Residents were deeply saddened to hear that Sulphurous Lake's Ed Frey passed away Jan. 22.
Once owner of 100 Mile's Super Save gas station, Ed and his wife, Lavonne, have been residents for decades. Ed was president of Sulphurous Lake District Volunteer Firefighters Association for many years until last year when illness forced his retirement. Sincere condolences are extended to Ed's family and friends.
Great writers
It seems there are plenty of young writers ready to take over from me, and become Free Press correspondents.
Interlakes' Grades 3 and 4 students Danielle Brassington, Jenny deBruyn, Danickah Pasanen and Ryan Vincenz all wrote of their "Best Yuletide Experience" in the Free Press' annual Christmas Supplement.
And then there's Deka's Alamaz Durand who, for the second consecutive year, won the Adult Contest prize for her beguiling story of the same title.
Kennedy showcased
Bridge Lake librarian Brenda Tillyer welcomes Barb Kennedy to the library's Community Showcase for February.
An expert in "one stroke" painting, Barb is currently teaching classes for Bridge Lake Community School (BLCS.) A second session runs Feb. 9, 16 and 23.
Valentine's dinner
The menu for the BLCS International Valentine's Dinner on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. comprises:
• Greek, with chicken souvlaki, Greek roasted potatoes, wild rice pilaf, pita with tzatziki and Greek salad from Kris Verheul of Eagan Lake Resort.
• Chinese wonton soup, chicken chow mein with fresh vegetables and marinated baked pork rib from Del's Cuisine.
• Spanish style meatballs in a rich tomato and bell pepper sauce and "wild" potatoes with an aioli garlic dip from Stefan Lang at Eastwood Lake Restaurant.
Delicious desserts and beverages are included in the $20 ticket price. Adult refreshment are offered, and babysitting is available for $5 per child.
Residents must purchase their tickets in advance from the school, Bridge Lake Store, or The Country Pedlar, and then phone 250-593-4351 to reserve their choice of meal and babysitting.
BLCS news
• BLCS again offers yoga with Meg Gunn on Feb. 11, starting 5 p.m. The cost is $30 for three Mondays, or $15 drop-in.
• A new dog obedience course commences Feb. 21at 6 p.m. The cost is $60 for four Thursdays.
Volunteers are always needed to help with morning snacks, hot lunches and after school programs for our students, as well as adult activities. BLCS also prepares $4 Meals on Wheels for seniors in the area.
Early registration is advised to ensure classes have sufficient participation to run. Call co-ordinator Gail Larson at 250-593-4351 to register, to offer assistance with children's meals and programs, or to order seniors' meals.
Celebrations
Birthday bubbly goes to Johann Miller and Alice Rickenbacher, while Rox Dorward gets three huge balloons.
Many congratulations to Eileen and Gordon Hutchinson on their 57th wedding anniversary, Feb. 4.
Calendar
Call the writer for contact numbers.
• Cariboo Regional District budget consultation meeting at Creekside Seniors Activity Centre in 100 Mile (tonight) Jan. 30 starting at 7 p.m.
• "Teen Space" fundraising luncheon: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 3 at Interlakes Hall. Drop in anytime to enjoy soups, biscuits and apple crisp for whatever donation you wish.
• Log Cabin Quilters meet 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 6 at Interlakes Hall.
• Roe Lake and District Recreation Commission general meeting: 7 p.m., Feb. 6 at Interlakes Hall. Please attend if you don't want Interlakes Hall to close down.
• Bridge Lake Fair 2013 Start-up meeting: 1 p.m., Feb. 8 at the Mickelsen residence.
• Deka Lake & District Volunteer Fire Department Ice-Fishing Derby is on Feb. 9. Get your $6 ticket and weigh in at McDonald's Access from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.