A 4 www.ash-cache-journal.com Published every Tuesday in Ashcroft by Black Press Ltd. Founded in 1895 Editor: Wendy Coomber
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Thursday, September 13, 2012 The Journal
The Editor’s Desk WENDY COOMBER
Here for a century, gone in a minute I think that I shall never see A billboard lovely as a tree Indeed, unless the billboards fall I’ll never see a tree at all! So wrote one of my favourite childhood poets, Ogden Nash. His poems weren’t as deep as they were clever, and the kind that stays with you for decades. It came to mind this week, not as I was looking at billboards, but as I was looking at the space - and continue to look at the space outside my office window - where our dear old spruce tree grew. For many, many years. Does anyone reading this still remember a time when that tree wasn’t there? I tried counting the rings, but some parts of the trunk are unclear and vague. Just like our own pasts. I counted over 50 rings and couldn’t distinguish any more. I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that I love trees. Many varieties have a lifespan that extend far beyond human lifetimes. Not only are they (usually) lovely, but they shelter us, provide shade, offer a home to birds and insects, and turn harmful greenhouse gases into breathable oxygen. It’s a shame that it is gone now, but everything on this planet has a limited lifespan. And it certainly went out with a bang. We’re grateful that no one was hurt, and no buildings damaged. But, it was a good tree and would have considered those things before toppling over. Tuesday came this week, and as expected, several faithful readers came to the office wondering why they hadn’t received their Journal. After a dozen, I jokingly suggested to Barbara that we could tell people that we’re in mourning for our tree and there won’t be a paper this week! While Hurricane Leslie is causing harship on the east coast, we seem to be having our own crazy weather here. And it isn’t even officially Fall, yet. Not to mention - I’m not ready for the end of summer. And I don’t think I’m alone. Our tree was especially beautiful in winter, its boughs gracefully covered with snow. Not having that to soften winter’s chill will truly bring home to me that our old friend is gone.
LUSCIOUS PEACHES ripening under Spences Bridge’s hot desert sun
Wellness icon could be better Dear Editor If we are going to have a symbol that represents wellness it should be something that people can identify and relate to as such. Amorphous shapeless blobs don’t really speak to anybody. Perhaps a lotus flower or aloe plant something that people can equate with the concept of wellness. A suggestion might be to ask the local massage therapists and aroma therapists what kind of emblem might be suitable. And if we’re going to call Ashcroft a wellness center then a person coming to town would like to be apprised of where these places might be that can bring them wellness. Especially as they have gone out of there way off the highway to visit this wellness center. Perhaps a brochure listing the local exercise groups, yoga classes, tai chi, karate, hiking trails and therapists in the area would at least be a start. Although mineral spas are most blatantly lacking in the vicinity which people
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR might expect to be here with such an advertisement of wellness. Like Harrison Hot Springs or Baden Baden. At least I don’t think there are any mineral hot springs around here. And then there is the issue of food. An organic restaurant maybe? Green smoothies from local organically grown produce? These would certainly contribute to wellness in the area. And maybe we should enact a by-law prohibiting the use of poisons on the land such as roundup. They have passed such legislation in other communities. How can you advertise a wellness center and stil be poisoning the ground, water and air that you breathe?
karla cummins Ashcroft
Great medical treatment Dear Editor Medical treatment in Ashcroft and Kamloops is absolutely excellent!
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On Sept. 4, my husband Cliff had a medical emergency. A call to 911 had an ambulance and paramedics at our door within five minutes and after a thorough checkover, these two efficient, professional men had him on the way to Ashcroft Hospital Luck was with us as our emergency happened to be open that day. We wish that others could be so lucky as this is certainly not always the case. Upon arrival in the emergency room, Nurses Jackie and Lana Rae took over and with Dr. Khan they spent a few hours with testing and diagnosis –stabilizing him before sending him to Royal Inland in Kamloops. We can’t say enough about these medical professionals. So calm and reassuring, answering every question in terms that we could understand. We are so fortunate to have this quality of personnel in our local Hospital. Upon arrival at RIH, the busy, busy emergency room staff and Dr. Stabler (who
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Terry Daniels
Wendy Coomber
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FRONT OFFICE
Anne Blake
Barbara Roden
Dr. Khan had contacted) were ready for him. Although Cliff was in emergency for 18 hours before being moved to the 6th floor, we were amazed at how efficiently the ER staff work and how caring the Nurses and Doctors are in such a hectic environment. This fantastic care carried over to the staff on 6 South - amazing, compassionate care and although everyone seems run off their feet, there was never a complaint about the amount of work that was to be done - just patience and understanding. Thanks to all of you. We all sometimes take our Health Care for granted and if things don’t happen fast enough or are just not to our liking we complain. This experience has certainly opened our eyes to what wonderful facilities, Doctors and Nurses we have in our area. Our grateful thanks to all of you
Anita and Cliff Moore Ashcroft Letter to the Editor Deadline Friday 4 pm
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