10 — Sunday, April 25, 1999 — Dear Editor: Re: the April 11 school crossing guards feature. 1 have fond memories of being a school crossing guard as a Highlands elementary school student back in the 60s. There were two kids per crossing and we were trained to help kids cross the busy Highlands Boulevard and Queens Road crossings. Ir was an honour to be picked for this duty, and there never seemed to be any preb- lems in getting enough Grade complete pair of “Yo North Shore News 7 students to participate. We were issued reflective vests and hats that identified us clearly, slong, with stop signs. which we held up when stop- ping traffic. 1 surely can’t be the only one who remembers the pride I felt being given such a responsible job. We are wasting a chance for our children to contribute for the greater good in their schoo! community and learn the value of volunteer work. Lynne Hartle Imhartle@direct.ca Ctnat’s north shore news ___ MAIL BOX Let students be Waterfront plan’s orice tag missing crossing guards Dear Editor: In a recent edition of the News, North Vancouver District's “District Dialogue” featured yet another set of “facts” and the “Weekly Waterfront: Question” with respect to the waterfront task force. Normally one can ignore these exercises in “newspeak,” dismissing them as just another attempt by the district to convince taxpayers that something that they don’t necd or want is actually good for them In the case of the March 28 edition, however, the “Q & A” is so blatantly evasive that I really have to take issue with it. The question is a straight- forward and important: one: “Whar is the overall cost of the Waterfront Plan if fully implemented?” You'd normally expect an equally straight-forward answer, but the paragraph that followed wasn’t an answer at all — it was a non- stop wafile. We're told that because this is a long-term plan that it is, “difficult to estimate the long term public costs.” Great: we're supposed to sup- pert a plan without a price tag. frame and Jenses) at off. Choose from our entire selection of desiBner frames ee ALOT o and brand name lenses. Try our mew THINNER, LIGHTER and eLarrer lenses with a t premium scratch resistant non-glare coating. We can arrange eye | exams and you can shop before you have your eye exam!! Surnaby Eaton Centre Metrotown West Vancouver Park Royal South Boy ‘Vancouver West Broadway Additional Pairs 50% off Complete. Coquitlam itl 430-3126 Coquitlam Centre Vancouver 925-9515 | Oakridge Centre | Surrey 873-5234 | Surrey Place Mall Clearbrook 464-1822 Langley 263-2514 588-6941 Sevenoaks Mall Willowbrook Mall ‘853-8101 530-3081 Pearte, Pearle Vision Center and Pearle Vision Express are trademarks of Pearie Vision, inc. ©1995 Pearle Vision, Inc. No cther discounts or coupons apply. Good only at participating locations, It’s little wonder thar the district has problems with its budget. The simple uth is that the plan is grandiose and hideously expensive. The cost of acquiring properties is conservatively estimated at an amount in excess of $64 million. The acquisition of the fed- eral head lease, even if it were to happen, would amuunt to the downloading of some very significant one-time costs to district taxpayers, to say nothing of an increase in annual district. operating Watea for the feature in the costs. You don't have to do a fot of research to know that the district has severe financiat problems. We can waste time blam- ing other levels of govern- ment, bur the truth is that local government cannot and must nor live beyond its means. Our council and district staff should spend their time and effort on priorities, not on grandiose pians that have massive price tags. John Surridge North Vancouver Hey Sth issue of the orth Saore Hews. Caring you cin count on. Our complete funily support service can provide any level or range of care for your loved one... Personal support, homemaking or nursing services. j ; | bial Eas wecare Home Health Services 980-6350 102 - 145 West 15th St., North Vancouver Where peace of —_ bas a bome — The Board of the North Shore Health Region invites you to attend an information session When: Wednesday, April 28, 1999 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. _ Where: Medical Day Centre Lion’s Gate Hospital 231 East 15th Street - North Vancouver . During this session, the Board will present an update on its priorities for the coming year, outline the 1999/2000 budget, and identify future issues and action plans. Questions are welcomed. For information, contact North Shore Health Region Communications at (604) 984-3866