March 26, 2013 - News Leader
PXA SPRINGS FORWARD
The arrival of spring marks the really busy season for Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA), the management body for Princeton's fairgrounds complex. This year will be a year of upgrading the facility, continuing the work begun last year. At the March 19 meeting, projects were outlined with a time frame for action. April will usher in a major renovation for the grandstand, where improved safety requirements plus some cosmetic improvements will be done, to be completed before the rodeo competitions, which begin on May 10 with the Stan Thompson Memorial Team Roping. The following day will welcome the regular rodeo events, with a dance in the evening featuring Ken McCoy and his band. Preparations for the busy season include refinishing the picnic tables and other tables. Doug Bernard and Wayne Hooper have volunteered to paint when needed. These men continue to offer their services to the PXA and are greatly appreciated. Horse racing will take place on June 29 and 30. The horse barns are in terrible shape and need a lot of repairs. Jody Woodford has been hired to replace damaged walls, stalls, and kick boards. This project will be completed before the races. Volunteers will spruce up the appearance of the barns with stain. President Paul Bedard noticed a lot of chewed fencing in the horse pens, and will repair the pens with old boards remaining from a past project. Barn occupancy has been excellent this winter, bringing in more revenue than usual. President Bedard, who manages the barns, said all tenants were living up to their agreements and helping with work when needed. He noted the dust level in the Ag barn arena is too high, and asked for approval for a load of salt for next winter to keep the dust in check. Members agreed.
TOWN HOSTS OPEN HOUSE
The Town of Princeton has retained Lees & Associates - Landscape Architects and Planners to undertake development of the Town of Princeton Parks and Recreation Strategy. The completed Plan will be a comprehensive long range planning document designed to provide direction for managing and developing parks and recreation facilities and investment over the next 10 years. The process will provide a plan that reflects the values and needs of the community. Lees & Associates wishes to receive input from those served by the Town of Princeton Parks and Recreation Department. A public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3rd from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Riverside Community Centre (148 Old Hedley Road) and all are invited to participate. Details are available on the Town of Princeton website with an on-line survey that has been developed to gather public feedback and will be available at www.princeton.ca from March 21st to April 17th, 2013. For further information contact Lyle Thomas, Leisure Services Director at 250-295-7222 or [email protected] and/or Nadine McEwen, Recreation and Cultural Coordinator at 250.295.6067 or contact her via e-mail at [email protected].
ARTS COUNCIL HOSTS CULTURE WEEK
Arts and Culture Week in British Columbia is April 20 to 27, and Princeton Arts Council is preparing for a busy week. On April 20, the Juno award winning band, Alpha Yaya Diallo, will present a concert at Riverside Theatre. The band plays some music from Africa featuring drums and an acoustic guitar. The Crimson Tines drama group presents Black Comedy, a play about what goes on when the lights go out in a power failure. This is not a comedy for children as there is a lot of sexual innuendo in the dialogue. The play has a great cast and will run on April 19, 21, 26 and 27. Art activities will take place during the week. Watch for further details.. The Rock and Fossil Club is planning an event. Princeton Garden Club¹s book on gardening in Princeton will be launched during Arts and Culture Week. The book is titled Yes, You Can Garden in Princeton. It is filled with tips and techniques for producing a great garden in Princeton¹s notoriously extreme conditions. The book combines the wisdom of some of Princeton¹s longtime successful gardeners. The cost will be under $20. The long weekend in May features two big events, the Spirit Festival and the Meadowlark Festival. The Spirit Festival is hosted by the Arts Council and Upper Similkameen Indian Band, and includes a powwow to be held at Princeton Secondary School. The organizers hope to have additional cultural events leading to Aboriginal Day on June 21. The Meadowlark Festival activities locally are hosted by Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists and begins with a wildlife film by Jeff Turner at the museum on Friday evening, then two hikes organized by Joan Kelly for the weekend.
The arrival of spring marks the really busy season for Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA), the management body for Princeton's fairgrounds complex. This year will be a year of upgrading the facility, continuing the work begun last year. At the March 19 meeting, projects were outlined with a time frame for action. April will usher in a major renovation for the grandstand, where improved safety requirements plus some cosmetic improvements will be done, to be completed before the rodeo competitions, which begin on May 10 with the Stan Thompson Memorial Team Roping. The following day will welcome the regular rodeo events, with a dance in the evening featuring Ken McCoy and his band. Preparations for the busy season include refinishing the picnic tables and other tables. Doug Bernard and Wayne Hooper have volunteered to paint when needed. These men continue to offer their services to the PXA and are greatly appreciated. Horse racing will take place on June 29 and 30. The horse barns are in terrible shape and need a lot of repairs. Jody Woodford has been hired to replace damaged walls, stalls, and kick boards. This project will be completed before the races. Volunteers will spruce up the appearance of the barns with stain. President Paul Bedard noticed a lot of chewed fencing in the horse pens, and will repair the pens with old boards remaining from a past project. Barn occupancy has been excellent this winter, bringing in more revenue than usual. President Bedard, who manages the barns, said all tenants were living up to their agreements and helping with work when needed. He noted the dust level in the Ag barn arena is too high, and asked for approval for a load of salt for next winter to keep the dust in check. Members agreed.
TOWN HOSTS OPEN HOUSE
The Town of Princeton has retained Lees & Associates - Landscape Architects and Planners to undertake development of the Town of Princeton Parks and Recreation Strategy. The completed Plan will be a comprehensive long range planning document designed to provide direction for managing and developing parks and recreation facilities and investment over the next 10 years. The process will provide a plan that reflects the values and needs of the community. Lees & Associates wishes to receive input from those served by the Town of Princeton Parks and Recreation Department. A public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3rd from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Riverside Community Centre (148 Old Hedley Road) and all are invited to participate. Details are available on the Town of Princeton website with an on-line survey that has been developed to gather public feedback and will be available at www.princeton.ca from March 21st to April 17th, 2013. For further information contact Lyle Thomas, Leisure Services Director at 250-295-7222 or [email protected] and/or Nadine McEwen, Recreation and Cultural Coordinator at 250.295.6067 or contact her via e-mail at [email protected].
ARTS COUNCIL HOSTS CULTURE WEEK
Arts and Culture Week in British Columbia is April 20 to 27, and Princeton Arts Council is preparing for a busy week. On April 20, the Juno award winning band, Alpha Yaya Diallo, will present a concert at Riverside Theatre. The band plays some music from Africa featuring drums and an acoustic guitar. The Crimson Tines drama group presents Black Comedy, a play about what goes on when the lights go out in a power failure. This is not a comedy for children as there is a lot of sexual innuendo in the dialogue. The play has a great cast and will run on April 19, 21, 26 and 27. Art activities will take place during the week. Watch for further details.. The Rock and Fossil Club is planning an event. Princeton Garden Club¹s book on gardening in Princeton will be launched during Arts and Culture Week. The book is titled Yes, You Can Garden in Princeton. It is filled with tips and techniques for producing a great garden in Princeton¹s notoriously extreme conditions. The book combines the wisdom of some of Princeton¹s longtime successful gardeners. The cost will be under $20. The long weekend in May features two big events, the Spirit Festival and the Meadowlark Festival. The Spirit Festival is hosted by the Arts Council and Upper Similkameen Indian Band, and includes a powwow to be held at Princeton Secondary School. The organizers hope to have additional cultural events leading to Aboriginal Day on June 21. The Meadowlark Festival activities locally are hosted by Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists and begins with a wildlife film by Jeff Turner at the museum on Friday evening, then two hikes organized by Joan Kelly for the weekend.
ZigZag Still Not Open To Public!
Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The stairway is complete. Hand rails are installed. The stairs to the foot of Billiter Avenue are in place. The rock wall replacement was finished long ago. The 'zig zag' path joining some of the stairs is finished. We're still not sure why the zigzag path from First Bench to downtown is still barricaded at the bottom and fenced off at the top. The project was supposed to take only a few weeks but a number of hidden snags were revealed once work began.
Parking Changes On Hold!
Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
As a result of controversy and complaints about an amendment to the new parking bylaw, Princeton Town Council has deferred adopting the bylaw until further public consultation has occurred. At issue is one amendment which would see a two-hour parking limit imposed on the two main downtown streets. Last week, signs were posted on most downtown side streets indicating they are now no parking zones, however, some residents are not seeing those signs (see photo).
March 19, 2013 - News Leader
SOHC ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE
by Ed Staple, SOHC Vice President
SOHC has decided to change its name. As of March 18, our new name will be Support Our Health Care instead of Save Our Hospital Coalition. Back in April of 2012, when we first started, we focused on the nighttime ER closures and were concerned that this was indicative of a hospital in decline. After eleven months working to improve healthcare in our community, we still support the need for 24/7 emergency service. We now realize, however, that this is only one component of a better healthcare system for everyone. SOHC is still SOHC. Our new name retains the same acronym, as we move from a position of rescuing the past to supporting the future. We realize that we need to envision a positive future and remain dedicated to the improvement of health care in Princeton and Area with Princeton General Hospital at its core. We have so many positive health care assets in our community. Please join us in support of the future we want.
PROVINCE ANNOUNCES RURAL DOCTOR INCENTIVE
The provincial government of British Columbia and the BC Medical Association are partnering to establish a new incentive that will help improve access to primary and specialist physician care in rural communities. The Rural Physicians for British Columbia incentive, which was implemented March 13th, aims to fill 20 pre-designated family physician and specialist positions. The incentive will provide each physician with a one-time payment of $100,000 when they commit to a three-year return of service in 17 designated rural communities. The 17 communities are Bella Coola, Burns Lake, Chetwynd, Clearwater, Cranbrook, Galiano Island, Hazelton, Kitimat, Nakusp, Pemberton, Port Alberni, Port Hardy, Princeton, Quesnel, Terrace, Tofino and Tumbler Ridge. "Helping to fill much-needed rural family physician and specialist positions not only benefits local families, but also provides additional support for physicians and other health-care professionals in the community," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "We often hear about the challenges rural doctors face, but having worked as a family physician in rural B.C., I can tell you that there are many rewards to rural practice from a diverse practice to a unique connection with patients and families." The Rural Physicians for British Columbia incentive was developed by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues, a committee comprised of the government and the BCMA. The Joint Standing Committee develops programs that strengthen rural health care and encourage physicians to live and practice in rural and remote areas of the province. "This initiative will be a boost to many patients living in areas of the province that just don't have enough physicians to take care of them," said Dr. Shelley Ross, president of the BC Medical Association. "The BCMA is committed to providing British Columbians with the highest standard of health care, so if we can make it more attractive for physicians to set up practice in rural areas, we should." Participating physicians will receive $50,000 when they begin working in the community. The remaining $50,000 will be paid once they have completed one year of service. All applicants must commit to a three year return of service and the full amount must be repaid if this commitment is not fulfilled. Primary and specialist physicians are eligible to apply for the incentive, as well as medical school residents who transition to full-time practice in one of the designated rural communities.
Other eligibility requirements include:
* Being recruited to and residing in one of the eligible rural communities.
* Moving from outside B.C. or from a non-rural community within B.C.
* Residing and practising in the community for a minimum of nine months each year.
* Full or provisional registration and licensure from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.
* General practitioners must provide full-service family practice in addition to comprehensive care services required by the community, such as support for hospital emergency department, hospital inpatient care, support for residential care and outreach for First Nations or other communities.
* Specialists must provide the full scope of speciality work as required by the regional health authority.
The Joint Standing Committee worked with health authorities to select underserved communities based on those in most urgent need. The committee will provide oversight and incentives will be administered by regional health authorities. In February 2013, government and the BCMA announced a suite of new physician incentives and supports to improve primary care services and ensure all B.C. citizens who want a family doctor are able to access one by 2015. The provincewide program, A GP for Me, is based on successful pilots in three communities, which have matched approximately 9,400 patients with family doctors since 2010.
Learn More:
* For more information on Rural Physicians for British Columbia and other programs to support rural health care in B.C., visit: www.health.gov.bc.ca/pcb/rural_jsc.html. For more information on A GP for
Me, visit: www.agpforme.ca.
by Ed Staple, SOHC Vice President
SOHC has decided to change its name. As of March 18, our new name will be Support Our Health Care instead of Save Our Hospital Coalition. Back in April of 2012, when we first started, we focused on the nighttime ER closures and were concerned that this was indicative of a hospital in decline. After eleven months working to improve healthcare in our community, we still support the need for 24/7 emergency service. We now realize, however, that this is only one component of a better healthcare system for everyone. SOHC is still SOHC. Our new name retains the same acronym, as we move from a position of rescuing the past to supporting the future. We realize that we need to envision a positive future and remain dedicated to the improvement of health care in Princeton and Area with Princeton General Hospital at its core. We have so many positive health care assets in our community. Please join us in support of the future we want.
PROVINCE ANNOUNCES RURAL DOCTOR INCENTIVE
The provincial government of British Columbia and the BC Medical Association are partnering to establish a new incentive that will help improve access to primary and specialist physician care in rural communities. The Rural Physicians for British Columbia incentive, which was implemented March 13th, aims to fill 20 pre-designated family physician and specialist positions. The incentive will provide each physician with a one-time payment of $100,000 when they commit to a three-year return of service in 17 designated rural communities. The 17 communities are Bella Coola, Burns Lake, Chetwynd, Clearwater, Cranbrook, Galiano Island, Hazelton, Kitimat, Nakusp, Pemberton, Port Alberni, Port Hardy, Princeton, Quesnel, Terrace, Tofino and Tumbler Ridge. "Helping to fill much-needed rural family physician and specialist positions not only benefits local families, but also provides additional support for physicians and other health-care professionals in the community," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. "We often hear about the challenges rural doctors face, but having worked as a family physician in rural B.C., I can tell you that there are many rewards to rural practice from a diverse practice to a unique connection with patients and families." The Rural Physicians for British Columbia incentive was developed by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues, a committee comprised of the government and the BCMA. The Joint Standing Committee develops programs that strengthen rural health care and encourage physicians to live and practice in rural and remote areas of the province. "This initiative will be a boost to many patients living in areas of the province that just don't have enough physicians to take care of them," said Dr. Shelley Ross, president of the BC Medical Association. "The BCMA is committed to providing British Columbians with the highest standard of health care, so if we can make it more attractive for physicians to set up practice in rural areas, we should." Participating physicians will receive $50,000 when they begin working in the community. The remaining $50,000 will be paid once they have completed one year of service. All applicants must commit to a three year return of service and the full amount must be repaid if this commitment is not fulfilled. Primary and specialist physicians are eligible to apply for the incentive, as well as medical school residents who transition to full-time practice in one of the designated rural communities.
Other eligibility requirements include:
* Being recruited to and residing in one of the eligible rural communities.
* Moving from outside B.C. or from a non-rural community within B.C.
* Residing and practising in the community for a minimum of nine months each year.
* Full or provisional registration and licensure from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.
* General practitioners must provide full-service family practice in addition to comprehensive care services required by the community, such as support for hospital emergency department, hospital inpatient care, support for residential care and outreach for First Nations or other communities.
* Specialists must provide the full scope of speciality work as required by the regional health authority.
The Joint Standing Committee worked with health authorities to select underserved communities based on those in most urgent need. The committee will provide oversight and incentives will be administered by regional health authorities. In February 2013, government and the BCMA announced a suite of new physician incentives and supports to improve primary care services and ensure all B.C. citizens who want a family doctor are able to access one by 2015. The provincewide program, A GP for Me, is based on successful pilots in three communities, which have matched approximately 9,400 patients with family doctors since 2010.
Learn More:
* For more information on Rural Physicians for British Columbia and other programs to support rural health care in B.C., visit: www.health.gov.bc.ca/pcb/rural_jsc.html. For more information on A GP for
Me, visit: www.agpforme.ca.
Grads Put 'Fun' In Fundraising!
Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The annual Grad Hockey Game was March 13th. The event, which features a team made up of the current graduating class of Princeton Secondary School (and some former Grads) taking on a team of teachers and assorted school district support staff, is a tradition that is used to raise funds in support of various Grad activities.
Hoopsters Honoured At School!
Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The Princeton Secondary School Senior Girls' Basketball team was ranked #4 in the province. They went to the 2013 Provincial Championships in Prince George earlier this month and came back Bronze Medalists with a 3rd Place finish. The team was honoured with a short ceremony March 13th in front of classmates and peers.
March 12, 2013 - News Leader
STUDENT SENTENCED TO WORK
Colton Christopher Hudson of North Vancouver, a 24 year old student at BCIT, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 7 to answer to a charge of possession of illegal drugs. In May 2012 a service station employee reported Hudson to police, saying he reeked of marijuana. RCMP were given a description of his vehicle and stopped him a short time after the report. The vehicle smelled strongly of marijuana, and police found 20 grams of the substance in the vehicle, along with marijuana cigarettes and hallucinogenic mushrooms. After entering a guilty plea, Hudson was sentenced to six months probation with conditions including no weapons and no illegal drugs, and 25 hours of community work service.
MAN LOSES DRIVING PRIVILEGES
A 49 year old Okanagan resident, Steven Kevin Bank, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 7 to plead guilty to a charge of driving with a blood alcohol level over .08. Bank was apprehended after a first report of a vehicle in a ditch, a second report of a similar vehicle parked on a blind corner, and a third report of the vehicle with the driver passed out at the wheel. Bank was taken to the RCMP station for a breath analysis and blew .250 and .240. When sentenced, Bank was ordered to pay a $1,200 fine because of the high readings, although he had no prior impaired driving convictions. He is prohibited from driving for one year.
DANCERS WOW RIVERSIDE AUDIENCE
They were simply marvelous! The De Danaan School of Irish Dancing brought a large troupe of junior, intermediate and senior Irish dancers to the stage of Riverside Theatre on March 2 and gave performances that kept people applauding a long time. Marjorie Holland, President of Princeton Community Arts Council, gave the official welcome to the dancers. Leslie Cook, dance teacher, responded by saying it was a real pleasure for her to be in Princeton, as she is the grand-daughter of Gordon and Eunice Cook, former residents of Princeton. The senior dancers performed the first number and set the standard for the rest of the show. They wowed the audience with a hard shoe dance that made it very clear why they had been chosen to perform at the 2010 Olympics. The younger dancers met the standards set for them and did very well. Princeton Highland dancers did a great job of filling in between sets of Irish dancing, giving the Irish dancers a break. One of the Irish dancers, a young man introduced merely as 'Freddie' gave a solo performance of the dance set he will do next month when he competes for the world championship in Irish dancing. The Irish dancers are the first of three stage performances hosted by the Arts Council this year. The next performance is on April 20, featuring the Juno award winning band, Alpha Yaya Diallo, at Riverside Theatre.
Colton Christopher Hudson of North Vancouver, a 24 year old student at BCIT, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 7 to answer to a charge of possession of illegal drugs. In May 2012 a service station employee reported Hudson to police, saying he reeked of marijuana. RCMP were given a description of his vehicle and stopped him a short time after the report. The vehicle smelled strongly of marijuana, and police found 20 grams of the substance in the vehicle, along with marijuana cigarettes and hallucinogenic mushrooms. After entering a guilty plea, Hudson was sentenced to six months probation with conditions including no weapons and no illegal drugs, and 25 hours of community work service.
MAN LOSES DRIVING PRIVILEGES
A 49 year old Okanagan resident, Steven Kevin Bank, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 7 to plead guilty to a charge of driving with a blood alcohol level over .08. Bank was apprehended after a first report of a vehicle in a ditch, a second report of a similar vehicle parked on a blind corner, and a third report of the vehicle with the driver passed out at the wheel. Bank was taken to the RCMP station for a breath analysis and blew .250 and .240. When sentenced, Bank was ordered to pay a $1,200 fine because of the high readings, although he had no prior impaired driving convictions. He is prohibited from driving for one year.
DANCERS WOW RIVERSIDE AUDIENCE
They were simply marvelous! The De Danaan School of Irish Dancing brought a large troupe of junior, intermediate and senior Irish dancers to the stage of Riverside Theatre on March 2 and gave performances that kept people applauding a long time. Marjorie Holland, President of Princeton Community Arts Council, gave the official welcome to the dancers. Leslie Cook, dance teacher, responded by saying it was a real pleasure for her to be in Princeton, as she is the grand-daughter of Gordon and Eunice Cook, former residents of Princeton. The senior dancers performed the first number and set the standard for the rest of the show. They wowed the audience with a hard shoe dance that made it very clear why they had been chosen to perform at the 2010 Olympics. The younger dancers met the standards set for them and did very well. Princeton Highland dancers did a great job of filling in between sets of Irish dancing, giving the Irish dancers a break. One of the Irish dancers, a young man introduced merely as 'Freddie' gave a solo performance of the dance set he will do next month when he competes for the world championship in Irish dancing. The Irish dancers are the first of three stage performances hosted by the Arts Council this year. The next performance is on April 20, featuring the Juno award winning band, Alpha Yaya Diallo, at Riverside Theatre.
Literacy Leaders Lead The Way!
- photo submitted
Princeton's Leaders for Literacy Outreach Coordinator Dierra Maynard celebrates a literacy success story with Speech and language pathologist Shadi Asadi, right, and Health Nurse Beatrice Bibby, centre. Maynard was able to secure 164 books for the Welcome to the World Literacy Bags from a First Books Canada grant with the support of HSBC. Bibby provides books to new tiny additions to Princeton for their very first learning experiences. Asadi stated, "These are beautiful books, full of colour and texture - exactly the kind of reading very small children love."
Another ZigZag Update!
March 06, 2013 - News Leader
WORK CONTINUES ON LOCAL HEALTHCARE
On Thursday, February 28 healthcare practitioners and community representatives met with Interior Health (IHA) to discuss the implementation of an improved and sustainable model of healthcare for Princeton and District. This consultation is an IHA initiative with active participation by members of the community and all healthcare practitioners, including Dr. Sandhu who will be joining our community in August. It is a direct result of cooperative work between the Town, RDOS, the Province, IHA, and our community over the past several months. The working group recognizes that 24/7 ER is our primary community concern and accepts this as a necessity within the model. However, it also recognizes that to be successful and sustainable, the model requires a broader approach, acknowledging the unique needs of our community. This model will enhance our ongoing physician recruitment and retention efforts, provide support for local access to specialists (which will also address accessibility and transportation concerns), and integrated care for seniors. Our objective with this model is to present a complete package that deals with the full range of our community's healthcare requirements. The consultation will be facilitated by Valerie Tregillus who brings expertise in developing innovative health-care models, as the Executive Director for Primary Health Care for the BC Ministry of Health for nearly a decade from 2003-2011 and the current lead for the Inter-Divisional Strategic Council, working with the Divisions of Family Practice and Interior Health to expand partnerships between patients, physicians and the community. The Town and RDOS are very optimistic about this initiative and are confident that this is not just 'window dressing.' This process is moving forward with specific goals and timelines. We look forward to sharing information with the community as this important work continues.
SENIOR CARE HIGHLIGHTS MEETING
All of us expect to grow old. How will we manage our old age? Will we be shuffled off to a care center or will we stay in our own homes with a little help from our community? These are the questions three speakers tried to answer at a meeting at Riverside Centre on February 25. Lynn Pelly, Administrator for Princeton and District Community Services, along with Gloria Levi and Marianne Rev from Integrated Care Advocacy, presented problems of seniors and solutions to those problems. Pelly spoke first, outlining the services available to seniors living at home in the Princeton area. Services include adult day care, meals on wheels, medical support and respite for caregivers. Pelly mentioned difficulties faced by local seniors trying to access medical services under the centralized medical care. Transportation to Penticton and Kelowna for specialist visits, tests and treatments can be a major problem for some seniors. Transportation to Penticton is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at a cost of $8.00 return. Local transportation for shopping is available at $1.50 per trip. For these services, seniors and people with disabilities can contact Community Services office at 250-295-6666. The procedure for home care is arranged through the Public Health Unit where the senior's needs are assessed and the type of care required is defined according to what the government is willing to cover. Income determines whether or not a client will pay for the service, and how much the client may have to pay. The government will not pay for housekeeping services, cooking, shopping and transportation. A care worker going into the home may assist with personal care such as bathing, checking on medications, and other matters directly affecting medical needs. Pelly emphasized that keeping people in their own homes is more cost efficient. Gloria Levi is an advocate of integrated care for seniors, and firmly believes seniors are healthier in their own homes. She had praise for what Community Services is providing for Princeton, but said the government should never have removed home support services such as cooking, housekeeping, shopping and transportation. Levi talked about many elderly people who go to hospitals because they have problems with taking medications, and says the ER is no place for a senior. Levi talked about the highly successful system of senior care in Denmark. In that country, case managers annually visit every senior 75 years and older. Services are provided to the senior as problems arise. Vision, dental and hearing problems are addressed. If the senior requires help around the home such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, or going for medical tests and treatments, this support is provided. As a result, most seniors stay in their own homes. This system has substantially reduced the requirement for residential and long term care facilities, which is a great cost saving. Dr. Marianne Rev is a family physician who explained how services to frail elderly are often fragmented. In an aging population, there are more clients and less time for each. There used to be a range of non-medical services for seniors, now there is very little. Treatment is too narrow, Dr. Rev stated. She expressed concerns about what happens to seniors when they are discharged from hospital. At this point, people shared stories of seniors discharged and left with no way to return home and no resources at home. Dr. Rev said she had heard many horror stories. Gloria Levi stated, "We did have home care. We can get it again. We need to rearrange how we, as a province, handle our finances." "Seniors have to speak out," Levi told the audience. She said seniors must talk to their candidates in the upcoming election and make integrated home support an election issue. Dr. Rev closed by saying, "The system is broken." Save Our Hospital Coalition hosted the meeting, and Ed Staples presented each speaker with a small gift of appreciation.
On Thursday, February 28 healthcare practitioners and community representatives met with Interior Health (IHA) to discuss the implementation of an improved and sustainable model of healthcare for Princeton and District. This consultation is an IHA initiative with active participation by members of the community and all healthcare practitioners, including Dr. Sandhu who will be joining our community in August. It is a direct result of cooperative work between the Town, RDOS, the Province, IHA, and our community over the past several months. The working group recognizes that 24/7 ER is our primary community concern and accepts this as a necessity within the model. However, it also recognizes that to be successful and sustainable, the model requires a broader approach, acknowledging the unique needs of our community. This model will enhance our ongoing physician recruitment and retention efforts, provide support for local access to specialists (which will also address accessibility and transportation concerns), and integrated care for seniors. Our objective with this model is to present a complete package that deals with the full range of our community's healthcare requirements. The consultation will be facilitated by Valerie Tregillus who brings expertise in developing innovative health-care models, as the Executive Director for Primary Health Care for the BC Ministry of Health for nearly a decade from 2003-2011 and the current lead for the Inter-Divisional Strategic Council, working with the Divisions of Family Practice and Interior Health to expand partnerships between patients, physicians and the community. The Town and RDOS are very optimistic about this initiative and are confident that this is not just 'window dressing.' This process is moving forward with specific goals and timelines. We look forward to sharing information with the community as this important work continues.
SENIOR CARE HIGHLIGHTS MEETING
All of us expect to grow old. How will we manage our old age? Will we be shuffled off to a care center or will we stay in our own homes with a little help from our community? These are the questions three speakers tried to answer at a meeting at Riverside Centre on February 25. Lynn Pelly, Administrator for Princeton and District Community Services, along with Gloria Levi and Marianne Rev from Integrated Care Advocacy, presented problems of seniors and solutions to those problems. Pelly spoke first, outlining the services available to seniors living at home in the Princeton area. Services include adult day care, meals on wheels, medical support and respite for caregivers. Pelly mentioned difficulties faced by local seniors trying to access medical services under the centralized medical care. Transportation to Penticton and Kelowna for specialist visits, tests and treatments can be a major problem for some seniors. Transportation to Penticton is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at a cost of $8.00 return. Local transportation for shopping is available at $1.50 per trip. For these services, seniors and people with disabilities can contact Community Services office at 250-295-6666. The procedure for home care is arranged through the Public Health Unit where the senior's needs are assessed and the type of care required is defined according to what the government is willing to cover. Income determines whether or not a client will pay for the service, and how much the client may have to pay. The government will not pay for housekeeping services, cooking, shopping and transportation. A care worker going into the home may assist with personal care such as bathing, checking on medications, and other matters directly affecting medical needs. Pelly emphasized that keeping people in their own homes is more cost efficient. Gloria Levi is an advocate of integrated care for seniors, and firmly believes seniors are healthier in their own homes. She had praise for what Community Services is providing for Princeton, but said the government should never have removed home support services such as cooking, housekeeping, shopping and transportation. Levi talked about many elderly people who go to hospitals because they have problems with taking medications, and says the ER is no place for a senior. Levi talked about the highly successful system of senior care in Denmark. In that country, case managers annually visit every senior 75 years and older. Services are provided to the senior as problems arise. Vision, dental and hearing problems are addressed. If the senior requires help around the home such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, or going for medical tests and treatments, this support is provided. As a result, most seniors stay in their own homes. This system has substantially reduced the requirement for residential and long term care facilities, which is a great cost saving. Dr. Marianne Rev is a family physician who explained how services to frail elderly are often fragmented. In an aging population, there are more clients and less time for each. There used to be a range of non-medical services for seniors, now there is very little. Treatment is too narrow, Dr. Rev stated. She expressed concerns about what happens to seniors when they are discharged from hospital. At this point, people shared stories of seniors discharged and left with no way to return home and no resources at home. Dr. Rev said she had heard many horror stories. Gloria Levi stated, "We did have home care. We can get it again. We need to rearrange how we, as a province, handle our finances." "Seniors have to speak out," Levi told the audience. She said seniors must talk to their candidates in the upcoming election and make integrated home support an election issue. Dr. Rev closed by saying, "The system is broken." Save Our Hospital Coalition hosted the meeting, and Ed Staples presented each speaker with a small gift of appreciation.
Elvis Makes An Appearance!
Photo: Brenda Engel
Award-winning Elvis tribute artist Darrell Douglas performed live March 1st at Living Water Church in Princeton. The show was a fundraiser for the local church.
Meet the Youth Ambassador Candidates!
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The 2013 Youth Ambassador Candidates made their first public appearance February 28th at a Princeton Posse game. The Candidates are, top row from left, Destiny Earle (Princeton Legion), Morgan Whelpton (Billy's Restaurant), Layne Robillard (Weyerheauser), and Zack Jawasko (Century 21). Bottom row from left, Carmen Brodie (Princeton Rotary) and Jeannine MacIntosh (Princeton Lions).