Dear Canimites:
Spring has winged its way to the "tri-lakes" area of Canim, Mahood and Hawkins.
Folks at Mahood are seeing thrushes and redwings. Swans are there too, as are many geese.
It’s the same at the mouth of Bridge Creek on Canim, as daily more and more of the large birds pack into the small ice-free area, flocking like guys at a Canadian Tire "2 for 1" sale.
Jim Baker reported a robin three weeks ago now, and Ann Johansen has been watching the eagles menacing the calving area of the Canim Lake Ranch. The first fishing boats have been out on the east end of Canim.
Margo our Citizen of the Year
Margo Wagner was nominated for the 2012 South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Local organizations gathered in support behind her, including the Mahood and Canim community organizations, the fire department, South Cariboo COPS, and individual members on the Cariboo Regional District board. They spoke of her tireless efforts on behalf of our community.
She didn’t win the formal award this time, but she’s tops with us, and that’s what counts.
Rick Takagi of South Canim Road was one of the organizers of the gala event at which the awards were presented.
First responder training
Terry and Shannon Wagner and Don Hewitt of Canim Lake are in the process of recertifying for their First Responder Licence, along with Matt Wiesendahl and Twan de Kok from Forest Grove.
Six others successfully completed their training for the first time: Adam Cummings, Michael Gent, Fiarra Nixon, Chris Parlee, Sheri-Lyn Wilson and Aron Zablotny.
Instructors Margo Wagner and Sheila Hart put the group through their paces through two back-to-back weekends – Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
Many thanks go to these people, as they put themselves on the line, 24 hours a day.
Rod & Gun Club
The Forest Grove & District Rod and Gun Club will have its AGM at the Canim Lake Resort on April 14 at 2 p.m.
Michael and Martina Dopf are stepping down from the president and secretary/treasurer positions after seven years of service. Martina says it is time for someone new to lead, while she and Michael will remain active in the club.
The group maintains a facility for trap shooting, as well as a long-gun range with 100- and 200-yard butts. There are 30 to 40 members presently. New members are welcome. If interested, please come to the AGM.
Schoolhouse Park
Happy Creek Minerals of Vancouver says exploration of the Hawk property abutting the east side of Schoolhouse Provincial Park has shown promising results for gold, silver and copper. Exploration work will continue this summer.
This writer asked the Ministry of Environment what effect this might have on the park. A spokesman said no land had been moved out of the park since its inception in 1995, and there is no proposal to do so.
In fact, the park is slated for a 544-hectare expansion to 5,106 hectares in size. This will better protect the old forest, a wilderness recreational fishery and a valuable wildlife travel corridor.
Mineral exploration is not allowed in provincial parks.
Bits and Bites
Granny Grace Buse, the friendly face behind the counter in the Canim Lake Store and our postmistress, is baking bread for sale every Tuesday, to go along with the pies and cakes already in her display.
Buns are also available on request. Dinners are cooked Fridays and Saturdays for takeout. Call 250-397-2229 for the week’s selection.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you many blessings.