NURSES RALLY | Vernon nurses protest potential changes in health care Nov. 29 [A6]
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Friday, Nov. 22, 2013
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WALKING THE LINE
RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
JENNIFER SMITH/MORNING STAR
A CN worker walks alongside the railway track between Highway 97 and Swan Lake Monday. Crews are currently replacing ties throughout the region.
Local teacher earns Prime Minister award RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
A Vernon educator’s passion for children has been recognized by the highest level of power in the country. Shawna Miller-Poitras, who teaches four-yearolds at the North Okanagan Child Care Society, received the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence from Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa Tuesday. “The whole experience has been an honour and a privilege,” she said of meeting Harper. “I love working with children and I feel fortunate that I have this in my life.” Miller-Poitras, an early childhood educator for 25 years, is being acknowledged for introducing her students to the world around them. It’s common for her class to visit the community garden, share experiences with local seniors, perform in local festivals or partner with elementary and high school students. “I am looking for ways to help them contribute
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to their community,” said Miller-Poitras. As an example, the class recently helped paint yellow fish symbols at storm drains to create awareness about how pollution impacts the environment. “I want to showcase their strengths and abilities. I want them to have a love of life and learning.” Miller-Poitras also supports child development through lunch-time discussions, monthly newsletters and memory books. She played a critical role in the development of Vernon’s children’s charter of rights. “She takes on projects that are leading the way to immersing our children within the community in which they belong,” said Hollie Henderson, North Okanagan Child Care Society executive director. Miller-Poitras says the prime minister’s award has inspired her to continue with her work. “I find it very motivating and validating,” she said.
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper presents Vernon teacher Shawna Miller-Poitras with the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Ottawa Tuesday.
Plans are in place for a recreational corridor in Oyama, but no cash will be tossed at it immediately. Lake Country council has adopted the Pelmewash Parkway concept plan. “We want people to recognize that it’s a long-term project,” said Mayor James Baker. “We don’t have $12 million to build a recreation corridor.” Pelmewash Parkway is the former highway along Wood Lake and the goal is to increase public access to the area while protecting the environment. The road will remain open to two-lane traffic but it will be narrowed to allow for separate bike and walking trails. Some residents wanted portions of the road closed to traffic, but Coun. Owen Dickie believes that isn’t possible given the local economy. “We have to consider the needs of agricultural vehicles accessing the packinghouse,” he said. The plan was developed after considerable consultation with the public. “The report is quite reflective of the community’s wishes,” said Dickie, adding that there isn’t a specific timeline for the enhancements to be implemented. “The plan provides us with an opportunity to start allocating money each year so we can start chipping away at it.”
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