VIEWPOINT

ViewPoint is the place where you can share your thoughts on any aspect of Okanagan Life Magazine and related publications. We'd like to hear your opinions on the stories we print, what we're doing well and what we could be doing better. Use our online form to email us your comments. So sound off and check back often as we create a dynamic conversation with you and the rest of our great Okanagan community.

MOST RECENT FEEDBACK:

Education Feature Prompts Input on Early Kindergarten
While on the subject of education...what follows is my Vancouver Sun “Sound Off” letter, Let's Stop Pushing Early Kindergarten. (Published Tuesday, March 25, 2008)

Re: Politicians debate best learning environments for kids under five, March 22

Janet Steffenhagen reports "there is no consensus about a supplementary promise by government to consider extending kindergarten to four-year-olds by 2010 and three-year-olds by 2012."

When did education in British Columbia become a race? It's bad enough that some are advocating all-day kindergarten for five-year-olds, let alone consider extending kindergarten to four and three-year olds. What are these people thinking?

I had the privilege of hearing Australian psychologist Steve Biddulph at last October's Gender and Student Achievement conference in Kamloops. According to Biddulph, all-day kindergarten is too long, and any younger is a mistake developmentally.

Recently, a major review of British primary schools by Cambridge University was made public. In one report from the National Foundation for Educational Research, the practice of allowing children to start school at age four was found to be stressful.

Yet authors Anna Riggall and Caroline Sharp found that in some countries where students start school up to two years later, many outperform their English peers. The authors concluded:

"While the value of high-quality pre-school education is beyond dispute, the assumption that an early primary school starting age is beneficial for children's later attainment is not well supported by the research evidence."

Biddulph says the calendar is a poor guide for when a child should start school. Decades of research has shown that most boys (and some girls) are slower to develop fine-motor and language skills. I'm wondering how many of these children would benefit from an additional year in kindergarten -- "senior kindergarten." They could begin Grade 1 at age seven, when their fine-motor skills are ready for pencil-and-paper work.

Educators in several European countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Finland have promoted this idea for years, and it has paid off not only in happier children, but also in terms of academic success and far fewer dropouts.

I would like to encourage a grassroots movement of parents, teachers and school board officials throughout the province to begin a dialogue with the ministry of education to see if a pilot program for the 2008-09 school year could be implemented in which one or more elementary schools in each district could receive special funding for the creation of senior kindergarten classes.
David Buckna, Kelowna - April 30, 2008

Carter Gets Creamed
I don't usually read Okanagan Life magazine, but as a  teacher your April 2008 cover  story caught my eye. While  the entire issue is far too complicated to be addressed by one article, I agree it is  worth considering. I found  your tone, however, fairly  disrespectful, especially to  those so-called people (I infer you mean the young people) who send in story  pitches only to be at the  receiving end of your  department's scorn and  ridicule. In light of that, I find it  ironic, and yes humourous,  that your story contains, in  bold blue type on page 43, a  spelling error. You  write, "Salary averages are effected by a variety of  factors. . .". I believe you should have  used the word AFFECTED  (affect being a verb), as  EFFECTED  (effect is a noun)  does not work in this sentence.  As an aside, I am not sure  why you even included the  salary graph in the piece, since you do not directly  speak to teachers' salaries. What is your point exactly? But back to your grammatical  faux-pas. To use your own  words, "call me unreasonable,  but I have a certain  expectation that the people  who want to be paid for  putting words to page should  be able to demonstrate some  facility with the written  language." Oops.  I promise not to  laugh.  That would be mean.
Laurelle Larmand - April 28, 2008

Editor's Note: Thanks so much for taking the time to write. A couple of points … I'm not sure what you mean by your reference to "so-called" people. I can't find anything in the story that suggests the writers who send in story ideas are anything but people … a bit confusing.

As for your catch on affected/effected, first you refer to this as a spelling error then later as a grammatical error. It was not a spelling error – "e" mistakenly used instead of "a" (I wish it had been). You are absolutely right in your conclusion that it was a grammatical faux pas (no hyphen – it’s so easy to make one little slip. What gets me is the pitch letters with three and four errors in every paragraph). The affect/effect mistake is one of the most common in the English language – and we missed it. I'm really glad you read the story closely enough to find it and greatly appreciate you taking the time to point it out to us.

Footnote: No wonder affect and effect cause us so much trouble. As you state – affect is a noun and effect is a verb. But it happens that affect is also a verb and effect is also a noun. Both words have noun and verb forms. English – what a language!

Kudos to Sturmanis: Sunshine Tax Story a Must-Read for Recruiters and Job Seekers
I spoke with Dona Sturmanis when she was writing her article The New "Sunshine Tax" for your latest 2008 edition (Okanagan Life Progress). This is an excellent article and because we work with both unemployed job seekers and employers looking to fill job vacancies this article is particularly valuable to us....(We would like to) distribute it to all of our Okanagan and Shuswap staff.
Christine Bowman, Bowman Employment - March 4, 2008

Reader Joins Fisticuffs on Gravel Pits: Connects Argument with Redd's Ramble
It is wonderful to have the Creative/Editorial Director of Okanagan Life speak out. However, on this topic your job was easy – no creativity was needed:  it is as you say it is.
You are right – God won’t help us, the space aliens are staying away and the government (at all levels) is at the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

Our own little microcosm, the Okanagan Valley, is a Titanic. With the historic record and all previously garnered knowledge ignored, we are steaming ahead towards the same fate. We won’t founder on icebergs though, we’ll founder on rocks as the lake level drops.

Seriously, your Sandbox contributor Steve Dimond has a very one-sided view – the straight road all the way to the bank: “Truck traffic, dust and noise and a changing visual landscape are the most obvious detractions from aggregate operations,” he says. So, let us take Mr. Byron Dafoe’s plan to operate a gravel pit at the end of Lakeshore Road as an example. Trucks? Along Lakeshore Road. Last August there was a gravel truck accident at a relatively straight section of the road. Just imagine the accident potential with daily traffic of 30 full and 30 empty trucks (minimum) on our rural, hilly, twisting, residential road with school buses, cyclists, vineyard visitor and park visitor traffic. Dust? We see the dust rising from various gravel pits – hardly scenic fare for the beautiful Okanagan!  The hazards carried on dust from Okanagan pits are well known. With the prevailing winds, dust from Mr. Dafoe’s pit would be blown over the Kettle Valley community and dust from the trucks would contaminate all families living along Lakeshore Road. The ways to reduce and control dust as described by Mr. Dimond are not inscribed in the present permit requirements – they cost money. There would be no enforcement – they just would not be criteria. The dust kicked up along the highway and blowing from trucks would be detrimental to those with respiratory problems, to the young, to the old.

No one’s health should be placed in jeopardy for one man’s personal gain and for the benefit of people who have yet to move into the area. Not mentioned are fumes from trucks’ exhaust, which foul the air and which are toxic to all forms of life! Noise? Heavy traffic noise throughout the day – like living near an express highway. Remember, this is Lakeshore Road  in the Mission! Where is the “compatibility”  Mr. Dimond speaks of in the first paragraph of his argument?

As Mr. Dimond states “nature dictates where gravel sources lie” and there are lots of locations not too distant from Kelowna which harbor gravel sources. It is Mr. Dimond who decides which gravel source lies in what he terms “the ideal location” and that, again, is dictated by lust for financial gain.   

What is so remarkable is that, for about a year now, the Dafoe pit, Eagle Mountain Developments, is still on the table. It lies within the confines of a Provincial Park, yet Parks appear to have nothing to say against having a gravel pit despoil and scar its landscape. This gravel pit would despoil park habitat, which has already been devastated by the 2003 fire and is struggling to regain a healthy vigour. This gravel pit (notwithstanding berms and such devices) would cripple any spawning, which occurs in Deeper Creek. Environment does not see fit to step in to protect the creek. The road leading to the gravel pit is unfit for the projected traffic and yet Transport hasn’t stepped in – in fact Transport is constructing a new bridge across Deeper Creek at Mr. Dafoe’s request. To be fair, the existing bridge was in much need of repair. And, while 95 per cent of the people who live along Lakeshore Road live in Kelowna, the municipality has no control whatsoever over something that might so adversely affect the lives of its citizens. Where is the government? What can people do to protect their rights? Their rights should be protected by those elected to office.

The awarding or not awarding of mining permits is in the hands of Mr. Krueger, the Minister of State for Mines. Mr. Krueger has been sitting on his hands for nearly a year. He has been through the area and seen what is involved.  Lakeshore Road is now lined with large signs saying: No Gravel Pit on Lakeshore Road. The message is clear –

Mr. Dafoe would do well to listen to the advice given in the last paragraph of your article “It’s time for each of us to accept personal responsibility for what amounts to defecating in our own Froot Loops.”
Gillian Barany, Kelowna - February 8

Reader Mourns Penticton Tree Trashing
I would like to thank Karen Wilson for  her Rearview, Pine Beetle Paranoia. Her words touch my heart and reflect only too sadly the situation here in Penticton after the storm in  November.
There has been an all out  assault on perfectly healthy native mature trees. Our town is naked and barren. The loss of bird habitat is shocking as well as the increased  exposure to sun and wind by removing native trees best suited to our Okanagan climate is devastating.
I  too hid in my room and was unable to  venture out on foot in my neighborhood  for eight weeks following the storm without  fearing another chain saw. I cringed  every time I saw the Cotters tree removal truck go past my house, wondering whose trees were next. I too was questioning my role and  responsibility, I tried speaking with some neighbours about the advantages of  keeping native trees and was met with indignation and accusations. So I  withdraw from the insanity and wonder  why we are so removed from the natural  environment that supports us.
Trees that are a part of the ecosystem that gives us and other creatures life, several hundred years old removed in case they fall on a house that may take one week to repair?  Where is the "lifestyle" we all moved here, or stay here, for?
I am so pleased with the message of  the magazine this month, drawing awareness to the issues we are facing but seemingly oblivious to in this so precious valley I have called home for  the past 26 years after moving around the world for 20 years. Please, we need more of these issues, not to turn into doom and gloom, but  informative and educational the way  this issue is.  MANY THANKS.
Michelle Parry, Penticton - February 2, 2008

Quest Model Misses the Boat on Water Issues
Interesting multi-faceted discussion...
Which of the participants has a working understanding from on-the-ground, real-world work in the Okanagan basin watersheds, of fish & wild life conservation issues.
The Quest model does not account for people who are transients ie: tourists and/or visitors and/or recreationists, who's impacts  place substantial demands on the Okanagan basin resources, but have little or no commitment to its sustainability.
The Quest model also doesn't adequately account for the other transients mentioned by your panel, namely people who live here only part of the year and who also have little commitment to the basin's sustainability.
I recall asking Tourism Kelowna for statistics on the numbers of tourists/visitors, after attending a Quest model session. They said that in 2006 there were over 1 million "person nights" for Kelowna. But they couldn't tell me about the other parts of the basin, because those figures are scattered and unaggregated.
So in a sense in some respects we are flying blind and the Quest model's results are suspect, without adequate sensitivity testing.
It's nice to have rosy pictures/visions/dreams/scenarios about what the Okanagan basin might look like in the future.
As a a former operations research analyst, and now a businessman with an admitted passion for fish, I'm trained to find root causes of certain problems...here I keep coming back to water (surface & sub-surface) as being a key limiting factor to growth - also unaccounted for by the Quest model.
The view of many people is that 'you have to measure it to manage it'...hence an effort by OBWB (Okanagan Basin Water Board) to develop a hydrometric monitoring network for the valley...a bit long overdue I'd say. Perhaps, the OBWB water budget project, if ever completed, will shed additional light on the role water will play here. The results might be illuminating.
There are examples of other parts of the world with similar bio-geoclimatic conditions and problems...who we could perhaps, learn from, eclectically.  
But that requires thinking outside-the-box.
Rick Simpson
Volunteer director, Oceola Fish & Game Club (OFGC), Lake Country; volunteer chair, OFGC fisheries committee; volunteer chair, Wood Lake Resort project environment oversight committee; volunteer director, BC Wildlife Federation Region 8 (Okanagan-Similkameen basins); volunteer co-chair, BC Wildlife Federation Region 8 fisheries committee; volunteer co-chair, BC Wildlife Federation Region 8 First Nations committee; volunteer member, BC Wildlife Federation inland fisheries committee - January 31

Redd Doesn't Ramble Far Enough
I read with great interest your editorial Houston We Have a Problem (Redd Room Ramble, January/February 2008), and I must say "right on." However, as someone who has seen the problem coming for about forty years, and someone who can read the English language, my criticism is that, number one, you did not use language that the average Joe Blow Sixpack can understand, and number two, you still talked around the subject. You, as I understand you, believe that the elephant in the room is world overpopulation: that there are just too many of us using the world's resources, especially if we all want the standard of living that North Americans and Europeans have; that at the present time, we are using up thirty per cent (30%) more of the planet's ecology every year than it can replace; that to get back to replacability, we would all have to scale back to a position where we would all be living at about a standard of that of the meanest third world economy, and thus the current population of about six and one-half billion is unsustainable. It is the technology, the tools that we have learned to make and use, and our over-use of energy and resources that has allowed us this unbridled growth of population. This is a position that I have held for over forty years and for it I have been roundly excoriated, called every sort of radical, lunatic and nut-case.
If, as I believe, this is what you were driving at in your editorial, then you must say so in language that the average person can understand and you must not just allude to the disaster that is coming due to our nonsense of believing that uncontrolled growth in the economies of the world, and in world population, but you must say so in understanable four letter words that everyone can understand, and you must say so forthrightly, not talking around the subject and being politically correct. It is just that, which has gotten us all into this mess; we must not hurt anyone's feelings; everyone must feel good. This is not a feel good subject and it is deadly serious. It is so serious that I frankly don't believe that we are anywhere in time to do any good; that nature will take care of the problem for us and it will not be pretty.
David Suzuki, Al Gore and a host of others have made an industry out of talking around what we must do, but I'm afraid that getting rid of the automobile, re-cycling, smokestack scrubbers and all of the other "solutions" that are talked about by the "Granola Crowd" are just feel good little thingees that every one would like to think are going to help, but they are just little feel goods. There is no such thing as sustainable growth, either in the economy or in population. The one thing that may help, before nature does it for us, is first, zero-population growth, RIGHT NOW, then second, begin reducing the worlds population down to at least pre-WW1 levels. Then perhaps the planet stands a chance, but really only likely a slim chance. I think that in our lifetimes, certainly in yours as I am quite alot older than you, we will see some pretty brutal changes coming.
If we want to mitigate these ugly changes, we are going to have to all get on board with such things as banning all unnecessary use of the internal combustion engine. By that, I mean all recreational uses: boats, ATVs, ski-doos, auto-racing and a host of others. We will have to get on board (and here I know I will hear all sorts of screams) with population reduction: allowing those that are born with no chance of a normal life, or to be able to look after themselves, to expire naturally; allow those elderly who are unable to survive without extraordinary means to expire naturally. This, I know, sounds draconian, but if we do not take measures then nature will do so and it may mean the end of all life, as we know it, on earth. It would be a shame if we were the cause of the demise of this lovely planet.
Thank you for your time. I must repeat, I did enjoy your editorial and realize that if you went as far as I just did that there would be no way that you could have printed it or on the other hand, you would likely have been drawn and quartered.
Vern - January 26

Kudos for Karen - Hospitals Count on Caring Kids
Thank you for the great article Karen (Slivar) – we can all be very proud of each of the many kids who volunteer in health care areas in the Okanagan – they are our future! Again, thanks for the terrific job of featuring Sunny (Gakhal) and Tony (Sam) from our program.
Candis Eikerman,
Manager Volunteer Services, North Okanagan Interior Health - January 22, 2008

Future Shock Sparks Interest
I just found a copy of the magazine, and it's GREAT! Thanks so much  for your coverage of the conference (Building Sustainable Communities - November 2007, Kelowna), it was really well done. I'm also  enjoying the Future Shock article, which will certainly get people thinking.
Joanne deVries, CEO, Fresh Outlook Foundation - January 21, 2008

More on Teens Count Too
Just a quick note to say thank you for your story regarding Teens Count Too. I was excited to read about Teens Count Too in your November/December 2007 issue! I was one of the three ladies who started this charity, and I feel privileged that our efforts are continued, and growing every year! Thank you for the recognition!!
Deborah Steffens - January 15, 2008

Charity of Choice Helps Cheer Teen Christmas
I was flipping through Okanagan Life yesterday and I came across your article about Teens Count Too. As Promotions Coordinator at Sun FM I was heavily involved in campaigning for Teens through the station. We raised a little over $17,000 this year during our annual fundraiser, I believe that's a record to date. Thank you for the extra publicity and your support!
Erin Setch - December 18

Special Olympics Athlete Coverage Appreciated
Just wanted to say thank you for covering our two athletes (John Bartram and Glen McIntyre) that went to Shanghai (Special Olympics Summer World Games). Loved the format that you took with them. I sent both pieces to our provincial office in Burnably. Thanks again as we really appreciate the support from your magazine. Next journey - 96 BC athletes to Quebec City in February (22 from the Okanagan for the Special Olympics Winter Games - Nationals).
Leslie Thornley - December 14

Reader Rave - Loves Cannings Story and More...
I am continually impressed with your magazine. Not only are there great photos but excellent editorial. In the current edition I particularly enjoyed the short bit on Dick Cannings.......too bad it wasn't a bit longer so more people could read about Dick, his knowledge, accomplishments and his interesting family. You may or may not know that Dick's father was honoured by citizens of Penticton as one of the 10 most influential citizens of Penticton in a Penticton Herald Poll earlier this year.
The other interesting article was the SPCA Pet Cemetary that we have here. As a matter of fact that cemetary is my "neighbour". My morning walk takes me there every day.
After reading the article on the National Park I subscribed to Okanagan Life and have just renewed my subscription. Congratulations on your continual excellent publications. I look forward to more.
Doreen Olson - November 30

Kudos for Cannings Stand on National Park
Thanks for the engaging profile of Dick Cannings. Naturalists throughout BC cherish him as a national treasure and those of us in the Okanagan are proud he's one of our own. The statement of support from Dick for the national park proposal is thankfully received. We thank Dick for saying it and you for publishing it.
Dennis St. John - November 28

Hurray for Heritage
...I must admit that I had not purchased a copy of your magazine before today, but having read the October edition, I am most impressed, and particularly about the theme of heritage being the feature in this edition. I also work for the Central Okanagan Heritage Society in Kelowna and will be passing this magazine around. It is so refreshing to see that finally heritage is getting the attention it deserves - I hope that people get a sense of what they can do with a heritage building from your articles, and that they appreciate what will be lost if we continue to knock it down. Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, raising public awareness of the Okanagan's heritage treasures and preserving and restoring what is left are issues high on the priority list of the Central Okanagan Heritage Society. Thank you for your support of heritage.
Samantha Poling - November 19

Oops - Goof on Peachland Incorporation Date
I enjoyed your October issue very much. As you know, the history of our valley is a subject dear to my heart!
On page 21, column two, it was stated "Peachland was incorporated in 1899." In fact, Peachland was incorporated early in 1909 - with the first meeting of Peachland Council held in February 1909.
Dorothy Zoellner - October 30

Editor's Note: Thanks, Dorothy, for pointing out our error. You're right - Peachland was founded in 1899, but not incorporated until 1909.

Kudos for Our Content
I have come to realize and appreciate the wonderful content and diversity that Okanagan Life depicts with each new edition. Not many local publishers can come close to delivering the quality of reading that your staff is able to produce on a continued basis. I am truly grateful for the nine issues that are produced annually and for the community interests and intrigue that is shared so abundantly. Kudos to all, as you endeavour to share our community at large.
su knorr - October 29

"Who's Your Daddy" Strikes a Chord
I am the guy that called you (Luke) this morning after having read your article in the Okanagan Life magazine which was delivered to our door at work yesterday. First of all, I commend you for bearing your soul in print - especially about a subject so intimate and somehow controversial to say the least. I applaud you. My story in some ways parallels your's but in one way is still distintly different. I could really relate to you with some of the feelings you shared about your identity and the wondering of just who you are in this world. This is a bit of my story.
I was born in Edmonton, Alberta on April 15, 1953 and a month after my birth was surrendered for adoption. In October of that same year, my adoptive parents who were from Lacombe, Alberta, a small farming community some two hours south of Edmonton, took me home to be their first child. They had been married in 1951 but for whatever reason, were just not able to have a child so after a lot of thought and I'm sure, prayer, decided to apply to have a child through adoption. I grew up in a very stable, fundamental evangelical home (as in those days, when adopting a child, the parents were made to promise that they would take their children to church).
I was loved and very much wanted by my adopted parents. A year after my birth, my mother got pregnant - which often happens!!! So my sister was born in September of 1954 and my adoption was still not finalized due to some medical problems I had at birth. Once the problems were addressed, both through surgery and the other simply correcting itself, the adoption papers were signed in the spring of 1955. I was just one month short of being two years of age when the adoption was finally finished.
Shortly after my sister's birth, my adopted father began to have medical problems - a lump appeared on his thigh and was removed, only to find out it was benign. Then a year or so later, another growth appeared, was operated on and was found to be cancerous. We lived on a farm and over the next few years he was in and out of hospital in Edmonton, undergoing treatments for his cancer but eventually the disease was so rampant in his body that in 1963 they were forced to sell the farm and move into town. Less than a year later he died at the age of 43. I was just two months shy of my 11th birthday so by the time I was 11 I had already lost three parents.
My mother, three years later, picked up, left Lacombe with two kids and moved to Kelowna - the land of milk and honey and a place where we had come on holidays and where my father would have loved to live if he would ever be healed from cancer.
All my life I wanted to know who my birth parents were and I searched for 25 years, finding out tidbits of information here and there but always ending in a slammed door, usually just when I thought I was getting somewhere! It wasn't until I was 42 years old, some 12 years ago now, that the laws in the Province Of Alberta changed and I was finally able to hire a Search Agent to help me in finding my family. He would go to the Provincial Government, obtain the sealed adoption record, get a first hand look at names etc. and try to locate them. If the birthparents were willing to allow me to know who they were, the Government would release all the information to me and arrange a meeting with them.
In just three weeks, the Search Agent found the family I had been looking for for 25 years. I remember so well the Sunday afternoon in November that I got the call from the Search Agent informing me that he had found my family and they were willing for me to know who they were. The only sad news in all of it was that my birth mother had died - at the age of 55 - 20 years before - in 1975, just one month after I had been married. It turned out that my birth mother was a married woman and the rest of the story gets really muddled!!!!!
I won't bore you with all the details of that right now but I would love to get together with you sometime and share our stories with each other if you are willing to do that. I have endured a lot of emotional pain over the years because of not having a father in my life and then also when finding my birth family, there being a question as to who my birth father really is. A long story which I would love to share with you sometime.
Anyway, Luke, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone in your seach for peace in your life regarding your father. I still struggle with my identity, questions about the past that I cannot find answers to so I know in part where you are at.
...Thanks for the ear and again, thanks for the article. It is great and I am sure it has stirred the hearts of many.
Kerry Heidebrecht - October 17

Forthright Feedback
First the good.....your Red Room Ramble and the Help Wanted feature was a great read! I like that OL has opinion. Too much fluffy half baked wishy-washy smalltime media in this town. OL has some teeth, which is good to see. Your RRR page showed even more teeth, careful though, people will be getting pissed at you, hope you have broad shoulders buddy. But to the point, you describe succinctly exactly "how it is" in the town.
Keep up the challenging diverse features, it's making OL into something very interesting. We need more "different" in this town, there's too much of the same old same old.
And more of the good-and some bad....absolutely awesome feature on Silver Star and downhill mountain biking in general. The article communicated to a readership who are sport-unfamiliar group (non- mountain-bike-riders) exactly what mountain biking is about, and the fun, excitement, dangers, and challenge associated with the sport. I loved that you had the feature done by a female rider, great call. Myself and my wife ride downhill and freeride, and it's hard to get female riders into the harder edged scene, lots of machismo, etc, so to get exposure for female riders is welcomed. We personally work to ensure we have mixed group riding, with mixed skill and experience levels, and we have introduced new riders to the sport, so it's good to see that approach represented by OL.
Two points:
1) It seemed generally to be like an ad-feature for Silver Star, you mentioned Crawford but we have Gillard and Powers, two of the best freeride areas in the Interior. From this point, the timing was weird. Silver Star is now closed, this article should be been out in print in July ! Who's going to 'act on impulse' (i.e. to go rip the trails at Silver Star) having just read your article ? Also a few words from Steve Romaniuk, Ryan Scnepf, would back up the feature with some local celeb cred.
2) The page 73 cartoon was awful. Seriously. You put all that effort into producing a great article, professionally presented, and with the female rider angle too. Then ruin it by including what I think is an unfunny, crappy, low grade carton that (in the words of my wife, a female mountain biker) was 'insulting to women riders, not funny and just dumb'. Female riders have to put up with a whole bunch of barriers, psychological and physical, the cartoon was just crap.
Keep up the good work, OL is definitely progressing and we very much look forward to our copy each month.
Rich & Nicky Deakin - September 12

Red Room Ramble Riles Reader
I just read your column in this month’s issue of OK Life, and was quite disappointed to read your reference to a used car salesman/ polished lemon/talking out of his butt etc. Perhaps you didn’t know that car salespeople these days hold certified licenses, which they pay handsomely for, and, by the way, if you have paid any attention to the majority of your advertisement clientele it looks very automobile industry supported. You might want to think twice about slandering an industry of which obviously gives your profession so much support.
Brenda Massey-Bokitch - September 12

Editor's Note: It was not my intention to slander a whole industry or group of professionals. I have been treated well at reputable car dealerships to be sure. However, I have had personal experience purchasing what turned out to be a good-looking lemon from someone I thought was acting professionally. There are many cases of this happening through less- reputable/less-upstanding used car lots that sell only used vehicles (often times selling them illegally after being "restored" from major water or accident damage). I realize that used cars sales have come a long way in terms of more consumer-protective regulations and methods, but the salesman I am referring to in my tongue-in-cheek/sarcastic column is obviously one of the still- existing people of disrepute. I apologize if I offended you. Perhaps I was too cliché in my writing. I'll watch out for that in future columns. Thank you for the feedback!

ALR Architect Speaks Out -
Former BC Premier Dave Barrett called in and made these comments
I’m really impressed with the wonderful article that you’ve written about the ALR and I just wanted to chat with you briefly about a couple of other aspects of it. You’ve done a great service in keeping that program alert in the public’s mind. … especially brave in the Social Credit turf.
W.A.C. Bennett attacked us as dangerous communists over the ALR. You can go back and read some of that hysterical stuff and it came not only from Bennett senior, but later on when Bennett junior became premier. They were sniffing around trying to kill the ALR, but he backed off.
Campbell is now the one who is deliberately setting up these native Indian settlements as a precursor of getting other land out of the ALR. (Speaking about the Tsawassen deal) … this is just the beginning of opening the door, using the tragic situations with many of the First Nations people, as an opening to get the rest of the stuff out.
The other issue is that, in the Fraser Valley, where they took some land out of the ALR, they named one of the owners of the land onto a regional board for the ALR. Now they’ve set up a different structure. We had a board of professionals, not politicals and it was province wide.
You’ve hit the button in some of the other things you’re saying in the article – of the dangers that are there. There are more dangers than anyone else is really focussing on. People are feeling so good, everybody’s got jobs and the environment is not a single issue for a hell of a lot of people. But it is true that they’ve been pulling land out like crazy and dumping in garbage land and saying, oh, we’ve got more acreage.
So yours is the only article I’ve seen that’s given a précis of the history, without taking any sides, and just explained what happened, what’s going on and everything else.
…The years before we got in government, it was farmers themselves and ecologists who had been advocating, non-politically, for preservation of the land and the real guy in the caucus who picked it up was Stupich, he was the minister of finance later on, but he also had a degree in agriculture. Anyway, it all started there.
We had a bit of a tussle in the caucus, but in the end it became so bloody obvious in terms of what we’ve got and what we can lose that I said, to hell with it, let’s do it.… This is an incredibly beautiful place in the world – and the insensitivity – never mind whether you’re left-wing or right-wing or anything else, just the common sense about what we have and what future generations will scream bloody murder if they don’t have the same thing – is now being threatened by the current government….
But anyway, what you’re doing as a journalist is so wonderful and so important….
Thanks very much for writing in a logical, cautious manner with the exact figures, and demonstrating to people who want to think about it that there is a frightening train of events happening with the ALR.

Edmontonian Loves Okanagan Life Annual Valley Guide (Okanagan-Shuswap)
Kudos on one of the most beautiful magazines I have ever seen, the subject, the Okanagan, is dear to me. I was flipping through the issue that arrived at work and nearly cried when I saw Mount Bastion and the other Salmon Arm and Tappan scenes. I spent many summers
on Sunnybrae Road at my grandmother's home, she was originally a Dearing. In recent years I have been fortunate enought to visit more of the Valley and love every inch of it. The development and properity is nice to see, although it does bring many changes. Congrats on
a fine job and the talent you have on staff, especially Laurie Carter!
Laura Niven, Edmonton - August 13

Grant (Whiskey) Island - Keep Off
I have read your most recent magazine. There is one article was has caused some concern. The Article is entitled "Gunkholders delight". It concerns "Grant Island". As a Director of the Bishop Wild Bird Foundation which owns the island...there is a concern that the article is encouraging boaters to "visit" the island. As this is an important bird habitat we do not
want any visitation on the island.
Erin Nelson - July 26

Editor's Note: In the article, David Madison stated that the island is privately owned and that it is a bird sanctuary. We urge boaters to respect this and stay clear.

Reader Sends Okanagan Life to Toronto Mayor
In regards to your recent edition of Okanagan Life - you have to be congratulated - especially re: land fills. We can be very proud of our contribution to disposing of garbage - albeit still a ways to go. Flying over Toronto two years ago - I tried to imagine the amount of garbage collected in one day!! I wrote to the mayor and sent info re: our waste management and how proud we are of same. "He?" replied, saying they were aware but not many solutions at that time. I am sending your recent edition of O.K. Life to him and his councillors. "Toronto the Great" can start setting examples as well and it may spread.
You have an excellent staff - keep up the good work. We have a great deal to be proud of here in Kelowna - am hoping it will remain so.
Elsie (Couldn't read last name on signature) - July 18

Farmer Speaks Out
It was with great interest I read the latest issue of Okanagan Life. My husband and I purchased a 33 acre farm two years ago in Spallumcheen just outside of Vernon/Armstrong. We focus on specialty, heritage and hard to find produce. We both come from a strong hospitality background and approach farming with what we feel is a unique perspective on the customers needs and wants.
With all the focus on organics these days, I feel that the conventional farms are viewed by the general population as not responsible to our consumers. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Yes we do use sprays on our farm as do some organic farms do as well.....the organics have sprays/fertilizers etc..that are approved by the organic associations...are they better? Well....I guess you be the judge. I also realize there are more puritan organic farms that use nothing at all. However nitrogen is nitrogen whether it comes from manure or a fertilizer bag..... I tell ya with nine acres of baby carrots, 12 acres of specialty beets, eight acres of asparagus , a variety of heritage and heirloom products and five acres of heirloom tomatoes the hand processing of all bugs, weeds would be a staggering cost to both the plants themselves and $$ to the consumer. So many of the products rely on weed free fields to germinate properly and with large wholesale contracts to fill there has to be a way to give the products a fighting chance. Are we responsible...ABSOLUTELY...we pay attention to days to harvest, the utmost of sanitation procedures and fully confident in our products that leave our farm. Are there some farms that aren't....sure just as in any industry it pays to get to know the person providing your family with any goods or services.
We are also involved with the Canadian Horticultural Society with a food safety program. It shows documentation of processes and is a good basis to having a food safe farm.
I in no way think your article was biased to conventional farming, just wanted to say a little on behalf our little plot of land!
We have considered organic farming...maybe one day....for now this is the route we have chosen and have been enjoying the change in our life as we take on this latest endeavor.
Jen Bellmann - July 14

ALR Story Elicits Thoughtful Response
May I congratulate you on a well presented article in your June issue regarding the Agricultural Land Reserve versus the need for land for residential space. In a province of 366,000 sq. miles with only five percent arable land, of which much has been lost already to development, one can appreciate the angst of those that have to make decisions as to what must remain in the ALR and what can be released.
From the point of view of the farmer/orchardist who has seen diminishing returns from his efforts and has reached that point in life where he is too tire, or financially unable, to upgrade his holdings and looks upon them as his retirement fund, one can only feel sympathy. Further there are undoubtedly areas in the ALR where it would be a challenge to grow turnips and make a profit.
Conversely, the pressure is on to make available living space at a reasonable price for those wanting to make the Okanagan their home. There is no doubt that the high cost of residential accomodation has detered many younger families from locating here. (Apparently members of the RCMP have declined transfers to the Okanagan, with thanks, due to the high cost of real estate).
If I recall correctly, there was an experiment tried on Vancouver Island in the Cowichan Valley area, whereby arrangements were made for a younger person to take over some of the dairy farms and tend them. This was some years ago so I don't recall the details. Surely there must be an acceptable solution to saving the agricultural land, even if it means the province purchasing the land and leasing it to younger people eager to try their hand at tilling the soil. Expecting California, with its expanding population, to keep us supplied is both reckless and insane showing a complete lack of responsibility.
David A. B. Hall - July 6

More Kudos for Agriculture/Land Use Stories
Thank you for a very informative and interesting series of articles in the past Okanagan Life.
I think it is great that you have taken the time to research several very important issues for our valley and our world. It is helpful to see what other communities are doing and how we each can help in our own areas. I love the idea of "pairing up" with a farmer so he can grow his food with assurance! Even the garbage aticle was interstingly written and an interesting topic. Hats off to your crew - obviously not just a bit of fluff!
Lynne Smith - June 26

Something to Think About
Okanagan Life magazine has given me considerable reading enjoyment over the ten years I have lived in the area. I have never been moved towards letter writing to media sources but have simply taken most of what I see and hear for granted. Until now, that is. I realized suddenly that there has been a shift in editorial policy at Okanagan Life which has perked up my senses and I have been re-reading a few of the latest issues.
Issues would seem to be a key word. Your magazine has morphed into a source of knowledge about our community that grabs at people’s imagination and creates discussion. A far cry from the bland little country stories we were accustomed to reading.
There are enough bland media about. It takes real courage to present the public with issues they can debate. Keep up the good work.
James G. White - June 26

Conservation Cop - Madison "Gets" His Man
This massage is for David Madison. On behalf of my family and I, I would just like to say thank you. Thank you for the amazing article you wrote about my father, he is an amazing,
hard working man and deserves all the recognition. In his job he does not get a lot of thank you's, he gets more grief then anything. Your article delves into the man he really is and
that is the best thank you of all. Reading your words brought tears to my eyes, cause I am just so proud of him, knowing how hard both he and Ed Seitz work. You captured his spirit, his integrity, his love for what he does. This job is not just a 9 to 5 for him.... that photo you took of him standing beside his truck. It captured him the way I always think of him.
Shawna Hoyer - June 19

Happiness on Colourful Front Street
Thank you Laurie Carter for the page 17 article on Front St. in June's Okanagan Life. So well written that the rest of the restaurants and stores not mentioned felt left over! Thank you again.
Jeanette Beaven - June 19

Editors' Pic Puts Annie's on the Map
Please forward this heartfelt thank you to all. As one of your first annual editors' picks you have made me a celebrity in my home town!! And you have helped put my little store on the map! We have customers coming in daily saying they read about us in your magazine. The photographer did an oustanding job...even my mouth waters when I look at the picture. Your writer labelled us bang on...you never know what you will walk into in my store! Again, many thanks for acknowledging Cantaloupe Annie's...drop in whenever you're in town or passing through.
Jane MacFadden - June 19

Kudos for Land Use Issue
I received my copy of Okanagan Life in the Cap News (I’m over in the Shannon Lake area) and I just wanted to thank you. I thought it was absolutely fantastic. A lot of people, especially younger people, have been fretting and worrying about farmland now. I think it’s a fantastic sign of the times (literally on the cover, there). I live where that sign is on that piece of land. I was just absolutely thrilled to see this issue. I think it’s really important. I wouldn’t mind having a few extra copies to give to the occasional person.
I wrote a piece on the garbage issue for a website some time ago and I think everybody should be forced to go look at the landfill once in a while.
It was a significant issue with significant stories and I think it’ll have a ripple effect for a long time. So I wanted to say thank you.
Deborah Greaves – June 18

More Restaurant Info
Hey Guys - come on! What were you thinking!
I am a subscriber and received the May issue last week. In your extensive, and beautifully presented EDITORS CHOICE AWARDS: Who did you have in mind - as your reader?
No hard facts. No addresses. No telephone numbers. In most of the cases - no mention of the town or location. How does someone find the places you chose........by looking
each one up via Google, and finding (hopefully) a website?
Did you ever put yourselves in the place of the reader who is NOT a resident of the Okanagan? Obviously not.
If this is an "Insider's Guide" for residents already living in the Okanagan, who know all of these places - then fine. But for me, a Vancouver resident who subscribed for the sole purpose of receiving this issue and to be introduced to the Okanagan for travel purposes - this issue loses on all points.
As for your next section READERS CHOICE AWARDS - again you get by with categorizing the choices as "North" "Central" and "South." Again, who did you have in mind as your reader? It is purely an "Insider's Guide." No clue as to how to find these listings. No hard facts. No addresses. No telephone numbers. No towns named. Then I thought.......maybe the restaurants named in the issue had placed ADS - and that is how we could find the locations, etc. But, alas, this was not the case.
I have never seen an editorial issue such as this - featuring restaurants - with nothing for a visitor to the region to go on.
I am sorry I subscribed.
Edena Sheldon - May 24

Editor's Note: Since the overwhelming majority of our readers are Okanagan residents, we do write for an audience with a certain local knowledge. Among the Editors' Choice picks, all but two stories stated the location city and several mentioned the street as well. As for the Readers' Choice Awards, location is provided in brackets for restaurants outside the major centres for the region. Otherwise, local readers would know the cities - Vernon for the North, Kelowna for Central and Penticton for the South. In both cases, we felt that listing addresses and phone numbers could leave the impression that these were paid advertisements and we want no confusion on that score.

Where's the Fish
Hello from Port Albernie. I formerly resided in Kelowna and always enjoyed your magazine. My query is - I would like to read the article about Shady Rest Fish and Chips (the best) but couldn't locate on web page. Believe or not I have been unable to find good fish and chips here where the fish is caught. Go figure. Would appreciate if you can be of help.
Eleanor Schoenenberger - May 14

Editor's Note: Click here to download the full Editors' Choice section available on our Feature Story page.

Hate the Reviews
I was insensed enough to contact you because of your rediculous artices by Laurie Carter. The others gave information about and a reason to visit their subjects.
Pg. 18 Hoang Gia. All about her, Very little description of the food or the decor and the popularity. Should have told about how crowded with men this place is at lunch time and about how popular their huge bowls of soup are.
Pg. 19 Greek House. The resraurant name doesn't appear until the last paragraph. Only 8 - 2" lines about food. The wonderful flavors and large servings should take up most of the article.
Pg. 22. Fresco. More cutesy about her fantisy
Pg. 28 Lost Moose Lodge. another fantisy instead being about their food.
Pg. 38 Siam Orchid. The picture shows food but the article tells nothing about the wonderful flavors and larger than usual servings that would draw in first timers.,
Pg. 42 Kelly O'bryan's. This was the worst one. The whole article was about her fantisy of looking up the waiter's skirt. If it was a waitress this article would have been politically incorrect. There was nothing about what foods they serve ar the atmosphere.
Joan Chickloski - May 14

Love the Photos
I just received the new May edition of Ok Life... and as a photographer myself... I am sooo impressed with the photographs for the entire "best restuarants" section. I think they are
the best photos I have ever seen in your magazine... kudos to Lillie Louise Major!
Maria O'Neil - May 11

Sex and the Valley
thanks you so much for the excellent job you (Shelley Wood) did on the article about school district 23's family life program. It was accurate and well written and I really appreciate that.
Laura Grenda - April 25

Our New Look
I am totally impressed with the evolution of the magazine in all its transformations from graphic design to the excellent (journalistic) articles coming out. Kudos to you, Paul and all
the staff for doing such good work.
Dorothy Zunti - April 21

Crime in the Valley
I would like to commend you on the March edition titled Crime in the Valley. I think the articles presented were well balanced and exposed all sides of the issue. This exposé will go a long way to help people become more knowledgeable and informed about crime and what resources are available.
Having lived in Kelowna since 1978, I am aware that many people in this area prefer to bury their head in the sand and don't want to admit that as we grow we will start to have big city problems. I don't feel that the answer is to be afraid and stay out of the downtown area. On the contrary I think we should spend more time down there as criminals don't want to be observed. They want to be hidden.
I thought the final article called "It's the Minor Misdeeds" was a great way to conclude. I fully agree that we as parents, grandparents and a community as a whole, have a great responsibility to support our children and young people to develop into competent and valuable citizens. Some times it is the small one-time bits of advise and coaching that have the lasting impact.
Prevention is much cheaper and more long-lasting than dealing only with the fallout when good people do bad things. I would like to suggest that you do a follow-up edition on ways the community, professionals, parents and grandparents can make a difference with our youth.
Thank you once again for your efforts.
Natalie Wheatley - March 11

Special Olympics Winter Games
WOW! What a great article covering the upcoming Special Olympics Winter Games in Kelowna!
Linda Galpin - January 29

Less Snow, More Woe - Comeback
The object of the global warming snow article was to be objective about what is the true reality of the situation (yes--global warming is happening) and the awareness Valley people have about it. It's pretty low! How I feel about snow is irrelevent.
If the urgency of the global warming situation was not conveyed, I believe it is in the view of the reader. If enough people don't do enough to personally combat this real issue, we are going to be in a dire situation.
Dona Sturmanis - January 11

Less Snow, More Woe
The article written by Dona Sturmanis in the Jan/Feb issue (Cold Disappearing Act)
left me breathless; not from admiration, but rather from rage. If I were being generous
than I would attribute Dona’s enthusiasm for global warming and its “positive” side
effects as mere ignorance, but it reads as astounding selfishness. Sure you might
have warmer weather to play golf, but how are you going to keep the greens green when the
water supply diminishes? And won’t all those troublesome forest fires put you off your
putt? Not to mention the lack of trees caused by pine beetle that is rampant because of the
lack of freezing temperatures.
We are very lucky people to live in the Okanagan with its beautiful lake and rich ecosystem. As a magazine that celebrates the natural wonder of Okanagan Life, you should be encouraging people to cherish and help preserve it.
Shame on you Dona!
Georgina Parton - January 10, 2007

Special Olympics
I was in the Okanagan for the past two days and got to see the magazine!!
It is sensational!! Thank you so much for all of the work you did on this
project. It is a truly wonderful piece on Special Olympics!!
Lois McNary - January 10

Special Olympics
The spread looks soooo amazing!
Thank you so much.
Heather Young
Manager, Communications
Special Olympics BC - January 10, 2007

New to the Valley - Loves Okanagan Life
Just wanted to congradulate you for the production of such a wonderful magazine, I moved to Kelowna from Edmonton and I truly love your magazine. Keep up the excellent work.
Marsha Guenette - January 3, 2007

Clash of the Conservationists
Battle lines over the proposed National Park are being drawn In many ways, the ideological battles being fought in the South Okanogan over the proposed establishment of a national park mirror the global state of affairs dealing with preserving wild lands. On the one hand, we are all awestruck going through Banff, Jasper, Cape Breton or the Pacific Rim National Parks and we thank those with the foresight to set these lands aside. On the other side are the challenges of setting aside large tracts of land that are currently used for grazing, recreational and commercial uses.
As the work has gone on to determine whether such a park is feasible, emotions have been stirred in the Okanogan communities. The urban centres of Penticton and Kelowna are generally supportive. The residents of the southern part of the valley, which will see a more direct impact on their lives, tend to have more mixed feelings towards the proposed park.
As the work continues the battle lines seem to be getting drawn. Conservationists are pitted against each other; neighbour against neighbour and the first nations are varied in their
support as well.
Some nations take up arms over such issues. In Canada, we talk.
Brian Hughes - December 21, 2006

Editor's Note: Click on Events for details on the upcoming Penticton Philosopher's Cafe with guest speakers Greg Norton, representing a diverse group who favour multiple use zones; Dick Cannings, well known biologist in favour of the National Park; and Jeanette Armstrong, Director of the En'owkin Centre, who will speak to the First Nations issues. The goal of the session is to heal the rifts and encourage understanding. January 25, 7:00 pm
En'owkin Centre on Green Mountain Rd.

Trucker Tackles Trains
I just read, with interest, David Madison's article on the two Shuswap/Okanagan railways in the June 2006 issue of OK Life. Living in the North Okanagan, high on the west side, we are very much aware of OVR activity. Their engine's horns sound at every intersection (usually in the dead of night when we hear them) as they 'centimetre' their way through our community on their travels between Kelowna and Sicamous.
Having spent over 50 years as a long-haul trucker, and the last 5 years in safety and compliance, related to the trucking industry, I am very much attuned to the so-called rivalry between the two modes of transportation. I am also a railroad buff and am in possession of quite an extensive library of rail literature. It was easy to become a fan of the rail as the Trans-Canada Highway pretty much parallels the CPR and the Yellowhead Highway follows the CNR, our nation's two major RRs and two major roadways.
Actually, the competition between rail and road is less than 20%. Trucks will always be used for time sensitive and most perishable freight hauling, and have the capability of delivering right to your door. There is a saying, "If you have it - a truck brought it!" In fact Canada's two major rail lines, the CPR and the CNR, own huge fleets of trucks which deliver freight to most points in the country, and many are seen daily in the Okanagan corridor. Thousands of kilkometres of rail lines have been abandoned over the years, so it stands to reason that as the population continues to explode, the dependency on truck delivery will also continue to expand. The market share for trucking is expected to rise by almost 15% by 2010, while both rail and marine traffic is expected to decline.
Environmentally, the two modes are even wider apart. Truck engines, which have a much shorter life expectancy than locomotive engines (about 5 years as opposed to around 40) have been strictly regulated since the early '80s. Truck engines also benefit from the very latest in technology and efficiency. Diesel fuel for trucks, for example, is currently limited to 15 ppm. (parts per million) of sulphur. Rail locomotives are still pumping out 3,000 ppm. and will continue to do so until after 2007, when they will be restricted to only 500 ppm. It doesn't take a Rhode's scholar to figure out that one diesel rail locomotive today, expels as much sulphur content into the air as 200 tractor-trailers. Sort of puts things into perspective.
All the above information is readily available to anyone, including Mr. Madison, who has the time and energy to research it.
Ed Murdoch - December 1, 2006

Best of the Okanagan
In your Editors'Choice section of the Nov/Dec edition, you have a category for "Best Scream-Inducing Dessert Wine," but the wine is an aperitif...check the dictionary.
Carmen St. Jean - November 28, 2006

Editor's Note: Silver Sage Winery, while calling it an aperitif on the bottle, also markets it heavily as a dessert wine. It is one of those odd products that can have multiple uses. See their website (http://www.silversagewinery.com/profiles.php) or visit them for a tasting.

Best of the Okanagan
Your editors' choices are far more useful than the readers' choice because they are more limited in scope and greater in detail. The best dry cleaner choice is not of any use, frankly, and neither are most of the categories although one always learns about a business not previously known. I think it would be more useful to profile the best of the new businesses as there are so many.
I wonder too about some of the voting. In the best antique shop category is Tutt Antiques. There is no Tutt antique store per se so I see how it can be included.
Your magazine is a pleasure to get although it is not always delivered in my neighbourhood.
Eve Foran - November 26, 2006

Editor's Note: Regarding Tutt Antiques - our readers voted and Tutt, whether a shop or simply an antique business, came second.

Best of the Okanagan
Just reading the Best of Edition, and noticed that you have the Enchanted Forest as one of the Best Atractions. Way to go, but one important omission was noticed - since the 80s, it has
been owned and run by the Ehlers Family. I think they deserve a lot of credit for the last 20 some odd years of additions!
Erin Scott - November 23, 2006

New Subscriber
I am so very impressed with the September and October issues of Okanagan Life that I bought a subscription. I loved the story about the "Green Knight" (Oct). Maryanne Wheeldon is quite the character. More people should follow her example or better still not throw trash anywhere but in the proper container. The Mascot Mine story was good too. I love the town of Hedley and wish them every success with their project. Your story will be helpful in getting them the profile they deserve.
. . . the National Park story. We really appreciated the balanced reporting.
Doreen Olsen - November 17, 2006

Proposed Park and Kudos
Thanks for the article, Clash of the Conservationists, as it provided some good insights into this issue. For our part, this is one of those issues in which compromise (not compensation) is not realistic when it comes to preserving the integrity/sustainability of endangered areas...consider the article in this weekends Capital News on the vandalism done in the Little White Mtn. area as an example of what occurs when strict rules and management oversight are not in place.
Some folks will be impacted and should be fairly compensated but the greater good of environmental sustainability should prevail. There exist huge tracks where development of every kind can occur (often with devastating impacts to ecology) so we must preserve what and as much as we can for once lost it is gone forever.
Kudos to your magazine for doing more than just promote a business development focus through the often typical "rose coloured glasses" approach of many other local publications. By biting into more controversial or thought provoking subject matter, such as "Clash..." you become a window for a much broader, more informed readership. Please continue this trend!
John & Barbara Waters - October 23, 2006

South Okanagan Similkameen National Park Reserve
Congratulations on what I feel is a very well balanced discussion of the many points of view on the national park. The prominence given the issue too is much appreciated. I hope more and more people continue to take an interest in the matter and attend open houses.
Eva Durance - October 23, 2006