The Morning Star from Vernon, British Columbia, Canada • 35

Wednesday, March 3, 2004-The Morning Star B7 HAIRSTYLING Editor: Katherine Mortimer Phone: 550-7924 E-mail: lifestylesvernonmorningstar.com 7 I welcomes CINDY to their team. Cindy invites all her former, present and future clients and friends to visit her at Changes Downtown. Lit! hi 2912 30th Avenue, Downtown Vernon 542-7433 VMM Feng Shui a study of Qi (energy) interactiolf A 4 between people and their environment, been in practice in China for over thousands of years. It stresses the importance of Balance Kit lu -A''- and harmony, not only inside a building, but also the outside. In this evening seminar, she will show and tell how to apply the basic principles of Feng Shui in your own garden.

Mo Feng Shui knowledge is required to attend. Contact person: Kim Tregaskis Date: Sat. March 6, 2004 1 Timo. 7.nn.a.vir,m ocdsuns ucuuenunin Place: Seasons Garden Gifts ree: wu (inciuaing lax, rnmea r-" 1 1 -X 3022 30 Vernon al Pre-registration required. I L.

-A. I 1 i- Minn mi Hi mniina a tuMM i i- wi 1 VfiKZVrf7 KATHERINE MORTIMERMORNING STAR AMBER AND CRAIG HOWARD with their children, Runa, four months, and Reed, two, started married life with PRIME. Boot Camp begBBiiiQiig Not sure if we are a fit for YOU? -( -c -t -c -c -t -t (. -c X. -It -( -( -t COME AND SEE FOR NO STRINGS ATTACHED COMPLIMENTARY SESSION 545-8482 309-0222 www.okbootcamp.com Life isn't about finding it's about creating yourself! )- a 4 teaches science at W.L.

Seaton secondary school, while Amber is stay-at-home mom to kids Reed, two, and Runa, four months. Amber said die course helped her to discuss issues with Craig that she otherwise might not have, such as finances. "We also did role-playing and looked at different situations," she said. "And the conflict-resolution things we learned were helpful, as well as some of the legal areas, such as buying a house together." Statistics report diat 50 per cent of all first marriages in Canada end in divorce. A recent American study found that people who took a marriage preparation course had a 50 per cent lower divorce rate; had a significantly higher rate of success and happiness; had a significantly lower level of violence and had children widi greater self-esteem.

PRIME is not just for couples who arc engaged; all couples in a newly committed relationship are welcome. The workshops take place at the People Place, and run on the Friday from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and the Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Snacks are provided, but couples should bring their own lunch. The cost is $125 per couple for more information, or to register, please call the Family Resource Centre at 545-3390. The pre-marital workshop helps give couples a head-start on a healthy marriage BY KATHERINE MORTIMER Morning Star Staff Amber and Craig Howard had known each other for eight years when they celebrated the joy of their wedding day almost four years ago. But they still found plenty to learn about each other thanks to the PRIME pre-marital workshop they took part in with several other couples at Trinity United Church. "Because we were getting married at the church, one of the requirements is that we had to take a pre-marital course," said Craig.

"So over a day-and-a-half we met with all kinds of other couples, some our age, some older, and it was really good to interact with everyone." A non-profit project co-ordinated by the Family Resource Centre Society, PRIME stands for Preparation for Relationships Including Marriage Enrichment. The next workshops run March 19 and 20 and May 7 and 8. PRIME co-ordinator Sherlyn Irwin said topics are covered by short talks, partner dialogues, group discussions and videos. "Although full participation is encouraged, no one is forced to speak out if they'd rather not," she said. In order to help couples get the most from die program, two components have been created.

The first is assessment and counselling, where each couple individually fills out confidential assessment forms and go over their results with the help of a trained volunteer counsellor. "Together, you discuss the strengths in your relationship and any areas that might need enrichment," said Irwin. The second component is the workshop itself, which addresses die elements of a good relationship: communicating effectively, resolving conflicts, sex and intimacy, handling legal and financial issues, buying a home and creating realistic expectations. At some workshops, topics related to parenting, re-marriage and blended families may be offered. PRIME does not deal with religious questions, which should be discussed with the couples' own spiritual advisor.

When Craig and Amber married July 22, 2000, they began their life together knowing they had explored many of the important issues they would face as a married couple. "In the evaluation diat each of us took, we look at where potential conflict could be," said Craig, who Xf iV i I i 55 acres to explore 8c 55 individually decorated, air condihoned rooms; Fully equipped fiaiess centre, outdoor heated pool, 14 person river view hot tub Trail rides, riding lessons, wagon ndes High sliced wireless Internet 9 various sizes of conference rooms, accommodat ing up to 200 people Perfect setting tor reunions, vacaoons, corporate retreats or weddings Fine dining in madisens Gol! packages 15 minutes East ofKjtmloops Toll Free 1-800-797-7713 e-mail: theinnsrigr.com Phone: 1-250-573-3777 Fax: 1 250 573 2853 ii UlpU5fairtt A Brighter Pctur? Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation 2101 -32nd Street Vernon, BC V1T5L2 www.stigr.com.