Charlie’s Angels
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
My Christmas holidays are now a total success as I gleefully watch the snow dance to the ground outside my window. Christmas is not complete until there is snow involved and thankfully, while a day or too late, it has arrived. Mother Nature paints her best portraits with a white fluffy brush. There is something incredibly calming and spellbinding about snow highlighting the flora and fauna outdoors.
I was going to write my traditional New Years column this week but due to the strong response on requests for Charlie’s Annual Christmas Angels list I felt I had better print some right way. Expect more in a couple of weeks.
Dear friend Louise McGauley writes, “I wish to recognize my next door neighbours, Richard and Florence Holland for their continued support. They always take care of my house, my plants (outdoor, indoor) and chauffeur me to the airport every time I go away. They even collect my mail in my absence. Richard is the very best substitute for Danny-Boy! They totally deserve a mention.”
Robert Bishop writes, “My shoutout and thanks to Debbie Welder who spends so much time doing for others. A beautiful soul. Merry Xmas to you and family.”
David Worth had several reasons to nominate his wife, Judy Worth for the Angel List.
Judy moved to Kelowna in 2016 and took over a small line dance class at the Parkinson Activity (Seniors) Centre. “She has always volunteered her time and has never charged for her lessons. Over the past nine years, Judy grew that single class into four classes, each tailored to a different level of ability.”
As she began her tenth year at the Activity Centre, a space reorganization meant that one of her two large classes would be moved to a room too small to accommodate proper instruction. “Without hesitation, Judy relocated her two largest classes to the German Club, where she continues to teach more than 30 dancers in each class. Her smaller, higher-level classes, remain at the Activity Centre,” David explains.
“During the COVID pandemic, Judy found creative ways to keep her dancers engaged by producing YouTube videos – one instructional ‘teach’ video and one ‘demo’ video for each dance. Since then, her channel has grown to over 11,500 subscribers across many countries. In areas without a local instructor, her videos are often used as a substitute for in-person teaching. Despite this reach, Judy has never earned income from YouTube and continues to volunteer her time locally.
“Judy is always willing to give back. She has provided individual instruction sessions for the Wellness Centre, Accounting Group, Organic Farm and Pathways, and most recently began offering weekly classes at Sandalwood Independent Living on Yates Road. She also participates in the annual Okanagan Jamboree, in the past sponsoring two events in Kelowna and one in Penticton.
“Charlie, Judy is an intelligent, generous, and dedicated individual whose commitment to the line dance community has touched countless lives. She is truly deserving of recognition on the Angel List.”
Gee David, I think I agree!
Former KSS teacher Jim Jacques wanted his good friend Margaret to get her nod of approval. Jacques nominates Margaret Ann Hooper as a candidate for Charlie’s Angel’s List.
“For a number of years Margaret Ann and her husband Dale (deceased) have been members of a group of volunteers who dress up in appropriate clown attire and bring joy, laughter and support to seniors in a number of Kelowna’s care facilities. The Clowns visit the people once a week and engage them in positive social interaction. Should you be in need of further information you can reach Margaret Ann at 250-763-5674 or mahooperf@hotmail.com.
Susan Morrison tells readers that Kim Barlow organized a block party for the Golfview subdivision this past summer, which provided them chance to meet each other including new residents to the neighborhood. “This didn’t help just one of us, but us all, Morrison said happily.
Dan Thiessen, (an angel in his own right) acknowledges Rick Beavington as a Christmas Angel. Rick provided a place to stay when Dan moved back to Kelowna and was always attentive to his needs as a landlord. “And speaking of landlords, Rick has been very active in providing low cost shelter for Ukrainian families transitioning to Canada.
“Recently, Rick provided an update to my current apartment at cost (or below) to improve my quality of life. Rick has no idea how kind and giving he is.
“The world needs more people like Rick Beavington.”
Meanwhile, my sweetheart Tez says our neighbour Phil Weddell is her angel (and one of mine as well). Phil is our talented and humble handy man who takes on any task or challenge we ask him. From building a fence to chatting over one we have become fast friends. We are now family to Daisy the dog as well.
Curtis Tulman remains my number one angel. Aside from Tez, Curtis is always there to help as a friend, as my legs and my lungs. I have pushed the friendship button to the above and beyond limit and he always helps me with a chuckle and a grin. He does the same for everyone he meets. A true Angel.
