Dear Canimites,
As the developed part of Canim country becomes the Cariboo's lawn-mowing capital, the quieter reaches of the woodlands glow with the blooms of Paintbrush, False Solomon's-Seal and Penstemon, among other new-showing wildflowers.
In the still evenings, Hermit Thrushes duel for territory with haunting flute-like calls, while the quiet lake gives solace to paddlers and fishers.
Hicks’ farewell
Bob and Vickie Hicks' tenure at the Canim Lake Store ended May 31, after six years of service to the community.
Bob organized Firefighter Appreciation Days, made the store available for community events, gave a fireworks display on Halloween for the children, and helped the COPS program raise money through recycling.
There was always a friendly face in the store.
"We enjoyed it," says Bob.
"We met many great people, and we had a great staff in MJ McKinley, Lori Wieduwilt and Shannon Wagner. Now, it's more time for the food bank and for fishing."
Great sale
The sale at the Canim Lake Store was a great success, with people coming from the wider area to buy the plantings and baking prepared by Canim and Hawkins women.
It didn't rain, which meant the men folk could gab, drink coffee and eat cinnamon buns to their heart's content, while the good women took care of business. In all, the sale netted $950 for the Community Club.
Bob Hicks, aided by son, Mike, and daughter, Tracey, served both beef-on-a-bun and tender ribs. Bob donated the meat and gave the proceeds and other donations totalling close to $800 to the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department's Halloween fireworks.
Community club
The Community Club is re-listing its 3.94-acre property on Eagle Creek for $112,000.
It is a bright level meadow with a lightly wooded bank dropping to the creek. It apparently has an operable well and a recently installed septic system.
The site of the former Eagle Creek School, the land was purchased from the school district with the intention of erecting a community hall. Plans changed, and the club wishes to free up this money for other community uses.
New bird
Judy Lauzon of Hawkins Lake made the unusual sighting of a Eurasian Collared-Dove recently.
The wayward avian was on the ground under Judy's feeder, and hopped to a fence to allow his picture to be taken. Tom Godin, a well-respected birder, confirmed Judy's identification from the photo.
According to The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior, this adaptable bird was introduced to the Bahamas in 1974. By the late '70s, it had dispersed to Florida, and since then, it has been rapidly expanding its range.
People news
• Welcome to Clay and Valerie Greve who have moved into the estates from Calgary. Valerie's father, Clifford Currence of Chilliwack, has joined them.
Clay was with the military for many years. He is currently retired, but expects to be busy upgrading their new home.
• Blair Saen of Hawkins Lake is a self-confessed kokanee addict, the fish that is, and he is making a determined effort to catch a "bragger" this summer. He'll be focusing on Ruth and Bridge lakes. So far there has been lots of eating but no bragging.
• Vicky Shirran says she remembers the lake water level was significantly higher in 1954 or 55. At that time the Canim-Hendrix Lake Road ran along what is now Cabbage Road, and the bridge over Bridge Creek was swamped, damaged and subsequently rebuilt.
Again in 1999, Cabbage Road was under water and closed for a time by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
That's all for now. Until next time, here's wishing you many blessings.