Editor, The Times:

I’m writing this letter as a response to the numerous unpleasant letters that have been printed in this paper regarding the restorations to the Avola Schoolhouse. The writer of the letters has continued to insult everything from the man who has to done the work, to the TNRD who approved the work, and even the country of Canada and our identifying symbols as if they are something to be embarrassed about.

First I would like to say that I grew up in Avola and although I don’t live there now, I often return home with my daughter to visit my parents. The moment I saw the picture in the paper of a small group of Avola citizens blocking the way of the contractor to do his work, I was immediately embarrassed for the town of Avola. Now with the continuous insults directed toward the contractors work, the TNRD, and to the THSC, the town of Avola has been steadily negatively represented, and wrongly so.

I think perhaps that there may be better causes for the writer of these unpleasant letters to focus her time on. Is there no other more pressing issues in this valley that could use someone with so much time to worry about and try to fix? As it is the work is done, I think it is time to stop this negative attention, move on and get over it.

In my opinion, and I think the majority of Avola’s citizens, the work looks great. I’m very pleased to know that the building will continue to be accessible for the town of Avola and other locals of the North Thompson Valley to use. Maybe my daughter will be able to one day bring her children here thanks to the TNRD and Brad Dohms’ excellent work. Personally, I’m proud that Avola can be added to the list of stylized Canadian souvenirs, along with their cartoon moose, bear, beavers, RCMP, and loons, eh?? Funny those things were mentioned in a negative manner, I’m quite proud of our symbols and as my brother is an RCMP officer, I’m especially proud of that!

I know that as a result of contributing this letter I may now be targeted by the writer of these unpleasant letters and as she no doubt has more time to continue with her crusade, I’m sure that this is not the last of it. However, I would like to say that I have no intention of writing another letter, I just felt that Brad’s excellent work deserved some positive attention, and that there are other citizens of Avola that agree with me.

Lana Tobin

Clearwater, B.C.