No spring training is a first

Editor:rnFor the first time since the inception of the Desert Park race track there will be no spring horse training!
The Osoyoos facility has always had the best and earliest horse training in the country attracting trainers and horses from south of the border to as far east as Ontario.
Why is the facility not being utilized?rnI would have to say, once again, that the Town is incapable of operating such a facility.
There is not one person on the Town council or staff knowledgeable enough to manage the race track nor do they want any local help.
When constructive opinions are given, the powers that be turn their backs and seek outside input, namely Urban Systems of Kelowna.
When Desert Park Exhibition Society operated the facility it was a very successful equestrian centre.
Remember? rnFor all you people new to Osoyoos, this is part of the real story rnDesert Park was originally 'obtained' by the Blue Sage Riders from the Ministry of Lands Forests, and Water Resources in 1975. The 'Lease' was turned over to the Regional District and in 1978 Desert Park was transferred to the Corporation of the Village of Osoyoos.
One of the provisos in the agreement was” Desert Park Exhibition Society would have the sole right to allow and charge for professional racehorse training and other related acti-vities.
This land would not have been turned over to the Town of Osoyoos if it was not to be used for equestrian purposes.
We all believed the town would honour their agreements and maintain the grounds. This has not proven to be true.
The race track is presently unusable. The track is a mess with no cushion, no grade, drainage is deplorable and the general maintenance of the barns and grounds is disgusting.
Why? Because no one cares and no one will oversee that jobs are being done.
Yes, the Town did contract out a 'position' for the race track but no one oversaw the goings on. Where there is no boss, there is no accountability and consequently that is why the track is in such poor condition.
In the past week, I have tried to talk to the 'new' Town councillors regarding the situation at Desert Park. It was totally a waste of time… same comments, same story . . . they do not know what they are doing and do not care.
Councillors, do the job that you were elected to do and do your homework. Do some research!
Desert Park is a valuable piece of property.
Yes, real estate is at a premium and that view is breath taking, but it must remain what it was historically obtained for.
Green space is desperately needed and we must all fight to keep this land for what it was intended.
Currently there is a proposal by Rocky Mountain Turf Club to return Desert Park to its glory and truly make it a first class race track for all of us to be proud of.
First, this proposal must pass a referendum.
People of Osoyoos and district must vote in favor of keeping our Park as it was intended.
Please vote in favor of the proposal so we can all once again enjoy the activities associated with Desert Park. Do not destroy the vision of the volunteers who spent countless hours to build the facility. We need the facility to be open and accessible year round.
Gail HochsteinerrnOsoyoos

Editor:rnIt is with much interest that I follow the news media re: Desert Park Racing in Osoyoos, as I raced thoroughbreds at Exhibition Park, and in Vernon, B.C.
Recently CHBC inter-viewed Gail Hochsteiner from Osoyoos who is a noted horse owner and I agree with her completely in that the park should be utilized by horse owners as in the past. Having slots in conjunction with the racing will only enhance the race track. Why let this beautiful spot sit idle when people are willing to utilize it and support it?
Let's face it – people love to watch the horses run and gamble.
Jerry CurriernOliver

Editor:rnI am writing to you today after receiving a telephone call at 9:10 am this morning telling me I have 17 days to find another care home or facility for my father, George Preston, as the Desert Valley Care Home in Osoyoos is closing its doors.
My family and I moved to Osoyoos in November, 2002 and love it here immensely. Last year we purchased a mobile home for my mother here (she is 83) and contacted Desert Valley Care to be able to bring my father out of the Colonel Belcher Hospital in Calgary so that we could be closer to each other. My husband and I flew back to Calgary, moved all the furnishings and treasures belonging to my parents here and then flew them out on August 15, 2005 to their new homes – my mother at Cedar Villa and my father at Desert Valley Care and the world was wonderful. However today that wonderful world turned upside down.
I asked about the Sagebrush Lodge but was told they were closing also and not taking any new residents due to this fact. I have read about them closing down but was certain it wasn't for a few years yet, once the new seniors residence was to be built.
Now I have found out that this is only in the planning stages – what am I to do. Osoyoos was perfect as my mom was able to drive to see my dad every couple of days and I did not need to go and drive her and take time off work and away from my family all the time. Now I may have to move him perhaps to Oliver and possibly Penticton. Unfortunately my mom can't drive that far (due to her age) and I can not take the time off work.
What is happening here in BC with the seniors – Osoyoos probably has the most seniors anywhere and there is no where for them to live, the staff is being laid off and I am supposed to work a miracle in 17 days and find a new home for my father. My mother may have to take him home for a while but she can not lift him, he is on oxygen permanently, inhalers, gets dizzy spells, etc.
Is there anything you can do to help my family to find a new location and the workers at the Desert Valley Care to find new employment?rnAnnette StarrnOsoyoos

rnEditor:rnThe closing of the Sagebrush Lodge is just another prime example of what our local Provincial and Federal governments think of our senior citizens some of our most vulnerable people.
Most of these people are veterans one way or another. Some served in the armed forces overseas, while others stayed home to keep the home fires burning. Speaking personally my father along with four brothers served overseas, my mother was left alone for 5-6 years to bring up four other children.
The ancient civilizations sacrificed their first born, I feel that our governments are sacrificing our senior citizens. I have a few horror stories that I have reported. We should take after some of the other cultures, who look after and respect their seniors.
What is wrong in keeping the Sagebrush Lodge open, along with a new center, we all know the long waiting list.
I thought we elected our officials to represent the tax payers wishes.
Barbara LodgernOsoyoos

Editor:rnNearly 50 years ago, February was designated as Heart Month in British Columbia. Since then, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon has used this special time of year to educate British Columbians and Yukoners about their heart health, and to raise funds for vital heart and stroke research.
Thousands of feet hit the street each February when our dedicated group of canvassers visit neighbourhoods across the province in our annual Door-to-Door campaign. The money raised helps save lives by funding research that provides critical know-ledge and tools.
Each year, numerous hospital and university-based research teams depend on us for funding of their vital projects. The Founda-tion relies on public donations to ensure heart and stroke research continues.
Although we have made significant advances, we still face many challenges in reaching our vision of generations free of heart disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Canada, killing almost 75,000 Canadians every year. We need your help more than ever please show your support for February, Heart Month and give generously.
Bobbe Woodrn Heart and Stroke Found. of BC & Yukon

Editor:rnHats off to the ladies who organized and helped at the Ladies Bonspiel this weekend. Between the games Friday, decorations, the auction prizes, food all weekend (especially the rib dinner, thanks guys) etc.
Fun was had by all.
Thank yournJohn & D. MiskernOsoyoos

rn