The Deka Lake & District Volunteer Fire Department's Fishing Derby is July 30-31.
Tickets are $10 and will be entered in the prize draw even if you don't fish. Fish prizes are awarded to three places for each of kokanee, rainbow and lake trout, and the Don and Marion Traill Trophy goes to the largest lake trout.
The weigh-in is at MacDonald's access from 8 a.m. to dusk Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Deka Lake & District Ratepayers' Association (DLDRA) caters breakfast at the fire hall both days from 8 to 10:30 a.m., and supper on Sunday only from 2 to 7 p.m. The pop stand and refreshment garden also open at 2 p.m., as do the children's games.
More fishing
The Sulphurous Lake District Volunteer Firefighters' Association fishing derby is on July 31 only.
Tickets cost $3 and folks can weigh in at either McGregors on Suphurous Lake (opposite the fire hall), or at Moosehaven Resort on Hathaway Lake. Prizes will be awarded for kokanee, rainbow and lake trout, but note lake trout are catch-and-release only at Sulphurous. There is a special pike minnow category for children.
Tickets are entered in the draw, which includes a barbecue. The kitchen will be open for lunch and snacks.
Illegal dumping
The DLDRA reminds residents it is illegal and, more importantly, unsafe to dump garbage at the end of Womack Road.
Chris Betuzzi, of the Cariboo Fire Centre, has long since warned that a small spark with the right wind would wipe out Deka Subdivision. If you see someone dumping out there, report the licence plate to both the Cariboo Regional District and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Sad news
Residents were saddened to learn that Thelma Pickles passed away July 6, just three weeks after her 80th birthday.
Thelma and her husband, Stan, resided at Sulphurous Lake for 31 years and only last summer moved to Kelowna to be nearer family. Leading community supporters, they always hosted Sulphurous' fishing derby weigh-ins.
In her typically kind fashion, Thelma recently called many of her friends to say goodbye. She will be missed.
While no memorial service is planned, it is expected that Sulphurous will be her final resting place.
The community extends sincere condolences to Stan, their daughter Karen, son Rich, Thelma's sister Verna, and their families.
Officers re-elected
At the Mountain Spruce Community Centre Society's (MSCCS) June 16 annual general meeting, the executive was re-elected.
Penny Millway (250-593-4521) is president and recording secretary, while Rena Wheatley is treasurer and corresponding secretary. Directors include Marg Lundstrom, Mary Weight, Tony Eades and Roy Tomlinson.
Work parties are held in the park every Thursday morning, and strong volunteers would be exceptionally welcome.
Residents are reminded the society is selling note cards with beautiful shots of the park for $3 each.
Guest speaker
On July 28, the Friends of Bridge Lake Summer Speaker Series welcomes Trish McKinney, outreach specialist for the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia, at Bridge Lake School at 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Celebrations
Champagne and caviar go to Ethel Good who turns 88 years young today; to Charlie Faessler who turns 87 on July 22; and for Don Traill's 82nd on July 25.
Birthday bubbly also goes to Joyce McManus, Joe Dayman and Kevin Scherrer.
Special congratulations go to Barb and Ted Kerr on their 40th wedding anniversary on July 25.
Calendar
Call the writer for contact numbers.
* Crib, Deka fire hall, 7:30 p.m., July 22.
* Deka fire practice: 6:30 p.m., July 26.
* Call 250-593-2303 to register for the Kids Space Vacation, Aug. 2-5
* Call Christine Nadeau at 250-593-4885 by July 25 to register your team for the Aug. 6-7 Magoo Tournament at Interlakes Hall ball fields.
