Dawson Trail Dispatch February 2019

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2019

Dog Sled Races a Highlight Snow Removal at the Vita Winter Festival onto Roadways a Hot Topic

Forty year dog sled racing veteran Dave Hochman is in fine form as he clears the bridge on the home stretch during Sunday afternoon races. He would finish the weekend in 4th place.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis Despite bone chilling temperatures, the 3rd Annual Vita Winter Festival was a hit for locals and visitors of all ages.

With a dozen of the top dog sled teams competing against each other in six and 10 dog team races, plus tons of other activities, it was easy to find a spot to warm up in between events.

During the two day event which took place January 19 and 20, one of the weekend highlights is the highly enter-

taining and competitive dog sled races.

As a dozen teams of ten dogs each battled it out on the track, a parade of fans in vehicles accompanied the teams along the trail from Vita to Caliento and back.

With 120 eager dogs vying for position along the snow packed track, competition was fast and fierce. On the way out during the finals, a sled tipped over under the bridge which resulted in a runway team.

The team dogs were eventually caught further down the trail with the help of

skilled spectators.

Only three people competed in Skijoring. Steve Diamond earned the win followed by Julie Scott in the two-dog Skijoring competition and Derek Verbong was the only competitor in the one dog category.

The winners of the dog sled races after two days of racing were determined to win while heading into the finals on Sunday.

Continued on Page 3...

A number of communities and municipalities are issuing reminders to residents that during the winter months to use caution when moving snow from private property.

Pushing or blowing snow from private property onto roadways creates a significant safety concern.

It can be a hazard for snow removal equipment, and the traveling public. The snow piles act as snow traps causing roads to become blocked and in some cases impassable; and ridges are often left across roads which are especially hazardous at night for drivers who are unable to see them.

For these reasons, residents are being asked not to dispose of their snow on municipal roadways.

There is also confusion on who is responsible for the clearing of wind-rows after the plow has passed.

Town of Niverville council sent out a notice reminding residents that it is their responsibility to clean up the snow left at the end of their driveways and sidewalks.

In some communities this causes anger and frustration, but in Lorette, residents are looking out for each other by using snow blowers and all terrain vehicles to clean up each other’s driveways.

The Town of Niverville is also among several communities that have asked residents to be aware that when cleaning snow from and around property to not cover or block access to fire hydrants.

The Town of Niverville issued a notice stating that the Operations Department is working to clear the hydrants in Town but Fire/EMS Service would like to remind the public to keep fire hydrants clear on their property. “This is valuable time lost in the event of an emergency if we have to dig out a hydrant,� stated the town.

It is also illegal to push snow from private property into municipal roadways or ditches. Should a resident be caught causing issues with snow removal, they could be fined and charged for any removal costs if the municipality removes the snow, or be responsible for damages that may occur as a result.

February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

School Capital Projects Receive Provincial Funds

On January 14, the new school huts arrived at the Collège Lorette Collegiate.

A number of school capital projects in three local school divisions have received funding from the province as part of $129.5 million plan for school divisions across Manitoba.

Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen was pleased to make the announcement. “We continue to make significant investments on new schools as well as major additions and renovations to existing schools,” said Goertzen. “Manitoba has more than 600 schools and this funding will help them remain safe and functional. Growing communities will also benefit from new school facilities to meet their needs.”

Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagassé, welcomed the news that the government has provided fund-

ing for school capital projects in the constituency. “Our government is committed to ensuring Manitoba students are able to learn in safe and well-functioning environments,” said Lagassé. “I am pleased that we are delivering to support the needs of families in our communities.”

This funding is part of a significant, province-wide investment in new school facilities, infrastructure renewal, major additions and renovations, and new child care centres.

In the Dawson Trail constituency, funded projects include a building envelope retro-fit, exterior wall and roof replacement at École Ile-desChenes School; two newly constructed modular classroom units at Collège Lorette Collegiate and two modular classroom units at École/ Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy in Ile des Chenes.

The list includes several multiyear capital projects including six new classrooms, a new gymnasium and a free-standing child-care centre for 74 children (18,863 square feet) at La Salle School in the Seine River School Division and also includes renovating the old gymnasium to create new classrooms and a new library; and a grades 9 to 12 school in Niverville in Hanover School Division that are approximately halfway through construction and set to open in September 2019.

Other ongoing projects that will receive funding include roof replacements in the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM), Seine River, and Hanover. As well there will be mechanical system replacements in DSFM and Hanover, structural upgrades in DSFM and accessibility projects in Hanover.

Graydon Leads Push to Stop Daylight Savings Time On January 18, Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon took his fight to stop daylight savings time in Manitoba by launching stoptheswitch.com.

According to Graydon, the site was launched due to significant interest from the public. “There is no cost associated with abolishing DST, however, the government of Manitoba would be protecting the people of Manitoba from all the negatives associated with changing the time,” stated Graydon. “While at the same time saving money for MPIC, the health care system, and aiding the education system by not disrupting the routine of the students, leading to greater learning capacity year round.”

Graydon claims hundreds of Manitobans signed petitions of support as well as countless letters of support from people across the province asking how else they can be involved. “We launched the website to provide members of the public an opportunity to participate and have their voices heard,” Gray-

Screenshot of site launched by Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon to gain support to stop daylight savings in Manitoba.

don continued.

The website gives residents an opportunity to show support towards Bill 205, which proposes an end to Daylight Savings time in Manitoba, and allow for the switch to Central Standard Time as of November 2019.

Research shows that there are significant unrealized health and safety risks to daylight savings time due to accumulating a sleep debt that can last for 4 - 6 days, noted Dr. Diana McMillan, a sleep

expert at the University of Manitoba. “In fall, you also see that most individuals stay up but do not or cannot stay asleep an hour extra in the morning and so the extra hour is not gained at all, and sleep deprivation is potentially cumulative over the first 4 to 5 days following the return to standard time as well,” McMillan added.

Studies have shown a spike of 20% increase in traffic accidents and a 25% in heart attacks, in the week after the time change.

Zwaagstra Reappointed to Board of Reference Grunthal teacher and City of Steinbach councillor is one of three members of the Board of Reference to be reappointed recently by Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen.

The Board of Reference decides matters related to school division and district boundaries at the request of individual landowners, First Nation’s band councils, school boards or the minister of education

and training.

“These experienced board members have worked hard to balance public requests with the needs of school divisions,” said Goertzen. “I’m pleased that they will continue to ensure fair, equitable decisions are made.”

The minister confirmed that Zwaagstra was one of the reappointments. Zwaagstra teaches at Green Valley School, in Grunthal and has been a City of Steinbach councillor since

2010. He is also involved in the community by serving on several boards and teaching classes for adults at his local church.

Goertzen noted these appointments are part of the Manitoba government’s efforts to refresh the province’s agencies, boards, and commissions to ensure Manitobans continue to be represented in these important positions by highly qualified and enthusiastic individuals.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2019

Dog Sled Races a Highlight at the Vita Winter Festival Dog Sled Races a Highlight at the Vita Winter Festival The top three winners in the 6 dog races were Benjamin Thompson, Darcy Garson and Loretta Dykun.

In the ten dog race Samuel Laforce finished in first, followed by Jake Robinson from Bemidji, Minnesota and Carl Knudson.

Other events that drew crowds included the toboggan hill, fireworks, canteen, bonfire, dog sled rides, craft and vendor show, borscht making contest, hockey tourna-

Despite the frigid temperatures, the dogs were thrilled to be on the track as twelve teams raced from Vita to Caliento and back.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Grunthal Apartment Fire Deemed Accidental Six adults and two children lost their homes after two separate blazes resulted in the destruction of a five suite Grunthal apartment building.

During the evening of January 27, the Grunthal Fire Department was called to an apartment fire on Oak Street, in Grunthal.

Firefighters attended the blaze and stayed on scene until the fire was put out. A few hours later, fire crews were called back to the building after reports of a second blaze, which was more stubborn.

Landlord, Ryan Friesen told media that he was shocked by the event. He confirmed that all tenants have found places to stay with family and friends. He added that the Red Cross has also reached out to his tenants.

According to the Office of the Fire Commissioner,

the building was destroyed as a result of two unrelated blazes. The cause of the initial fire that began Sunday night was determined to be from an improperly used humidifier. The second blaze, which took place Monday, was caused

by a space heater plugged into an extension cord.

As a result of the two fires, the building was completely destroyed.

Damages have been estimated at about $600,000.

The next morning, classes were cancelled at Green Valley School while fire crews worked to put out a second blaze in the same building.

Flames pour out of a Grunthal apartment complex on Oak Avenue on January 28.

Continued from Page 1...

ment, kids spiel curling, community pancake breakfast, horse drawn sleigh rides, kids tournament and children’s activities.

The winner of the Borscht Competition was Casey Shpak with her cabbage borscht.

The annual winter event started three years ago, thanks to a $10,000 tourism grant as a fundraiser for the Vita Community Recreation Centre.

February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Moving Manitoba into Fiscal Balance

Education and Health Care a Priority for Manitobans

I’m hoping to spend lots of time out and about in the constituency this month, before the legislative session picks up again in March.

And some exciting events are being held in Dawson Trail this winter.

February is also “I Love to Read Month”, when schools across Manitoba celebrate literacy. I plan to stop by elementary schools throughout Dawson Trail and read to some of the classes. I look forward to sharing the importance and joy of reading with students.

And on February 11, I will be hosting another Coffee with Bob. This time the gathering will be held at the Villa Youville care home in Ste. Anne, and will feature local musicians along with coffee, tea and snacks.

When I join my fellow MLAs to resume proceedings in the House next month, we will move forward once again with legislation to improve our province and the lives of Manitobans. Our government is making steady progress, in particular, in fixing Manitoba’s finances.

Halfway through the 2018-19 fiscal year the projected provincial deficit was $3 million lower than what had been forecast last year. This indicates that our careful management has been successful as we move toward balancing Manitoba’s books during our second term.

The recently released second-quarter financial report affirms our fiscal discipline and accountability to taxpayers, citing a summary deficit of $518 million - a significant $177 million improvement over the 2017-18 year-end deficit of $695 million.

Our government is making these gains with disciplined spending throughout the public sector. For a third straight year, we are on pace for government expenses to be on or under budget while we invest more than ever for Manitoba in family services, education and health care.

A lot of work remains for us to return to fiscal balance, though we promised Manitobans we would return the budget to balance in our second term. We will keep that promise with smart management and discipline, while steering our province in the right direction.

We are only one month into 2019, but a lot has been happening as our government continues to move Manitoba in the right direction.

We all know how important education is to the success of young Manitobans and to our province as a whole. That’s why our government has announced a new commission to undertake a once-in-a-generation review of Manitoba’s entire kindergarten to Grade 12 education system.

This review will be comprehensive and independent, touching on all aspects of the elementary and secondary education system, and will involve feedback from students, parents, educators and any Manitobans who would like to contribute.

Manitoba students have fallen behind those in other provinces in reading, math and science on pan-Canadian and international assessments. We need to change this trend to ensure that Manitoba’s students are prepared for post-secondary education, other training or the workforce.

The commission will focus on a range of issues. What should the goals of K-12 education be in a rapidly changing world? What are the conditions required for students to achieve excellence? How can teachers become most effective? What is required to ensure that the system is sustainable while providing equitable learning opportunities for all children and youth?

Public engagement activities for the review are to begin early this year. The commission will submit a report to the Minister of Education and Training in February 2020. Further information is available at edu.gov.mb.ca/educationreview/publications.

Of course, health care is also very important to all Manitobans. Our government has brought forward a new regulation that defines health sector bargaining units and employer organizations. This is another step to improve patient care and to reduce administrative costs and inefficiencies.

Manitoba’s health-care system has more than 180 bargaining units and collective agreements, while British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan combined have fewer than 20. Clearly, this high number of bargaining units has led to inefficiencies and artificial barriers in Manitoba’s health-care system, in which employees doing similar jobs have different terms of employment.

The new regulation will define bargaining units by the work people do, rather than where they do it, and will create flexibility to help our system focus more on the needs of patients. Our government’s health system transformation is designed to improve care for Manitobans while ensuring the system’s long-term sustainability.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you with your questions or concerns. I can be reached at my constituency office at 204-424-5406, at my legislature office at 204-945-4339 or at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.

Canada’s Diplomacy on the World Stage To many Canadians, this is probably the first time international law is front and has centre stage in the present news cycle.

It is probably a surprise for some to learn that we must apprehend an individual from another country at the behest of a third country, but this legal process is in play at the behest of the third country. This legal procedure is in play continuously between democratic countries and more frequently than we would imagine.

This time around it happens to be a citizen of China apprehended in Canada at the request of the USA which has asked for her extradition.

This process involves the rights to a lawyer by the accused. In this case the Americans will put forward a case and the Chinese citizen will put forward her defense. The judge then rules that either the Americans have a good case or not. If there is a case for extradition the ball ends up on the desk of the attorney general of Canada who must make a decision to extradite or not. He or she has very little latitude for a nay vote. A nay vote may occur for instance if there is too much of political overtone ingrained in the extradition request that may overtly pervert the law of extradition, which could negatively affect this request.

The Chinese citizen in this case is the CFO of Huawei Technologies Co., Meng Wanzhou. The Americans have 13 different indictments to present. The Chinese are not it seems well versed either on the extradition laws or democracies. Instead they are applying dictatorial pressure on Canada; they do not appreciate our rule of law constraints. Their lack of fair play with their own citizens has been on display since even before Tiananmen Square where they used tanks to slaughter their own citizens. They have imprisoned two Canadians as a security danger to China and have retried a Canadian in jail on drug charges who was facing 15 years, but is now resentenced to death.

The American President has twice said that he would trade this Chinese citizen for a favourable outcome on ongoing trade negotiations with China. So much for the rule of law by this American, a “wanna be” dictator. That posturing is definitely introducing political overtones in the already difficult legal miasma.

Our Canadian ambassador got involved with political overtones also, he got fired, fittingly so!

Adhering to the rule of law is what gives Canada its soul. I hope we come out of this not too damaged, Many other democracies are vouching for us, which is certainly welcomed. At least we are not the only ones with soul.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2019

In 2019, Canadians Will Have a Clear Choice

Because he has never had to worry about money, Justin Trudeau doesn’t understand the struggles Canadians are facing and, as a result, doesn’t give a second thought to spending your hard-earned money to pay for his mistakes.

He promised he’d balance the budget in 2019 or rather, that the budget would balance itself. Instead, he’s continued to spend your money. The deficit will be more than $21 billion this year alone. According to Finance Canada, the budget will not be balanced until at least 2040, racking up an additional $271 billion of debt.

Every year that Justin Trudeau runs deficits he is borrowing money from future generations. Today’s deficits are tomorrow’s taxes. 90% of Canadian families are already paying higher taxes under the Liberals and there are more new taxes being planned.

There’s the Carbon Tax that will see Canadian families paying a minimum additional $1,100 per year while Canada’s largest emitters are exempt. Then there’s $372.5 million to his pals at Bombardier, $600 million to media outlets, $4.5 billion on a pipeline that he can’t get built and billions more on illegal migrants.

Throw in some lavish overseas trips, celebrity chefs, multiple nannies, cardboard cut-outs, and his attempts to buy a UN seat… The list goes on and on. Canadians deserve a government that understands their needs and sees them as people, not ATMs. Conservatives are working hard to show Canadians that there is an alternative to Justin Trudeau: To his out of control spending, his neverending tax hikes and his inability

to get things done on the issues that matter most to them.

As we head into this election year, Canadians across the country are looking for an alternative. Many ask who is Andrew Scheer and what is his vision for Canada?

Andrew was born in Ontario on May 20, 1979. His mother, Mary, was a nurse and father, James, was a librarian.

Andrew studied history at the University of Ottawa. While he was a student, he also worked part time for, then Opposition Leader, Preston Manning. Andrew finished his degree at the University of Regina where he met his lovely wife Jill (they married in 2003).

After he graduated, Andrew worked in insurance and then went to work for Regina area MP Larry Spencer. He also worked for a time as a waiter. In 2004, Andrew was first elected to the House of Commons for the riding of Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, defeating, then longest serving Member of Parliament, NDP MP Lorne Nystrom.

He was only 25 years old at the time.

In April 2006, Scheer was named Deputy Speaker (one of the youngest Members of Parliament to serve in that role in Commonwealth history). He also sponsored new tough on crime legislation.

When the Conservative Party won a majority government in the 2011 federal election, Scheer (32) became the youngest House Speaker in Canadian history.

Support Program Offered at Resource Centre The Steinbach Resource Centre is the new home for a valuable support program geared towards helping those suffering from pregnancy or infant loss.

The SHARE Program was launched in 2017 by Candance Loewen, after her personal loss left her looking for support. Since inception, the program has been held around Steinbach, but until now, did not have a permanent home.

Jo-Anne Dalton, Executive Director at the Steinbach Family Resource Centre, said that he reached out to Loewen during her own experience after coming across information on the program. “We support families through all aspects of pregnancy, birth, infancy and everything that goes along with growing families.

Loss and infertility are a very real part of that process for so many families,” Dalton explained.

The connection came at the perfect time for SHARE as Loewen was looking for a permanent location to host the support group after the local library was unable to accommodate

the program any longer due to their own growing needs.

Dalton said that holidays and the long winter months can be especially difficult for families who have experienced the loss of a baby, or who are struggling to bring a child into their family. “We are so glad to be able to offer this program jointly at SFRC,” Loewen added.

“SHARE’s mission is to serve those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life.”

The next SHARE meeting is taking place on January 10.

After that, the program will meet every first Thursday of the month.

For more information on this or any other program offered at the Steinbach Family Resource Centre, visit steinbachfrc.com or email family@steinbachfrc. com.

When Prime Minister Steven Harper resigned as leader in 2015, Andrew, at the urging of many of his colleagues, set his sights on the Conservative leadership.

He announced his run for the leadership in September of 2016 and I was proud to be among the first MP’s to endorse him. In November of 2016, I was pleased to welcome and host Andrew in our riding of Provencher. Coming from Regina, Andrew has a deep understanding of the issues we face here on the prairies. He is fluently bilingual.

Andrew Scheer also understands the values of faith, family, and community, which were key in gaining my support.

(He’s also a Jets fan, which helps).

Andrew and his wife Jill have five beautiful children (Thomas, Grace, Madeline, Henry, and Mary) and a minivan. They are still, in many ways, a down to earth, average Canadian family. As a result, they understand the needs and issues faced by Canadians.

After running a strong campaign, based on solid Conservative principles, I was so pleased to see Andrew Scheer elected as the second leader of the Conservative Party of Canada on May 27, 2017.

Part of Andrew’s positive Conservative vision for when he becomes Prime Minister is to make life more affordable for Canadians. Under the Liberals, as I mentioned, 90% of Canadian families have seen their tax bill go up - with nothing to show for it in return. Andrew has pledged to repeal the Liberal’s Carbon Tax and to bring relief to struggling parents.

He will work hard to secure our border and restore the integrity of our immigration system.

He will continue to build on his previous record of toughening our criminal justice system to keep Canadians safe.

Andrew will be a champion for Canada rather than apologizing for it. I was proud to endorse Andrew Scheer in 2016, and two years later I’m still proud. He will put people before ideology and restore common-sense policy-making to Ottawa.

Canadians often notice that Andrew always has a smile on his face.

I think that is in part due to Jill and the kids, but also due to his bound-

less optimism about Canada. He is always full of hope about who we are and what we can achieve as a Country.

I think that as Canadians get to know Andrew better, a smile will return to their faces too.

As we move forward, Canada’s Conservatives will continue to expose Justin Trudeau’s many failures and how Canadians will pay more for them, while presenting our own positive vision for creating opportunity to help Canadians get ahead.

Please feel free to contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933or at 204-326-9889. Visit me on Facebook at Facebook.com/TedFalkMP. You may also write my office at 76 PTH 12N, Steinbach MB, R5G 1T4 or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Ste Anne Mom Wants Seatbelts on School Buses A Ste Anne mother, with a first grader in Ste. Anne Immersion is leading the charge to raise awareness and bring change that could lead to the installation of seatbelts on school buses, especially in rural areas.

Petra Z. McGowan said her daughter spends at least an hour and a half on the school bus every day. “Since the first day my daughter stepped on board the school bus, I felt very uncomfortable and worried constantly about her safety,” said McGowan. “We always hear how important seat belts are. Why are they no longer important when driving a bus full of kids?” she asks.

McGowan and fellow parents have formed a group called Manitoba Parents for Mandatory Seatbelts (now renamed Canadian Parents for Mandatory Seatbelts) with the sole intent of calling on the provincial government to make retrofitting existing school bus seats with three-point seat belts their priority and are asking other parents and grandparents to do the same.

She argued against a study from Transport Canada that has been used to justify the lack of seat belts, concluding that school buses are safer without them and that restraints may actually harm children.

Manitoba Parents for Mandatory Seatbelts believe that it’s time that the province revisits the issue. “I have looked at the conclusions of the study and noticed an immediate elephant in the room.

While it addressed front and rear collisions, it completely omitted side impacts and rollovers. Further to that, a Fifth Estate investigation from 2018 not only pointed this out, but also uncovered that Transport Canada purposefully hid safety data that clearly shows the hazards of school bus crashes being magnified without the use of seatbelts,” she said.

Manitoba Parents for Mandatory Seatbelts would like Manitoba to be the second province to put this forward and they are urging parents to raise this issue with their school boards and legislators.

The province of Ontario currently has a bill on the table that will address this issue if passed.

The Facebook group is sparking a lot of discussion on the topic of school bus safety.

Photo provided by the Canadian Parents for Mandatory Seatbelts Facebook Group

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Conservation District Presents Long Service Awards

Stephan and Quinn Schubert receiving 2018 Conservation District Award with Jim Swidersky, The Honourable Janice C. Filmon, C.M., O.M. Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba; Cornie Goertzen and Jodi Goertzen.

By Marianne Curtis The Seine-Rat Rive Conservation District (SRRCD) was honoured with a special guest during their recent annual general meeting when Lieutenant Governor Janice C. Filmon attended.

According to Cornie Goertzen, Chair of the Board of Directors and Official Spokesperson of the SRRCD, Filmon attended the event to deliver the evenings address and help recognize a number of long service awards to district members.

She also presented the Conservation District Builder Award and Conservation District Award to outstanding community members.

Filmon personally thanked the SRRCD and its volunteer members for their important work and remarked on the successful accomplishments made towards sustainable land and water resource management in the district. “Our water depends on organizations like the Seine-Rat River Conservation District and leaders in conversation like those being honoured tonight,” said Filmon. “These volunteers and role models have worked to keep nutrients out of waterways, reduce erosion, protect groundwater, improve water storage and plan water management and protection across southeastern Manitoba.”

“They realize that water connects everything, living and non-living, human and animal, the past, present and future,” Filmon added. “To all those who work to protect and enhance the rivers and creeks that run through our province, I offer thanks and congratulations on your accomplishments here in the Seine-Rat River Conservation District.”

The SRRCD recognized a number of people for their contributions to sustainable best management practices on their farms in the region and for the health of the watershed.

The Conservation District Award was presented to Stephan and Quinn Schubert.

The 15 Year Board Member Service Award was presented to Cornie Goertzen, who was instrumental in the founding of the conservation district. The Four to 10 Year Board Member Service Awards were presented to Art Bergmann, Bob Brandt, Jim Swidersky and Larry Bugera.

In addition fifteen, 15 Year SubDistrict Member Service Awards were presented to Averil Griffith, Claude Roeland, Eric Wiens, Eugene Lemoine, Harold Janzen, Henry Funk, Jacques Trudeau, Jake Reimer, Mark Reimer, Randy Eros, Raymond Gagné, Richard Bernat, Rod Beckman, Roger Chartier and Ron Vermette.

Left to Right: Jodi Goertzen, SRRCD District Manager; the Honourable Janice C. Filmon, C.M., O.M. Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba; Cornie Goertzen, SRRCD Chair; Jim Swidersky, SRRCD Vice-Chair.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Fundraiser Features Story of Hutterite Martyrs

The Crystal Springs Choir which will be performing at a fundraising supper at the Mennonite Heritage Village on February 8 for the new Peace Exhibit.

A Mennonite Heritage Village fundraising banquet for a new Peace Exhibit on February 8, 6 pm will feature the story of four Hutterite men who were tortured for refusing military service in World War One. Presenting the story will be Dora Maendel, teacher at Fairholme Hutterite Colony. She first heard these stories as a child from her parents and grandparents. As a teenager she passed these on to her siblings and later to her students.

Ms. Maendel has participated in various fesDora Maendel tivals

including the Associated Manitoba Arts Festival and Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival. She sees the stories of the Hutterites as a unique treasure for all to learn from.

All four were young family men, farmers from Rockport Colony in South Dakota. David, Michael and Joseph Hofer, were brothers; Jacob Wipf was the fourth.

All four were sentenced to 20 years hard labour in July, 1918 at Alcatraz where the men slept on concrete floors and received no food for four days. In November, 1918, after the end of the war, they were taken to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. David Hofer and Jacob Wipf were placed in solitary confinement, standing in chains nine hours a day. Michael and Joseph Hofer died there from mistreatment.

These events contributed to the emigration of Hutterites to Canada

after World War One. In addition to the story of these men at the fundraiser, there will be a Hutterite choir from Crystal Springs Colony. The sculptor of the new Dirk Willems statue, Peter Sawatzky, will introduce a short video “Born to Bronze.”

The Mennonite Heritage Village Peace Exhibit presently consists of a memorial to conscientious objectors and a statue of Anabaptist martyr Dirk Willems. The third component of the Peace Exhibit will be the Interpretive Centre where the Anabaptist including Mennonite and Hutterite story of living by the non-violent example of Jesus Christ will be presented in various forms.

Tickets are $25 and are available by contacting the Mennonite Heritage Village at 204326-9661.

Providence Fundraising Surpasses Goal Providence College in Otterburne is starting the year by celebrating having recently surpassed their initial fundraising goal of $12.5 million.

As a result, Providence increased the IMPACT 2020 campaign, which is already the largest fundraising initiative in the institution’s history to $14.5 million.

In a release, President Dr. David Johnson said that, “IMPACT 2020 is revolutionizing Providence.”

Johnson said that by the end of 2018, more than $12.7 million has been committed to the campaign in cash and pledges. The funds came from more than 7,600 gifts on behalf of more than 1,300 donors.

Following the loss of the Bergen Hall residence to fire in June 2017 a committee was struck to oversee the feasibility, planning and construction of a new facility. Last November work commenced at the site that will soon become the brand-new Living and Learning Centre. Housing approximately 60 students and including communal spaces such as a lounge, seminar hub and laundry room, the building will officially open ahead of the 2019-20 school year.

Additional IMPACT 2020 support will be designated to the Living and Learning Centre, as well as ongoing educational and employment

enhancements. “We will continue to enhance our program offerings, improve our facilities and offer more scholarships and bursaries,” explained Johnson.

“Staff and faculty will be better trained and the academic Christian discipleship, we provide every day will continue. Our vision is to be a leading Canadian Christian university.”

The new IMPACT 2020 goal is expected to provide further opportunities for new and existing Providence supporters to be difference-makers in the lives of students.

February 2019

Funding for Dawson Trail Schools Announced Bob Lagassé, MLA for Dawson Trail, welcomed news that the provincial government has provided funding for school capital projects in the Dawson Trail constituency.

“Our Progressive Conservative government is committed to ensuring Manitoba students are able to learn in safe and well-functioning environments,” said Lagassé. “I am pleased that we are delivering to support the needs of families in our communities.”

This funding is part of a significant, province-wide investment in new school facilities, infrastructure renewal, major additions and renovations, and new child care centres.

In the Dawson Trail constituency, funded projects include building envelope retro-fit, exterior wall and roof replacement at École Iledes-Chenes School, two new constructed modular classroom units at Collège Lorette Collegiate and two new constructed modular classroom units at École/Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy.

February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Landmark Fire Department Gets Jaws of Life The Tache Fire Department Station #2 Landmark is giving the community a big shout out after successfully raising money needed to purchase a Jaws of Life for the local department.

Prior to the purchase the Station #1 Lorette was the only department within the municipality that carried the equipment.

The new set of Jaws of Life cost the department $38,000 and was funded solely from the Fire Department’s annual pancake breakfast.

“This purchase, along with many other pieces of specialized fire & rescue equipment, would not be possible without the unbelievable support we receive from the local community and businesses,” Kroeker added.

“After a number of years of saving money from our annual fundraiser, we have saved enough to purchase a new set of extrication tools that are being carried on a fire truck in Landmark,” Kroeker stated. “The new tools were put into service on December 30, 2018. Up till now, only a Lorette fire truck carried the Jaws of Life but now both communities will carry a set.”

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Piney Completes Fire Truck Shelter The RM of Piney has found a way to protect a valuable piece of their history by completing the construction of a picnic shelter to protect the municipality’s first fire truck.

Located at the Piney Fire Hall, the new shelter is designed to perfectly cover the historic vehicle. The 1945 Diamond T, which reads 18,008 miles on the odometer, was last registered to the department in 1998.

According to RM of Piney council, the site is a community space and open for public enjoyment.

Funding for the shelter came from community development grants received from the province.

One of the Landmark volunteers trying out the new set of Jaws of Life.

The RM of Piney has built a picnic shelter to protect this 1945 Diamond T fire truck.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Cartoonist Réal Bérard Presented with Order of Canada

Members of the Landmark Fire Department with their new set of Jaws of Life.

Photos courtesy of Tache Fire Department

A well known Manitoba artist and political cartoonist from St. PierreJolys is one of five Manitoban’s who recently were presented with the prestigious Order of Canada.

Political cartoonist and artist Réal Bérard, also known by his pen name Cayouche was appointed to the order for, “His contributions as a visual artist and cartoonist and for his support of various fundraisers benefiting the Franco-Manitoban community.”

According to the St. Boniface Historical Society, Bérard was born in St. Pierre-Jolys in 1935 and worked for Manitoba’s parks department before becoming a cartoonist for La Liberté. He studied painting at the Manitoba Technical Institute between 1953 and 1954.

Bérard became well known as a diverse artist back in 1975 through an exhibition at the Center culturel franco-manitobain. The catalog of the exhibition prepared by Bernard Mulaire, published by Éditions du blé in the Miroir collection, lists 99 of these works. He also worked as an illustrator for the CBC. Starting in 1982, under the Cayouche pen name, he drew cartoons every week in the Franco-Manitoban weekly La Liberté. In 1992, with the collaboration of Bernard Bocquel, he published at Éditions du Blé a collection of his caricatures entitled Les caricatures de Cayouche.

The Order of Canada is how Canada honours people who make extraordinary contributions to the nation. Since its creation in 1967 more than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

St. Pierre-Jolys native Real Berard receives the prestigious Order of Canada from Canada’s Governor General, Julie Payette during a special presentation on February 1.

Submitted photo

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Tickets on Sale for Dog Park Comedy Night Fundraiser

February 2019

Local Food Initiative Featured on Municipality’s Website

By Marianne Curtis

The Niverville Dog Park offers many unique features designed to stimulate play and socialization.

By Marianne Curtis Tickets are now on sale for a one of a kind comedy night that is taking place in Niverville in support of the community’s off-leash dog park.

On February 23, the Friends of Niverville Dog Park are hosting a fundraiser comedy night on to raise monies to maintain the regions only fenced in off-leash dog park.

The evening entertainment features “Raise the Woof” comedy show from Los Angeles.

Raise The Woof is a stand up comedy event that works with animal

shelters and rescue groups to help with much needed fundraising. All profits will stay in the community to help maintain and improve the Niverville Dog Park.

According to Barry Piasta, the park has become a destination spot for many dog owners from other Manitoba locations. “The Niverville Dog Park has over fifty visits per day by dog owners and their dogs,” said Piasta. “The funds will be used to maintain and bring new concepts to our destination dog park.”

The Niverville Dog Park is especially unique in Manitoba. It was

File photo

created thanks to the efforts if Piasta and a group of volunteers who helped prepare the site. The park contains many features that encourage exploration and stimulate play, which attracts groups such as the Winnipeg Dog Club.

Get your tickets now for the “Raise the Woof” Comedy night at Golden Friendship Drop-In Centre in Niverville on 118 2nd Ave S. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 each, available at Ruffmutts Grooming, 18 Hill Crest Court, Barry at 204-510-4299 or Christiane 204-297-9240.

Truck Stolen Off Side of Highway On January 29 Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen truck off of highway 210 just North of Giroux. The vehicle was described as a Grey 2005 GMC Sierra with Manitoba Licence plate GAX472. Owner of the vehicle told RCMP that he

had broken down on the 210 and left his vehicle over night. When he returned in the morning to retrieve it, it was no longer there.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP

Local Business Directory

Detachment at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.manitobacrimestoppers. com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Almost two dozen producers from both the RMs of Stuartburn and Emerson-Franklin are working together to create a direct marketing food initiative of their products to local residents.

According to Laura Reeves, the Stuartburn-Franklin Local Food Initiative is in the process of gathering profiles of all direct-market local food and other products in the area.

To date twenty-one producers have signed up.

“We could get almost everything we need, from each other.

As we move toward summer, our plan is to increase public awareness of what our communities have to offer and encourage people to support their neighbours,” said Reeves. “We want to create a hub and set up a local distribution centre so that instead of traveling 2 miles to get eggs, and 25 miles for meat, all producers can bring their stuff to one spot where people can pick up their order.”

The initiative started last April, with the group sending out two surveys, one for producers and one for customers asking people to share their thoughts on buying/selling local.

“We had over 50 responses from interested customers who told us what types of products

they’d like to buy local, how far they would travel for them, suggested locations for a distribution centre, etc.” Reeves explained. “Eleven producers responded to let us know what they have to offer, how often they’d be willing to deliver their products to a distribution centre, location suggestions, etc. We also collected contact info for additional producers in the area and got in touch with them.”

As a result, twenty-one producers are on board offering meat, chicken, beef and pork, dairy products, produce and herbs, preserves, baked goods, grains and flours, wool products, cosmetics such as soap and salve and books.

To start, the producer/product profiles will be featured on the RMs of Stuartburn and Emerson-Franklin websites, Reeves explained. “The RMs have already offered space on their websites,” Reeves continued. “People will be able to see what’s available from the community and get their products directly from the producer or from the distribution centre.”

Local producers in the RM’s of Stuartburn and EmersonFranklin are encouraged to contact the Stuartburn-Franklin Local Food Initiative at initiativelocalfood@gmail.com or call Laura at 204-425-3520.

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February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Missing Ideas

It’s funny how there are times when I know that I need to write this column but when it comes time to sit down and put my fingers to the keyboard... nada, zip, zero. The ideas that I had throughout the month have fled away and are hiding somewhere in my brain, probably behind the boxes of old knockknock jokes that I have stacked in the back. The ideas may even be doing laps around the track that circles around and crisscrosses throughout my brain.

Some of these tracks are reserved for the thoughts that keep me awake at night but the column topic ideas may have found another line of tracks that I haven’t used in awhile and they could be sitting at a dead-end spur somewhere in the dusty recess of my cranium. I may have to send out a search party for them so that you can meet them next month. Perhaps, I may just let them wander back on their own, after all, ‘Not all those who wander are lost’ (J.R.R. Tolkien).

I’m thinking that I should really follow through on the idea that when I get an idea, whether it’s for this column or for a story, I should write it down and that would help to keep these little ideas corralled so that when I would need to saddle one up, I would have it near enough to go for a quick ride.

I should also try to find a time to write this column when I have a more quiet and peaceful time. Often as I write, I am interrupted by someone entering my office (such as occurred just after I wrote this line) or I am hearing my children in a different room loudly discussing something (such as one brother is moving his sister’s candy and she loudly tells him not to).

All in all, it’s not too bad but maybe I should write once they are in bed but, by that time, I’m often to the point where I would rather just kick back with my wife and take a moment to relax. Either way, it’s all good.

PS: High-five from me to you if you knew that J.R.R. Tolkien quote.

Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2019

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February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Piney Hires Consultant for Development Plan Review The RM of Piney has officially begun the lengthy process of reviewing the municipal development plan by hiring a consultant.

According to the municipal act, municipalities must develop a development plan that guides where and how land should be used and developed in the next twenty years. Municipalities are expected to review their plan every seven years and the current development plan was adopted back in 2010.

To proceed, council hired Allison Driedger from Bluestem Development. She will work closely with council, administration and other members as part of the process. Meetings will take place with stakeholders, including residents, people using services in the municipality, municipal council and the provincial government.

Items being looked at as part of the development plan review process will be where aggregate sources are and how to protect them. The review will focus on area transportation systems, safety on highways, existing agriculture and future development of land use in commercial, cottage and recreational areas.

The RM of Piney anticipates that it will take about two years to complete a draft. During this time meetings with stakeholders will take place as part of the process. Residents will be given several opportunities to review the plan before it gains councils final approval.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Trails Ready for Actif Epica

By Marianne Curtis On February 18, Actif Epica, Manitoba’s most gruelling ultra endurance event will be taking to the Crow Wing Trail for the 9th year in a row.

This will be the third year that the event will serve as a qualifier for the internationally-renowned Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska, becoming one of only 7 events globally. Dubbed “A Celebration of Human Resilience,” Actif Epica has drawn participants from as far as California, Colorado and even Brazil. Previous editions have drawn up to 80 registrants.

Spanning the Crow Wing Trail, Actif Epica is adding options for its ever expanding challenge that includes a new 54 km bike or run option that starts in Niverville. “We’ve added this event because we’ve received feedback from potential participants who say our longer events are just a bit more than they’re interested in. Maybe this seems odd coming from

one of the race committee members of an ultra-endurance event, but let me tell you, I get it,” explained one of the organizers.

Besides the new 54 km option, bike riders or runners can complete in the 125 km route beginning in St. Malo and for hardcore cyclists an earlier start is taking place in Emerson (200 km) and runners beginning in Ridgeville (162 km).

Spectators are encouraged to gather along the Crow Wing Trail to cheer riders along, or meet at any of the checkpoints in St. Malo, Niverville, Emerson, Ridgeville and St. Adolphe. The race ends at The Forks, in Winnipeg.

The race has earned several distinctions, including being named as one of Canada’s 10 Big Rides (Canadian Cycling Magazine, 2013), a Manitoba Tourism Award for Event of the Year (2014) and one of Canada’s ultimate adventures (Impact Magazine, 2016).

Visit actifepi.ca for more information.

The Actif Epica ground crew has been out scouting the trails in preparation for the upcoming race which will take Supplied photo place along the Crow Wing Trail in February.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Ile des Chenes Hosts 3rd Annual Snowman Festival

There were tons of indoor and outdoor activities available for the kids during the Ile des Chenes Snowman Festival.

By Marianne Curtis On February 1 and 2, the community of Ile des Chenes gathered for the third annual Snowman Festival.

The event was launched two years ago by the Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce with hopes that community groups would take ownership in the family friendly snow day.

While the Chamber spearheads the festival, the organizing committee encourages

community organizations and businesses to help run the activities. The two day festival is entirely volunteer driven and sponsored by several local businesses.

This year’s event kicked off Friday evening with fireworks and a family dance night at the TransCanada Centre.

The next morning, the community gathered again for a day filled with

Photo by Marianne Curtis

activities including numerous children’s carnival games, bouncers, face painting and arts and crafts.

The highlight of the day was the Snow and Shine which brought out old and new snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles for a unique show, bonfire with the Ritchot Fire Department, and toboggan slide. The day also included a cribbage tournament and Chili and Pea Soup cook offs.

Continued on page 14...

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Manitoba’s Educational Funding Sees Increase In a recent announcement, the provincial funding for public elementary and secondary education will increase by $6.6 million for the 2019-20 school year to a total in excess of $1.329 billion.

According to Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen, this is the highest level of funding in Manitoba history. “This is the highest level of funding in Manitoba history that shows our commitment to Manitoba students despite our current economic realities,” said Goertzen. “Since 2016, our government has increased funding to school divisions by more than $26 million.”

Goertzen explained that school funding is calculated using the Funding of Schools Program formula, which guarantees divisions receive at least 98 per cent of the previous year’s total. Funding increases or decreases are based on several factors that include a change in enrollment numbers, capital costs, equalization payments and the phase-out of the Tax Incentive Grant.

The province is directing divisions to cap increases to their local education property tax at two percent for the 2019-20 school year and will ask divisions to continue to reduce administrative costs. “We appreciate school divisions’ efforts to help control costs and create efficiency in the public education system,” said Goertzen. “As divisions create their budgets for the year ahead, we hope they make decisions that consider both students’ needs and the impact on taxpayers.”

The minister noted the mandate under The Public Services Sustainability Act (Bill 28) will help relieve financial pressure on school divisions and control salary costs, which represent about 80 percent of education expenses.

Goertzen also announced a Commission on Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education, which will guide a comprehensive independent review of Manitoba’s education system and include public consultation in the months ahead. The minister expects the commission to submit a report with key findings and recommendations by February 2020.

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February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Lorette Taekwondo Students Bring Home the Hardware

By Marianne Curtis On January 19, ten students from the Lorette Branch of Spirit 1 Taekwondo Academy competed in the 7th annual Winter Classic Taekwondo Tournament at the West Kildonan Collegiate in Winnipeg. This is a Taekwondo Manitoba event.

The students range in ages, 7 to 31 years and hold white to red belts. Three of the competitors are young students holding the rank of 1st Poom Black Belt. There are two events, sparring and patterns.

According to Lionel Bernier, Instructor with Spirit 1 Taekwondo Academy Lorette Branch, the Lorette Spirit 1 team of competitors contributed 10 medals to the overall total of 44 won by the Spirit 1 Taekwondo Academy.

Coming away with medals were Rya Bernier, who won two Silver Medals, along with Carter Tardiff who a Silver in pattern competition and Bronze in sparring. Isabella Joyce won Silver in sparring and Bronze in patterns, Adison Paul won two Bronze Medals, Gaiden Bernier won Bronze in patterns, and Kieran Oman won Bronze in sparring.

Charlie Tardiff, Casia Schreyer, Grayson Wiebe, and Julien Comia did not medal. This tournament was the first competition for Joyce, Wiebe, Oman and Comia.

This was the second tournament of a four tournament series aptly named the Ultimate Taekwondo Super Series at the end of which, series champions will be named in 10 categories 5 female and 5 male and a club grand champion.

Back row: Lionel Bernier (Instructor), Elisabeth Fust (Assistant Instructor), Master Michael Tam, Aaron Bernier (Instructor & Coach), Edric Comia (Coach) and Casia Schreyer (Student).

Second row: Adison Paul, Gaiden Bernier, Rya Bernier, Kieran Oman, Charlie Tardiff and Carter Tardiff. Front row: Grayson Wiebe, Isabella Joyce and Julien Comia. Providede photo.

Ile des Chenes Hosts 3rd Annual Snowman Festival Funds raised at the event go towards a fund to create a bigger and better event next year. Organizers

... Continued from Page 13

encourage community groups to think the continued growth and success of the ahead and take advantage of the event by event. bringing their ideas to the table to ensure

The Garage Inc. Snow and Shine entries were a huge hit at the third annual IDC Snowman Festival. Adam Yatsko from St. Malo brought out part of his collection of vintage sleds for the 3rd Annual Garage Inc Snow and Shine.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Mayor Welcomes Residents to Open Door Day

Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk welcomes residents to meet with him twice a month during Citizen Open Door Day.

Starting February, Steinbach residents are invited to meet with newly elected Mayor Earl Funk during Citizen Open Door Day. According to the City of Steinbach, Citizen Open Door Day will be a great way for citizens to access the Mayor’s office without an appointment. The Mayor will be available the first and third Friday of each month from 1 - 3 pm at his office in the Steinbach City Hall, on Reimer Ave. The only exception will be in December.

Citizen Open Door Day is expected to provide residents with an opportunity to meet with Funk in a private, yet informal manner. During these events Funk hopes to hear what residents have to say about Steinbach their views, ideas, and visions for the city.

Residents will be given 10 minutes to discuss their issues privately with the mayor on a first come, first served basis.

Funk was elected as City of Steinbach’s Mayor in the October municipal elections.

Prior to his election, he held office as city councillor. When not in the mayoral chair, Funk is busy operating his business Earls Meat Market, which has been in operation for 27 years.

Steinbach RCMP Respond to Disturbance On January 1 at approximately 1:39 am, Steinbach RCMP responded to a call of a disturbance at a residence located on McKenzie Avenue in Steinbach. As they were approaching the area, police located the suspect breaking into a nearby parked vehicle. The suspect was eventually arrested after fighting with police. The suspect sustained minor injuries from breaking the car window.

After the arrest Police returned to the residence and located a 28-year-old female suffering from serious injuries. She was transported to the local hospital and transferred

to Winnipeg, where she remains in stable condition. A 35-year-old male suffered non-life threatening injuries when he tried to assist the female victim. All are residents of Steinbach.

RCMP have charged 27-year-old Harley Delorme with Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Aggravated Assault, Assault on Police Officer, Resist Arrest and Mischief Under $5,000. He was remanded in custody and appeared in Winnipeg Provincial Court on January 2.

The suspect and the female victim were known to each other.

Several Break-Ins and Thefts in Steinbach and Area Between December 20 and January 3, RCMP received several reports of break, enter and thefts similar in nature.

In all instances, culprit(s) stole a variety of tools and equipment, too many to mention.

Three of the break-ins and thefts were to a business located on Clearspring Road. The others were to construction trailers located in various areas of Steinbach.

The estimated loss is well over $25,000

and will continue to climb once more estimates are received.

Police are continuing to investigate, if you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

February 2019

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February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

CRA Increases Auditing I have noticed in the past few years, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has increased the number of tax returns that they are asking for additional information to support claims for credits or deductions.

It is possible CRA has increased its reviews and audits because there are more “do-it-your-selfers” each year. Tax software programs are available and the ads seem to make it easy to file your own tax returns. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. If you are claiming some of the following commonly audited items, maybe you should seek professional help.

If you get a letter from CRA asking for information do not ignore it. You must respond, even if to ask for more time to get the information they are requesting. And my suggestion is to not to do it on your own. Ask for help from a professional tax preparer. We know more about what information CRA is asking for and how to get the full information to CRA. I have met several taxpayers in the past six months that tried to respond to CRA on their own and it’s been a nightmare for them.

There are a few common deductions or credits that CRA seems to be focused on.

Employment expenses are one deduction that CRA needs every receipt and every supporting document in order to make the claim.

First you need the T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment signed by your employer in order to claim any employment expenses.

And the biggest concern seems to be vehicle expenses, which tend to be large.

If you are required to use your own vehicle for the benefit of your employer, you may be able to claim the expenses. But you better have every single receipt for fuel and maintenance and insurance.

And you need to keep excellent records of every day the vehicle is used: you need perfect logs of use of the vehicle for every day.

You need to prove how much the vehicle was used for employment purposes versus commuting and personal purposes. And you need to have the total kilometers used for the year (read the odometer at January 1 and December 31).

Another claim that CRA seems to be focusing on is the custody and the claim of children after a separation.

If you have separated from your spouse, you need to keep lots of records that prove you have sole, primary or shared custody

of your children and that you are indeed living separated from your spouse.

If you are the spouse that stays in the home, you need to prove that you no longer live together. It can be tough to do if your departing spouse doesn’t change his or her address on anything (drivers licence, vehicle registration, bank accounts, mobile phone accounts, and lives with family). If you are the remaining spouse you need to have all mail “return to sender” so there is record that the other spouse no longer lives there.

And make sure all of the professionals in your life make notes about your separation: schools, daycare, doctors, dentists, bankers, and as many other people as possible in case you need “third party” letters from people who can confirm to CRA that you are indeed separated and what the custody arrangement are. If you are renting, make sure your landlord changes the names on the lease.

If you are paying for spousal support, keep all documents that show you paid the amounts and the payee (your ex-spouse). CRA needs to see the separation agreement and the cancelled cheques or copies of the direct payments (etransfer or direct deposit).

Moving expenses are almost

always reviewed by CRA. You need all the receipts for the amounts you have claimed. Include a letter from your new employer that you were not reimbursed for any of the expenses.

Most of the credits that CRA normally asks about are fairly easily to defend, including medical expenses and charitable donations.

Medical travel seems to be the one item CRA is getting picky about.

Keep appointment cards of your appointments or contact Manitoba Health for a full list of all your appointments for the year.

When you claim the deduction for child care, make sure the receipt clearly states who made the payment (especially in separation situations). And if your child care provider is an individual, make sure the receipt clearly states the person’s name and their SIN and the name(s) of the child(ren).

If you get a Notice of Reassessment that you disagree with, it’s important to file a Notice of Objection within 90 days so CRA cannot demand immediate payment. It buys you some time to get all your documents together to send in your “appeal”.

As we approach the beginning of the 2018 tax filing season (we can

start e-filing February 18 2019), make sure that for every credit or deduction you are claiming, you have the full supporting documents you will need in case CRA asks for them.

You have until April 30 2019 to file your 2018 taxes. This date is important if you owe CRA. There are penalties if you are late. If you are expecting a refund, there is no penalty. If you are self-employed and claim your business net income on your personal taxes, you and your spouse have until June 15, 2019 to file your taxes and pay no penalty. And if you owe, the interest (6% per year) starts May, 1 2019.

Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact Ste Anne Tax Service at 204-422-6631 or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Clearview Co-op) or Info@SteAnneTaxService.ca.

Tips for Avoiding Real Estate Fraud As housing prices climb in many markets across the country, real estate fraud can become a much more enticing prospect for scammers.

While it’s one of the lesserknown kinds of fraud in Canada, its impact can be devastating.

There are two types of real estate fraud that may result in financial losses for home owners — title fraud and foreclosure fraud.

Title fraud happens when a fraudster steals the title to a home. This type of fraud is usually committed after the fraudster steals the owner’s identity, when they sell the home or apply for a new mortgage against it.

Foreclosure fraud happens when homeowners having difficulty making their payments mistakenly turn to a fraudster who convinces them to transfer their property title in return for a loan. Often, the fraudster keeps their loan payments and resells or remortgages the victim’s home.

Fortunately, you can protect

yourself with these simple tips: 1. Safeguard your personal financial information.

2. Consult your lawyer before giving another person a right to deal with your home or other assets.

3. Contact your mortgage lender first if you are having difficulty making your mortgage payments.

4. Research the company or individual who is offering you a loan.

5. Do a land title search with your provincial or territorial land registry office. This search will show the name of the property owner and any mortgages or liens registered on the title.

6. Consider buying title insurance to protect against title fraud.

Find more information at Canada.ca/it-pays-to-know Article courtesy of News Canada

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2019

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Free Libraries Coming to RM of Stuartburn

By Marianne Curtis A well known Gardenton area author and local volunteer is pooling resources in preparation for launching the first Little Free Library chain in southern Manitoba.

With the help of students from Shevchenko School in Vita, Laura Reeves hopes to have four Little Free Libraries installed and stocked by the end of June. A Little Free Library is a community owned weatherproof bookshelf stocked with books for anyone to borrow on a “take a book, leave a book” basis.

With the help of the community, Reeves plans to install and stock four Little Free Libraries in the RM of Stuartburn, specifically in the communities of Vita, Gardenton, Sundown and Stuartburn. All four libraries are being built by the local students.

“We don’t have a local library; we have access to the school library in St. Malo but that’s 30 minutes away and the hours are limited; we can also get a membership to the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach but that’s not practical for people who don’t travel to Steinbach very often,” Reeves explained. “Little Free Libraries have no set hours of operation, so we can drop off or pick up books any day, any time.”

Reeves said she was inspired to pursue the project after finding a book in the local laundromat. “I went in to do my laundry one day and spotted a book; I took it home and read it. Then I offered it to a friend, who asked where I found it. He admitted to having left it there.

So I took it back and left it for someone else to enjoy.”

With some of the initial legwork done, the support of the community will help to make these little free libraries successful. “Successful means well used, well maintained, and stocked with good books,” Reeves continued.

This initiative is “by the community, for the community”, so community members or organizations take responsibility for locating, building, stocking and maintaining the little libraries. All Little Free Libraries are registered with littlefreelibrary.org, given an official registration number and added to the global map.

To ensure success, Reeves is looking for help in several areas. Local residents are being asked to spread the word when the libraries are available. “We are also looking for a few official stewards in each community who will help to promote and keep an eye on the libraries, make repairs, if needed, monitor book content, etc. Stewards can be kids or adults,” Reeves added.

Donations of books for all ages are encouraged. To donate books or to volunteer as a Library steward contact Laura at 204-425-3520.

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February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Unburden the Load of Weights and Sin Have you noticed you’ve been carrying a heavy load lately? There may be many reasons for this. Family, job and church responsibilities sometimes heap up on each other and overwhelm us. Sometimes it’s personal problems in the present or from the past. But the end result is the same. We begin to feel like we are sinking with no answer in sight.

We are like the Swedish warship Vasa. It took two years to build and was the pride of the Swedish navy. On August 10, 1628, it set sail on its maiden voyage with many encouraging cheers from shore. It made one mile out to sea and then sank as people looked on in horror. What went wrong? Excess weight pulled the Vasa to the bottom of the ocean.

Like the Vasa, we often carry too much baggage. The Bible, in Hebrews 12:1 says, “… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” There are two things God tells us we need to get rid of, if we are to run the race of life well: weights and sin.

Weights are not bad things. Runners use them in training, but when the race comes, they take them off. If they didn’t, they would perform poorly in the race. In our life, these weights may be a multitude of normal daily cares and responsibilities; the children, the groceries, meals, car maintenance, finances, the broken furnace, etc.

Jesus Christ told the people of His day, in Matthew 11:2830, “Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The only way I know to make my burden lighter and my yoke easier is to give it to Christ and let Him carry it, instead of me. Many times I find myself trying to carry way more than God intended, so I have to (with purpose and on purpose) give it to Him. Then, everyone has sins that so easily beset us. These affect our physical bodies and torment our minds. But God has an answer for these as well. I John 1:9 says, “We can bring them to God, confess them to Him, leave them with Him and He promises to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I have done this many times and helped others who are seeking forgiveness. One of the comments after doing this is, “I feel so much lighter.” God has taken the load and now we are much more able to face the challenges of life again.

How heavy is the load you are carrying? Why not bring it to God, through Jesus Christ, and leave it all with Him. He is ready, willing and able to help you with whatever it is that’s holding you back. God bless you as you seek Him for help today.

St. Pierre-Jolys to Host Winterfest On February 22 and 23, St. Pierre-Jolys will play host to the first Winterfest which includes an Octane Addictions Freestyle show featuring Winter X-Games Athletes.

The weekend begins with supper and at Lucky Luc’s.

The games begin in the Parc Carillon at 10 am, Saturday morning with boot hockey, cross country skiing, and snow sculpting competition.

Other activities include axethrowing, Coupe Gouret, bannock making, warm up teepees, cross-country ski clinics, kids outdoor boot hockey tournament, kids activities, Beer Gardens, Canteen and finishing off with a Social, featuring The Ricky Smits.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the St. The snow is ready for the snow sculpting competition that will take place as part of this year’s Winterfest.

Pierre-Jolys Arena.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2019

19

Coaching Families to Honour God

Beaver Days to Celebrate 45 Years The community of Falcon Lake is gearing up for the 45th anniversary of their signature winter festival, Beaver Days. Hosted by the Whiteshell Community Club as a facility fundraiser this year’s event is jam packed with activities for all ages.

Taking place from February 8 to 10, the event features a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.

The weekend kicks off at 4 pm Friday with beer gardens, family ice skating and a 4 on 4 hockey

tournament followed by a dance with performances by Stonypoint and Rockabilly Rattlesnake.

On Saturday, the community will gather for a pancake breakfast, snowmobile demo rides, snowmobile poker derby, a braid, beard and mustache competition, and 4 on 4 hockey continues. Other activities include radar runs, kids’ activities and crafts, horse drawn sleigh rides, a home cooked turkey dinner, family skating, and dance with music by

DJ Hero.

Sunday’s activities include baking contest, more demo rides, braid, beard and mustache competition continues and a cross country Ski event.

According to the Whiteshell Community Club, curling activities normally planned for the weekend will not be taking place due to an issue with the club’s ice plant.

The curling club hopes to become operational again soon with the support of the community and donations.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 4), “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one, 5) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6) These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7) Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8) Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9) Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (NIV) How old does one have to be to be a perfect parent? Try telling others how to raise their children and you will probably get that… what makes you think you know all the answers? But should you be bold enough to tell others; do so with extreme self-consciousness, maybe even with some fear; bearing in mind that we really have not learned all there is to know about raising children, and that includes those of us who are grandparents. There are times when we ask ourselves the question, “Will we ever know all the answers?” Life’s experiences have taught us that the job is not easy and that there is no sure formula for rearing children.

Grandparents often think about what they will leave their children when they pass away. Most of us, however; think in terms of, did we provide the opportunity for a decent education? This is, after all, a parent’s duty. Then we think of property, money, stocks, and bonds if we are wealthy enough to think like that. But let us get a little religious and think in terms of what kind of faith we are going to leave to our children. What kind of spiritual heritage, what kind of lifestyle, what kind of understanding of who God is and of what the Scriptures teach? It is true that we can not really give our faith away. But we can pass on our faith. We can leave our sense of moral values as recorded in the Bible, those values that have guided us as we raised our children and made our decisions in life.

Now having said all that we have no choice but to find out what the Bible has to say about this. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). This passage of Scripture tells us that we must instruct and train our children in the ways of the Lord, and there is nothing wrong if we become somewhat emotional about these truths. They are after all so precious, and essential to God’s purpose in our lives that they are to be upon our hearts. We are to teach them diligently, we are to be tireless in our effort to instruct them how to live. We must be willing to invest the time, the effort, and the energy to teach our children these truths.

This is a command of God that we are to instruct our children in the ways of God and pass on our faith. Well if that is so, whose responsibility is it to teach our children these truths? According to the Word of God, mothers, and fathers, but primarily fathers have the responsibility of instructing children in the things of God. But when was the last time, we/I took the Bible and sat down with our children to explain a passage of Scripture? When was the last time we/I explained some spiritual truths or other issues that our children grappled with, referring to a Biblical passage because God said something specific about it?

Children learn by watching what we do and say. What patterns are our children picking up from us? Are there patterns in our lives which we would rather not discuss with our children? Just suppose Dad comes home one night wringing his hands, complaining about his job, and blaming everyone else for the things that did not work out the way he thought they should have. What the children learn when they see this kind of behavior is to blame everyone else and never accept responsibility.

That is not a pattern the Lord wants children to learn. Rather, we should take our problems to the Lord in prayer, letting our children know that we need Christ’s help to overcome these difficulties. When things get tough or we do not know which way to turn, we should turn to God. Our children will never forget those examples. It makes no difference how many times children attend church. There is nothing like a mother and father patterning principles they believe in if they want to hand those principles down to their children… To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done…

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 do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.

20

February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

C ommunity E vents Dugald Mixed Doubles Curling League - On Tuesday Nights at 9:15 pm or Sundays at 1 pm at the Springfield Curling Club. Format will be regular Canadian Guidelines. Cost $130 per person for a minimum 20 eight end games. Contact Cam Magura at 204-771-0029, ckmagura@gmail.com.

Prairie Voices Toastmasters – On Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in the Springfield Library.

Falcon Lake Beaver Days – From Friday, February 8 – Sunday, February 10 at the Whiteshell Community Club, Hwy 301, 1/4 mile from Falcon Lake entrance. Join us for family skating, 4 on 4 Hockey Tournament ($200 registration), kids’ Cookie Baking Contest, activities and crafts, Braid, Beard & Moustache Competition, Variety Raffle Draw, Demo Rides, Cross-Country Ski Prediction, musical entertainment, Snowmobile Poker Derby and Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides. Contact whiteshellcc@ gmail.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous - Whiteshell group meets every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 pm in All People’s Church, Falcon Lake. Come and meet with us or call 204-349-2374.

We can help.

Friedensfeld Whist Drive – On Friday, February 8 at 7:30 pm at the Community Centre. Contact Irene at 204-326-1624, 204-3558060 or insch@shaw.ca for more info.

Annual Southeast Manitoba Ducks Unlimited Dinner and Auction – On Saturday, March 9. Door opens at 5 pm, in the community hall. Open bar, amazing dinner, prize-an hour draw, raffle and auction items available. Great selection of limited edition DU merchandise. Contact Kyle Waczko, kwaczko@ gmail.com, 204-510-4968 or Rebecca Waczko, bwaczko@ gmail.com, 204-791-3109.

Grunthal Winter Carnival – Friday, February 22 to Sunday, February 24 at the Arena. No Entry Fee. Pancake Breakfast and Cribbage Tournament at New Horizons. At the Arena a Skate-a-thon, Drop Zone Tournament, Vintage Snowmobile Shine and Show, Snowmobile Poker Derby, Sleigh Rides, Broomball, Toboggan Hill Sledding Contest, Ringette, Bob Ross Themed Paint Night, Hockey, Grunthal Skating Club Ice Show, Community Art Contest, Kid’s Craft Table, Candy Scramble, 50/50 draws. Tin for the bin! Support the Caring Hands Foodbank by bringing non-perishable donations to the Arena. Contact GrunthalWinterCarnival@gmail.com.

Hadashville Circuit 30 - Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Rec Centre .Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class. Contact Wendy 204-348-2433.

Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time.

Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or KSTA. academy@gmail.com.

Ile-des-Chênes Taekwondo – On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 – 8 pm at the Ecole Ile Des Chene School. Cost $40/month, family rates available. Contact Kangs.mb.ca, Master Bill Tam 204296-8217.

IDC Taekwondo – on Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Ile Des Chene School from 6 – 8 pm. Contact Master Jackson 204782-1240, email pdjj8@mymts.net.

Story Time in Pyjamas - Every Thursday evening at the Ritchot Library Ecole Regional Gabrielle-Roy at 6:30 pm. Ages 2-8 however all ages are welcome.

Foot Care Clinic – On Thursdays, next is March 21 at the TransCanada Centre with a certified foot care nurse. By appointment only. Call Janice 204-883-2880.

Kleefeld Community Playgroup - For parents, caregivers and children up to age 5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013.

La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé from Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4 pm. Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204-424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am-3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am-1 pm. Cost $10.

Lorette Introduction to Métis Needle Beading – Saturday, February 9 from 10 am–3 pm at the Tache Library. Join Melanie from Borealis Beading to learn the 2-needle beading technique used by the Métis and Cree. For ages: 16 +. Cost $35. Please register at library with payment before Tuesday, February 5.

Foot Care Clinic – On Wednesdays, next one March 13 at Le Club des Bles D’or with a certified foot care nurse. By appointment only. Call Janice 204-883-2880.

Lego Club – Begins Tuesday, February 26 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at the Bibliothèque Taché Library. Join us to build, create and explore! Drop-in, no registration required.

Ritchot Senior Services Supper Available - Every Tuesday and Friday at Club Des Bles D’or, 1254 Dawson Rd. Please reserve your meal one day prior, before 6 pm by calling 204-8782682 and leave a message.

Game Night – First Wednesday, of the month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Tache Library, 1082 Dawson Rd for ages 13 and up. Join us for monthly board game nights, cards, chess, Crib, Settlers of Catan and many more! Feel free to bring your own.

Junior Youth – Every Wednesday from 7 - 8:45 pm at Seine River Church, 1464 Dawson Rd (east of rink) for ages 9 - 12.

Free. No registration required. Non-denominational. Contact lorettejryouth@gmail.com, 204-260-9304.

Chase the Ace Lottery – On Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm., draw at 8:45 pm at Dawson Trail Motor Inn Bar. Come, support this very much needed complex, at the same time have the chance to chose the Ace of Spade, and win the grand prize jackpot. Hosted by the Community Complex Fundraising Committee.

Mitchell Seniors’ Breakfasts – Every Tuesday, from 8 - 9:30 am at the Seniors’ Centre, 130 Ash St. Open to all. Cost from $3 to $6.

Bring a friend and enjoy the fellowship. Contact Jane Penner, 204-346-2469, jpenner@jantre.com.

Niverville GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six.

Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Paradise Village Paradise Squares Dance Club - On Tuesdays from 7 – 9:30 pm at the Paradise Village Rec. Hall. Modern Square Dancing is fun and a great social activity. Couples and singles are welcome. Contact Larry 204-422-5424.

Pinawa Whiteshell Toastmasters – On Tuesdays at 11:30 am at Whiteshell Laboratories, 1 Ara Mooradian Way. Sign-in required.

Prawda Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Wendy 204-348-2433.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children.

Snacks provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290.

Richer Community Club Chase the Ace! - Every Saturday at the Richer Inn from 5:30 - 7:45 pm. Tickets only $1 each. Jackpot is growing! Door prizes on random Saturdays ranging from glassware to Jets tickets and jerseys! Bud, Spud and Steak Special and more! Check out and like Richer Community Club Facebook page for updates. LGA License #1392RF. Adult & Teen Challenge Concerned Persons Support Group Join us Thursday evenings at 7 pm, in the Richer Fellowship Church, 50 Southeast Drive. If you have a relationship with someone who has a life-controlling problem, join us for this nine-week Living Free course. Receive encouragement and support in a safe setting, and learn practical ways to best help your loved one. Contact Pastor Ben Funk at 204-326-2254 or phone the church at 204-422-5308.

Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673.

Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or doreen@spmf.ca.

Sarto Sarto Polevnyi Ukrainian Dance Club - On Saturday, February 9, a night of Ukrainian music and dancing at the Hall. Live Band “Prairie Fire” including a homemade hot lunch and a Silent Auction. Tickets $15 available at the Sarto Store, contact Sylvie 204-392-4187, sylvie@lemazing.caor Rebekah 204-381-0994 or any club member.

Ukrainian Dance Club – On Mondays from 7 - 8 pm at the

Sarto Hall. Join the Sarto Polevnyi Ukrainian Dance Club for the season! You do not need to be Ukrainian to dance! Boys & girls, ages 3 to adult, no prior experience required! Cost starts at $150/year.

Seniors Group Card Games – On Tuesdays from 1:30 - 4:30 pm at the Community Centre, 183 Pembina Trail. Cost Membership $10 a year. Bring a friend Day. Contact 204-8822180.

Sprague Sprague & District Historical Museum - Open by appointment from June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the early days. Free Admission. Donations Accepted. Contact 204-4372210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686.

Taekwondo - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15 - 7:30 pm at Ecole Sainte Agathe hosted by Kang’s Taekwondo Academy. Cost $40/month. Family rates available. Contact Jason Barnabe, jason.barnabe@gmail.com or 204-802-3458.

St. Adolphe Bonspiel – From Tuesday, Feb 19 – Sunday, Feb 24. Open to teams of 2 male + 2 female curlers, or 3 + 1 with third and skip alternating gender. Junior Curlers and Junior Teams welcome. 32 team maximum. Start date may vary based on number of teams. Chance to win back your entry fee at the Live Calcutta Auction on Friday Night. Karaoke and dancing on Saturday Night. Food available throughout the weekend. Entry Fee: $180/team (Cash Prizes). To register or for information contact curlstadolphe@gmail.com or Dan 204-612-5801.

Ritchot Senior Services: Anni Markmann Guest Speaker - On Tuesday, February 5 at 10 am at the Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main St. Join us for this year’s latest tax advice. Call Janice 204-883-2880.

Bingo – On Tuesday February 19 from 1 – 2:30 pm at the Bible Fellowship Church. Cost $2 and there will be fresh homemade cinnamon buns coffee and tea. All games will be played for fun prizes, come and join in the fun. Contact Janice 204-883-2880 to reserve a seat.

50+ Fitness – On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main St. Cost Buy 10 classes for $40 and receive 1 extra class free, 5 classes for $20 or a $5 drop in fee.

Block Therapy - On Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. On February 7, 14, 21 and 28 and March 7, at the Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main St. Cost $32 or $10 drop in fee. Opened to all ages a therapy, exercise, and meditation combined to improve blood flow and mobility.

Chair fit - On Mondays at 11 - 11:30 am at 457 Main St. Join us for a quick 30-minute workout with our chair fit program. Cost is Free.

Foot Care Clinic – On Tuesdays at 457 Main St. with Ursula Giesbrecht certified foot care nurse. By appointment only. Call Janice 204-883-2880.

Mood Disorders Meeting – On Thursday, February 28 at2:30 pm, 457 Main St. with Tara Brousseau, Executive Director for a support group, with topics on depression, bipolar, recovery, shame, resilience, mindfulness, meditation, coping and self soothing skills, interrelationship skills, seniors’ issues, distress tolerance and peer to peer support. All ages are welcome.

Quilting & Knitting – On Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am at 457 Main St. Join us as we continue to creating touch quilts for the Alzheimer society and knitting hats and scarves for the Kindred Project for distribution to women in shelters in Winnipeg this winter.

Ste. Anne Snow Sculpture Invitation - Calling all fans and veterans to take up the challenge and make your own snow sculpture!

Form a team of friends, colleagues or relatives and experience snow sculpture. Once completed, send in a photo. For asnow block contact the Sainte-Anne Cultural Committee 204-4229599, cccsa@mymts.net.

Piano Lesson - With Josue Beaudoin, on Monday nights at 112 Central Ave. Cost $200/10 lessons payable to the Cultural Committee of Ste. Anne. Contact 201-422-9599, cccsa@mymts.net.

Seine River Services for seniors – Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15.

Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Ste. Geneviève Library Night – On 2nd Tuesday every month, February 12 at the Community Centre from 6:30 - 8 pm. Large selection of books in both French and English, for children and adults.

Special requests can be made to the librarian, e-mail btl@ srsd.ca or 204-878-9488 or in person. Come for a visit and see what we are all about.

Steinbach Steinbach & Area Animal Rescue Inc. Annual Fundraising Dinner – On Monday, February 11, 7:30 pm at Boston Pizza. All you can eat pizza and pop for only $25. Tickets available at Pet Vet, Pet Valu, Clearspring Animal Hospital and Best West.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club - On Monday, February 11, 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. “Urban Forestry” – The benefits of trees in urban centres and how they can enhance healthy communities. Speaker: Shawn Dias, Morden’s urban forestry manager and arborist. Refreshments. Door prizes. Non members $5. More info sagardenclub.com.

Steinbach Family Resource Centre for a support group, current information and a variety of presentations. Contact 204-3460413.

Toddler & Me Story Hour - Classes offered three times a year for a 10-week session in Fall and Winter and a 5-week session in Spring. Classes are free. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, literacy and parenting tips, crafts and snack for parents and their children ages 1-3. Advanced In-person registration is required. Limited space available.

Drop In Book Club – 2nd Tuesday every month at 7 pm in the Jake Epp Library. We’ll post the book for discussion that month and if you’d like to join us please stop by. If you want to start your own book club instead, you can always take advantage of our Book Club collections. No sign up required. Just read the book and come hang out.

Knit-Wits Drop-In Club for Adults - Every 4th Monday of the month, from 6 – 9 pm at the Jake Epp Library. This is for anyone interested in fibre handcrafts such as knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, needlepoint etc. This is not a class but a casual knitting circle for all skill levels. Please bring your own items/supplies.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) – On Wednesdays, from 8:45 - 10:30 am at the Royal Canadian Legion. Cost $2/ week. A weight control support group that helps take off pounds sensibly and keep off pounds sensibly. Contact BettyLou Toews at 326-6397.

Eastman Immigrant Services - Many events and activities to support and help you make new friends. Volunteer to help at our community events.

Every Day English All Levels - Every Wednesday 1 – 3 pm.

Reading & Writing – All Levels on Monday and Wednesday from 10 am – 12 pm.

Pronunciation All Levels - On Monday and Wednesday from 7 – 9 pm at D4-284 Reimer Ave. Classes are free.

Southeast Entry Program Online: Learn about Health Care, Employment and Laws. To register for this 4-week online program, contact Josie@eastmanis.com, 204-346-6609 or email lois@eastmanis.com.

Eastman Safety Upcoming Programs - Located at 385 Loewen Blvd. Register online at eastmansafety.ca or contact 1-204371-1595.

Creativi-Tea Time Adult Colouring Group - Twice monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and on the 2nd Friday from 1 - 3 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Cost Free. Join us for a time of relaxation, tea and colouring. Tea and supplies are provided but you are welcome to bring your own!

Teen Gala – On Friday, February 15 from 7 - 11 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village, Hwy 12. Join us for a fun evening of games of chance, face painting, dancing, a photo booth and snacks with an old time western county fair theme. Dress up in western wear if you choose. Not mandatory. Bring your friends and have a blast. Tickets $10. Contact 204-326-9661.

Games Day & Games Night – Every 1st Saturday of the month from 12 – 5 pm and the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8:30 pm, at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play strategy games. Bring a friend, your strategies and games.

Test your skills and have fun. Ages 14 and up unless accompanied by an adult. Contact 204-326-6841, programs@ jakeepplibrary.com.

Lunch Program & Bingo – On Thursday, March 7 at Le Club Amical, 344 Main St for only $8. Eat in or call ahead for takeout. Contact 204-883-2491.

Winter Carnival – On Saturday, February 16 at 10 am – 4 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village for the whole family.

Skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, games (indoors and outdoors), canteen.

Royal Canadian Legion - On 1st Tuesday every month until June at 8 pm and Ladies Auxiliary meets 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, 294 Lumber Ave.

Old Tyme Dance – On Saturday, March 10 with Mark Morisseau. On Saturday, April 13 with Patti Kusturok. On Saturday, May 11 with Mark Morisseau and Saturday June 8 with Mark Morisseau. Dance is from 7 – 11 pm at the Pioneer Hall, 345 Hebert Rd. Admission $15 lunch included. Call to reserve tickets Rae 204-883-2440 or Denise 204-883-2429.

Women in Art – Until Friday, February 22 at the Cultural Arts Centre Hall Gallery, 304 2nd St. A toonie donation is greatly appreciated. We are excited to debut the works of these local and emerging artists during this season. It is inspiring to see these women grow and develop as artists, and ‘step out’ to share their talents with the community.

C.H.I.L.D program – On Wednesdays from 9:30 - 10:30 am at Ecole St. Adolphe School. Children’s introduction to learning and development. Contact sas@srsd.ca or 204-883-2182.

Southeastern Manitoba Festival – Runs February 18- March 19. Take part in a fun, educational festival and the disciplines of speech/theater arts, vocal, piano, choir, musical theater, or dance. Competitive and non-competitive entries welcome.

Professional adjudicators help you improve and encourage continued development of your skills. Visit semf.ca or contact Sharon Guenther semfpresident@gmail.com.

Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main St. Registration for girls 5 - 17.

Develop personal values and well-being, self-respect and respect for others; promote fun, friendship, adventure and challenges through new experiences; develop leadership and decision-making skills; give service to the community; value the natural environment.

Pickleball - Thursday evenings, from 6 – 8 pm at St. Adolphe School, 444 La Seine St. Contact 204-883-2491.

St. Malo Chase the Ace – Every Thursday from 8 - 10 pm at the St Malo Hotel. Starting pot is $3,000. All profits to the Fire Hall and Arena.

St. Pierre-Jolys Army Cadets – Every Thursday until June 2019 from 6:30 - 9 pm at the community hall, 555 Hebert Ave. Join now the 3234-Manitoba Horse RCACC Army Cadets. Leadership, citizenship, community service, sports, orienteering, canoeing, marksmanship, drill, band and more. For all youth aged 12 - 19. Enrollment is Free, No deadline to register. Contact Capt Roxanne Maynard, Commanding Officer 204-324-4034, roxanne.maynard@cadets.gc.ca.

Stay and Play Group – Every Monday from 9:30 – 11:30 am at YFC Cinema. Snacks, coffee served, childcare available.

The Knights of Columbus - The St-Pierre Carillon Council – On the first Thursday of the month at 482 Jolys Ave. W. Contact 204-433-7633.

Ste. Agathe Adult French Classes - Until May 2019 at the school. One evening per week on Monday or Tuesday, 2 classes each evening; first class from 6 -7:30 pm, second from 7:30 – 9 pm. Groups are determined based on French communication skills. No registration cost, just a $15 - 2 year membership to Pluri-Elles, a literacy advocacy organization in Winnipeg. Instructor is Guy Gagnon with over 35 years as a French teacher in francophone high schools. To register for 2018 email sugagnon@mymts.net. Everyone welcome.

Nobody’s Perfect – On Fridays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 from 1 – 3 pm at the Steinbach Family Resource Centre, 101 North Front Dr. Free support for Moms and Dads of children under 6 years. Meet with other parents for real-life parenting solutions. To register contact 204-346-0413 or maggie@steinbachfrc.ca.

Southeast Open Judged Exhibition – From Friday, March 1 – Thursday, April 18 for amateur artists of all ages and all mediums, oils, acrylics, photography, quilts, crafts, woodwork and more. Submit artwork by Tuesday, February 19. Register online sac-online.ca or in the SAC office.

The Art of Mennonite Clocks - An Exhibition of Mennonite Wall Clocks and Their Stories Spanning More Than Two Centuries.

The joint exhibition showcases 33 clocks and their stories sponsored by the Mennonite Heritage Village and the Kroeger Clocks Heritage Foundation until April 2019 at the Mennonite Heritage Village, 231 PTH 12 North.

Movie Night at the Library – Every 4th Friday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Jake Epp Library. We alternate between a family movie and a classic movie. Free admission and popcorn are included. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Madison Redekopp 204-326-6841, programs@jakeepplibrary.com.

Breast Feeding Group – On Fridays at 10:30 am at the

The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon except when Monday falls on a long weekend at the Chicken Chef, 365 Main Street, visitors are welcome. Contact Cornie at 326-3155.

Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family and friends of people with mental health issues are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden East building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email eastmanmss@mts.net Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - Meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:30 – 3 pm at The Eden East Office, 21 Loewen Blvd For persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Helping Hands. Contact Henry 204-392-7750 if you are interested in attending or joining.

Carillon Toastmasters - Meetings open to adults who want to improve their leadership and communication skills. Every Thursday at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library, 255 Elmdale St. Contact Irene at 204-424-5737.

Al-Anon Program – Meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact Lloyd 204326-4365.

Al-Anon 12 Step Recovery Group - Meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at United Church, 541 Main St, front door, ring doorbell. All are welcome.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm at Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 204-346-0413.

Vita Stay and Play – On Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am, at the Shevchenko School for children

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

ages 0 - 5 along with their parents/caregivers are welcome to join us for a fun, free, educational learning program. Crafts, snacks, songs, games and story time! Facilitator: Andrea Smith. Contact Penny Horvorka-Alcock 204-425-3535.

Woodridge Evening with Quinton Blair Fundraiser - On Saturday,

February 9 at 4:30 pm at the Community Centre. An entertaining evening with Quinton Blair, 3-time Manitoba Country Music Association award winner. Tickets $25 includes supper and show. Bring your appetite and dancing shoes. Ticket must be purchased in advance, on or before February 2 and are available at the Vintage Corner Store or from any WCC board members. For more information

February 2019

or tickets, call Stan at 204-429-2253.

The Mobile Clinic – Is onsite on the third Thursday of every month from 9 am – 4 pm at the Community Club. Contact for appointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca.

To have your event featured in this listing, please email your events each month to to editor@dawsontrail.ca

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February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Theft from Winners

Around 4:25 pm on January 28 a male and a female left the Winners store at the Clearspring Centre in Steinbach with approximately $300 of unpaid merchandise. Police are requesting assistance in identifying both suspects in the photos provided.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Keep on Track for Sledding Safety It’s winter in Manitoba and that means another season of fun for snowmobilers. Just as you wouldn’t hit the trails without your helmet and other essential gear, you shouldn’t head out for a ride without knowing a few guidelines to help you get home safe: - Reduce your speed around utility poles. The guy wires that anchor the poles normally have yellow covers to make them more visible, but sometimes the covers have been damaged, removed or are obscured by drifting snow. Darkness, fog or blowing snow can also make them difficult to spot and avoid at the last

second.

- Steer clear of downed poles and power lines. Nearby objects can be energized by a live power line, so avoid the entire area. Report the damage by calling Manitoba Hydro as soon as possible.

- If someone does make contact with a downed power line, either directly or through their machine, do not touch them or any objects around them. Call 911.

- Stay off waterways near hydroelectric dams and generating stations where fluctuating water levels and currents may result in unstable ice conditions.

- Avoid the areas around hydro substations and any other hydroelectric facilities. Private property and unmarked terrain can contain unexpected and deadly hazards.

- Becoming disoriented or lost is much more likely to happen at night or on a large frozen lake.

Make a point of riding with individuals familiar with the area and always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

For more information on snowmobile safety, visit hydro.mb.ca/ safety

Danger! Thick Ice Ice is a certainty in a Manitoba winter. It can build up on power lines, causing them to break, or the poles to snap or crumple under the weight. To prevent power outages and equipment breakage, Manitoba Hydro removes the ice as quickly as possible. Ice melting and ice rolling are two techniques used. The method chosen depends on the current temperature, weather conditions, the amount of ice build-up, and the ability to isolate selected lines.

- Call Manitoba Hydro at 204-480-

5900 or 1-888-MB HYDRO if you notice an excessive buildup of ice on a section of lines.

- Stay clear of low or sagging lines.

Travelling under or near these lines can be dangerous.

- Immediately report downed wires to Manitoba Hydro or to the police.

Treat all downed wires as if they are energized and stay clear of them.

Make sure that your children do not go anywhere near them, and keep pets inside to ensure their safety.

- If you see crews working on ice

laden lines in your community, try to avoid travel near their work area.

- Don’t attempt to repair lines or remove tree branches from lines.

That’s Manitoba Hydro’s job.

- In the case of a prolonged power outage, follow Manitoba Hydro on Facebook or Twitter or listen to your local radio station for regular updates on the progress of the restoration efforts.

More “Winners” at Winners!

On January 28 at around 5:55 pm, two females left the Winners store at the Clearspring Mall in Steinbach with $478 in various clothing items. The Steinbach RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the two suspects that were caught on security camera.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2019

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Lorette Fire Chief Retires The Tache Fire Department Station #1 Lorette has lost one of their long time volunteers after the recent retirement of District Fire Chief René Gougeon.

Gougeon announced his retirement at the beginning of January after seventeen years of service.

“Being a firefighter in Lorette will stay with me forever, with lasting memories and friendships,” said Gougeon.

Gougeon thanked his wife and family for the sacrifices they had to make to ensure his success. “I’d also like to thank all the other firefighters, past and present, who have been part of this journey with me,” he added. “The RM of Taché is very lucky to have such a great group of dedicated women and men who help protect and serve their communities.”

Last Call! All Local Amateur Artists! Annual Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit. Extended Registration deadline is Friday, February 8. Artwork drop off day is Tuesday, February 19. Free for students. For amateur artists, for all ages and all mediums. Paintings, crafts, sculptures and more! Submit your registration today online.

Visit steinbachartscouncil.ca to register.

Creative Youth Council - Ages 16 – 29. Want to plan an epic event? Want to be part of the backstage crew, promote the show, and join in? Call us 204-346-1077 or find us @steinbacharts on facebook, twitter, instagram to share your ideas!

Turnip the Music! Concert – part of the Creative Youth Initiatives.

On Friday, March 15 at 8pm – Neufeld Garage featuring The Boy + The Sea / Sweet Water Creek Bands. Tickets available at Steinbach Arts Council office or online steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Canvas & Colas: Paint Parties for ages 8 - 17. Make it an evening to remember with your parent / guardian / partner. Only $25 for supplies, snacks and beverage. 2 for $35 special. Next date Wednesday, February 13.

After 17 years as a volunteer firefighter, several served as District Fire Chief for the Tache Fire Department, René Gougeon has hung up his helmet.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Step Right Up Teen Gala The Mennonite Heritage Village is hosting a Teen Gala as a fun, safe event as an inexpensive option of entertainment for teens and their friends.

The 2nd annual Teen Gala will take place at the Mennonite Heritage Village on Friday, February 15 from 7 – 11 pm. This year’s theme is Old West County Fair.

All grades 7 - 12 students are welcome to the event. Tickets are

$10 and can be purchased online or at the museum. Teens are also encouraged to dress up as cowboys or cowgirls if they choose although it is not necessary for admission.

In addition to dancing there is a lineup of games of chance, a photo booth, face painting and snacks and drinks will be available at the canteen.

Teens who attended the gala in

2018 had a great evening and danced the night away with their friends. They also got pictures from the photo booth to take home. Parents were thrilled with the fun evening for their kids, and some even commented that they wished we would do the same for an adult audience.

Stay tuned to mhv.ca to purchase tickets online or come in today to purchase tickets.

Successful Music Program Holds First Student Recital The Steinbach Arts Council’s “Southeast Centre for Music” held its first student recital on Saturday, January 19. Combined piano and voice students came together to perform a wide variety of repertoire, ranging from Canadian works to song repertoire, and musical theatre to opera.

“Many students are in preparation for our local festival competition next month, and this kind of opportunity is extremely valuable to them as they polish their performances,” said David Klassen, the coordinator for the southeast Centre for Music (SCM).

The Steinbach Arts Council aims to develop more opportunities for young musicians through the development of the SCM ini-

Register now for Winter Programs.

Try any class…at no cost! Go online, call us or come into the SAC office to register or put your name on the Try it for Free List!

Creative Wellness: Beginner Lunch Time Pilates, Secrets to a Strong Back.

Intermediate: Core Intermediate, Pilates on the Ball, Prop It Pilates.

Culinary Arts: Kids in the Kitchen (9 - 12), Creative Cooking, Mindful Meals, Couples Cooking.

Languages: Beginner German levels 1 and 2, Workplace German, French Beginner & Intermediate/ Spanish Beginner & Intermediate.

Visual Arts: Kids: Art Adventures (5 - 8), Art X-travaganza (9 - 12), Hand Building with Clay (6 - 12).

Teens: Mixed Art (13 - 17), Pottery Passion (13 - 17), Cartoon Illustration (10 - 16), Video Game Programming (11+), Advanced Video Game Programming (15+).

Adults: Abstract Acrylic, Contemporary Acrylic & Watercolor Painting, Intro to the Pottery Wheel, Adult Digital Photography.

Indigenous Arts: Mukluks, Gauntlets, Dream Catchers, Moccasins, Bead Work and Bannock!

Workshops: Wood Burning, Calligraphy, Resin Art, and more.

Sign up for Winter! Home School Music Programs - We have room for a few more students. Any student can try it for free. Programs run two Fridays a month. Thanks to Ledingham GM, we have assistance for families with financial challenges so everyone gets to participate. Gabriela Gallo is an expert in Curriculum-Based music teaching for young children. She will cover such fundamentals as Orff instrument exploration, no-pitch percussion playing, movement & dance, recorder, singing & choral technique, and music history & theory. Call Stephanie at the Arts Centre to try the next session and to meet Gabriela. Or try Fusion - Musical Theatre for ages 5 - 12 years, instructed by Gabi Gallo.

Southeast Centre for Music – New guitar teacher! Welcome to our new guitar instructor, Brandon Post. We are excited to have him on board. Contact us for more details. And Peter Jo has openings for violin lessons. Please contact David Klassen at scm@steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Join the Chorus - All those who love to sing are invited to become a part of The Great Hallelujah Choir. “The Great Hallelujah” is a community mass choir and band project, proclaiming and worshipping Christ in a spirited and joyful, family-friendly concert celebration in an urban gospel style for the Steinbach community which will be hosted by Emmanuel on March 8 and 9. Anyone may participate in this community mass choir. No age or musical ability required, just a love for singing. Join worship pastor, Danny Plett and his international band for this upcoming, community-wide, urban Gospel concert. Rehearsals begin January 13, To sign up, visit .eefc.ca/greathallelujah.

tiative, and notes that almost all of the ano, guitar, violin, cello, musimusic teachers who instruct through cal theatre, music theory, and the Arts Council are at or near capac- home school music classes. ity, but inquiries are always welcome.

Areas of instruction include voice, pi-

Current Exhibit – 4 Emerging Artists! - The opening was grand.

Come and celebrate ‘Women in Art Showcase’ featuring 4 emerging, talented, local artists: Angie Gauthier – Branching Out; Erika Doerksen – Beauty & Earth; Eunji Jung – Revisiting; and Susie Penner – Layers. Runs until February 22. We are excited to debut the works of these local and emerging artists during this season. It is inspiring to see these women grow and develop as artists, and ‘step out’ to share their talents with the community. Exhibit Schedule at steinbachartscouncil.ca.

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February 2019

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Wild Goose Chase Ends

The chase has ended for a Canadian Goose who took up living in a Pembina Highway Car Wash. On February 1, a Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre Rescue team was finally able to capture the wayward fowl.

“Since December 26, our team of staff and volunteers has been working with businesses and residents in Winnipeg, trying to catch a goose that was unable to fly down south with its flock.

While not able to migrate, the goose was in good enough condition to fly and to avoid capture EVERY TIME! Throw nets, sneaking up, disguises

and running… nothing seemed to work for this clever goose!” stated a Facebook post by the centre.

The wayward fowl gained national media attention when it was first revealed to have taken up living in a car wash. Over the course of five weeks, volunteers failed countless capture attempts; and fielded hundreds of calls from concerned residents and media.

A spokesperson for Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation centre confirmed that on February 1, the goose was finally caught by Donna McDugald, a Winnipeg resident who worked closely with the centre in this situation.

According to Wildlife Haven, the goose had taken up residence in her back yard for about two weeks.

Working together with the Wildlife Haven Animal Care Coordinator, they devised a plan to keep the goose warm and healthy, and waited for the perfect opportunity for capture. Patience and perseverance paid off, and now the goose is rescued and getting the care it needs at the Wildlife Haven facility. Upon initial exam, it looks to be in surprisingly good condition.

Too late to migrate, the goose will now remain for the rest of the winter in the newly opened Water-

A stranded Canada Goose who took up residence in a Winnipeg car wash will spend the rest of the winter in the newly opened Waterfowl building at Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chenes.

fowl Building. This building is specially designed to keep waterfowl warm throughout harsh Manitoba Winters. The facility is equipped with in-ground pools and comfortably heated. This 3,600 square foot building is currently providing safe shelter for two pelicans, four ducks and now 6 geese. Once healed, the birds will be released back into the

wild when it gets warmers.

Located in Ile des Chenes, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre Haven relies solely on donations from individuals and organisation who want to see injured, sick and orphaned wildlife get the care they need. To help, please visit wildlifehaven.ca/ pages/donate.

Winnipeg resident Donna McDugald worked closely with Wildlife Haven Volunteers to capture the wayward water fowl.

Photos courtesy of Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre