Winter is indeed upon us. The wood pile is shrinking fast, but it’s pretty cozy with the fire blazing. However, don’t let the weather stop you from getting out and enjoying all the wonderful events going on.
Halloween treats
Our Halloween party was very well attended. Lots of kids came out to play games, make some crafts, roast some hot dogs - lots of fun and prizes. A special thank-you to our partners and sponsors: Cook’s Ferry, Baits Motel, Log Cabin Pub, and the S.B. Fire Dept for not only their donation but for safely setting off our fireworks! To everyone that helped out and donated, thank-you so much!”
Desert Daze planning
Although thinking of plus 30 degrees and Desert Daze might seem a long way off, planning has begun for our 6th annual festival. As usual it will be held on the second week of August, and it’s exciting to be hashing out ideas of performers. We will continue to promote and support local artists and throw in some other Canadian performers that will be sure to make a wonderful weekend of music.
After the meeting we celebrated and honoured our 2014 volunteers with a lovely dinner. For those unable to attend; a heartfelt thanks for your time and dedication keeping this little festival up and running and successful. We will meet again in January to continue with our planning; anyone wishing to get involved would be very welcome, just let me know or follow us on Facebook for meeting dates.
Fire Dept. training
Fire Chief Arnie Oram attended our last SBCC meeting and reported that the fire dept. is continuing with training for the new fire truck (thanks to Highland Valley Copper!). Two of our First Responders are also up for more training, and that is underway. Our First Responders are the envy of many communities, and are very well regarded in the emergency response world! We are quite fortunate to have such well-trained dedicated first responder and firefighter volunteers.
That said, Arnie always welcomes new volunteers, so if this something you’re interested in he’d love to hear from you! Chimney cleaning brushes are available for loaning out if you haven’t cleaned you chimney yet this fall.
Soup Day
Here’s a great way to battle the cold; come to Soup Day! Every Wednesday at noon at the old school all are welcome to join together to share a hot meal, some conversation, and exchange a few laughs.
If interested, you can always sign up to make the soup on one Wednesday – no pressure though, just come out and mix and mingle with neighbours.
Steelhead Shuffle
The Steelhead Shuffle was a fantastic night! Bobby Garcia and Six Strings had the dance floor jumping! There was a really nice turn out; thanks to all who attended, your support is greatly appreciated. I think a good time was had by all. We will definitely be considering this band for Desert Daze as well! Thanks to all the volunteers and organizers that chipped in and did such a great job of putting on the dance. Thanks too to all who donated door and spot dance prizes.
Movie Nights
There was also a good turnout for Movie Night when “Canyon War” was shown. Hope everyone enjoyed that film, and if you missed it, I believe that it is available through the library.
Next Movie night we’re showing the film “2012”. In keeping to our theme, this movie was filmed in our local area. Fox T.V. calls it “Phenomenal! 2012 is the best disaster movie ever.” An action-adventure movie exploding with special effects, this film stars John Cusack, Danny Glover, Amanda Peel, Woody Harrelson, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, and is directed by Roland Emmerich (Independance Day). Join us on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 7pm at the hall – it’s free and there will be popcorn!
Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, Nov. 29 is our major fundraiser of the year: the Christmas Bazaar. We have many tables booked that will be selling a wide variety of crafts for your Christmas shopping needs. Of course the ever popular baking table, second hand treasures, and the fun variety table will be there too. Plan to spend a bit of money on the toonie, silent and live auctions!
Raffle tickets will also be on sale, and the winners will be drawn at 6:45, if you haven’t got your tickets yet I encourage you to do so – there are great prizes to be won; a queen size quilt made and donated by the Cactus Strippers Quilting Guild, a lovely framed limited edition print donated by the Hares, a cash prize donated by the Wyatt-Purdens, a pine needle basket made and donated by Carol Madden, and a pottery bowl made and donated by yours truly. We are, as always, looking for donations of auction items, baking, and clean gently used items.
The craft table that the SBCC runs is in need of your artistic talents; whether you knit, crochet, paint, make jewellery, or what about some of those wonderful mosaics? We’d greatly appreciate any contributions you may be able to make. Drop off times for donations are Friday, Nov. 28 from 4-6, or Sat., Nov. 29 from 2–4. The Bazaar will start at 4pm. Admission is by food bank donation.
Turkey bingo
The Turkey bingo will be held on Friday, Dec. 12 at the hall. The early bird bingo starts at 6:30 and then there are 12 regular bingos starting at 7pm culminating with a final black out where the winner receives a ham and a turkey! There will a concession running for your snacking needs – or plan on hotdogs for supper! As with the Bazaar, all proceeds go to support the SBCC in order to maintain the hall, and to provide social and recreational activities for our residents.
Christmas Party
Next up; the community Christmas party! Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Chief Wistemnista gym will see this annual event taking place.
The party is a collaboration between the SBCC and Cook’s Ferry where everyone gets together to share a Christmas turkey lunch and celebrate the season with friends and neighbours. Turkey, ham, rice and potatoes are provided by the two groups – but please bring along a vegetable or desert dish for sharing.
Word has it that Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule and will be there!
Historical Society
The SBCC continues to discuss the possibility of forming a historical society. There is some interest in archiving photos, stories and so on. The conversation has been put on the back burner until after Christmas but we will continue to mull over what such a group might look like and what our goal would be. If anyone is interested in joining the conversation, please contact me.
The idea of an Arts and Culture group is also being tossed around and may or may not be connected with a historical committee.
New Year’s Eve Dance
Of course we are planning our New Year’s Eve dance; we do it up right here in the Bridge – plan on attending! Watch this space for details next month.
Great volunteers
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Secretary Treasurer Carolynne Terry for all her hard work and dedication to the SBCC over the years. Her expertise and precise book keeping was always greatly appreciated. And she had to put with me! Thanks so much Carolynne. Welcome on board to Tina Draney as Treasurer and Joris Ekering as Secretary, thanks for stepping forward!
As always, for more information on any of the above please feel free to contact me.
Next meeting
Our next regular meeting is on Dec. 10, 7pm at the hall – everyone welcome. (There will be cookies…)
Mavourneen Varcoe Ryan