A Hodge Podge of Thoughts
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
This week – a smattering of thoughts with no order or reason except – I can.
I rarely blur lines mentioning my political world in this column; however, I’ve been inundated with questions from reader residents regarding my thoughts on the new lineup at the council table. Combined with those questions and some misinformed or inaccurate rumours I’ve heard; I share a thought or two precisely five months after election day.
I really like the new council and its basic DNA.
Considering the 2023 nine-member lineup consists of three ‘new’ councillors and a mayor, I believe the transition has gone well. In fairness, a lot of that has to do with the efforts and experience of key staff and a willingness by both new and old politicos around the table to work together. The ‘rookie’s’ are clearly feeling more confident and comfortable the past few meetings – better comprehending the various nuances and idiosyncrasies of being an elected official in municipal government. Some true wit and humour are showing as well, which makes some of the long days and intense meetings a little easier. Ron Cannon is hardly a rookie however he’s adjusted well in his transition back to a councillor’s saddle from riding on higher horses. Of particular enjoyment for me has been the sound and smooth roll Tom Dyas has displayed as Mayor. Rarely does someone take on the job of Mayor without any experience on council and do a good job right off the bat. Tom has.
He encourages councillors to share their thoughts, ask pertinent questions, enter sound debate, and feel comfortable while doing so. So far – top marks in leadership.
We don’t always agree but once he realizes I am always right we will be fine.
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Looking for a wonderful, relaxed night of great music? Rann Berry has a plan for you.
Once again Rann is hosting his Back Room Live music showcase at Dakoda’s Pub with one of my favourites – Jimmy LeGuilloux playing Sunday, March 26. Jimmy’s songs have received airplay internationally and he has seen many parts of the globe in his 30 plus years in the business including the UK, Japan, New Zealand and many shows in the US and Canada. LeGuilloux’s albums include Songs That I Love and Everything and The Box It Came In. Jimmy also won the prestigious Anita Tozer Citizen of the Year Award in Kelowna a few years back for his caring community work through music. This guy’s a winner folks. Check him out. Show starts at 7:30 Tickets at Everbrite.
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Had the experience of meeting Occupational Therapist Tammy Vachon last month and am overdue in expressing my gratitude. Interior Health has a winner in Tammy who as a community home health care worker visits with people with needs and health issues and helps them find ways to rehabilitate or simply maintain better while facing difficulties. Her knowledge and patience is top shelf and her help wonderful. Thanks Tammy
To often people in the health care industry are simply taken for granted.
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Friend and reader Tom Treadgold sent me this recently and I had to pass it on. Perfect.
An Obituary printed in the London Times.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain.
Why the early bird gets the worm.
Life isn’t always fair.
And maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by:
His parents Truth and Trust.
His wife Discretion.
His daughter Responsibility.
His son Reason.
Not many attended his funeral because, so few realized he was gone.
