For years, Lac des Roches residents have enjoyed the many activities hosted by the Bridge Lake Community School Society (BLCSS) operating out of the Bridge Lake School as volunteers, leaders and participants. This fall, several new residents stepped forward and added their knowledge and skills in a number of new offerings at the school. The trend will likely continue as fresh ideas surface and neighbours offer leadership and training. Tonight, (Nov. 24) at 7 p.m. , a couple of Lac des Roches residents are hosting a session they call "Winning by Losing. " They will lead a group discussion on personal success at weight loss, exercise and nutritional regimes, and lifestyle changes with the goal of sharing information with others who may face similar challenges. This initial session could lead to an ongoing group discussion, depending on interest. Last minute registration is allowed for this course by calling 250-593-4528. It costs $5 to participate. On Dec. 1, a neighbour will host an evening of crocheting kitchen crafts, and just in time for the Christmas gift-giving season. All money raised through these fun-filled community activities subsidizes the important programs at the school, such as play school classes, reading grannies and hot lunches.
Docking stations
Docks have been disappearing from the shoreline as the owners either pull them up onto the banks or move them to protected bays around the lake to avoid damage by shifting ice. Residents must be mindful that while "general permission" in the applicable regulations allows residents to place a single dock in front of their owned or leased waterfront lot, "specific permission" must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands to place a dock elsewhere on a public lake. Regulations for docks and moorage facilities are covered by the federal and provincial governments.
Books wanted
Lac des Roches will be the temporary storage location for books that are being collected for the upcoming Play it Again community jumble sale to benefit BLCSS. Community members can call Sharron at 250-593-0041 until Jan. 15 to arrange a convenient pick-up or drop-off location and time. The society is accepting donations of "gently used" books, magazines, board games, VHS and DVD Videos, Music CD’s and jigsaw puzzles for this worthwhile fundraising event. The jumble sale is scheduled for Jan. 23 at the school, and it’s expected a wide range of used entertainment and sports merchandise will be offered for sale. Details will be in the next calendar, but table registration and consignment service information is available from Wendy Dubbin at 250-593-4538.
Fall garden surprises
Harvesting and sowing are completed now that we have snow. One resident’s first attempt at pumpkins produced a mild-flavoured fruit, easily mistaken for a tropical melon. Carrots and squash, slightly touched by frost, are sweet and tender and should last in cold storage for four to six months. Fall planting of garlic and spinach will be successful this year if we see the expected snow necessary for proper moisture and insulation.
Foreign dishes
Several Lac des Roches residents made up the total of 81 patrons who enjoyed the annual International Gourmet Dinner fundraising event hosted by the BLCSS on Nov. 8. By all reports there was great food, a wonderful ambiance and stimulating conversation between friends and neighbours sharing dining tables. Congratulations for a job well done to the volunteers and local restaurateurs. We will try to get even more local residents out for this popular event next year.