Eva Bechtel featured at Community Showcase

Community news happening around the Bridge Lake area

Country Pedlar owner Shelly Durand, centre, assisted customers Ardise Newcombe, left, and Sophia Dunne during the recent grand opening of the store.

Country Pedlar owner Shelly Durand, centre, assisted customers Ardise Newcombe, left, and Sophia Dunne during the recent grand opening of the store.

Bridge Lake librarian Brenda Tillyer says she is delighted to welcome silk artist Eva Bechtel to the Community Showcase, starting April 7.

Eva is well known in this area, as she has previously taught classes for Bridge Lake Community School.

Originally from Germany, Eva spent many vacations at Bridge Lake before buying a summer home at Lac des Roches in 2010.

Of silk painting, which she has done for 30 years, she says, “It’s very easy, totally different, very fast and you get a nice outcome in a short time.”

The only problem she has is getting silk scarves, and special colours that are only for silk painting, because these materials are brought in from Germany where silk painting is very common.

“I teach the technique and you don’t need to have skills. Every time, I see little artists coming out and I’m amazed at some people’s first efforts, which are just as good as mine. Of course, each scarf is unique.”

Eva also crochets pearl necklaces, creates swirl scarves with two needles, and uses stamp painting for tablecloths, all of which will be included in her display.

 

Grand opening

The Country Pedlar celebrated its grand opening at Interlakes Corner on March 17, and the shop was very busy with door prizes being drawn all day.

“It’s just an opportunity for people to come out and see our beautiful new store,” said owner Shelly Durand.

The store, including the antiques, Christmas, and animal feed sections, is bigger than the one at Sheridan Lake, allowing for more products to be displayed.

Always a horse-lover who bred them in her youth, Shelly “invited the world” to an equine nutrition lecture given by Proform Feed of Chilliwack on March 23.

She was surprised and delighted at the turnout of 42 people. The free event, catered by Terra’s Restaurant out of Kamloops, “was really successful and very educational.”

Shelly also voiced her gratitude to Deka Lake and District Volunteer Fire Department for the use of its chairs.

 

Congratulations

Great celebrations are taking place at Ken and Jody Malm’s home, after their daughter, Josey, and Kris Hayman produced their firstborn, Jackson, on Feb. 8. Jackson is Ken’s and Jody’s first grandchild.

Right alongside that piece of news came word that Josey’s big brother, Jim Malm, and his forever girlfriend Amber Greenall got engaged on Valentine’s Day, and will wed on Sept. 22.

The community sends congratulations, love and many blessings to all of you.

 

Celebrations

Birthday bubbly goes to Jamie Cook, Sean Grahn, Spencer Kotowick, Lola Sullivan and Dan Stewart, while 15 big balloons go to both Dawn Caldwell and Jesse Boyce.

Get well soon wishes are sent to Bob Pernoski.

I wish all of my readers happy Easter.

 

Calendar

Call the writer for contact numbers.

• Deka Ladies Auxiliary will meet at 1 p.m. on April 11 at the fire hall.

• Bridge Lake Community School meets at 7 p.m., April 11 at the school.

• Interlakes Snowmobile Club’s last meeting of the season is at 7 p.m., April 11 at Interlakes Hall.

 

100 Mile House Free Press