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Your Penticton

Find out why people in your community love Penticton
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The Penticton Western is looking to hear more from our community members and is interested in finding out what they love about Penticton.

We are profiling different residents for our community section, by asking them to answer a list of questions about Penticton and why they think it is so great.

This week we are profiling Yasmin John-Thorpe a resident of Penticton since 1990.

Originally from the Caribbean Island of Trinidad, John-Thorpe came to Canada in 1975 first living in Ontario, Newfoundland and then Saskatchewan before moving the Okanagan.

Along with five other women John-Thorpe founded Penticton Writers and Publishers. The group published numerous anthologies about the area while hosting writers’ workshops, contests, conferences and a youth writers’ camp.

“I was the organizer of the Raise a Reader South Okanagan and Baby Books programs for multiple years. At present I’m writing for young readers, sharing my books in schools and hosting Skype author’s visits to classes around Canada,” she said.

Find out what John-Thorpe thinks about her community of Penticton.

When someone says ‘Penticton’ what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

  1. Family. Our daughters settled here with their families.
  2. Small Town clean living. Warm summer days and nights.
  3. Accessible amenities - Beaches, restaurants, cinema, theatre, hiking, etc.
  4. Close friendships - Good neighbourhood friends.

If you could change or improve one thing about your community what would it be?

Drugs and our youth.

What’s your favourite local company?

I have several: Theo’s - Best Greek Food, Bad Tattoo

Save-On Foods, Coles at Cherry Lane - good to local authors

Huber-Bannister - reliable car repairs

What are the top three places you would recommend that tourists visit when they are in Penticton?

Tubing the river channel.

What do you see for the community in 20 years?

Struggling to attract young people to remain, work and call Penticton home.

We are looking to profile as many community members as possible. If you would like to be profiled or if you would like to nominate someone please click on this link and fill out the questionnaire.

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