Dear Canimites
A collective groan greeted the first rain last week, which left behind a sprinkling of icy driveways and yards.
The redpolls loved it however. A large flock that gangs the feeder paused on their way to breakfast in the dripping branches of a brushy birch, enjoying a communal shower and preening.
The first calves can be seen on the Canim Lake Ranch, and bulbs are sprouting in front of the Canim Lake Band’s church. Gentlemen, it’s time to service the kicker.
Pirates of Canim Lake
Bill and Josie Signarowitz of Reynolds Resort stopped long enough in Hollywood on their return home last December to buy some of the props from a well-known movie involving pirates and the Caribbean.
They have five of the life-sized pirate figures that were used, as well as other pieces. Visitors to the resort this summer will see two of the characters mounted on the resort’s pirate ship, and the others stationed on the grounds.
Bill has owned the resort for seven years. He has made great efforts to develop a quiet and friendly environment in which families and seniors feel welcome and at home. His business comes from word-of-mouth and repeat customers. The accommodation includes six cabins, 26 RV sites, a lodge and two trailers.
Fossum speaks
Ralph Fossum was back to speak to an appreciative crowd of 25 in Margo’s Cabin.
He started by talking about what to do when someone dies, from the first notifications to the search for documents and wills. He gave a tremendous amount of useful information on setting up wills, and the considerations that come into play when the spouses have a blended family.
Many questions were asked, sending the presentation and discussions well past the two-hour mark. The group then enjoyed a potluck lunch.
Top tips: Put your will where people will look, appoint an executor and an alternate, and when blended families are involved, get help from a notary or lawyer to properly phrase your will.
Wider role
The Canim Lake Community Club recently surveyed members requesting feedback on a new set of purposes.
The directors used the replies received to tune up the proposal that will be presented at the AGM. One significant change is an expansion of the role of the club as a spokesperson for the area’s interests to government, industry, or other agencies. The AGM will be April 4 in Margo’s Cabin at 10 a.m.
Book club
Five women gathered to discuss The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje.
It is the story of an 11-year-old boy travelling by ship from Sri Lanka in the 1950s, bound for the England he has never seen.
Good stories like this are engaging and invoke wide-ranging discussion. As I worked in my shop below them, I caught bits of the women’s conversation.
Three of them had immigrated to Canada as adults. They spoke of the emotions they felt as they set foot in this – their new homeland, in which the culture, even the language, was unknown.
I wondered at that because I can only guess at the courage it takes to carve out a new life under those circumstances. But that is what makes this community a rich one – the depth of human character present in its members.
Next up on March 19 is The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. All are welcome. Call Sheila Hart at 250-397-2645 for details.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you many blessings.