Geoff Middleton, a self-employed electrical contractor, and his wife, Heidi, joined the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) in November 2008 and February 2009 respectively, soon after moving to Bridge Lake.
Says Bill Adams of IVFD: "Having couples in the fire department is great, as they are automatically a team, and can take a truck out together. It's just a wee bit quicker than having to wait for someone else to arrive."
Both the Middletons went on to train as first responders, but then Heidi, the personification of hard work and determination, took things further. First, she acquired an Occupational First Aid certificate, which she put to good use in the oilfields up north.
Then, having found her "niche" and at her own expense, Heidi took a specialized paramedic training course in Dawson Creek, on completion of which she applied to BC Ambulance Service for employment. She is working part time right now, and has only to take a special ambulance-driving course before becoming a full-time ambulance attendant.
The community and IVFD are very proud of Heidi, and at IVFD's Dec. 9 Christmas Party, IVFD president Doug Townsend and Cariboo Regional District Area L Director Bruce Rattray presented Heidi with a special award of congratulations for turning volunteerism into a full-time career.
Directors needed
Roe Lake & District Recreation Commission (RLDRC,) the body which manages the Interlakes Agri-Rec Complex – Interlakes Hall and Interlakes Rodeo Grounds – is in need of new directors.
Its offshoot, the Interlakes Community Association (ICA), is the legal body that runs all RLDRC's programs.
A regular board meeting is held at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month except August and December, and is followed by an ICA board meeting. A general meeting will be held on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.
The complex, free and clear of any mortgage or other liens, belongs to the citizens of Interlakes, and was built mostly by volunteers with donated materials.
Originally, it was named Roe Lake Hall, but after it burnt down in 1987 and was rebuilt, again mostly by volunteers and donations with some insurance money, it was renamed "Interlakes" to indicate it belonged to all the residents of our many lakes.
At least four directors, including the long-serving president Tim Ruscheinsky, are retiring as of February's general meeting. Current vice-president Carolyn Charlton (250-593-4582) and current secretary Wendy Chase (250-593-0203) would be happy to answer any questions residents might have.
Jerema showcased
Lorraine Jerema is January's guest artiste in Bridge Lake Library's Community Showcase.
A needlewoman whose cross-stitch creations are simply incomparable, Lorraine works on mostly large pieces and is a frequent winner at Bridge Lake Fair.
Her mother taught her embroidery when Lorraine was about nine, and she started doing cross-stitch, which now includes beaded work.
Bridge lessons
For those who are interested, two Bridge Lake Duplicate Bridge Club players, Ralph Fossum (250-395-4375) and Jozef Stencel (250-397-2041), are teaching contract/duplicate bridge in 100 Mile House on Wednesdays at Creekside Seniors Activity Centre from 7 to 9 p.m.
Participants do not need to have a partner. The course of 14 lessons starts tonight (Jan. 9) at a cost of $40.
Celebrations
Happy birthday wishes go to Doris Powell today and to Ron Veitch for Jan. 12.
Calendar
Call the writer for contact numbers.
• Kids Space meets 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 11 at Interlakes Hall.
• "Travels on Sunday" visits Switzerland with Martin and Manuela Betschart, 1-2:30 p.m., Jan. 13 at Bridge Lake School.
• Deka fire practice, 6:30 p.m., Jan. 15.
• Log Cabin Quitters meet 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Jan.16 at Interlakes Hall.