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Similkameen News Leader

THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IN HEDLEY!

submitted by Lorraine Lance

Mid-March is a time of contrast in Hedley - thick ice still on the banks of the Similkameen while lilacs show buds and some bulbs tip through the thawing ground. We feed the pine siskins, juncos, chicadees and cassin's finches while admiring the flight of bald eagles seeking whitefish along the river. And Hedley keeps busy...

This last week there were several cultural events and some unplanned ones, such as when the RCMP put a roadblock on the west side of the 20 Mile Creek bridge and all that afternoon questioned westbound drivers about a bald-headed hitchhiker. Allegedly such a description was connected with an accident at Ashnola bluff, and all that afternoon customers at the Nickleplate Cafe could watch the activity as traffic on Highway 3 came to a temporary halt. Later that day residents wondered why RCMP were slowly driving around town...perhaps to look for said hitchhiker? Retirement Dinner for Ruth

The Nickleplate Restaurant was also the site on Saturday to honour the retirement of Ruth Dunham from their employ. Many of her friends from the community and family from the valley came to celebrate the official end of Ruth's working career.

Ruth has offered excellent food and friendship to many in Hedley through several ownership changes at the Nickleplate Restaurant, the little cafe on the main street Ruth operated with her son David, the old Hedley Elementary school lunch program, the museum tearoom, the One Way Adventure camp and Hedley facilities, church camps at the old Willis Ranch near Princeton and on Keats Island, the Unemployment Insurance complex in Vancouver in the early 80's, and previous to that, her family business at Kanaka Bar.

A trained pastry chef, Ruth's cooking has been enjoyed by many, and her friendship appreciated even more as this gathering portrayed. She was wished many happy days in her garden and with her family by all who attended. Nakulumen Perform

Chuchuwayha Hall and the Upper Similkameen Indian Band hosted the First Nations performance group Nakulumen Thursday March 14th. About thirty-five people enjoyed dinner and a short drama about Turtle and Mother Earth. Performers are young people from the Penticton Indian Band. Canoe Project Update

Herman Edward and his helpers are still busy behind the hall with the canoe carving. The logs are gaining shape and Herman estimates that no widening will be necessary as the logs are big enough for a single row of paddlers already. With spring break this week more of the youth are expected to join the effort and participate in this historic project. Mascot Award

Rick Holmes accepted a special award on March 5th from Aboriginal Tourism BC for 'excellence in customer service.' The award was for the Mascot Gold Mine tours and Snaza'ist Discovery Centre. Derek Lilly is planning to find an excellent location for the plaque in the centre which now has a fascinating display of photos relating to native history.

In one section one could see Annie Holmes as a young woman (Annie Newhimkin) then in others as a young wife and mother, and photos of her mother Arcelle Newhimkin. This exhibit and others in the building show a clean fresh design and attention to detail. Randi Baptiste

Randi and selected classmates are leaving March 21 for a great adventure - a trip to Japan. A local fundraising event helped Randi on her way. Randi is only in grade nine, and will be gone for a week. Bingo

No Bingo at Chuchuwayha Hall Easter Sunday due to Powwow. A special bingo there on April 13th $2,000 guaranteed in prize money. Doors open at 9:00 AM, first game at 11:50 AM and there is a $50 buy-in package. Easter Weekend Powwow

Ole Bent, (250) 292-8258 is the person to contact if you are interested in renting a table for $50 for the Easter Weekend Powwow at Chuchuwayha Hall. Grand entry for the dancers begins Friday, March 21 at 7:00 PM and on Saturday at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and on Sunday at 1:00 PM. There will be breakfast and supper available. This is a beautiful location for such an event, and the opportunity to have a look at the canoe progress in back. Drive slowly...many people cross the highway in front of the hall and there are lots of small children. The Powwow features traditional and jingle dance categories and several drum groups. OAP (Happy Hall)

There's nothing like the smell of bacon and sausage frying as you come into the Happy Hall in Hedley at the monthly pancake breakfast. A bargain at $5.00 a plate, and the coffee is excellent. Look for the next notice, and don't forget the Potluck Supper on Saturday March 22. Bring your contribution to the dinner , and $2 per plate. There'll be tea and coffee and doorprizes. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Library Storytime

Janis and Linda have been busy decorating the library part of the Happy Hall with a St. Patrick's Day theme, and Easter eggs. There is plenty of room for books, and even for Spring Storytime. Every Thursday at 5:00 PM sharp from March 20 to April 17 young readers and readers to be will be entertained with stories being read, songs to sing and fun sharing the inviting world of books. Linedancing

Margaret Skaar is teaching beginning linedancing at the Happy Hall every Wednesday night at 6:30 PM. The class lasts an hour, costs $2 ( for hall expenses) and is great exercise. Most women love to dance, and this is a good way to get moving. The dancers greatly appreciate the work of Ole and Gary who move the tables and chairs away and back again the next day. That and the poster of Toby Keith on the wall inspire the dancers to give it their best!

Similkameen News Leader