THE 'AREA P' POST

Mural artist Jeff Jones repairs graffiti vandalism at Heffley Creek Hall. (Mel Rothenburger photo)

I expect this will be my last post on the Area P Post page now that a permanent alternate for our electoral area has been appointed.

After last October’s election, Director Lee Morris was unable to identify an alternate in time to comply with provincial legislation, so she and TNRD chief administrative officer Scott Hildebrandt asked if I would take on the position at least on an interim basis.

I agreed to do so until the end of March, and also agreed to help in the search for someone to replace me by that deadline. I recommended Al Scramstad of Pinantan and am really pleased he accepted.

He and I worked very well together over the years that I served as director, especially on matters relating to the Pinantan fire brigade. Congratulations, Al, I know you’ll find it interesting and rewarding, just as Lee did when she was my alternate.

And, once again, I want to thank everyone in Area P for allowing me the experience of serving as their director for eight years.

I have one more matter to tidy up — I’ve been neglectful in posting the donations made under the so-called Area P Pay Raise Fund. When the board gave itself a large pay raise in 2019, I argued against it on the grounds it was excessive. When it was approved by the board, I decided to donate the amount of my raise — which came to $2,600 above the rate of inflation — to causes and charities each year.

During 2022, I contributed to a range of recipients. For example, when the Heffley Creek Hall (located within City limits but supported and used by many Area P residents) experienced graffiti vandalism, I contributed to the cost of cleanup. I also provided some help to Eden’s Way Farm Sanctuary, a refuge recently established in Area P.

Here’s the full list for 2022:

UNICEF Ukraine Emergency Fund $1,000.00

Eden’s Way Farm Sanctuary $300.00

Heffley Creek Community Recreation Association (graffiti removal) $500.00

Mustard Seed $300.00

Heffley Lake Community Association $500.00

And, FYI, here’s a list of contributions from the fund in other years:

2021:

Indian Residential School Survivors Society $1,000.00

B.C. Interior Disaster Relief Fund $1,000.00

Northern Lights Wildlife Society $500.00 (bear cub rescue in Area P)

Gloria Fraser Fund $100.00

The last one is a fund that helps pet owners who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford essential care for their pets, and I know there are a lot of animal lovers in Area P.

2020:

Heffley Creek skating rink $500.00

Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge $500.00

Food Bank $500.00

A Way Home Kamloops $500.00

Hospice Association $250.00

Humane Society $250.00

Wildlife Park Society $100.00

2019:

Pinantan Lake Fire Association $500.00

Paul Lake Community Association $500.00

East Paul Lake Leaseholders Association $500.00