Amongst the entries at the Aug. 18 Bridge Lake Fair were a couple of brilliant makeovers in the Recycling section.
The tin dog (displayed on this page) came from the creative mind of Bridge Lake's Celeste Faessler, who entered 51 classes, and came third overall with 69 points.
Another extraordinary item was a broken terracotta plant pot – the pieces of which had been placed within an unbroken pot, and varying cacti planted between the pieces and levels. Such a transformative idea could only come from Lone Butte's expert gardener Elaine Kisby.
Given the apples-and-oranges scenario, the judge awarded a rare tie by giving both first place.
IVFD news
After the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department's (IVFD) Aug. 21 annual general meeting, the executive remains the same, with the following elected for two year terms: president, Doug Townsend, 250-593-4665; vice-president, Bill Adams; secretary, Dorothy Townsend; and directors Phyllis Greenlees, David Rickenbacher and Klaus Vogel. Doreen Wishart and Regina Heine have one year remaining, and Gyl Connaty was elected treasurer, a position she previously held for many years.
Months ago, the Fire Chiefs Association of British Columbia, in conjunction with Kidde Smoke Alarms, Black Press and various other corporate sponsors, made free smoke alarms available to anyone within IVFD's fire protection area who could not afford or install one. To date, not one request has been received, and the alarms are still available.
IVFD also has for sale Cold Fire, a "very good" nontoxic fire extinguisher in a canister, for $22. Call the Townsends for either of these products.
When IVFD first became certified, six "new" vehicles were purchased.
Now, two of the old ones have been sold, and the other two are soon going to auction.
After a hiatus, IVFD will again issue an annual newsletter, starting next summer.
Raffle results
Winners of IVFD's annual raffle are as follows:
• Quilt, from Log Cabin Quilters, Roger Henzel;
• One-day snowmobile rental from Sheridan Lake Rentals, Angie DeBruyn;
• Two nights at Seawood B&B, Edith Bowman;
• Hand-tied flies from Doug Townsend, Carol Lenton;
• Birdhouse from Gordon Smirth, Parker Truman; and
• Gift basket from Bridge Lake Store, Carl A. Strong.
The raffle raised $3,273.30, and IVFD is most grateful to its prize donors and the public for their tremendous support.
Public hearing
Some three dozen residents attended the Cariboo Regional District's (CRD) Aug. 20 public hearing into the Danns' request for rezoning of Crooked Lake Ranch to permit 11 strata lots.
It seems that attendees were "split," with those "for" citing the Danns'n integrity, and stating some development is good for the area. It was also seen as good for the many horse owners in the area, and a kind of "spin-off of heritage values."
The "against" side cited opening up Interlakes Official Community Plan for a "major text amendment;" the potential loss of agricultural land – the part that is developed into strata lots; and the impact on the lake of 11 more families.
Concern was also expressed that the Danns would not "be able to forever control" who purchased the lots and what they did with them, i.e., ''Once done, it can't be undone."
The matter is expected to go to third reading at the October CRD meeting.
Best wishes
Residents send get-well-soon wishes to cyclist Bruce Rattray, who dismounted in a most unorthodox manner, and suffered the consequences.
Calendar
• Log Cabin Quilters have changed its first meeting to Sept. 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Interlakes Hall.
• Bridge Lake Community School meets at the school tonight (Sept. 4), 7 p.m.
• Be sure to vote in the CRD's Search & Rescue referendum at lnterlakes Hall, Sept. 7, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• "13 to 93" meets at 7895 Dean Rd., Bridge Lake on Sept. 13, at 5 p.m.