Now that Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) has become tax-based through the Cariboo Regional District, a major priority is finding an east hall. After many years of rent-free use of buildings belonging to two generous Bridge Lake residents, someone had a bright idea.

Bridge Lake Fair Association (BLFA) holds the lease on 113 acres of Crown land on Highway 24 between Greenall Road and Bridge Lake Business Route. On request, directors of BLFA unanimously agreed to donate five acres of their property for the siting of a fire hall, on condition that such donation does not affect BLFA’s use of the remainder of the property.

The wheels of bureaucracy grind very slowly but, one fine day, one can expect the East Fire Hall to arise from the ground.

In addition, plans are underway to put additions onto each of West and Central fire halls.

In the meantime, Rowena Bastien, CRD manager of Protective Services, notes that the CRD is currently in the process of purchasing six vehicles — three 1995 Freightliner pumper trucks and three water tenders (1999, 2001 and 2002) — all of which are being brought up from Texas by IVFD volunteers.

IVFD now practices every Tuesday evening. More volunteers, minimum age 19, are always needed. A package of insurance coverage, turnout gear and training is provided to each new prospect. Youth ages 16-18 are invited to join the Junior Firefighter program, thereby becoming qualified to perform all duties when they turn 19. Interested parties may contact Fire Chief Doug Townsend at 250-593-4665.

Big prizes

IVFD’s raffle is well underway. The seven prizes comprise a queen-sized quilt donated by the Log Cabin Quilters; indoor shop lights donated by RPT Electrical; a Larry Citra photograph; hand-tied flies by Doug Townsend; two nights at Greenlees on the Lake B&B; a golf bag donated by Art and Phyllis Greenlees; and a $50 gift certificate donated by Interlakes Market.

Tickets cost $2 each or three for $5 and are available at all local general stores; at Saturdays’ Loon Bay Farmers’ Markets; and at Bridge Lake Fair on Aug. 16.

The draw takes place at IVFD’s annual general meeting, 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Interlakes Hall.

Celebrations

Shortage of space precluded felicitations for July 15and 22, so, belatedly, birthday bubbly goes to Joice Jenewein; Nicki Dayman; for Ethel Good’s 86th; Kevin Scherrer’s 20th; Charlie Faessler’s 85th; Don Traill’s 80th; and Joe Dayman’s 64th.

Happy birthday also to Lorraine Jerema, Donna Watson and Bob Pernoski; and eight big balloons for Destiny Schroeder.

Belated wedding anniversary blessings are sent for Glynis and Joe Dayman’s 40th; Mary and Albert Phillips’s 68th; and Barb and Ted Kerr’s 38th.

Congratulations also on Catherine and Peter Cook’s 22nd; and to Alaina and Mike Jones on their very first anniversary.

Calendar

Call the writer for contact numbers

• Crib at Deka Fire Hall July 31.

• Mountain Spruce Community Centre Society garage sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 1 at the park.

• Deka VFD Fishing Derby Aug. 1-2. Last weigh-in 2 p.m. Sunday.

• The 19th annual Interlakes BCRA Rodeo is Aug. 1-2.

• Sulphurous (Pickles Wharf) and Hathaway (Moosehaven Resort) Fishing Derby on Aug. 2.

• Rodeo Dance tickets ($15) for Aug. 1 at Interlakes Hall must be reserved by July 31; call 250-593-0025.

• Deka fire practice is 7 p.m. Aug. 4.

• To register for Kids’ Space Vacation (Aug. 4-7), call Elaine Adams at 250-593-2303 by July 31.