Kudos to cara

Re: Tutors teach variety of skills, Sept. 30.

Once again, your publication's support is helping to make a difference in the lives of our community members. I would like to express my appreciation to reporter Cara Brady and all of the staff at The Morning Star for their part in helping bring the issue of adult literacy to the public's attention.

As a result of Ms. Brady's article, "Tutors teach variety of skills," I have already had several phone calls from individuals interested in donating their time as volunteer tutors, as well as from people seeking assistance.

These volunteers will help to greatly improve the ability and confidence levels of the adult learners they work with.

The importance of visibility in the local media for programs like ours cannot be overstated, particularly during difficult economic times.

Anyone interested in our program is encouraged to contact me at 250-545-7291 ext. 2311, or by e-mail at cmccann@okanagan.bc.ca.

Chandra McCann

Co-ordinator/instructor

Volunteer Literacy Tutoring Program, Okanagan College

health insurance tale

This is a reply to The Morning Star article "Senior Protests VJH. bill."

My first question is why did this American visitor not have travel health insurance?

I had an experience on April 18, 2008 in California, where I had a gall bladder attack and landed in the emergency department of the hospital.

I was in this room that they called the emergency department for approximately 40 minutes in which time I nearly froze to death, with no blankets or pillow.

The temperature outside was freezing as it was snowing. The doctor came and administered a "pink cocktail" and then I was discharged.

The total bill for this treatment was $1,499 U.S. I had travel health insurance and they had all the information for it.

I wonder what the bill would have been if I had stayed for 10 hours. I estimate it to be in excess of $15,000 U.S. at the rate they charged for 40 minutes.

My insurance company paid this bill approximately six months later and about nine months later, I received a bill from the hospital in question that said if the $1,499 was not paid immediately they would take action against me.

I called the insurance company and was told the date of payment.

They also said that it is a known fact that they try to collect both ways.

I called the hospital with this information at which time they said, "Oh yes, this account now has a zero balance."

All I can say is, I kept all the records.

And further to this, thank goodness for socialized hospitalization, such as it is with this government

Annette Kazmar

THANK YOU

I would like to acknowledge the effort of the owner of Swan Lake Nursery to upgrade and improve the north highway median.

Mr. Kowaluk deserves all of the credit and respect and support for his upstanding civic contribution to this project.

Bouquets and congratulations to all the contributing members. Thanks.

Walt Lesyk

taxpayers' money

When I opened The Morning Star Oct. 18, I was astounded by the content of the article on page A3. It lists the funding sources for the "beautification project" along the Swan Lake corridor.

In addition to the (reasonable amount of) $1,500 from BX-Swan Lake electoral district and $130,000 (of private funds) from Swan Lake Nurseryland, the City of Vernon taxpayers are kicking in an astounding $230,500.

Social programs are stymied by cuts in funding but there seems to be ample resources for roundabouts, highway beautification projects and feasibility studies, etc.

I'm wondering how many citizens of Vernon handed over their tax dollars with the intention of laying pavement and rocks, placing concrete and planting shrubs. I'm sure that, for many of them, improving the lives of their less-fortunate fellow citizens was foremost in their minds.

I trust they are sufficiently appalled at this abuse and waste of their tax dollars.

Mark Levey

foster parents

In the Vernon area, more than 125 foster families open their hearts and their homes to care for foster children and youth who through varied circumstances are unable to remain with their families.

These low-profile but highly valued people give nurture, parental care and opportunities to build warm and loving memories.

Foster families assist in promoting growth, development and stability in the lives of foster children and youth.

Just a few of the qualities that mark our foster families are perseverance, loving kindness, sacrifice and a “never give up” attitude.

October was Foster Family Appreciation Month in B.C. The Okanagan Foster Parents Association would like to express their respect and deep appreciation to the unique and invaluable individuals who foster in our community.

It is not just the foster parents who we hold in high esteem, but also their extended families – children, grandparents and their circle of friends and neighbours.

If you know a foster family, why not take the time to phone them or write them a note and let them know how much they are valued.

The average person can not comprehend the challenges, and also the joys of opening their home and their heart to a foster child.

Noelle Typusiak

Okanagan Foster

Parents Association

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