I am writing to express my concern about the recent decision by this government to close the provincial office of the Infant Development Program. The Infant Development Program serves families across B.C. with infants and young children who have special needs or are at risk for developmental delays. Many families in the North Okanagan have received services from the Infant Development Program which is supported by that provincial office.

The provincial office for IDP is internationally recognized for its leadership. The office provides families and consultants with support, resources, the most recent information on specific therapies, and ongoing educational opportunities.

This effective leadership provides the blanket consistency needed for all consultants across the province to go into family homes and offer well informed assistance to match each unique situation.

The closure of the provincial office has the ear markings of diminishing quality and consistency of programs.

Infant Development consultants across the province along with supportive organizations such as BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre are launching a campaign to protest this closure.

Families who have experienced benefits from the IDP must be informed of the present situation.

If you are concerned about the closure of the provincial office that provides the leadership, then I ask that you write a letter to your government officials, including the MLA and the premier, to share your story and ask them to reconsider their decision.

It is only through the efforts of many voices that we may be able to affect the decision made by this government.

Susan Wells,

Supervisor of Infant Development Program, NONA Child Development Centre

RECYCLE PLEASE

Vernon should be recycling at arenas, parks and beaches. Should Vernon residents and visitors be able to recycle when they're having fun at the beaches, parks, arenas and downtown core?

Should Vernon be sending out a new message to tourism and its visitors?

Should we continue to toss plastic drink bottles, cans, glass containers in the garbage which end up in our landfill?

Most residents have been successfully recycling at home in the Greater Vernon area, it's time for city's leaders to take waste diversion seriously.

The City of Vernon should be "leading by example and sending the right message to the community."

Provide the recycling containers at the beaches, parks, arenas and downtown core and the community will respond.

Many other cities across the country are implementing this program successfully.

Rod Scapillati