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Things are looking up in Olalla

“Wild Beautiful Olalla” road signs and rock berms at the north and south ends of Olalla: We have established a presence in the Similkameen,

To the Editor:

Friends Fun and Fairness

Fall is in the air and the harvest is at hand. The synergy from activities engaged by the Friends of Olalla has resulted in a whirlwind of feedback from both local and surrounding community. Our first year’s work with our mandate of the harmonious beautification of Olalla has yielded the following harvest:

“Wild Beautiful Olalla” goat road signs and rock berms at the north and south ends of Olalla: We have established a presence in the South Okanagan Similkameen, and had loads of fun at the inauguration of the signs in May, an event that was well attended and brought the community together in support of harmonious beautification!

The Friends of Olalla response to the fire at the south berm this past June: It was felt by the Friends of Olalla that best action would be to have professionals clear up the unsafe remains. The president of Friends of Olalla acted as a mediator between the regional district and the property owner, to whom an offer of free professional cleanup and removal of all materials was offered by the district in exchange for the concession of no further vehicles stored upon the property (this offer was refused by the property owner). It is clear from observing the community response this summer that Olalla no longer wishes to support residents that persist in unsightly and unsafe property conditions.

Trash or Treasure Day this past July: The Olalla community came together again in July to release possessions that were unwanted but still had value for others (treasures) in a hugely successful event that was well attended. Loads of items were picked up by the local and outlying community, many came by the centre of town and supported the Friends of Olalla (and some joined our society) and had fun dancing in the street courtesy of the fabulous entertainment of Rick Wood, a local musician. This event was quite popular, well supported, and will become an annual event.

History of Olalla: The Keremeos Review has begun running an excellent series of articles about the ‘Colourful History of Olalla’, initiated through historical documents and interviews gathered by the Friends of Olalla and presented to the Review earlier this summer. Discovering our roots and significance of Olalla in the development of the Lower Similkameen helps boost community pride and create positive awareness of the Olalla community. Our thanks to the Keremeos Review!

Current efforts: grant applications are in progress (regional district, Village of Keremeos, Community Foundation) to garner funds in support of future activities towards building a walking trail within Olalla – of course beautified with local drought resistant greenery... Fall and winter events are also in the planning stages for the Olalla community.

The Friends of Olalla are grateful for the support of kindred spirits interested in harmonious beautification within the community. We’re proud of Olalla!

Phyllis Straub, Olalla