SPECIAL EDITION: HLVFFA COMES OF AGE
Twenty years have passed since a number of us met at the old school house by the Eagle Creek Bridge to talk about setting up a volunteer fire fighter's association. The bridge is gone as are a number of residents who were instrumental in the formation of the HLVFFA, but the spirit of community and the generosity of the local residents both with their time and their effort is the glue that keeps the Hawkins Lake volunteer firefighters association going.
On August 2, 2009 we celebrated our twentieth anniversary with a barbeque on the lawn of Bob and Fran Campbell and more than 100 people attended the festivities. There were burgers and hot dogs, baked beans and corn on the cob, games for the kids and a raffle of items gathered locally, from Hundred Mile House and even from the lower mainland.
The event began with a poker paddle organized by Donna Rantamaa. Seven stations were set up around the lake where participants could draw cards and try to win the day. I watched from my dock as the variety of watercraft came by ranging from leaky row-boats and canoes to a dock propelled by an electric motor. Bob Campbell, our Fire Chief had the best hand and split the prize with the association.
Chefs Don Reynolds and Don Rolson cooked up a storm and the rest of us lined up happily to savor the flavors.
After the meal was over the kids participated in a scavenger hunt and some old time picnic games organized by Harvey Ostroff and Sharon Mattick.
Finally, the time had come for the drawing of the raffle tickets. A large number of participants went happily back to their homes artworks, gift certificates and even garden gnomes in tow.
An event like this doesn't occur without a lot of hard work and there are many people to thank. The fund raising committee that began with Georgina, Sharon Mattick and Harvey Ostroff and was expanded to include Fran and Bob Campbell, Peter and Heather Thomson, Teri Sobo and numerous others. We have to single out Charlie Dutton and Georgie Kay for the decor, Foster Dutton for transport and Leona Hurell, Fran Campbell and a host of others for raffle prizes, and, of course, the Campbells for their hospitality.
A new pump truck, a great executive and fire chief, and most of all, an involved community. Toni and Verne would be proud.
...by Harvey Ostroff
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