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108 MILE RANCH NEWS - 2008

Unless otherwise stated, articles and images reproduced, with permission, from the 100 Mile Free Press Reporter: Jennifer Raifteiri McArdle, 791-6509

For older reports, go to 2004 ARCHIVES 2005 ARCHIVES 2006 ARCHIVES 2007 ARCHIVES

March 19, 2008

Memorial tea for Sharon Sharun

A Celebration of Life 'Tea' in memory of former 108 resident Sharon Sharun, who succumbed to cancer early December 2007, will be held downstairs at the Cariboo Christian Life Fellowship Church on Tuesday March 25th (her birthday) at 2:00 p.m. Her children Christina and David will host. Contact 250-347-0077 for more information.

Avalanche fundraising begins

March 29th kicks off the start of fundraising for the annual Avalanche Youth Conference in Kelowna held on the May long weekend (May 16 to 19). On Sat., March 29, the Cariboo Christian Life Fellowship youth group will hold a bottle drive in the 108 Ranch. If you would like to help but are not going to be home, please drop off bottles outside the administration building on the church property.

Grassland management plan

At the last Greenbelt Committee meeting, a proposal for a grassland management plan for the Walker Valley and two horse pastures was approved. This plan will study the condition of the grassland, look at red-listed species, noxious weeds, and assess human activity and livestock impacts, with results being used to guide the commission on any further improvements. Results should be available in September or October of this year.

Birds

Lots of birds are coming back now: redpolls (common and hoary), juncos, mountain and black-capped chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, robins, evening grosbeaks, and red-winged blackbirds. No sign of any varied thrushes yet. Does anyone have them in their yards?

Photos Jeffrey Newman, JN Web Design
More pictures and information on Cariboo backyard birds

Black-capped Chickadee

Varied Thrush

Mountain Chickadee

Common Redpoll

Easter at the 108 Community Hall

Don't forget, This Saturday is Easter at the 108 Community Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a hotdog concession, egg hunt, children's crafts and games, petting zoo, and bake sale. This is a great family event and a chance to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.

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March 5, 2008

Ode to great horned owl, Oephelia

Recently one of our cats was fascinated with something on the other side of the patio French door. His prolonged and, for him, somewhat unusual, fixation, led to the discovery of a large owl sitting on the woodpile. She later flew down onto the pathway in the backyard where she sat for over two hours. We kept hoping she would shake her head and fly away, but when this didn't happen, even upon approaching her, we called the Raptor Rehab Centre (RRC), north of Williams Lake. After a brief and uneventful stalking with a housecoat and, with everything in order, the owl, which we named Oephelia, was gently eased into our cat carrier for a rendezvous in Williams Lake with the RRC. Unfortunately, Oephelia was "one of the most emaciated birds ever brought to the centre" and she passed away. A great horned owl, she was so beautiful, it was heartbreaking - the golden eyes, unblinking at us from the cat carrier. For reasons unknown she'd been unable to hunt and, even if we'd found her two weeks earlier, she probably wouldn't have survived. If you find an injured bird and would like to know what to do, please contact the RRC before handling it, at 604-484-6279.

Great Horned Owl (not Oephelia) photo by Zest-pk under a Creative Commons License.

Ice Off

It's that time of year again. The 108 Ranch Lions Club World Famous Ice-Off Contest is on. The boat can be seen on the ice in front of the Heritage Thyme Restaurant, which is kindly selling tickets. For only a buck, try to guess the month, day, hour, minute and seconds when the ice is off and win $100. Tickets are also available from all Lions Club members and from businesses in the 108 Mall. For more information contact Lion Graham at 791-1977.

MV Lion in 2005

Newcomers' group

Turn out for the Newcomers' Group has been fantastic. The group meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 10:30 a.m. upstairs in the hall. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Caroline at 791-9250.

Welcome packages

If you are new to the 108 or know someone who is, don't forget that welcome packages are available from Joanne Young at 791-6709 or Bev French at 791-7206.

Easter party

Remember March 22 is the 108 Easter Party, with Mr. Bunny arriving by fire truck. There will also be a bake sale held by those students heading to New York on a school trip. Pre-registration for the Easter Party is required before March 9 by calling Cara at 791-6433. For more information or to help, contact Brenda at 791-7319.

Thinking day

February 22 was Thinking Day for Girl Guides and Scouts around the world. It is a day to think about the meaning of Guiding and Scouting and was chosen because it was the birthday of Scouting founder Robert-Baden Powell and of Olave Baden-Powell, his wife and World Chief Guide. To celebrate, Scouts, Cubs, Guides, and Pathfinders joined with the 108 Brownies and Sparks at the 108 Hills for an evening of ice skating, hot chocolate and marshmallows, and a rousing sing-along at the teepee. Over 30 parents and children had a super time enjoying an evening together in fun and fellowship.

February 20, 2008

108 Fire Chief unveils new search technology

108 VFD Fire Chief Lee Simpkins brought the firehall's newest addition to the 108 Mile Lions meeting on Thursday, February 7th - a thermal imaging camera (TIC) purchased in part with a generous donation from the 108 Lions Club. This state of the art U.S. military technology allows firefighters to pinpoint heat sources in structure fires, thereby helping to eliminate the old method of tearing the building apart to find "hot spots". The TIC senses open flame, heat, and body heat. The sensing of body heat is of particular importance for winter accidents and vehicle accidents involving persons thrown from the vehicle. Fire Chief Simpkins demonstrated how effective the technology was by focusing on a single small candle flame. The flame was clearly visible on the lens and gave a reading of 175 degrees Fahrenheit. The TIC is so sensitive it also gave a reading of 75 degrees Fahrenheit on a pop can that someone had been holding on to. Along with the savings in time by firefighters by pinpointing heat sources quickly, it will increase safety by identifying danger spots before firefighters enter or advance.

January 30, 2008

Wind chill, a factor this winter

Wind chill is a fact of life in winter time and with changing climate patterns it seems it is windier more often, than in the past. There doesn't have to be a tsunami blowing through to alter temperatures - a light. steady breeze can cause a change. For example, if the outside temperature is -10°C and the wind is 10 kilometres per hour, your face will feel as cold as it would on a calm day when the temperature is -15°C. At -25, the same wind will feel as cold as -33 Celsius. More information on wind chill, including charts and graphs; and a short quiz.

Photo JN Web Design

Foxes

Recently our daughters livened up the dinner conversation with a detailed description of a dead fox they'd seen in the valley 'stuck on a tree'. Initially the details made me consider becoming a vegetarian, but it also made me consider the hazards and regulations of handling dead wildlife such as birds, fish, and animals, so I contacted the conservation office. In the South Cariboo, documented cases of foxes dying from Sarcoptic mange exist. This skin disease of pet dogs and wild canines is transmittable to humans but the risk appears low, infections are rare and short-lived, and it can be treated. It is transferable to dogs through direct contact, or by humans with the condition. So please - do not handle dead wildlife and keep all pets clear of them as well. If you find dead wildlife, do not touch or move it. Note the location and call 1-877-952- RAPP or cellular #7277 to report the animal. It is unlawful to possess any wildlife without a permit. The conservation office will attend and determine if the animal was killed illegally or died of natural causes. After the CO has made a determination, if you wish to possess the animal, call 1-866-433-7272 to obtain a permit, or go to BC Ministry of Environment, Permit and Authorization Service Bureau.

Parents and tots

Parents and Tots are going strong (and at no charge) at the Cariboo Christian Life Fellowship Church on Tuesday mornings, from 10-11:30 a.m. Ages are typically zero to five, but this social activity is perfect for older home-schooled children as well. There is free play for about 45 minutes, a snack (parents sign up each week to be the snack-bringer) followed by a story and songs. Guest speakers from the community come. Last week Bonita Forsyth enchanted her audience with a reading of Snowboarding Bunny and a display of some original paintings. Contact Laurie at 395-8878 or Jackie at 791-0004.

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January 16, 2008

108 area welcomes feathered friends

Some different species of birds have been appearing at the feeders in the 108. We have had small flocks of common redpolls, a pair of evening grosbeaks and a solitary junco. Jeffrey Newman was visited by a female pine grosbeak on the weekend. Flocks of waxwings continue to land and pillage and grey jays are sneaking in quietly as well.

House numbers

Some houses still don't have the four-digit numbers clearly visible. These numbers have been forwarded to Telus and are used for the 911 service in the area. If your numbers aren't up, please make a new-year's resolution to do so and help out emergency personnel if they need to find you.

Town Hall talks

A reminder that the Town Hall meeting with the Cariboo Regional District is taking place at the 108 Community Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. This is your chance to hear and have a say in what happens at the 108.

Last hard copy

The last hard copy edition of the '108er' will be mailed out to all Ranch Community Association (RCA) members next week. Rising costs preclude the continued distribution of the '108er', the 108 newsletter. It can be read here and also downloaded and printed..[The online version hs colour photos - JN] The Light Up the 108 winners can be viewed here.

108 newcomers

One of the many great ideas to come out of a brainstorming session regarding uses for the 108 Community Hall was to facilitate the opportunity for newcomers to meet other newcomers and current residents of the 108. There was a good turn-out at the first get-together on Jan. 10, where it was decided the group would meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 10:30 a.m. upstairs in the hall. Everyone is welcome and you don't have to be a new arrival to come. Posters will be going up and information posted on the RCA web site soon as well. The next meeting will be Jan. 24. For more information contact Caroline at 791-9250.

Welcome

We extend a warm welcome to the new store managers of the 108 Supermarket, Karl and Sally Gimse. Coming from Squamish where they ran a business for over 20 years, they visited the South Cariboo frequently and liked it more each time - the people, the weather and the countryside. Karl says they really love the "old country" atmosphere that still exists here and how friendly and welcoming everyone is. Drop in and say hi to the new owners, and welcome them to the 108!

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January 2, 2008

Judges choose winners for Light Up the 108 contest

Photo: Rick Swanson

On Dec. 19 judges Chris Nickless, Bev French, Joanne Young, Brenda Devine, and Robbin Edwards headed out to determine winners of the Light Up the 108 event. About 30 people were on hand Dec. 23 for the awards presentation. Winners of the People's Choice Award and Most Brilliant Nativity were Stan and Donna Lidderdale, at 5023 Gloinzunn Drive. Most Festive Award went to the Piccolo family at 5067 Block Drive and the Most Unique to Wolf and Edith Strache of 4978 Monical Drive. Many thanks to all who helped and participated - and a special thank you to Rick Swanson for his terrific video of decorated houses on the 108.

Solstice celebration

A dozen participants enjoyed the Winter Solstice Celebration on Dec. 22 at the Community Hall. Dancers gathered in a circle around boughs, jewellery, and other treasures in a ceremony to acknowledge the lengthening of the days. There was lots of dancing - both structured and improved - including circle dancing or international folk dancing. Although the focus was on solstice dances, there was a variety including Romanian dance steps and music. The atmosphere was festive and the dance steps easy to learn. There were great snacks, delicious coffee and organizer Maddi Newman stated that the "venue was perfect for this event."

Town Hall talks

In a few weeks the Cariboo Regional District Town Hall meetings will be under way. For the 108, mark Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. in the 108 Mile Community Hall on your calendar. The meetings are an opportunity to learn about the CRD's budgets for the services that it provides to regional district taxpayers. The sessions will outline any changes in services and the addition of any new functions for 2008. There will also be an opportunity to discuss community services and general issues with the local elected officials. For more information contact the CRD at 250-395-3838.

For older reports, go to

• 2004 ARCHIVES
• 2005 ARCHIVES
• 2006 ARCHIVES
• 2007 ARCHIVES

for newsletter editor, Maddi Newman. We welcome your stories, news and suggestions. The deadline for the next issue is the end of January.

The 108-er is distributed by: 108 Supermarket 108 Post Office 108 Cafe Action Fitness Aviator's Roost Heritage Site Gift Store Heritage Thyme restaurant Hair Flair Rac Trac Gas The Hills The Post House

OR for online reading, printing or download: Summer-Fall 2006 Winter-Spring 2006 Spring-Summer 2005 Winter 2005 Summer 2004 Winter 2004 Fall 2003 Spring, 2003 Winter 2002 To view these files, you will need the (free) Acrobat Reader. If you don't have it installed on your system, click the button to get it.