Things are out of control in the produce department...

The other day I slipped into Overwaitea on my way home from work. I only needed a few items from the produce section so thought I would just be a few minutes in the store.

Wrong!

It all began when I was picking through some tomatoes. A few local elders in their seventies (who I knew, and also knew me) were involved in a discussion involving some things Kimberley... a little bit of political comment, some health discussion, price of produce, grand kids lives etc. Inevitably, the elders turned to me, drawing me into the great "produce department debate". They knew me, and also knew that I worked in the Health field - with seniors, no less. Of course this connection is a frequent occurrence that I half expect (and relish, actually ), and it comes with living in a small town. The "produce department debate" lasted about 10 minutes, was packed with snappy verse, raised eyebrows, tense moments and high drama. What it completely lacked was  the ability for any of the participating parties to actually pick through the produce -that stopped abruptly until the debate was finished and everyone was satisfied. Only then could each person continue on with their day... smiling, of course!

What was interesting about this particular interaction was the intense interest from the observers gallery. Three males about my age (mid - fifties ish) were also picking through some of the produce when the "produce department debate" began. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that they studied the produce longer, and were much slower at placing it in their grocery container. Clearly, they wanted to experience all of this - and they did! Later, while standing in the checkout line they introduced themselves (all three from Calgary, in Kimberley to golf) and after they described the wonderful day they had just experienced on the links at Trickle Creek,  I noticed one of the gents had a look on his face that I can only describe as one of " distant contemplation". Outside, as I loaded my groceries  into my backpack (I was riding my motorcycle) , it suddenly occurred to me what his "look" meant when he gave me a parting smile and said "That was priceless in there."

Kimberley currently has almost the identical population as it did in 1961 - approximately 6200 people. The population spiked in 1971 to 7641 - when Cominco was firing on all cylinders! Increasing the population approximately 1400 required a huge heavy industry.  Having a population of around 6000 people isn't really a bad thing, and it certainly affords people a small town atmosphere that is very healthy - for all ages.

In my opinion, Kimberley is the living definition of "Vitality in Life".   People from all corners of the globe are desperately looking to experience the small town "Vitality in Life"  Its up to us to figure out how to package that and share it - without losing it.
Darryl Oakley