Touch of nostalgia for senior readers
Dear Editor:
The following is a fleeting thought about aging, which is directed at my fellow seniors. We all leave unique footprints in the sand of time and lasting memories while scurrying along life鈥檚 shore.
Cautious footsteps now, unlike the ones made in our prime, but we still have an opportunity to make many more.
Lloyd Atkins
Vernon
Donate clothes to not-for-profits
Dear Editor:
About two weeks ago, I went to Valu Village with two of my friends, and I saw one nice sugar bowl that looked brand new. Then I went to buy it. The price was $5, but on the other side they forgot to remove the original sticker from Dollarama store 鈥 $4.
Then I went to the cashier to complain. They called a security guard, and threw me out, telling me, 鈥淒on鈥檛 come back to the store.鈥
Then I tried to find out some information on what happened from the store. I was informed this is an American company.
I demand the good, honest people of the town 鈥 including the mayor of Penticton, who lives in Naramata 鈥 to shut down immediately that store.
If the store wants to stay open, it should be run by a Canadian company. Imagine if profits supported our local hospital.
Penticton is already turning into part of the 51st U.S. state. I was therefore relieved when Ironman Canada鈥攁n American company鈥攆inally left town.
I encourage everyone to donate their used and unwanted clothing to not-for-profits such as The Care Closet at 574 Main Street or the Salvation Army. For furniture and small items, there鈥檚 the Restore and Habitat for Humanity. In Summerland, Critteraid the Summerland Hospital Auxiliary are also very good.
Franco De Michelis
Penticton
Stop normalizing illegal drug use
Dear Editor:
One with adequate brain matter would conclude that society needs to get a grip on all this social degradation, caused principally by, wait for it, drugs.
Those who decry that involuntary treatment of addiction rarely succeed and a person cannot be fixed until they are ready to heal are caving to the problem. Are we to continue with normalizing, decriminalizing and destigmatizing this civil disorder?
Those displaying excessive pity on the dopers are unable to solve the problem so move aside and let pragmatists work.
Paul Crossley
Penticton
Bravo to City for bike lanes
Dear Editor:
I鈥檓 a huge fan of the bike lanes! It鈥檚 wonderful to see families, commuters, and recreational cyclists safely moving around our city.
I personally use the bike lanes regularly to run errands and commute to my activities鈥攚hether it鈥檚 heading to the pickleball courts at Skaha or packing a picnic for the beach.
Bravo to the City of Penticton for having a forward-thinking council that not only understands the needs of today but also envisions a healthier, more sustainable future. Cities around the world are embracing cycling as a key mode of transportation, and I鈥檓 proud to see ours leading the way.
Thank you for your vision and commitment to making Penticton a bike-friendly community!
Rio Annett
Penticton
Bike lanes a gift to the citizens
Dear Editor:
Penticton鈥檚 bike lanes are a gift to the people of the city.
These all ages and abilities lanes give access to sustainable transportation to all sorts of people, including seniors, those who are socioeconomically challenged, children, and youth and children and families - people of all ages.
I feel very safe in these lanes as I鈥檓 separated from cars from lake to lake. Others feel safe in these lanes, including those on mobility scooters, e-scooters, skateboarders, and even roller bladders.
Every time you see someone using the bike lane, that鈥檚 one less car on the road, that鈥檚 one less car taking up your parking space, and that鈥檚 one less car in front of you at the red light.
I invite you to publish a balanced perspective on the bike lanes and not just publish those opinions that are negative.
That is true journalism and reporting.
Kimberly Whidden
Penticton
Paint bike lane barriers yellow
Dear Editor:
The new bicycle lanes concrete blocks are being driven into by drivers; which has caused various levels of damage to the front ends of cars/trucks. At the very least the new concrete blocks should be painted yellow.
Yellow is the colour which warns drivers to pay more attention to obstacles; or dangerous road conditions. The yellow paint will cost the city much less than the expected cost by future class action suits.
A friend suffered damage loss of $5,500 to the front end of his car.
Ernie Slump
Penticton
Cycling courtesy a two-way street
Dear Editor:
Having read the positive feedback regarding bike lanes, I would like to share my experience.
I did not know what to think when the Lake-to-Lake lanes were first introduced, but I have also had positive experiences with this. I feel safe riding in these lanes and find the vast majority of motorists to be courteous and watchful. In turn I am also courteous of motorists and careful to reach my destination safely.
I will continue to use the bike lanes and like the added bonus of getting exercise at the same time.
Mardy Courtney
Penticton
Thanks, respect for Dr. Bonnie
Dear Editor:
Re: 鈥淒r. Bonnie Henry among those honoured with Order of Canada,鈥 July 2.
Congratulations to Bonnie Henry. The Order of Canada is more than well-deserved and, along with the vast majority of B.C. residents, I think it is an honour that is combined with our collective thanks and respect.
John Stevenson
Victoria
Bike lanes worth the investment
Dear Editor:
I鈥檓 writing in strong support of Penticton鈥檚 investment in bike lanes 鈥 not only as a cyclist, but as someone who cares deeply about the future of our city.
Bike lanes aren鈥檛 just for 鈥渟erious鈥 riders. They鈥檙e for parents taking their kids to school, seniors on e-bikes, and residents who want the freedom to move around safely without a car.
Every person on a bike is one less car in traffic, one less parking space used, and one more step toward a cleaner, healthier Penticton.
Critics sometimes see bike lanes as a nuisance or a cost. But the data tells a different story: communities with connected cycling infrastructure see lower traffic congestion, improved local business activity, and higher safety for everyone 鈥 including drivers and pedestrians.
Bike lanes are not just a benefit for cyclists; they鈥檙e an investment in our shared public space.
We are a city that values active living, outdoor recreation, and tourism. Our infrastructure should reflect that. Let鈥檚 keep building a city that is accessible, forward-thinking, and safe 鈥 on two wheels or four.
John Armstrong
Penticton
Military money, but not medicine
Dear Editor:
The federal government is planning to spend unprecedented amounts of money on the Canadian military. It鈥檚 about time. They need it. I鈥檓 in favour of the spending.
On the other hand, I haven鈥檛 had a family doctor in 20 years and while recently in the emergency room waiting nine hours to see a doctor, I had time to observe just how understaffed and overworked medical professionals are.
If only it were as easy for the government to find magical amounts of money for health care as it is for defence.
C. Scott Stofer
Nanaimo
Canada needs a social media app
Dear Editor:
Please, somebody, create a Canadian social media app to rival the mammoth U.S. apps that Canadians seem to be sadly addicted to using constantly, enriching and emboldening them to take advantage of us all.
U.S. President Donald Trump鈥檚 recent bullying over defending U.S. filthy rich apps copying Canadian news/entertainment content for free or minuscule cost reinforces this dire need for a true Canadian alternative.
How about our federal government creating and promoting a Canadian social media app that鈥檚 ad free, scam free? To unite Canadians in supportive, intimidation-free, elbows-up spirit and socializing?
Ralph Saunders
Esquimalt
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