The calm and mild weather on the last day of summer provided ideal conditions for an intimate wedding held Sept. 21 at Rock Island Ranch, on the shores of Lac des Roches.
In the presence of their immediate family, two good friends as witnesses and a local marriage commissioner, Dan Braithwaite and Gina Santiago exchanged vows at their lakeside cabin. All the attendees contributed to the wedding traditions from decorating to catering and cleanup, making the entire day special for the happy couple.
The groom was all smiles when his beautiful bride surprised him by arriving to the wedding on the lake, aboard a pontoon boat. One of the groom’s creative daughters made a boutonniere for her dad from three bright orange rose hips, matching the bride’s bouquet perfectly.
Dan and Gina had their honeymoon at the cabin and plan to reside at the lake full time in 2014.
Holiday horseshoes
Neighbours are invited to enjoy the fun at the upcoming annual Thanksgiving weekend Boultbee Road horseshoe tournament.
While the team participant list is full, there is no limit for the number of spectators and this is a chance to get reacquainted with old friends and meet new neighbours. In fact, the more bodies squeezed together on the wooden bleachers, the warmer it will be for everyone.
The action begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 12) and runs all day Sunday. Organizer Kelly Raby advises she has planned food for the participants only, so spectators should bring their own lunch, favourite beverage and warm clothes.
Family unites
While their son-in-law, Todd Obermire, battles pancreatic cancer, Boultbee Road residents Mike and Dale Yeager have committed to support Todd and their daughter, Kerry, in the fight.
Research of the disease and its treatments are areas that desperately need funding, so Mike and Dale have set a financial goal and are actively fundraising. The two novice runners are currently training for a five-kilometre run on Nov. 3 in Seattle to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through their web page at www.purplestride.kintera.org/pugetsound/mdyeager?faf=1&e=7169188437. They have several initiatives in mind over the next few months to provide opportunities for the entire community to support their cause. Best wishes go to the entire family.
Bear awareness
Black bears have been busy in the neighbourhood, foraging in yards for easy edibles.
Their current diet is old duck eggs, rose hips, wasp nests and berries. Unfortunately, they have damaged several Mountain Ash trees where the residences are vacant.
Although these bears are a minor nuisance, there have been no reported hostile encounters, and if residents are mindful of their presence and keep their yards bear-proof, the animals will soon be moving into the forest and hibernating for the winter.
Healthy harvest
Area gardens have been touched by early frost as the summer growing season comes to an end.
One keen vegetable gardener managed to raise sweet corn although the ears are a little under-sized.
Our area usually does not support vegetables requiring a long growing season, but milder temperatures are changing some of the traditional crops and depending on location and exposure to sunlight, crops such as pumpkins and corn are now possible.
Postal changes
Changes to postal service are imminent for those box holders at Bridge Lake store.
A community group has formed to lobby area residents and Canada Post to consider the use of community names such as Bridge Lake, Sheridan Lake and Deka Lake rather than calling the entire area “Lone Butte.”
The benefits, details of changes and status will be available soon on a website at www.lonebuttepostalchange.wordpress.com.