The Page

Congrats are in order this week to the Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service…a.k.a. the combined volunteer departments formerly known as Slave Lake, Southshore, Smith and Flatbush. At Fire Chief Greg Gramiak’s urging some time ago, councils for the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River and Town of Slave Lake agreed to have the departments melded into one…with the former departments instead taking on the names Fire Hall #1, #, 2, #3 and #4.
With the help of his cohorts at Fire Hall #1 (Slave Lake), the chief has managed to get all firefighters in the service onto common ground as far as some of the basic training goes. When he delivered his quarterly report to the M.D. council last week, the chief also handed over a letter from provincial fire officials, commending this service for the fantabulous job officials have done combining the teams into an effective, energetic unit.
The official — the provincial fire commissioner’s office in Peace River. In the letter the Commissioner says similar urban/rural unions have been attempted in various locations across the province, but nowhere has it worked as successfully as in the Lesser Slave region.
Of course Chief Gramiak is hesitant to ring own fire bell, but we agree with M.D. manager Jack Ramme when he says this is, indeed, a very big deal.
So congrats to the chief, Assistant Chief Jamie Coutts, the various fire captains and team leaders for a job well done!
You’re expertise has been a given in this community and certain fire prevention circles for a number of years, but finally you’re getting just a little bit of the provincial recognition that’s so well deserved!
(And just because we know it’ll embarrass the heck out of him, ask the chief if you can take a peek at that letter!)
* * * * *
We’d also like to remind Slave Lake and area residents that this week is Seniors’ Week, a time to cozy up to your favourite senior (or seniorita!) – and buy ‘em a coffee, or doughnut – or even offer a few kind words – or take the time to listen to theirs. It’s time to let them know how much we appreciate their dedication to building our community, province and nation.
We know there are various activities happening at the Vanderwell Heritage Place —- and perhaps the Pioneers’ Drop-In Centre — this week, and we encourage anyone and everyone to stop by ether facility and share a little Slave hospitality. (And if you can’t find a senior, give us a call and we’ll line up one for you!!)
* * * * *
Widewater Sports Days June 13 – 15 is coming up, Senior baseball shaping up, including the ‘All Sinclairs’ – everybody on the team named Sinclair. Wanham in several other local teams. At least eight, maybe 12. There are three local and three out of town teams for slowpitch so far. Plus three Bantam Girls fastball teams, Slave Lake, Dapp/Jarvie and Valleyview. There’s a dance Saturday night. Call Harry Bartlett 849-4042 for info.
* * * * *
God only knows what the regular customers of The Point thought was going on last Wednesday night, but the place was a nuthouse of activity inside and out for the corporate challenge. Full marks to Tammy and staff who put up with it and thanks for the wings! Look for full Community Corporate Challenge results in next week’s Lakeside Leader.