As one year ends and another one begins, I’m always left with feelings of both regret and anticipation. I think the regret comes from the fact that people I have known and respected have left this world without me having the chance to hug them and tell them the special place they’ve had in my life, while they’ll continue to be an always and forever shining star in my memories. And, if this is something that touches you, I hope you’ll join me in remembering these life-changing personalities and, especially, those who have left the community to live elsewhere.

When you think back to the past, what are some of the events that are still your bright lights memories? I think, for me, the Olympic Torch coming through Logan Lake in February, 2010, with residents both preparing for its arrival and then turning out to witness a once-in-a- lifetime event, will forever and always be special.  In 2012, some of the things that were memorable for me were the renamed Varion Cup of Pond Hockey, followed by the 39th Annual Polar Carnival, which suffered from arctic temps negatively affecting the turnout. The opening and closing of the Rec Room Arcade was discouraging. The concept was so community/family oriented, that its closing truly affected people of all ages. February, 2012, saw Corp. Kat Thain take over the command of the Logan Lake RCMP detachment, and her presence has helped create a much more positive police image in our community.  Other things of 2012 that made a difference for me were: the District’s Age Friendly Community Initiative, a new Marketing Plan to attract new residents, new businesses and more tourists to Logan Lake and the community’s first-ever Open Market held on Sundays throughout the summer  — all initiatives in which our economic development officer, Derek DeCandole, played a major role. The Logan Lake Business Association’s Home Show on May 4 and 5 was the biggest and best in terms of both vendors and visitors, and the 2013 show is tentatively scheduled for May 3 and 4 so mark your calendars for another great event.

Area events

The Logan Lake Youth Theatre Workshop with the sponsorship of the Logan Lake W.H.Y. and, under the direction of Allan Thain, together with Tegan Whaley, offered youth the opportunity to experience and participate in a theatrical production of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which was staged as a dinner theatre show. A good time was had by all and, hopefully there’ll be another production in the near future.

The Kamloops Blazers and Logan Lake Minor Hockey were able to establish a substantial working relationship through the sale of season tickets so that our teams are now called the Logan Lake Junior Blazers. Hopefully our Blazers will show the Kamloops Blazers how to kick butt on the ice in 2013. And be sure to mark Jan. 11 – 13 on your calendars as we host the Midget Recreational Tournament for players 15 – 18 years old at the Rec Centre.

And, Logan Lakers will be busy with two other major events in January, as we once again host the Varion Cup of Pond Hockey, and it’s expected the 2013 event will be an even larger success story than in the past. The tournament begins on Jan. 18 and concludes with the championship game on the afternoon of Jan. 20.

Another Logan Lake tradition follows the tournament’s conclusion, with the W.H.Y. hosting the 40th Annual Polar Carnival with a dazzling array of activities to keep folks of all ages busy and involved throughout the week.

I leave you with the wish that 2013 will truly be a Happy New Year for readers near and far.