Ritchot’s Annual Lemonade Contest Celebrates Creativity and Community Spirit
By Angelique Forest
The RM of Ritchot’s Annual Lemonade Contest once again turned communities and their streets into a vibrant display of refreshing beverages and creative entrepreneurship. With 18 lemonade stands participating this year, the event mirrored last year’s turnout despite a few last-minute dropouts.
The competition, which saw over 800 votes cast on ritchot.com, involved a rigorous selection process. Winners were determined by a combination of scores from RM-appointed judges and online voting.
Winners across wards were in Grande Pointe with the prize going to “Inside Out 2” located at 256 Petryk Terrace, run by Mia Gosselin, Josephine Earl, and Max-
ime Pereira, Ile des Chenes’ “The Lemonade Stop” at 16 Bonneteau Ave, managed by London and Lincoln Rohulych, who took home the top spot, Ste. Agathe with “Squeeze the Day” at 157 Joyal Place, led by Castiel, Emma, Rayna-Mae, and Georgia Taylor, taking first place and in St. Adolphe the grand prize winner, and overall contest champion, was “LemonAid” at 16 Willow Lane, run by Rusnaam Samra.
Photos courtesy of Wornstar Media and the RM of Ritchot a hospital visit,” explained Potvin. “This year, she dedicated her theme to her experience and even included a write-up at her booth. Her generosity extended beyond the contest as she’s donating a portion of her winnings to the Victoria Hospital.”
Rusnaam’s stand not only impressed with its heartfelt theme but also captured the community’s attention with its creative presentation and commitment to a good cause.
Rusnaam Samra, the grand prize winner, had an inspiring story behind her stand according to Gillian Potvin, the RM of Ritchot’s Communication Director.
“Our overall winner, Rusnaam, had the most amazing story. She was supposed to participate last year but was sidelined by an unfortunate accident that required
Each winner from the four wards received $200, with Rusnaam taking home an additional $300, totalling $500 for her outstanding effort. The event was praised for its creativity and community engagement, making it another successful chapter in Ritchot’s annual celebration of local youth entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity.
The Official Opposition is calling on the NDP government to immediately address rising emergency room wait times in Manitoba, and to release a public report on data collected from their crossprovincial healthcare “listening tour.”
“ER wait times in hospitals across the province are climbing under Wab Kinew’s watch,” said Lac du Bonnet MLA Wayne Ewasko who is also Leader of the Official Opposition. “After almost a year in office, the NDP have not brought forward any tangible action to reduce wait times for emergency services. If the listening tour is the NDP’s plan to improve healthcare in Manitoba, the public should be able to see behind the veil on what is influencing NDP decision-making.”
According to Ewasko, new data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows that Manitoba has among the worst ER lengths of stay in the country.
Likewise, median waits for hospital admission from ERs are the second worst in Canada at nearly 22 hours. Meanwhile next door, Saskatchewan leads the nation with median waits under ten hours. Manitoba’s discharge times for non-urgent cases are the worst in the country, and are second worst for urgent cases he added.
This data builds on trending increases in wait times for Winnipeg ERs, which have risen by nearly an hour since the NDP took office,” said Ewasko noting that in late August, a St. Boniface ER doctor sounded the alarm on the status of emergency departments in the city.
The RM of Ritchot’s Annual Lemonade Contest once again turned communities into a vibrant display of refreshing beverages and creative entrepreneurship.
Manitoba Government Provides Funding for Lorette Arena
The Manitoba government is moving forward with its $5 million commitment towards the construction of a new community complex in the RM of Taché.
“Arenas and community centres are places where people come together in small towns – where kids learn to skate and play hockey and families spend time together on the weekends,” said Premier Wab Kinew during a visit to the future complex site recently. “We made a commitment to families in and around Lorette during the campaign that we would get this arena built, and we’re delivering on that promise.”
The Taché Community Centre will provide area residents a welcoming space to connect with each
other and participate in a variety of recreation and sociocultural activities. The new community hub will include a 62,000-square-foot arena with spectator seating, an 8,000square-foot library, a multi-purpose space for seniors, a two-lane walking track and meeting, conference and media rooms.
“Our government is investing in Lorette and in communities across the province to make sure that families have access to sports and recreation,” added Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie. “This community centre will make it easier for kids, seniors and families to get some exercise, get together, or join a team. We’re thrilled to be supporting this project.”
The project is currently at the final
design stage and construction is anticipated to start in November with completion in the summer of 2026, noted the minister.
“[This] announcement marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward building the new Taché Community Centre, a project that is very close to our hearts,” said Taché Mayor Armand Poirier. “This centre will be a place where our residents can come together, celebrate and create lasting memories. It is a project that embodies the spirit of community and the value we place on providing spaces that serve the diverse needs of our population.”
The arena will be approximately 62,000 square feet and include spectator seating. The arena portion of the new complex will replace the existing Lorette Arena, which has exceeded its useful life expectancy. The library will be approximately 8,000 square feet. There will also be an attached seniors’ resource facility.
Taché Reeve Armand Poirier speaks to those gathered at a recent event to confirm the Provincial commitment to his municipality. Behind him are Premier Wab Kinew, Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie and St. Boniface MLA Robert Loiselle.
Source: Armand Poirier/Facebook
Architect’s rendering of new Community Complex.
Seine River School Division Hires New Superintendent
By Dan Guetre
The Board of Trustees of Seine River School Division (SRSD) has hired Colin Campbell as their new Superintendent and CEO. Campbell will start the role effective December 9.
The Board noted that Campbell has been involved in education for more than two decades.
He has served as the assistant superintendent of Hanover School Division for the past 6 years, preceded by roles as a principal, vice principal, learning support teacher, physical education, and classroom teacher.
Campbell has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts – Major in Kinesiology.
In a statement, SRSD noted that Campbell’s “vision is for every child to love coming to school each and every day because every student can learn. His commitment to inclusivity and belonging is unwavering and he is dedicated to ensuring that every member of our educational community feels valued and respected.
They added that Campbell “prioritizes serving students, families, and the community with integrity through educational partnerships, so that educators can help every student become the best version of themselves.”
“I am deeply honoured to accept the role of Superintendent and CEO of the Seine River School Division,” said Campbell. “I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated board of trustees, staff, students, families, and community partners to continue fostering a positive,
Cellphone Use Ban in Effect for Classrooms
By Dan Guetre
As a way to minimize distractions in schools, the Manitoba government is banning the use of cellphones in the classroom starting this September and Seine River School Division (SRSD) is working at developing a policy that will fit in with their schools.
Under the Public Schools Act, school divisions are required to establish use of technology policies tailored to local needs.
While having some control to customize adherence to this new mandate, school divisions are directed to be consistent and include certain foundations in the rollout which includes:
- Banning cellphone use during school hours, including lunch and breaks, for students in kindergarten to Grade 8;
- Banning cellphone use for students in grades 9 to 12 during class time, with cellphone use permitted during breaks and lunch; and
- Clear direction for cellphone use in classrooms for school staff.
Guidelines will also need to include exceptions to support students with medical and diverse learning
needs, as well as cellphone use for educational purposes in grades 9 to 12 when directed by classroom teachers.
While the timeframe to put this in place for the current school year was short, with the Province giving very little advanced notice, Wendy Bloomfield, Chair of SRSD is confident her team can come up with a division policy.
“Administration has been working very quickly to ensure the procedures are in place to fulfill this directive,” she explained.
With some of the Province including the blueprint for school divisions, Bloomfield feels the changes are welcomed.
“Overall we believe this is a good directive, especially as it ensures minimum consistency across divisions,” she added. “There will always be bumps and some who may disagree, but overall, the feedback I’ve heard from many, parents and educators, is somewhat of a relief that the decision is made.”
The Provincial Minister of Education is standing behind their decision with the hope that students can improve their focus while in the classroom.
“We want young people to be able to focus in class so they can learn more and feel confident. We know cellphones can be a real distraction for students – studies show it can take up to 20 minutes for a child to refocus on what they were learning once distracted,” Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare said. “These provincial guidelines will give teachers the tools they need to keep students focused and ensure class time is spent on learning. Plus, we will take safety and medical concerns into account so all risks are minimized.”
As for the SRSD, the new policy was still being drafted and details will be available soon. At this time, Bloomfield was unable to explain what enforcement of the new policy would look like.
Manitoba is not alone in taking these steps as BC, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have also announced they plan to stop students from using their cellphones during class time. Each province has variations in the bans.
inclusive, and innovative learning environment.”
“The Board of Trustees is very pleased and excited to welcome Colin to this position and are looking forward to working collaboratively with him to ensure the students receive the very best education possible,” says Wendy Bloomfield, Board Chair. “We are very excited that Colin will be joining us December 9. He is currently one of the Assistant Superintendents in Hanover School Division and has a wealth of experience at all levels of education.”
Interim Superintendent Reg Klassen was thanked by the Board for also taking the role as a Search Consultant.
“[He] worked collaboratively with the Board and very effectively facilitated the recruitment process,” they wrote.
Colin Campbell has been hired as the new Superintendent/CEO for the Seine River School Division. He will start his new role in early December.
As a way to minimize distractions in schools, the Manitoba government is banning the use of cellphones in the classroom starting this September. File photo
The Dangers of Big Government: Control
In this week’s instalment of our series on the dangers of big government bureaucracy, I will discuss the threat an excessive and un-accountable bureaucracy—such as we find under Justin Trudeau—poses to Canada’s economy, our democracy, and the freedoms we cherish.
Many experts have written on the subject of the strained relationship between bureaucracy and democracy.
While any country, especially one as large and regionally diverse as Canada, requires skillful administration, it cannot be denied that many of the ideals associated with democracy (equality, merit, participation, individual rights and freedoms) are often in stark contrast to the controls exerted by the contemporary bureaucratic state.
Over the past nine years, Canadians have seen their freedoms eroded and infringed on under Justin Trudeau’s government.
I wrote last week about how Justin Trudeau has grown Canada’s public service by nearly 100,000 people, a 40% increase in bureaucracy in just nine years.
Under Trudeau, the cost of Canada’s bureaucracy has also risen sharply to $67.4 billion per year— a 68% increase since 2016.
That’s more than we spend annually on our military.
That’s more than the federal
government pays annually for healthcare.
As with people, you can tell a lot about a government by their spending habits. People will always spend money on what they value most.
For Justin Trudeau and his Liberals, the answer to what they value most is clear, more bureaucracy.
To Trudeau, more government always seems to be the answer.
To make matters worse, Trudeau has grown his government with deficit spending which has driven inflation. In short, you are paying more at the grocery store, more at the pump, more for everything so he can have his bigger government.
Why?
Why does Justin Trudeau think bureaucracy matters more than our national security or healthcare or the health of our economy? Because it gives him and his government more control over the daily lives of Canadians and it emboldens other levels of government to do likewise.
It was Trudeau’s father who famously stated, “there is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.”
But this Prime Minster and this government wants to be in every room. On every device. In every conversation. (Look no further than Bill C-63).
How do they achieve this? Bureaucracy.
The most obvious and extreme example of this were the many overreaches by government during COVID-19.
Lockdowns. Arbitrary shutdowns of businesses and places of worship. Arbitrary limits on gatherings. Making folks financially reliant on government programs. Social distancing and masking. Rampant censorship. Limits on travel. Vaccine mandates.
Some of these actions were the result of direct political decisions by elected officials but the majority of decisions during those dark two years—decisions Canadians are still experiencing the repercussions of—were the result of elected officials abdicating responsibility to unelected bureaucrats.
Canadians never voted for Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer or other public “health” officials who gained and wielded a dangerous level of control over the daily lives of Canadians. Nor have there been any repercussions for the violations of civil liberties and humanity over which these folks presided.
More recently, think of the Trudeau Government’s proposed “online harms” legislation, Bill C-63. Who does the government propose to oversee, police, and be responsible to differentiate between free speech and hate speech? Bureaucrats.
Think about how the Trudeau Government has expanded the bu-
reaucratic powers of the CRTC to control algorithms online to ensure Canadians can only see what they want them to see and censor all other points of view with Bill C-11.
Think of the expanded powers of the bureaucrats at Environment Canada, allowing government inspectors to arrive unannounced, come onto your property and enter buildings without notice or permission.
Think of the powers at one of our largest bureaucracies, the Canada Revenue Agency. Few things fill Canadians with more fear and loathing than the simple acronym CRA, and understandably so. This is not democracy, it’s all about control.
Tune in next week for the final installment of this series, where I’ll explain how others have successfully wrenched control from the bureaucracy and given it back to the people, and how we can do it in Canada.
As Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre puts it: How we make Canada “the freest country on earth.”
Ritchot Puts Water Conservation Measures into Place
By Dan Guetre
The RM of Ritchot Public Works Department has announced that water conservation measures are now in effect until September 30. These measures are intended to promote responsible water usage and ensure the sustainability of local water resources over the next month.
Residents are required to adhere to a strict lawn watering schedule based on their civic address or house number. The guidelines are as follows:
- Even-Numbered Addresses: Watering is allowed only on evennumbered calendar days.
- Odd-Numbered Addresses: Watering is allowed only on odd-numbered calendar days.
To minimize water loss due to evaporation, the Public Works Department recommends watering lawns during the cooler parts of the day. Watering is suggested between the hours of 5:30 am and 10 am, or between 7 pm and 11:30 pm. These time frames help ensure that more water reaches the roots of plants, making the watering process more effective.
For residents who have recently planted sod, grass, or seed, additional watering is permitted. These
areas may be watered continuously for 24 hours following planting, and then during the recommended hours for the next six consecutive days.
The guidelines allow more flexibility for watering trees, shrubs, and flowers. These plants can be watered any day, at any time, as long as the watering is done by hand or using drip irrigation methods.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Ritchot Public Works Department at 204-883-2142 or via email at publicworks@ritchot.com.
Province Asked to Reverse Cuts to Youth Jobs, Community Programs as Unemployment Rises
Manitoba Progressive Conservatives are calling on Wab Kinew’s NDP to restore their $4 million in funding cuts to community Green Team grants and put young Manitobans to work amid an alarming rise in unemployment this summer.
Youth unemployment was posted at 11.2% in July, up 2.3 percentage points from May and doubles the provincial unemployment rate of 5.7%, according to provincial labour statistics.
“It’s clear that the NDP’s cuts have pushed young Manitobans out of the job market at a time when our communities need more investment, not less,” said Wayne Ewasko, MLA for Lac du Bonnet and Leader of the Official Opposition. “It’s not too late for the NDP to apologize for lying about Green Team funding in Budget 2024 and restore the cuts so we can get youth employment back on track through fall and winter.”
For decades, the popular Green Team program has been helping non-profit organizations and mu-
nicipalities hire summer students to clean up their neighbourhoods and deliver community programs, Ewasko noted.
At the same time Wab Kinew was sending out rejection letters to youth camps, sports teams, museums, and libraries, he was hiding legislation to double election subsidies in his $24-billion omnibus budget bill, Ewasko added. This is something the NDP did not campaign on, and the legislation will not go before Manitobans for consultation when the Legislature resumes in the fall.
“Manitobans are still having a difficult time trying to understand how the NDP decided to prioritize using tax dollars to support their political party over supporting community programs,” Ewasko said. “Manitobans would prefer to see their taxes supporting our youth instead of funding the NDP’s re-election war chest. The NDP can’t be trusted to put the needs of our economy and Manitoba families first.”
According to Ewasko, community
funding has taken several casualties in the past year under the NDP, including Kinew’s discontinuation of Art, Culture and Sport in Community grants, and cutting the Building Sustainable Communities fund by more than half.
“These grants went towards community development projects, events, and museums, just to name a few, all of which are designed to bring people together,” chimed in Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagasse. “The Ste. Anne Curling Club and Bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library are some of the many organizations supported by ACSC over the years.”
“By cutting this grant program, the NDP have further shown that they are not committed to bringing Manitobans together, nor do they care about bettering our communities, particularly outside the Perimeter,” Lagasse added.
Municipalities and MLA Lobby for Regionalization of Ste. Anne Hospital
By Dan Guetre
In a recent statement, Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagasse is encouraging the Provincial Government to designate the Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital as a regional hospital.
“Despite not having the official designation, the hospital has always operated with a regional approach,” noted Lagasse.
He added that between 2016 and 2021, the region’s municipalities experienced an average population growth of 14.8%, with the Town of Sainte-Anne experiencing a 36.8% increase over the same period.
“This population growth has created an increased demand for healthcare, while the hospital has had to limit their hours of operation due to a significant shortage of bilingual healthcare professionals,” he stated.
By designating Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital as a regional hospital rather than a community hospital, it would help strengthen their capacity, ensuring the hospital’s sustainability and future for the benefit of the regional population, he added.
“They would be able to offer more competitive salaries as well, enabling them to recruit and retain skilled bilingual health professionals, while also being able to broaden their range of specialized services,
reception capacity, emergency services, and care programs,” Lagasse stressed.
Lagasse is adding his voice to the existing efforts of the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities and the surrounding municipal governments.
“This should not be a partisan issue,” he said. “As the NDP re-
peatedly talk about improving healthcare in Manitoba, I hope that they will see the value and importance of designating Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital as a regional hospital, and the impact that designation would have on our healthcare system here in Dawson Trail and across the region.
In a recent statement, Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagasse is encouraging the Provincial Government to designate the Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital as a regional hospital. Submitted photo
Interim Leader of the Opposition and MLA for Lac du Bonnet is critical of some the current funding cuts the NDP have made to programs affecting communities and youth.
Source: Wayne Ewasko/Facebook
Abandoned Kittens Spark Call for Change in RM of La Broquerie
By Angelique Forest
A recent incident involving abandoned kittens has ignited a push for stronger animal welfare regulations in the RM of La Broquerie. The call for change follows an emotional discovery made by local resident Sonya Wery.
On a visit to the Arborgate School parking lot, Wery noticed a jacket and, upon closer inspection, discovered a crate with kittens hidden beneath it.
“When I got out of the car, I was disappointed to find that whoever left them had chosen such a cruel and careless option,” Wery said. “The kittens were exposed to the full sun and had no food or water.”
Wery took immediate action, posting on the community Facebook page to raise awareness and encourage residents to contact municipal leadership about implementing a by-law similar to one in nearby RM of Ste. Anne. She also called the La Broquerie municipal office and learned that there are currently no by-laws addressing animal abandonment.
In her efforts to address the situation, Wery initially reached out to the Co-op, hoping someone there might have information about the kittens.
“While I was trying to contact animal
rescues, a Co-op employee named Eric and the manager stepped in to help,” Wery said. “They were exceptional. Eric and the manager managed to bring the kittens to a safe spot and planned to reach out to local farmers for potential homes. Another community member offered to take one of the kittens.”
Following the incident, Wery reached out to Reeve Ivan Normandeau, requesting that the issue be discussed at the next municipal meeting. She provided a photo of the kittens and a copy of the RM of Ste. Anne’s animal abandonment bylaw, advocating for similar measures in La Broquerie.
“I’ve not yet heard back from Reeve Normandeau, but I encourage other community members to voice their concerns as well,” Wery stated. “If people are held account-
able for their actions, it may deter some from abandoning animals. Additionally, there are programs that offer discounted spay and neuter services, which could help prevent such situations.”
Wery also noted that she has heard of at least two other instances of abandoned animals in the area.
“I hope our municipal leadership takes this issue seriously and moves towards implementing changes to protect animals in our community,” she said.
The response from the Co-op and the community has been praised by Wery, highlighting a collective effort to address animal welfare concerns. The case has underscored the need for stronger local regulations and increased awareness about responsible pet ownership in La Broquerie.
Pre-Registration Open for Wildlife Haven Art Auction
The dates have been set for the annual art auction, a fundraiser for the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre.
The organization invites the public to register now in preparation for the September 16-28 event and promises a huge variety of amazing prizes will be available for bidding.
All proceeds will help provide medical care to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
Another Fall event is their annual Open House planned for Friday, September 27, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and Saturday,
September 28 10:00am - 3:00 pm. The public is invited for a fun-filled day at the Wildlife Haven Campus to experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wildlife Veterinary Hospital. Enjoy fun interactive activities for kids and adults and meet live wildlife ambassadors like Owl, Vultures. Tickets must be purchased in advance and arrival time/ tour will need to be pre-selected at the time of purchase. Limited quantities of tickets are available. Children 2 years of age and under are free and guests 3 years of age and older are $10/person. Proceeds from ticket sales will help provide medical treatment, nutrition and rehabilitation to patients in care at the Wildlife Haven Veterinary Hospital. Tickets can be purchased at wildlifehaven.ca/pages/open-house.
You can register at https://can. givergy.com/WildlifeHavenOnlineAuction2024/ or by scanning the QR Code.
On a visit to the Arborgate School parking lot, Sonya Wery noticed a jacket and, upon closer inspection, discovered a crate with kittens hidden beneath it. The case has underscored the need for stronger local regulations and increased awareness about responsible pet ownership in La Broquerie. Submitted photo / screenshot
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Valley Fiber: Infrastructure Roll Out Comes with Challenges
By Dan Guetre
Over the past few years, residents and municipal councils in southeast Manitoba have vocalized concerns, and sometimes criticism, that the path towards a promised fiber internet connection has not been a smooth journey. These include complaints of crews leaving construction messes, to delays customers have seen between signing up and getting the installation. The Dawson Trail Dispatch was able to reach out to Conley Kehler, a Senior Vice President and one of the founders of Valley Fiber to ask some questions about the fiber project, and updates on when waiting customers can expect an actual internet connection to the Valley Fiber network.
Q&A...
Dispatch - Due to the complexity of the massive infrastructure roll-out, what hurdles has Valley Fiber faced? Are there hurdles you have overcome and are there hurdles that became reality and had to be placed in the “normal column”?
Conley K - Big question. Almost want to start with what hurdles we have not run into. The original plan was to place fiber in the Pembina Valley. Like I tell people, that dream lasted about an hour. We had community-after-community call asking for us to bring the service. We knew rural Manitoba was underserviced and unserved because we are rural Manitobans ourselves. It took a while but eventually we secured a loan based on our expanded scope of the project.
The weather in 2022 was a huge set back. There were record snow fall with 3 or 4 Colorado Lows. Then June rolled in with record rainfalls. This really put us back more than a year. There was a Manitoba Hydro work stoppage so no locates were done for other infrastructure, which simply meant our crews could not dig.
The pandemic was interesting. People were at home looking for service because they needed to work, or attend school, which was good for us. The problem again was not being able to get to customers fast enough, and of course the biggest hurdle was supply chain. Our routers were stuck in ports thousands of miles away. The oil shortage was significant. Petroleum is required to make the conduit that is used for housing the fiber resulting in a fight to get product throughout North America. And inflation... prices increased on everything including fuel, which was a large strain on our project budgets.
Dispatch - Many people are under the belief that Valley Fiber is all government funded? Can you disclose what the actual financial structure looks like?
gency service up and running. Valley Fiber wanted the best for our family, friends, and neighbours so we also offer a dedicated fiber connection, not a shared fiber connection where many customers are sharing a single strand of fiber with their neighbours.
Dispatch - With communities that currently have Valley Fiber customers hooked up, can additional customers still sign up, and if so, do the hook-up costs differ from a pre-signup?
Conley K - We encourage those that wish to signup to go to the Valley Fiber website and determine if you are in our coverage map. If so, we encourage you to sign up before crews are doing construction in your area. If crews have been through, we do have drills that will be come back for late sign ups. The best option is to call and ask. Our main goal now is our obligation to build the project that has been defined, but we also understand there are many customers that have built new, moved into areas where we did not bring the service such as a new residential development has gone up. If you want fiber service, please call.
Dispatch - How does Valley Fiber’s monthly rate compare to the available competition with similar plans (ie Shaw, BellMTS, Starlink)?
Conley K - We feel we are more than competitive in the rural markets. The bigger question is the service type. Dedicated fiber versus shared fiber - versus satellite. The latter two can fluctuate on speed. Valley Fiber offers internet, plus TV, and phone services.
SE Community Fiber Status...
These are approximate time frames and can be adjusted if complications arise.
Conley K - Initially we were funded with local investors. Like I mentioned, very quickly there were requests from many rural areas of the province asking us to bring the service. We applied for funding for 75% backhaul and had to find the other 25% of funds, but this only brought us to the edge of the village or town. Again we had to find funds for distribution to a larger area. We were rewarded with two rounds of Connect to Innovate Funding. At this point we found funding via venture capital money, the Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF). Valley Fiber, and our investment fund partner, headed back to Ottawa to find more funding. What we found was the Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) willing to provide us with a loan for matching dollars from Valley Fiber and DIF. This process with the CIB took approximately 12 months before money was released as the project is being built. So, it is simply a bank loan to Valley Fiber with a specific map designed in collaboration with CRTC on getting to as many underserviced rural residents as possible.
Dispatch - There is no doubt that some community rollouts have taken longer than expected as some customers have reported that they were pre-signed up for around two years, and some of the door-to-door sales teams have promised hook-up dates much sooner than what is actually happening. Can you explain what some of the delays are about? And what would you like to say to the residents affected?
Conley K - Not getting to residents in the timely manner we had planned has been a sore point for both the customer and Valley Fiber. We did not anticipate the amount of hurdles or the impact of these hurdles. What we do know is that we have worked hard to facilitate a loan, and have secured private investment for rural residents. Our sole focus is to change the playing field outside of Manitoba’s urban centers. We understand many have waited a long time before we announced we were coming, and now have waited some time after our announcements. Our goal has always been to improve the lives for rural communities, residents, businesses, education, and health.
Dispatch - There have been some changes in the internal hierarchy of Valley Fiber. Can you go into some of the personnel changes and the reasons for this?
Conley K – Valley Fiber continues to search for a more seasoned senior staff. The business has grown so significantly from 15 staff to 380 staff. While that did work with our existing senior staff in a smaller footprint we simply needed to hire staff that have blazed similar trails in the past. Ryan Klassen is our new CEO and comes with 25 years of telecommunication experience. He grew up on a farm in the Prairies but has grown up navigating large telecom projects. We simply did not have that experience. We have also added a COO with 20 plus years of construction experience.
Dispatch - Will this “personnel change” be felt by the public with an increased speed in hooking up communities?
Conley K - The personnel change will certainly bring more experienced operators into the fiber build, as well as connections that can assist. The simple answer… we are starting to come back into line with our projections with some larger and more experienced contractors.
Dispatch - Currently there seems to be a surge in residents signing on to Starlink. What argument can Valley Fiber offer residents that have subscribed to this service, to switch to Valley Fiber when it is available in their area?
Conley K - While both satellite and fiber technology have a place in this world, fiber is the apex technology with almost endless speed capacity, reliability, and cost. There is a world of difference between the two. Outside of the obvious benefits, latency on a network is key for those that rely on a smooth consistent connection for voice, video, and streaming. Valley Fiber has been vetted by PC Magazine as the lowest latency network in Canada. Online learning, teaching, healthcare, etcetera all require a low latency network for a reliable connection. Additionally, fiber is underground and therefore reliable during harsh weather when you want emer-
Community Customer Hook-ups and area or Status
Blumenort servicing
Giroux servicing
Grunthal servicing
Ile des Chene servicing (areas)
Kleefeld servicing
La Broquerie servicing
Landmark servicing
Lorette servicing
Marchand servicing
New Bothwell servicing
Randolph servicing
Sarto servicing
St Adolphe servicing
St Malo servicing
St Pierre/Otterburne servicing
Ste Agathe servicing
Tolstoi servicing
Dufresne live construction (service in 2024)
Richer servicing 2024
Rosa servicing 2024
Roseau River servicing 2024
Ross servicing 2024
RM Ste Anne servicing 2024
Ste Genevieve servicing 2024
Zhoda servicing 2024
Badger planning
Carrick planning
Elma planning
East Braintree planning
Hadashville planning
Piney planning
South Junction planning
Spargue planning
Stuartburn planning
Sundown planning
Vassar planning
Vita planning
Woodridge planning
Editors note: In addition to publishing both the Dawson Trail Dispatch and the AgriPost, I also created a fixed wireless internet service, eventually serving 8 communities and their surrounding areas. With the realization that the future was leaning towards more speed requirements, a shift towards streaming services and a high capital cost of installing an upgraded infrastructure, an agreement was reached with Valley Fiber to purchase those assets. While the “infrastructure” was no where on par to the scope of Valley Fiber, it has given me some insight to what they have overcome and are facing when dealing with various levels of government, the environment, logistics, supply chains and a multitude of contractors.
The Valley Fiber project could be viewed as one of the largest new infrastructure projects in eastern Manitoba considering vast geographical footprint accompanied with the plan to roll it out in a compact timeframe. The complexity is immense as the fiber requires existing infrastructure to be properly located and marked in order to avoid bringing down one as the other goes in. This has not always been a smooth process as previous infrastructure was not always marked and recorded with accuracy. In many instances, the “educated guesswork” by those with their existing infrastructure in place has been proven wrong, leading to further delays.
Kehler pointed out that while their fiber is marching from community to community, Valley Fiber also has over 200 fixed wireless vertical assets (towers, etc) as well. Many of these were acquired and consolidated from various local internet providers who sold their assets to Valley Fiber and many now have upgraded technology installed improving speed and latency.
“Many of these connected to fiber,” he noted. “So if customers are looking for better options that are not on the fiber network, or are waiting for Valley Fiber services but need better speeds now, we encourage customers to call. Fixed wireless is a great option for many, and with all our services we have a 24/7/365 Manitoba service center.”
Conley Kehler is a Senior Vice President and one of the founders of Valley Fiber. He is usually the first face municipal councils see when VF plans to add their region to the service map.
Richer Rodeo Celebrates 10 Years with Record Breaking Attendance
By Dan Guetre
An astounding 12,000 walked through the gates during the mid-August Richer Rodeo this summer, surpassing the number of attendees by almost 3,000 from the previous year according to organizers of the event.
The annual rodeo was celebrating its 10th show and has become, over the years, one of the premier rodeo and country fair events in the province.
Over 300 rodeo competitors competed in the rodeo arena, almost 3 dozen entertainers hit the stages and roamed throughout the park, and 130 volunteers swarmed the grounds to keep spectators entertained and the weekend running smoothly.
“On behalf of our committee we want to thank our community and the volunteers who work hard to put this event on, and the sponsors who are our partners in this family oriented event,” said Richer Rodeo President Pat Stolwyk.
The Richer Rodeo Committee appreciates the hard work of photographers Carey Lee, David Everett and Carmen Trudeau who captured the weekend.
Why Did GIS Go Down and PCH Fees Go Up?
We have experienced an unusual situation this summer. For some seniors, their income has been reduced but their personal care home fees have gone up! How and why did this happen?
Guaranteed Income Supplement
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) has been reduced for most seniors who have been receiving it the past 12 months. That is because the Canada Pension Plan was increased in January 2023.
The GIS is part of the Old Age Security (OAS) program and is recalculated every July. As of July 2024, the GIS is based on your net income reported on your personal income tax for 2023. And everyone’s CPP income increase by 6.5% January 2023. One of the largest increases we have seen in decades!
So if all of your other income remained about the same, such as interest income or income from your Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), then your net income was still higher in 2023 versus 2022, just because the CPP increased in January 2023.
In the past month, we have had many phone calls from our senior clients wanting to know why their GIS went down in July 2024 compared to just the month before in June 2024. After the first few calls, we realized that almost everyone was affected and for all of the calls we received, it was simply because their CPP was higher in 2023 versus 2022.
It took 18 months to realize what the impact would be on the GIS. Everyone was happy that their CPP was higher January 2023, but only 18 months later, July 2024, did we realize the negative impact it would have on some low income seniors.
Unfortunately, many low income seniors have seen their incomes drop as of July 2024 based on the combined OAS and GIS. And this lower income will remain the same until October 2024.
Every three months, the OAS and GIS normally does see a small increase based on inflation. We will need to wait until October to see how much the OAS and GIS increases.
And then next January 2025, we will find out how much the CPP will increase for the entire 2025 year. The CPP is increased every January based on the inflation rate for the previous year. Unlike the OAS and GIS, the CPP is only increased once a year.
Personal Care Home Fees
The Manitoba Personal Care Home Fees (PCH) are recalculated every August. And the new fees for August 2024 to July 2025 are based on your 2023 net income.
For many low income seniors living in a PCH, their only income includes the CPP and OAS and GIS.
We already know the CPP increased by 6.5% for 2023. The OAS was increased
throughout 2023 every three months. The total increase during the 2023 year was more than 10%!
Since your CPP and OAS increased in 2023, your PCH fees increased effective August 2024. This is a shock to many individuals and their families or those who have been helping them with their finances.
As her legal representative, I look after the finances for a low income senior that has been residing in a personal care home for a few years. Mid August, I received a courtesy call from one of the administration staff who wanted me to be aware of the large increase to her personal care home fees starting August 2024 for the next 12 months.
That is when I realized that almost all the seniors living in personal care homes in Manitoba will see large increases to their monthly fees. It makes it more difficult to manage the finances when the income has been reduced by the GIS being lower, and yet the monthly costs of the PCH fees are going up.
Many seniors living in PCH may find it difficult to manage the cash flow for the next 12 months.
Looking back at the past 18 months, I realize that my one client in the personal care home did manage to save some money for the past year and a half, because her personal care home fees from August 2023 to July 2024 were still based on her lower income in 2022. And she will need some or all of this saved money for the next 12 months with the higher PCH fees.
The combination of CPP and OAS income increasing in 2023 had an adverse affect on the GIS that will be received July 2024 to June 2025. And the increased income for 2023 will also have a negative affect on the PCH fees charged from August 2024 to next July 2025.
Many families will have some difficulty managing the cash flow of their senior family member living in a personal care home in Manitoba.
Anni Markmann is a professional tax preparer and an independent financial advisor who lives, works, and volunteers in the Ste Anne area. Contact her at Ste Anne Tax Service at 36 Dawson Road, Ste Anne or 204-422-6631 or info@sataxes. ca.
Reynolds Looking to Hire Economic Development Officer
By Dan Guetre
The RM of Reynolds has officially developed an Economic Development Officer (EDO) position and is now searching for the right person to fill it.
According to Reeve Russ Gawluk, council has approved the position, and the details are posted on their website.
He added that they are “aiming for a person experienced in this field.”
Normally, hours of work will be three days per week, between 8 am and 4 pm, with choice of days to be determined from time to time by CAO in consultation with employee and based on required activities there could be the occasional hours in the evenings and Saturdays to meet the requirements of the position.
The EDO will be responsible to work with potential investors, developers, First nations, various levels of government, community organizations and local businesses.
Additionally, the EDO will work with council and the administration to market the area, develop a campaign to increase local spending, coordinate corporate events and projects and enhance local development.
Deadline to send in a resume is September 13 to CAO Kim Furgala at cao@rmofreynolds.com. For more information prospective candidates can call the office at 204-426-5305.
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
The Untouched Lunch….
By Dan Guetre
Packing a school lunch that actually gets eaten can be a challenge for many parents, especially when lunch boxes return home mostly untouched. Southern Health-Santé Sud recently addressed this common frustration in their newsletter, offering practical advice to help parents ensure their children are eating well at school.
According to Southern Health-Santé Sud, there are a variety of reasons why a child might not eat their lunch. However, it’s crucial to remember that it’s ultimately the child’s job to decide how much and whether to eat. Rather than feeling disheartened, parents are encouraged to get feedback from their children about what might be preventing them from eating. Sometimes, simple adjustments like preopening packages or packing less food can make a big difference, especially if the child’s appetite is typically low at noon.
Five Steps to Packing an A+ Lunch
The newsletter also offers a straightforward five-step guide to packing balanced and appealing lunches that kids are more likely to enjoy:
1. Keep it Simple: Focus on including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Water is always a great drink choice to accompany the meal.
2. Plan and Prep in Advance: Having a rough plan for the week’s lunches can streamline grocery shopping, food preparation, and packing. A little planning
goes a long way in reducing stress.
3. Pack the Night Before: Mornings can be chaotic, which might lead to hurried, unbalanced lunches. Packing lunches the night before allows for more thoughtful preparation.
4. Get Kids Involved: Involving children in the lunch-packing process can increase the likelihood that they will eat what’s been packed. Children can help by washing fruits and veggies, getting supplies ready, or filling water bottles.
5. Prioritize Food Safety: Ensuring that hot foods stay hot and cold foods stay cold is essential for keeping lunches safe to eat. Parents are reminded to use good quality thermoses and ice packs and to regularly clean lunch kits and water bottles.
By following these steps, Southern Health-Santé Sud believes that parents can make school lunches both nutritious and enjoyable for their children, ultimately leading to fewer untouched lunches at the end of the day.
Scan the QR code for more tips on packing school lunches by browsing articles at www.unlockfood.ca.
Banana “Sushi”
Here is a fun and easy lunch box or after school snack idea for kids of all ages. Get creative and see what fun combinations you can make!
Ingredients:
2-3 bananas
1 /2 cup of chocolate chips melted or ½ cup of nut or seed butter or 1 /2 cup of whipped cream cheese
A variety of: Shredded coconut
Chia seeds
Sprinkles
Mini chocolate chips
Hemp hearts
Breakfast cereal granola
Method:
1. Peel bananas and spread desired “sticky” ingredient (melted chocolate or nut/seed butter or cream cheese) onto the bananas.
2. Sprinkle desired topping onto the coated bananas and cut up bananas to achieve a circle shape.
3. Eat immediately or let firm up in fridge for 20 minutes. Leftovers can be put in the freezer for a cool snack another day.
Back to School – Bus Safety
When a vehicle – like a school bus –makes contact with power lines, electricity from the lines wants to find the easiest way to the ground. The bus provides a passage for electricity to the ground.
If your school bus contacts a power line, take these steps:
- Use the bus’ radio to call for assistance or yell to someone already outside the bus for help.
- If the bus is still working and it is safe to do so, back the bus slowly away from the lines.
- If you can’t back away, keep everyone on the bus. Passengers could be exposed to electrocution if they try to leave the bus.
- Keep others at least 15 metres (or 50 feet) away from the accident site, as the ground around the vehicle will be energized.
- Never touch a wire.
If your school bus comes into contact with a power line and it causes a fire, follow these steps:
- Evacuate the bus – safely. To do this, students should hop clear of the bus one at a time with arms tightly at their sides. They must jump clear without touching the bus and the ground at the same time. They must land with their feet together and shuffle a safe distance away from the bus.
- Keep the students together in a group and do not allow them to re- enter the accident site.
- Call Manitoba Hydro for assistance. When a vehicle comes into contact with power lines, electricity fans out from the vehicle like a pebble dropped into a pond. The most powerful current will be at the centre, and the voltage will decrease the further you get from the centre. You do not want parts of your body contacting two things of different voltages, as you will become the route electricity travels from higher voltage to lower voltage to ground. Visit hydro.mb.ca/safety for more information.
Banana “Sushi”
Scan the QR code for more tips on packing school lunches.
Parents can make school lunches both nutritious and enjoyable for their children, ultimately leading to fewer untouched lunches at the end of the day. Submitted photos
Steinbach Family Resources Centre’s “Nobody Perfect” Program to Return This Fall
By Angelique Forest
The Steinbach Family Resources Centre (SFRC) is gearing up for the return of its popular “Nobody Perfect” parenting program. The next series of classes will commence on September 26 at 1 pm, with subsequent sessions held every Thursday afternoon for six weeks: October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.
The program operates on a registration-only basis. Interested participants are encouraged to secure
their spots by contacting the Center directly or emailing Chelsea Sealy at programs@steinbachfrc.ca.
“This program is a great opportunity for caregivers to connect with others who may have similar parenting concerns,” said Chelsea Sealy, Family Educator with the Steinbach Family Resources Center. “It allows them to share experiences and ideas about parenting. Participants get to choose the topics for each session, ensuring
they receive relevant information tailored to their needs, rather than generic advice.”
Sealy emphasized the program’s value in fostering long-lasting connections among participants.
“The group also provides a chance for parents to build relationships with others, creating a supportive ‘village’ they can rely on even after the sessions end,” she explained. “This network can be incredibly valuable as they con-
tinue their parenting journey.”
The program does not run during the summer months to accommodate the busy schedules of participants enjoying the warmer weather. As the SFRC prepares for this session, Sealy noted that with the retirement of former facilitator Maggie Cowell, Sealy along with Families Assistant Daryna Malyukh will be taking over the facilitation duties.
“We are excited to continue of-
fering this program to our community,” Sealy said. “Daryna and I are looking forward to working with participants and helping them navigate their parenting challenges.”
For those interested in joining, early registration is advised to ensure a spot in this enriching and supportive program. The Steinbach Family Resources Centre has additional information on their website at steinbachfrc.ca.
Helping Hands Expands to La Broquerie
By Angelique Forest
Newly minted La Broquerie Helping Hands, a community-focused charity, is set to expand its services to La Broquerie, marking a significant milestone in its mission to support local residents in need. The organization has been temporarily distributing hampers from the Centre d l’Amitié community centre, located next to the Chalet.
However, within the next month, Helping Hands will move to a new, permanent location at 210 Rue Principale Street in La Broquerie, situated in the same building as the Shell gas station and Tetrault Transport, and facing Highway 52.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community and our volunteers, we have not had any expenses to date,” said Kathy Yip, a representative with La Broquerie Helping Hands, expressing gratitude for the support the organization has received. “Everything we have, from fridges and freezers to computers, cupboards, and building supplies, has been donated. The space itself, including all utilities, is also being provided at no cost.”
Yip highlighted the contributions of several key supporters, including TNT Ventures, Hylife, RONA La Broquerie Lumber, Golf View Electric, Habs Kitchen, and Grace Gospel Church.
“These organizations, along with some anonymous donors, have been instrumental in turning our vision into reality,” Yip said.
As the organization prepares to transition to its new location, it anticipates needing additional funds for various items and food supplies.
“We have been actively collecting donations and even have some community members sending bi-weekly etransfers every payday,” Yip explained. “We are also applying for grants and exploring opportunities for largescale fundraisers to support our ongoing needs.”
The support from the La Broquerie community has been overwhelming, according to Yip.
“We have received generous donations of money and food, numerous volunteers have assisted with distribution, and local businesses and churches have been vital in the development of our new location,” elaborated Yip. “The RM of La Broquerie has also been supportive from day one.”
Yip appreciates the community’s collective efforts.
“We are truly grateful for the generosity and kindness of everyone involved,” she said. “It’s heartening to see such a strong community spirit and support for Helping Hands as we expand our services.”
Helping Hands’ new location is expected to enhance their ability to serve the La Broquerie community effectively, continuing their vital work in providing support and resources to those in need.
Species at Risk Spotlight: Great Plains Ladies’-tresses
By Norm Gregoire
September marks the closing of summer, and with that, in the tall-grass prairie, we see the last of the wildflowers opening in full bloom. Luckily for us, one of the most unique orchids found here is at its peak during this time, and that is the Great Plains ladies’-tresses. This orchid is best viewed on your hands and knees to appreciate the intricacies of this species at risk. From this low angle, looking around will give you a different perspective on the vast array of life in the tall-grass prairie.
Great Plains ladies’-tresses are a small perennial growing 12-38 cm in height. The leaves are over 1 cm wide and up to 14 cm in length and will usually wither before blooming. There are multiple, white-coloured flowers that spiral up the stem, each measuring about 1.5 cm in length. Due to its aromatic scent, this orchid is often smelled before being seen. The scent has been described as the strongest of any plant in the tall-grass prairie and can be compared to everything from vanilla to sweetgrass. This strong scent helps pollinators find
the tiny orchid which is otherwise hidden among a sea of tall grasses.
To properly identify this orchid from others, you will have to investigate closely. In the tall-grass prairie Great Plains ladies’-tresses may be confused with hooded ladies’-tresses.
A good first step to take while trying to differentiate these two ladies’-tresses is to note the time of year that they are in bloom. Hooded are first to bloom from mid-July into August, whereas Great Plains bloom from mid-August until the end of September. There can be some overlap with blooming periods, so this is not always a reliable way to properly separate the two orchids.
The hooded ladies’-tresses petals and sepals form a “hood” over the lip, which is more fiddle-shaped. Great Plains ladies’-tresses sepals are more spreading, and the lip is not constricted, and the lip is rounded right until the end. These differences are slight, so it does take some time spent with each orchid to get confident enough to give a positive identification.
Great Plains ladies’-tresses tend to grow in soils with low acidity in prairie and sedge meadow habitats. Moist areas, including ditches and road allowances, provide habitat as well; therefore, the orchid is susceptible to the maintenance of these areas. In my own yard, I had decided to let some of the grass grow near the treeline this year. To my surprise, ladies’-tresses began to grow here! It amazes me how such delicate-looking flowers can be so hardy, taking advantage of an opportunity to grow that was given to them. Having ladies’-tresses growing in my yard is a great addition and part of what makes calling the tall-grass prairie home so special. Adventures with Nature Norm
On this month’s Adventures with Nature Norm, we are taking a closer look at the tallest and smallest that the tall-grass prairie has to offer. This is a great opportunity to see the tiny Great Plains ladies’-tresses in full bloom. Also, at this time, the tallest grasses, such as big blue stem and prairie cord grass, will be at their maximum height. This free event is taking place on Saturday, September 7, from 10 am to 12 pm. The starting point is at the Agassiz Interpretive Trail, which is 7 km west of Vita off Highway 201. To register or for more information, please contact info@sharedlegacy.ca. I hope to see you there!
in the Water
Reflection of Church on the Seine in the Ste. Anne park.
Photo by Ginette Perron
Great Plains ladies’-tresses are a small perennial growing 12-38 cm in height.
Photo submitted by Norm Gregoir / courtesy of Nature Conservancy of Canada
Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Animal Rescue
Southeast Food Banks to Benefit!
Every year, Clearview Co-op proudly participates in Fuel Good Day. On September 17, they’ll be donating 5 cents from every litre of fuel sold at their C-stores and $1 from each Cooperative Coffee and Big Cool purchase to chosen charities.
This year, Clearview Co-op has decided to support nine different Food Banks that serve the communities where Clearview operates.
In addition, they’ll be providing donation bins at all the locations for the week of Fuel Good Day from September 13 to September 20 where people can drop off non-perishable items. Everything collected will go directly to the Food Bank in the community where the C-store is located.
To wind-up the campaign, Clearview Co-op will also host a BBQ supper at their Ile des Chênes location this year and invite the Ile des Chênes Food Bank to join them from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
Southeast food banks supported this year are South East Helping Hands, Vita Food Bank, La Broquerie Food Bank, Grunthal Food Bank, Accueil Kateri Centre in Ste. Anne, RM of Tache Food Bank, Ile des Chenes Food Bank and the St. Pierre-Jolys Food Bank. Co-op’s Fuel Good Day is back and
The 25th Annual Kelly Holliston Invitational selected Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue as one of the beneficiaries of this year’s charity golf tournament held at the Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course. Holliston was on hand to present a cheque to the
Niverville Music Artist Launches
New Solo Project with Music Video Tagging His Community
The Rock
In the Moment - Hope, personal stories of meeting God in each moment of inspiration
By Arlene Derksen
The backyard carpet of grass was dressed in bright green as spring had made way for summer. My dad had freshly mowed it with his older model mower, neat straight rows, creating a summertime backdrop for the two-seater metal swings surrounded by a crisp old fashioned picket fence with a swinging door in the middle, held by a metal hitch, dividing the neighbour’s yard and ours, in a friendly manner of course.
My mom’s freshly planted garden sat perfectly in the back corner of the yard, framed by the freshly mowed grass. My 5-year-old self skipped happily into the back of the yard where my dad had made a pass along the back close to our small-town road. It led to my favourite spot. A place to sit…. The rock.
Being five, it seemed much larger than it really was. A smooth angled surface was just perfect for a place to watch the early spring robins intently hopping on my dad’s freshly mowed grass, tugging at morsels of worm, or just watching the latest 70s cars and trucks moving intentionally back-and-forth on the edge of our town road. It was a different time. A slower time.
My mom’s yellow perennials seemed to wave at me on my perch; the large trunk and branches of what felt like a grandmother oak tree shaded my spot on the rock like a protective maternal hug. I sighed, a 5-year-old sigh. It was a haven of sorts. It was my haven when life got too noisy in my 5-year-old world where I could just be me… and whatever rest meant to a 5 yr old mind.
Now, 50 plus years later, the road to my grandchildren’s homes brings me past the now even larger oak shading the rock, which seems so much smaller now. I proceed to tell the same story they hear every time we pass by as they ride in my SUV’s back seat.
“This is where Grandma used to sit on the rock.” They crane their little necks as they follow my gestures in the direction of the rock. It happens often, it seems. And each time, I start telling the story of the Rock, the grandchildren chirp… “Grandma! There is your rock!” and beat me to it. I guess I’ve told them that story 1 time too many times already. I’m glad they remember.
But I want the next generation to know where my rock of rest had been all those years. But more importantly, I want my next generation to know where my rock of rest is now in my life, and has been for many years. The “Rock of ages…” Jesus.
The hymn “Rock of Ages” cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee, brings my thoughts back to the words in the navy blue church hymnal as a five year old. The words didn’t have much meaning then. My 5-year-old self had not lived enough life yet to have the need for the “Rock of rest,”… an unmovable place of “rest” called Jesus.
Looking back on the memories of my rock, I realized my need for some quiet rest. Even at the age of 5. It serves as a remembrance of how our minds need a steady “rock of rest” in different ways in different seasons.
As I continue to travel that road that passes my childhood rock, my prayer continues to be for the future generations…my grandchildren…that they too will find the ultimate Rock… the Rock of Rest… Jesus.
By Angelique Forest
Trevor Lux, formerly known for his work with the band Plain as Ghosts and the cover group The Dept of Human Resources, has officially launched his new solo project, “The World on Loan” (TWOL) with a recent debut single release, a modern rendition of Buffalo Springfield’s classic “For What It’s Worth”.
The song was released on August 23 and is accompanied by a vibrant new music video recorded in part in Niverville’s Hespeler Park.
Lux, the sole artist behind TWOL, expressed his excitement about the project and the collaborative efforts involved.
“The ‘World on Loan’ is essentially a solo project with me as the artist, but many people play an integral role behind the scenes,” Lux said.
“Evan St. Cyr is the mix engineer and producer, Myles Clayborne and Matt Coates are additional producers, Holly Dunphy handled photog-
raphy, Adam Halstrom took care of artwork and design, and Travis Anema was our videographer.”
Lux’s previous band, Plain as Ghosts, gained notable recognition, opening for acts such as Tom Cochrane and Pop Evil. The band released two albums, two remix albums, and an EP recorded remotely during the pandemic. In 2023, Lux also co-produced Catie St. Germain’s debut single “The Taxman”.
“I was itching to create again, and this project was born from that drive,” said Lux, reflecting on his new project. “The song always spoke to me, and I feel its lyrics are just as relevant today as they were in 1967. The music video, while fun at its core, addresses a ‘distracted society’ with a light-hearted approach.”
The music video was a collaborative effort with Lux’s creative input shaping the concept, location, and community involvement. Despite a rainy day threatening the shoot, Lux was relieved as
the weather cleared just in time.
“I was very concerned about the rain, but we were blessed with beautiful August Prairie skies in the evening,” Lux noted. “The kids were all amazing, and I’m grateful to everyone who made it out despite scheduling challenges.”
Lux was extremely pleased with the final look of the video taken in Hespeler Park.
“Travis is incredibly talented, and the video exceeded my expectations in every way,” said Lux, expressing gratitude to Travis Anema, the videographer.
The video has garnered positive responses, with over 4,700 views on Facebook, 1,611 views on Instagram, and 653 views on YouTube by the end of August.
“The support from Niverville and beyond has been fantastic,” Lux added. “I appreciate everyone who liked,
commented, and shared the video.”
The single is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms. Lux also shared that the artwork for the single is inspired by a camping photo of his youngest daughter, highlighting the personal touch in his new project.
Steinbach Chamber Eyes Membership Fee Increase
After careful consideration and a thorough review of their financial requirements and the services they provide, the Steinbach Chamber Board is proposing to increase annual membership dues.
In a recent statement, the Chamber believes the proposed adjustment aligns with their mandate and goals to ensure that they can continue to deliver the high-
quality programs, advocacy, and resources that members expect and deserve.
The proposed increases will be voted on by mem-
bership at the Steinbach Chamber’s online AGM on September 26.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss
the proposed change contact Tessa Masi, Executive Director of the Steinbach Chamber at tessam@steinbachchamber.com.
Membership fee changes.
Most of the video for the song “For What It’s Worth” was produced using Hespeler Park in Niverville as the setting.
Trevor Lux (right) with his producer Evan St. Cyr in the studio.
Lux gives credit to his daughter Ivy for the inspiration of the cover art. Submitted photos
Sailing and Seamanship Activities
are Top of Mind for Local Sea Cadets
Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class Aylee Braschuk was employed as a Staff Cadet this summer at HMCS Quadra CTC. Three other youth from their corps were also selected to attend CTCs as Course Cadets. These cadets developed self-confidence, self-discipline, and leadership skills through activities designed to challenge them. The cadets participated in the following courses: Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial, Drill and Ceremonial Instructor, Ship’s Boat Operator, Sail 1, and Introduction to Marksmanship.
“My favourite thing about the Cadet Program is the amazing community,” said Braschuk. They added that cadets have provided them many opportunities like
sailing and international travel.
Lieutenant (N) Matthew Bisesi, Commanding Officer of 330 RCSCC shared that weekly training will resume in Lorette on September 5. Bisesi stated that they are “thrilled to continue our sailing activities in Gimli this year,” and are also looking forward to offering the cadets an overnight event with 213 QU’APPELLE RCSCC in Saskatchewan that will develop their seamanship skills and knowledge.
Sea Cadets learn seamanship skills, including navigation and how to sail. Through existing partnerships with the Navy League of Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy, Sea Cadets can participate in practi -
cal hands-on experiences in Canada and the world through naval deployments, sailing, and seamanship activities.
The 330 RCSCC provides cadets with “valuable skills, leadership, and community involvement” opportunities annually, shared Bisesi. In addition, “Dawson remains committed to our community, with plans to take part in town clean-ups, parades, and much more.”
“We are always looking for new cadets and staff members to join us in these rewarding experiences,” said Bisesi.
“Other youth should join Cadets because it provides so many unique opportunities and experiences that can help them grow to their full potential,” said Braschuk.
The Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-19 and provides opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime including teamwork and communication. Youth who are interested in joining the Cadet Program can do so by visiting Join the Cadet Program - Canada.ca or emailing 330sea@cadets. gc.ca.
Becoming part of the Cadet Program as an adult leader is a choice to serve both your country and your local community. It is easier than you may think and is filled with rewarding opportunities to gain new skills valued not only within the Canadian Armed Forces, but within your existing workplace. No previous military or cadet experience is required.
Piney Terminates Pinecreek Airport Agreement Amidst Rising Upgrade Costs
By Angelique Forest
The operational agreement between the RM of Piney and the State of Minnesota for the Piney Pinecreek Airport will come to an end on December
in response to a significant projected increase in capital costs for necessary airport upgrades.
The Piney Pinecreek Airport, a vital cross-border facility, has been a collaborative effort between local communities in Minnesota and
Manitoba since its inception in the late 1940s. The airport, which opened in 1953 and saw a runway extension into Canada in 1972, was established to facilitate cross-border travel and has long served as a key asset for both medical transport and tourism. The site is one of four cross border airports spanning Canada and the US but uniquely, the only one with a paved runway.
Wayne Anderson, Reeve of the RM of Piney, explained the circumstances surrounding the termination of the agreement.
“For many years, the RM of Piney has contributed to the ongoing operational costs of the airport,” Anderson said. “These expenses were minimal compared to the benefits we received, including medical transports from Roseau Hospital to Winnipeg and various tourism activities.”
However Anderson noted that over the years modern standards and increased operational demands have highlighted the need for substantial upgrades. Recent studies by Minnesota indicate that these upgrades would require an investment of over $2.5 million.
“Given the scope of the pro-
posed upgrades, it was suggested that a significant portion of these costs would fall on the ratepayers in the RM of Piney,” Anderson explained. “Unfortunately, these costs are not feasible for our ratepayers.”
The decision to terminate the agreement reflects the financial impracticality of bearing such a substantial burden said Anderson, but he emphasized that the RM of Piney remains open to exploring alternative solutions.
“If there are other viable options to facilitate cross-border traffic, we would be glad to support any proposals that make sense for our community,” he said. “We are open to discussing new agreements or alternatives that could benefit both parties.”
The end of this operational agreement marks a pivotal shift for the Piney Pinecreek Airport, which has been an important link between Canadian and American communities for decades. As the RM of Piney moves forward, discussions about potential new arrangements or alternative solutions are expected to take centre stage to ensure continued support for cross-border travel and services.
Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class Aylee Braschuk (right) plays the flute at a graduation parade at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Quadra Cadet Training Centre (CTC) in Comox, BC. Photo by Flight Sergeant Daniel Melnyk/907 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
The Piney Pinecreek Airport which opened in 1953 and saw a runway extension into Canada in 1972, was established to facilitate cross-border travel.
The site is one of four cross border airports spanning Canada and the US but uniquely, the only one with a paved runway. It has been a collaborative effort between Minnesota and Manitoba since its inception. Submitted photos
Animal Hospital Offers Tips for Easing Pet Anxiety as Routines Change
As the back-to-school season approaches and many families return to the office, Clearspring Animal Hospital is offering valuable advice to help pet owners manage the transition for their furry friends. Pets can often experience anxiety when routines change, but with some preparation, these changes can be made smoother for both pets and their owners.
Gradually Increase Alone Time
One of the key recommendations from Clearspring Animal Hospital is to gradually introduce your pet to alone time. For pets that are young or particularly attached to their owners, starting with brief periods of separation and gradually extending them can help ease anxiety. This method assures pets that their family will always return, even if temporarily out of sight.
Be Predictable
Maintaining a consistent schedule is another important strategy. Sticking to regular feeding, playtime, and departure times can significantly lower your pet’s stress levels. Pets, especially cats and dogs, are sensitive to changes in their routine. Practicing the new routine before the school year begins can help your pet adjust more easily.
Add Extra Exercise to Their Day
Exercise is crucial for managing pet anxiety. Taking your pet for morning and evening walks not only helps burn off excess energy but also strengthens your bond and promotes relaxation. Clearspring Animal Hospital also suggests incorporating training sessions before leaving for school or work to keep your pet mentally engaged and physically tired.
Engage Their Minds
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Using stimulating feeders and treat-dispensing toys can keep your pet’s brain occupied and prevent them from becoming fixated on your absence.
Create a Safe Space
Clearspring Animal Hospital advises pet owners to ensure that the space where their pet spends the day is secure and comfortable. This includes removing any potentially harmful items, relocating poisonous plants, and providing durable, safe toys. Additionally, using speciesspecific pheromone diffusers and sprays can add an extra layer of comfort to your pet’s favourite spaces.
Monitor Your Pet’s Response
Finally, it’s important to monitor your pet’s behaviour during the transition. Signs of extreme anxiety, such as panting, pacing, destructive behaviour, or excessive barking, should not be ignored. Clearspring Animal Hospital encourages pet owners to contact them if they notice any concerning behaviours in their pets during this time.
For more information and support, Clearspring Animal Hospital is ready to assist pet owners in making the back-to-school transition as smooth as possible for their beloved pets.
Grow Your Own Coffee - Effortlessly!
By Laura Reeves
I’m sure my lawn has more dandelions than grass. And there’s good reason for that. Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis) are among my favourite and most used of the wild edibles.
I prefer the roots because they can be used to make so many delicious things. For instance, a simple decoction or light boiling, of the fresh or dried roots makes a fine tonic. The taste is subtle, but pleasing. If you’re looking for a local, fair trade substitute for coffee or chocolate, dandelion roots are where it’s at. Roasted, the roots make a dark, delicious coffee-like drink or cocoa substitute that contains no caffeine.
Coffee and Other Dandelion
Root Beverages
Collect some medium-sized roots (see below for best times and places to pick them). Wash in several changes of water and chop into 1/2 inch, approximately even-sized, pieces. Spread out on a cookie sheet and roast in an oven for about two hours at 225 – 250 F. The roots will obtain their best flavour when they turn a rich brown and smell just about burnt. A higher temperature can be used (e.g. 275 – 325 F), but at these temperatures, you will run the risk of actually burning them and the sugars won’t caramelize as nicely.
I often grind the roots slightly with a mortar and pestle before I brew them. A coffee grinder should work too, but you may then want to put the powdery root into a cloth tea bag of some sort.
Now place about 2 tbsp of the roasted root in a medium pot of water, bring to a boil and simmer on low heat for 10 to 20 minutes. The longer the brew, the better the flavour.
Once removed from heat,
you can create soothing variations by adding wild mint or lavender leaves and steeping for another 15 minutes.
For a spicy winter drink, brew the roots with roasted barley, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. Add a splash of vanilla once removed from the heat. This is my version of Bengal Spice Tea made by Celestial Seasonings®.
To make cocoa, powder the roasted roots in a blender and then sift with a very fine sieve. Use this powder in place of cocoa powder in your favourite chocolate cake recipe or to make hot dandelion cocoa.
I have also used dandelion cocoa to make a unique chocolate/mocha-flavoured pudding and added it to icing and rumballs.
The best flavour for dandelion root beverages comes from medium-sized roots harvested in early spring or fall. Look for good-sized plants growing in loose soil with little competition.
Gardens are great. Lawns, not so much. They usually produce dandelions with small roots and little flavour. Still, with regular dandelion harvesting and loosening of the soil (I use a garden fork), you can turn your lawn, or portion thereof, into a dandelion garden that will produce the perfect-sized roots.
Of course, there’’s more to dandelion roots than hot drinks. You can grind up the dried, unroasted roots and add them to breads and pancakes to boost the nutritional value and experience a different flavour. But don’t get carried away. When consumed in excess, any plant can cause the very problems it’s otherwise capable of treating. That’’s how I found out the hard way that raw dandelion roots are good for relieving gas. Next time I use the raw flour in
pancakes, I’ll add only 1 or 2 tablespoons per cup of wheat flour, not 1/2 a cup!
Leaves, Flowers, Fritters
According to the US Department of Agriculture’s food composition data, dandelion leaves rank higher than domestic garden spinach in both iron and beta-carotene (the plant-based precursor to Vitamin A). In fact, with the exception of parsley, dandelion greens have the highest iron content of all domestic and wild greens listed. So go ahead and add some to a salad or a sandwich, or boil some for 5 or 10 minutes to serve as a potherb.
My first experience eating dandelion greens was horrible! Despite gathering them early in the spring while the flower buds were still tight, as I’d been advised to do, they were so bitter that after five bites I ended up putting my salad right back where I found it – outside. This bitter property actually makes the greens a good aid to digestion. But if you’re not one for strong bitters, gather the leaves from dandelions growing in the shade. These are quite pleasant, with hardly any bitterness at all.
Every spring, where I live, lawns that have turned into a solid yellow carpet of dandelion flowers are a common sight. The locals don’t particularly mind, probably because this sunny weed invasion signals the beginning of morel season.
Dandelion flowers have long been used to make wine – a group project, in my view, because it takes a lot of flowers to make a decent amount - of wine. It doesn’t take many to
make great bite-sized fritters when battered and deep-fried, though. Dandelion fritters are a great way to introduce children to wild edibles. After all, what kid doesn’t enjoy picking dandelions and eating fried food?
Dandelion Fritters
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tbsp ground flax
1 tbsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup milk/soy milk
2 tsp sugar/honey
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Fresh Dandelion Flowers
Combine dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and mix just until batter is smooth. Dip dandelion flowers in batter and deep fry in vegetable oil just above medium heat. Remove fritters when they’ve turned a light brown and place on paper towel to drain. If you only have time to get acquainted with a few wild edibles, I highly recommend that the dandelion be one of them. Not only is it versatile and delicious, but you can use it throughout the growing season for both food and medicine. And you’ll never have to look far to find it!
Botanist and workshop leader Laura Reeves is the founder of Prairie Shore Botanicals and author of Laura Reeves’ Guide to Useful Plants: From acorns to zoom sticks. For a hands-on experience in wild edible harvesting and preparation, check out her workshop, “’You can eat that?!’ Wild Edible Adventures” (details at psbotanicals.com).
Brought to you by the Stuartburn Emerson-Franklin Local Food Initiative, localfoodinitiative.ca or find us on Facebook.
Pets can often experience anxiety when routines change, but with some preparation, these changes can be made smoother for both pets and their owners. Submitted photo
Dandelion coffee.
Dandelion Fritters, great bite-sized treats when battered and deep-fried.
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis) are among my favourite and most used of the wild edibles.
You can grind up the dried, unroasted roots and add them to breads and pancakes to boost the nutritional value and experience a different flavour.
Steinbach Arts Council Kicks Off the Season with Trio Art Exhibit
The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is excited to open its new season with Journey: A Trio Exhibit, featuring three local artists. The exhibit will launch on September 6, and run through October 11, at the Steinbach Arts Council gallery.
Journey: A Trio Exhibit celebrates the creative diversity and artistic talent within our community, spotlighting three exceptional local artists: Kim Gwozdz, Swetlana Stang, and Arlene Rattai. Each artist brings a unique perspective and medium, offering a rich variety of visual experiences.
Kim Gwozdz, with over 40 years in art, utilizes various mediums to portray landscapes, floral scenes, and wildlife. Her involvement with the SAC includes numerous exhibits and teaching roles. Kim’s work is known in local businesses and private
collections across Canada and internationally.
Swetlana Stang, a self-taught artist from Germany, focuses on oil and acrylic paintings of landscapes and still lifes. Her work reflects a deep connection to nature and outdoor experiences. Swetlana has been a member of the Southeast Artists Group for ten years.
Arlene Rattai began her painting career after retire-
ment, initially working with porcelain and later exploring watercolours, oils, and pastels. Since 1995, her work has evolved, particularly in capturing animals through pastels.
“We are thrilled to kick off the season with such a diverse and talented group of artists,” says Camila Funes-Giesbrecht Assistant Arts Instructor Coordinator at SAC. “Journey
is not just an exhibit; it is a celebration of local creativity and the unique perspectives each artist brings to the table. We invite everyone to join us in experiencing this remarkable showcase.”
The opening reception will include refreshments, music, and a chance to meet the artists. The event is free and open to the public. Toonie admission is encouraged.
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw
Hello readers, it is once again time to share with you some moments of my life. This summer my wife and I, along with our kids did a partial repeat of a trip that we had done about thirteen years ago. Back then, with our two oldest children being just toddlers and our youngest child riding along in his mother’s tummy, we figured that now would be a good time to go back and re-experience some
of the coolness that Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan has to offer.
“Moose Jaw? What is there to do in Moose Jaw?”
If this is your thought because you’ve never been there before, it would be mine too. Luckily, I’ve been there before and we wanted to go back again. Each town or city has its’ own charm and for us Moose Jaw has the tunnels. The opportunity to go back and to have our children experience these fun tourist attractions was worth the eight hours of driving, the cost of the hotel stay and all the other costs that get added on during such a journey; who knew that kids can eat sooo much!
If you’ve never been to the Tunnels of Moose Jaw then I definitely suggest that you should go and experience
them. There are three tours to sign up for; The Chicago Connection dealing with prohibition and Al Capone (this was my favourite), Passage to Fortune which is a historical tour that showed how Chinese Immigrants lived and were treated during the building of the railroad. The third tour dealt with the Cold War and the propaganda during those times. All in all, each tour was fun to take.
During The Chicago Connection my family and I were the only ones on the tour which made it all the more special for us since we all had our “parts to play.” My wife was a ‘meat shield’, my daughter had to do a secret knock to allow us to enter another room, I looked down a tunnel to see if the coast was clear (Hollywood, here
I come!), my oldest son had to open a door while the tour guide hunkered down in safety (in case there were gunmen behind the door that my son was opening). My youngest son had the biggest and best part to play, he was Door Stop and whenever we’d go through a doorway his job was to hold the door open for us all to pass through.
Another fun thing that we did was to visit a burrowing owl sanctuary. It was very fun to see these cute little owls and to hear about their lives in the wild from the tour guide.
Next month, I’ll pass on the adventure of the suspension bridge and an amazing museum that every family should take the time to visit.
Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.
Employers of La Broquerie Asked to Participate in Survey
As part of the Employment Market Strengthening project, AMBM, CDEM and the RM of La Broquerie are inviting all local employers to complete the survey to identify their workforce needs from
September 3 to 30, 2024. In addition, by participating, your company could win up to $1,000!
If you are responsible for the recruitment in your organization, complete the survey
at www.surveymonkey.com/ r/la-broquerie-en (or use the QR code) and enter to win a $50 gift card or one of the of the $1,000 grand prizes for promoting your business! The draw will take place in 2025.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives
That bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and nausea may not be the flu. It could be the first stages of carbon monoxide poisoning.
With the heating season right around the corner, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home may rise. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced when wood and fossil fuels burn without enough oxygen. Carbon monoxide can build up due to a faulty appliance, a clogged chimney, inadequate venting, or the build-up of engine exhaust in a garage. It can also happen when fireplaces, wood stoves, clothes dryers, and heating equipment all compete for air in your home.
To prevent CO from forming; never use a barbecue, camp stove, fuel burning heater, generator, or any gas-powered engine inside your home, garage, or enclosed space.
To protect your family, install a certified CO alarm near bedrooms and on each level of your home. CO alarms will not prevent CO; only alert you to its presence. A warning sounds when levels of carbon monoxide are detected. If the alarm goes off evacuate your home immediately and leave the door open as you exit.
Call Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-MBHYDRO for an emergency inspection. Test your alarms regularly, change the batteries annually, and replace the alarms on or before the manufacturer’s recommended date. Know the warning signs: persistent, stuffy, or stale air, water condensation on windows, the smell of exhaust fumes, a back draft from the fireplace, or a pilot light that keeps going out. If you are experiencing health problems from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical attention – let the physician know you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep carbon monoxide out of your home by having your heating system annually inspected and maintained by a licensed heating contractor. Ensure external vents are secure and free of snow, insulation, leaves, lint and debris. If you have a fireplace, make sure it has a fresh air intake duct.
Most of all ensure you have a working CO alarm installed near your bedrooms and on all levels of your home. Never unplug or remove its batteries because the alarm annoys you. You could save lives, including your own.
Visit hydro.mb.ca/safety for more information.
Arlene Rattai Swetlana Stang Kim Gwozdz
Falcon Lake/Whiteshell Bingo – Wednesdays at 7: 30 pm, early bird games at 7 pm at the Whiteshell Community Club 20 301 Pr, Falcon Beach. Contact 204-349-2293.
Gardenton
Fall Supper Ukrainian Museum & Village Society – Sunday, September 15, 3 - 6 pm at the Park. Dine-in or take out. Silent Auction and Museum Tours. Please bring a tin for the bin in support of Vita Food Bank. Includes breaded pork cutlet, cabbage rolls, perogies, nalysnyky, mashed potatoes/gravy, salad, hot vegetable, sweet bun and dessert. $20/plate and $10 children 12 and under. Contact Call 204-425-8197.
Giroux Old Tyme Community Picnic – Sunday, September 8, 10am – 6 pm at the Giroux diamond, street parking. Bring a chair, meet your neighbours. BBQ, kids’ races and Ball game.
Grunthal Coffee Connections - All adults ages 55+ are welcome to join us at the New Horizon Centre for a time of visiting, while enjoying coffee, tea and refreshments. Join us and bring your friends. There is no cost. Contact Anita Funk 204-371-9134.
Ile des Chenes
Pancake Breakfast Taché Fire Department - Saturday, September 7 from 8 - 11 am at the Lorette Fire Station (1393 Dawson Road). Bring your family to enjoy pancakes and sausage, meet your local firefighters, and Sparky the Fire Dog. (PERK Coffee will also be attending this event.) We hope to see you there.
Wildlife Haven Open House – Friday, September 27, 10 am - 3 pm and Saturday, September 28, 10 am – 3 pm. A behind-the-scenes tour of the Wildlife Veterinary Hospital. Enjoy fun interactive activities for kids and adults and meet live wildlife ambassadors like Owl, Vultures. Limited number of tickets. Children 2 years of age and under free and 3 years of age and older are $10/person. Proceeds provide medical treatment, nutrition and rehabilitation to patients in care at the Wildlife Haven. Tickets available at wildlifehaven. ca/pages/open-house.
Yoga - Gentle yet invigorating drop-in yoga mornings or evenings for women and men. For all shapes and sizes; no experience needed. Contact Juliette at yogaforyoumanitoba@ outlook.com.
Kleefeld
Honey Run 5 Km - Saturday, September 14, at 10 am the 7th annual 5km Honey Run. Runners of all ages and abilities compete for honey and money! We award honey and monetary prizes for top runners and additional prize money for any individual male or female who breaks the current 2024 Manitoba Runners Association’s 5 km fastest race time on a certified course! Free Kleefeld Honey Run swag to the first 200 registrants of the 5km event! Cost $20. There is a race cap of 350. Please note we will NOT have race day registration. Contact kleefeldhoneyrun@gmail.com or 204899-4558.
Mini Milk Run - Saturday, September 14, at 9 am for kids in participation with the Manitoba Runners Association Youth Series for ages under 16. No chip timing for the kids run with a race distance ranging from 300m - 1,200m. Cost $10. Contact kleefeldhoneyrun@gmail.com or 204-899-4558.
La Broquerie
Canadian Wrestling’s Elite - Saturday, October 5 at the Hylife Centre. Be there to see your favourite CWE stars in action and the Over the Rope Rumble Main Event! VIP Doors: 6 pm, Doors Open 6:30 pm, Bell time 7 pm. Tickets: VIP First Access Ticket $20 ($25 at the door), General Admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Advance Tickets Available at: Mitchell Express Foods (37 Centre St N), Rona La Broquerie Lumber (23 Lumber Ave.). Purchase tickets online at cwetickets.com.
Farm & Community Market – On Saturdays, at 9 am, at the La Broquerie Hotel grounds. Join us for our regular market event with live entertainment, local growers, makers, and artisans. “Friends of the Market” get deals each week - we’ll see you under the cow! Contact Sarah Wieler 204-2021785, coordinator@labroqueriemarkets.ca.
Drop-in Community Bike Repair Workshop – Tuesdays, 6 – 9 pm at La Bikequerie Inc, 36016 PR 210, and (the old Southeast Vet Clinic) Come; learn how to fix your bike. Bring a friend! We also have used bikes for sale. Contact Jacinthe Wiebe, 204-346-1515 or labikequerie@gmail.com.
Landmark
Coffee/Craft Group – Meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 1 -3 pm at Kinsman Centre. Drop in to say hello. Contact Laurie@rmtache.ca for more details.
Lorette
Lorette Métis Local Citizens Meeting - Monday, September 23 at 7 pm at the Club les Blés d’Or.
Lorette Métis Local Citizens By-Election and Meeting -Monday, November 18 at 7 pm at the Lorette Parish Hall.
Public Skating – Sundays at the Community Complex from 11am-Noon. Mark your calendars, sharpen up those skates and we will see you there!
Monthly foot clinics - Tache Senior Services hosts foot clinics in Lorette and Landmark. Contact laurie@rmtache.ca for more information.
Yoga – Gentle yet invigorating drop-in yoga mornings or evenings for women and men. For all shapes and sizes; no experience needed. Contact Juliette at yogaforyoumanitoba@outlook.com.
Welcome New Residents - Welcome to the LUD of Lorette. Have you purchased a home, townhome, duplex, or condo in the LUD of Lorette, in the last year? The Welcome Basket Committee has a free basket of gift certificates, coupons, gifts, and information from local businesses and organizations in the LUD of Lorette. No strings attached. To arrange a visit please e-mail lorettewelcomebasket@gmail.com.
Middlebro
Fall Potluck Dinner – Sunday September 22, 5 pm at the Community Hall. Lets get together, all seniors welcome throughout Middlebro, Buffalo Point and surrounding RM of Piney. Contact Sharon 431-997-5384.
Outdoorsman’s Dinner, Card Auction & Dance – Saturday, October 5, starts at 6 pm at the Community Hall. $35 for Buffet dinner and dance. Auction $10 and $20 per card. 50/50 draw. $10 Dance only starting at 9 pm. Reserve a table for 8 $300. Contact Donna 204-881-8409 or Jodie 218-242-2283.
Mitchell
Toast & Coffee – On Tuesdays, drop-in for toast and coffee for $2 and a menu is available with prices according to what you order at the Mitchell and Area Community Centre, 130 Ash St. Contact Jane Penner 204-346-2469, jpenner@ jantre.com.
Niverville
Fall Brawl Pickleball Tournament – Starts Friday, October 4, 8 am – 10 pm at the Community Recreation Centre. October 4 Women’s Doubles, October 5, Mixed Doubles and October 6, Men’s Doubles. Cost $70+GST per pair. Looking for a partner? Reach out to us at recreation@whereyoubelong. ca to be put on our Single & Seeking list! Please identify your Age, Gender and Skill Level in your email. Phone 204388-4600.
Pansy Fall Supper - Sunday, September 8 from 3 -6 pm at the Community hall. Ukrainian Smorgasbord with all the fixings! Tickets only available at the door. Large group bookings email: germainleanne@gmail.com. Adults $25/person, Children 7 - 13 years $10 and 6 and under free. First Come, First Served! Cash only. Everyone Welcome!
Paradise Village Farmers Market Fundraiser for STARS Ambulance – Sunday, September 8, 11 am – 3 pm at the Rec Centre. Everyone welcome. Enjoy entertainment by Buskers, toasted cinnamon bun and coffee, taco in a bag, 50/50 draw, door prize, fresh produce, honey, jams. Crafts, knitting, crochet, re-purposed items and woodworks. Contact barb for vendor applications 204-422-6378.
Piney National Forest Week - Forest Tour – Saturday, September 21, at 1 - 3:30 pm. All participants are to meet at the Piney Community Hall. For Ages 12 and up (only 15 spots available). Call Carrie at 204-437-2284 or carrie@rmofpiney. mb.ca. To participate, please RSVP by the prior Monday. This is a Free Event!
Annual Fall ATV Derby – Saturday, September 28, 10 am – 3 pm at the Community Hall. All hands cost $5 each. Prize money is 20%, 15%, 10% and 5% of total hands less insurance fee. Quick Pick at the hall. Food available at the Hall and available on the trail. Contact Wally 431-205-1248, Terry 204-795-8591 or Nancy 204-408-0874.
Floor Curling - Every Tuesday at 7 pm, in the Community Hall. Pickleball - Every Wednesday at 7 pm in the Community Hall. Archery - Every Thursday at 7 pm in the Community Hall.
Volunteer Drivers Needed – we are looking for volunteer drivers who can help seniors to appointments. If you have a driver’s license and clean abstract we would love to hear from you. Contact Rachel Lachnit resource coordinator 204437-2604.
Prawda
RM of Reynolds “Coffee with Council” - Saturday, September 21 at 10 am – 12 pm at the Reynolds Community Club, 44014 PR 506 RD. This will provide the public a chance to interact with the Council of the Rural Municipality of Reynolds
Richer
General Meeting Métis Local – Thursday, September 5, 7 pm at the Young At Hearts Club.
Richer Young at Hearts Dinner and Dance - Saturday, September 21 with music by Gemstars. Doors open at 4:30 pm, Dinner at 6 pm and dancing until 11 pm. Tickets are $25 per person. For reservations call Ron at 431-275-0874. It is time to renew your RYAH annual memberships. We will be taking renewals and new memberships at the next few dances at a cost of $5 for the year.
Fall Rendezvous Richer Métis – Sunday, September 22, 11 am – 3 pm at the Dawson Trail Park. Free gate entry. Enjoy Tee-Pee set up Demonstration, traditional Métis meal, presentation on the Dawson Trail Heritage Markers, food, wagon rides, market, face painting, kids’ activities, MMF Citizen’s Bus on site, Live music by Gilles Crevier, Tom Dutiame, Janessa Roy and much more. Contact richermetis@gmail.com.
Summer Market – On Saturday September 17, 10 am – 2 pm at the Musee Dawson Trail Museum, 67 Dawson Rd East. New vendors always welcome. Contact hello@pamshairboutique.com.
Active 55+ - Every Thursday, from 1 – 4 pm, until September 5 at the Dawson Trail Park. It’s free to play pickleball, badminton, volleyball, croquet, corn hole, ladder ball toss and much more. Join us from 1 – 2 pm for Certified Yoga instructor sessions and healthy fruit and veggie platters from 2 – 2:30 pm. All 55+ adults welcome!
RM of Ritchot Services to Seniors - Free Shuttle for residents of the RM the first Friday of each month. Call to book a ride and do your banking and shopping locally or book your doctor’s appointment and we will get you to your appointment. Call 204-425-3701.
Services to Seniors Steinbach Shuttle - Subsidized cost $15/person. Minimum of 8 participants required for the trip to take place. Departure from Shady Oaks at 9:30 am. Call 204-425-3701 to book a seat.
South Junction Farmers’ Market – Every Friday until September 6, from 3 – 8 pm at the Pine Grove Senior’s Centre.
ABC’s of Dementia – Wednesday, September 11, 10:30 – 11:30 am at Piney Regional Services, 15 Prevost St. Learn about dementia and how it impacts a person’s ability, behaviour and communication and what can you do. No Registration required. Contact 204-326-5771.
Exercise for Fun and Health – Mondays and Thursdays, at 9:30 am the Pine Grove Senior Club. Come join us, we have treadmill, exercise bikes, weights and Just Walk Video. Contact Rachel, resource co-ordinator 204-437-2604.
Meet Your Neighbours Coffee Group- Mondays, at 1 pm, Pine Grove Seniors Club, Highway 12 and Prevost St. and Thursdays at 1 pm at the Evergreens Senior Club at the Hall by railroad tracks.
Sprague Kids Club – Wednesdays from 7 – 9 pm at the Community Fellowship Church. For all children ages 5 and up.
Sprague Service to Seniors Seeking Volunteers - Seeking individuals to assist and to provide a few services to seniors within our community such as snow removal, transportation for a fee, volunteers in the congregate Meals Programs as
well as home cleaning services to seniors for a fee. A criminal record check is required for cleaning services and transportation. Email lgdseniors@gmail.com with your rates and for information, or call 204-437-2604.
St. Adolphe
Curling Season Registration - Online Registration is now open for the Curling Club’s 2024-25 Season! We are offering three leagues this year: Men’s (Tuesday evenings), Mixed (Friday evenings) and Doubles (Monday evenings). We will also be offering Junior Learn-to-Curl and Junior League programs on Saturday mornings. Please visit our website (curlstadolphe. com) for more information.
St. Malo
Fire Department Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser – Saturday, September 7, 8 – 11:30 am, 107 Rue. Morning activities for all ages and special guest Sparky the Dog.
Home Alone Workshop – Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Cost $50 includes snack. Covers establishing a routine, house key, strangers, telephone, emergencies, basic first aid, internet.
St. Pierre-Jolys
St. John Ambulance Babysitter’s Course - Saturday, September 21, 9:30 am – 2: 30 pm for ages 11 – 15 or completion of grade 5. Basic first aid, healthy meals, safe play, changing diapers, bedtime routine, handling emergencies. $60/per person. Register online at ratriverrecreation.com.
3234 Manitoba Horse Cadets – Join us for fun and adventure every Thursday until June, 6:30 – 9 pm at the Community Hall. For ages 12 – 18. Cost is Free. Meet new friends, fun, adventures, leadership, citizenship, community service, drill band, orienteering, and more. Contact Captain Phil Atkinson, phillip. atkinson@cadets.gc.ca. Website 3234manitobahorse.ca.
Ste. Anne Texas Scramble Golf Tournament - Wednesday, September 11 from 1 pm to 6:30 pm at the Oakwood Golf Course by Ste. Anne with the Manitoba Southeast Commerce Group, Dinner at 5 pm. Join fellow regional business owners, supporters and community leaders. Cost 1 player $125, group of 4, $450. For information contact 204-381-1184 or Stegsgeneralstore@gmail.com.
Dawson Trail Days – Friday, September 13 and Saturday September 14. Friday Dancing the Decades sock hop, 610pm at the Curling Rink. $5 per person/4 and under free. Saturday 8 am pancake breakfast at the Fire Hall $5 per person, proceeds for the Food Bank. Parade at 11 am, Party in the Park (free) with Main stage entertainment, vendor show, petting zoo, face painting, foam party, Gladiator Jousting, food trucks, watermelon eating contest, Corn hole tournament, Teen Wild West Dance (7 pm), $5 with live DJ, food, fun and prizes. Fireworks (9:30 pm) at the Baseball Complex. Plus Trivia Nite at Old No 12 Café and Lounge.
Free Outdoor Movie/Cinema au rural – Saturday, September 14 at 8 pm, parc des Rédemptoristes / Redemptorist Park. Movie “Coco Ferme”
SPMF Mega Bingo Fundraiser – Saturday, September 21 at the Curling Rink. Doors open at 10:30 am, Early Birds at 12:30 pm, regular Bingo 1 pm. First 48 of the Bonanza will be called at 11 am. $20,000 mega bingo. Advance tickets $100, at the door $125 and extra cards and games available to purchase. 50/50 draw. Fundraiser for sports and recreation. Contact Doreen 204-381-8511 or Doreen@spmf.ca.
Meat Draw - Every Saturday from 1 – 4 pm at the Ste Anne Hotel. Draws every 1/2 hr. Must be in attendance to win. All proceeds go to the Ste Anne Lions Club.
Ste. Geneviève
Fall Market – Saturday, October 5, 10 am – 2 pm at the Community Centre. Community garage sale, local makers, fall photo area, bonfire and more.
Library Night - Tache - Every Monday, from 6 - 7:30 pm at the Community Centre.
Steinbach
BrickFair Building Contest – Saturday, September 14, 12 pm – 5 pm. Showcase your best original Building Block Scene. Two groups 10 and under and over 11 years old. Bring your own creation to the event! Grand prize Janzen Paint and Decorating $200 gift card, 2nd $100 and 3rd $50. Also a Pop Culture Show centre of mall. Sign-up by contacting manager@clearspringcentre.com.
Steinbach and Area Garden Club – Monday, September 16, 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. “Flower FarmSweet Petals” with Terry Neufeld - Sweet Petals Farm, a life-long flower enthusiast, Certified Prairie Horticulturalist, fascinated apiarist and proud owner of Sweet Petals Farm! Annual Membership Cost Individual $20 and Family $30.
Thistles Rugby – Until Sunday, September 29 at AD Penner Park. Ages under 10, 6:30- 8 pm and ages under 15 at 6:30 – 8 pm. Registration fee $80 includes rugby ball and t-shirt. Have fun and play the Prairie way with qualified coaches. Non-contact flag rugby. To register visit RugbyCanada.Sport-
Lomo.com under Eastman Warrior’s Club, contact 204-3717542, eastmanwarriors@gmail.com.
Chase the Ace Fundraiser - Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue – On Mondays at Smitty’s Restaurant. Tickets on sale 6:30 – 8:30 pm, draw at 8:45 pm. 2 tickets for $5. The progressive jack-pot is at $2,054. Winning ticket receives 10% of nightly ticket sales or 50% if the Ace is drawn. Have fun while supporting animals and maybe walk away with some cash!
Come Paint with South East Artist Group - Every Tuesday, until end of May 2025, 9:30 - 11:30 am at Steinbach Arts Council centre. Cost is $60 plus membership to the Arts Council. Anyone can join. We sketch, do acrylic, oils, watercolours, pastels, etc. Contact Ginette at gperroncreations@ gmail.com.
Fung Loy Kok Tai Chi - Thursdays at 10 am at the United Church, Christian Ed building, 541 Main St. Develop a mind that is dynamic yet clear and calm and a spirit that is resilient yet light and peaceful. Tai Chi reduces stress, builds strength, flexibility and balance. Start anytime. Contact Veronica Klassen 204-326-1713, vronklas@gmail.com.
Steinbach Sizzlers 4-H Club - Contact Tatiana Tuttosi loonlover06@gmail.com.meetings at Steinbach United Church, CE Building, 541 Main St.
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Group - Thursdays, at 1 pm. Registration required. Contact Maggie@steinbachfrc.ca, 204-346-0413.
Royal Canadian Legion Steinbach Branch - Meets first Tuesday of the month via Zoom at 7:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary meets first Monday of each month, 7:30 pm. Steinbach Legion, 227 Main St – Unit 5. Email steinbach190rcl@outlook.com.
Al-Anon – Mondays at 7:30 pm Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact steinbachafg@gmail.com.
Creative Writers Club - Second Wednesday every month at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. This is not a class but rather a writing share group where we hope to foster and encourage our participants’ love of writing. Feel free to bring 5 pages of writing (single sided, double spaced) to share with the group. Our evening will begin with an ice breaker and then move into share time. Coffee and tea will be served. Contact Madison Redekopp email mredekopp@ jakeepplibrary.com.
Steinbach Professional Development Toastmasters Club – On Wednesdays at 12 - 1 pm, Eastman Education Centre, 385 Loewen Blvd. Join us in person or by zoom. All guests are welcome! Contact Mark Hiebert 204-371-5197, email mhiebert@barkmanconcrete.com.
Knit-Wits Fibre Craft Club- First Tuesdays of the month at 6 – 8 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and other types of fibre crafting? Join other adults for informal knitting, crochet, etc. circle. All skill levels welcome. Please bring your own project/supplies.
Craft Night - Wednesdays at 7 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Ages 16 years and up join us for a free event, with coffee and crafting. Our craft for the evening will be a beaded spring wreath. There is limited space available. To sign up, email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com.
Book Club - Meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 pm Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Books are available at the circ desk as well as on our Libby App (free with your library card). Please sign up by email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com. Limited space available.
Steinbach & Area Lions Club - Meets second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm, South East Helping Hands. Contact 204-326-2313.
Vassar Piney Regional Camber of Commerce – Thursday, September 12 at 7 pm in council chambers or attend via Zoom. Guest speaker Konrad Narth.
Woodridge Fall Supper – Saturday, September 14, 4 - 6 pm at the Community Club. Includes your favourites, fried chicken, meatballs, perogies, mashed potatoes, garlic sausage & sauerkraut, variety of side dishes and dessert buffet. Purchase tickets from any Woodridge Community Club member, at the Vintage Corner Store, and the Garage in Woodridge before September 9. There will be no tickets for sale at the door. Adult/Teen: $25, Youth (6-12 years): $15, Children (under 5 years) eat free. Contact Call 204-429-2344.
Wellness Wednesdays – On Wednesdays, 1 – 4 pm at the Community Club. Join us for pool, cribbage, darts, pickleball, board games, cards, ping-pong and puzzles. Coffee, tea, pop $2, water $1 or bring your own beverage.
Please email events to editor@dawsontrail.ca to be included each month
Finding Balance in the Centre
By Monica Guetre
A very long time ago a philosopher summed up what it means to live a life in balance. He said, “Virtue is the golden mean between two vices, the one of excess and the other of deficiency” - Aristotle.
This observation that people who live their lives in the extremes of excess, with non-stop stimulation and viewpoints that never shift even as situations change or when faced with real life events that change the course of history, will live a life that is not balanced. We could even say these people are not very happy or tolerant to others. However, some may be simply satisfied going about their daily lives wearing blinders. But should life be lived as if it’s just balancing a cheque book?
Living a life in balance doesn’t always mean a happy or rewarding life when it doesn’t encompass the art of being in the Centre. Living a life in the “centre of it all” takes effort since the ability to empathize and absorb all those extreme view points coming at you makes if difficult but necessary when a solution is paramount to balancing the needs of the many.
We know that the centre is also described as a physical point like the longitudinal centre of Canada at 96° 48’ 35” W, in the RM of Tache, the continental divide centre delineated by the Rocky Mountains or the Ontario northern highway sign that marks the flow of water going into the Arctic or the Great Lake’s watersheds. It may also be considered the land between disputed territories, know as “No man’s land”. These geographical centres remind us that some physical hurdles may not be moveable and the only way to find a solution is build a bridge.
Those bridges are pivotal viewpoints that coalesce into a vision and are heard most clearly by living in the Centre. Even those of us who consciously get involved may start out as extremists advocating one view point but eventually we understand there are two basic solutions. Either one side acknowledges they weren’t right, (think about disparate views on equality) or both sides compromise on a solution (think about
the federal-provincial split funding infrastructure). Both of these solutions are found at the centre.
For the majority of Canadians, governing from the Centre is most important to us. Unfortunately our elections have winners and losers and some regions and many people won’t even get represented when a Political Party wins a majority. Even a minority government that has to cut deals across political philosophies may not end up in the Centre. This is a real problem that should be acknowledged. It divides us from East to West or from urban versus rural. How do we get representation for all of us? Would our Political Parties ever reach out to another Party’s politicians and ask them to sit at a decision making table?
History shows that those Political Parties who make the effort to “walk the talk” of a centralist vision finds much more success than any extreme Political Party’s ideas.
In our Parliamentary democracy, we Canadians all understand it’s us who have to navigate the ever changing daily life-balance. After all we’re the ones who pay the taxes, fund our healthcare, education and build our roads, start business, raise families and grow old.
We are the ones who should be setting the vision of our country since we are the voices to be listened to – We are the “Centre” of our democracy.
Ritchot Senior Services
September Event Calendar
Outdoor Music and Fundraiser - Friday, September 13 as we partner with St. Adolphe Comité Cultural for our 5th annual outdoor live music The Wagons. This bilingual extravaganza will feature fantastic live music, a delicious lunch, a silent auction, a 50-50 draw, and more fun than you can imagine! Pre-registration is required, cost $15, includes lunch and a full day of entertainment.
Chef in the House – Begins Tuesday, September 24 a new partnership with Chef in the House to bring you delicious handcrafted soups and heat-and-eat meals! How it works: Browse their menu of fresh soups and meals. chefinthehousesoups.ca. Call to place and pay for your order 204- 612-2433. Pick up your order
at Ritchot Senior Services once a month.
Coffee – Thursday, September 19 from 10 - 11:30 am. Indulge in the perfect blend of activity and sociability! $2 for bottomless coffee and muffin. Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe.
Walking Club – Mondays, September 16 and 23 at 9:30 am. Join the RSS Walking Club! Stay active this summer while exploring the Friendship Trail and Old St. Adolphe Park, while spending time with friends. We start with shorter walks and gradually increase the distance. RSS provides Trek Poles for added stability. To join the club, simply register, and you’ll receive weekly emails detailing each week’s adventure.
Foot Care Clinics - By appointment only. For more information, please contact Janice at 204-8832880.
Upcoming clinic dates:
Ste Agathe – Wednesday, September 4 and Thursday, September, 5. St. Adolphe – Tuesday, September 24, Wednesday September 25 and Thursday September, 26. Ile des Chenes – Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday October 9. St. Adolphe Old Time Dance - Sunday September 29, 1 – 5 pm, Pioneer Hall, 345 St. Adolphe Rd. Entertainment provided by Mark Morisseau. Door prizes, 50/50 and cash bar. Lunch provided. Please reserve your ticket in advance by calling Jules 204-883-2440
Did you Know??... you can list YOUR business card in the Dawson Trail Dispatch Business Directory for as little as $49 a month!! We design your ad for you, no extra charge. Call us today to book your ad at 204-422-8548 or email sales@dawsontrail.ca
The Water of Life
Have you ever been in a situation where you were really thirsty, and you didn’t know where your next drink of water would come from?
When your thirst gets to that point, nothing else in life matters. All you want is a drink of water.
In the Bible, in John 4, Jesus Christ was tired and thirsty. He came to a well but had no means to draw water. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. Jesus told her that if you drink water from the well you will get thirsty again.
We need water to maintain physical life. If we were to stop drinking fluids, our bodies would only last about a week. Our life depends on water. Over 60% of an adult’s body consists of water. Our body uses water, disposes of it and then daily needs a new supply.
But Jesus offered this woman a different kind of water. His water was living water. When a person believes on Christ for salvation, he receives an eternal supply of living water, a well of water that will never run dry. This water is life, eternal life. Once you have it, you will never thirst again. The Bible says he now has eternal life.
He now has the Spirit of God within him, who causes the living water to flow out of his inner most being. When a person drinks of this water, which only Christ can give, he can never die spiritually. For him to die, then eternal life would lose its meaning and stop being ‘eternal.’ The spirit of God would have to leave him and that goes against God’s Word when God said to His children in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Also, if he could lose his eternal life then he would thirst again and that would contradict what Christ said in John 4:14, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.”
People all over the world today are thirsty for truth. Many offer substitutes, which only leave the person thirsty again. There is only One source of truth, and that is God. He has given us a Book of truth, called the Bible. In it you will find the source of eternal living water (Jesus Christ) and once He has come into your life, He becomes a well of continual water that satisfies and sustains you until you reach heaven.
Do you have this living water in your life? If not, why not ask Jesus Christ to give you this water today?
Fall Maintenance Helps Ensure Comfort and Safety
Now is the time to perform important fall maintenance tasks to ensure your home heating system operates at peak efficiency during the colder weather.
Have your Furnace Cleaned and Inspected
Regular maintenance of your natural gas furnace can help prevent carbon monoxide hazards and keep your furnace operating at its best. Have your furnace and venting system checked by a qualified heating contractor and keep your air filter clean. A filter clogged with dust and dirt restricts air flow, which can cause the furnace to run hotter, reducing its efficiency and life expectancy. Never keep gasoline or other combustible or flammable materials such as paper, chemicals, paint, solvents or cleaning products near the natural gas furnace as they can explode. Even vapours leaking from containers can cause an explosion.
Ensure carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed properly and are in good working condition.
Accumulation of CO can result from a faulty appliance, clogged chimney, inadequate venting, or a build-up of engine exhaust. While CO alarms aren’t a substitute for proper installation and regular equipment maintenance, they do provide some reassurance. A CO alarm can warn of deadly carbon monoxide in the home before toxic levels are reached. If your CO alarms sounds, get your family and pets outside to fresh air, then call Manitoba Hydro at 1-888MBHYDRO for an emergency inspection.
Clean and Repair Leaky Eavestroughs
A thorough cleaning will prevent ice and melting snow from dripping onto the natural gas meter and/or pressure regulator and freezing when the temperature drops. Ice on the regulator can obstruct the vent causing a malfunction and allowing excess gas to enter your home.
Visit hydro.mb.ca/safety for more information.
New Fusion
Musical Theatre
From September to April, SAC will take your 7–16-year-old on an incredible journey through a series of workshops in performing arts. Imagine them learning everything from vocal and stage presence to makeup techniques, all while making lifelong friends! Here’s what your budding performer will experience:
- Theatre fundamentals
- Dance styles, movement, and fluidity
- Music/Staging
- Creating sets and costumes
-Theatre Makeup techniques
- Choreography Fundamentals, stage combat
- Small Group Voice lessons
- Ending with a dazzling showcase in April
New BTC Fusion Musical Theatre program requires no auditions
- just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! To register, please call 204-346-1077.
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra – swingin’ in time
The Steinbach Arts Council invites you to a night of big city entertainment in Steinbach as they present the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra on October 4. Swingin’ in Time takes audiences on a musical journey through one hundred years of big band jazz, featuring familiar tunes that will have you moving to the beat all night long!
Tara Schellenberg, Performing Arts Coordinator at SAC, is excited to present the WJO.
“To celebrate our 45th Anniversary this year we’re starting the concert season off with a big band bang!” said Schellenberg.
“The WJO brings together the best jazz musicians in Winnipeg, expertly delivering energy and fun with every performance. I know our whole audience will enjoy their program of classic swing hits!”
The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra has been captivating audiences since its start in 1997, when Dr Richard Gillis and Sasha Boychouk shared a vision of creating a community-based big band with the best emerging and professional musicians in Winnipeg. Today, the orchestra roster boasts 16 to 25 Winnipeg-based musicians whose combined resumes touch every corner of performance jazz locally, nationally, and around the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or just looking for a night out filled with great music and good times, Swingin’ in Time promises an unforgettable evening. Bring your friends and let the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra take you on a journey through the timeless sounds of the big band era!
The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra –Swingin’ in Time will be at 7:30pm October 4 at the SRSS Theatre. Tickets are now on sale, available at steinbacharts.ca or by calling 204-346-1077.
Season Tickets
Season Ticket Packages are still available for purchase. Save on all 5 concerts including Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Orontes Guitarists, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Community Musical: Fiddler on the Roof, and RMTC’s Murder for Two.
Register your child today for Preschool!
The Steinbach Arts Council is currently seeking parents of preschool-aged children for their upcoming program. Arts4Tots is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 5, with registrations now open for the 2024-2025 school year, which runs from September to June.
We Offer half-day programs with Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/ Thursday sessions AM or PM.
Our curriculum focuses on a diverse range of learning experiences, including sensory learning, cultural exploration, art, music, dance, and theatre. Interested parents should note that registrations for this enriching program are handled exclusively via phone or in-person.
To secure a spot for your child, please call 204-346-1077.
Soapstone Carving Workshop
September 28, 9 am – 1 pm for Ages 15 and up with instructor Fredrick Spence (Spence Custom Carving). Dive into the rich history and cultural significance of soapstone carving, a tradition rooted in the artistry of the Inuit and Arctic peoples. Under the expert guidance of Fredrick Spence, you’ll learn to transform soft, malleable soapstone into your own unique sculptural masterpiece!
To register, call us at 204-346-1077 or register online at steinbacharts. ca.
Become a SAC Member
Purchase your membership today and become part of something great in the community. Our 2024-2025 Membership Benefit includes:
- 10% Off at Santa Lucia Pizza (Steinbach)
- 10% Off at Old Church Bakery
- 10% Off at Chicken Chef (Steinbach)
- 10% Off specialty drinks at Coffee Culture (Steinbach)
- 10% Off bouncy rentals at KidZone
- 10% Off online purchases $100+ at Stone City Coffee Roasters
- 10% Off regular games at Steinbach Bowling Alley & Bistro (ex-
cluding Birthday Party Packages)
- 10% Off refills at Milieu Market
- 10% Off chemicals and filters, $500 Off a new hot tub, $1,000 Off a new swim spa at Urban Life Pools & Hot Tubs
-15% Off food at Doener Grill Express
- 15% Off art supplies at Janzen’s Paint and Decorating (Steinbach)
- 20% Off one 200ml/375ml bottle of infused extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar at Prairie Oils & Vinegars
- $3 Off any XL pizza at pick up at Niakwa Pizza (Steinbach
- 10% Off any regular priced pack of farmer sausage at Country Meat Deli
- Concert Package savings, Rental benefits and Voting privileges at AGM. To purchase a membership, visit steinbacharts.ca or call us at 204-346-1077.
SAC Plans
Beer and Wings Fundraiser
The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is hosting a Beer and Wings Fundraiser at 8 pm on Thursday, September 26, kicking off their 45th anniversary season.
“After many years of hosting a fall wine tasting event, we’ve had several requests to incorporate an event featuring beer,” says David Klassen, Executive Director of the Steinbach Arts Council. “It’s a great opportunity to throw a party, while raising funds for a great cause.”
Manitoba Country Music Association Roots Artist of The Year nominee, Jaryn Friesen, will perform, while guests enjoy an end of summer “patio party” with craft beer provided by The Public Brewhouse and Gallery, and wings from Smitty’s Restaurant. Event Sponsor, Loewen Body Shop, will lend their state-of-the-art body shop as the venue. The space will be transformed into a patio setting – the perfect place to gather for a fall event.
SAC’s newest event puts a unique spin on bringing people together with a simple purpose – to help arts and culture programming thrive in the southeast.
“One of our greatest responsibilities is to make sure that high quality arts and culture programming remains accessible for those who live in our region,” said Klassen. “This event will allow us to raise additional funds that will go toward our kids’ bursary programs, making sure that we can offer accessible programming for anyone who wants it.”
An individual ticket of $30 includes the concert, a beer and a serving of wings. Tickets are available at Steinbach Arts Council, or by visiting their website at SteinbachArts.ca.
September Events Programming
About Us
Pat Porter Active Living Centre
(Serving Seniors Inc.) is non-profit organization dedicated to providing Steinbach and surrounding areas with various activities that promote good mental health and an overall healthy lifestyle. This incorporates anything from dances and events to fitness programs, coffee corner and everything in-between. We strive to offer programs and events that address your physical, social, cultural, intellectual, and emotional well-being. Everyone will find something they enjoy! Visit our website to learn more at patporteralc.com.
The majority of our programs are $2 for members and $4 for nonmembers. Programs are subject to change. Please check daily sign-up for updated hours.
Closures - We are closed Monday, September 30 in honour of Truth and Reconciliation.
Special Events
Grandparent’s Day Picnic - Tuesday, September 3, 11:30 am – 1 pm. $2/person. Bring your kids and your grandkids and come celebrate Grandparents Day a couple days early with us. Price includes a hotdog, chips, drink and ice cream.
Watercolour Class - Tuesday, September 10 and 17, 7 – 9 pm and Thursday, September 12 and 19, 7 – 9 pm. $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Keep the supplies after!
One of the painting classes in September looks a little different. For two weeks enjoy 4 dynamic watercolour classes - each with a different technique. All supplies are included in the cost - you will keep these after the program. Limit of 12 people. Please sign-up at the Centre or call 204-320-4600.
Trivia Night - Doors Open at 6:30 pm - with bar. Event starts at 7 pm. $2 members/$4 non-members. How good is your memory? Come test it (with many laughs) at PPALC’s first Trivia Night. Come by yourself or with your favourite people as teams up to 6 are accepted.
Acrylic Painting Class - Tuesday, September 24 1 - 3:30 pm. $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Painting class in September is back but what we are painting will be a surprise! Please sign-up at the Centre or call 204-320-4600.
Truth and Reconciliation Breakfast - Thursday, September 26 at 9:30
am. $8/plate. This year we are honouring Truth and Reconciliation with a breakfast. Enjoy a hearty dish of pancakes, fried bologna, and bannock. We also encourage you to wear your orange shirt.
Programs
Fun Bingo - Wednesday September 4 and 18 at 4 – 6 pm.
Zumba - Every Friday at 6 -7 pm, except September 13.
Perogy Bee - Monday, September 9 at 1 pm.
Square Dancing – Tuesdays, begins September 10 at 7 pm with an open house.
Line Dancing – Thursdays, September 5 and 19 at 1pm.
Darts, Shuffleboard and Air Hockey - Monday and Wednesday mornings 9 am – noon. Did you know we have Darts, Shuffleboard and an Air Hockey table? Spend your Monday mornings with some excitement.
Cornhole - Monday to Friday, 10:30 am – 12 pm. How good is your aim?
Join this brand-new activity guaranteed to have a lot of laughter.
Coffee Corner - Monday to Friday starting at 9:30 am
Cards & Games - Monday to Friday 1 – 4 pm.
Country Jam - Wednesday 7–9 pm.
Fitness Classes:
Family Pickleball - Registration required at patporteralc.com. Times are subject to change. Please check Sign-Up for updated hours. Typical Times are Monday: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Rent a court for an hour and teach your kids or grandkids how to play! $5/hour
Laughter Yoga - Monday 1 – 2 pm.
Walking – Free - Monday to Friday 8:30 - 8:50 am and Tuesday, Thursday 12 -1 pm.
Fitness Drumming - Tuesday 1–2 pm
Circuit Training - Monday 10 -11 am.
PACE - Wednesday 1 - 1:45 pm. Floor Curling - Wednesday 1:303:30 pm.
Yoga with Carrie - Friday 9 – 10 am.
Pickleball - Registration required at patporteralc.com. Times are subject to change. Please check Signup for updated hours.
Monday to Thursday 9 am – 12 pm. Friday 9 am - 10:30 am.
Monday and Wednesday 12 -1 pm.
Wednesday and Thursday 4 – 6 pm.
Intermediate Pickleball: Registra-
tion required at patporteralc.com. Times are subject to change. Please check Sign-up for updated hours. Monday 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
Advanced Pickleball: Registration required at patporteralc.com. Times are subject to change. Please check Sign-up for updated hours.
Monday: 7:30 – 9:30 pm.
Beginner Pickleball: Registration required at patporteralc.com. Times are subject to change. Please check Sign-up for updated hours.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 1 - 3:30 pm, Tuesday 2 – 4 pm and Friday 10:30 am -12 pm.
Badminton: Registration required at patporteralc.com. Times are subject to change. Please check Sign-up for updated hours.
Monday, Wednesday 12 – 1 pm and Friday 4 – 6 pm.
2024 Memberships
Memberships are still available. Get your member discount for programs and events for $30! 2025 Early Bird Memberships will be available for purchase during our open house.
Rentals
We have rooms of a variety of sizes and prices. For pricing and room, availability visit our website patporteralc.com, email rentals@ patporteralc.com or call 204-3204600.
Meals Programs
A healthy, warm and delicious meal cooked fresh daily and delivered to your door. We have two Meals on Wheels programs running out of Steinbach and Grunthal. Meals can be purchased for $8 for delivery (residents of Steinbach & Grunthal) or pickup. A meal includes soup/ salad, main dish, sides and dessert. Please call 204-320-4600 with any questions or to order a meal. To receive or cancel a same day meal, you must call before 9 am.
Steinbach Accessible Transit Need a ride to an appointment or other errand? Steinbach ACCESSible transit can get you there! This service is available to residents of Steinbach. Please visit our website for a full price list. Services are available every day of the week but appointments can only be booked Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5pm. To book a ride, call 204-326-4055. If your call is not answered, leave a message with the answering service. Appointments must be booked in advance to ensure availability.
Hospital Foundation to Host Fundraiser
The St-Pierre-Jolys Hospital Foundation plans to host a fundraising supper on September 28 at Lucky Luc’s.
The money raised through the event will be used to support various projects at the De Salaberry District Health Centre which includes the
St-Pierre-Jolys Hospital and Repos Jolys Personal Care Home, including helping to finance activities for their residents.
A Thousand Year Day
2 Peter 3:3-8… 3) Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires, 4) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
5) But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6) By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7) By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8) But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. (NIV)
False teaching about Scriptural matters is as old as humankind: There were people who saw Christ and the miracles He performed, yet they denied His deity; denied that He was the Son of God. They were in fact eyewitnesses to His power. They were the leading religious teachers during Christ’s time on earth. Peter reminds us about the second coming of Jesus Christ and what the rule of the day will be like. He reminds us that there will be scoffers, people who will make fun of our faith in what the Bible teaches. Some of these scoffers will be involved in our communities. We know there were people during the time of Christ who thought that His second coming would happen in their time. However, they misunderstood what Jesus was talking about when he said, “That His coming was soon to happen.”
Demoralizing, heartbreaking times will pave the way before the second coming of Jesus Christ. It will be a time of sorrow, especially for Christians. Scoffers, those who want to make fun of our faith in Christ, will be everywhere, laughing and making fun of our faith in a living God. They will do their best to draw our attention to the second coming of Christ; thinking that somehow, they will be able to really stick it to us. They will do their best to deny changes are occurring as Jesus predicted would happen before His second coming, thereby saying that “there is nothing to the promises found in Scripture that can be believed about His second coming.” These folks, these scoffers are foolish. However, the sad thing is that some of our own flesh and blood have latched onto this type of thinking that there will never be a second coming of Christ. Their reasoning goes something like this . . . nothing has happened, nothing unusual was going to take place, our weird world events, are just that, weird, and we cannot do anything about it. All the promises we talk about, are just that, just talk.”
Time is not the same for us and God. The Bible teaches that a thousand years to God is like a yesterday to Him. When we think in human terms and understand that this world of ours has been in existence for thousands of years, it is no wonder that we feel unimportant, so insignificant compared to God’s creative power. We must remember, however, that God is in no rush, He has all eternity to work out His plans.
Here is another thought: We must remember when we try and compare our thinking to that of eternity it is an opportunity given to us to lead people to Christ. And should it be that we ourselves have not yet accepted Christ as our Saviour… well now is a suitable time to do so.
When the Scriptures direct our thoughts to Christ’s second coming, it does so in a compassionate, kind-hearted way. It allows us to reason in human ways. The Lord is not slow in coming as He has promised. He has good reasons why He does not rush things, just because we think only in terms of our human time. So, he comes to us in a way that we can understand by unfolding an eternal time. A thousand years to God are but a yesterday; and He is not willing that anybody should be lost or perish. That means He is giving us more time to repent. We can not, however, think that He will never come again. His promise is sure, and one day, He will surely come as a thief in the night for those who have rejected Him. But for those of us who know Him as Lord and Saviour, we should try hard to live in such a way that we do not grieve the Holy Spirit and sadden the heart of Christ. That He will be pleased with us, when He comes to take us from this earthly home to enjoy the splendour of heaven for all eternity… 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 peace in my heart. I really want that peace, joy, and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.” Amen.
RCMP FILES
If you have any information in regards to any item here 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).
Steinbach Man Involved in Fatal Accident
On August 25, at 11 am, RCMP officers were patrolling westbound on Provincial Road 201, nearing Highway 59, when they observed thick black smoke coming from a tree line located near a property on Road 9N.
Officers attended to the location and located a pickup truck engulfed in flames. The local fire department was contacted to attend.
Once the fire was extinguished, fire fighters located the driver, now confirmed as a 58-year-old male from Steinbach, who was pronounced deceased on scene.
Investigators have determined that the pickup truck, travelling westbound on PR201, left the road and entered the ditch where it then continued into a cornfield before coming to a stop at the tree line. Due to the heat from the vehicle, the corn stalks under the pickup truck ignited.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death but it does not appear suspicious at this time.
Motorcycle and Cyclist Collide, Both Injured
At about 5 pm on August 13, Steinbach RCMP received a call of a motor vehicle collision between a motorcycle and bicyclist using the cross walk at 1st Street and Brandt Street. Steinbach RCMP and Steinbach EMS attended.
Brandt Street southbound was closed for approximately 35 minutes to allow for the investigation. RCMP spoke to eye witnesses and the pedestrian lights were activated at the time of the collision. Both the cyclist and motorcyclist were transported due to their injuries. The RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist and the Criminal Collision Investigation Team were consulted. Dangerous Driving appears to be a factor.
Oakbank RCMP Investigate Serious Assault
On July 26, at approximately 7 am, Oakbank RCMP responded to an aggravated assault at a business on Jean Marc Avenue, in the RM of Springfield.
It was reported a male had just arrived outside the business when four unknown men with machetes assaulted him.
The 27-year-old victim from Winnipeg was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The investigation is ongoing and officers are looking to identify a vehicle, a dark coloured Honda Civic that was in the area at the time of the incident.
Thief Steals Bicycle from Steinbach Co-op
Steinbach RCMP are asking the public for assistance with identifying the male whom stole a bicycle from the Co-op on Highway 12 north in Steinbach on July 31. The male arrived on a bicycle and then stole a bicycle that was beside the building. The male then rode away with the stolen bicycle in hand.
If you have information on the vehicle or the incident, please call Oakbank RCMP at 204-444-3847, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800-222-8477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.
Keep all vehicles locked. Check on your neighbours. Call 911 if you suspect a crime is in progress or has occured!
Be aware of happenings in your neighbourhood and report suspicious activity to the authorities.
Anyone who can identify the male or has information concerning this matter is asked to contact Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800-222-8477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.
New Musical Theatre Academy Established
By Dan Guetre
After years of tremendous growth in the Musical Theatre community in the southeast region, a woman has created Artista Academy, a not-for-profit musical theatre and performance organization with the goal of providing instruction in dance, theatre and music disciplines.
“We believe that every student has a unique voice and story to tell through music,” said founder and Artistic Director, Gabriela Gallo. “After years of tremendous growth in the Musical Theatre community in our area, we have created this Academy to further serve the needs of our students and their families.”
Gallo is no stranger to the role, being described as a talented and energetic, multi-award-winning music educator and choral specialist. Gallo spent her youth and adulthood performing as a soloist in small group ensembles and choruses in multiple operas, musicals and operettas. Additionally she has performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Roy -
al Winnipeg Ballet and conducts both the Steinbach Youth Chorus and Steinbach Children’s Chorus.
She has spent the last sixteen years cultivating an outstanding musical curriculum in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division incorporating dance, recorder, musical literacy, and instrument exploration. Gallo has written, directed and choreographed over 20 original musicals.
Gallo has worked with the Steinbach Arts Council and believes the creation of Artista Academy will give more families opportunities.
“We treasure our relationship with the Steinbach Arts Council and appreciate their unwavering support and collaboration as we have transitioned to an independent academy,” explained Gallo.
“After running musical theatre ensembles in the community for over 5 years and seeing tremendous growth, we felt this move would allow us more creative freedom and the opportunity to tailor our program even more closely to the needs and interests of our students and their families.”
Her mission is to provide a holistic and engaging musical environment for students focusing on personal artistic growth and igniting a passion for performance. Artista Academy offers programming for students from Grade 2 through to Grade 8 and rehearses on Saturdays twice a month.
Rehearsals will take place through a studio rental at the Steinbach Arts Council and performances will be held at SRSS.
“I truly believe that we can make a difference in the lives of our youth through this artistic opportunity,” added Gallo. “From a young age, I learned firsthand how being involved in this kind of programming encouraged me to express myself, strive for musical excellence, and grow in confidence.”
In the spring of 2025, Artista Academy will be presenting “The Lion King” with two casts totaling over 110 students. For more information visit artistaacademy.ca.
Gabriiela Gallo is the founder and Artistic Director of Artista Academy, a not-for-profit musical theatre and performance organization with the goal of providing instruction in dance, theatre and music disciplines. She is a talented and energetic, multi-award-winning music educator and choral specialist. Gallo spent her youth and adulthood performing as a soloist in small group ensembles and choruses in multiple operas, musicals and operettas. Additionally she has performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and conducts both the Steinbach Youth Chorus and Steinbach Children’s Chorus. Submitted photo
