Glorious Weekend for Frog Follies
“Wild Pink Yonder” Asking for Assistance By Marianne Curtis A number of southeast communities have eagerly jumped on board to support the first ever Manitoba Wild Pink Yonder ride which kicks off in September. Horse lovers and riding enthusiasts are invited to hit the trail for three weeks this fall, when the first ever Manitoba Wild Pink Yonder makes its way throughout the region while raising funds for breast cancer research. The ride, which started three years ago in Alberta, will kick off September 10 in Morden, then meander through the region until the final stop October 1 in Bird’s Hill Park. The trail covers 265 miles and brings the trail riders through 28 communities. Pam Glover and a volunteer committee have been making rounds to various communities along the route to gather community support and volunteers. “Our goal is to raise money for research, with the final goal to find a cure for breast cancer,” explained Glover. “Anyone over 12 can participate in the ride but we are hoping that communities along the trail will support us in whatever way possible.”
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La Broquerie Gets Books in Order Caveman Kerry attempts to sweet talk his frog during the frog jumping competition.
By Marianne Curtis The 42nd annual St. Pierre Frog Follies delivered on its promise of a fun filled family weekend despite a change in dates. Historically, St. Pierre’s annual Frog Follies and Agriculture Fair took place on the August long weekend. However, this year the event was moved forward to July 14-17. The non-profit event brought people together from all over, for a fun-filled, and action packed weekend. In celebration of the new date, the committee offered free gate admission. The weather and the date change both seemed to work well for the event. “Many people are gone August long weekend so we
Photos by Marianne Curtis
figured that we would reschedule for when people are sticking around,” explained Barney Morin, one of the event organizers. He added that the organizing committee, which consists of a younger group of volunteers, is promising many changes to the yearly event. This year’s focus was bringing a better lineup of entertainment to the community and next year, a rebranding will take place. Some of the featured activities included one of Manitoba’s premier agricultural exhibition displays and fair, numerous children’s activities, a slo-pitch tournament, a parade, fireworks, a Sunday night DJ social, and the Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship. There was also tons of live entertainment including Ça Claque, Dust Rhinos, Jerry Sereda, The Dusty Roads Band, and Diamond Disc Dogs.
The RM of La Broquerie has finally been able to close the books on their 2009 financial statements. According to Reeve Claude Lussier, the municipality only recently finished wrapping up the 2009 books and can now turn their focus on 2010. Municipalities must have their books complete and audited by the end of June each year. However, due to a delay in closing 2009 they were unable to finish 2010. “It’s been a year since the deadline but we are pleased they are finally getting done,” stated Lussier. He would not explain why there was a delay. The RM of La Broquerie council is optimistic that it will not take as long to close the books on 2010 even though it should have been completed by the end of June 2011. “It will be late again this year but we expect that they will be on time in the future,” Lussier added. Meanwhile, the RM of La Broquerie staff have been working hard at improving the process including ensuring that monthly statements are prepared ahead of time and presented to council for review each month.
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More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Youth Job Centre Winding Down for Summer
More Than Just News!
IDC Condos Under Consideration
on Wednesday, August 10th. Keanan Byggdin, the 2011 office manager, encourages all home and business owners looking for workers to contact him at 388-6793 before the office closes. He also thanks all the youth and employers By Marianne Curtis that used the center’s services this The RM of Ritchot is entertaining an application The Manitoba Youth Job Centre in year. The MYJC will open up again that could see a twenty-four unit condominium project Niverville will close down for the year next summer in May 2012. constructed along Main Street in Ile Des Chênes. The project, which has been proposed by Adler Properties and Heritage Lane Builders, could see 24 1,200 square foot 2-story condominiums constructed on Main Street. The proposal includes space for 44 parking spaces. A number of concerns were raised during a Continued from page 1 conditional use hearing that was held to review the The hardest part of planning the event has been gaining community application. The concerns included insufficient support but slowly things are falling into place. Southeast communities setbacks, population density and parking along along the trail where the group will be making either lunch or overnight Dumaine Road. The fire department also added to the concerns. stops include Niverville, Landmark, Otterburne, St. Pierre, St. Malo, Grunthal, Kleefeld, Steinbach, La Broquerie, Richer, Ste. Anne, Lorette, According to Troy Ash, Ritchot Fire Chief agreed that the units were too close to each other and that Dugald and Oakbank. “What we need is a place to stop either for lunch or to camp for the parking and traffic issues could arise. He also evening,” Glover explained. “Fundraising can help provide food for the suggested that council install another fire hydrant riders, entertainment and services for the horses. Other communities are on Dumaine Road for access to the building. Before the hearing closed, Clare Braun, who is part fundraising so they can present us with a big cheque along the way.” “We are so happy that towns are on board – Niverville, Landmark, Ste. of the project, addressed some of the concerns. He Anne, Steinbach, St. Malo – they are all very excited about this event,” assured council that parking along Dumaine Road has already been removed. Adjustments to the size Glover said. However, there are still come communities unaccounted for. Volunteers of parking spaces have also been made, only 34 will and stops are still desperately needed to help in the communities of New be created, and none will have garages. He also addressed the fire chief’s concerns by saying that Bothwell, Ile Des Chênes and La Broquerie. “We don’t need much – mostly a place to eat, sleep and corral the horses the current fire hydrants were sufficient, and then offered a $6,000 capital contribution to the fire for the night,” she stressed. The Wild Pink Yonder can accommodate up to 30 riders per day and department. He reminded council that if this project is approved anyone over the age of 12 can participate. Riders can join at any point and travel either a few miles or as long as they want. As long as they solicit it would be a $5 million addition to the community, which means more ratepayers and consumers in Ile pledges of at least $200 per day, they are on the ride. Volunteers are desperately needed in a variety of areas, either in Des Chênes. communities or on the ride itself. Anyone interested in participating can After closing the hearing, the RM of Ritchot council visit the www.wildpinkyondermanitoba.com for more information or call decided to delay any decisions on the project until they could review the information further. Pam Glover at 422-8076.
Pink continued...
August 2011
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Paving of Hwy 210 Update I am pleased to report that the tendering process for Hwy 210 is now closed. The successful company is Maple Leaf Construction and work is to begin shortly. Manitoba continues to follow through on its 10-year, $4billion commitment to renew highway infrastructure with the paving of Hwy 210 between Ste. Anne and Landmark. I understand how important accessible, well-maintained roads are for businesses in this area as well as for families. I am pleased the road conditions on this integral section of Hwy 210 will be vastly improved by this project. Our government is committed to rural economic development and the continued renewal of our roads. The upgrade to Hwy 210 is a move in that direction, with this $10 million project allowing year-round, unrestricted access to the road. We have also contributed $30 million to the upgrading of the four lanes of the Trans Canada Hwy between Deacon’s Corner and Hwy 12. Monsieur Poirier Receives Order of Manitoba Please join me in congratulating Raymond Poirier on his recent induction into the Order of Manitoba. Monsieur Poirier is an administrator and businessman who has devoted more than 35 years to the protection, promotion and overall development of the francophone communities of Manitoba and Canada. During his involvement with the Société francomanitobaine (SFM), he contributed to the creation of several important organizations including the Fédération de l’Âge d’Or du Manitoba (federation of seniors) and the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada. He also co-ordinated the establishment of Francofonds a trust fund dedicated to helping to fund Franco-Manitoban initiatives. As founding president of the Fédération provinciale des comités de parents du Manitoba, he was pivotal to the formation of the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine. He was involved with the establishment of the Manitoba Association of Bilingual Municipalities (MABM) and oversaw the creation of its economic development council, the CDEM, in 1996, serving as its first president. A member of the Order of Canada (2003), he served as honourary consul of France in Winnipeg (1999-2007) and was made a knight in France’s National Order of Merit in 2007. It is through the efforts of such outstanding individuals as Monsieur Poirier that we preserve our heritage and continue to improve our province. As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on these and other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail (rlemieuxmla@mts.net), by phone (878-4644), or by mail at 101-1309 Dawson Road, Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 and together we can continue to move La Verendrye and Manitoba forward.
Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.
The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaper distributed free of charge to 50 Southeastern Manitoba communities. Published by: One One Consultants Inc. Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768 Dan Guetre, Managing Editor One One Consultants Inc., Publisher News Writers: Marianne Curtis, and Dan Guetre Columnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann, Peter Martens, Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck, Linda Bennett and Wilma Priebe Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre
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More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Manitobans subsidizing U.S. hydro rates? Are Manitobans destined to be subsidizing the cost of hydroelectric power to our American customers? According to a report by the province’s Public Utilities Board (PUB) released late in July that is a very real possibility. There have been recent examples of our hydropower being sold to U.S. customers at rates that are significantly less than what Manitobans are charged. The PUB is suggesting that not only could Manitobans be subsidizing U.S. customers well into the future, but also hydro rates could go up for Manitobans as much as 140 percent over the next two decades. The PUB is so concerned that it has subpoenaed more details of Manitoba Hydro’s finances but may be forced to go to court to get them since they are not being provided. How could this be? The analysis by the Public Utilities Board says that Manitoba Hydro has underestimated the cost of upcoming projects while overestimating the value of future export sales. As a result, the PUB says that not only could Manitobans face ever increasing costs for hydro we could also be subsidizing the rates that we are charging our customers in the United States. The red flags that the PUB has raised should concern all Manitobans. Not just because of the potential increase in cost of our hydro or the fact we may be subsidizing export rates, but because Manitoba Hydro has the potential to be the economic engine of our province. It is often said that hydroelectric power is to Manitoba what oil is to Alberta. Hydro is the crown jewel of our Crown Corporations but it has become clear that the constant interference and mismanagement of it by the provincial NDP has put it at risk. The most glaring example of this is the much debated Bi-Pole III hydro transmission line that the NDP are forcing Manitoba Hydro to build on the longest, most expensive route down from northeast Manitoba to a converter station in Winnipeg. The decision by the NDP to force this line on the long route through western Manitoba instead of the shorter eastern route will cost generations of Manitobans and is symbolic of how the NDP’s meddling in the affairs of Hydro is hurting what should be our province’s greatest asset. It has become clear that under the constant interference of Greg Selinger and the NDP, Manitoba Hydro will never reach its full potential. When Manitobans go to the polls on October 4th, it will be just one more reason to vote for change. I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at (204) 326-5763, by fax at (204) 346-9913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at www.kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Recognizing our Volunteers Every year, millions of Canadians volunteer their time, energy and expertise to help make their communities stronger. Our government understands the sacrifices and effort people, businesses and not-for-profit organizations make in order to help build a better Canada. That is why we are pleased to announce the nomination period for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards is now open until September 9th. The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards, announced this past spring, is a way to recognize the individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organizations that perform outstanding service to make real change in their communities. Seventeen awards will be given in total, three for each region in the categories of community leader, business leader and social innovator. Two national awards for lifetime achievement and emerging leaders will also be awarded. Nominations are open to any Canadian, business or not-for-profit organizations who have donated their time, energy or expertise – not including political activities. The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards program will be managed through a nationally administered call for nominations and will follow a three-step assessment process. All nominations will be reviewed by the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards Secretariat to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Volunteer representatives of award category areas from across the country will review nominations received for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards. The regional reviewers will assess nominations based on the set of established assessment criteria and develop a list of top-ranked nominations for assessment by the National Advisory Committee. The committee will then evaluate the top-ranked nominations and will recommend the award winners to the Minister of HRSD for final decision. These awards will be a small thank you to the people, businesses and non-for-profit organizations that make Canada great. I would encourage you to visit the Prime Minister’s website for more information at: www.pm.gc.ca/awards. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at (204) 326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at (204) 345-9762. You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at (204) 346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@parl.gc.ca.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
August 2011
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Farmers’ Markets Gear Up for Another Season By Marianne Curtis Farmers’ Market season is upon us. Growers and enthusiasts will be happy to know that this year there will be eight venues available throughout the southeast for either shopping or selling. Farmers’ markets are a great opportunity for consumers to shop for locally grown food, and discover the taste of Manitoba without setting foot in a grocery store. Within our region, nearly a full slate of markets will be available in the communities of Kleefeld, St. Malo, Lorette, South Junction, Steinbach, West Hawk, Ste. Anne and Vita. Debra Mitosinka, coordinator for the Lorette Farmers’ Market, is excited about this season. This is the second summer that the Lorette Farmers’ Market has been open. “I am very pleased with the support of the community and local vendors,” Mitoskinka added. “One of the challenges was in trying to locate various vendors to provide a wide variety of products – I am constantly searching for local meat, produce and craft venders.” To make it easier to navigate the many farmers’ markets, the province launched the new 2011 Local Produce Guide, which provides detailed information on the locations and dates of farmers ‘ markets, and prepicked market stands. It also has information on U-pick vegetable gardens and community supported agriculture around the province. With the way the schedule is laid out, the only days of the week that there isn’t a farmer’s market in the region is Sunday and Monday. The Farmers’ Market GPS Challenge will run from June 4 to August 27. The challenge is to visit participating markets throughout the province Lorette Farmers’ Market is one of eight farmers’ markets that will be open this season throughout the region. using GPS coordinates with a chance to win prizes and buy produce. The complete guide is available at all Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) GO offices, Travel Manitoba’s tourism information centres and the Destination Winnipeg office.
Photo by Marianne Curtis
Local Farmers’ Markets
Club Committee Named The RM of Ritchot has joined the committee in charge of the nearly complete Ile Des Chênes Community Center. Historically, community centres and arenas have been built, maintained and operated by volunteers. However, council noted that the new Ile Des Chênes Community Center is a different type of operation than other centres in the municipality. “There is a need to clarify the roles and responsibly of this and other boards in the municipality,” council stated. The newly constructed Ile Des Chênes Community Center was built with space to lease to a daycare center and office space. The RM of Ritchot council decided to appoint councillors Jackie Schwark, Elmer Hywarren and Jeannot Robert to the community centre’s ad hoc committee, so they can review and assess the roles between the municipality, the community centre and the various arena boards. They are then tasked
with recommending a policy for the maintenance and operation the Ile Des Chênes Community Centre.
Community Kleefeld Lorette South Junction St. Malo and District Ste Anne Steinbach Vita West Hawk Lake
Legion Supports Hospital The De Salaberry District Health Center recently received a substantial contribution towards the facility’s palliative care program. The Royal Canadian Legion Morris Branch #111 presented the De Salaberry District Health Foundation with a cheque for $1,500. The money will go towards the purchase of a palliative care bed for the De Salaberry District Health Centre in St. Pierre. The Royal Canadian Legion Morris’s “Poppy Fund” collected the money. Pictured from left to right; Norm Vigier, Facility Manager, De Salaberry District Health Centre; R.C.L.Comrades Jean Catellier, Bill Chalmers, Garry Ross, Jeff Wiebe and Martial Lafantaisie, Chairman, De Salaberry District Health Foundation Inc.
Day Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Friday Thursday Friday Saturday
Time July 19 – mid September July 13 - September 2 July 29 - September 2 June 25 - September 3 July 22 - September 16 June 30 - October 6 August 5 - September 16 July 2 - September 3
Hours 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location Kleefeld Recreation Center Lorette Community Complex Pineland Community Center St. Malo Motor Hotel, Petro Can Parking Lot Clearspring Village Mall Vita Peniac Bay at West Hawk Lake
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August 2011
More Than Just News!
What a “Turn Off !!!” The other evening, after a long work day, I was extremely tired and obviously needed a good night’s sleep. As I crawled into bed, I reached for my laptop to just do a final email check and leave a memo on my Facebook wall. I’m sure you have all done this. Before I knew it, the clock on my bedside table said “12:55 a.m.”!! Those two and a half hours had jeopardized my next day’s energy. Thank goodness I am not addicted to some of the other games and activities on my PC or I would never sleep. Computers were designed to make us more efficient, knowledgeable and make it easy to share important information between workers, family and friends. Yup, this was to be the miracle that would give us more quality leisure time and possibly a shorter work week. Instead, we can carry our work and office with us to keep “Connected” 24/7. In addition, email has developed to include ads, jokes, Facebook entries etc., not just necessary info. And those new cell phones, pods, and pads do everything from emailing, voice messaging, texting, surfing the net, acting as a GPS, waking you up, reminding you of meetings and appointments, and becoming your life planner. You can be connected and coordinated with all tech while you shop at the App store and listen to your favorite tunes. And don’t forget all those many unique games. Everything seems designed to suck us in further and further until we spend every second of every day hooked into technology. The other concerns should be the exposure to artificial magnetic fields from power lines, towers, TV, radio, microwaves, cell phones, computers, light bulbs, etc. I believe that it might be wise to turn off all these devices at certain planned times, just for the fact that the organic human body was not designed for this. I am sure you’ve heard that a TV in a bedroom keeps you up later and destroys intimacy with your partner. Also, when you or a child sleep in a room with PCs, TVs, disc players, phone chargers, and cell phones, the electrical fields produce negative effects on your sleep patterns. I am strongly recommending that after a certain time in the evening that your home becomes a tech free zone and all devices be turned off. Try it for one night and just see the difference in the quality of interaction with those around you. You may be shocked that when it comes time for bed, sleep will come easy. When you “turn off” the devices you are putting real life first. It is important to develop some discipline here. Strict times for everyone in the house to “shut down” should be discussed. Sleep, social skills, many aspects of your physical health and mental health, as well as your outlook on life, will improve. Your spirit will thank you. Go for a walk and leave the ipod at home. Shut the phone off at mealtime. At a certain time after you leave work, do not look at the emails. Tomorrow is another day. Remember, the world will not stop if you “turn off”. We all know that the most precious moments we have experienced did not happen when we were connected to a device. You become a better listener when you pull out the earphones. You have more memorable moments with family and friends when you are not concentrating on your devices and distracted by your phone ringing. You sleep deeper when you shut off or even remove the TV in that bedroom. You become more balanced; less rushed and develop a healthy awareness between real life and technology. Your spirit will once again be part of the true joy that comes from mindfulness. And soon you’ll be enjoying those super moments that you may have missed. Maybe you’ll be shouting from the roof tops with great enthusiasm… “WHAT A TURN OFF!!!” to describe a time when the best moments happen. Raylene Snow is the owner/operator of Raylene’s Day & Night Spa located between Ste. Anne and Giroux on Hwy. 210 S. www.raylenesspa.com. (204) 422-6234.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Cancer Claims Respected St. Pierre Ag Rep By Marianne Curtis The agriculture community in St. Pierre Is in mourning when Roger Robert suddenly passed away on July 9 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Thirty-nine year old Robert was born in St. Pierre and raised in St. Malo. He went to the University of Manitoba where he obtained a diploma and degree in Agriculture. More recently, he was the agriculture rep for St. Pierre and area as a farm production and crops advisor. Former Ag rep John McGregor said that Manitoba Agriculture and farmers in the region are going to feel the loss. “When Roger started out as ag rep out of St. Pierre he was very excited about the job – he knew the people, he was well respected and he was willing to be with them when they were working,” McGregor stated. Robert started his career as a farm production advisor specializing in biodiesel and then took on the role of Farm Production Advisor working with growers in the crop production area. “He had a farming background and wanted to go out there and work with farmers in the area,” McGregor recalled. McGregor said that the one thing he remembers the most was how
Robert told him when he first started the job that he didn’t care what the government expected, he wanted to walk with the farmers and help them as much as he could. “He was very involved with the ag society and pivotal in the St. Pierre area – it will be hard to fill his shoes,” McGregor concluded. Robert loved farming and collected antique farm equipment as a hobby. He was also the captain of the St. Pierre Volunteer fire department, president of the St. Pierre Ag Society and vice president of Windfarm Energy. Robert leaves behind his fiancée, Marlene Manness, who he was supposed to marry on July 16.
Parade Kicks Off Pioneer Days
A display of 104 colorful flags depicting the many cultures and nationalities that have settled into the area was part of the “Celebrating Cultural Chemistry” theme of this year’s Pioneer Days Parade. Photos by Marianne Curtis
It was a gorgeous morning when over 160 businesses and organizations took to the Steinbach streets to officially kick off August long weekend Pioneer Days. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Cultural Chemistry”, which celebrated the diverse multiculturalism that has embraced the community once known as predominantly Mennonite and German. Pioneer Days are a highlight in Steinbach every year on the August Long Weekend. The Steinbach Mennonite Heritage Village and an army of volunteers host this event. The four-day event was packed with pioneer activities, including steam power, milling, and threshing demonstrations, horse shows, a petting zoo, concerts, drama, good food, and much more.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
COMMUNITY EVENTS EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548
Carrick 19th Annual Carrick Days will take place August 6 & 7 at the Carrick Community Club, Main Street. “Biggest” fireworks in the southeast! Parade and gates open at 12 noon on Saturday. Horseshoe tournament, BBQ Chicken dinner, Kids entertainment (includes clowns and bouncing tent), bands and entertainment! Sunday includes a Bluegrass Gospel! Niverville Vacation Bible School: Pandamania,will take place August 8-12, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm for Grades 1-6. There is no cost to attend and it will be at the 4th Avenue Bible Church, 62 4th Avenue S. in Niverville. To Register go to www.nivcf.ca/ childrens_vbs.htm. If you have any questions, contact Rob Redekop at 388-4775. Lorette On August 27th Léo and Adèle Dubois of Lorette, pioneers in the area, will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They would be honored if all their friends and relatives would come and celebrate with them at the Lorette Parish Hall from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served. Please come and share memories or fond moments lived and shared with them. For those unable to attend in the afternoon, there will be an informal drop-in from 7 to 10 pm at the hall as well. Let’s make it into a well deserved celebration! Altona Legends Car Club presents the 9th annual Charity Airport Drags August 6th and 7th at Altona airport. Gates open at 10am and races get underway at 11. Come see the nitro fuel dragster blast down the runway, as well as many, many more! The 2011 Charity is Blue Sky Opportunities. For complete details go to legendscarclub.ca. Richer Black Bear Days August 13 & 14. Saturday includes (9 am) Co-ed slopitch tournament, Car Show, Pancake Breakfast, Priest & Nuns slopitch game, Beer Gardens, Kids Activities, Pony Rides, Art Show, Supper & Dance, Bands playing throughout the day featuring the Dutiaumes, Bonfire, Fireworks. Sunday includes (1 pm) Métis Jamboree, Kids Activities, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides. Ste. Anne At the end of June, our niece, Maranda, a beautiful young wife and mother of two young boys was involved in a serious accident, has been hospitalized at Health Sciences Centre, and will be there at least six months. For this reason, the Lanouette family is planning a Bud, Spud, Steak Fundraiser at the Seine River Banquet Hall in Ste. Anne on the 12th of August from 4 to 10 pm. We hope to be able to raise funds to add to the Trust Account set up in Maranda’s honour at Caisse Populaire in Ste, Anne to meet her family’s future needs for her rehabilitation at home. We would appreciate any donations towards this fundraiser and in return will post your name as a donor for that event. Thank you in advance for your support. Steinbach The Steinbach Pistons first annual fund-raising golf tournament will be held August 24 at Quarry Oaks. In addition to members of the Pistons, participating in the tournament will be past and current NHL players, members of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and other celebrities. Proceeds of the tournament will go to assisting in the billeting of players. For more information on the tournament, to enter, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Paul Dyck at 392-5867 The 2nd Annual Benefit Ride for Providence University College will take place on Saturday, August 20 starting at 9:30 a.m. The start location is S.A.R. at 166 Main Street in Steinbach. For more information, go to www.providencecollege.ca. Free monthly bus trips to the casinos of Winnipeg. Call your friends and neighbours and join us for a fun day at the Casinos. Pick up in Steinbach at 8:30 a.m. and Paradise Village approximately 9:00 a.m. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash for everyone. Bingo on the bus. Call Marilyn at 326-4939 for date information and to reserve your seat on the bus. The next scheduled trips are September 13th, 2011 and October 11th, 2011. SBC 75th Anniversary Homecoming will be August 6 from 2:00-9:00 and 2:00-5:00. Fun for the whole family. From 5:00-6:00 pm there will be a BBQ, $10 a person. From 7:00-9:00 it will be Coffee House featuring Alumni talent, treats, and coffee for sale. Please RSVP to Kaylene Buhler by July 29th 204-326-6451 or infoSBCollege.ca 2011 -2012 Judo Registration. Keep your kids or yourself active this year. Classes from ages 6 - Adult, running nine months to year round. Judo is not a hitting or kicking sport, it is base on throwing and wrestling . Come see why Judo is a good program for you. See full details on our website. https://sites.google.com/site/steinbachjudo/ steinbachjudo@gmail.com “The need for blood doesn’t take a vacation.” Canadian Blood Services asks 200 Steinbach and area residents to rally together and make time to give blood. During the holiday season, the need for blood continues for patients in area hospitals. You can help by donating at the blood donor clinic on Thursday, August 4 at Steinbach E.M.C. 422 Main St. from 12:30 - 3:30 & 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. For an appointment or further information, please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283). Saving lives together! Paradise Village Paradise Squares Dance Club will hold an Open House on September 13 at 7:30 pm at the Paradise Village Rec. Hall. Come out and see what modern Square Dancing is all about. We dance Tuesday evenings from 7:30 – 10:00 pm. The Open House is free, coffee & doughnuts will be served. Marchand Marchand Logging Days - Saturday Aug.27th starting at 8:00 a.m. there is no gate admission charge. Jim Canna ATV show, baseball, beer gardens, kids games, strong man competition, ATV obstacle course, log sawing, canteen and much more. 8:00 pm dance in the park with the Cracked Egg shells performing tickets $10.00 at the door or to reserve please contact Amanda at 424-5068. To register for baseball tournament please contact Amanda at 424-5068 Tolstoi Prairie Day will be Saturday August 13, 2011 at the Prairie Shore interpretive trail. Join us for presentations, activities and tours from 10:00am to 4:30pm. We will be talking about traditional plant uses, and seed harvesting methods. Animal Ambassadors from the Wildlife Haven and the MB Bird Atlas Project?? will be talked about. There will be Snakes, Frogs and Salamanders?.??Cougars, Tracks and other Facts??will covered. There will be Wildflower walks??, Bug hunt, Critter dipping?? along with face painting and a Bannock Bake. Admission is $5.00 per adult, Children free. Activities will carry on Rain or shine! For more information please call (204) 425-3229 or email: tgpphq@mts.net Canteen and BBQ lunch on site (cash only)??? General The Super Start Program, a healthy baby program run through South Eastman Health. This is a program for pregnant women and families with infants up to one year of age. Each session includes a song and rhyme time, discussions, and games on topics related to healthy babies and healthy moms. We offer a door prize and a nutritious snack. Also, we have milk coupons for expectant mothers and mothers who have babies up to six months of age who participate in the program. This month, our session will be held on… Tuesday, Aug 2 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Grunthal Bergthaler Church, Grunthal. Thursday, Aug 4 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. at the Blumenort EMC Church. Thursday, Aug 8 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. in the St. Pierre Health Corner, 354 Prefontaine Ave. Tuesday, Aug 9 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Niverville Community Fellowship (3rd Ave South location). Wednesday, Aug 10 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. at Ste. Anne Dayspring Fellowship. Tuesday, Aug 16 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. at the East Borderland Primary Healthcare Centre, Sprague Tuesday, Aug 23 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. in the Ste. Agathe Hall. Wednesday, Aug 24 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Community Services Building (next to the pharmacy), Lorette. For more information please call terry from super start at 346-7021 or just drop in.
More Than Just News!
Local Foodgrains Supports Africa By Marianne Curtis The Canadian Food Grains Bank has stepped forward and contributed $6.1 million towards East Africa’s food crisis. Some of this funding was raised locally, through the sale of grain grown by farmers who annually pool resources together for community grow projects. The East African crisis has 10 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and parts of South Sudan facing starvation, forcing the United Nations to declare a stage five famine situation. Through its members and partners, and with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Foodgrains Bank has been monitoring and responding to the situation in the Horn of Africa for a number of months. Just over six million dollars ($6.1) has been pooled together from a number of organizations under the umbrella of Foodgrains. In addition, a total of $162,000 from the public has been donated. All these donations will be matched 4:1 by a grant from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Harold Penner, CFGB Manitoba Resource Coordinator, is grateful for the many contributions that have been pouring in. “I want to thank our loyal supporters for keeping some money in the bank for a huge emergency like this one,” stated Penner. “This is what makes the CFGB effective, not having to run a quick appeal for funds for an emergency, but having loyal supporters who keep the bank in a position to be able to respond.” The money is being used to provide maize, beans, oil, and famix— a supplementary food for children under five and pregnant and lactating women—to over 185,000 people across Ethiopia and Kenya. “Perhaps $6.1 million does not sound like a lot in light of the huge catastrophe but it will be used effectively to give life to many people,” Penner stressed. Last year Canadians donated $9.7 million in cash, grain, and land to the Foodgrains Bank, a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end global hunger. The Foodgrains Bank used the donations, along with matching funds from CIDA, to provide $38 million of assistance for over 2 million people in 35 countries.
Aid for the African Famine Spearheaded by La Broquerie Man A La Broquerie man is appealing to the public to make donations towards relief efforts to stop the starvation in Somalia. Louis Balcaen, with the organization Development and Peace (D & P), said his group is accepting donations in support of what is estimated to be 10 million people at risk of severe food shortages and famine in the Horn of Africa. As a member of the Caritas confederation of Catholic aid organizations worldwide, D & P and local Caritas offices within the area are assessing the needs of those most vulnerable. “The people of Somalia have been hardest hit by this drought which is also affecting other countries in the region, including Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya,” said Balcaen. “D & P has been responding to humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa for over 35 years. In the last 10 years it has contributed close to $2 million to food security projects in the region, including $450,000 in 2009-2010 for projects in Ethiopia and Somalia.” In this, the worst drought in over 60 years, D & P is appealing to all Canadians to donate generously in relief for this humanitarian crisis. Donations can be made by telephone (1-888-664-3387), on the website www.devp.org or by sending a cheque made out to Development and Peace and indicating ‘Horn of Africa Drought’ to the local Catholic parish office or to Development and Peace, 10 St. Mary Street, Suite 420,Toronto ON M4Y 1P9. For more information you may contact Louis Balcaen at 424-5434 or Kelly Di Domenico at 1-888-234-8533.
August 2011
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August 2011
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Crisis Stabilization Unit Coming in Spring By Marianne Curtis South Eastman Health is excited that within the next year residents from the region could see a new crisis stabilization unit constructed in the region, specifically in Steinbach. This comes after the province recently released its Mental Health Strategic Plan earlier in July. South Eastman Health has been appealing to the Province for a Crisis Stabilization Unit since 2008. At the time, a coalition group fighting for a facility in the community claimed that the community Mobile Crisis Unit was handling over two hundred calls per month. Some clients were seen locally while others were transferred out of the community where services were more readily available. South Eastman Health CEO John Stinson is pleased with the announcement. “Right now people are being shipped off to either Selkirk or Winnipeg to a crisis stabilization unit or they go into an acute care bed at the hospital, which is not an ideal solution,” Stinson explained. “A crisis stabilization unit has staff trained to deal with situations and it provides the best possible care for the situation.” The 5-year strategic plan will see more than $400,000 invested in mental health initiatives including treatment and prevention in the region. “South Eastman is recognized for our great health care and the fact that our residents are healthier than in other areas of the province, but in mental health we are not,” Stinson continued. “We’ve really put an emphasis on addressing challenges through increased funding to our mental health program. We have a crisis unit and now we’re going to have a crisis stabilization unit also.” South Eastman Health intends on establishing the new unit in a freestanding building along Main Street in Steinbach. It will have six rooms so that people that need a few days to re-stabilize themselves and get support from professionals, and they can still be close to family. It is expected to be up and running in early 2012. Currently there are three Crisis Units in Winnipeg, one in Selkirk and one in the Winkler area.
Stolen Truck, Trailer, Polaris Razor On July 2 at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Alderwood Road in Steinbach a red 2000 GMC Sierra truck bearing Manitoba plate DTT931 was stolen. Attached to the truck was an Atlas enclosed trailer 2007 with Manitoba plate K400U. On the trailer was a 2009 Polaris Razor UTV 504V3. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen truck, trailer and Polaris are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-1234, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Rollover Claims Life On July 16 shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sprague RCMP, with the assistance of Steinbach RCMP, Steinbach Traffic Services, and local emergency services responded to a single motor vehicle rollover on Hwy 12 just south of the Hwy 89 intersection. Investigation has revealed that a 1999 Ford Ranger Pickup truck had been traveling on Hwy 12 and had left the roadway and rolled over at least once. Police attended and located the driver and lone occupant deceased at the scene. The deceased has been identified as a 33-year-old male from Winnipeg. RCMP investigated the accident with the assistance of the RCMP Traffic Collision Analyst and speed was considered to be a contributing factor to the collision.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
What’s Up for Fall? Call 346-1077 today to register by credit card or in person at SAC office. More than 60 Fall programs! Dance, theater, visual arts, music, wellness, literary – Beat the rush and save your spot. Open House – Thursday, September 1st – 3-8 at the Center. Dance: Ages 3 - adult. Youth Pops, Creative Movement, Pre Ballet and Ballet, Urban Ballet, Dress Up Song & Dance, Creative Tap & Hop & Bop, Jazz, Irish soft Shoe, Belly Dance, Latin Dance, and more! Visual Arts: Ages 2 – adult; Structured Drawing, Ceramic Creations, Photography, Pottery, Watercolor, Acrylics, Oils, Art X-Travaganza, Art Adventure, Abstracts and Animation – Art Fusion for advanced artists. NEW! - Teen Classes: Digital Photography, A Taste of Art, Potters on the Wheel, Jewelry Making and more! Backyard Theatre Company: ages 4-18: Dress Up Drama, Actor’s Playhouse, Acting Exploration, Extreme Acting, Young Company Performing Troupe. Wellness & Community Classes: Social Dance, Zumba, Belly Dance, Latin Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Language classes (Spanish, French); Healthy Cooking Classes, Kids Cooking Classes, Writer’s Group, Arts for Tots preschool. XCOMPANY – Hip Hop ages 6-adult, Jazz ages 10+, Breakdance, Wushu Kung Fu, Escrima-Filipino Martial Arts Classes www.xcompany.ca or Eddie at 4705425.
More Than Just News!
An intensive training camp was held for the Manitoba Wrestling Team at Wild Oaks Campground by Richer as the athletes prepared for the Western Canada Summer Games in Kamloops, BC. Because of the demanding nature of the Intensive Training Camp, it was designed specifically for the elite athletes. The Summer Games are taking place from August 5 to 14.
Above and left: The Manitoba Wrestling Team members practice throws and holds in order to perfect their technique. Below: Manitoba’s representatives take time out to pose for a team group shot. Photos by Dan Guetre
There are still a few spots left; August 8-12 - Sporty Camp. Heritage hunt August 15-19. Year 3000 – August 22-26th. Activities in music, dance, drama, visual arts and sports/recreation, swimming and physical arts!
Do it for YOU….Yoga! Tim Graham will instruct the Beginner and Intermediate Yoga. Great results to increase flexibility, lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons. Overall relaxation.
Theater
NEW! Birthday Parties: Made Artsy & Easy! Have a creative, unique and memorable birthday party! More food and fun in our spacious party room. Our creative staff plans your next themed party in dance, drama, painting or pottery! Call 346-1077.
Arts for Tots Introducing 3-5-year-olds to various art forms. Explore creativity and early childhood development through Music, Crafts Drama and Dance.
Season Ticket packages! Some seats left….makes great gifts! Reserve your seat for our new season… we have a new line up of exciting events/concerts for you: Il Primo by The 3 Baritones; Fiddler sensation, Cynthia Macleod; Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra holiday Pops Orchestra; Manitoba Theatre Centre presents The Melville Boys; and Trio Bembe featuring Latin and Jazz music.
Out 2 Arts School Program Learn Through the Arts! Bring your classes to our Centre for workshops in Visual and Performing Arts in a refreshing atmosphere. Grades 1-12.
Looking for homes… ...for the 2011 Christmas Home Tour & Tea. If you would like to feature your home, and your Christmas décor - Or be on the planning committee? – call us today!
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Amateur Wrestlers Gather in Richer
Summer Arts Day Camps:
Increase your confidence, improvise and explore creativity – through THEATER! Michaela Senkiw artistic director is back by popular demand. Thursdays for all ages. Dress Up Drama Ages 5 – 6: Characters & stories through the use of costumes. Learn theatre basics & create a short piece to perform. Actor’s Playhouse Ages 6 – 8: Basic theatre such as vocal, projections, story tools & memorization. Showcase a short play at the end of year. Acting Exploration Ages 9-12: Props and costumes! Create stories. The final production in April will be a showcase. Extreme Acting Ages 12 – 14: Develop an actor’s notebook, learn how to prepare an audition monologue and exercise improvisations. Year-end performance in short 2- or 3-person scenes. Young Company Ages 15 – 18: Heavily improvisation based, monologues, basic scripts.
August 2011
Lorette Collision Claims Life of Winnipeg Man A 25-year-old Winnipeg man died July 6 and two others were injured in a car-truck collision on Highway 207 near Lorette, RCMP said. According to St. Pierre RCMP, the 41-year-old driver of the pickup truck and an 11-year-old passenger, both from the RM of Tache, were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The westbound 1988 Chevrolet Corsica and eastbound 2008 GMC Sierra pickup truck collided about 7:30 p.m. on the highway in the RM of Tache. A 25-year-old Winnipeg man was the lone occupant of the Corsica. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The RCMP Traffic Collision Analyst was called in to assist with the investigation.
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More Than Just News!
August 2011
Nice and Steady Have you been on holidays, read a non-local paper or listened to the news on TV? It sounds pretty bleak in some areas. I just got back from holidays in Minnesota. Things aren’t so content and happy as one kind of feels in our area. The state couldn’t decide on a budget… so all road construction was at a grinding halt, equipment sitting idle on the side of the freeway, ramps closed and so on. No Information Booths, no Rest Stops. They are all state run and therefore CLOSED. It makes one feel quite fortunate to live where we live. I don’t think many of us realize how good we do have life in the area we do. Our economy is stable and we don’t have extreme highs and extreme lows in our housing market. We don’t have months of unbelievable gain, where prices are doubling and then doubling again. Nevertheless, we don’t have time periods where the prices drop to the floor either. Yes, the prices of property have gone up in Manitoba. Yes, we expect to maintain a healthy balance. Now is a great time to sell with interest rates still being reasonable there are a good many qualified buyers out there, which gives us a stable market. Now is also a great time to buy, for the same reasons. We don’t live in an area where you wonder, should I wait to buy because we are on the cusp of a crash. Other areas of Canada can say that and they “have” said that. They speak out of experience. However, they also have had huge price inflation on their properties as well. Buying a property in Manitoba is a good choice. The market is stable, from looking at history. And sometimes that is a good indication of the future. Take care and until next time… keep cool.
If you have any questions call Travis Olifirowich at 371-7223 or Eileen Lewis at 371-0255 at Prudential Riverbend Realty.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Hundreds Attend Richer Celebration
Hundreds of people came out to Richer to participate in the 5th annual Celebration Thibaultville.
By Marianne Curtis Several hundred came out to Richer to help the community raise funds for the local historical site while enjoying a day filled with entertainment and activities. On July 10, the fifth annual Celebration Thibaultville took place at the Enfant-Jésus Heritage Site in Richer. The community’s Comité de les ami.e.s de la prière host the oneday event. The event has been held yearly for the past few years to regroup members of the community, their families and friends and to raise funds for the maintenance of the Enfant-Jésus Heritage Site. This year’s event drew people from all over Manitoba and as far away as Abbotsford, BC.
According to Marcel Gauthier, from Comité de les ami.e.s de la prière, the event was a huge success. “The goal for this activity was to offer an afternoon of friendship and leisure with the community while raising money for the heritage site,” explained Gauthier. “Celebration Thibaultville was a great success due to the many visitors, to the volunteers who generously donated their time, talents and energy and also to the many sponsors who support us financially and in kind.” The one-day event took place on the Church grounds and started with a short address and blessing by His Excellency, Monsignor Albert LeGatt, Archbishop of SaintBoniface. Through the course of the afternoon, there was a horse-drawn wagon shuttle, a silent auction, a 50/
50 draw, food, and several free activities for children such as clowns with balloons, a fish pond, face painting, and pony rides. There was also food, music and a dance with music by Michael Audette and The Real Deal Band, and The Dutiaume Brothers. Attendees could also take a guided tour of the historic church to view the many visual displays of artifacts, photos and historic documents. This year a new display was set up for viewing. It commemorated and thanked the Saint-Joseph Sisters of Saint-Hyacinthe, who supported the Richer community during 57 years. The annual event has been named Celebration Thibaultville in honor of the first priest to celebrate mass in the region, Fr. Jean-Baptiste Thibault, in 1847.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Business Success for Young Entrepreneurs! Youth aged 9 to 13 completed business camps hosted by Community Futures Triple R in Niverville and St Malo this July. The R Biz Camp taught campers the basics of business, and gave campers $20 to purchase supplies and create a product to sell at a market. The Niverville camp was instructed in English, and the St. Malo camp was delivered in French, with the assistance of the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM). “The goal of the camp was to teach youth about business, and to encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities,” said Greg Fehr, Chairperson of Community Futures Triple R. “Seeing the kids develop their ideas into products, and the energy and enthusiasm they projected while selling them, certainly reinforces that our goal was achieved. There was such positive feedback from the campers, many of which commented they were all set to take the camp again next year.” The campers sold a variety of products that included everything from sock puppet kits to heavenly brownies, and flowers in a cup, to chainmail bracelets. One youth even designed, wrote and sold a video game. The campers got to keep the money made from sales, and many sold out of their products. One camper at the Niverville camp made $115 that he will use to buy a Jets jersey. The rest of the campers made between $35 and $75 for their efforts. The camp included fun activities such as geocaching, scavenger hunts, swimming at the Steinbach Aquatic Centre, toilet paper fashion competitions, and lots of other games and activities. Triple R hopes to hold the camp in different communities within their region in the next few years, to connect with the youth and introduce them to the concepts of business. Community Futures Triple R Corporation provides community development and business development services to 17 RM’s, towns and villages in the Southeast and South-central
Gabriel Fontaine displays his duct tape wallets.
A camper sells Heavenly Brownies at R Biz camp kids’ market.
Shoppers view camper’s products at the St. Malo Farmers Market.
St. Pierre Wants Province to Put Community’s First With the provincial election looming, the Village of St-Pierre-Jolys Council adopted a resolution calling on local candidates to explain where their parties stand on greater provincial support for the community. The resolution highlights the pressing needs of Manitoba’s municipalities, which are
“Infrastructure is the most pressing need, locally and across the province.” struggling to meet a growing list of challenges and responsibilities that include local health services, affordable housing and infrastructure. “Infrastructure is the most pressing need, locally and across the province,” said Mayor Denis Fillion. With Manitoba’s municipal infrastructure deficit estimated at more than $11 billion, this is far beyond what property taxpayers can afford to finance. The resolution cites a growing backlog of infrastructure needing repair and replacement across the province, including potholed streets and roads, deteriorating sewer and water mains and aging public facilities such as playgrounds and community centers. The resolution specifically refers to the Village’s need for a public water treatment plant, municipal fire hydrants, a lagoon expansion as well as upgrades to the Recreation Centre. “With this resolution, our council calls on all parties to commit to reallocating a portion of the tax revenue the provincial government collects to repair and upgrade infrastructure in our community and in communities throughout Manitoba,” continued Fillion. “The resolution also calls on all local candidates to explain where their parties stand on this issue.” In passing the resolution, St. Pierre joins a number of other Manitoba councils that have passed similar resolutions including the RM’s of Piney, Ritchot, La Broquerie and Hanover. The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) has launched the Putting Communities First campaign to make greater provincial support for local needs an issue in this election campaign.
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The Personalized Funeral At the end of July, I had a chance meeting with Leanne of Blooms & Balloons, the florist in Lorette. I was in the area and decided to drop in and see their new location. After talking briefly about each other’s businesses, she happened to mention she does personalized flower arrangements for funerals. Of course I asked her what she meant by this. So she showed me some pictures of flower arrangements she had done: they included some items of the person. One example was of a Tractor in the middle of the yellow and green flower arrangement and explained how big the flower arrangement was. I was impressed and so we got to talking about funerals a bit more. She explained that when the family comes in to order flowers for the funeral, she will bring out the “catalogue” of standard flower arrangements, but will also say “tell me about the person”. By getting to know what their interests or hobbies were, or what they did for a living, she can make some suggestions about what can be included in the flower arrangement. Customers will either bring in some items to be included, or she will pick up some things. This service she provides families is the kind of service I have been thinking about for a few years. One’s funeral should reflect the person and his or her personality. I’ve been to too many funerals in the past few years: some friends of the family; some clients. When I leave a funeral or memorial service, I think about whether it reflected the person (as little as I may have known the person). I judge the service by how many times I laugh or cry, thinking about the person. There have been many good services. Ones that I leave thinking it was a great tribute to the person I had the pleasure of knowing. But there have been a few that I left wondering if the service was as the person had intended. These are the ones that really bother me and have got me thinking about funeral planning. Why don’t more people do some planning ahead of time? I know we hate to admit that we do all die. It may be because families don’t want to discuss it (adult children don’t want to hear about it from their parents.) But I think also, we don’t know where to start and who to talk to. Yes, funeral directors can help you plan your funeral, but why do so many people not do so? About 15 years ago my father-in-law passed away. I was out of the province at the time of his passing, but came home in time for the funeral service. I don’t think it reflected this man that I knew. The family had to plan everything at a very emotional time in a short time frame. They did not have a neutral third party individual to attend the funeral home with them to be their “advocate”. They went along with what was suggested by the funeral director. Ten years later, my mother-in-law passed away. I was able to attend the funeral home with the family and be the unemotional advocate. We had a wonderful memorial service not at the funeral home. Yes, I gave the eulogy and I’m biased, but it truly reflected who she was. I made people laugh at some of the things she did or said. And the tributes done by others also made us cry. And it was not expensive. It doesn’t have to be. I have some clients that are very prepared. They have their obituaries written. They have instructions as to who should be speaking at the service. The readings and music they would like. He has even made their own urns (he’s a wood worker). So next time you are at a funeral or memorial service, think about what you liked about it and what you thought should be better. Then start putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and start making some notes about how you would like your own funeral to be. I will soon be adding “funeral planning consultant” to my list of services and look forward to helping people plan the most important final event they can control and plan. If you want to discuss your own plan with me, please give me a call! Anni Markmann is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging. You can reach her at annimarkmann@mts.net or 422-6631.
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More Than Just News!
August 2011
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Kleefeld Entrepreneur Recognized By Marianne Curtis John Pendergrast of Kleefeld was recently recognised for his achievements when he received a second place in the Manitoba Venture Challenge. Sponsored by the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Manitoba, the Manitoba Venture Challenge educates budding business owners on how to attract capital to take their business to the next level. Pendergrast’s company was among 35 Manitoba based companies that participated in the Dragon’s Den style challenge, which included one to three day boot camps with mentors from the Stu Clark Center for Entrepreneurship. Pendergrast created a product called Ticketorium, which offers software to tour operators, event producers and venues that provides the ability to manage ticketing, including online sales, billing and reporting. “This was challenging for me,” stated Pendergrast. “I spent nine months working on John Pendergrast from Kleefeld (center) finished the Manitoba Venture Challenge in second place out of 35 computer code getting a product ready and when I got to the competition I realized I knew a Manitoba based businesses. lot about my product but not a lot about my business, which isn’t that great when you are at a business conference.” With the help of mentors, Pendergrast said he did not give up and Drivers failing to slow down when they pass a by the end of the first day, he was a semi-finalist in the Challenge, then a month later he was busy tow truck along the side of the road can now second in a field of tough competitors. expect to see a hefty fine thanks to a new law. As a second place finisher, Pendergrast is now heading to Banff in October to participate in Under the amendment to the Highway Traffic Act, the Banff Venture Forum. There he will receive insight into key issues within the industry, motorists are required by law to slow down and pass network and get an opportunity to find investors for his product. tow trucks and roadside assistance vehicles when “This is the big league of Canadian tech investment,” he added. “I am going there to meet their beacons are flashing only when it is safe to do with investors and find people who are going to help me grow Ticketorium.” Companies like so. Microsoft, Google and Rogers are all expected to be there looking for companies that have a On multi-lane highways, motorists are required to good tech idea for them to invest in. move into a lane further from vehicles that are stopped or working at the roadside when it is safe to do so. It would also require motorists to follow the same procedure when passing government enforcement officers when their beacons are activated. Motorists not complying with the law would be subject to a $300 fine.
New Law Protects Tow Truck Drivers
Steinbach 55 Plus offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information call the center 320-4600.
Monthly Programs Single Ladies’ Night Out: The first Friday of the month at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy supper out at a local restaurant. Call the center for place to meet. Foot Care: The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9:00-3:00 p.m. Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost: $25. Bring your own towel. Call the center to book an appointment. Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Main dish and beverages are provided. Cost: $5.00 per person. Bring along a casserole, salad or desert. Call the center to reserve your seat. Birthday Party: The first Wednesday of the month. All members with a birthday are invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are asked to pay $2.00. Entertainment provided. Beltone Hearing: The third Friday of each month. Call 1-800-661-2653 for appointment.
Weekly Programs Monday
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fitness Class with DVD 1:00 p.m. Canasta 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Tai Chi Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Adult Day Program Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fitness Class with DVD 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cribbage 1:30 p.m. Floor curling Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bridge and Whist Friday 8:30 - 3:00 p.m. Adult Day Program Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5.00. Call 320-4605 by 9:00 a.m. to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend. Billiards: Monday to Friday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Computer Lab: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost $1.00. There are lessons with Alex Cupples on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Call the center for more information. Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters, receptionists, etc. We welcome new volunteers. Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $20 per year. Memberships are due in January of each year. Membership is for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights, and eligibility to serve on the board or committees. For more information on our programs, activities or volunteer opportunities, drop by the Center Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or call 320-4600 or go to www.steinbach55plus.com.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
August 2011
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St. Labre 200 Kicks Up Dust Community Compost Depots Working Well
Photos by Scott Kroeker
By Marianne Curtis For the third year in a row, the population in the tiny community of St. Labre boomed as several hundred locals and visitors took in the St. Labre 200. The 2-day event
On Day 1, teams build their carts and ready them for the track.
took place July 16 and 17 in St. Labre, which is located between Marchand and Woodridge. The St. Labre 200 is a weekend that draws a dozen crews together who design, build and then race a go-cart built on-site. Teams were given 24 hours to design and build a cart. Each team received a motor, gears, axles, wheels and other things needed to build their cart, while the team supplies the chassis. On Day 2, the teams take the completed carts and race 200 laps on a 400-meter track. “With 30 gallons of fuel and 70lbs of welding rods later, the St. Labre 200 is over,” stated Marc Vielfaure, one of the planners. “A lot of teams had to take advantage of the 24 hours to finish building their motorized creations.” On race day spectators were left in awe when the race began. As Provencher MP Vic Toews dropped the green flag, a plane did a flyby in the background. Dust and engine noises were up in the air. “We are thankful to everyone who helped make this event possible for their great attitudes and the commaderie displayed during all of the events,” added Vielfaure. “We are very grateful for the many hours all of the volunteers put in, especially throughout this very hot weekend.
It has been nine weeks since the City of Steinbach started its Community Compost Depot program. Solid Waste Department Head, Eldon Wallman, is quite pleased with the results so far. “Our aim was to collect about 5 tonnes of compostable material every Saturday,” said Wallman. “Depending on how much rain we’ve had towards the end of the week, we’ve been measuring anywhere from 2.5 to 5.5 tonnes each Saturday.” Depot workers estimate that at least half of the people using the community depots are new to composting, and have never brought their material to the landfill’s compost depot. Wallman notes that people have been overwhelmingly positive about the whole program. “People keep telling us how worthwhile and convenient the program is, and that we need to do it again next year,” he added. New this year, the depots are accepting kitchen waste, minus dairy products (egg shells are ok), meat and bones, and sauces/ fats/oils/grease. Wallman emphasizes that these items must be kept out of the compost pile as they decompose differently from produce and can adversely affect the composition of the finished compost. The first pile of compost was screened at the landfill in the beginning of June, and disappeared quickly as the City of Steinbach’s Beautification crew used the material in various garden beds around the city. The public was also able to pick up compost for use in their yards and gardens. Another batch of compost is expected to be ready this fall. The Community Compost Depots will continue to be available every Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at both the Steinbach Junior High and Woodlawn School yards until mid October.
Vandals Shatter Window at Hotel On Day Two of the St. Labre 200, go-cart racers took their newly created contraptions to the track for 200 laps as they rallied for the coveted St. Labre 200 Cup.
Other activities took place over the weekend including a MPI Rollover Demonstration, a Rubber Boot Toss contest, St. Labre 200 Alumni Race with last year’s teams and carts. There was also an Excavator Rodeo, St. Labre community Chili Cook-Off, Robot Wars, an evening meal, and a free evening concert featuring “Trahir Roger” and “Jammin Sam.”
Steinbach RCMP are investigating a mischief that occurred at the La Broquerie Hotel in the RM of La Broquerie, which occurred during the early hours of July 11. Unknown suspects threw a piece of concrete through a front window of the hotel. At around 3:13 a.m. a silver or grey Dodge, single cab, 4x4 pickup truck was seen driving in front of the hotel. Police are requesting assistance in identifying the driver as a possible suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at 326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
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QuickCare Clinic to Open in Clearspring By Marianne Curtis South Eastman Health is excited the region has been chosen as a location for one of the province’s five new QuickCare Clinics to be opened. John Stinson, CEO for South Eastman Health, is very excited about the announcement. “The concept is to create an alternative access to primary care that will be managed and coordinated by nurse practitioners and primary care nurses where people can go for less urgent issues,” Stinson explained. “It’s for people that can’t get to their family doctor or people that don’t have a family doctor but know that their child has an ear ache and don’t want to sit in the emergency room.” Patients attending the QuickCare Clinic will be seen by either nurse practitioners or primary care nurses. Necessary medication can be prescribed and referrals will be made as needed to a doctor or specialist. “It’s very much an in and out process,” Stinsen said. “There will be nurse practitioners and primary care nurses and an opportunity for existing staff who are interested in doing this kind of work to get involved.” The opening is expected to have a huge impact on health care delivery in the region. “The biggest impact will be on our emergency room departments, especially in Steinbach,” Stinsen continued. He added that Ste. Anne Hospital is also expected to be affected because currently patients unwilling to wait at Bethesda travel to the next nearest facility. The new QuickCare Clinic will be located within the Clearspring Centre in Steinbach. Crews are expected to begin renovating space beside the current center and a late August opening is expected.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Top Ten Finish for Richert in Italy
In his second race of the season, Niverville’s David Richert pulled off a top ten finish at the Misano World Circuit in Italy July 24.
By Marianne Curtis
Immigrant English Students Graduate
Instructor Julius Narvaez congratulates three of the five students that recently graduated the program.
The Eastman Immigrant Services, a Steinbach Chamber of Commerce program, recently graduated their first class of Advanced English students. At a special ceremony and evening on June 22, Eastman Immigrant Services graduated five students through the English at Work/English Skills program, which is funded by Manitoba Labour & Immigration. These students are the first to complete a new English Skills for Work program offered by the organization, and kicked off in the fall of 2010. Last year Eastman Immigrant Services assisted over 200 new families settle in the region, while the number of clients accessing settlement services grew to over 900. Many of the immigrants were from Germany, Paraguay and the Philippines. Through the Chamber of Commerce newcomers have access to job-specific language classes, at four local workplaces including Valeant, Granny’s Poultry, Hylife and Barkman Concrete. The new English Skills for Work program was added in the fall of 2010. Funding for these programs is being provided by the Province, with over $700,000 coming into several different programs.
Vandalism and Possibly Theft of Mail On July 18 it was reported to the Steinbach RCMP that the community mailboxes located on Hwy 311 near Quarry Oaks Road were knocked over, dragged and appeared to have been broken into
over the weekend. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle that fled the scene. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.manitobacrmestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
In just his second race weekend in the very competitive Formula Renault Italia Championship, Niverville’s home grown race car driver, David Richert, was able to come away with a top ten finish at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. With rain clouds looming all around the track Richert drove his car to the checkered flag for a tenth place result on July 24. Richert was Canada’s lone representative, as drivers from around the world took to the track for the double-header race weekend. “Clearly I’m in at the deep end as most of the other drivers have experience at this circuit, so it’ll be a challenge but we’ll stick to the game plan and see what happens,” stated Richert before the race. Richert admits that his success came as a surprise due to his lack of experience and level of funding which is significantly lower than that of his competition, but what he lacked in raw speed, he was able to make up for with tact. “There were a lot of fast drivers here this weekend,” Richert recalled. “But this just proves that if you drive with your rear-end instead of your head, things won’t always work out for you. So I was happy to drive around the carnage with a smile on my face.” Starting from the first lap of the race and continuing through two Safety Car periods, many drivers made mistakes which allowed Richert to capitalize on the opportunity for a strong race. Richert is now back home getting ready to return to Italy for future race events this season.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Former MLA’s Legacy Remembered
Former Steinbach MLA Albert Driedger passed away suddenly July 18.
By Marianne Curtis The southeast lost one of the region’s hardest working political figures when former Steinbach MLA Albert Driedger passed away suddenly on July 18, after suffering a stroke. Born in Steinbach, Driedger started his political career as reeve of the RM of Hanover. While maintaining a farm in Grunthal, he took his political career further when he was elected as MLA of Emerson, and then Steinbach as a Progressive Conservative from 1977 to 1999. While a member of the Filmon government from 1988 to 1997 he served as Minister of Government Services, Minister of Highways and Transportation, and Minister of Natural Resources. After he retired from politics, Driedger continued to lobby tirelessly for better services and healthcare in the region. Being an instrumental driving force behind the expansion of the Menno Home in Grunthal is among his many accomplishments. Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen worked as Driedger ’s executive assistant back when he was still in office. “Albert had a unique personal touch. To this day when I meet people who knew Albert even briefly, they speak of the strong personal impression he left on them,” stated Goertzen. “Most often people remark that Albert “was a character” with an ability to put a smile on the
face of those he met while at the same time making his point clearly known.” Provencher MP Vic Toews echoed Goertzen’s fond words. “It was only after he retired from provincial politics and I became the federal MP for Provencher, that I was able to witness on an ongoing basis the degree to which Albert was dedicated to public service and the people of southeastern Manitoba,” Toews added. “Upon retirement Albert refused to slow down. He continued to volunteer his time to his community as he persistently advocated and pushed for better community services and health care. Grunthal and all of southeastern Manitoba has lost a great community leader and friend.” Driedger leaves behind his wife Mary, five children, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grand-children.
Ritchot Wants Their Dyke The RM of Ritchot would like to know why the province approved funding for the ring dyke expansion around St. Adolphe but the project has not progressed. According to the municipality, it has been over twelve months since the province of Manitoba approved a contribution of $2.31 million toward the St. Adolphe Dyke Expansion Project under the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component program. Along with the money, the project was given a completion deadline of March 2014. Council noted that Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation is in charge of the project and they are concerned about the lack of progress on this project over the last 12 months.
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Local Paramedic Launches “Sober Ride” By Marianne Curtis A paramedic from South Eastman Health is encouraging people to take the pledge to arrive alive by launching a new initiative called “Sober Ride”. Twenty-four year old Shaylene Handford, a paramedic with South Eastman Health, said her goal is to eliminate impaired driving one vehicle at a time. By joining Sober Ride, people take a pledge to not drink and drive. In addition, placing a decal in the window of their vehicle pledges that said vehicle will always be driven by a sober driver. “I am very passionate about this topic and, with having been affected personally, I knew that I wanted to try to get involved and make a difference,” Hardford explained. She added that she knew the family of one of the victims in a collision in Winnipeg last year that claimed the lives of two young women. “As well as being a paramedic, I see things from a different standpoint at times. In my profession we do see alcohol related accidents above and beyond what is known to the general public.” The “Sober Ride” initiative targets drivers of all ages, especially young adults. “We find that in our society there is a strong influence and pressure among peers, good and bad,” Hardford continued. “A need for social status and not going against
Paramedic Shaylene Handford encourages drivers of all ages to take the pledge and join “Sober Ride”.
the flow of your group is very hard, and we hope to change this and show that standing up and making the right choice is accepted and in youthful terms “cool””. Hardford expects that once word is out there will be many people taking the pledge. “This is an issue that affects everywhere and anywhere, including the southeast,” Hardford added. “Our collective fan base is all sorts of people directly or indirectly affected by impaired driving – who all have their own story.”
Sober Ride is also a fundraiser and all donations and funds raised are used for decal production, postage, advertisements. “Our big hope in the long run is to raise money for charities such as MADD or to have community outreach to affected families, such as out of pocket costs like counselling and memorials,” Hardford added. To find out more about Sober Ride, the group has a Facebook page or email soberride@live.com. Decals are available upon request on the fan page or by email.
Adoptable of the Month To adopt this pet or one of the many adorable pets that are looking for homes, contact the Steinbach Humane Society at canines@steinbachhumanesociety.com Hi there, my name is Hunter. I’m a one year old male Corgi Chihuahua blend with lots of smiles and kisses to offer. I enjoy playing and learning new things and I make friends very easily, though I’m a little bashful at first. I’m happy, healthy and ready for my forever family to come and find me. If you are looking for a fur baby with unconditional love and acceptance, I’m your pup – well, I hope I will be. Please remember me when you are ready to adopt. I’ll be a good boy for you if you just give me a chance. My adoption fee is $250 and includes my first vet check, first vaccinations, first deworming, neuter and tattoo and lots of kisses. You can email canines@steinbachhumanesociety.com if you would like to meet me. I’d sure like to meet you.
Dawson Trail Days Sees Changes The upcoming annual Dawson Trail Days, which takes place in Ste. Anne over the September Long Weekend, is seeking some significant changes. This year’s Dawson Trail Days Festival is all about embracing the past and celebrating the community’s future. This year the CDC Sainte-Anne, Richer Métis Local and the residents of Sainte-Anne and area formed a committee whose focus for the Labor Day weekend will be Saturday and Sunday, including fundraising, family fun and celebrating the past and future. The parade will once again be a vital part of Dawson Trail Days weekend. This year there will be a special Clown category with a prize for the best clown. Festival highlights include a Children’s Tent in the park with entertainment and games galore. Saturday night there is a social with the Rock ‘n Roll dance band, the Biivvers. The Sunday Jamboree, hosted by the Richer Métis Local, is also on the schedule. There will also be a craft sale, clowns, interactive games, and entertainers for all ages. Information on how to volunteer, to enter the talent Show, parade or space rental for the Farmer’s Market and Tradeshow is available online at www.steannemb.ca or contact Nicole at nprior@mymts.net.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
August 2011
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Steinbach Looks at Fall La Broquerie Considers Bylaw Liquor Vote When Steinbach residents head to the polls in October for the next provincial election they will once again have an opportunity to participate in another liquor referendum. The City of Steinbach council recently agreed to add a couple of questions to the ballot in order to give residents an opportunity to speak out for or against the establishment of beverage rooms within city limits. “We would love to have a hotel, conference or convention center in Steinbach,” explained Jac Siemens, deputy mayor. “I am sure that hotels coming into the city will require a beverage room and since we are already having a referendum anyways, the community will decide whether it’s appropriate or not.” In addition to being asked if residents would approve such a proposal, they are being asked to approve a lounge licence and a private club licence. Boston Pizza has looked to opening a franchise in the community, and a lounge
licence would be required in order for that to happen. The private club licence would accommodate the Steinbach Curling Club. This is the seventh time that residents of Steinbach will be voting on allowing serving of alcoholic beverages within the City of Steinbach. In October 2007, the community voted in favour of lounge licences. In October 2003 residents of the community voted in favour of dining licenses and shortly afterwards council approved a bylaw that allows restaurants to apply for a liquor license to serve wine and beer. The referendum will take place on October 26.
Local Groups Win in Sports Funding
La Verendrye MLA Ron announced grant approvals from the First Sports Program for the communities of Richer, Ste. Geneviève and Lorette recently. The Richer Métis Local was approved $9,500 towards improving the Dawson Trail Community Park,
Teen Arrested For Child Porn A 16-year-old boy from Steinbach has been arrested in connection with a child porn investigation. On July 7, Steinbach RCMP arrested the youth after the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Deerwood, on the east side of the community. The suspect was arrested and a computer and related equipment was seized. The suspect, who cannot be named, has been charged with possessing, accessing and distributing child pornography. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date. Steinbach RCMP constable Miles Hiebert said that parents should not be concerned about the risk from this offender. “As far as this accused, there is nothing that I have been told that would indicate that he is any risk to the public,” Hiebert told media. “His offences were internet related and have nothing to do with anyone from the community.” However, police encourage parents to remain vigilant with monitoring their children’s internet activity. “Internet safety is a parent’s responsibility and they need to be aware of that,” Hiebert continued. This is the second teenager in the area to be arrested based on their internet activities. In March, a 15-yearold boy from Ste. Anne was arrested and charged based on allegations that he enticed an 8-year-old Ontario girl to send nude pictures to him via her IPod.
the Ste. Geneviève Community Centre Inc. was approved $9,500 towards purchasing new sports equipment and the Lorette Curling Club was approved $10,000 towards purchasing new curling equipment. In picture from left to right: Ed Hildebrand (Lorette), Carmen Allard (Ste. Geneviève), Léon Tétreault (Richer) and MLA Ron Lemieux.
Officer
The RM of La Broquerie is looking into options on how to better police the enforcement of municipal bylaws. The topic came up after council recently met with representatives from Steinbach Security Systems. According to Reeve Claude Lussier, council is looking at hiring a bylaw enforcement officer to monitor things in the municipality, including construction. “One of our biggest issues is people building without permits,” stated Lussier. The bylaw officer would ensure that people were complying with municipal regulations during their projects instead of finding out after the fact. The bylaw officer would also handle the municipality’s unsightly premises bylaw and make sure residents are in compliance to cleanup orders. The RM of Ste. Anne recently signed a contract with Steinbach Security Systems for bylaw enforcement within their boundaries.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
“Staycation” Vacation at home and save a bundle Staycation is the “buzz word” this summer as gas prices soar and travel costs continue to escalate. Vacationing closer to home is now a realistic option. “Many families are taking short vacations and staying closer to home this summer,” said Bill Stilwell, current recipient of Westman Tourism’s Product Development Award and the author of “Manitoba Wild.” “Staycations are growing in popularity as vacationers combine their holiday with exploring spectacular rural scenery and wildlife watching. Staying closer to home also helps to lower travel and vacation costs.” “Staycation” is the term for short vacations in which an individual or family stays and relaxes close to home taking short trips to enjoy local attractions, according to Wikipedia. Staycations are gaining popularity partly due to rising fuel and travel related costs. Manitoba Wild is a useful guide for anyone wanting to travel throughout rural Manitoba to view the spectacular landscapes or for wildlife viewing. Manitoba’s rural areas are brimming with natural beauty and scenery, but you need help in finding many of them because they are local secrets. This new book helps change that. One of the unique and interesting places that are close enough for people in Western Manitoba to enjoy is Medicine Rock. Medicine Rock, located south of Ste. Rose in the Alonsa Wildlife Management Area, is a great place for hiking and watching wildlife. It also holds special spiritual value for First Nations people. A lengthy ridge where the added height provides a vantage point overlooking scenic vistas bisects the Wildlife Management Area. Wildlife is plentiful here. Manitoba Wild highlights many of Manitoba’s most scenic, yet largely unheralded places. It is filled with beautiful colour photographs, maps and directions to each location. As well, it lists many of the birds, animals, wildflowers and other plants that you may see along the way. The book leads you to amazing places such as Tolstoi, Birch Falls, Silver Bend, Thunder Hill, Tobacco Creek, Cat Hills and Medicine Rock. Some of these may be places you have heard about, but they are all new to most people. For example, the road between Tolstoi and the Agassiz nature trail, located about 100 km southeast of Winnipeg, is a paradise for anyone interested in wildflowers, butterflies and birds, Stilwell said. Many endangered species are found here and the variety of wildflowers is simply astounding, yet hardly anyone knows about it. “There is something very special about this drive that takes you through one of the most biologically diverse natural regions on the planet and one that is on a scale only read about in books or magazines such as National Geographic. A single visit here is never enough. Each visit is different from the last, as
wildflowers and other native plants quickly emerge throughout the growing season.” - an excerpt from Manitoba Wild. Birch Falls is an amazing spot located east of Bissett near Hwy 304. This is wilderness at its finest where you will hear the roar of turbulent water cascading down the chute at Birch Falls. While this is a place that is easily overlooked, it is also one of spectacular scenery. Manitoba Wild appeals to people who like to go for a country drive, families planning a vacation, photographers, hikers, bird watchers, as well as people who like to experience nature from the comfort of their armchair. It offers something for everyone from all walks of life. Whether you are a serious naturalist or just getting interested in nature you will learn something new in these pages. Here is another interest twist to this new book. Author Bill Stilwell has put together a slide show and talk featuring the spectacular photographs from this new book. He is willing to make a presentation for your club or group at a very reasonable cost. Manitoba Wild is available at bookstores and gift shops for $18.99 plus GST. Call (204) 4765210 or visit the website at: www. manitobawild.com. Bill Stilwell is based out of Neepawa, email: bills@mts.net.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Practise Safety in Bear Country Manitoba Conservation is reminding people with homes, cottages or campsites to practise safety in areas where bears are present. Manitobans are encouraged to eliminate, seal or secure anything with a bear attracting scent. Bears will be less attracted to residences, cottages or campsites if these practices are followed: - Never approach or feed a bear. - Take down all bird feeders between April and November. - Double bag garbage and place it in a bear-resistant container, secured building or fenced area. Be sure to seal it in a way that will not allow odours to escape. When bear proofing, remember if it can be pried open with a crow bar, it’s not bear proof. - Clean garbage containers regularly with bleach or ammonia to stop odours. - Take garbage with you when leaving your home or cottage, or ask a neighbour to put out the garbage for you prior to pickup. - When practical, freeze garbage in bags and put the bags in the container just before garbage pickup and not the night before. - Do not burn garbage. - Do not compost any food items. - Clean and store barbecues after each use. - Feed pets indoors and keep pet food dishes indoors. - Remove all ripened or fallen fruit in the morning and before dusk. There have been a few reported bear incidents this year. Garbage, bird feeders and fruit trees continue to be the main reasons why bears
come into contact with people. Bears are wild animals and must be respected. When in bear country, people should always assume bears are in the vicinity even if no recent sightings or problems have been
reported. Keeping attractants to a minimum will allow people and bears to continue to reduce human-bear encounters. More information is available at www.manitoba.ca/blackbear.
Practise Safety around Campfires Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie reminds Manitobans to practise safety when enjoying campfires throughout the summer. “Despite flood waters in many areas of the province, there are many other areas that are under threat from forest fires and that’s why we all need to do our part and enjoy the outdoors and our campfires responsibly,” said Blaikie. To assist and enhance Manitoba’s forest-fire fight, Manitoba Conservation put the first of four new Bombardier CL 415 water bombers into action this spring. The speed and efficiency of the new aircraft will greatly assist firefighters in reducing the spread of wildfires, the minister noted. The second new water bomber will arrive this fall. “Manitoba currently utilizes seven water bombers and six contract helicopters for its normal day-today wildfire fighting operations,” said Blaikie. Resources for forest firefighting have been strengthened over the past five years and the province will continue to enhance its resources over the next few years with additional CL415 water bomber aircraft, the minister said. Manitoba Conservation utilizes 195 initial attack firefighters and an additional 100 fire rangers to combat fires throughout the province. Weather patterns, lightning strikes, soil moisture and forest conditions are monitored daily by Manitoba Conservation’s Fire Program to determine the probability and location of wildfires. The minister urged Manitobans and visitors who are camping, hiking or enjoying the outdoors to be safe and careful with fire. Open fires are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 15 unless a burning permit is obtained or if fires are enclosed in approved fire pits such as campfire grates in provincial campsites. Fires must be properly put out. To properly extinguish a fire, water should be poured on the embers and stirred in the enclosed pit. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) users are also being reminded that it is their responsibility to protect the environment and protect against wildfires, Blaikie said. The province is also reminding the public of a new policy requiring a permit for any organization or person wanting to use Crown land to hold an ATV event such as a derby or rally. This also applies to land in a provincial forest. Penalties under the Crown Lands Act can be up to $10,000.
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Recreation Expands in La Broquerie Another construction project in La Broquerie has kicked off, now that the sod has officially turned and renovations begin on the agriculture center in La Broquerie. The 20-year-old building, which is currently used sparingly to house the community’s annual spring agriculture show and other functions, is being renovated to expand its use. According to Louis Coté, the facility will be upgraded to create a natural ice surface hockey rink complete with dressing rooms. This rink is expected to make public skating available daily instead of the current once a week time slot. “This project will open up a lot of ice time for our kids and our community,” stated Coté. Initially the plan was to establish an outdoor rink but this suggestion was taken instead. “This is a great idea because we can use the zamboni so we don’t have to shovel snow.” Once the renovations are complete, the facility will be used for more than just hockey. It will continue to be the home for the local ag show and also be used to expand the community’s growing baseball program. “We are putting a batting cage in there and with the cement floors we can use it for batting practice,” Coté added. There are also plans to add tennis courts and a walking track for people during bad weather. “We have lots of options.” The entire project is expected to cost up to $100,000, depending on what is all included with the project. $50,000 has already been raised; including a $30,000 community places grant and $10,000 from the Caisse Populaire. Construction on the rink is expected to be complete in time for the coming hockey season. The tennis courts and batting cages will become operational in the spring.
Landmark to Host Friendship Festival By Marianne Curtis The community of Landmark is gearing up for a celebration as they invite everyone to this year ’s annual Friendship Festival. Organizer Cheryl Tremeer is thrilled with the success of the festival, which she started a few summers ago. “We had a great time and we want this year’s festival to be bigger and better,” she stated. “It gives everyone a chance to get out and meet their neighbour.” The three day event is scheduled to take place August 5-7. It kicks off with music by Mike Blair and Rafter B followed by a youth dance. Saturday starts with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Landmark Kinsmen, parade, hot dog lunch, children’s events, and variety show. A community pork barbeque starts the evening followed by a dance with music by the Darryl Marsh Band and fireworks. On Sunday, all the churches in Landmark invite the community to a worship service in the park followed by a picnic lunch. More volunteers are needed so anyone interested are encouraged to call Cheryl at 355-4277 or 355-4056.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Splash Park Opening Planned for August Kids in the RM of Tache have been eagerly waiting for the opening of a new splash park in Lorette and with construction nearing completion they will soon have their wish. For nearly two months, construction on the Tache Community Spray Park has been taking place. Located on the eastside grounds of the Complexe Communautaire de Lorette Community Complex (CCLCC) site, the park features a ground geyser, directional water jets, water tunnel, spray cannon and more. Children of all ages, parents and grandparents are expected to enjoy this new attraction. “This is for all the kids in Lorette but especially for those not involved in organized sports,” stated Graham Easton, President of the Lorette Community Complex. “We have fundraised about a third of the money through a membership drive and donations.” Photo by Marianne Curtis The province committed to one The long awaited Tache Community Spray Park, located in Lorette, is expected to open this August. third of the total project costs, which is estimated at $350,000. The community groups through is expected to compliment the three-sheet curling rink, meeting Lorette Community Complex which rooms and a large hall, as well as difference has been raised by the fundraising activities. RM of Tache, and raised by various The Tache Community Spray Park already features a hockey rink, a soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, a toboggan hill and a walking path along the Seine River. The community also has tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course.
St. Malo Gears Up for Summer Festival
The community of St. Malo is eagerly preparing for one of its biggest events of the year. Taking place over the September long weekend, the St. Malo Summer Festival is a very popular four-day event. Running from the evening of September 1 to the evening of September 4, hundreds of people from all over Manitoba and elsewhere are expected to invade the community to participate and enjoy a variety of activities. Doors open on Thursday with an evening of bingo. A Movie night will take place Friday evening along with a scavenger hunt, chili cook-off, movies and fireworks. Saturday’s activities kick off with a parade followed by a baseball tournament, children’s entertainment and the infamous Soap Box races. On Sunday, the soapbox finals will take place along with the ball tournament playoffs. The weekend will end with a dance at the community’s arena.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
August 2011
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A Special Family Philippians 1:3-6... 3) I thank my God every time I remember you. 4) In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5) because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6) being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV) Time sure has a way of drawing our attention to things, a lot of things; it gets us to have a closer look at things and people. We sometimes think that material things bring peace and maybe even a little happiness into our lives. But we are fooled. While there is nothing wrong with buying things, we soon realize it is not things that are important, it is people like you, and me. It is our families and friends. That is what brings happiness. That is what fills our lives with meaning and purpose. Did you know that God created us in such a way that we actually desire to be in a relationship with other people? I am sure you do. I think our hearts reveal this truth to us every day. Why did I say that? Because I know you love your children, your grandchildren, your wife/ husband, your girl/boyfriend and so on and so on. When those relationships are healthy and positive, it causes our hearts to bubble with pride and joy. God meant it to be that way. That is one of His ways of letting us know that He loves us, and that He wants that love to filter down to all the peoples we come into contact with. Those relationships can be extremely fulfilling. On the other hand, when these relationships are unhealthy life tends to become somewhat cloudy What is the apostle Paul saying in our Scripture lesson? He is sharing how he feels about people who come alongside other folks, even when things are not going all that well. Kind of like an example for us to follow. He makes us feel important, like we are all part of God’s family, and being part of God’s family we want to make other people happy, and we want them to be happy when we are with them. One more thing the apostle does, he prays. Have you ever noticed how different relationships become when we pray for other people? Prayer does make a difference. The Bible teaches that we are always to pray for all God’s people. But how often do I pray for others? Most of my praying is spent praying for my own needs. The challenge is to spend time praying for others. If I want relationships to grow, then I must think of others. I should make it a practice to pray for them instead of criticize them. I should pray for God’s blessing in their lives. When I pray for the well-being of others I tend to forget about my own petty problems. Almost as an extra bonus God replaces my feelings of envy, bitterness, and the like with his limitless love. Those hurtful feelings only hurt the one who has them. Far too often I am trapped by my bad feelings about the person that I should be praying for. Those feelings can become our undoing. God’s love for us helps to melt away our hurtful attitudes towards others, replacing them by a willingness to help when help is needed. The Apostle Paul prayed that all Christians would choose the very best. Our goal as Christians is to do the will of God. It is not simply to do the good things in the name of God; it is to do the things God is calling us to do, that we safeguard our heart for God, that we love him, and desire what He wants us to do. What is on the inside will become noticeable on the outside. Righteousness on the inside will show up as right behavior on the outside, which glorifies God. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise you Father in heaven”( Matthew 5:16).(NIV) Would you pray this prayer with me? Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I don’t have peace in my heart, I really want that peace, joy and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honor to Your Name. Amen.
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August 2011
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
August 2011
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Eastman Recycling Expands to Improve Service A recent investment of $400,000 into equipment at Eastman Recycling promises that the organization will not only improve service but also increase intake volumes. Manager Jake Giesbrecht said that the organization recently purchased a new baler and two new recycling packer collection trucks. “Our old bailer was too slow – the new bailer can put out up to twenty bales per hour,” Giesbrecht explained. The $300,000 machine pushes out a completed bale weighing up to 750 kgs, which is double the previous size. “The heavier the bales are the better because it allows us to have a full trailer when we leave the yard each day.” Eastman Recycling Services provides residential and commercial recycling services in the City of Steinbach and several southeast Manitoba communities. A team of clients provides the services from Envision Community Living and
staff, to pick up materials, sort them by product and type, bale them for shipping and selling them to customers all over North America. New trucks were recently purchased to replace the old truck and trailer units and are already in use and working well. “They can handle more material and are much safer for the crew because all the work is done between the truck and the curb, not in traffic lanes,” Giesbrecht added. Other improvements are expected to be undertaken in the future. An increase in material is pushing the organization to look at automation along the sorting line at some point. Over the past few years, Eastman Recycling Services has collected over 303 million kg of materials per year, which is enough to fill 160 semi-trailer trucks. New baler at ERS compacts up to 1,600 kg bales at a rate of 18/hr.
Tall Grass Prairie… More Than Just Tall Grass Manitoba’s Tall Grass Prairie Preserve will be hosting its annual Prairie Day event on Saturday, August 13, at the Prairie Shore Interpretive Trail, located 3
kilometres east of Tolstoi on Hwy 209. Special presentations will highlight traditional plant uses, methods of harvesting prairie seed, cougars in Manitoba, the recently launched Manitoba Herp Atlas project, and an update on the Manitoba Bird Atlas project. Animal ambassadors from the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre will make a special appearance, along with their human assistants. Join in the bug hunting or critter dipping to see the smaller creatures that make their home in this special prairie ecosystem. Take a guided walk and learn about the diversity of wildflowers, or enjoy fresh bannock baked over an open fire. Children in attendance will be treated to face painting, a scavenger hunt, and other fun activities. Admission for the day is $5.00 per adult and no charge for children. There is an on-site canteen that will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. A barbecue lunch with hot dogs and hamburgers will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – please note, only cash is accepted at this event. Picnic tables and rustic washrooms are also available on-site. Trail conditions may be wet, so rubber boots or a
RCMP Investigate Fatal Off Road Vehicle Accident On July 16 at about 11:30 p.m. St Pierre RCMP, as well as local emergency services, were dispatched to the scene of a fatal off-road vehicle collision in the RM of Tache. Initial investigation indicates that two dirt bikes had collided on Road 42 east. One rider, a 17-year-old male from the RM of Springfield, was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased. His name will not be released. The other rider, a 17-year-old male from the RM of East St. Paul was transported to hospital in critical condition.
Possible Scam On June 30th ads were placed on steinbachonline.com. The advertisement was for a job position as a “mystery shopper.” The advertisement requested applicants start a bank account and provide them the bank account number and password. Steinbach RCMP want to advise the public not to provide any third party person access to your banking information. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at 326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637). People are reminded that anytime you think you might be the subject of a possible scam, you should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501 or info@phonebusters.com and report the matter.
change of footwear is suggested. Please bring a lawn chair, sunscreen and insect repellent. All Prairie Day activities will take place rain or shine. For more information on this event, please contact Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve staff at (204) 425-3229 or tgpphq@mts.net.
Eastman Recycling has added two new trucks to their fleet that will improve service and safety for workers.
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August 2011
More Than Just News!
Niverville Mall Nears Completion By Marianne Curtis Tenants of a Niverville strip mall that was destroyed by fire a few months ago are eagerly awaiting the completion of a brand new building. On March 29, a $2.2 million blaze destroyed the entire building containing businesses including a bakery, bookstore, and linen and glassware rental business as well as a number of offices, shops and warehouse space. Aesthetically Speaking, Solomon’s Porch, A Touch of Glass and Slice of Life Bakery were all left scrambling to remain in operation until a new mall could be built. Kristin Von Riesen and her sister, who own the Slice of Life Bakery, have remained optimistic despite the loss of their entire business. “At the time there was a lot of shock and uncertainty but now things are looking up,” she said. “Now I am getting excited.” Not only have the pair managed to rebuild their bakery but, as promised after the fire, they have expanded a few things. “The kitchen is twice the size and there is a lot more seating,” Von Riesen said. “I think we`ll be able to make a lot more products.” The new strip mall is expected to be ready for tenants to move in by October.
The new strip mall in Niverville is expected to be ready for business by October.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Charges Pending Against Driver Alcohol may have been a factor in a two-vehicle collision that destroyed two vehicles but had no fatalities. The accident occurred in July 13 at the corner of the Trans Canada Hwy and Hwy 206, north of Landmark. St. Pierre RCMP and the RM of Tache fire department were called to the accident that closed one lane of the Trans-Canada Highway for a couple of hours. RM of Tache Fire Chief Peter Skjaerland said that he is stunned that no one was killed as a result of the accident. “It appears that the northbound vehicle didn’t see the eastbound vehicle due to the sun setting – they crossed the highway and were t-boned,” stated Skjaerland. When rescue crews arrived one vehicle was wrapped around a light pole in the middle of the intersection, the SUV that hit it was totaled a short distance away. “They all went to hospital to be checked – they were very lucky this time,” Skjaerland added. “Injuries were minor.” St. Pierre RCMP said that it appears that the driver of the car may have been impaired. The investigation continues and charges are pending against the 27-year-old driver from Dufresne.
Photo by Marianne Curtis
Volunteer Firefighters Wanted in Landmark The Landmark Fire Department is looking for a few able bodied volunteers that are interested in becoming members of the community fire department. According to Randy Ross, a member of the department, the department needs a few more people to ensure that the community continues to have adequate fire protection. While volunteers are needed 24 hours, there is a desperate need for people that can respond to calls during the day, he added. Volunteers accepted by the department will receive about 150 hours of training, courtesy of the RM of Tache, along with upgrading as needed. Interested persons must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid class 4 drivers license, or be prepared to get one. The Landmark Fire Department, which operates under the umbrella of the RM of Tache, responds to approximately 120 calls per year. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer fire fighter can drop by the fire hall in Landmark, starting August 3 on any Wednesday evening during the month, to fill out an application and have an interview.
Missing Person On June 23 at 10:30 p.m. Sprague RCMP received a call of a missing teenage girl. The girl ran away from a residence in Sprague and was headed to Winnipeg. The girl is described as Aboriginal 152 cm tall, 52 kg, long brown hair and brown eyes. The missing girl goes by the name Shannon Nelson. It is believed that Shannon Nelson is in the Winnipeg area. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Nelson please contact the Sprague R.C.M.P. at (204) 437-2041.