Photo gallery: A spectacular afternoon in Kal Park. Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

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Selected articles -- Morning Star, November 25 and 27, 2009

We also need the ascent of the electors and their money!

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Vernon Operational Review Paves the Way for 2011 New Patient Care Tower

KELOWNA – Interior Health has received the report of Medical Management Consulting which conducted a review of the operational services of Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the services offered in the communities of the North Okanagan.

“The review is very timely as Interior Health, physicians and staff plan for opening Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s new patient care tower in 2011,” notes Pat Furey, Health Services Administrator for the North Okanagan. “This will be a collaborative process going forward. Interior Health, together with our physician team, is committed to building on our strengths and working towards an exciting future.”

The scope of work included identifying resources and utilization rates (community, acute and residential care) within North Okanagan communities including Revelstoke and Salmon Arm, and comparing these with the other five large sites in Interior Health (Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Trail and Cranbrook) and with two other external comparison sites Langley Memorial Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock.

The report has identified a number of different areas where administration, staff and physicians can focus to build for the future:

Review bed supply and requirement projections
Examine whether more inpatient cases can safely be converted to day procedures
Establish an OR Management Committee with physicians, administration, nursing and support staff
Create an OR Utilization Committee with OR access based upon set criteria including surgeons’ wait times
Establish a task group to examine emergency surgery volumes
Strengthen and develop medical leadership

“We recognize there are challenges,” says Dr. Doug Hardy, Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee. “The North Okanagan is a large and growing area, with a high number of people over age 65. Vernon Jubilee consistently manages high occupancy rates and we know this places a strain on the physicians and staff. However we intend this to be a collaborative process and we will address the report’s recommendations together with Interior Health so we are on the best possible footing when the new tower opens.”

An Implementation Committee has been established to oversee progress over the coming months; the Implementation Committee has representation from VJH physicians and Interior Health administration. A project manager has also been appointed and will begin work with the Implementation Committee immediately.

The report is available on the Interior Health website at: http://www.interiorhealth.ca/information.aspx?id=10816

Or by following this path: Information > Accountability > Reports > Reviews, Backgrounders and Planning Documents > Operational Review – VJH.

For more information:
Karen Cairns, IH Communications
250-862-7228

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NORD REGIONAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH OKANAGAN
REGIONAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
4:00 pm

REGULAR AGENDA

*************************************************************

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 21, 2009 12:00 PM

Greater Vernon politicians are gathering again to keep a water dispute from boiling over. The mayors of Vernon and Coldstream and the directors of BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star will meet Tuesday to discuss water distribution and the city’s decision to withdraw from the service. “I want them to get their issues on the table,” said Herman Halvorson, North Okanagan Regional District chairman, who will facilitate the session. “I’ve requested that the four parties come forward with their problems and hopefully we can work them out. If they don’t talk, it won’t happen.” This will be the second meeting since mid-September and among the outstanding issues are governance of the function and non-agricultural users (such as hobby farmers) receiving the low water rate. The city has claimed that withdrawing from water distribution will lower rates for Vernon residents, increase customer accountability and improve customer service.

However, Coldstream and the electoral areas say water rates for their residents could soar if Vernon is not involved. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, believes dismantling of the function could have negative consequences for all jurisdictions. “We have to keep talking. We have to make progress,” he said. Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, says all of the onus has been on the city to find a solution, and it’s time the electoral areas and Coldstream came to the table. “My biggest hope is everyone works to find solutions. Give us options and let’s talk about it,” he said.

The public can observe the proceedings, which start at 3 p.m. at the NORD office.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

"Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, says all of the onus has been on the city to find a solution, and it’s time the electoral areas and Coldstream came to the table."

It was the City which decided to go to arbitration. They are the ones who do not like the terms of the agreement signed by their previous Councils. The rest of the participants are honouring that agreement. No wonder the onus is on the City.

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Finance Committee meeting tonight.

Coldstream's Finance Committee continues its meetings tonight at 6 PM in Council chambers. The meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome.

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Flu clinics news.

For Immediate Release | November 23, 2009

MEDIA—Check IH Website for Most Up-to-Date Flu Clinic Details!

There may have been changes made to dates, times, etc. for some IH combination flu clinics this week, so all media are encouraged to check the IH website before broadcasting local clinics.

Please click on the following link for an alphabetical list of communities offering clinics this week:

Health clinics

As of last Friday, the combination flu clinics are providing H1N1 vaccination to anyone, 6 months or older, within Interior Health that needs or wants it, as well as the seasonal flu shot to those 65 years and older and those at risk of health complications from the seasonal flu.

H1N1 Vaccine Dosing for Kids:
On November 13th, The Public Health Agency of Canada updated its recommendations on H1N1 flu vaccine dosing for children between 3 and 9 years of age. The updated recommendations suggest that a single half-dose of adjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine for healthy children may provide an acceptable level of protection from infection from the H1N1 flu virus.

To Find the Clinic Nearest You
Details about times, dates and locations of the clinic nearest you the following week – where you can get both the H1N1 vaccine and a seasonal flu shot – will be posted by end of day Wednesday at:
· Flu Clinic Locator at www.interiorhealth.ca or www.immunizebc.ca
· HealthLink BC, dial 8-1-1, available 24 hours a day
· Your local Public Health Centre.

For the week of November 23rd, people living in communities where there will not be a mass clinic nearby, are directed to attend the nearest clinic to them or check with their family physician or walk-in clinics to see if they have vaccine available.

For media please contact:

Lannea Parfitt
Public Health Communications
250-870-5898

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Selected articles -- Morning Star, November 22, 2009

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Coldstream Council Meeting -- November 23, 2009 -- Agenda

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
6:00 PM

A G E N D A

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Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- November 18, 2009

------------------------------------------------------------------

Things could not have been so good in Kamloops if Mr Peacock left it for the fragmanted Vernon area. However, it was his choice to move here as it is area residents' choice to maintain political jurisdictions as they are. Vernon does provide shopping and Vernon businesses are happy for the support of Coldstream residents. In exchange we are happy to share Kalamalka Lake with residents of Vernon (including the water Vernonites drink). In addition, Coldstream and Electoral Areas "B" and "C" contribute to parks and recreation at the same rate Vernon residents do. Of course, Mr Peacock should be forgiven as 5-years' residence may not be enough to understand how Greater Vernon operates.

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Coldstream Ratepayers Pot Luck Supper

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The Coldstream Ratepayers Association will be holding its Annual Community Pot Luck Supper

December 4, 2009
between 5 and 8pm
at the Womens Institute Hall

Please drop in, bring your families and friends (they don’t have to be members), cutlery, plates, and some food to share.

Liquid refreshments and serviettes will be available!

There will be a short and sweet meeting at about 6:30pm to provide an update to “goings-on” in our community and to celebrate this year’s accomplishments!

REMINDER TO CRA MEMBERS!

MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR 2010 ARE DUE
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE CRA BY SUBMITTING $10 (SINGLE) or $15 (FAMILY) TO:

SHIRLEY HENRY AT THE POT LUCK
OR SEND TO:

9009 Mackie Drive
Coldstream, BC
V1B 1H1
Phone 545-5622

NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME!

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Photo gallery -- They are ready for winter -- Are you?. Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

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Important message! -- Updated Boil Water Notice

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The Grid Road -- Open house.

The District of Coldstream invites you to attend a PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE on The Grid Road.

To be held Wednesday, November 18, 2009 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Municipal Hall, Council Chambers, 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC

PURPOSE OF THE OPEN HOUSE

The Open House is an opportunity for the community to learn more about the Grid Road, a new two-lane collector road and multi-use pathway that is planned below the Ministry of Forests' tree farm from College Way to the intersection of Kalamalka and Husband Roads.

Information about the Grid Road will be on display and District of Coldstream staff and consultants will be available to answer any questions.

Please contact Craig Broderick, Director of Development Services, District of Coldstream, at 250-545-5304, or at planner@district.coldstream.bc.ca, if you have any questions about the Grid Road.

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Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- November 15, 2009

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Reserve policy at NORD -- Posted by Don Quixote on Vernon Blog

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Reserve Policy to be Addressed at NORD & GVSC by Politicians.

This came from a posting on Saturday, March 08, 2008 called: JUSTIFY this policy on RESERVES to the Taxpayer.
------------------------

• At this point Reserves as a %age of operating expenses were $353,388 or 132.75% for the Community Theater.
• At this point Reserves as a %age of operating expenses were $646,728 or 46.52% for the Multi-Plex.
  

------------------------
At a Nov 4, 2009 COW Meeting the CFO David Sewell made a presentation of all the reserves of all of NORD's functions and presented the "operating reserves" as a % of operating expenses for 2009. This was the first open and transparent presentation of reserves at NORD that I had ever seen at NORD.

• At Close of 2009 Reserves as a %age of operating expenses were $463,656 or 168.3%
  for the Community Theater. (an increase of over $90,000)
• At Close of 2009 Reserves as a %age of operating expenses were $1,341,531 or 93.5% for the Multi-Plex. (an increase of just less than $700,000)

Our Politicians at the NORD and GVSC tables will be addressing all reserve balances and the philosophy of Operating Reserves (that should be at no more than 20% except in special circumstances as suggested by Mr. Sewell CFO-NORD), Capital Equipment Reserves, and Capital Facility or Future Building Replacement Reserves. The Capping of these reserves and indeed the necessity of the reserves especially for Future Replacement will be formalized hopefully through the upcoming budget cycle.

As Vernon taxpayers pay 66.42% of both the Multiplex and Community Theatre Functions in 2009 the concern about excessive stockpiling of reserves is of paramount interest. (Coldstream pays about 17.06%, Area B pays 8.24% and Area C pays 8.28%).
----------------------
Don Quixote Note:
The outstanding debt issues on these two buildings and a breakdown of operating expenses versus debt and interest expenses can be found in a July 2009 Posting: Multiplex and Performing Arts Theatre - Where we stand !

As both of these buildings Debt issues have a 20 year amortization schedule that will be paid off mostly by 2020 it is apparent that the taxpayer of this period (2000-2020) will be paying off a building that hopefully will last at least 35- 40 years before any replacement building will even be contemplated or needed.

Setting aside the argument of whether the Politicians of today should build up Capital Building Replacement reserves by taxing the 2000-2020 taxpayer who is already paying at almost 2 times the lifetime of the building rate, it is easy to see that any such reserves should only start in 2021 when the Debt is fully paid and probably only after Citizen and Taxpayer input at that time. (Referendum?).

A sound Operating reserve capped at a % age of operating expenses (to provide for emergencies and overlooked expenses) and a capped Capital Equipment reserve to pay for major replacements needed are worthy of consideration. Capital Building Replacement reserves at this time and at least until 2021 are NOT needed. The taxpayer who benefits in the future will be the taxpayer who decides if this is what he wants and agrees to be taxed for.

The Financial Staff at NORD has given an honest exposure and explanation of our reserves. It will be up to the Politicians at these tables to represent the taxpayer and formulate a fair ongoing Reserve Policy.

Posted by Don Quixote at 11/15/2009

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Coldstream Committee Meetings -- Technical Advisory Committee

THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
4:30 PM

AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES

a. Minutes of the Technical Advisory Committee Meeting held October 19,2009

3. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Weapons Regulation Bylaw

• Report from Building Official, dated November 10, 2009
• Email from Katy Pace, dated November 10, 2009
• Letter from Angie Kitcher, dated October 24, 2009

b. Risk Management - Alcohol Consumption in Municipal Buildings

• Report from Director of Financial Administration, dated November 3, 2009

4. NEW BUSINESS

5. ADJOURNMENT

Next Meeting: To be discussed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone interested in the subject should attend. Relevant information (including map) starts on page 7 of the agenda package.

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IMPORTANT: Combined H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Clinics Resume Across Interior Health Next Week

Combined H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Clinics are resuming across the region the week of November 16, 2009.

“Based on vaccine supply, we are able to resume offering the H1N1 vaccine to our priority groups at mass clinics across Interior Health next week,” says Dr. Andrew Larder, Senior Medical Health Officer for Interior Health. “There will be close to 50 clinics held across the region next week and I would encourage all that meet the eligibility criteria and have not yet been vaccinated, to do so at a clinic in their area.”

The eligibility criteria is expected to expand for next week’s clinics and will be announced later today or tomorrow.

In keeping with Provincial recommendations, the following priority groups will continue receiving their H1N1 vaccinations first:

· Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy
· Children 6 months to 59 months of age
· Persons less than 65 years with chronic conditions
· Persons residing in remote communities, including all Aboriginal populations
· Healthcare workers involved in responding to pandemic influenza
· Household contacts/care providers of infants from birth to 6 months when the household contact/care provider is less than 65 years
· Household contacts/care providers of persons who are immunocompromised when BOTH the immunocompromised person AND the household contact/care provider are less than 65 years.

Find the Clinic Nearest You

The times, dates and locations of the clinic nearest you – where you can get both the H1N1 vaccine and a seasonal flu shot – will be posted, when available at:

· Flu Clinic Locator at www.interiorhealth.ca or www.immunizebc.ca
· HealthLink BC, dial 8-1-1, available 24 hours a day
· Your local Public Health Centre.

Both H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines are also available from many physicians and walk-in clinics, and in the coming weeks from some pharmacies.

***********************************************************************

Health issues -- PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

URGENT! Combined H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Clinics for Tomorrow & Saturday—Call to Eligible Residents to Attend!

Clinics scheduled for Friday and Saturday will continue to provide H1N1 vaccination to those at highest risk of serious complications (see below) from H1N1 flu virus, as well as the seasonal flu shot to those 65 years and older and those at risk of health complications from the flu.

Communities with clinics in the next two days:
Armstrong Friday November 13th
Castlegar Friday November 13th
Cranbrook Friday November 13th
Hedley Friday November 13th
Kamloops Saturday November 14th
Kelowna Saturday November 14th
Trail Friday November 13th
Williams Lake Friday November 13th

In keeping with Provincial recommendations, only the following priority groups will receive their H1N1 vaccinations at this clinic:

· Pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy*(See note below)
· Children 6 months – 59 months of age (less than 5 years old)
· Persons under age 65 with chronic conditions
· Persons residing in remote communities; including all Aboriginal populations
· Healthcare workers involved in responding to pandemic influenza
· Household contacts and care providers of infants from birth to 6 months of age when the contact/care provider is less than 65 years
· Household contacts and care providers of persons who are immunocompromised when BOTH the immunocompromised person AND the household contact/care provider are less than 65 years.

Note: An expansion to the above eligibility criteria is expected for next week’s clinics and will be announced in a future PSA.

*Pregnant Women:

A limited supply of unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine began arriving in Interior Health the week of Nov 9th. Pregnant women are encouraged to contact their health care provider to discuss and/or receive the vaccine, as this vaccine stock is being routed to physicians providing prenatal and obstetrical care.

The unadjuvanted vaccine will not be provided through public clinics at this time.

To Find the Clinic Nearest You and details about times, dates and locations of the clinic nearest you the following week – where you can get both the H1N1 vaccine and a seasonal flu shot – will be posted by end of day Wednesday at:

· Flu Clinic Locator at www.interiorhealth.ca or www.immunizebc.ca
· HealthLink BC, dial 8-1-1, available 24 hours a day
· Your local Public Health Centre

.For media please contact:

Lannea Parfitt
Public Health Communications 250-870-5898

****************************************************************

Photo gallery -- Last of the VID flumes. Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

Technology of the past: Further proof that agriculture water needed no treatment.

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Precautionary BOIL WATER NOTICE

The Regional District of North Okanagan – Greater Vernon Water (RDNO – GVW) is constructing major water system modifications starting Sunday, November 15, 2009. This work will continue through the month of November in preparation for connecting the new Duteau Water Treatment Plant. If you are on the Duteau Creek water source you may notice a change in water quality and pressure due to the use of other water sources. RDNO- GVW will be utilizing King Edward Lake, Kalamalka Lake and a well to provide water for our customers. All sources are disinfected before entering the water distribution system.

A Precautionary BOIL WATER NOTICE will be in effect starting Sunday, November 15, 2009 and is expected to continue for the month of November for ALL Duteau Creek water source customers. This is a precautionary Boil Water Notice and the utility is working to minimize risk to water quality.

WHEN is the notice in effect?

The construction will begin Sunday, November 15, 2009 and customers will be informed when the Boil Water Notice is rescinded.

WHAT should these customers do?

Customers are asked to reduce their water use as much as possible. RDNO – GVW recommends that ALL customers on the Duteau Water System drink boiled water or a safe alternative.

Until further notice, water intended for the following uses should be boiled for one minute:

drinking
washing fruits and vegetables
making beverages or ice
brushing teeth

Boiled water should then be refrigerated in a clean, covered container. Customers may also choose to use bottled, distilled water, or water that has been filtered through a well-maintained treatment device. Water Filters should have the designation “Absolute one micron Certified NSF Standard #53”.

If you have any questions, please contact the Regional District of North Okanagan-Greater Vernon Water (RDNO-GVW) at 250-550-3700 or check our website at www.rdno.ca or www.greatervernon.ca for notifications.

Contact:
Al Cotsworth
RDNO-GVW Manager
Phone: 250.550.3700
E-mail: info@rdno.ca

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FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10,2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
6:00 PM

AGENDA

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Coldstream Council Meeting -- November 9, 2009 -- Agenda

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
6:00 PM

A G E N D A
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An issue of interest: more "bleeding" for Coldstream sewer customers!

Further proof that the last minute action by the departing Council in 2005 created a major headache for future Councils. Obviously, when you spend $665,000 of taxpayers' money there will be winners (the developers) and loosers (the sewer users).

******************************************************

Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- November 6, 2009

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Author William Deverell, creator of TV series "Street Legal" coming to Vernon and Salmon Arm.

William Deverell, best selling author and creator of the TV series "Street Legal", will be in Vernon and Salmon Arm on November 17th and 18th. He will read from his latest hilarious mystery where Arthur Beauchamp moves to Ottawa to follow his wife, elected as the first Green MP but soon finds he hates the politics, the town, the snow...

A journalist for 7 years, a Vancouver lawyer in more than 1,000 criminal cases, including 30 murder cases, Deverell is now a best selling, prize winning author of more than 15 novels, plays, TV & radio productions. He is also a founder & Honourary Director of the BC Civil Liberties Association and has served as Visiting Professor of creative writing & Chair of the Writers’ Union of Canada.

After the reading, William Deverell will answer questions related to creating books and TV series and will be available to autograph books. You can catch this colourful BC writer at the following venues and times:

In Vernon: Tuesday November 17th at 2:00 at the Vernon Library and Wednesday November 18th at noon in the cafeteria of Okanagan College, Kalamalka Campus. All are welcome.

In Salmon Arm: Tuesday November 17th at the SAGA art gallery at 7:00 PM, tea, coffee and dessert, by donation.

These events are sponsored by the Okanagan Shuswap Green Party.

Huguette Allen,
Phone: 250.547.0272 cell: 250.309.5973
or
Greig Crockett
250-260-5877

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Readers write -- An obituary for Common Sense.

An Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and sadly rather true.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing

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Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- November 4, 2009

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Important Update on Interior Health’s H1N1 Vaccine Campaign

NEWS RELEASE

Public Health Mass Clinics:

The Canadian shortage of H1N1 vaccine is resulting in a reduction in the number of Public Health mass clinics that will be held for the week of November 9th.

The H1N1 vaccine shipment expected for next week will be significantly smaller than what has been received in the past two weeks. Given the reduced vaccine availability, Interior Health will only be offering combination H1N1 and seasonal immunization clinics in four communities—Lillooet, Nakusp, Sparwood, and Princeton.

The decision to offer clinics in these communities was based on available vaccine supply, their proximity away from larger clinics in their geographic area, and because they have not had a flu clinic in their community yet. These clinics will be for high-risk individuals only that meet the eligibility criteria for H1N1 vaccine and seasonal vaccine (if applicable.) The details on dates, times and locations for these clinics are still being worked out, and, when available, will be posted on our website at www.interiorhealth.ca. All previous planned seasonal clinics for this week will also be cancelled.

For the week November 9-14, people in the highest risk category, living in communities where there will not be a mass clinic, should be directed to check with their family physician or walk-in clinics to see if they have some remaining vaccine available.

If significant vaccine re-supply does recommence by mid-November, then we would once again re-establish Public Health mass immunization clinics across IH. If vaccine supply is adequate and if indicated by BC’s Provincial Health Officer, these clinics would be available for all the general public to be immunized, not simply high-risk individuals.

Pregnant Women:

A limited supply of unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine is expected to begin arriving in Interior Health the week of Nov 9th. Pregnant women are encouraged to contact their health care provider to discuss and/or receive the vaccine, as this vaccine stock is being routed to physicians providing prenatal and obstetrical care. The unadjuvanted vaccine will not be provided through public clinics at this time.

Inquiries:

Lannea Parfitt
Public Health Communications
(250) 870-5898

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Readers write -- CA NA DUH

Now that Vancouver is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, these are some questions people from all over the world are asking. Believe it or not these questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website. Obviously the answers are a joke; but the questions were really asked!

Q: I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow? ( England )
A. We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around and watch them die.

Q: Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street? ( USA )
A: Depends on how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto - can I follow the Railroad tracks? ( Sweden )
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water.

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada ? ( Sweden )
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.

Q: Are there any ATM's (cash machines) in Canada ? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto , Vancouver , Edmonton and Halifax ? ( England )
A: No, but you'd better bring a few extra furs for trading purposes.

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada ? ( USA )
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe Ca-na-da is that big country to your North...oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary Come naked.

Q: Which direction is North in Canada ? ( USA )
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada ? ( England )
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? ( USA )
A: Aus-t ri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Vancouver and in Calgary , straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

Q: Do you have perfume in Canada ? ( Germany )
A: No, WE don't stink.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Where can I sell it in Canada ? (USA )
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? ( Italy )
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada ? ( USA )
A: Only at Thanksgiving.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round? ( Germany )
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of Vegan hunter/gathers. Milk is illegal.

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada , but I forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. ( USA )
A: It's called a Moose. They are tall and very violent, eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? ( USA )
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first.

Please send this on to any Canadian (or others) who you think will enjoy it as much as I did.

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Coldstream Committee Meeting -- Finance Committee. Reminder!

Coldstream Committee Meeting -- Finance Committee.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
4:30 PM

Dinner Break will be from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

AGENDA

-------------------------------------------------------

All residents are invited to observe the debate on next year's budget priorities and policy options and provide input based on their observations.

**************************************************

Photo gallery -- Autumn life. Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.

**************************************************

Coldstream Committee Meeting -- Finance Committee.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2009
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
4:30 PM

Dinner Break will be from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

AGENDA

-------------------------------------------------------

All residents are invited to observe the debate on next year's budget priorities and policy options and provide input based on their observations.

**************************************************

Selected articles -- Morning Star news -- November 1, 2009

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