Reporting the truth can help others

There were multiple comments on social media sites about media outlets choosing to include the word “hoarder” in coverage of the horrific house fire on Lakeside Road. Some considered it insensitive because death was involved.

Although I don’t feel compelled to defend the use of words, some readers have wondered about it so I can offer the following explanations.

1. The woman’s name was never published.

2. The fire department was aware of this home for many years. The probable cause of how the fire ignited so rapidly was due, in part, to the conditions inside the home. It’s the media’s responsibility to report what happened, even when it’s ugly.

3. Hoarding is a form of mental illness but hoarders are not considered a threat to themselves or the community. Maybe it’s time for social agencies and municipalities to revisit policies on hoarding.

4. When a tragedy occurs and details become public, sometimes others learn from someone else’s misfortune and future tragedies are prevented.

Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees for this year’s Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. The gala was five-star quality and well organized — Penticton’s answer to the Academy Awards.

Sadly, like the Academy Awards, there are oversights, it seems more this year than in other years. It appears that if you’re not nominated from someone in the community (or ask someone to nominate you), you’re not recognized.

Look no further than the Lakeside Resort with a multi-million expansion all done with local contractors and with the highest environmental standards. The hotel expansion has won major awards including praise for its brilliant architect, the late Nick Bevanda. The Lakeside’s lone nomination was... Workplace Culture Excellence. Where was Bruce Schoenne on the list? He’s been active developing in the community.

The team at Chase Valley? Dennis Jacobsen at Windward Software? Peters Bros. which has been a huge supporter of the Penticton Regional Hospital expansion and just about everything else that’s good for this community? Castanet took a burned-out eyesore on Main Street and turned it into a showcase store front for the downtown’s marquee block.

I’m not the only one who believes they need to revisit the nomination process.

One other suggestion. The emcee was fine but he’s from West Kelowna. Let’s try for someone local next year.

Thanks to Nathan and Terri Bremner for their dedication to the Penticton Pacific Elvis Festival. It’s my understanding they are stepping down as the chairpersons of the popular event held each June in Okanagan Lake Park. During their time with the festival the Sunday wrap-up party went from a lowkey event to a festival highlight. As well, the number of participating ETAs rose substantially.

Jim Morrison of The Doors was gone too soon.

Oktoberfest is right around the corner and if you don’t have tickets yet for this Saturday night you will want to pick them up soon. The six-hour event will feature entertainment by The Beer Barrels, The Alpen Platters and Gypsy & the Rose along with all kinds of imported and authentic German beer. (Who could forget the classic Simpsons episode when a jealous Homer yelled at Ned Flanders: “And your beer comes from further away than my beer.”)

Founding board members Bill Kolter and Barb Schneiderat are back in charge this year.

James Miller is managing editor of The Herald.