LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
- August 19, 2008
To The Editor;
The week was a very rewarding one for me, as mayor, and up to this point it doesn't as yet, include my daughter's wedding.
The airport fuel system is up and running and this is in no small part due to
'Airport Dave' Woodruff and Jim Barnes. The small fires in our vicinity have resulted in fuel sales approaching 10,000 litres - this requires an enormous commitment from Dave until he is able to complete the automatic sale equipment.
The large truck that we acquired in the fuel equipment purchase will enable us, during large fires, to take the fuel nearer the fire. This is a huge savings for the Forestry Division and they are able to pay for this service which allows the aircraft to concentrate their time on the fire.
We were originally thinking of selling the truck as it was explained they are worth almost as much as we paid for all the equipment, however, forestry personnel explained we could make that back in one busy fire season and as well, the truck is valuable around the airport.
This facility should really be viewed once it is completed as it is a real addition to our airport.
On Monday (August 11) I traveled to Hedley for the presentation by MP Ron Cannan of what should be the last of the funding for the
'Bridge of Dreams.' This is the all-wood structure to be built on the railroad bridge foundation beside the Merritt Highway bridge which will connect the Trans Canada Trail through our community.
Once completed, it will be an attraction in itself, and will add to our town square and museum expansion once they are complete. Judy Short and her trail committee are to be congratulated; they have accomplished a huge feat.
I was sorry to miss the museum tea party that honoured Evelyn McCallum for her many years of keeping the museum operating. I can't wait to see the look on her face when we expand and remodel that facility, she should be so proud.
On Wednesday (August 13) I attended the ceremony and had the pleasure of presenting the certificates to the paramedics at the ambulance station.
These paramedics have graduated to Primary Care Paramedics which greatly increases their capabilities and enables them to increase their administration of treatment. For some time we have been lobbying the province that we need the highest level of paramedic as a result of our highway and the advent of regional hospitalization.
This is a big step forward for many of these medical personnel and it is an improvement in the care we receive. We have also been encouraging the authorities to increase their duties and responsibilities within the health care system as you have very highly qualified people available now that they have this level of training.
We will never quit lobbying government for some semblance of our original operating room, but in the meantime having these more highly qualified paramedics available is a definite improvement.
Greg Dunn, BC Ambulance Superintendent of the Thompson District was on hand to present certificates of appreciation and I accepted on behalf of the town and our South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation. Joanne Ferguson of Princeton and Greg deserve a lot of credit for bringing this opportunity forward and Interior Health's Lorraine Ferguson, Keremeos Mayor Walter Despot and South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation for finding the funding for the training.
So, as you can see, it was a great week. These victories are cases in point of dedicated volunteers of our community coming up with great ideas and taking the time and effort to follow them through. They are shining illustrations of that well-known quote by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
- Randy McLean, Mayor
Town of Princeton
To The Editor;
After just having lost my wife to a seven year battle with breast cancer and multiple myeloma bone cancer including diabetes, shingles and two separate incidents of bone fractures I can truthfully say how grateful I am for our BC Health System.
Princeton General Hospital and Community Services with it's limited resources are outstanding as is it's impeccable cleanliness and innovative home-cooked meals. It's palliative care facility and nursing in incomparable. The inter-hospital ambulance service the best and Penticton hospital oncology absolutely outstanding.
Again I am very thankful for our health care and sometimes it should be said.
Thank you,
Joe Schwarz, Penticton
