryan after returning from the event. The Armstrong fair won first-place in four award categories and three awards in the Member's Choice category. One of the top honors was winning the Agricultural Achievement of the Year award, which recognized the new IPE office. Two additional important awards were in Agricultural Education and Economic Importance of Agriculture. We are very proud to have 'our fair' win these top awards. As IPE President Shirley Fowler said ' It is a tribute to everyone involved in organizing this huge community event. The volunteers, staff, sponsors and Board of Directors should be proud of the recognition recieved."

Interior Provincial Exhibition recognized at provincial convention

Date: Oct 29, 2009

Entry: Jolene Kutzner, a senior dance student at the Susan Paisley School of Dance, recently was accepted into the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's teacher training program! Jolene has been dancing since the age of 4, and has trained in various ballet techniques, and various disciplines. Her drive and commitment are an example of determination to follow one's dream!

Dancer follows her dream!

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: Even though there is no ski hill in Armstrong, there are definitely ski enthusiasts living here! After a longer than usual winter, with more snow than we have seen in several years - there appeared to be a 'sports tagger' on the loose in the community! The pedestrian crossing sign located at our Spirit Square was 'tagged' and turned into a 'ski crossing', while another pedestrian crossing was turned into a 'equestrian crossing'. Thankfully, the black electrical tape was able to be removed, however, we have not been able to identify the mystery 'sports tagger' and thank him/her for their artistic contribution to the community!

Ski Crossing?

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: In 2008, we lost a member of our community to Cancer. Becky was well known for her love of life and involved in the community as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Royal York Golf Club and for her involvement in Armstrong in Bloom. In June 2009, a golf tournament was held to raise funds for the Cancer Society in Becky's memory. There was a great turnout - good golf, a great meal, lots of door prizes and a silent auction. Becky would have been happy!

Becky Stutt Memorial Golf Tournament

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: When planning community events, you always know there are certain groups who will never hesitate to volunteer – even if it means long hours in exchange for a feeling of a job well done! Armstrong Scouts are one of those groups – whether it is Canada Day, BC150 Celebrations or Harvest Pumpkin Festival, Armstrong Scouts are always willing to be part of the fun! At the 9th Annual Harvest Pumpkin Festival, Scouts provided a concession, organized free games for the children, provided on site first aid providers and for the first time, entered the Great Pumpkin Launch. They are a great group – well organized – always active – and always like to be part of the fun! Thanks Scouts!

Armstrong Scouts in Action!

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: During Harvest Pumpkin Festival, there were opportunities to enter to win door prizes and a great Pumpkin Relaxation Basket. While those were great prizes, most people were anxious to get their entries in to win a pair of Vancouver 2010 Winter Olypmic event tickets. Throughout the year, residents could get additional ballots simply by attending free community events. The tickets were won by Armstrong in a Gamestown 2010 earlybird draw – and we were excited to find out someone in our community had the chance to win 2 tickets to the Ladies Figure Skating event! Mayor Chris Pieper was assisted by Pastor Bruce Brown and others in attendance in drawing the winners of all the prizes. And the winner of the pair of 2010 Winter Olympic tickets is......watch for the announcement to be posted by the City of Armstrong!

And the winner is.....

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: Almost since the beginning, Mostly Minis and Taylorside Miniatures have set up a petting area at Harvest Pumpkin Festival (and other community events) to give children a chance to interact with farm animals. This experience is priceless for children who might not otherwise have a chance to get up close and personal with animals such as goats and sheep – and is provided at no charge – making this a great family activity. Thank You!!

Mini Goats at Pumpkin Festival

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: That’s right – flying pumpkins! During the Great Pumpkin Launch at the 9th Annual Harvest Pumpkin Festival, all manner of launching devices - crude wooden contraptions to sophisticated machines of vegetable warfare were put to the test. Spectators watched the orange projectiles launch, then smash into pieces while trying to hit the target or go the distance. Launching began with each team warming up before the official launch. The perfect pumpkin for these machines? Perfectly round, 6 to 6.5 pounds. The rules were simple: human powered – no limit to the size or what it is made from. Categories included Closest to the Target, Distance, adult/business, homeschool, youth and youth/adult categories. Sponsored by Re/Max Armstrong, a new category was added – Pumpkin Cannons – which ran as a demonstration event this year –featuring cannons from Tolko and the Fire Department. Youth entries ranged from the Pumpkinators, a Kelowna HomeSchool team, a team from OUC in Salmon Arm and the newly formed Armstrong Scouts Catapult team. The Smithsonian Pumpkin Tossers from Kamloops celebrated Grandpa’s 70th birthday. Do they know those pudgy orange vegetables contain the essence of youth? And then there are the diehards – Jong Garden’s team is the reigning Pumpkin Launch Kings and are looking for the bravest of the brave to challenge their flame-themed launcher. Is 2010 the year someone else claims the throne?

When in Armstrong - watch out for Flying Pumpkins!

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: New this year to the Harvest Pumpkin Festival event was Pumpkin Bowling sponsored by Armstrong Sears. Ron and his crew of teenage volunteers built and set up a great event. Free for all – pumpkins and gourds were donated by The Log Barn. It didn't matter how great of a bowler you were – everyone won! The line up was long – but worth it. Great activity to get everyone moving - thanks Ron and Armstrong Sears for organizing this fun activity.

Pumpkin Bowling!

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: Part of the Harvest Pumpkin Festival event since it began, the Children's Pumpkin Carving is a popular event with kids young and old. Pumpkins are provided by a local grower and the Chamber of Commerce and prizes generously donated by A & W. Entry is free – all you have to do is carve a pumpkin. Judging takes place at noon and anyone wishing can donate their pumpkin to the Haunted House where it will be lit up during the evening shows.

Children's Pumpkin Carving

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: October 24th was a beautiful sunny day in Armstrong and a great day for our annual Harvest Pumpkin Festival. Beginning at 9am with the Armstrong Farmers' Market and other vendors, local residents and visitors enjoyed the activities. A Pumpkin Waffle served up by Glad Tidings Church Kitchen was the start of some great local eating including locally made smokies and sausage from The Meating Place. A Bounce 'n' Play, petting zoo, Children's Pumpkin Carving, children's games, Lawn Tractor Racing, and the 'Great Pumpkin Launch' made the day something special – and unique to our farming community.

9th Annual Harvest Pumpkin Festival

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: The annual Lawn Tractor Races, part of Harvest Pumpkin Festival, saw another great group of racers. Time trials began at 10am with racing beginning at 11am. 'A', 'B', and 'C' heats were followed by a special celebrity race featuring City of Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper battling it out against Jen Bailey representing 107.5 Kiss FM and Grindrod Gertie! Mayor Pieper ran a good race - and pulled ahead in the end!

Lawn Tractor Racing in Armstrong!

Date: Oct 27, 2009

Entry: Providing a safe and fun experience for our community and the families that live, the Harvest Pumpkin Festival hosted the first ever 'Great Pumpkin Family Dance' October 23rd. Music was provided by a local DJ and concessions were provided by Armstrong Scouts and Glad Tidings Kitchen. Those attending were encouraged to 'Dress Orange!' and prizes were handed out for those sporting the most orange attire – families, adults and children. 2010 Olympic wear was given out to those with spirit and additional prizes were given out during spot dances. Everyone had a great time and are already looking forward to the 2010 event.

Great Pumpkin Family Dance

Date: Oct 23, 2009

Entry: The Communitiy Food Initiative sub committee "Feed the Community" provided hands on assistance to the Boys and Girls Club this spring to help them start the seeds for their eating garden. They then went on to help build the beds that the kids would plant.

Feed the Community Committee helps the Boys and Girls Club start seeds for their eating garden

Date: Oct 23, 2009

Entry: What a beautiful site in the big blue sky over Armstrong on the Thanksgiving Weekend - colourful hot air balloons.

Fall Balloons add to Country Colour

Date: Oct 23, 2009

Entry: What better than an event that celebrates local food and talent? Foodstock features a meal made completely from local fare plus two home-grown bands at Centennial Hall. The event is a harvest celebration and invitations are extended to everyone -including those involved in local food intiatives such as the Community Garden and 100 Mile Diet Challenge. People interested in learning more about growing, cooking and eating local are encouraged to come and expand their knowledge and taste buds. Food from the local Farmers' Market, a grainary, dairy producers and other local food processors will be highlighted at the event. After dinner, local talent 'Lucy & the Luck Four' and 'Modern Folk' will perform.

Foodstock 2009 - Home-grown Food & Music

Date: Oct 23, 2009

Entry: Child nutrition programs bring significant positive outcomes to children by satisfying fundamental nutritional requirements which improve physical health, academic and social behaviours. Since 2001, Breakfast for Learning British Columbia (“BFL BC”) has been providing Nutrition Grants and nutrition education resources to schools and community groups to improve the nutritional health of children throughout British Columbia. Len Wood Middle School in Armstrong has been fortunate to have great community support of this program. Local businesses provided the opportunity to start this program and to keep it going. Parents baked for the program and also provided supervision. Len Wood Middle School PAC, Staff and students applaud the efforts of the community towards this valuable program.

Breakfast the Fast: School Nutrition Programs Improve Health, Learning and Social Outcomes

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