On March 11, the Forest Grove branch 261 Royal Canadian Legion (FG) is hosting a giant fundraiser with the co-operation of 17 other non-profit organizations.
They include the FG Softball Club, Chasm Trucker Association, Bradley Creek Farmers Institute, FG Rod and Gun Club, Bighorn Bow Hunters Archery Club, Canim Lake (CL) Community Club, CL Treaty Society, CL Band, CL Band Fire Department, Stump Ranchers Association, FG Rowing Society, FG Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), Hawkins Lake VFD, FG Community Centre, FG 94 Lions, FG Legion Ladies' Auxiliary, and FG 50+ Club.
These groups will be playing an important part in the success of this exciting weekend event.
The fundraiser will help Forest Grove's Krystal and Zach Wilson cope with a serious medical condition in their family. One of their three children, six-month-old Ayzac, contracted mitochondrial disease at two months, and he needs all the help we can muster.
His special diets, countless trips to distant hospitals, and time away from home have become an extreme financial load on Ayzac's young parents. The funds raised at this event plus the warm community spirit we convey to this family will help them handle a heart-breaking burden.
That's where we come to their rescue. The fundraising event will be nothing short of spectacular.
The family spaghetti dinner will start at the Legion at 6 p.m. and it will go 8 p.m. All menu items will be by donation.
A dance with live music (to be announced) will commence at 8 pm and will be accompanied by 50/50 draws and a silent auction. Volunteers are currently in the process of acquiring donated prizes to take their place on the long auction list.
Don't miss the March 11 fundraiser and come with a generous spirit.
Winter watch
Since the groundhog didn't see his shadow this winter, it's likely not a big surprise for us to see the extremes of our winter conditions start to fade.
Winter isn't over yet by a long shot, but there seems to be an ease to the cold temperatures. That means the ice is also starting to soften, which means we have to be cautious when we go onto the frozen lakes.
A general guideline seems to be the smaller the lake is, the more reactive it is to the cold. Also, if it is shaded from sunshine it is less likely to be affected by minor temperature fluctuations.
Still water like lakes not influenced by water currents, and vegetation tend to be ready for recreational traffic sooner.
At this time in our winter, we can see the beginning of the end of yet another year of fun on the frozen lakes. Whether it's skating, sledding or ice fishing, many small lakes have provided the conditions to enjoy the extremes of winter.
Now, it's time to be careful and to be smart. Many ice surfaces are showing a weakness brought on by the milder temperatures and venturing onto them may not be a safe choice.
What may appear as a good surface at the shore may prove to be unsafe as you move offshore. Add the weight of a snowmobile with two passengers and you may have the formula for disaster.
Furthermore, safe activity on one lake doesn't mean other lakes are safe for the same activity. Be smart when you go near the lake.
