Meet Marney, she moved to Kamloops in 1994. Marney is a retired elementary school teacher who now works as a writer and the publisher of children's books.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family- my kids, grandkids, partner and siblings.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
I love the bookstores.
Describe yourself in one word.
Me
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
To Salt Spring Island to give my family hugs.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Kayaking
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Too many to mention.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I am retired from teaching elementary school. The kids inspired me every day!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up on Salt Spring Island has many wonderful memories of life on the beach, climbing the rocks, meeting friends and making our own fun. I was one of five kids and there was always something to do.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am the president of the Rose Hill Farmers Institute which has been active since 1898. Mainly, as a group, we look after our Knutsford Community Hall. This Sunday I am organizing our annual community picnic.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Right this minute… get those kids back to their families now!
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
We love to go kayaking at Edith Lake which is a good size and nearby. I've been so busy travelling recently to Montreal, PEI, Calgary and the coast in the last month. Then Cambodia and Thailand last summer and Hawaii, Mexico, Yellowknife, Calgary and the coast in the last two years! But I hurt my shoulder last year so I was not able to get out much this year and therefore I am looking forward to getting out this year.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
One of the best things that I love about Kamloops is that the size is terrific. We are big enough to have all the amenities including shopping, great schools, TRU and our hospital. It's big enough that not everyone knows your business but it's small enough that our traffic is not too bad and you can meet family, friends and neighbours while cruising around town. We are close to the coast with an easy drive in the summer to see the rest of my family as well.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I have recently ticked off a number of my bucket list items. I went to Montreal, P.E.I., Thailand and Cambodia. While in Thailand I volunteered in an elephant village where there was an elephant in my back yard. I have a new book in my mind and would love to travel to Australia but not til next year. That's only two…
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Just to recap… I am in my mid 60's. I am a retired elementary school teacher and I now write and publish books. I have a contract with Chapters who carry the two Knutsford books I wrote. Knutsford Homesteads and Buildings and Barns one and two. These books feature my photographs of existing homesteads and some of the history of the families that have lived there. The first book, I co-wrote with my dad who was a doctor in the N.W.T. in a remote First Nations Village (Fort Rae.) My dad took many slides and pictures of our family growing up but he also captured a way of life that no longer exists. I wrote the book as a Social Studies textbook and wrote a teacher's guide to accompany it. The other books I wrote are children's books about the animals on our Knutsford ranch, it also uses my photographs. I am ready to launch my latest book "Kamloops Historic Buildings and Barns" which will be launched at Art in the Park.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Marney Jarman Bethell on Facebook or by email, marneybeth05@hotmail.com.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Marney Bethell Author/Publishing
Why did you get into/start this business?
I wrote books with my 94-year-old father in 2015 as a retirement project about our time in a remote First Nations Village in the Northwest Territories in 1954-1956. I have since written and published a teacher's guide, two children books and three other books.
What is the goal of your business?
Writing and publishing books.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
There is not enough time to do all the things I want to do. Maybe it’s time management.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Today I need to…
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don’t believe everything you read about others on Facebook etc. Things are not always perfect for anyone! Be kind to yourself! Be brave!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My choice would always be to spend time with my family first!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Buy from the little guy, the local artist or craft person. If not, our stores will disappear at this rate!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My books, my career as a teacher and being honoured as the Art teacher of the year for B.C. in 2013 while I was still teaching.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My son, James Bethell.
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