I enjoy hearing from constituents. It never ceases to amaze me the diversity of the citizen’s who live in this part of the province and the many interesting thoughts and ideas that are often put forward.
As an example, we often think of the Okanagan region and the many young hockey talents that have passed through our respective community arenas over the years and in many cases we meet the retired hero’s of the game who also frequently call this region home. However I was unaware that we are also producing some world class volleyball players here in the South Okanagan as well.
Nate Speijer, Caitlin Nyhus and Kaylan Gouldsborough are just a few young stars from our area. Caitlin Nyhus has been a star setter on teams that have won two national championships and is widely considered one of the most successful players in the history of the BCCAA. Job well done to these young Volleyball athletes.
Another citizen I recently heard from was a Summerland resident who had some public safety concerns regarding a highways access point. Rather than simply sending in a letter, this gentleman took things a step further and actually took the time to use a video camera to document his concerns firsthand.
The video and related information was posted online and the link to view was forwarded on. Suffice to say the video was very helpful in illustrating the concerns and I am now working with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that they are resolved.
In both of the examples citizen’s took the time to come forward and share their input and I am certainly very appreciative for the efforts. Last week I also had a chance to meet directly with Premier Designate Christy Clark who would also like to hear your ideas on the priorities of government. You can make your own submission directly to Christy Clark at http://www.christyclark.ca/designate/
On a related theme is gaming grants. This past week over $32 million in gaming grants went out all across British Columbia as part of $120 million in annual BC Gaming funds.
Locally over $400,000 came to some 45 different organizations in Peachland, Summerland, Penticton and Naramata. I also know that there are a few organizations that were not on the list, and others who did not receive as much funding as they had hoped for. That said, I have also heard from many grateful volunteers who were ecstatic that they had received gaming grant funds and were keen to explain the programs that they are working on.
I cannot thank enough the many of you who volunteer your time and effort in providing many of these programs and services that help define the fabric of our community. Although it is only the spring, I would like to commit to hosting another gaming seminar this fall and will look forward to meeting with many of you again. For further information on gaming grants please contact my office or visit http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/
In closing this week I would like to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Bill Rowe. Although I did not know Dr.Rowe in his professional capacity, I did know him as a tireless volunteer and supporter of the good work in Rotary International. For over 50 years Bill Rowe gave generously of his time to serve others in his community, or as Rotarians would say, Bill Rowe truly epitomized service above self.
- Excited
- Informed
- Amused
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- Angry
