The Rotary Club of Invermere holds a social evening whenever there are five Thursdays in a month. I think the thought is that four meetings in a month are enough. Last week we met at the Legion in downtown Invermere to enjoy a wonderful turkey dinner. We had a terrific time taking part in the meat draws and 50/50 draw prior to and during dinner. Two members of the club were successful during the meat draws adding a level of fun and excitement. I know there were  a number of suggestions as to some topics of interest for this space this week too, but darned if I can remember that far back! And no, it’s not due to alcohol, I don’t think one glass of wine will do that to most people.

I want to welcome Steve Jessel to our office. It seemed like a good time to add a little testosterone to the place since we had become an all-female office for a while. Steve had a long drive across a good part of the country to get here from Grimsby, Ontario and I know you’ll all provide a warm welcome to him now that he’s here.

Another place I want to ramble to is the upcoming municipal elections. It’s interesting to hear how many nomination forms are picked up and to mull over who may be nominated. I’d like to commend all those who accept nomination and run for public office. It is a somewhat thankless job to be a local politician I think. I know the winners do get paid but there is often a lot of flack that goes with the territory too. So thank you in advance to those brave souls who put their money where their mouths are and step up. Win or not, it is my hope that there is an election rather than acclamation giving citizens the opportunity to make a choice. Now voters, use that opportunity and be sure to show up — you’ll hear more about that as we get closer to election date.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I hope you all enjoy a lovely turkey dinner with all the trimmings… as a matter of fact, perhaps you’ll drop by the Rocky River Grill for their annual Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a free meal for those who need one. Everyone else is asked to make a donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

Marilyn Berry is publisher of The Valley Echo.