Oct. 7 was a stunningly beautiful autumnal day at Mountain Spruce Community Park, befitting a memorial to Roy Tomlinson.
Barry Dennison, president of Mountain Spruce Community Centre Society, summarized the history. In the late 90s, Ray McManus and Roy separately conceived a forward move for our Four Lakes community. When they coincidentally got together, Roy’s wife, Olga described it: “Ray lit the spark in Roy, and soon the fire was lit.”
The two worked well together and had support from both the Cariboo Regional District and MLA Dave Zirnhelt, as well as hard work from many locals including Kathi Conway, Penny Millway, Geoff Scott, Greg Sehn. MSCC Society was incorporated in November 2000. Roy carefully devised the name to recognise this area without using our lakes’ names.
On Sept. 5, 2001, founding members obtained a Crown Lease for 30 acres at Burgess and Mahood Lake Roads. Roy built the original recycling bin, the rail fences, and scratched out the trails. He and his wife, Olga, created both sides of MSCC’s park sign, and Roy also designed the viewing platform, from which to view the Park’s boundless flora and fauna.
Memorial benches have already been placed along one of the trails, for Ray McManus and his wife, Joyce.
In the six years since Roy’s passing, the park has flourished into the well-loved destination that environmentalists Roy and Olga visualized. Roy would surely appreciate how many people are today enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of their vision.
Olga, 94, was present, along with several other founding members, to unveil the impressive plaque created by The Tall Dutchman, with wording crafted by MSCC secretary Shannon Sadlowski. It hangs in remembrance of Roy’s hard work and dedication to our little corner of paradise - a park and meeting place in the very centre of our community.
It is hoped that this token of gratitude ensures that Roy’s legacy of hard work, passion and dedication to the park is appreciated by all current and future residents.
Mountain Spruce Community Centre Calendar
Crib at Mountain Spruce Community Centre: 7pm, Friday, Oct. 27
Remembrance Day Service: Outdoors unless it’s raining. 10:45 am, Saturday, Nov. 11.
Christmas Dinner: Dec. 9
Interlakes Community Centre
Kids’ Space, for children aged 0 to 12 years, is back. The program runs from 3 pm to 5:30 pm on Fridays Nov. 3 and 17, Dec. 1 and 15. Children under five must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Meetings include supper at 5 pm. Your child may take the Interlakes school bus from Horse Lake Elementary, on condition that you have pre-arranged it with the bus garage.
Halloween: ICC will not hold a Halloween event this year but Lone Butte-Horse Lake Community Association will be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat event at Lone Butte Community Hall. Gates open at 5:30 pm, Oct. 31, with fireworks at 7 pm. Vehicles can set up for trunk or treat starting at 4:30 pm.
Interlakes Community Centre Calendar
Empty Canvas Paint Night: Oct. 19, from 6pm to 8pm; cost $35. To query space, e-mail Sheri, ecanvasgagnon@gmail.com
Cardio: 9.30am, Sunday, Oct. 22; 9am, Friday, October 27
Board meeting: 7pm, Monday, Oct. 23
Creative Kids (ages 4 -12): 1:30-3:30pm, Thursday, Oct. 26
Poker: 6:45 pm, Oct. 28. Play starts 7 pm sharp. Buy-in $10, plus $2 for the hall. Call Jeanne at 250-593-4308 for updates.
Kids Space: Nov. 3. See above.
Christmas Craft Fair: Indoors. 11 am to 3 pm, Sunday, Nov. 12. Call Mai at 250-593-9842 for vendor space.
Ladies Only Auction: Saturday, Nov. 18. Doors open at noon for set-up; auction from 1 pm.
Greetings
Birthday bubbly goes to Genevieve Amy, Marion Mickelsen and Diana Souther.
