Al and Marie Wallewein of Lac des Roches were two of the many British Columbians who responded to a public request from Bill Barisoff, speaker of the legislative assembly, for submissions to the BC Moments celebration in 2008. While Al and Marie were packing up some belongings in preparation of their upcoming relocation, they came across their certificates, which acknowledge their contribution among the more than 400 submissions that were sent in to Barisoff. The selection and placement of engraved stones of the 150 “winning” BC Moments was halted by Barisoff due to the economic downturn, but it is delightful to know local residents took the time to submit significant moments in history that honoured our area pioneers. Al and Marie are significant contributors to lake stewardship through their involvement in water-quality monitoring for the Ministry of Environment, Loon survey data collection for Bird Studies of Canada and leadership roles they hold with Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake. While we wish them success at selling their home and moving to northern Alberta, it will be sad to say goodbye when the time comes. Thanks you two, from your many neighbours for the memories and moments.
Community involvement
The new calendar for the Bridge Lake Community School is out for the next three months and it is filled with events and courses that may be of interest to residents. The calendar includes an explanation that the organization is faced with potential funding cuts and must rely on community participation in its adult offerings to keep many of its popular children’s programs running. I would like to encourage neighbours to peruse the calendar as there will surely be something there, among the variety of selections, to entice your attendance. See you at the community school.
Looking at the bright side
The lack of snow in the area this winter is a bit disappointing to many winter sport enthusiasts. There are, however, several bright sides and residents are taking advantage of them. While there is no snowshoeing to be had in the fields surrounding the lake, there hasn’t been a day yet where the Boultbee ladies have not been able to enjoy their daily walk on the road. Snowmobilers may not be able to sled from their yards to the trails in the surrounding Crown land, but the forestry roads are bare enough to manoeuvre vehicles with trailered sleds to get closer to the snow at the higher elevations. Ice fishers haven’t given up their pursuit of burbot in our challenging lake as the general ice depth is still well over a foot in most places. Take note, however, that regular walkers on the lake have reported there is open water at all the small feeder streams, and where there is open water, there is bound to be thin ice. We may not have a winter to enjoy, but we can certainly find ways to enjoy the remaining winter months.
Residents mourn
Sadly, our good friend and neighbour Judi Stacey passed away last week. Our hearts go out to her devoted husband, Ed, her children, family and many friends. She will be missed by us all. Condolences are sent to Lois Motz and Barry Reid on the recent death of Lois’ mother. Our thoughts are with you both during this difficult time.