Dear Canimites
The Big White is descending with gusto here at Canim, but it hasn’t slowed the local critters up one bit.
On a clear black night recently, with stars blazing above, the coyotes went carolling down on the Canim Lake Ranch. The local barred owl couldn’t resist the joy of the season, and began ad-libbing lyrics to the canine refrain.
That was the last straw for the swans, which were settling down for the night. They began to mutter back and forth in their trumpeting kind of way – “I’m OK. You OK? Yup, got my Bose headphones on.”
Bachelor bake
Christmas celebrations are in full swing, and the Bachelor Bake women had a blast sorting out cookies, squares and tarts for 22 bachelors this year.
Gathering in Margo’s Cabin were Lynne Baker, Sheila Hart, Marga Hausmann, Deb Eiriksson, Yvette Stark, Louise Kerr, Margo Wagner, Dolores Angell, Catherine Young, Judy Lauzon, Bev Lees and Hisako Arai.
With their own baking and that of Angie Elliott, Bev McGregor, Jean Reynolds, Shannon Wagner and Lizzie Sarkozy, they put together containers for the singles of the community, and delivered them tied up with a festive ribbon and a card. Thanks to Save-On-Foods for donating the containers.
When five-year-old Toody (Vivian) Shirran arrived at Canim Lake in 1925 with her parents and three sisters, things weren’t quite so well organized. There wasn’t a light to be seen on the lake at Christmas time then, says Toody.
She remembers the McNeil family “coming up the ice from the end of the lake with their team” when she was 11 or 12 years old. The family made their own fun with a big chicken for Christmas dinner and pulled toffee and popcorn balls for candy.
The road along the lake wasn’t cut in until 1948 or ’49. That made for a difficult trip to Exeter station to pick up the once-a-year grocery shipment from Woodwards.
Her dad never forgot the small model horse that Toody would receive on Christmas each year. One of them still stands on her mantle today.
Christmas dinner
A happy crew of 45 people from Hawkins and Canim lakes gathered at the Forest Grove Legion for a sumptuous supper cooked and served by the ladies of the Legion.
It wasn’t hard to get stuffed on the tender ham and delicious turkey.
The voice of the club, “phone lady” Jean Reynolds, was honoured with a Christmas planter presented by president Margo Wagner for her special service. Jean has held every post in the club through her years of involvement.
She is now a key member of the executive, the acknowledged historian, and a person whose charismatic qualities of good humour and positive attitude are valued.
Club sells land
The Canim Community Club has sold the Eagle Creek School property to Marlis Zabel of Abbotsford.
The money has largely been invested in a GIC while the club considers the proper use of the funds.
The executive believes it is timely to review the purposes of the club, as the community has been changing over the years. In January, it will develop a survey and send it to all members for their ideas on possible changes.
Proposals arising from the discussions would be brought to the April 3 AGM and voted on.
If you are not a member, but wish to get involved, you can buy a $5 membership for 2013 by calling Sheila Hart at 250-397-2645. This gives entry into all the activities of the club, a calendar of the year’s events, and membership in the Garden Club (“We garden because we dig it!”), good for 10 per cent off purchases at most area nurseries.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you a blessed Christmas and new year.