Time surely does fly, and to prove it, Mountain Spruce Community Centre Society's (MSCCS) 10-year Crown lease runs out in September.
Hence, last November, the society applied to renew the lease.
In these past 10 years, volunteers have provided a picnic area, mostly fenced to keep out the cows; a beautiful signboard with a map of the trails, and paintings of native wildflowers; 1.5 kilometres of trail; and an outhouse.
MSCCS president Penny Millway (250-593-4521) concedes that progress has not been as fast as was envisaged when the late Ray McManus and Roy Tomlinson decided to develop the park.
In the future, when population demands, there will be a community centre on the land. This would be particularly useful, as Deka Firehall belongs to the fire department and Cariboo Regional District, and is not open to the community or public; nor is it wheelchair accessible.
Tomlinson has designed a viewing platform to overlook Lake Heron. Roughly diamond-shaped with the point directed toward the lake, it will also have an angled armrest for binocular use and a ramp instead of stairs.
With three or four committed and strong volunteers, it could be built in one week at the volunteers' convenience. The hardest part will be putting in the footings.
Anyone who is able to commit to building this platform is asked to call Rena Wheatley at 250-593-2361.
Volunteers are always welcome at MSCCS work bees; call Millway for dates and times.
Residents are reminded to renew their memberships ($5 each) before the annual general meeting at 2 p.m., June 16 at the park, which is at the intersection of Mahood Lake Rd and Burgess Rd.
Tax receipts will be issued for donations More than $10. Send moneys to MSCCS; 6335 Mahood Lake Rd.; Lone Butte, VOK 1X3.
Health front
It so happens that both the president and the treasurer of the South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF) live at Deka.
It is also true the well-known and respected Dr. Art Hister will be in town on May 15, and his presentation will raise funds for SCHF.
Given that every single person uses 100 Mile's health services for one thing or another, it makes absolutely no sense that someone would remove the poster announcing the presentation from Deka's Blain Road mail site.
That poster has since been replaced and hopefully will stay up, so residents are aware of the unique opportunity.
As to who would remove it, and why, that's anyone's guess, but they would seem to be sadly lacking in common sense.
Celebrations
This week's birthday bubbly goes to Mel Grahn, Ken Miller and Leroy Wright.
Calendar
Call the writer for contact numbers.
• Teen Space meets 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 15 at Interlakes Hall. All Interlakes youths aged 12 and up are welcome.
• Crib, Deka Firehall, 7:30 p.m., April 15.
• Income Tax Clinic for those with less than $35,000 income is available from 1 to 4:30 p.m., April 16 at Bridge Lake Community School.
• Deka Volunteer Fire Department quarterly meeting: l0 a.m., April 17. All firefighters are requested to attend.
• Highway 24/Interlakes Lions meet 6.30 p.m., April 18 at Interlakes Hall.
• Knotty Ladies Appliqué Group meets noon to 3 p.m., April 18 at Interlakes Hall.
• Becky Citra book launch is at 3.30 p.m., April 19 at 100 Mile House Library.
• Log Cabin Quilters meet 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 20 at Interlakes Hall.
• Call 250- 593-0121 to reserve your $15 tickets for the May 14 Spring Dance at Interlakes Hall.
• Call 250-593-0203 to reserve space for the May 21 Tailgate Sale at Interlakes Rodeo Grounds.
