April 6, 2026

Hello Members and Friends,

Hope you had a lovely Easter Sunday and that you are one of the lucky people who have Easter Monday off, too. Gosh, it looks like a beautiful day shaping up out there in Boundary country. I planted my peas last week and I am looking forward to a few handfuls of really fresh peas.

What a difference a few days can make. I received a phone call early on Saturday, March 14th. Joan’s doctor phoned to let me know Joan had passed away. I am hoping it was a peaceful crossing for her. She was fine at 5 am and gone at 6. I felt that her doctor was a little shocked, too. Joan was looking forward to getting back to Grand Forks and eventually moving into Hardy View Lodge. We have been in touch with Joan’s niece, and, thanks to her friend Pam’s help, Joan’s service has been set for Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11 am – Sacred Heart Church.

Joan was so looking forward to her retirement, and she and I had planned some lovely trips – she loved Glady’s cabin, Phoenix cemetery, and Pia Mission near Barstow. She would have been able to attend our picnic in August for the first time. We have a lot to thank Joan for – she willingly stepped up to the position of president when Les chose to step away. It was the first time in my time with BHS that we had an election. Needless to say, Joan won. She was always hoping to find time to write and was always, always fascinated with history. Working at the Boundary Museum she was awarded a merit by the BC Historical Federation for curating a collection for the Sinixt-Doukhobor Reconciliation. Joan enjoyed working with school students attending the Museum and just delving into our history. I am hoping Joan left an obituary because I know she had a well-travelled life not only with her military family but also teaching ESL in China. Joan has left many friends behind – hope to see you at her service.

I have sent out a lot of emails about membership renewals and had really good results. I got behind last year because I believed members would renew at craft fairs and Christmas fairs. I have learned my lesson, I think. I do still have a few people on the list that I expect I will see at a craft fair, and I deleted 5 or 6 I have not heard a word from. Thanks to all of you who have renewed – we so appreciate your support.

We will be out in the community on Saturday, May 30th. Denise Frocklage invited us to attend their inaugural Honey Bee Festival at the Boundary Museum. It will be our first “fair” for the year. I am hoping Jakki or Tony can figure out our debit/credit machine – I am so not “technical.”

Jonathan Kalmakoff has sent us a few stories for our next Report, and I have some typing ahead of me.

We will find out tomorrow if our website renews okay. Big thanks to member Lane Murray who has been working on it, updating, and adding content. Take a look at it and if you have suggestions we would love to hear from you. Our site is www.boundaryhistory.com.

Our next regular meeting is on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 1 pm in the Woodworker’s building You are always welcome to attend our meetings – nice to see Katie Slastukin out last time. I need to talk to Katie about a story!!

In history,

Doreen Sorensen

Secretary