This 2026 year has us producing the largest magazine we have ever published at 48 pages. It seems like quite a milestone after many, many years of work. And we’d like to take the time to pat ourselves on the back. After all, that’s the advice that Marie Hartwell-Walker gives us in her story The Importance of Celebrating Milestones Together. We encourage you to read her other articles as well which cover topics such as the benefits of play, making happy family memories, and getting back to work after struggling with depression. We always appreciate Marie’s articles which are full of constructive advice.
Speaking of practical advice, I was very grateful to receive Andrea Hamer’s article called Why Girls-Only Spaces Matter More Than We Realize. Andrea, having been a competitive freestyle skier, has an interesting take on the ways we can encourage teen girls to stay in sports and why it’s important.
And another sport related article you have to read is from Tim Gourlay, The Sport You Haven’t Heard of (Yet) is About to Hit the Olympics. Have you ever heard of a Japanese game show called Sasuke? It’s an obstacle course which incorporates rope climbs, wall jumps, and salmon ladders. The USA launched it’s version called American Ninja Warrior which has developed a cult following. Go check out his super interesting article in the back of our magazine.
Changing the subject for a moment, we at Okanagan Family Magazine aim to include really helpful and encouraging articles that can make a difference in our reader’s lives and hopefully direct them to helpful resources. Kimberly Lockhart wrote an article which takes you on a journey through loss and hope. As she grieves for a baby who never was, we find a rainbow at the end. Likewise Jen Scott talks about the struggles a new parent can experience and gives us excellent direction on ways we can handle all the changes… because sometimes things don’t turn out how we think they will. And for parents coping with a crying new born or fussy feeder, Dr. Susan Frame gives insight on how our gut can be the cause of eczema or constipation. She suggests finding multiple professionals can be useful when trying to figure out just what the problem could be.
We also have Great Summer Reads again this year which is always a favourite of our readers. And while we are on the topic of books, check out Jeff Bloom’s stories of his crow Squawker. Crows are so funny. You should read his children’s books too.
This summer get off the screen and find time to make art … as the Vernon Community Arts Centre’s article suggests. And if you’re getting off your screens you might as well get outside and discover nature as a family. Thanks Josée Bergeron for her article Just Beyond the Front Door: How Nature Helps Families Reconnect. And since you’re outside be sure to include a visit to a wonderful local park. Risti Lesperance from Regional Parks Services has loads of trail ideas which are perfect for all ages.
We also have a fun article about dogs written by the Lake Country Museum and Archives. Throughout history man has enjoyed living with dogs and we have photos to prove it. Thanks to Scott Forfar for this lovely article. And of course we can’t forget Cynthia Coates’ article called What to do With Those Hard to Recycle Items. Recycling is important and Cynthia has all the answers.
Thanks to our readers and advertisers. We can’t do this without you. Happy reading!