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Bridge repairs completed at Vavenby crossing

The Vavenby Bridge was open to full traffic on Thursday, Nov. 28, as all the repairs were complete
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Members of the crew that recently completed repairs to the Vavenby Bridge are (l-r) Noah Brown

The Vavenby Bridge was open to full traffic on Thursday, Nov. 28, as all the repairs were complete at this time. The 65-year-old structure was closed for repairs most days since Nov. 6.

There were happy and unhappy accounts by residents during the closure. One resident was upset because the crew was taking its lunch break as she drove across and she was assured that she would have plenty of time to go to the post office and then back. However, when she got back to the bridge it was closed again so she had to drive to Birch Island, through the town, and then along the Birch Island Lost Creek Road to get back home.

VavBridge beamAnother woman said that the crew was cheerful and worked hard to get the job done. Some women walked their dogs across the bridge. When the dogs got scared from the noise of the motors the crew turned the motors off. A worker led pedestrians over the bridge as boards from the walkway were being replaced so there were holes.

Ian Moilliet, pastor of the Vavenby Christian Church, spoke to the crew on Saturday, Nov. 23rd, about opening up the bridge on Sunday morning to let those living on the Birch Island – Lost Creek Road side get to church more easily. The crew made it available at the specified times. Moilliet felt it was a gift to the church.

Fay Jones baked muffins for the workers. The muffins were a thank-you for all the long hours and holidays that the crew had been working, in all kinds of weather and temperatures, to accommodate the community as best as they could.

Author does radio interviews

Karen Moilliet, whose book Silk On Fire has just been published, was interviewed by two different radio stations in Kamloops about her book. She said that she was very nervous for the first interview but much more at ease for the second. To hear the interviews go to www.silkonfire.com.

Rink ready if weather cooperates

As of the end of last week, Vavenby's outdoor skating rink was ready to be skated on. People must remember that they are using it at their own risk and to keep the rink safe for others by shovelling off the snow and ice chips when finished.