Editor:
I have followed the discussions regarding the financial status of the Osoyoos Golf Club with considerable interest.
Having been the President of the Club’s Board of Governors from 2004 through 2006 I was party to the many months of evaluation, plan formulation and the obtaining of the support and approval of the membership for the course expansion.
I commend Robert and Jutta Dolman for their reasoned articulation as to how the current circumstances have come about in their letter (“Accurate information is available to golf club members”) published in the Osoyoos Times last week.
The current Board and Management have most definitely kept the membership informed over the past year as to the Club’s financial situation and likely need for a significant adjustment to dues.
Ivo Tyl, in his letter to you last week (‘Golf Club member hopes …”), states the $3.9 million dollar expansion to 36 holes of golf was approved by members; “… after rather non-professional and naïve economic forecast.”
In this Mr. Tyl is mistaken; the Club, after much information gathering and deliberation, formulated a “realistic” five year financial plan (based on accepted indicators existing at that time) and, in doing so, not only consulted with the several financial institutions interested in providing the needed funding, but also commissioned an independent review of the plan by PKF, a qualified consulting accounting firm.
We can only speculate as to all of the factors that brought the Club to this situation, but they doubtlessly include the global recession and the subsequent withering of the local real estate market, coupled with the decision that many people have made to not undertake discretionary expenditures such as golf.
I realize the hardship that a dues increase of this magnitude imposes on the members and I am most sympathetic to those on fixed pension incomes and those with young families who may be struggling to establish themselves.
However, as the Dolmans suggested, the bad times will pass and the opportunity to play at this exceptional 36-hole golf facility will continue to be an excellent value; even with the necessary increases.
The Osoyoos Golf Club is a great asset to this community and will remain one of the important reasons Osoyoos is a destination for many.
Tom Martin,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-October 28, 2009

CAT OWNER WARNS OF MISCHIEF

Editor:
Cat owners beware!
My cat has just survived a pellet gunshot wound on 89th Street, Osoyoos, close to the daycare and elementary school!
The police have been informed.
Between the evenings of Sunday, October 18th and Monday, October 19th, Gaston, my 16-month-old sweetheart was shot with a pellet gun.
I came home to find Gaston in shock, blood dripping from a wound on his middle side.
The veterinary clinic took great care of him and he is back home.
I am shocked to witness first-hand that there are people out there who would do this to such a defenceless being.
My first thought was that kids had done this but I worry it is someone in my neighbourhood. I understand someone’s aggravation over cats using gardens as litter boxes.
And I also understand not everyone is a cat lover.
Unfortunately, I have discovered that this is a very common attack.
My cats have collars, they are neutered and are friendly to strangers.
I just cannot understand how someone would think this cruelty is okay.
One year ago I rescued Gaston and his brother Marcus who were abandoned at a winery in town.
They showed up hungry and tired and the day I brought them home I promised to keep them safe.
I love my animals so much, they are a part of my family.
My heart aches to know that their safety is not completely in my hands.
To be honest, I am writing this letter emotional and very upset.
I am not sure if it will do any good.
This isn’t a perfect world, but I sincerely thought this was a near perfect town I moved to.
Kelly Bond,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-October 28, 2009