Dozens of residents dined out on Valentine's Day to support the Bridge Lake Community School Society (BLCS), which in addition to classes for all ages, provides a breakfast and lunch program for the elementary school children, and meals-on-wheels for seniors throughout the wider 100 Mile House area.
Chefs Del Rowe, Stefan Lang, and Kris Verheul – assisted by their spouses Wayne Rowe, Elke Lang and Cheryl Verheul – served delicious "international" dinners, Chinese, Greek or Spanish, while decadent desserts were provided by school supporters.
There were five door prizes and the silent auction had 14 interesting items, including a stunning painting by Michael Pape. Entitled "Through the Storm," it went, after much bidding, to a delighted Piri DeVries. The auction raised $1,220.
The school gym was suitably decorated with hearts and flowers, and after dinner, guests were serenaded by Roe Lake's 18-year-old singer/guitarist Jason Ruscheinsky.
All in all, some $2,000 was raised to help BLCS provide the above meals. BLCS president Chris Lance and co-ordinator Gail Larson thanked the many volunteers who worked so hard, and the guests for their much appreciated support.
Wilderness trail
As mentioned in the writer's Feb. 20 column, Roe Lake & District Recreation Commission (RLDRC) has received a grant, via the Cariboo Regional District, from the B.C. Community Recreation Grant Program, which is specifically for wheelchair accessible trails in small communities.
The deadline for completion of the five-foot wide wilderness trail is Aug. 31, 2013.
In December, Larson's Tree Removal generously donated its time to remove necessary trees, and Interior Roads donated its time to increase the width of the trail and provide a base.
The trail will go from East Sheridan Lake Road, with a new entrance onto the rodeo grounds, skirt the outside of the grounds and enter the 1990/91 trail crossing the ridge on the rodeo grounds, and use the highway right of way across the slough to Interlakes Hall.
The trail will include benches and picnic tables at good viewing stations, and a kiosk at each end with a map and details of flora and fauna.
RLDRC's Wilderness Trail Committee comprises Gyl Connaty, Pat Lytton and Tim Ruscheinsky they are in close communication with Interior Roads and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure the project meets official requirements.
Since asking for suggestions as to the trail's name, RLDRC has received several replies, most of which reflect the pioneer status of both the organization and its location. Deadline for suggestions is March 26, so call Pat Lytton at 250-593-4447 or e-mail tarjar@bcjnternet.net
Bingo schedule
Family bingo will be back at Deka Fire Hall on March 20 and 27.
Come out and enjoy the game, bake-table raffle and a Super G pot currently standing at $1,321.
The March 27 game will celebrate Easter, with special door and good neighbour prizes.
Celebrations
Champagne and caviar go to Wes Greig on his 70th birthday today (March 6); and Sierra Dorward gets six big balloons, March 11 – the same day that Linda and Al Bishop celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary.
Calendar
Call the writer for contact numbers.
• Kids Space meets 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., March 8 at Interlakes Hall.
• Ryan Larson Snow Ball Tournament, Interlakes Hall ball grounds, March 9-1 0. Spectators are welcome and a concession is available. The tournament runs regardless of weather conditions.
• Bridge Lake Community School meets 7 p.m., March 11 at the school.
• Deka Ladies Auxiliary meets 10:30 a.m., March 13.
• Interlakes Snowmobile Club meets March 13 at Wildmans Family Dining & Lounge.
• "13 to 93" meets 4 to 6:30 p.m., March 15 at Interlakes Hall, or come for dinner only at 5 p.m. No charge, but donations are gratefully received.