– by Jack Witty
Hope International and
the South Cariboo Afghanistan Project
I recently had a long
conversation with Esmat
Nazaryar, whom many of you
met at The Taste of Afghanistan
evening. Esmat went off to
Afghanistan Feb. 25. He assures
me he will be back in time for
a visit to us in May with a full
update of what is happening in
Jeloucha.
He is taking with him letters
and pictures from school children
in 100 Mile House and Bridge
Lake. He is also taking greetings
from all the people of the South
Cariboo and, more specifically,
will be spending time with the
leadership of Jeloucha helping
them understand what a friendly
and official relationship with our
agricultural area, through the
Mayor and council of 100 Mile
House, means.
I was reminded of your
steadfast support for Jeloucha as
I listened to a report on the CBC
about how governments around
the world have failed to live up to
their pledges to help Afghanistan.
Because of 20 years of war and
the slow pace of support from
other nations, Afghanistan has
the lowest educational levels in
the world (less than one third
are literate); among the lowest
health services and virtually
no infrastructure. When one
considers the natural way things
happen in our world, most aid and
support goes to large population
centres. That makes sense but
it leaves the small and rural for
folks without support unless it
comes from people like us.
Remember, you can continue
to support by sending funds to:
Hope International Develoment
Agency,
Box 608 Stn. Main,
New Wesminster, BC V3L 9Z9
Or you can drop off funds
marked for the South Cariboo
Afghanistan Project with the
United Church on Dogwood in
100 Mile. That money will be
consolidated and forwarded. Both
groups issue tax receipts.
108-er
Distribution Outlets
Hills Health & Guest Ranch
108 Supermarket
The 108 Cafe
Hair Flair
The Post House
108 Post Office
108 Supermarket
Heritage Site Gift Store
Race Trac Gas
Wheel Room
Ranch Community Association
Board of Directors
Meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of every month. If you have
input you can pass it on to one of the board members or request to present
it in person. Please note: This is a volunteer board and the phone numbers
are for matters pertaining to the RCA board only. Send general enquiries by
e-mail ([email protected]).
RCA DIRECTORS
PHONE
Colin Johnson
Kathie Knutsen
Joni MacLeod
Gerard Mulders
Mina Mutch
Jeffrey Newman
791-7273
791-6382
791-6379
791-6388
791-5707
791-9206
Margaret Pugh
Peg Rosen
791-7277
791-1980
Barb Bailey
Doug Belcham
Aldythe Blannin
Robbin Edwards
Finally, we have it. May 18 is the
implementation date. Make sure
your house is marked with its
new 4-digit address rather than
the old section and lot number
ones, so you can be found if
there is an emergency.
Please mark your calendars
for May 14 for a major fund raiser
at Martin Exeter Hall.
As I hear from Esmat and
Hope International I will pass on
the information to you.
Thanks again for all your
support.
791-6306
791-5592
791-5757
791-5683
PORTFOLIO
Community Hall
Fire Commission
Membership
Chair, Greenbelt,
Water Commission
Greenbelt
Vice-Chair
Congratulates
Larry Knutsen,
2004 Citizen of
the Year
See story on Page 3
Articles, news,
information, humour
— all from your
neighbours on the 108.
Emcee, Doug Belcham (r) presents the Citizen of the Year award, now showing
Larry Knutsen's name for year 2004. See story on Page 3
— by Al Richmond
South Cariboo residents will
have 911 emergency calling
service on May 18. Final
equipment installation and
testing at local response centres
was completed last week. The
108 Fire Department calls
are currently being answered
and dispatched from the Fire
Operations Centre in Prince
George.
Only call 911 for the following
emergency situations:
medical emergencies including
■ poison control
■ crimes in progress
■ uncontrolled fires
■ vehicle accidents, particularly if
injuries are involved
An operator will direct your
call to the correct response
agency: RCMP, ambulance, or
fire department. Residents must
still use normal office numbers
to contact their local response
agencies in non-emergencies.
Treasurer
Airport Commission,
Web Site
Secretary
Beaches
Information taken from www. 108mileranch.com
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
Spring Summer 2005
108-er, Newsletter of the
108 Ranch Community Association
Page 8
When calling, it is important
to have your correct current
address available and house
numbers clearly visible to
assist emergency responders
to attend the situation as soon
as possible.
One of the most important
benefits of 911 is that it allows an
easy method for children to call
for help. People must ensure that
all family members know how and
when to call 911 because it could
make all the difference in saving
a life.
108 residents are reminded
to use their new 4 digit address
rather than the old section
and lot number ones. While
the dispatch centre has a cross
reference between the old and
new addresses, the 911 system
will provide the dispatch centre
with the new address only. Those
who have alarm companies
monitoring their homes should
notify them of the new address to
prevent delays in the dispatching
of emergency services.
If you don’t know your 4digit address please contact
the Cariboo Regional District
office at 1-800-665-1636.
Do not call 911 to see if
the system is working. All calls
must be responded to as if they
were real emergencies and any
time wasted on false calls will
hamper efforts to respond to true
emergencies.
Cell phones can be used to
call 911. Callers from cell phones
must provide exact location
details so emergency responders
can reach them.
To raise public awareness
of the 911 service, information
will be distributed to elementary
schools, public libraries, fire
departments and will be available
at Cariboo Regional District
offices.
108 Greenbelt Commission
Box 85, 108 Mile Ranch BC V0K 2Z0
The Greenbelt Commission’s main thrust again this year is Fire
hazard reduction on Greenbelt lands. This is taking on several different
approaches: The fence will be finished around the pumphouse
pasture and the cows will again work on keeping the grass down. The
dead pine on the south side of Walker Valley will soon be harvested
and cleaned up, A temporary electric fence will be erected to keep
cows in between
the highway and
Donsleequa road to
remove some of the
fire hazard there.
The Greenbelt, in
conjunction with
the CRD, has just
been approved for a
grant which will see
5 workers cleaning
up high-hazard
greenbelt areas for
the next 26 weeks.
As in the past,
there will be horses
and cattle grazing the valley pasture which help keep the grass down
and reduce the fire hazard. Applications to have your horse in the
pasture are now available at the Race Trac Gas station.
Another area of concern to the Greenbelt Commission is the use of
ATV and motorcycles on Greenbelt trails. This spring an elderly lady
was knocked down by a speeding ATVer. That, and the damage to the
environment, is the reason we don’t allow them on the trails.
There is growing concern over trails that exist across private
property. Many greenbelt areas have trails that end on private property.
Traditional use doesn’t give anyone the right to cross private property
just because the trail has been there forever. Many of our green
spaces don’t go anywhere as more and more lots are being developed.
The trails are being cut off, so please respect private property.
For more info on the greenbelt lands check out our link on the
108 RCA web page at www.108ranch.com, our link on the Regional
Directors web page at www.crd-director.com or you can e-mail us at
[email protected].
— Graham Allison,
108 Greenbelt Commission Chairman
Tips for a Safe Burn from: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/Protect/burning/burntips.htm
Before burning your next trash pile consider the following points and if in doubt, call your
local Ministry of Forest office for guidance.
* plan your burn for a safe time of the year – the fall or just after green-up in the spring
* burn only during safe conditions – no wind and after a rain
* stay with the fire until it is completely out
* always have a garden hose available to extinguish fire
* avoid burning near buildings trees or grass
* keep fire at a controllable size
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
108’er, Newsletter of the
108 Mile Ranch Association
c/o Maddi Newman
Box 767
108 Mile Ranch, BC V0K 2Z0
Phone: 791-9206
Fax: 791-9207
E-mail: [email protected]
Editor: Maddi Newman
Design and Layout:
KeyBoard Graphic Design
Vol: Spring-Summer 2005
We invite your submissions,
comments and letters for future
publications. We reserve the
right to edit for accuracy, space
and clarity. We request that all
submissions and letters be signed
by the author and contain an
address and telephone number.
Be A Member:
To become a member of the 108
Ranch Community Association,
you must be a landowner or renter
of property in the 108 Mile Ranch.
Members can submit and vote
resolutions in accordance with
the RCA Constitution. Absentee
landowners/members are permitted
one vote per property owned.
Members can serve on the Board
of Directors of the RCA.
Annual memberships cost $6.00
per household. Please contact Al
Blannin at 791-5757 to register
your membership. Or complete the
form, enclose your membership fee
and mail to 108 Ranch Community
Association at the above address.
108 RCA
Membership Request
Cost: One Yr. family
Five-Yr family
Lifetime family
$6.00
$25.00
$50.00
Name
Address
Phone
Page 2
— by Ann Swann
No one I’ve talked to can remember a
time when the 108 Lake was ice free before
Sepa. This year, the 108 was free of ice April
3rd, whereas the ice wasn’t gone from
Sepa until overnight April 5th to 6th.
The B.C. Lake Stewardship Society
has initiated an ice monitoring program
for the two lakes. Records will be kept
of when each lake was completely
frozen over, and when each was
different region, we can expect
ice free. Neil and Jane Duncan
similar patterns here.
have volunteered to record these
We’ve all noticed that the lake
dates for the 108, while I’ll be
levels are dropping. The gauge in
doing Sepa. 108 Lake wasn’t
108 Lake read .15 metres shortly
frozen over until December 1st last after ice-out (Apr. 5), which is
year, Sepa November 23.
.05m below the measurement at
In response to the question,
the same time last year. Ken Kvist
“Why monitor ice?” the BCLSS
of Land and Water B.C. expects
has this to say:
that the draw down is virtually
“Canada’s climate is changing
completed for this spring. Neil
in response to increased
Duncan tells us that the lake is .88
emissions of greenhouse
metres below the spillway.
gases, among other factors. But
A group of neighbours on
we don’t know enough about
Annaham Cresent have been
how the climate will change in
“betting” on the ice-out dates for
different regions of Canada, or
Sepa Lake since 1992. For your
how ecosystems will react to the
interest, here are the unofficial
change. Accurately recording
dates, as supplied by Al Blannin:
and analyzing ‘ice on’ and ‘ice off’
events offers one practical way
1992 – March 30
to learn how climate change is
1993 – April 17
affecting our environment.
1995 – April 14
“Seasonal differences in the
1996 – April 20
ice cover of lakes can have a
1997 – April 11
serious impact on Canadian
1998 – April 23
ecosystems. For example,
2000 – April 18
changes in the migration patterns
2001 – April 25
and breeding seasons of birds,
2002 – April 29
food supplies for fish and
2003 – March 29
mammals, water temperature and
2004 – April 12
water chemistry, can occur. Ice
2005 – April 5
cover also affects national trade,
transportation, outdoor recreation
The B. C. Lake Stewardship
and tourism.”
Society has published a
Climatologists working in the
comprehensive, illustrated report
Okanagan region project later,
explaining the results of their
shorter winters, with the drawstudy (1976-2002) of 108 and
down (spring melt) expected
Sepa Lakes. For your free copy,
much earlier over the long term.
contact Bonnie Winter at 791Although we are, of course, a
9240, or Ann Swann at 791-9232.
Page 7
REPORT ON RCA BOARD
ACTIVITIES
for the first months of 2005
– Continued from Page 3
board in touch with their
activities. These include
Water, Greenbelt, Fire and
Airport. Our ongoing liaising
with Greenbelt provided new
toilets on the main beach and
a new gate to the camp site
above the West Beach.
Our new book-keeper is
local resident, Gary Brooks.
Our heartfelt thanks to Edna
Telford for all the work done
over the years.
Three times a year the RCA
provides this newsletter. Aside
from the 700 printed copies,
it is also available on the web
site for reading or download.
Jack Witty, who initiated this
project has now handed the
editorial reins to Maddi Newman
(KeyBoard Graphic Design) who
has been doing the layout for
the past few years. The web site
continues to expand, drawing
around 1,000 visitors/month. The
e-mail updates list goes to 45
addresses. Sign up on the web
site.
We encourage you to join
our community association,
the fee of $6 per family per
year is nominal but adds your
support to our work on your
behalf, and gives us more
authority in representing you.
If you have anything you’d
like to bring to our meetings, in
person or on paper, they are
held on the first Wednesday
of each month (with a couple
of months skipped in the
summer.) If you have specific
issues to discuss, please
get in touch with one of the
board members. You can find
their “portfolios” and phone
numbers on the web site.
– Robbin Edwards,
Chairperson.
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
The Annual Ranch Community Association
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
News From the Lion's Den
The MV Lion did it again—
sank, that is. We will be working
on our boat all summer to try
Lions Club:
Graham Allison 791-1977
[email protected]
108 UPCOMING EVENTS
May 12th -15th 2005:
5th Annual Riversheds
Forum of the Fraser River
Basin, at the Hills. more info at
http://www.rivershed.com/programs_forum.htm
May 21, 2005:
Heritage Site opens
May 23, 2005, afternoon:
Antique Car Display at the
Heritage Site
May 29, 2005, 9a.m.:
Lions Pancake Breakfast
and Flea Market, at The
Lions patio (Community Hall)
July 1, 2005 11a.m. to 4p.m.
Canada Day Celebrations at
The Heritage Site
and get it to work as well as the
theory said it should. Look for the
MV Lion in parades around the
Cariboo this summer. Our boat
seems to work best on dry land.
Congratulations to Tom Auld this
years winner of $100.00. The ice
left April 1st.
This spring you can look
forward to the pancake breakfast
and flea market on May 29th.
Some crafters will also be present
with their wares.
The election of officers took
place at our March meeting with
Eamon McArdle as the incoming
president, Janet Herrick as
Secretary, Dennis Trelenberg
as treasurer and Bill Bailey as
Membership chair.
Our Spaghetti Dinner was again
a success despite many other
things happening that same day.
Look for the latest event of the
108 Lions Club: A Buy-and-Sell.
People bring their used vehicle,
RV, motor cycle, boat, camper
ATV or what have you to the
Community Centre parking lot
and offer it for sale. If you are in
the market for one of these fine
items, come and make a deal
REGULAR 108
HAPPENINGS
• Bingo every Friday
evening at the Community
Hall. Doors open 5:30;
Bingo starts at 7:15.
• RCA Executive: 1st
Wednesday each month
• RCA Public Meetings
watch post office kiosk or
web site for notices
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
with its owner. A concession will
also be available. June 26 as the
date is soon to be confirmed.
Bar service is one of the 108
Mile Ranch Lions Club's main
fundraisers, offered to anyone
using the hall for weddings or
parties. The most recent were
the Volunteer Dinner and the Mt.
Timothy Auction.
If you would like to give
something back to your
community, consider joining the
largest service organization in the
world. Just ask any Lions member
how you can help by joining the
108 Mile Ranch Lions Club.
We meet the 1st and 3rd
Thursday in the Lions Den,
downstairs in the Community Hall,
at 6:30 pm. Supper begins at 7.
— Graham Allison, President
108 Mile Ranch Lions Club
— by Kathie Knutsen
Larry had a chance
A thriving community works together, plays
to say a few words.
together and many participate in whatever is
needed to keep things organized, safe, clean
and healthy. The 108 Mile Ranch Community
Association acknowledges and thanks its
community volunteers annually with a dinner,
awards, and thanks. This year’s Volunteer
Appreciation Dinner was held on April 16,
2005 at the 108 Community Hall. It was well
attended with 65 people, all 108 volunteers
and their spouses. The dinner was catered by
B.J. Donuts and they outdid themselves with
a sumptuous and traditional meal of
roast beef, yorkshire pudding and all
the trimmings you could think of. Music
was supplied by Nice & Eazee and
was great to listen and dance to. All
the volunteers and past Citizens of the
Year were recognized for their many
hours of time to make our community a
Len Kellogg, wandering up to the band right better place to live.
away, was an obvious fan of the music of
Larry Knutsen was awarded Citizen
Nice and Eazee.
of the Year for 2004. Larry has lived in
REPORT ON RCA BOARD
ACTIVITIES
for the first months of 2005
BINGO
We all know the Friday
bingo raises money for the
community. We owe great
thanks to our bingo volunteers
without whose commitment
and hard work many things on
this ranch wouldn’t happen.
Note: Volunteers are
needed who will commit
to one Friday evening a
month. Please call Pat
Babineau at 791-6411.
Page 6
We are hoping this will be a
regular feature – a way for you
to stay in touch with what your
Community Association board is
doing on your behalf.
Community Hall Bookings have
been fair this year but we have
room for more. Detailed rental
information and pictures of all the
facilities are available on the web
site. Our major unexpected repair:
damage from spring flooding to
the Lions room in the basement.
Ken Rose (manager) and Treasure
and Frank vale (janitors and
landscapers) continue to do a fine
job taking care of bookings and the
building.
Page 3
the 108 for the past 18 1/2 years.
For 18 of those he has been a
volunteer fireman. He was also
involved in the Junior Forest
Wardens, treasurer of the 100
Mile United Church, and various
other positions.
All the volunteer organizations
and commitees were named and
thanked. Door prizes were given
out: A ham donated by the 108
Supermarket, 2 gift certificates
donated by the 108 Cafe, and a
drill bit set donated by the 108
Building Supplies. Doug Belcham
did an excellent job of the Emcee
duties. Friends were visited,
business done, jokes told, and
those present enjoyed being
recognized for their volunteer
work. But delicious as the dinner
was, and pleasant as the evening
was, none of those people
volunteers for the fame of it.
Our annual thank you to our
many volunteers takes the form
of a dinner, organized this year
by Kathie Knutsen. This is when
the Citizen of the Year award is
presented. Congratulations to
Larry Knutsen, our 2004 Citizen
of the Year.
Bingo continues strongly and,
as many of you know, is a major
source of funds supporting the
RCA activities. Pat Babineau
remains at the helm with her team
of assistants. They could use a
little more help so, if you’d like to
join in once a month, contact Pat.
The board has representatives
on various commissions to
provide input and to keep the
Continued on Page 7
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
— by Maryann Rutledge
May 21 is the quicklyapproaching first day of the
Heritage Site’s 2005 season.
Remember our beautiful
Heritage Site when hosting
your visitors or talking to
tourists who are on their
way through town. What is
“neighbourhood normal” to us
lucky folks is a “must see” for
— by M.Newman
While it would be wonderful
to give all newcomers to the 108
a Ranch Community welcome,
the Boode story fits in with our
Heritage Site theme. So we have
an opportunity to acknowledge
the arrival of Kees, Marja and Ayla
Boode, who have immigrated from
Amsterdam, Holland to live at the
the 108 – a place they fell in love
with many years ago.
The Boodes purchased a home
on Chaladen Court in 1998 as a
place to stay when holidaying in
the area. Kees planned to move
his family here permanently after
retirement in Holland but with each
many tourists and visitors to
the area. The Heritage Site
will be open daily from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. until September. On
May 23 the Heritage Site hosts
an antique car display for a
few hours in the afternoon.
The cars may not be quite as
old as the buildings, but close.
Wear your Canada pride
at the Heritage Site on July
1st 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s
always lots to see and do
on Canada’s birthday, and
you run into nearly everyone
you know. Moms, kids, dogs,
clowns, everyone is welcome.
There will be crafters, candy
floss, concession stands,
visit he became
more determined
to relocate as
soon as possible.
The family had
fallen hopelessly
in love with the
Cariboo and
its people and
animals. So in June of last year the
Boodes arrived to stay for good.
Picture on May 21st and every
day thereafter, weather permitting,
Kees Boode, often accompanied
by daughter Ayla (14), riding their
horses to their new business
located on the Heritage Site. Marja
is more modern and likes to take
the car. Their job: to make The Post
House a successful Tack & Saddle
shop of the highest quality, and to
include clothing, gift items, art and
jewellery (much of it created by
Marja). The family has worked hard
with each other, friends, and town
and immigration officials to create
a retail outlet which will be open
year round. It will serve the Cariboo
population as well as visitors and
tourists, and
employ two
Canadians (parttime).
During
summer when
the Heritage Site
is in operation,
The Post House
will be open daily from 10 till 5.
When the Heritage Site goes into
winter hybernation Kees, Marja and
and an assistant will remain at The
Post House to serve customers with
their Tack & Saddle (etc.) needs,
staying open from Tuesdays to
Saturdays. Kees is full of ideas for
creating more activity, commerce,
community and promotional
awareness at this historic location.
Winter will see him in The Post
House with his thinking cap on.
When you move from a city of over
a million people to a community
of less than 2000, the imagination
bursts. Wide open spaces, Jack
London stories, wildlife, fishing,
the friendliness and support of the
locals, have all served to inspire
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
The Ranch House is a period home
filled with donated furnishings and
artifacts from the early west. More
antiques are being donated all the time,
adding to the stories this home tells.
Page 4
display tents,
entertainment all day
long. Our Emcee for
the day will be Mike
Puhallo, the famous
Cowboy poet from
Kamloops.
Check out The Ice
House and The Post
House information
about more to see
during the summer,
and in the case of
The Post House, all
year round.
THE ICE HOUSE,
a.k.a. THE GENERAL STORE,
a.k.a. THE GIFT STORE
— by Silvia Appel
Silvia Appel (r) enjoys the sun with friend,
Claudia Ring. The General Store is one of the
heritage buildings farthest south and closest
west to the 108 Lake. It is sometimes difficult
to notice it from the road, so Silvia puts a large
sign on the door. The Heritage Society keeps
the grounds looking lovely.
the Boodes to want their new home
and business to be integrated into
the Cariboo and blended with ideas
from their own history and culture.
In acknowledgment of the
camaraderie between the
Canadians and the Dutch in
Holland during WWII, the Boodes
have antique snowshoes for decor
and will be stocking replicas of the
original Swiss Ski Patrol backpacks
used during that period; also horse
brushes of the highest quality and
other artifacts from that era for sale
or for decor in The Post House.
When you visit The Post
House take note of the art on the
walls. Ria Hotting from Zaandam,
Holland, who did the paintings
and bronze sculptures decorating
The Post House, will be visiting
the Boodes during the last half of
May. Look out for her at The Post
House during that time to see
more of her art on display.
The Boodes would love to meet
their 108 Mile Ranch neighbours.
Them stopping in at The Post
House to say hello would be a
great way to get started.
Ayla coaxes Brandy, who is still a
little nervous about crossing the
covered bridge.
Inside, The Post House is about to be
stocked with a range of high-quality
and practical inventory of tack &
saddle, gift items, clothing and art.
Page 5
The Gift Store at the 108
Heritage Site, previously run
by volunteers of the Historical
Society, has been under new
management since the beginning
of the 2004 season.
Silvia Appel, with her business
Happy Gold Nuggets, is a
passionate crafter. She has made
many of the hand-crafted items
available in the store, usually
from her home at the 108. Other
crafts in the store are created by
local artisans.
A few years ago Silvia
discovered gold panning and
found herself working with gold
nuggets, creating beautiful
jewellery. She has been a rockhound almost all her life and this
is reflected in the gemstones,
rocks and crystals you will find in
the store.
The heritage books are
interesting and informative and
there is much more to see. Silvia
is adding a new line of cute
souvenirs this year. The cooler
will be filled with refreshing
beverages; coffee and snacks will
be available as well. The famous
rock candy is back.
Whether you like to walk, ride
horseback, bike the lake, or wish
to entertain your summer visitors,
the 108 Heritage Site is always
worth a visit. Be sure and stop in
to say hello to Silvia and have a
look around next time you're in
the area.
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
The Annual Ranch Community Association
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
News From the Lion's Den
The MV Lion did it again—
sank, that is. We will be working
on our boat all summer to try
Lions Club:
Graham Allison 791-1977
[email protected]
108 UPCOMING EVENTS
May 12th -15th 2005:
5th Annual Riversheds
Forum of the Fraser River
Basin, at the Hills. more info at
http://www.rivershed.com/programs_forum.htm
May 21, 2005:
Heritage Site opens
May 23, 2005, afternoon:
Antique Car Display at the
Heritage Site
May 29, 2005, 9a.m.:
Lions Pancake Breakfast
and Flea Market, at The
Lions patio (Community Hall)
July 1, 2005 11a.m. to 4p.m.
Canada Day Celebrations at
The Heritage Site
and get it to work as well as the
theory said it should. Look for the
MV Lion in parades around the
Cariboo this summer. Our boat
seems to work best on dry land.
Congratulations to Tom Auld this
years winner of $100.00. The ice
left April 1st.
This spring you can look
forward to the pancake breakfast
and flea market on May 29th.
Some crafters will also be present
with their wares.
The election of officers took
place at our March meeting with
Eamon McArdle as the incoming
president, Janet Herrick as
Secretary, Dennis Trelenberg
as treasurer and Bill Bailey as
Membership chair.
Our Spaghetti Dinner was again
a success despite many other
things happening that same day.
Look for the latest event of the
108 Lions Club: A Buy-and-Sell.
People bring their used vehicle,
RV, motor cycle, boat, camper
ATV or what have you to the
Community Centre parking lot
and offer it for sale. If you are in
the market for one of these fine
items, come and make a deal
REGULAR 108
HAPPENINGS
• Bingo every Friday
evening at the Community
Hall. Doors open 5:30;
Bingo starts at 7:15.
• RCA Executive: 1st
Wednesday each month
• RCA Public Meetings
watch post office kiosk or
web site for notices
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
with its owner. A concession will
also be available. June 26 as the
date is soon to be confirmed.
Bar service is one of the 108
Mile Ranch Lions Club's main
fundraisers, offered to anyone
using the hall for weddings or
parties. The most recent were
the Volunteer Dinner and the Mt.
Timothy Auction.
If you would like to give
something back to your
community, consider joining the
largest service organization in the
world. Just ask any Lions member
how you can help by joining the
108 Mile Ranch Lions Club.
We meet the 1st and 3rd
Thursday in the Lions Den,
downstairs in the Community Hall,
at 6:30 pm. Supper begins at 7.
— Graham Allison, President
108 Mile Ranch Lions Club
— by Kathie Knutsen
Larry had a chance
A thriving community works together, plays
to say a few words.
together and many participate in whatever is
needed to keep things organized, safe, clean
and healthy. The 108 Mile Ranch Community
Association acknowledges and thanks its
community volunteers annually with a dinner,
awards, and thanks. This year’s Volunteer
Appreciation Dinner was held on April 16,
2005 at the 108 Community Hall. It was well
attended with 65 people, all 108 volunteers
and their spouses. The dinner was catered by
B.J. Donuts and they outdid themselves with
a sumptuous and traditional meal of
roast beef, yorkshire pudding and all
the trimmings you could think of. Music
was supplied by Nice & Eazee and
was great to listen and dance to. All
the volunteers and past Citizens of the
Year were recognized for their many
hours of time to make our community a
Len Kellogg, wandering up to the band right better place to live.
away, was an obvious fan of the music of
Larry Knutsen was awarded Citizen
Nice and Eazee.
of the Year for 2004. Larry has lived in
REPORT ON RCA BOARD
ACTIVITIES
for the first months of 2005
BINGO
We all know the Friday
bingo raises money for the
community. We owe great
thanks to our bingo volunteers
without whose commitment
and hard work many things on
this ranch wouldn’t happen.
Note: Volunteers are
needed who will commit
to one Friday evening a
month. Please call Pat
Babineau at 791-6411.
Page 6
We are hoping this will be a
regular feature – a way for you
to stay in touch with what your
Community Association board is
doing on your behalf.
Community Hall Bookings have
been fair this year but we have
room for more. Detailed rental
information and pictures of all the
facilities are available on the web
site. Our major unexpected repair:
damage from spring flooding to
the Lions room in the basement.
Ken Rose (manager) and Treasure
and Frank vale (janitors and
landscapers) continue to do a fine
job taking care of bookings and the
building.
Page 3
the 108 for the past 18 1/2 years.
For 18 of those he has been a
volunteer fireman. He was also
involved in the Junior Forest
Wardens, treasurer of the 100
Mile United Church, and various
other positions.
All the volunteer organizations
and commitees were named and
thanked. Door prizes were given
out: A ham donated by the 108
Supermarket, 2 gift certificates
donated by the 108 Cafe, and a
drill bit set donated by the 108
Building Supplies. Doug Belcham
did an excellent job of the Emcee
duties. Friends were visited,
business done, jokes told, and
those present enjoyed being
recognized for their volunteer
work. But delicious as the dinner
was, and pleasant as the evening
was, none of those people
volunteers for the fame of it.
Our annual thank you to our
many volunteers takes the form
of a dinner, organized this year
by Kathie Knutsen. This is when
the Citizen of the Year award is
presented. Congratulations to
Larry Knutsen, our 2004 Citizen
of the Year.
Bingo continues strongly and,
as many of you know, is a major
source of funds supporting the
RCA activities. Pat Babineau
remains at the helm with her team
of assistants. They could use a
little more help so, if you’d like to
join in once a month, contact Pat.
The board has representatives
on various commissions to
provide input and to keep the
Continued on Page 7
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
108 Greenbelt Commission
Box 85, 108 Mile Ranch BC V0K 2Z0
The Greenbelt Commission’s main thrust again this year is Fire
hazard reduction on Greenbelt lands. This is taking on several different
approaches: The fence will be finished around the pumphouse
pasture and the cows will again work on keeping the grass down. The
dead pine on the south side of Walker Valley will soon be harvested
and cleaned up, A temporary electric fence will be erected to keep
cows in between
the highway and
Donsleequa road to
remove some of the
fire hazard there.
The Greenbelt, in
conjunction with
the CRD, has just
been approved for a
grant which will see
5 workers cleaning
up high-hazard
greenbelt areas for
the next 26 weeks.
As in the past,
there will be horses
and cattle grazing the valley pasture which help keep the grass down
and reduce the fire hazard. Applications to have your horse in the
pasture are now available at the Race Trac Gas station.
Another area of concern to the Greenbelt Commission is the use of
ATV and motorcycles on Greenbelt trails. This spring an elderly lady
was knocked down by a speeding ATVer. That, and the damage to the
environment, is the reason we don’t allow them on the trails.
There is growing concern over trails that exist across private
property. Many greenbelt areas have trails that end on private property.
Traditional use doesn’t give anyone the right to cross private property
just because the trail has been there forever. Many of our green
spaces don’t go anywhere as more and more lots are being developed.
The trails are being cut off, so please respect private property.
For more info on the greenbelt lands check out our link on the
108 RCA web page at www.108ranch.com, our link on the Regional
Directors web page at www.crd-director.com or you can e-mail us at
[email protected].
— Graham Allison,
108 Greenbelt Commission Chairman
Tips for a Safe Burn from: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/Protect/burning/burntips.htm
Before burning your next trash pile consider the following points and if in doubt, call your
local Ministry of Forest office for guidance.
* plan your burn for a safe time of the year – the fall or just after green-up in the spring
* burn only during safe conditions – no wind and after a rain
* stay with the fire until it is completely out
* always have a garden hose available to extinguish fire
* avoid burning near buildings trees or grass
* keep fire at a controllable size
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
108’er, Newsletter of the
108 Mile Ranch Association
c/o Maddi Newman
Box 767
108 Mile Ranch, BC V0K 2Z0
Phone: 791-9206
Fax: 791-9207
E-mail: [email protected]
Editor: Maddi Newman
Design and Layout:
KeyBoard Graphic Design
Vol: Spring-Summer 2005
We invite your submissions,
comments and letters for future
publications. We reserve the
right to edit for accuracy, space
and clarity. We request that all
submissions and letters be signed
by the author and contain an
address and telephone number.
Be A Member:
To become a member of the 108
Ranch Community Association,
you must be a landowner or renter
of property in the 108 Mile Ranch.
Members can submit and vote
resolutions in accordance with
the RCA Constitution. Absentee
landowners/members are permitted
one vote per property owned.
Members can serve on the Board
of Directors of the RCA.
Annual memberships cost $6.00
per household. Please contact Al
Blannin at 791-5757 to register
your membership. Or complete the
form, enclose your membership fee
and mail to 108 Ranch Community
Association at the above address.
108 RCA
Membership Request
Cost: One Yr. family
Five-Yr family
Lifetime family
$6.00
$25.00
$50.00
Name
Address
Phone
Page 2
— by Ann Swann
No one I’ve talked to can remember a
time when the 108 Lake was ice free before
Sepa. This year, the 108 was free of ice April
3rd, whereas the ice wasn’t gone from
Sepa until overnight April 5th to 6th.
The B.C. Lake Stewardship Society
has initiated an ice monitoring program
for the two lakes. Records will be kept
of when each lake was completely
frozen over, and when each was
different region, we can expect
ice free. Neil and Jane Duncan
similar patterns here.
have volunteered to record these
We’ve all noticed that the lake
dates for the 108, while I’ll be
levels are dropping. The gauge in
doing Sepa. 108 Lake wasn’t
108 Lake read .15 metres shortly
frozen over until December 1st last after ice-out (Apr. 5), which is
year, Sepa November 23.
.05m below the measurement at
In response to the question,
the same time last year. Ken Kvist
“Why monitor ice?” the BCLSS
of Land and Water B.C. expects
has this to say:
that the draw down is virtually
“Canada’s climate is changing
completed for this spring. Neil
in response to increased
Duncan tells us that the lake is .88
emissions of greenhouse
metres below the spillway.
gases, among other factors. But
A group of neighbours on
we don’t know enough about
Annaham Cresent have been
how the climate will change in
“betting” on the ice-out dates for
different regions of Canada, or
Sepa Lake since 1992. For your
how ecosystems will react to the
interest, here are the unofficial
change. Accurately recording
dates, as supplied by Al Blannin:
and analyzing ‘ice on’ and ‘ice off’
events offers one practical way
1992 – March 30
to learn how climate change is
1993 – April 17
affecting our environment.
1995 – April 14
“Seasonal differences in the
1996 – April 20
ice cover of lakes can have a
1997 – April 11
serious impact on Canadian
1998 – April 23
ecosystems. For example,
2000 – April 18
changes in the migration patterns
2001 – April 25
and breeding seasons of birds,
2002 – April 29
food supplies for fish and
2003 – March 29
mammals, water temperature and
2004 – April 12
water chemistry, can occur. Ice
2005 – April 5
cover also affects national trade,
transportation, outdoor recreation
The B. C. Lake Stewardship
and tourism.”
Society has published a
Climatologists working in the
comprehensive, illustrated report
Okanagan region project later,
explaining the results of their
shorter winters, with the drawstudy (1976-2002) of 108 and
down (spring melt) expected
Sepa Lakes. For your free copy,
much earlier over the long term.
contact Bonnie Winter at 791Although we are, of course, a
9240, or Ann Swann at 791-9232.
Page 7
REPORT ON RCA BOARD
ACTIVITIES
for the first months of 2005
– Continued from Page 3
board in touch with their
activities. These include
Water, Greenbelt, Fire and
Airport. Our ongoing liaising
with Greenbelt provided new
toilets on the main beach and
a new gate to the camp site
above the West Beach.
Our new book-keeper is
local resident, Gary Brooks.
Our heartfelt thanks to Edna
Telford for all the work done
over the years.
Three times a year the RCA
provides this newsletter. Aside
from the 700 printed copies,
it is also available on the web
site for reading or download.
Jack Witty, who initiated this
project has now handed the
editorial reins to Maddi Newman
(KeyBoard Graphic Design) who
has been doing the layout for
the past few years. The web site
continues to expand, drawing
around 1,000 visitors/month. The
e-mail updates list goes to 45
addresses. Sign up on the web
site.
We encourage you to join
our community association,
the fee of $6 per family per
year is nominal but adds your
support to our work on your
behalf, and gives us more
authority in representing you.
If you have anything you’d
like to bring to our meetings, in
person or on paper, they are
held on the first Wednesday
of each month (with a couple
of months skipped in the
summer.) If you have specific
issues to discuss, please
get in touch with one of the
board members. You can find
their “portfolios” and phone
numbers on the web site.
– Robbin Edwards,
Chairperson.
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
– by Jack Witty
Hope International and
the South Cariboo Afghanistan Project
I recently had a long
conversation with Esmat
Nazaryar, whom many of you
met at The Taste of Afghanistan
evening. Esmat went off to
Afghanistan Feb. 25. He assures
me he will be back in time for
a visit to us in May with a full
update of what is happening in
Jeloucha.
He is taking with him letters
and pictures from school children
in 100 Mile House and Bridge
Lake. He is also taking greetings
from all the people of the South
Cariboo and, more specifically,
will be spending time with the
leadership of Jeloucha helping
them understand what a friendly
and official relationship with our
agricultural area, through the
Mayor and council of 100 Mile
House, means.
I was reminded of your
steadfast support for Jeloucha as
I listened to a report on the CBC
about how governments around
the world have failed to live up to
their pledges to help Afghanistan.
Because of 20 years of war and
the slow pace of support from
other nations, Afghanistan has
the lowest educational levels in
the world (less than one third
are literate); among the lowest
health services and virtually
no infrastructure. When one
considers the natural way things
happen in our world, most aid and
support goes to large population
centres. That makes sense but
it leaves the small and rural for
folks without support unless it
comes from people like us.
Remember, you can continue
to support by sending funds to:
Hope International Develoment
Agency,
Box 608 Stn. Main,
New Wesminster, BC V3L 9Z9
Or you can drop off funds
marked for the South Cariboo
Afghanistan Project with the
United Church on Dogwood in
100 Mile. That money will be
consolidated and forwarded. Both
groups issue tax receipts.
108-er
Distribution Outlets
Hills Health & Guest Ranch
108 Supermarket
The 108 Cafe
Hair Flair
The Post House
108 Post Office
108 Supermarket
Heritage Site Gift Store
Race Trac Gas
Wheel Room
Ranch Community Association
Board of Directors
Meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of every month. If you have
input you can pass it on to one of the board members or request to present
it in person. Please note: This is a volunteer board and the phone numbers
are for matters pertaining to the RCA board only. Send general enquiries by
e-mail ([email protected]).
RCA DIRECTORS
PHONE
Colin Johnson
Kathie Knutsen
Joni MacLeod
Gerard Mulders
Mina Mutch
Jeffrey Newman
791-7273
791-6382
791-6379
791-6388
791-5707
791-9206
Margaret Pugh
Peg Rosen
791-7277
791-1980
Barb Bailey
Doug Belcham
Aldythe Blannin
Robbin Edwards
Finally, we have it. May 18 is the
implementation date. Make sure
your house is marked with its
new 4-digit address rather than
the old section and lot number
ones, so you can be found if
there is an emergency.
Please mark your calendars
for May 14 for a major fund raiser
at Martin Exeter Hall.
As I hear from Esmat and
Hope International I will pass on
the information to you.
Thanks again for all your
support.
791-6306
791-5592
791-5757
791-5683
PORTFOLIO
Community Hall
Fire Commission
Membership
Chair, Greenbelt,
Water Commission
Greenbelt
Vice-Chair
Congratulates
Larry Knutsen,
2004 Citizen of
the Year
See story on Page 3
Articles, news,
information, humour
— all from your
neighbours on the 108.
Emcee, Doug Belcham (r) presents the Citizen of the Year award, now showing
Larry Knutsen's name for year 2004. See story on Page 3
— by Al Richmond
South Cariboo residents will
have 911 emergency calling
service on May 18. Final
equipment installation and
testing at local response centres
was completed last week. The
108 Fire Department calls
are currently being answered
and dispatched from the Fire
Operations Centre in Prince
George.
Only call 911 for the following
emergency situations:
medical emergencies including
■ poison control
■ crimes in progress
■ uncontrolled fires
■ vehicle accidents, particularly if
injuries are involved
An operator will direct your
call to the correct response
agency: RCMP, ambulance, or
fire department. Residents must
still use normal office numbers
to contact their local response
agencies in non-emergencies.
Treasurer
Airport Commission,
Web Site
Secretary
Beaches
Information taken from www. 108mileranch.com
108’er, Newsletter of the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association
Spring Summer 2005
108-er, Newsletter of the
108 Ranch Community Association
Page 8
When calling, it is important
to have your correct current
address available and house
numbers clearly visible to
assist emergency responders
to attend the situation as soon
as possible.
One of the most important
benefits of 911 is that it allows an
easy method for children to call
for help. People must ensure that
all family members know how and
when to call 911 because it could
make all the difference in saving
a life.
108 residents are reminded
to use their new 4 digit address
rather than the old section
and lot number ones. While
the dispatch centre has a cross
reference between the old and
new addresses, the 911 system
will provide the dispatch centre
with the new address only. Those
who have alarm companies
monitoring their homes should
notify them of the new address to
prevent delays in the dispatching
of emergency services.
If you don’t know your 4digit address please contact
the Cariboo Regional District
office at 1-800-665-1636.
Do not call 911 to see if
the system is working. All calls
must be responded to as if they
were real emergencies and any
time wasted on false calls will
hamper efforts to respond to true
emergencies.
Cell phones can be used to
call 911. Callers from cell phones
must provide exact location
details so emergency responders
can reach them.
To raise public awareness
of the 911 service, information
will be distributed to elementary
schools, public libraries, fire
departments and will be available
at Cariboo Regional District
offices.