Your only Young once…
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Be innocent as a dove and as wise as a serpent.
Category: Sports and Leisure
From left to right: Elizabeth Laird, Sue Peachy, David Brown, Jim Bradford, Dorothy Molner, Helen Stoneman, Gale Simpson, and Kevin Griffiths that would be me.
We were very active back then, surrounded by great people. It was easy. We missed toastmasters myself. I was the conductor of a speechcraft for youth for about a decade…
Helen came up a little short of being 100 years old. Passed a few years ago and most everybody else is still living and happy. Oops Liz Laird is gone.
Please comment if you have any comments about toastmasters or about public speaking or any of these fine people.
I am posting this because I briefly talked to a young lady that had a nice jacket on that said 4-H, and I remember Gloria Capp as one of our members was very much involved in 4-H. She was a rancher and she nurtured young people into the ability to raise a calf to a cow and numbers of other 4-H things. We enjoyed some canned fruit at her house that she had done and they did that in that 4-H program. It was very close to the toastmasters program that sort of thing and
I guessed the young lady’s age at 20 and she said try 35. She looked like a baby.
We go around, zoom around and where we stop, Nobody wants to know…
Merritt BC,Canada…good stop to talk and be keen…
September 28th, 2025.
Rivers pickup our rain and deliver it back to our seas and in the interim they water crops and they mitigate carbon and they mitigate phosphorus and all sorts of things that are being brought to the surface and give us a good environment.
Peace
Mallard ducks are the most prevalent around our place, our neck of the woods here in Merritt, British Columbia. We love our Mallard ducks.
The local naturalist club will begin their regular weekend fall and winter schedule on the 18th. Their meetings are generally most months on the third Thursday at 7:00 at the Nicola Valley institute of technology, top of the hill Belshaw Avenue in Merritt.
- Classic Car club meeting
The group of classic car club enthusiasts meet on Wednesdays for supper, and talk and park at the Merritt A&W on Voght Street.
August 30th
The Nicola Valley Farmers Market, is enjoying glorious weather through August. And the absence of forest fire smoke has been a particular boon. There is one more market in August, next Saturday then on to September and October 12th.
The Markets times are Saturday’s 9 AM- 1 PM.
The 65th Annual Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo will be held on Labour Day weekend, which falls on August 29-31, 2025. The event takes place at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds in Merritt, British Columbia.
Here are some of the key details for this year’s rodeo:
Dates & Schedule
* **Friday, August 29th: The weekend kicks off with the Rodeo Parade at 6:30 PM, followed by a free music evening at the Rodeo Grounds at 8:00 PM.
* **Saturday, August 30th: Gates open at 8:30 AM. The day’s events include live music, the Rodeo Market with local vendors, a Kid Zone, and the main rodeo performance starting at 1:00 PM. In the evening, there will be a Rodeo Dance featuring the band Coquihalla Coyotes.
* **Sunday, August 31st: The rodeo continues with another full day of events.
Events and Attractions
The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo is a professional-level event that is part of the Maple Leaf Circuit, featuring top cowboys and cowgirls from across North America. Events typically include:
* Bull Riding: A high-action event with a special bull riding memorial in honor of Ty Pozzobon.
* Bronc Riding: Both saddle bronc and bareback bronc competitions are featured.
* Steer Wrestling: A timed event showcasing the strength and skill of the contestants.
* Tie-Down Roping: A precision event where a cowboy on horseback ropes and ties a calf.
* Barrel Racing: A fast-paced, timed event for cowgirls.
* Team Roping: Two riders work together to rope a steer.
* Trick and Roman Riding: New for 2025, the rodeo will welcome back trick riders Noémy Coeurjoly and Keely Sutherland.
* Kids’ Zone: A dedicated area for children with activities like face painting, games, and balloon animals.
* Rodeo Market: A space for visitors to browse and shop from local vendors.
The event is a celebration of the Nicola Valley’s ranching and rodeo heritage and a popular attraction for the Labour Day weekend.
Pro Rodeo North America
🍁⭐⭐⭐🍁
In the world of professional rodeo, two of the most significant organizations are the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in the United States and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) in Canada. While they operate as separate entities, they have a strong working relationship that allows for a unified North American rodeo circuit.
How They Interact
The PRCA and CPRA have a crucial co-approval system. This means that many rodeos sanctioned by the CPRA are also co-approved by the PRCA for world championship points. This arrangement is a win-win for rodeo athletes, as it allows them to compete in rodeos in both countries and have their earnings count towards their standings in both associations.
* World Championship Points: A key aspect of their cooperation is the declaration of World Champions. These champions are determined based on the total combined earnings from both CPRA and PRCA sanctioned events. This provides a clear pathway for a Canadian cowboy to become a PRCA World Champion and for an American cowboy to compete for the Canadian title.
* Membership: The PRCA is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world, with events in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The CPRA, headquartered in Airdrie, Alberta, sanctions over 60 events a year in Canada. Many top-tier rodeo athletes hold memberships in both associations to maximize their competitive opportunities and earning potential.
Prizes and Salaries
Comparing prizes and salaries between the two associations can be complex, as earnings depend heavily on individual performance, the number of rodeos a cowboy enters, and the prize money at those specific events.
* Prize Money: Rodeo prize money is often referred to as a “purse,” which is a pooled amount of money from participants’ entry fees and sponsors. The total prize money for a rodeo can range from a few hundred dollars at local events to millions at major rodeos and finals.
* Economic Impact: The CPRA’s events have a significant economic impact on the towns and cities that host them. For instance, the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) generates tens of millions of dollars for the local community, and with a prize purse of over $1.5 million, it is one of the largest in Canadian rodeo.
* Cowboy Salaries: Unlike team sports, professional rodeo athletes do not have a set salary. Their income is directly tied to their winnings and sponsorships. A cowboy’s earnings can fluctuate wildly from year to year. While a few elite athletes can make a comfortable living from their winnings and endorsements, many professional rodeo athletes have other careers, often in ranching or farming, and view rodeo as a passion or a part-time job.
* The Finals: The biggest paydays in rodeo come from the respective final events: the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR). The WNFR, held in Las Vegas, is widely considered the pinnacle of the sport and offers a massive prize pool, making it the most lucrative event for competitors. Winning a world championship at the WNFR is the ultimate goal for many professional cowboys.
In summary, the PRCA and CPRA work together to create a cohesive professional rodeo circuit across North America. While the prize money at the biggest events in the U.S. generally outstrips those in Canada, the co-approved system allows athletes to earn a living by competing on both sides of the border and vying for world championship titles. For most cowboys, rodeo earnings are not a guaranteed salary but are instead a reflection of their skill, dedication, and ability to win at events throughout the season.
BC events:
So, we found this resource for some British Columbia events through the first part of September. Just in case some of your plans have been upset.
A planetary parade is a celestial event where multiple planets appear close together in the night sky. On August 23, 2025, there will be a morning planetary parade featuring six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—visible before sunrise. The new moon also occurs on this date, providing a darker sky for better viewing.
When to Look
The best time to view the alignment is in the two hours before dawn. The exact time will depend on your specific location, so checking a stargazing app or website is recommended for the most accurate timing.
Where to Look
The planets will appear stretched across the eastern sky, following the ecliptic (the path the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to follow).
* Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter will be clustered low on the eastern horizon and are the brightest and easiest to spot. Venus and Jupiter will be particularly dazzling.
* Saturn and Neptune will be higher in the sky, toward the southeast. Saturn is visible to the naked eye, while Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope.
* Uranus will be in the southeastern sky, and similar to Neptune, you will likely need binoculars to see it.
For the best viewing experience, find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon and minimal light pollution.
A Rare Alignment of Six Planets is Happening. You Should Not Miss This. This video from YouTube explains the rare planetary alignment and why you should try to view it.
Look Up
Local weather channel conditions permitting.
Historic Coldwater Hotel, Merritt BC
Corner of Quilchena and Voght
The hotel has seen generations of rural cowboys farmers and workers dine dance and socialize.
Coldwater Hotel
The historic Coldwater Hotel, a prominent landmark in downtown Merritt, British Columbia, has a rich and complex history. It has played a central role in the community since its establishment, experiencing periods of growth, decline, and adaptation.
History
The first Coldwater Hotel was built in 1908 by William McIntyre. It was a modest two-story, 12-room structure. However, with the booming economy driven by the local coal mines and ranching, a grander building was needed. The current, more lavish Coldwater Hotel was officially opened in May 1910.
Constructed for around $6,000, the three-story building was considered one of the finest “dollar-a-day” hotels in BC’s interior. It featured a large barroom, a ladies’ parlor, and initially, 30 guest rooms which were later expanded to 60. The hotel’s most distinctive feature is its conspicuous copper dome, which is a recognizable landmark throughout the city. Throughout its existence, the hotel has had numerous owners and has been a continuous gathering place for residents and travelers.
Cultural High Points
* Community Hub: Since its opening, the Coldwater Hotel has been a central meeting place for Merritt’s residents. It has served as a social and entertainment venue with its pub, restaurant, and banquet facilities.
* Architectural Landmark: The hotel’s architecture, particularly its copper dome, is a significant part of Merritt’s historical identity and is considered a heritage building.
* Cultural Preservation: The hotel’s interior and restaurant are lined with antique artifacts, bottles, and other items that reflect the area’s history, providing a unique “taste of historical flavour” for visitors.
* Tourist Attraction: The hotel attracts European and Australian tourists, who come to experience its historical atmosphere and continuous service, which has been ongoing for over a century.
Low Points
* Historical Scandals: The hotel’s history includes notable incidents, such as a report in the Merritt Herald in 1969 of a dead man found in one of the rooms by a chambermaid.
* Economic Fluctuations: The hotel, like the city of Merritt itself, faced ups and downs tied to the local economy, particularly during periods when industries like logging and mills hit “rock bottom.”
* COVID-19 Exposure: In more recent times, the hotel was listed by Interior Health as a public exposure site for COVID-19 in September 2020.
Future
The Coldwater Hotel’s future is centered on preservation and modernization. In 2020, new owners Carson Wang and Grace Jiang began significant renovations. Their plans included:
* Structural and Interior Upgrades: Bringing in engineers to assess the building’s integrity, installing new flooring in the pub and restaurant, and converting long-term rental spaces back into functional hotel rooms.
* Exterior Makeover: The owners sought community input for an exterior renovation, considering different types of siding to upgrade the building’s look while preserving its historical character.
The ongoing efforts to renovate and restore the hotel, with community collaboration, suggest a commitment to maintaining its status as a vital part of Merritt’s downtown core. The hotel’s long history and continued operation indicate a strong desire within the community for it to remain a cherished historical and social landmark.
An artistian displays wares August 2025.
Just next door to 2202 Voght Street in Merritt, Saturdays from 9:00 to 1:30 p.m. there is a farmers market. In the curling parking lot. Preferred access off Merritt Avenue. There are recreational opportunities with the Nicola Valley aquatic Center. Within walking distance is also the Merritt A&W and block and a half away. There is a new Valley graze for artisan prepared meals.
Welcome to Merritt.
Local in Merritt enjoying the week and end weather.
You should be getting out as well .
How much sun…
Spending time in the sunshine can have a variety of positive effects on your body and mind, but it’s important to do so in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of how sun exposure affects your brain and body, and what to consider for safe sun habits.
Sunshine and Your Brain: The Endorphin Connection
Research has shown a fascinating link between sun exposure and the release of endorphins. Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters, and they are responsible for feelings of well-being and pleasure. Studies, particularly in mice, have identified an organic pathway in the skin where UV radiation triggers the production and release of a specific type of endorphin called beta-endorphin.
This process has led scientists to suggest that the “feel-good” feeling many people get from sunbathing may be a result of this opioid-like effect. This can create a positive feedback loop, encouraging sun-seeking behavior, and in some cases, even leading to a form of addictive behavior in frequent tanners. The release of beta-endorphin is thought to be part of a “built-in reward system” that evolved to encourage us to get enough sun for essential vitamin D synthesis.
In addition to endorphins, sunlight exposure also stimulates the production of other crucial chemicals in the brain:
* Serotonin: Often called the “happy hormone,” serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, focus, and emotional stability. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the darker, winter months. Sunlight entering the eyes is thought to be the primary trigger for this effect.
* Dopamine: Another “feel-good” chemical, dopamine is also released in response to sunshine, contributing to feelings of pleasure and motivation.
The Benefits and Risks of Sunshine
Is it good for us?
Yes, in moderation, sun exposure is highly beneficial. Here’s why:
* Vitamin D Production: This is one of the most well-known benefits. Your body synthesizes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
* Mood Enhancement: The release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine can elevate your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and combat symptoms of depression.
* Improved Sleep: Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, your body’s internal clock. Exposure to natural light during the day, especially in the morning, signals to your body that it’s time to be awake and helps you sleep better at night.
* Other Potential Benefits: Moderate sun exposure has also been linked to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of certain autoimmune diseases.
However, the benefits of sun exposure must be weighed against the significant risks of overexposure. Excessive UV radiation can damage the skin, leading to:
* Skin Cancer: This is the most serious risk. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
* Premature Skin Aging (Photoaging): Too much sun can cause wrinkles, sun spots, and leathery skin.
* Sunburn: A painful and immediate sign of skin damage.
How much time should we spend in the sun?
The recommended amount of sun exposure is a delicate balance and varies based on several factors:
* Skin Type: People with lighter skin need less time in the sun to produce vitamin D and are more susceptible to sunburn. People with darker skin have more melanin, which offers some natural protection but means they need longer sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D.
* Location and Time of Year: The intensity of UV rays is stronger in the summer, closer to the equator, and at higher altitudes.
* Time of Day: UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Most experts recommend 10 to 30 minutes of direct sun exposure per day on bare skin (like your arms, face, and hands) to get the benefits of vitamin D synthesis while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Short, non-burning exposures around midday are often considered the most efficient for vitamin D production.
It’s also important to follow these sun safety tips:
* Never let your skin burn.
* Seek shade during the peak sun hours.
* Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
* Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours.
K
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 