News Leader News
NEW PXA BOARD STARTS YEAR
Excitement, hard work, and bigger and better facilities are on the agenda this year for Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA).
President John Bey called to order the first meeting of the PXA for 2006 at Town Hall on February 14. Several matters carried over from 2005 were brought up to date.
President Bey reported his ongoing search for a suitable grant to improve the infrastructure of the fairgrounds. Despite a great deal of money as well as volunteer labour and equipment poured into the grounds during the past four years, some basics need upgrading, including electrical systems and fencing.
President Bey said Princeton Racing Days Association has received a grant. He attended the Interior Racing Association meeting in Kamloops and picked up the cheque. Thursday, June 29, is Princeton's single race day. Post time
will be 4:00 p.m. There will be 10 races this year.
Princeton Rodeo Club reported the construction of a new VIP building along the north rail of the rodeo arena will be built this spring. The old office building will move to the east gate of the grounds to serve as a gate house. The rodeo will begin with a Bullarama this year. The Friday before the rodeo will be devoted to bullriding, with non-stop action as riders attempt to pile up points. The club is exploring an "adopt a bullrider" program in which spectators can pay a fee to adopt one of the competitors. This could add a lot of fun for spectators and raise a little more cash for the Rodeo Club.
Fall Fair reported they will have a new President at their next meeting on February 28. A candidate has stepped forward.
Motorsports Association asked for a two-day event in June, which would be a joint effort of Princeton and Kamloops. President Bey brought up a couple of issues around the motorsports facility and past performance. Motorsports will review the issues and look for a solution.
Work at the barns is ongoing, and Weyerhaeuser continues to supply shavings for the horses. An offer of bark mulch was accepted. Dene Thomas reported donations of paint have been pledged to paint the stables at the northeast side of the track, and President Bey confirmed he has a paint sprayer to do the job.
The PXA phone system must be upgraded. Two sources of equipment have been asked for quotes, but the quotes are expected to come in at more than $2,000, with additional charges for installation.
Director John Draper raised the issue of better highway signage. After some discussion, members agreed on small signs but a lot of them.
At this time of year, little of the outdoor work can be done, but work parties will be needed by the time spring arrives.
The next meeting will be on March 14.
FIELD NATURALISTS MARK 15 YEARS
President Don Burbidge noted few naturalist groups last more than 10 years.Vermilion Forks Field Naturalists celebrated their fifteenth anniversary at the annual general meeting on February 13 at Riverside Wellness Centre. Burbidge was re-elect President, Joann Gabriel continues as Vice-President, Ken Yingling is Treasurer and Joan Kelly is Recording Secretary with Linda Neumann as Corresponding Secretary. Directors are Peter Antonick, Marion Marsel, Margot Sarich, Kim Walsh, Arlene and Blaine Marsel, and Merrilee Robbins. Madelon Schouten is Past President.
Burbidge looked back on 2005 as a highly successful year for the Field Naturalists. The group investigated methane gas exploration and a coal-fired thermal power plant. Burbidge thanked Peter Antonick for the many fine hikes, and thanked Joan Kelly and Trish Reid for their work on Meadowlark Festival.
The group, with the help of Katimavik, did a lot of work at Swan Lake, putting up blinds, making trails and fencing. Swan Lake is an ongoing project, a natural habitat preserve located just north of Princeton Fairgrounds.
Madelon Schouten is offering a course on identifying birds in the Princeton area. Anyone wishing to participate should contact her.
The meeting was enhanced by the history of logging, told in exceptional historic photos, song, poetry, and the lively discourse of Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat. This couple, soon to be Princeton residents, have a great repertoire of traditional songs and ballads, and are heard often on CBC's program North by Northwest. They perform in schools as well as in folk music productions. Jo and Rika specialize in music of the working people.
Their salute to the loggers of British Columbia featured songs about being a chokerman, working on the green chain, log haulers, and loggers out of camp in the bright lights of Vancouver. They gave an enjoyable conclusion to the annual general meeting, then stayed to talk to everyone and partake of the anniversary cake.
LEGION, L. A. HONOUR MEMBERS
Pins, bars, medals and certificates were given out to Legion and Ladies Auxiliary members last Friday at the Legion Honours and Awards night in Princeton. A good crowd turned out despite the bitterly cold evening and enjoyed an exceptional potluck supper.For the Ladies Auxiliary, two members were given their 50-year pins: Ruth Spencer and Sheila Slowikowski. Dawn Johnson received a 35-year pin, and 25-year pins were awarded to Kathy McKay and Barb Ryan. Rollie Regimbal and Ann Bauder were awarded 15 year pins.
For the Legion, Lyman Bowles and Robert Clark received Executive Medals. John Haayer received a Past President pin and medal, and Bob Paterson received the Past President Bar. Current President Bud Sadegur received the President's pin, First Vice-President bar and Public Relations bar. Chaplain bars were awarded to Chris Haugland and Ray Jarvis.
Sharon Paterson received a service certificate, Second Vice-President bar, Membership Chair bar, and Poppy Chair bar. Bob Paterson received an Honours and Awards Chair bar.
Fifteen year pins went to Associate members Myrt Gilligan, Gordon Webster and Ernie West, Joe Compart and Al Tompkins. Janette Lee received a 20 year Associate Member pin.
Teresa Antonick, Marion Marsel, Sonna Wilson and Edward Bernier received 25-year Associate member pins. Irene Manion, Randy McLean and Dina Slowikowski-Campbell received 30-year Associate Member pins.
Herb Gilligan, Roy Harker, Al Lewis, Don McIntosh and John Rubis received 35-year Ordinary Member pins.
Three 45-year Ordinary Member pins were awarded to Len Brewer, Edwina Gay and Norm McGivern.
Certificates of appreciation for service to the Legion went to Cliff Glover, Bob Derkson, Bing Wong, Greg Ghiloni, John Haayer and John Kightley.
Zone Commander Chris Yarbro summed up Honours and Awards Night with this statement, "This is what service is all about."
