Officers and firefighters from Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department (FGVFD) are pleased with the lack of fire calls in the recent past.
The cool, wet weather may dampen the spirit but it also dampens the forests and the grasslands, making the issue of fire management easier.
Exactly two years ago on May 29, weather conditions were not nearly as favourable. When a fire erupted at Buffalo Creek, firefighters, RCMP and BC Ambulance Services support were scrambled to try and minimize its effect.
CBC.ca news ran headlines wildfire destroys homes, forces evacuations.
Today, when you drive through the affected area, burnt and barren terrain are a grim reminder of what fire will do, and do it very quickly.
So, sorry about the rain but look ahead to what should be a hot and dry summer. Maybe this wet spell is an investment for the future. Our forests need all the rain they can get.
Speaking out
Forest Grove Speech Arts Program concludes for the current year with a recital at the community hall at 6:30 p.m. on June 10.
Hisako Arai is very proud of her students, and looks forward to starting a new year on Sept. 14.
The recital will show off their special skills, and this year, they will be recorded on video.
After the presentation, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to meet the participants. Families and friends are invited to attend this event.
Volunteers honoured
In spite of the heavy downpour, some 25 guests enjoyed tea or coffee and cake served up by the students of Forest Grove Elementary School
May 25 was set aside to give special recognition and thanks to the adults who have volunteered their time during the past school year.
It all started with principal Kathleen Clarke welcoming everyone.
The students recited a poem to the guests to show their gratitude for their help in making the school operate smoothly through their volunteering.
Table decorations, little flowers made by the kindergarten to Grade 3 students plus homemade thank-you cards for each volunteer highlighted the event.
Ladies auxiliary
Pat Fitzel of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 261 Ladies Auxiliary says they are working on a fundraiser for next year.
They are planning a calendar with advertising and birth dates on it.
If you live in the general Forest Grove/Canim Lake area and would like to have your birthday on a local calendar, you just lucked out.
This idea has been around for several years and local residents like to know when people around them are having their special day.
Pat and her team are looking for sponsors to place a small ad on these calendars. We always consult the calendar and what better place to have local merchants remind us they are there to serve us.
For more information on either the birthday idea or placing an ad, call Pat at 250-395-1336.