Propane heating is very common in the Interlakes area, but there has never been much in the way of firefighter training for propane incidents.
Consequently, Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department's (IVFD) training officer Doug Canty set about contacting various industry companies and government agencies to see what could be done. His efforts culminated in a Propane Awareness and Safety Seminar at Interlakes Hall on Jan. 29.
Led by Mike Robertson, CanWest Propane's Health, Safety & Environmental Engineer, with assistance from its Williams Lake manager Scott Nelson, and operations co-ordinator Geoff Weir, an effective training program was provided.
Firefighters from Lone Butte and Sulphurous Lake also attended the seminar, along with 21 from the IVFD.
The IVFD has graduated more than 25 firefighters during the past 30 months, and is always delighted to welcome newcomers. Interested parties should contact Bill Adams at 250-593-2303 for information and a tour of IVFD's facilities.
While on the subject of recruitment, Deka Lake & District Volunteer Fire Department (DLDVFD) is getting very low in numbers and is facing the possibility of losing certification unless more adult residents, male or female, volunteer. For information on Deka VFD, contact training officer Terry Allan at 250-593-4670.
Hall saved
Feb. 6 saw a healthy turnout of residents, who did not want Interlakes Hall to close down, at the Roe Lake & District Recreation Commission's (RLDRC) general meeting.
The election saw several directors continuing: Carolyn Charlton, secretary; Wendy Chase, treasurer; and Gyl Connaty, A.J.Dwyer, Andrea Glatz, Lorraine Jerema, Rene Lafavor, Marion Mickelsen, Barb Weston and Jim Zailo.
Verna Desjardine has returned to the board, and newly-elected directors are Pam Canty, Carney Myers, Joyce Shmyr and Bill Adams. Charlton has become president and Jerema is the new vice-president.
Board meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month except August and December.
RLDRC voiced its sincere thanks to retiring longtime president Tim Ruscheinsky, and to all the residents who came out to "save Interlakes Hall." Charlton reminds everyone to come out for Tuesday Darts nights and Saturday Cards nights – both at 7:30 p.m.
Trail funding
RLDRC has received a grant to build a wheelchair-accessible trail from Interlakes Hall to the Interlakes Rodeo Grounds on East Sheridan Lake Road.
This item will be covered more fully in the writer's March 6 column. In the meantime, they are asking for suggestions as to the trail's name by the deadline of March 26.
Your suggestion may be telephoned to Pat Lytton at 250-593-4447, or a-mailed to tarjar@bcinternet. net.
Decisions made
At Bridge Lake Fair's Feb. 8 start-up meeting, it was decided the 2013 container contest will be for plants grown in any old teapot or kettle.
This year's Bridge Lake Roving Trophy will be for High Point Floral. In corporate competition, competitors will receive points this year in addition to sponsors' prizes. Competitions includes Crisco's double-crust pies, Fleischmanns Yeast multi-grain bread, and shortbread cookies.
Celebrations
Birthday bubbly goes to Carol Barwell, Joyce Rowe, Duncan Jarvis and Les Poirier who celebrate on Feb. 24; and Lisa Dorward for Feb. 25.
On Feb. 21, Joelle Kuyek gets six big balloons; Cameron Caldwell gets 14 on Feb. 25; and Colton Parker turns 23 on Feb. 26.
Congratulations to Darlene and Monty Furber on their 39th wedding anniversary on Feb. 23.
Calendar
Call the writer for contact numbers.
• Kids Space meets 5:30-7:30 p.m., Feb. 22 at Interlakes Hall.
• Deka fire practice, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 26.
• Roe Lake & District Recreation Commission meets at Interlakes Hall, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., followed by an Interlakes Community Association meeting at 7:30.