The weather continues to surprise, with heavy dumps of snow followed by unseasonable melting.
Canim Lake is frozen completely now, though in loud conversation with itself, as anyone who lives within earshot knows. The more experienced fishers are being very wary of the safety of the ice.
Community buzzing
It looks as if 2012 will be a busy year.
The Tuesday night crib group, a small but feisty gang, had a fun night with a potluck supper and a “reverse crib” evening, during which everyone tried to lose, and Louise Traill’s low score took the prize.
The January CPR and Choking Rescue workshop given by Margo Wagner and Matt Wiesendahl of the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department (FGVFD) was a success. Nine people braved -30C temperatures to learn how to assist heart attack victims during the “golden five minutes after the attack. That’s when CPR can mean the difference between life and death.
On Feb. 23, there will be a presentation by dietician Lauren Bock on dietary issues for seniors, with time given for questions and discussion. There is room for 25 people.
Register by calling Margo at 250-397-0016. Non-members may buy a membership at the door for $5. Meet at Margo’s Cabin at 1 p.m.
CRD News
New Cariboo Regional District Area H Director Margo Wagner says she is busy these days.
“I am really enjoying it. I’m learning so much. If you have issues, I’d like to hear from you directly. Send me an e-mail at mwagner@cariboord.bc.ca and I will get back to you.”
There is an important meeting on emergency preparedness tonight (Feb. 8) at the Forest Grove Community Hall, 5-8. Rowena Bastien, CRD Protective Services manager, will stimulate questions and discussion of how the community might handle a major disaster, such as forest fire or ice storm. Issues include the limited road system, communications, equipment availability, livestock numbers, and the need to identify residents with mobility or medical limitations.
FGVFD commanders
Fire chief Bob Felker has announced the appointment of Robin Clarke as a deputy chief, Don Hewitt as lieutenant for Hall #2 Canim Lake and Matt Wiesendahl as Hall #1 lieutenant.
Don, a computer software developer who moved to Canim three years ago, says “This is a good way of contributing. It’s interesting, and the training is valuable.”
Matt, 27, is a partsman at Sunrise Ford, who joined the department after witnessing a response to an emergency. He says it is something he can do to help others, the training is valuable, and the fellowship is enjoyable.
Felker says he is concerned membership is declining, as natural attrition takes its toll and too few new people volunteer.
“Our membership is low, and we are actually in danger of losing the fire department if it does not increase.”
Both firefighters and first responders are needed. To find out more, call Bob at 250-397-2393.
Wildlife stories
Phil Simms at Mahood Lake says the swans are still there.
They found a temporary refuge during the -31C cold when the western bay froze over, then reappeared at their favourite feeding spot when the ice was cleared by high winds, three- to four-foot waves and warmer weather. There are six adults with four cygnets.
They are accompanied by a rowdy bunch of Buffleheads, which the larger birds are charitably tolerating for a change.
The otter has also returned, feeding on mollusks residents call “fresh water oysters.” It leaves its calling card in the form of piles of shells on the docks.
The Mad Otter of Canim Lake is still lurking about the western end of the lake, leaving only tracks and minding his own business.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you many blessings in the new year.