Helping parents to get through this stressful time and have a little fun with the kids!

Here's a couple of kid friendly games to play

Balloon Tennis
Think of this as a way to play organized sports without taking the time to actually organize yourself or your home in any meaningful way.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Realistic Time It Will Entertain a Child: 30-60 minutes

How To Set Up: Get two chairs and prop them up roughly 10 feet apart. Tie a strong between them. Inflate a balloon. Hand out fly swatters.
How To Play: It’s tennis. The only real difference is that there needs to be a clear rule about how many times a player is allowed to hit the balloon while it’s on his or her side of the net. Two works for coordinated kids, but three is probably the best bet. If kids are struggling, a game of family doubles will do the trick. Also, tennis scoring makes absolutely no sense so skip it.

Chair Hat Toss
Think of this as an indoor version of horseshoes. As simple as it is, though, it’s remarkably entertaining past-time that teaches kids to throw.
Prep Time: 1 Minute
Realistic Time It Will Entertain a Child: 10-15 minutes

How to Set Up: Turn over a kitchen chair so that its legs stick up. Find a hat — baseball is best but winter and cowboy work.
How To Play: Try to throw the hat onto the legs of the chair. That’s it. Want to complicate it a bit? Give each leg a point value. Now we’re learning about counting (but mostly just throwing a hat around). If kids are super into it, have them make DIY rings out of rope or cardboard.

And when they need some down time check out these Podcasts:
https://podyssey.fm/list/podcast-episodes/id1400-Podcasts-to-Entertain-Your-Kids

Virtual field trips:
Explore the world without leaving your home with the help of virtual field trips: (click on idea for the link)
Guggenheim Museum Van Gogh Museum 
The Louvre 
Houston Zoo live animal cameras
Access Mars

Active Ideas:
Cosmic Kids Yoga is a YouTube channel that will encourage your little one get up and get moving while teaching them mindfulness and relaxation.

DIY - Science Experiments:
https://www.sciencefocus.com/list/fun-diy-science-experiments-to-try-at-home-with-the-kids/

Cook or Bake together:
There are so many choices and recipes available - just pick your favourite one

and then Have an indoor picnic
Grab a sheet, whatever food you have, and enjoy a living room picnic (without the ants). You can even play that memory game at the same time: “I’m going to a picnic and I’m bringing…” Each person takes turns remembering (in order) what everyone is bringing and then adds one thing each turn.

Good afternoon Block Watch members,
Hope you are all well and enjoying this glorious Okanagan sunshine J
Let’s all work together to prevent theft from motor vehicle crime.
According to police data, there are more than 50,000 vehicle break-ins in BC last year.
Please don't let your guard down and protect your vehicle and property inside at all times.
According to police reports, the below items are the most popular stolen out of vehicles,
·        Cell / Smartphones
·        Personal electronics—tablets, laptops, iPods, GPS
·        Work tools
·        Handbags and gym bags
·        Credit cards and identification
·        Stereo equipment
·        Cash and change
·        Car parts and accessories
·        Garage door openers
·        Sunglasses
·        Keys​​
​​What you can do​
Remember most vehicle crime is opportunist.
Don’t give thieves a chance: never leave items on display….if they can see it they will steal it!
·         Always lock doors and close windows, even if you’re away from your vehicle for just a few minutes.
·         Remove possessions from your vehicle—shopping bags, tools, spare change, electronics, brief cases, etc.
·         Please remember to put anything that could tempt a thief in the trunk.
·         Remember you are all ‘Eyes and Ears’ for the RCMP in your communities.
·         Have a fun, relaxing weekend,
 
Kind regards
 
Roy Morgan
 
Safe Communities Coordinator
Protective Services - Regional District of North Okanagan.
Cell    250.938.2260
Office 250.550.3733   [email protected]

 
  

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN
Electoral Area “F” Official Community Plan Review
The Regional District of North Okanagan is conducting a review of the Electoral Area “F” Official Community Plan. A DRAFT of the updated community plan is now available for review and comment.  You are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide your feedback.
Check out the draft plan:

• online at www.rdno.ca (follow the link under the Events tab); 
• at the Enderby Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, 514 Cliff Avenue, Enderby;
• at the Regional District of North Okanagan, 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream; or
• drop by an upcoming Open House!

Open House Sessions

Tuesday, March 15th, 2016          4 to 7 PM

• Grindrod Community Hall at the Grindrod Recreation Park, 6920 Highway 97A

 
Wednesday, March 16th, 2016         4 to 7 PM

• Riverside Community Hall, Ashton Creek, 3784 Trinity Valley Road

Send comments via email to: [email protected] or call the RDNO Planner at (250) 550-3737.
​

Good afternoon Block Watch members,
Better Business Bureau (BBB) who serve the province, announces the Top Ten Scams, Frauds and Things to Watch for in 2016.
The following list includes their most reported scams and suspicious activities of 2015.
BBB ANNOUNCES THE TOP 10 SCAMS, FRAUDS AND THINGS TO WATCH FOR IN 2016
1.                 Canadian Revenue Agency - aggressive telemarketers pretending to represent CRA used aggressive and threatening tactics to scare taxpayers into paying a fictitious tax return.
2.                 Unclaimed prize scams – automated phone call, email or letters claiming to be from an airline, foreign lotteries, hotels or booking agents saying you’ve won a prize, vacation or lottery cash.
3.                 Computer Virus Fix – by fraudsters phoning saying they represent Apple / Microsoft, informing you that your computer is infected by a virus and demanding money to fix it.
4.                 Phishing Scam – computer emails using official looking logos for businesses and banks encouraging users to click on links to steal personal / private information or download a virus to users computer.
5.                 Vacation rental scam – tourists renting homes / condos from private homeowners / renters find themselves out of luck and out of money when vacation rentals were fake.
6.                 Fraudulent Kiosk vendors – reports of dissatisfaction with products and services provided by transient kiosk vendors, often found in Malls, markets, festivals and fairs.
7.                 SMS Phishing – Bogus SMS mobile devices text messages are sent to victims in an attempt to lure them into unknowingly accepting large monthly charges or to download a virus to their device.
8.                 Online Strangers – public using second hand shopping and social media sites have found themselves being ripped off financially or have given out private information to strangers.
9.                 Helpful Harry / Helen – Homeowners / renters have found themselves out of pocket after hiring neighbors, local teenagers or “in the area” contractors to assist with home, yard and vehicle maintenance.
10.            Counterfeit Merchandise – Internet is filled with online stores and auction sites marketing alluring, cheaply priced, counterfeit products being pitched as the real thing.
 
Never rush into any financial agreements or wire / send cash without first taking advice from someone you trust,
Remember, if you feel you have been a victim of a scam, please report it !!!
Be careful and take care,
Kind regards
 
Roy Morgan
 
Safe Communities Coordinator
Protective Services - Regional District of North Okanagan.
Cell    250.938.2260
Office 250.550.3733   [email protected]
​

Good morning Block Watch members.

Hope you all had a nice relaxing weekend,
Below is a recent media release from the BC Better Business Bureau who have received calls about a scam offering up free puppies.

A warning for consumers about an online scam involving puppies
The posts on Craigslist and Kijiji promise the “breeder” will send the dogs if the interested pet owner will wire money to cover the cost of air transportation.
A few days after the money is sent, the buyer is contacted again by the scammer, who says they need more money for things like vaccinations and travel insurance.
“The latest call involved a young mother who thought she was getting two puppies from Halifax and wired them 800 dollars.” says Evan Kelly with the BBB.
“It was a pretty slick operation. She was even shown the dogs via Skype. The breeder said the dogs were stuck at the airport in Edmonton and required a further 1700 dollars, a quick call confirmed the airport had no dogs at all.
This is a bad scam because we all love our pets and want to welcome them as part of the family. Not only do victims lose money, but there’s an emotional impact as well.”
​
Tips to avoid a puppy scam:
·         Always visit the breeder. Responsible breeders are more than happy to give you a tour and see the puppies first hand.
·         Look for warning signs on fake websites. Fake breeder sites look real and offer a plethora of cute puppies for sale. The content is typically stolen so search the web for the same images of dogs.
·         Search for the domain name on “WHOIS Lookup.” Make sure the site is hosted in the country the breeder claims to be located.
·         Ask for references. A legitimate breeder should be able and willing to provide references.
·         Pay with credit card. Never wire money to people you don’t know.
·         Research reputable animal shipping companies. If the seller is legit, they should have no problem with you arranging pick up and drop off.
 
Remember you are all “Eyes and Ears” for the RCMP in your neighborhoods,
Be a good vigilant neighbor,
 
Kind regards,
 
Roy Morgan
 
Safe Communities Coordinator
Protective Services - Regional District of North Okanagan.
Cell    250.938.2260
Office 250.550.3733   [email protected]
 
  
                                                                           

As you may have heard, the Regional District of North Okanagan is undertaking a Regional Agricultural Area Plan.

The primary benefits of agricultural planning include:

• Giving voice to the agriculture community in regional planning processes;
• Securing a place for agriculture in the future growth of the region;
• Providing sufficient direction to address agricultural issues and concerns;
• Balancing the needs of both urban and farming communities;
• Addressing increasing urban and industrial development pressures;
• Supporting the future profitability of agriculture; and,
• Providing a framework for on-going agricultural-related decision making at the local government level.

As part of the Regional Agricultural Area Plan, we are conducting an online survey, which can be found here:

http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/planning-building/planning-projects/regional-agricultural-area-plan/regional-agricultural-area-plan-surveys

There are 2 survey options: one for farmers and one for non-farmers. The information captured will help us determine challenges, solutions, and economic opportunities for the regional agricultural sector.

Those who fill out the survey by August 1, 2014 will have a chance to win a local food basket.

Please encourage your organization’s members, colleagues, neighbours, and friends to fill it out. The more responses we have, the more directly the Regional Agricultural Area Plan will be able to address local needs.

Thanks in advance!

Ione Smith, MSc, PAg
Principal/Owner
Upland Consulting
778-999-2149
[email protected]

and

Anthony Kittel   MES, MCIP, RPP, LEED-AP
Regional Growth Strategy Coordinator
Regional District of North Okanagan
9848 Aberdeen Road
Coldstream, BC  V1B 2K9       
Phone: (250) 550-3750
e-mail: [email protected]

Good morning Block Watch members,

Hope you are all well and looking forward to the weekend,

The night is quickly approaching when the streets will be filled with ghosts and goblins, not to mention princesses and fairies.

As always, there are a few important Halloween safety guidelines that should be observed to ensure the night runs smoothly.

Before the kids hit the streets, it is important that parents be aware of the route that their children plan to follow.

If you are unable to take them out yourself, consider asking another parent, an older sibling or babysitter to do the honors for you.

Ensuring your child is wearing a watch also allows you to establish an agreed upon curfew.

Teach your children to recognize the places along his/her route where they can obtain help: Police Station, Fire Station ,Family friends home or any other well indicated public place.

Although tampering of loot is rare, remind children that they must have their candy inspected by their parents or guardian prior to eating them.

Some Rules for Trick or Treater’s

• Bring a flashlight especially if you are wearing a dark costume!
• Parents please wear a hi visibility vest while escorting your children around your neighborhood.  
• Walk instead of running;
• Stay on the sidewalks (If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left-hand side of the street facing traffic);
• Avoid jaywalking;
• Do not cut across lawns or take short-cuts;
• Take masks off when walking from one house to the next;
• Do not go inside houses and do not get into vehicles;
• Only visit houses that are lit;
• Stay away from animals you are not familiar with; and
• Vandalism is not just a 'trick' - it is against the law and has consequences.

Above all have a safe and ghoulish Halloween,

 BOO!

 Kind Regards,

 Roy Morgan
Crime Prevention & Community Safety Coordinator
City of Vernon - Regional District of North Okanagan.
Protective Services - Safe Communities Unit
Cell 250.938.2260
250.550.7845   [email protected]

 

  

                                                                               1-800-222-8477 Crime Stoppers

Hi Block Watch teams,

Please secure ATV’s, RV’s and Trailers around your home when not in use.
Every year the police are challenged with numerous thefts of recreational vehicles including ATVs, Snowmobiles, Dirt bikes and RV’s.

ATV, Snowmobile and Dirt Bike protection:
To prevent a theft of your machine try to store it indoors wherever possible.
If you leave it outside then chain it or lock it to a stationary object using case hardened locks.
If left on a trailer, then be sure to lock it up to the trailer and box the trailer in by another car.
Keep your machine in a well lit area, not in the dark.
Temporarily disable your machine like taking the battery out or unplugging the ignition cable.

RV and trailer protection:
• RVs are particularly susceptible to theft since they are usually loaded with items
  such as cameras, radios, tires, and sports equipment. 
• The most common site for RV thefts is in the owner's driveway or backyard. 
• Cover tempting items such as cameras, TV’s, radios and binoculars. 
• Leave a low-voltage light burning and a radio on when you leave the RV at night. 
• Pull curtains and blinds shut tight. 
• Be sure to install good deadbolts and window locks. 
• If your RV is normally left unattended, loop a case hardened steel chain around the
  RV's axle and a stationary object. 
• Do not forget to secure the trailer's hitch.

Have an awesome, fun, relaxing long weekend,

Crime Free!!!!

Happy BC Day

Take care,
Roy Morgan
 Crime Prevention & Community Safety Coordinator
City of Vernon - Regional District of North Okanagan.
Protective Services - Safe Communities Unit
Cell 250.938.2260
250.550.7845   [email protected]
1-800-222-8477

Congrats to all AL Fortune Grads and especially to our scholarship winners:
Riverside Community Club - Evan Campagnolo, Doug Sperlich & Sara van Dalfsen

Enrique Pearase Memorial Award - Austin Prevost

Good luck to all of you in your futures!

• Engravers work on plastic, metal and wood.
  
• Items worth engraving include bicycles, electronic equipment and tools
  
• Photograph items you can’t mark such as jewellery, art and delicate glass.
  
• Engrave property with your driver's license number.
  
• Make sure to put BCDL in front so if it is recovered out of province it can be returned.
  
• Make an inventory list of valuable items and engraved property items around your home and keep it in a safe place.
  

Once you have marked the property put decals on your front and rear doors or windows alerting would be criminals that your property is marked for identification.

There is a higher likelihood that the property stolen will be returned to its rightful owner.

Engraving - provides evidence of guilt and enables police to detain a suspect who is found in possession of property engraved with someone else's driver's license number.

Engraving may serve as a deterrent, as criminals are less likely to steal marked property.

The thief cannot reclaim the property if it is seized by the police. .

If you are interested in property marking any of your household items contact me and I will supply you with an engraver to borrow.

Continue to be good neighbors in your communities and report all suspicious incidents

Eyes and Ears for the RCMP,

Kind regards,
 
Roy Morgan

Crime Prevention Coordinator
Regional District of North Okanagan.
Crime Prevention/Safe Communities Unit

Cell 250.938.2260
Work 250.550.7845   [email protected]
1800.222.TIPS ( 8477 )
 

The Lower Shuswap Stewardship Society (LSSS) partnered up with the Riverside Hall and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to upgrade the hand launch site and recreational area at the hall. There had
been talks of upgrading the hand launch site for quite sometime and DFO had visited the site last summer to plan the work. The unique challenges that were faced with the site included, a small area, heavily used for two months of the year, whether to
make it fish habitat or people friendly, the relatively short work window and of
course the bottom line! The first thing to get out of the way was “what do we want
here?” This question got passed back and forth and it was finally decided that the
hall is a place of people gathering and creating an area where children are safe and
paddlers could easily access the river in both high and low water became the most
important objectives for the site.
This was the first time DFO Restoration Biologist Sarah Ostoforoff worked on a
recreational site and Biologist Sean Bennett had only worked on a handful of
recreational sites. These sites differ from fish habitat sites in many ways. The next
question to get out of the way was when can this project start? And Sarah and Sean
penciled the hall in for the next week. This was a bit of a scramble to say the least!
But with the help of Baird Bros, Lee and Sam Polson and Victor Brandt we had all
the rock and logs there by the time DFO showed up! A huge thank you goes out to
Lee, Sam and Victor. They went way beyond and really showed up for the
community! With input from Bruce Fowler, Bruce Hedden, Shelly Verlaan, along
with both biologists the rock wall was taking shape. RJ Baird operated the
excavator and immaculately placed rocks making sure to not stir up the river at all.
After a day and a half all the heavy lifting work was out of the way...but there’s
still a lot of work to be done! The site now features a path with a gradual decline
into the river, a rock wall, and a beach that will fill in more.

Our condolences go out to Carol Fogh, Paul Fogh, Eric Fogh and Anne-Marie Fogh on the loss of Arne Fogh, beloved husband and father. 

A baby is born!  Congratulations to Tonny & Tamara Miedema
Pieper Lilli Miedema 6 lbs 8 oz. born August 22 @ 7:08pm   WELCOME!!!

Congratulations to all AL Fortune 2012 grads, especially the Ashton Creek Elementary former students.  The Riverside Community Club is pleased to support the youth of our community and this year the winners of the 2012 Scholarships are:

Leslie Peacher Award - Levi Verlaan
Riverside Ladies Club Award - Tori Furlong
Riverside Community Club Award - Levi Verlaan