Oliver Grandmothers for Africa

A lively and upbeat meeting of the Oliver Grandmothers for Africa took place October 5th.   Two things led to high spirits.   The first was that Shirley Polk agreed to lead the group again for the coming year.   Her organizational skills and commitment have been a major factor in the success of the group.   The second was that treasurer, Leslie Marriott, announced $2000 had been raised by the group at the Festival of the grape and would be sent to the Stephen Lewis Foundation immediately to support grassroots assistance to African grandmothers facing the challenges of the AIDS pandemic on their families and communities. African Grandmothers, pressed by necessity, are taking multiple orphans into their homes, without any idea of how they will be able to feed so many mouths or heal so many broken hearts.

Money raised at FOG this year represents the single most financially successful fund raiser for the local group and speaks to the dedication of the members who sew and design items for sale as well as some high powered but friendly sales techniques. Oliverites and beyond now know about the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and are happy to make purchases that give them personal satisfaction as well as a sense of helping a very worthy cause.

The next important fund raiser will be the Fall Frenzy at Medici’s on Friday, October 20th from 10 to 3 pm.   (Watch for the familiar bright yellow posters around town.) Grab a few friends and come along to shop for beautiful bead and craft work done in Africa and for items also created locally.   It is a wonderful way to get a head start on your Christmas gift list, enjoy coffee or lunch with friends and know that every purchase helps open up new worlds of possibility for the people and communities who have been hit hardest by the HIV & AIDS pandemic.

The amazing Reveen will mesmerize you!

One of the most popular shows in the history of Canadian theatre is back! Reveen, the Superconscious Experience, on its Western Canadian BC Tour 2017.

Reveen was seen by over 6 million Canadians and now the legend continues as the son of the original Reveen, takes you to the inner and outer reaches of your imagination.

Since 1955, many people worldwide remember the Great Reveen, who entranced audiences for more than five decades with his mesmerizing and hilarious hypnotic shows, high-speed memory demonstrations, and mystical showmanship. Now son Tyrone Reveen is following in his father’s footsteps and continuing the family tradition. Ty learned his craft from the grand master himself – his father taught him everything he knew. The new Reveen show is playing in front of sold out audiences throughout Canada from British Columbia to St. John’s Newfoundland. The Superconscious Experience allows audience members to become the stars in one of the wildest and funniest shows that has left millions of people crying with laughter all over the world.

One-woman show will surprise & delight

Jake’s Gift, a beautifully written, critically acclaimed play is coming to the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver on Saturday October 21st at 7:30 p.m.

Canadian actress and playwright Julia Mackay delights audiences with Jake’s Gift, a surprisingly funny drama that tells the story of a Canadian WW2 veteran’s reluctant return to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. While roaming the shores of Juno Beach, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious ten-year-old from the local village whose inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts – most notably, the wartime death of his eldest brother, Chester, a once promising young musician.

Julia Mackay plays both roles: veteran Jake and precocious Isabelle. Mackay has won many awards for Jake’s Gift: outstanding performer, outstanding production, and best new play among them.

At its heart, Jake’s Gift is about the legacy of remembrance and makes personal the story behind one soldier’s grave. Since 2007, Juno Productions has toured this multi award-winning play to over 230 communities across Canada including international stops in Washington State, Tiverton & Birmingham, England, and to Normandy, France, for the 70th and 73rd Anniversary of D-Day.

Julia Mackay shares Jake’s Gift with us on Saturday October 21st at 7:30 at Frank Venables Theatre, 6100 Gala St, (corner of Fairview Rd) Oliver. Tickets are available online at www.venablestheatre.ca and at the Theatre Box Office. For information, please visit our website or call (250) 498-1626.

Friay night Live is coming

by David Badger

Episode XVIII is rollin’ down the tracks. We have turned up our ‘oh so hot’ music just a few degrees as the weather cools. October 13th. The music is ‘off the charts’! The House is packed!….The joint is definitely jumpin’! Tons of musicians. Get there early to get a spot on the ‘play list’. This valley is chock full of great musicians with incredible music……Get up, come down, get in and get it on!!!

Come kick the doors down with your own vibe. We are gonna be packed. The music is gonna blow the doors off. The beer is cold and the music IS of course always sooooo HOT! We crank it up shortly after 7:00….all we need is you! Bring your music!! Bring your fun!! Bring your mum. Get in here!!

We are licensed. We have beer, wine, coffees with a kick and our usual great gelato and snacks, sweet treats. Medici’s this Friday, September 29th at 7:00 PM. 522 Fairview Road. 250-498-2228.