Dawson Trail Dispatch May 2017

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Questions of Impropriety Over St. Adolphe Park Raises Controversy

A fence is expected to be built along the edge of the sod, after the owner of the house on the left complained about the noise level.

By Marianne Curtis A newly developed community park within a newer subdivision in St. Adolphe is causing a rift in the community, which ultimately led to the resignation of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

Photos by Marianne Curtis

On April 2, the park is clearly developed despite the fact the land is zoned residential and no conditional use application was approved by RM of Ritchot council until April 19 months after the rink was built.

May 2017

Ritchot Mayor Suddenly Resigns

By Marianne Curtis On April 28, the RM of Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt informed family and friends that she resigned in a shocking Facebook message.

“There’s much to say about how I got to this point, but for now I know that I always did my best for the municipality, put their needs ahead of my own and know I made a difference for my communities,” stated Hunt’s statement on Facebook. “I also know that even the strongest people can break... and I am broken.”

Hunt was first elected to council seven years ago after former Mayor Bob Stefaniuk retired. “I am sure there will be fallout, but its all white noise for now,” her post predicted.

With Hunt’s resignation, St. Agathe Councillor and Deputy Mayor Jeannot Robert would have assumed the position of Mayor until the Ritchot council made their next move. This could include calling a by-election.

However, when The Dispatch reached out to him, we were informed that he tendered his resignation at the same time as Hunt. A third councillor, Ron Mamchuk has also resigned.

While Hunt has declined comment, a trusted source close to her has confirmed that the reason for her resignation was based on an incident that took place at a conditional use hearing.

At the April 19 hearing, Councillor Ernie Dumaine behaved disrespectfully and verbally attacked Hunt, going as far as to call her a “bitch” in front of ratepayers who attending the hearing.

In her Facebook resignation, Hunt states “time to... find meaningful work where folks respect one another in spite of their differences.”

Ritchot CAO Mitch Duval confirmed that he received resignations from all three members of council.

“As a result, the RM of Richot does not have quorum of Council as per Section 135 (3) of the Municipal Act,” stated Duval. “The CAO has advised the Province of Manitoba of these events and is awaiting further directions. No other comments will be made at this time.”

The Dispatch made numerous attempts to reach to Hunt, Robert, Mamchuk and Dumaine for official comments, but did not receive a single response.

The Municipal Act requires that a by-election take place if the seat will remain vacant longer than twelve months. The October 2018 civic election is still seventeen months away.

Former Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt announced her resignation in a Facebook post on April 29.

May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Buffalo Point Resident Wins Big St. Boniface Hospital Foundation held its largest lottery draw ever recently and announced the Grand Prize winner of the 2017 Mega Million Choices Lottery.

The winner of the Grand Prize is ticket number 003167 belong-

ing to George Bouchard, of Buffalo Point. As part of this year’s lottery, George will choose a cash prize of $1,100,000, or one of four luxury home packages with homes in Winnipeg, B.C.’s Okanagan and Scottsdale, Arizona included.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Vic Toews Under Investigation by Judicial Review Former Safety Minister and Provencher MP Vic Toews is being investigated after the Federal Ethics Commissioner ruled he violated conflictof-interest rules shortly after leaving politics.

The judicial council says 80 per cent of its investigations are concluded within three to six months, although some including those that involve full public hearings can take much longer.

On April 21, Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson ruled that Toews, who is now a judge in Manitoba, lobbied and consulted on behalf of two Manitoba First Nations within months of his leaving office.

Dawson said this, “Contravened rules that prevent former ministers from consulting or lobbying on issues which they dealt with while in office.”

The judicial council has confirmed they received a complaint about the matter and an investigation will be

completed to determine if the issue affects Toews’s ability to remain a judge.

The review is initially done by a single member of the council’s judicial conduct committee, who can either dismiss the complaint, recommend remedial measures such as counselling or training, or forward it to a review panel. The panel, in turn, can dismiss the complaint, recommend remedial measures or order a full inquiry, which is open to the public.

Chief Justice Glenn Joyal of the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench said Toews will remain a sitting judge while the investigation continues.

“The very specific and distinct jurisdiction and process of the ethics commissioner, whose jurisdiction, processes and related conclusions may be challenged

by Justice Toews, are separate from the jurisdiction and focus of the Canadian Judicial Council,” Joyal said in a written statement.

“That separate Canadian Judicial Council process, to the extent that it will unfold in respect of Justice Toews, must be respected.”

Toews left politics in 2013 and in the spring of 2014, he was appointed to Court of Queen’s Bench in Manitoba by then-justice minister Peter MacKay, a former cabinet colleague.

In between, Toews provided legal advice to Peguis First Nation related to the Kapyong Barracks dispute in Winnipeg.

In 2007, as a Minister, Toews signed off on the sale of the former military barracks, and was later named as a defendant in a lawsuit by First Nations, including Peguis, about the sale.

Toews also signed a contract to provide consulting services for Norway House Cree Nation. His work included touching on a trust fund which the First Nation had lobbied him directly about on two occasions less than a year earlier.

Former cabinet ministers are prevented from working for a group that lobbied them while in government for two years after leaving office.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

May 2017

Questions of Impropriety Over St. Adolphe Park Raises Controversy Continued from Page 1 At the centre of the issue is the construction of a hockey rink right in the newly developed area known as Forest Ridge and Garden View.

The new subdivision is home to over 200 families, including former Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt.

A group of dedicated residents put the park known as Garden Ridge Park together with assistance of the RM of Ritchot Recreation Director and the Ritchot CDC Development Officer using funds from various grants including the Hydro CDI payouts.

The plan for the two residential lots was put together based on a 2013 survey with local residents.

The park design features a playground with two play structures, along with natural play features, sandbox and pathway. A hard surface was added and an outdoor rink was built in the fall of 2016, with the expectation of being turned into a basketball court and a road hockey surface during the summer.

Dean Lebowski, who owns the only house right beside the rink, said he made numerous complaints to the council during the project but they fell on deaf ears. “We filed a complaint with the municipality and the more the builder did; we are in a legal fight with the builder because no one told us this was going (to be built) there,” Lebowski explained. “We went to the RM and had a meeting. We were told the rink is not going anywhere. I was told it’s buyer beware. I was made to be the bad guy through all of this.”

Lebowski and his wife both work shift work and while they say it has been difficult being the only people in the neighbourhood opposed to the project, they are not backing down. “This rink is loud. We hear

everything that is done on it at all times. We work shift work and there is no harder sound to sleep through than the shooting range that is next door,” Lebowski continued. “If we knew it was there and we did check, we would not have bought this house. It is only supposed to be temporary. Some neighbours have told me to move. Some have told me too bad. It’s sad how a community can turn on a person.”

On March 31, The Dispatch contacted Hunt, asking for clarity on the issue, but was unable to get answers for the April issue. A few days later, Lebowski received a notice of a conditional use hearing scheduled for April 19, many months after the hockey rink was built to allow the Garden Ridge Green Space Committee permission for a Recreation Park Facility with playground, picnic structures, and multi-use sport court on property zoned RG-Residential General.

“They called the hearing after you started asking questions,” Lebowski confirmed to The Dispatch.

“I hope the RCMP look into this as a criminal matter as it amazes me how something like this can be built without permits and bylaws. What company would take that risk?”

At the hearing, over one hundred people filled chambers to discuss the matter. During discussion, it was revealed publicly that approximately $300,000 was spent on the project with money from various grants, including the Hydro CDI Funding. This caused outrage by members of council who represent the communities of Ile des Chenes, Grande Pointe and Ste. Agathe.

Further allegations of conflict of interest were made by Lebowski, who pointed out that the municipal recreation director who is also Councillor Ron Mamchuck’s daughter and the development of-

ficer were accused of also living in that subdivision. Subsequently, Mamchuck tendered his resignation at the same time as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

The RM of Ritchot council ended up passing the Conditional Use Application by the Garden Ridge Green Space Committee. At a previous meeting, they also agreed to build a fence between the rink and Lebowski’s property.

When The Dispatch attempted to follow up on this matter prior to press time, Hunt and Councillor Jeannot Robert (St. Agathe’s representative) both suddenly resigned without explanation.

Lebowski said that he is not surprised and he believes it is because he pushed this matter.

“I called him [Jean] before the vote; I asked him if he would put this rink in his developments and he stated no. I asked why he would in mine. He looked into the bylaws. He was heard asking Jackie if he could liable if he votes for this.

I called him after and told him I am going to have my lawyer look into him personally for making that call.

He knows this was illegal and voted anyway,” Lebowski claimed.

Under Manitoba Law, the Planning Act states that “No person may undertake a conditional use without first obtaining approval” and that “An application for approval of a conditional use must be made by the owner of the affected property, or a person authorized in writing by the owner, in this case Garden Ridge Green Space Committee.

The penalties are also listed and in the case of an individual, to a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or both. If convicted a person is convicted of an offense, a justice may, in addition to imposing a penalty under subsection (1),

The new park was built on a residential lot in the midst of a residential subdivision without permits or proper notification to residents.

This diagram shows how the residential park is laid out.

order the person to do one or both of the costs incurred by the district of the following pay to the planning or municipality as a result of the district or municipality the amount contravention.

Community Papers Stay True to Their Roots

By Doug Firby In the many thousands of words that have been written about the collapse of Canadian daily newspapers, there is a parallel good news story that has been untold.

There are places in Canada in which newspaper circulation is actually stable or growing, and where reader loyalty is as strong as it has ever been. Places where people still

pick up the paper and read it front to back to find out what’s going on in their community.

These places, as you might have guessed, are not Canada’s mid-sized to large cities, where the spectacular decline of local print media has created an appalling news vacuum.

Rather, it is in community newspapers that serve the hundreds of small towns that form the heartland of the country.

It is no easy ride, but community newspapers enjoy relative stability in comparison to their bigger cousins. One Ontario paper I recently encountered claims a circulation penetration rate of 89 per cent meaning nine out of 10 households in its circulation area buy and read the paper. Those kind of numbers were seldom matched by daily newspapers even at the height of their popularity.

Community newspapers have held true for a number of reasons. Unlike other media, these newspapers tell stories about their communities - stories you can’t find on a news wire. Readers cannot find their mix of local news, events, sports and

advertising anywhere else. Readers often feel a personal connection, or sense of ownership, with their community newspaper. If they don’t like a story, they can call up and complain. Editors and owners belong to the same social clubs, churches and hockey leagues as their customers.

Local businesses, in turn, view community newspapers as the best bet for effectively reaching consumers in these small markets.

Their markets are “captive” - i.e., generally too small for the big guys to try to move in.

Corporations have made inroads in some smaller communities, especially in the Golden Horseshoe area between Toronto and Niagara Falls. Yet those efforts have brought mixed success, at best, and in some cases total failure (leading to the closure of some small papers).

Their cost-saving tactics are often what doom them to failure. Companies try to recover the cost of purchasing a small paper by cutting staff. There are cases, in fact, in which the only reporter left at a “local” paper doesn’t even live in the community the paper represents.

This is a fatal tactic - especially in communities where the personal connection is everything. In the little Southern Ontario town of Petrolia, for example, the community was so disgusted by what has happened to its local paper under company ownership that local advertisers supported the emergence an independent competitor. When a corporate paper puts virtually nothing into a community (and yet expects to take our profits through advertising revenue), it’s not really that hard to provide a better product.

All of this is not to say small papers have an easy ride. This past weekend, publishers, editors and business managers from Ontario’s community papers gathered in Toronto for its annual conference.

They spoke of the many worries that cloud the crystal ball: ongoing trouble attracting national advertisers, the difficulty in retaining talented young staff who get richer offers from bigger markets, and adapting to the digital age in which a solid web presence and social media strategy are an essential part of the mix.

There will be papers, no doubt, that will give up the fight and fold, as some have. Yet for those who stay, strive to adapt and keep their eye on the ball, it’s hard to imagine a future without a community newspaper in some form.

They will survive because nobody else is going to tell the stories they do - about local births and deaths, local heroes and hooligans, the wise and foolish decisions of the local council and prospects for the minor hockey teams. The heartland has shown, time and again, that they will support a local news source that lives and breathes small town Canadian life.

It makes you wonder whether, in that sense at least, the small towns of Canada are so much different from the big ones. The stories that impact us most, whether in Corner Brook, Nfld., or Vancouver, B.C., are the ones about our neighbours.

Veteran political commentator Doug Firby is President of Troy Media Digital Solutions Ltd. and Publisher of Troy Media. Doug is included in Troy Media’s Unlimited Access subscription plan.

May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Common Sense on Firearms The Liberals like to make big promises but too often, they fail to follow through—or just plain fail. The Conservative Party has a strong record of proposing common sense legislation that makes sense to Canadians.

While the Liberals spend much of their time pandering to special interests, Conservative MPs continue to propose ideas that all Canadians can get behind.

For example, a few weeks ago my colleague, MP Bob Zimmer, proposed Bill C-346 an Act to Amend the Firearms Act. This Bill would ensure that no Canadian gun owner is criminalized over administrative issues; like forgetting to renew their firearms license. For too long, responsible, law-abiding firearms owners in Canada have been treated like outlaws. The wasteful and ineffective long-gun registry was eliminated (as promised) by our Conservative government in 2012 and this Bill will build upon that progress.

Under the current law, firearms licenses expire after five years. If a gun owner forgets to renew their license they are guilty of breaking the law. This Bill amends the Firearms Act to eliminate the expiry of firearms licenses after five years. Under C-346 the license holder must simply update their relevant information every ten years. Gun owners who forget to do so are merely suspended from purchasing firearms or ammunition until they have updated their information: No license can be revoked nor gun owner penalized over administrative issues.

This Bill also simplifies the process for voluntarily relinquishing a gun license, removing any fear of future repercussions.

C-346 is just one example of the kind of common sense legislation Conservatives are proposing every day. I could cite many similar examples, including my own Private Members Bill: The Fairness in Charitable Gifts Act. Conservatives understand what the Liberals do not; that Canadians want legislation that is affordable, responsible and makes sense.

For more information on this or other issues, please feel free to contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889. You may also write my office at 76 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, email me at ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Free Trade in Difficulty The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement, which we Canadians have been operating under since the Mulroney years. In fact, it will be 25 years old this summer. Overall, this has been positive for Canada and its two partners USA and Mexico.

One possible problem is that it is a 20th century agreement that must evolve into a 21st century agreement, but its main problem is falling into the sights of the new American president.

This administration came into being on the back of rhetoric and sprinkled generously with falsehoods. One of the President’s promises was to strike better trade deals with other countries. Apparently, we along with Mexico, China and others are all taking advantage of the Americans with the existing deals.

Now the American’s intentions are clear they have signalled the opening of NAFTA and proved their supposed mettle by applying duties on softwood lumber. I’m sure supply management farming will be next. These last two points are not part of NAFTA but they were in TPP, which was negotiated last year with Canada, Mexico and a number of other Pacific Ocean countries. The President on taking office tore this agreement up.

We, Canada, have settled five previous disputes with the USA on softwood lumber and won every time. We got some money back also, but Prime Minister Harper was a player in the last kerfuffle and sadly agreed to take 2 billion instead of what should probably have been a 5 billion touch.

As of now, tariffs are being applied anew on Canadian softwood lumber entering the USA. The argument is that Americans accuse us of selling under cost, but it would be more accurate to say under their cost. We harvest timber mostly on crown land with stumpage fees set by different provinces. They, the Americans harvest timber on private land and pay more for stumpage fees. Five different tribunals have ruled that the duties they imposed on Canadian lumber had no merit.

The second argument, on supply management farming will end up demonstrating to Americans that their agricultural subsidies are big enough to choke a horse along with the cowboy riding it. I have always thought their subsidies needed an airing out. It will be academically interesting as the subsidies on milk, cheese, eggs and poultry are distorting real value and give a huge leg up to a select few business people, which is not available to other businesses. This has never squared with the principals of democracies, end of subject.

Regardless of all the rhetoric that will be flying around many State politicians would not be happy with losing their trade agreements and there are 30 plus states, which could have their economy adversely, affected, their job numbers going south. If a deal is not struck quickly, and with midterm elections a reality next year these same politicians might need that good economy to win re-election. So a deal becomes self-preservation.

The trick will be to have a fair deal, a word with 50 different shades of gray perhaps. Optimism is a word I’d like to use. But a few short months ago, we bid the last president a sad farewell, a man who exudes principles. Now I see a man who sees principles as an impediment.

Progress on Fiscal Responsibility Our government is moving Manitoba along the road to recovery with our new budget, which sets a responsible course while allowing our province to pursue steady improvements. We understand the needs of Manitobans with this budget, which includes no new taxes or tax increases while boosting core government spending by 2.1 per cent and investing in the services Manitobans depend on.

Our Progressive Conservative government’s focus on reducing taxes and restraining government spending is working. Manitoba’s 2016/17 deficit is projected to be $39 million lower than what was forecast last year. If spending had continued at the rate undertaken by the previous NDP government, Manitoba’s deficit would have reached $1.7 billion in the 2019/20 budget year. We are restoring prudent fiscal management following the decade of debt under the tax-and-spend NDP. We have also introduced legislation to set clear rules for managing government budgets. Our new Fiscal Responsibility and Taxpayer Protection Act requires real progress toward balanced budgets through progressively smaller deficits, and includes pay cuts for cabinet ministers who fail to achieve legislated deficit-reduction targets.

Despite our commitment to smart and accountable fiscal management, the NDP continues to mislead Manitobans about our government’s actions and our cabinet ministers’ salaries.

The fact is we have abided by the balanced budget legislation that we put in place when we balanced the budget during our previous time in government. NDP cabinet ministers later gave themselves a raise of more than $1 million by gutting that balanced-budget law in 2010 to remove penalties we had put in place for governments that increased debt and deficits. As a result, they avoided penalties for six years, pocketing more than $1 million in additional pay for their cabinet ministers. And they did all this while doubling the provincial debt and raising taxes at a record level.

Our new legislation closes the loopholes that the NDP created and protects taxpayers from the kind of irresponsible spending that resulted in the doubling of Manitoba’s debt in just eight years. Our government is accountable and, with every member of our PC caucus voluntarily freezing their MLA wages until the next election, we are leading by example.

In other news, I recently attended Manitoba Pork’s annual general meeting. Held in early April in Winnipeg, it was an opportunity to hear about the sector’s accomplishments last year and what pork producers in our province have in store for 2017. As well, the meeting included updates from the Canadian Pork Council and pork associations from Iowa and Minnesota.

I also recently attended the Career Trek event at Stevenson Aviation and Aerospace Training Centre in Winnipeg. It gave me an in-depth look at how we can assist young Manitobans understand and realize their potential.

Innovative partnerships between industry, education systems and Career Trek are helping to create tomorrow’s workforce.

Bob Lagasse, MLA for the constituency of Dawson Trail.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

“Laughter is A Sacred Space” Tour Comes to Steinbach

RCMP Traffic Services Intercept Marihuana Traffickers

On April 3 at approximately 12:20 pm, RCMP Traffic Services stopped a commercial motor vehicle in West Hawk Lake for a regulatory vehicle inspection. The load had originated in B.C. and was destined for Mississauga, Ontario.

Further investigation uncovered 118 pounds of marihuana hidden within the cargo. “We are committed to safer highways and communities, and any interruption in the drug supply contributes to this,” said Inspector Ed Moreland, Officer in Charge of Traffic Services in Manitoba. “Apprehending such criminality is a role we take very seriously.”

RCMP charged 29-year-old Dunken Trask, of Vancouver, B.C. with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. He is scheduled to appear in court in Winnipeg on May 11. The transport truck operated by Trask has been seized under Manitoba’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Act.

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Steinbach Neighbours for Community welcomes the return of Ted Swartz, who brought us Listening for Grace two years ago.

Laughter is Sacred Space is on tour and coming to Steinbach on Friday, May 12 at 7:30 pm in the Regional Secondary School Theatre, 190 McKenzie Ave., Steinbach. Tickets

are available for $12 at Steinbach Arts Council or by calling 204-3461077. This year’s tour is sponsored

by Steinbach Neighbours for Community and Eden Health Care Services.

“In this gritty and dramatic play, Ted Swartz walks us through his relationship with friend and business partner,

Lee Eshleman, who died by suicide in 2007. Ted explores the paradox of working with a comedic partner struggling with bipolar disorder, as well as the challenge of writing and performing stories about God while experiencing the absence of God after Lee’s death by suicide.”

Using multi-media and his twenty

May 2017

years of storytelling experience, Laughter is Sacred Space is honest, funny and vulnerable, and reveals the unique journey of working as a comedic actor under the shadow of a mental illness and the sense of loss following Lee’s suicide. It offers hope and humor in a way that only Swartz can deliver.

May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Fire Destroys Niverville Warehouse

This warehouse east of Niverville was destroyed by fire on April 27.

A semi-trailer being serviced inside a building is being blamed for a warehouse fire that took place in Niverville on April 27.

At approximately 3:15 pm Niverville Fire and EMS Services, responded to a warehouse fire at 11 Heritage Trail. While the fire was too far advanced to save the building, no additional structures were impacted and the fire was contained.

Niverville Fire Chief Keith Bueckert said the page came down as a truck on fire. He confirmed that the truck was located inside the building and by the time firefighters arrived, the structure was engulfed in flames.

While the warehouse was a total loss, heavy winds helped fire crews from both the Town of Niverville and the RM of Ritchot to save nearby structures. “We have a structure immediately to the north of it, so the north wind actually helped in not letting it spread, the fire. We had a couple of grass fires start along the tracks due to the intensity that the wind did provide the fire, but as for a defensive operation, it worked well with the wind direction,” Bueckert explained. The Niverville Fire Department stayed on scene for several hours to ensure there were no flare ups. Firefighters were also concerned about an apartment suite directly above the warehouse.

The building belonged to Rod Friesen and it was used for storage. He confirmed that one of his clients was working on a semi when the fire started.

No one was injured in the blaze.

The truck and building are a total loss.

Abbeyfield House Begins Spring Recruitment Blitz

By Marianne Curtis After 4 years of planning and construction, Abbeyfield House Dominion City recently opened its doors to tenants. As part of a plan to fill the remaining vacancies at Abbeyfield House, a $2,000 signing credit is being offered to all new tenants who sign a lease on or before September 1, 2017.

According to Abbeyfield House Chairperson for Dominion City, Dave Kirkpatrick, in addition, an extensive recruiting campaign involving numerous promotions and activities will be undertaken.

“Abbeyfield House offers seniors who no longer want to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining their own home, a beautiful and secure environment in which to live,” said Kirkpatrick. “This

home is a place for seniors to maintain their independence and lead their lives their own way.”

The facility is considered the residents’ home rather than an institution and they can participate as much or as little as they wish in the day-to-day activities.

“We are a new assisted living home in southern Manitoba. There are over 1,100 Abbeyfields in the world, but we are the first in Manitoba,” added Jade Hopkins, House Manager for Abbeyfield House Dominion City. “It is designed for residents 55 years of age and older who value independent living.”

The 10-suite senior’s facility creates family style living located in a rural, serene and peaceful setting.

Residents can enjoy the privacy of their own suite with the opportunity to share meals and activities with other residents. Light housekeeping and weekly laundry are provided.

On the main floor of the home, there is a large open kitchen, dining and lounging area suitable for on-site activities and for entertaining guests. When interested, residents have full use of the kitchen between meal times. On the lower level, residents have use of a rec room, hobby room, craft room and lockers.

The new building is wheelchair accessible and meets Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart designation.

A special recruitment blitz is underway to fill up the last few suites of this new 55 plus independent living facility in Dominion City.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Steinbach Wins Preparedness Award

By Marianne Curtis If readiness is defined by preparation, then Steinbach is well set up to handle emergencies. The City of Steinbach was presented with the Manitoba Community Emergency Preparedness award.

“This award speaks to the great work in our community to ensure there is a plan in place to keep our citizens safe,” said Mayor Chris Goertzen. “Council appreciates the work and detail that goes into emergency planning for the city.”

The Manitoba Community Emergency Preparedness Awards recognizes communities with programs meeting or exceeding standards said Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen, responsible for emergency measures. “We applaud the efforts of the emergency management teams in these municipalities, with the support of elected leaders who clearly understand the importance of reducing the risk of disaster impacts on their communities through effective emergency preparedness,” said Pederson.

The award is presented annually and includes public recognition by the Manitoba government, a framed certificate and road signs stating, ‘We are a Prepared Community’, to be placed at the municipality’s discretion.

In 2015 Steinbach implemented, Steinbach Alert Now an emergency

La Broquerie Tackling History Project The La Broquerie Community Development Corporation (CDC) is inviting the public to share images and other historically significant resources about La Broquerie and

notification system, where residents sign up for free with their phone, email, and text to receive notifications during an emergency. Steinbach is also the only community in Canada with a Storm Ready program where volunteers are trained to watch the skies and report on developments during extreme weather.

Denis Vassart, Steinbach’s Emergency Planning Coordinator, was pleased to hear about the award, “This is a community achievement. We rely on residents to take part in our programs, registering for Steinbach Alert Now, donating their time for emergency planning meetings, and volunteering for Storm Ready. Their participation and willingness to help out makes us all safer.”

Preparedness includes detailed hazard and risk assessment, preparation and maintenance of emergency plans, public education programs, use of social media to communicate with the public and excellent emergency management and response training programs. The Emergency Measures Act requires communities to have emergency preparedness programs implemented.

This award recognizes four levels of achievement in community preparedness, modeled on Canadian and international best practices and standards.

The bi-annual test of the Steinbach

Alert Now system will take place on You can find out more about the May 10, coinciding with National Steinbach Alert Now online at steinEmergency Preparedness Week (May abachalertnow.ca.

7-13).

Marchand to help produce a series of interpretive signs to promote tourism and heritage.

The CDC’s theme list is comprehensive and they hope the public will respond with as much information they have to tackle this project.

Specifically the themes listed will focus on the first settlers from indigenous First Nations, the Métis to the arrival of the first European families in the area.

Next on the list are schools prior to 1961 and after 1961, the arenas,

the Jubilé crosses, the convent and the nuns, the churches, priests and rectory, the St-Jean-Baptiste Society and on the historical celebrations throughout the years, including the Royal Visitors, Queen Elizabeth II and Charles, the Prince of Wales who arrived by train in La Broquerie on July 14, 1970 and the Davidson Wildlife Management area which was the first of it’s kind in Manitoba.

The CDC is also looking for information on local government and

Nettie Weiss earned her Journeyman Red Seal Certificate Partsperson to help further the education of others.

A La Broquerie woman is challenging local businesses to support apprenticeship programs by becoming journeypersons after she recently earned her Red Seal Certificate as a Partsperson. Not only did this challenge improve her skills personally, but it also put her in the position as a Journeyman to apprentice others.

Nettie Weiss and her husband Lewis own Metalmasters Auto Body and Weiss Auto, west of La Broquerie. Over a decade ago, Lewis successfully challenged his Automotive Repair Refinish Red Seal and his Automotive Technician Red Seal.

Since then they have had at least a dozen apprentices come through their doors. As a journeyman in both of these trades, he can apprentice students until they complete their Red Certification.

Nettie never expected to be a journeyman Partsperson. She explained that a representative from Appren-

RCMP Roving Traffic Unit Seize Contraband Cigarettes On April 12 at approximately 4:20 pm, the RCMP Roving Traffic Unit conducted a traffic stop on a westbound vehicle on Highway 1, 8 km east of Deacon’s Corner.

Officers spoke to the two occupants of the vehicle who were subsequently arrested for trafficking contraband tobacco under the Criminal Code of Canada.

A search of the vehicle uncovered two cases (50 cartons per case) as well as 23 individual cartons of cigarettes destined for the resale market.

RCMP arrested two males, a 47-year-old and 44-year-old, both from Winnipeg, who will be appearing in court scheduled for May 18 in Winnipeg. They face charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and if convicted, could face fines exceeding $21,000.

RCMP along with Manitoba Finance continue to investigate.

Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen (left) responsible for emergency measures presented Mayor Chris Goertzen (centre) with the Emergency Preparedness Award on behalf of the City of Steinbach.

sport organizations or industry and businesses such as the CDC, the Rural Municipality offices, former Reeves, Chamber of Commerce, the Chalet, train station, the Senior Habs, the Co-op, the cheese factory, general stores, lumber yards, hotels, the Caisse, the milk, pork and transfer industries.

Water is an important historical theme and includes a request for information on the Seine River and its tributaries, Simard Creek and Twin River.

Local Woman Challenges Businesses to Support Apprentice Program

By Marianne Curtis

May 2017

ticeship Manitoba attended the business and suggested that since they owned a wrecker, she should challenge the course.

“I asked if a Partsperson is a Trade.

He said, ‘Yes’.” “You must have someone with experience who can write the exam.” Wiess added. To qualify to challenge the course, Wiess had to have 4.5 years or 8,100 hours, answer a few questions, pay a small fee and wait until she heard she qualified.

Weiss encourages others who may qualify for a Red Seal Trade to challenge the program as she did; so that they in turn can help, others join their trade.

“The reason that I did all of this?

To give students a place to get their hours, it will also have advantages come income tax time and it was a personal challenge to upgrade myself,” said Wiess. “I challenged a three year college course and passed with 74%; there must be well over a hundred parts people in Steinbach

and I’d love to challenge them each to do the same.”

Hiring an apprentice is a smart business move because it is an investment into the future of a business and local economy.

“There are a lot of students out there that would like to be apprentices. They are often young and planning on making this their career. They are eager to learn and it would be great if more shops would allow students to fill their needed hours,” Weiss added.

One third of Canada’s workforce will retire in 2030. This means competition will get tough for employers looking to attract and retain good workers. Employers who hire apprentices have the opportunity to receive a number of financial incentives to become engaged with apprenticeship training.

To hire an apprentice, a certified journey person, or a registered designated trainer must be on site.

May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Happy Frustration In our house, we have a board game called Frustration; it’s a lot like the game Trouble.

In our game, you have six coloured pieces, they start in the Home position, and you have to travel around the board until you reach your finish location.

The die, located in the centre

of the board is encased in a clear plastic bubble that you press down on and, when you let go, the die pops up, bounces around and comes to a stop.

Now my three children are all wonderful and generally happy little munchkins that I love dearly (even when they are stretching their boundaries and teasing each other too much) but I will admit that my little six-year-old son seems to have the funniest of personalities.

He is often laughing, smiling and just having a great old time. He can take something as simple as playing a board game and kick it up a humorous notch.

Last week, when my children and I were playing Frustration my littlest guy would use his little muscles to press down on the plastic bubble, let it go with a flourish and no matter what number was displayed, he would pump his fist in the air (or at his side) and say, “Boo-yah!” Now me, I would get excited when I would get a number that would get me closer to winning, such as a six to cover some distance as I move around the board or even a low number as I neared my finish location. My son would “Boo-yah!” even when he was just leaving Home and rolled a two.

Now sometimes when things like this happen over and over for the duration of a game, it can get annoying and the child will be asked to stop but, in this case, it just continued to be funny and cute... it helps that he is also the cutest six year old that I’ve ever seen (yes, I’m biased, all Daddies should be biased towards their own children).

As for where he learned to fist pump I think that credit would have to go to my oldest son as I don’t believe that either my wife or myself do that except in the rarest of occasions.

Actually, when I think about it, I don’t know if my wife has ever pumped her fist and I’m fairly certain that she has never exclaimed the word, “Boo-yah!”

Maybe I’ll have to get my littlest guy to teach her.

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

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ste. Agathe Development Group Recognized by Premier

By Marianne Curtis On April 25, the Ste. Agathe Development Group is one of three community groups across the province recognized with a 2017 Premier’s Volunteer Service Award at a private reception with the Premier.

Established in 1986 and presented annually in cooperation with Volunteer Manitoba, the Premier’s Volunteer Service Awards were established to honour the efforts and dedication of outstanding volunteers in Manitoba, with recognition and encouragement for the valuable services performed throughout the province.

“Manitoba has a proud

tradition of both generosity and volunteerism, characteristics which contribute to our province being the most generous in all of Canada,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “I am honoured to acknowledge ten Manitobans today for their outstanding work and to recognize the efforts of all those who contribute their time to causes in their communities across our province.”

The Ste. Agathe Community Development Inc. was nominated by Amber Mamchuk, Director of Recreation Services, Municipality of Richot. The Ste. Agathe Community Development Inc. (CDI) is comprised of a group of community volunteer leaders who have created a vibrant community with opportunities for employment, development and recreation.

Since the 1980s, the Ste. Agathe, CDI has undertaken the role of community development in the town of

Ste. Agathe and following the 1997 flood, the CDI played a key role in the new dike alignment, resulting in substantial residential, commercial and recreation growth.

Nominations were considered by a panel of judges who reviewed the contributions of all nominated Manitobans in three volunteer categories.

The Premier’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes volunteers by awarding five exceptional individuals whose efforts have contributed significantly to the quality of life in their communities.

The youth award recognizes two individual young Manitobans (under the age of 25) who have made considerable contributions to their schools, organizations and communities and the community group award is presented to three community groups that have experienced extraordinary collective volunteer efforts by their members.

Alain Robert, from Ste Agathe (back row, far left) accepted the award on behalf of the Ste. Agathe Community Development Inc.

Local Citizens on Patrol Promote ‘Spotlight on Speed’ Week For one week, speed watch boards will be set up in various communities in the southeast, thanks to the volunteer efforts of the local Citizens on Patrol Groups. From May 1 - 6, both the Steinbach and Ritchot COPP groups will be promoting ‘Spotlight on Speed’ week.

During the week, COPP volunteers will be operating a speed reader board provided by Manitoba Public Insurance to raise awareness of posted speed limits in our community and as a reminder about the dangers of driving over the posted speed limit or too fast for road and weather conditions. The data collected by participating COPP volunteers will also be shared with local law enforcement to help inform their speed enforcement efforts.

Ritchot COPP is participating in the event for the first time by setting up the speed reader board in St. Adolphe, Ste. Agathe, and Ile des Chenes, said coordinator Marianne Curtis. “There is no greater pain than burying someone you love after they’ve died in a preventable collision, where speed could have made the difference to their survival,” said Curtis. “We hope that by posting a visible speed board in several of our rural communities, local residents will recognize the issue, and adjust their driving accordingly.”

Speeding claims about 21 lives yearly in Manitoba, in addition to 600 people injured in speed related crashes.

“The purpose of ‘Spotlight on Speed’ Week is to raise awareness about this high-risk driving behaviour and for drivers to self-evaluate and adjust accordingly,” said Ward Keith, Vice-President Communications and Loss Prevention, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Last year was the deadliest year on Manitoba highways in a decade and some of those crashes were speed related. The goal for 2017 is to make our roadways safer for everyone.”

Last year COPP volunteers contributed 14,000 patrol hours and almost 22,000 volunteer hours to the program. Their efforts continue to be instrumental in preventing crime and assisting local police agencies.

If you are interested in joining or learning more about, the Ritchot COPP, Citizens on Patrol group contact Marianne Curtis, Coordinator at 204-794-1207.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Federal Conservatives Attend Provencher AGM Approximately 40 members attended the Conservative Annual General Meeting on Saturday April 8 at Smitty’s Restaurant in Steinbach.

Provencher Conservative Member of Parliament, Ted Falk, touched on several subjects during his speech to the attendees including the Conservative leadership race, events across the riding, Budget 2017, electoral reform, parliamentary reform and carbon tax.

He also spoke about his role as Manitoba Caucus Chair and Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

Berny Hiebert was acclaimed as the new President of the Provencher Provencher Conservative EDA board of directors Electoral District Association.

Steinbach Lawyer Named to Health Appeal Board

By Marianne Curtis A Steinbach area lawyer is one of the newest appointments to the Manitoba Health Appeal Board.

Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen said he is confident that the new board members will work for Manitobans.

“I know these new board members will put their years of experience and many skills to good use by helping ensure quality care for Manitoba families,” said Goertzen.

Grant Driedger, who is a partner

with Steinbach’s Smith Neufeld Jodoin Law Practice along with Joan Holmstrom, and Elaine Graham were appointed to the Manitoba Health Appeal Board, with Driedger appointed as board chair.

The appointments are effective immediately and will expire on April 11, 2020.

Driedger’s practice is primarily focused on civil and administrative litigation, as well as real estate, wills, estates, and criminal litigation. He is currently the representative for the eastern electoral district

of the Law Society of Manitoba, and has served as an adjudicator for the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals with the Canada Pension Plan and the federal Pipeline Arbitration Committee.

The Manitoba Health Appeal Board is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals made by the public, health service providers and others, as outlined under The Health Services Insurance Act, The Ambulance Act and The Mental Health Act.

RM of Tache Receives Funding for Water Treatment System Upgrade Bob Lagassé, MLA for Dawson Trail recently announced there will be funding for a project to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in the RM of Tache.

The RM of Tache is receiving $1.681 million in provincial funding through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF) for Phase 2 of the Landmark Water Treatment Distribution System Upgrade. The Federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the projects’ eligible costs and the balance of the funding is from the Province and local municipality.

“Our Progressive Conservative government is proud to make these important investments in local infrastructure that ensures Manitobans have access to modern, reliable water and wastewater services,” said Lagassé. “We will continue to improve the municipal infrastructure funding process to make it simpler for municipalities to identify and fund the projects that are important to their communities.”

The Province of Manitoba accepted applications through a single-window application intake

for cost-shared infrastructure funding. This delivered on the government’s commitment to reduce red tape, allow more efficient access to funding and ensure that all municipalities have a ‘fair say’ on how infrastructure funds are invested in their communities.

For further information about the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund and the new Single Window intake process go to gov.mb.ca.

Spending Going in the Right Direction Our government recently brought forward a strong, responsible budget for Manitobans. Budget 2017 was created to put Manitoba on the road to recovery with a moderate increase in core government spending, but without new taxes or tax increases.

Our government’s focus is on reducing taxes and restraining spending while investing in front-line services. And our plan is working, as the provincial 2016/17 deficit is expected to be $39 million lower than what was forecast in our budget last year.

It might not sound like a lot, but it’s going in the right direction.

Constituents I have spoken to understand that Manitoba can’t continue to keep spending more than it brings in. It is simply not sustainable. If spending had continued at the rate undertaken by the previous NDP government, Manitoba’s deficit would have reached $1.7 billion in 2019/20 with a total provincial debt of more than $35 billion. These deficits are taxes that future generations have to pay for. It’s not fair to saddle our children, grandchildren

and great-grandchildren with such debt before they even get started in life.

We are increasing our investment in the Families Department by more than $105 million in Budget 2017, with support for 501 new licensed child-care spaces and 50 additional homebased child-care spaces. I am happy to say that 21 of these new spaces are at the Springfield Learning Centre in Anola.

The budget calls for a record investment in Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living. This includes $107.5 million in new spending with targeted investments in primary health-care services. Dialysis treatment, newborn hearing screening and mental health services are receiving budget increases, and there is an additional $9.4 million for new cancer drugs. There is also $6.5 million to further lower ambulance fees.

Budget 2017 is accountable to Manitobans and sets out a strong plan for a responsible recovery for

our province, while maintaining our Progressive Conservative government’s commitment to making Manitoba the most improved province in Canada.

On a lighter note, I know how important agriculture is to Manitoba. I see that farmers are anxious to get into their fields and to get their crops into the ground. I hope everything goes well and that Mother Nature provides us with weather that allows them to get those crops in and growing.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you with your questions or concerns. I can be reached at my constituency office at 204424-5406, at my legislature office at 204-945-4339 or at dennis. smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.

May 2017

RM Private Well Water Testing Days The Seine-Rat River Conservation District will be assisting residents with private well water testing for the presence of E.coli and Coliform bacteria. The cost of private well water testing is $21.26, including taxes, per sample. Payment may be submitted by cash or cheque Only, with cheques made payable to Horizon Lab Ltd. Water bottles & application forms can be picked up in advance at your participating RM office. Samples must be taken on the same day as the drop-off and submitted at your participating RM office prior to 10 am along with your completed application and chain of custody forms.

RM Private Well Water Testing Days will take place on Thursday, May 25 and Thursday, June 29.

Drop-off locations: SRRCD office, 123 Simard St. – La Broquerie RM of Ste. Anne office, 395 Traverse Road – Ste. Anne RM of Hanover office, 28 Westland Dr. – Steinbach RM of DeSalaberry office, 466 Sabourin St. – St. Pierre-Jolys Town of Niverville office, 86 Main St. – Niverville RM of Taché office, 1294 Dawson Rd. – Lorette RM of Ritchot office, 352 Main Street – St. Adolphe SRRCD office, RM of Stuartburn, 108 Main Street N – Vita RM of Franklin office, 115 Waddell Ave. East—Dominion City RM of Piney office, 6092 Boundary St. – Vassar Contact the SRRCD for more information at 204-424-5845 or email info@srrcd.ca.

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May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

What Motivates You to Act Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Why do people do the things they do?” Why do you do what you do? What motivates you to act or react the way you do? There are a multitude of things that spur us into action. Some are good, some are bad. Some are helpful, some are hurtful. Some build others up, some tear people down. Some are selfless, some are selfish. Some please God, some displease Him. A couple months ago, we had a blizzard here in southeast Manitoba. In the evening, I was to drive into Steinbach and pick up my wife. About a mile from home, I got caught in a complete whiteout and ended up in the ditch. I called for help but while waiting, several Good Samaritans stopped and offered help (for which I was very grateful). I assume their motivation was compassion for this idiot who was stupid enough to venture out in a blizzard. I also assume my son-in-law, who pulled me out, was motivated by compassion and maybe a little fear that Dad might freeze to death on the side of the highway.

We think that good motivations always lead to good actions and bad motivations lead to bad actions. But this is not always the case.

In the Bible, in Luke chapter 15, there’s the story of the Prodigal Son. He left home with his inheritance and squandered it all on loose living. When he hit rock bottom, he made a decision to go back home to his father. His father rejoiced to see his lost son back home and had a big feast in his honor.

But the Prodigal had an elder brother who had stayed home, worked hard and managed the farm in his brother’s absence. When this elder brother heard his father was giving a feast for his wayward brother, he was angry.

The father was motivated by love. He forgave the Prodigal, gave him new clothes and prepared a coming-home feast for him. But the elder brother was motivated by a performance based legalistic attitude. He was doing all the right things. He stayed home, kept the farm going, was a hard worker, and was faithful and dependable. He was the son you could count on. It looked like he was the perfect son.

But when a crisis arises in your life, it will often expose the motivations behind your actions; whether they are good or bad.

The elder brother felt sorry for himself. He stayed home, did all the work and nobody ever threw a feast for him. He became bitter at his brother for coming home and messing up his good life; bitter at his father for giving his brother a feast and bitter at God for allowing it to happen. He became jealous of his brother and discouraged thinking all his hard work was not being recognized nor rewarded. He became proud, judgmental and demanding, thinking he was much better than his loose living brother who had no work ethic and lost all his inheritance. All the work done by the elder brother got done and done right, but it was all mechanical out of habit and tradition. It had been done with the wrong motivations in his heart.

What motivates you in your day to day living? The only thing that really counts with God is a love for Him, His people and His work.

He is like the father in Luke 15, who is always ready to forgive in love and with compassion give you another chance. If you haven’t trusted Him as your Saviour, why not come to Him today through His Son, Jesus Christ. Watch what a difference God’s love will make as a motivator in your life!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Purchase your Gala Table Today!

On Friday, May 5 – Get your tickets for the ‘Celebrate the Arts’ Canada 150 Gala Fundraiser. Enjoy special entertainment, delicious food, an evening of dance, and fun!

Live Painting by Signature Artist, Daylon Brown. The signature piece by this talented artist will be created in front of your eyes during the evening and go to the highest bidder at our traditional Fine Art Auction. A one-of-a-kind Custom Painting created exclusively for the highest bidder by artist, Melanie Penner!

Additional Artists featured at this year’s Fine Art Auction include wellknown artists Marilyn Pankratz, Amanda Von Riesen and Arlene Enns. New, Silent Auction artwork featuring Kim Gwozdz and Don Hoeppner. Table $850 and Individual Tickets $120.

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 22 – Tropic Heat with Arlene Enns. For $35, each night from 6:30 – 9 pm, includes fun filled creative themes, appetizers and wine/beverage, instruction, supplies and instruction by talented accomplished artists, Gabrielle Doll and Arlene Enns.

formers and Visual Artists! Last call for KR Barkman Concerts in the Park series applications. These are free concerts in KR Barkman Park on Main Street, proudly sponsored by Barkman Concrete Foundation.

Wizard of Oz Community Musical – Sold Out Shows!

Thanks to Director David Klassen, all cast and crew. Thank you to our community musical sponsor Salisbury House. Purchase tickets online steinbachartscouncil.ca or call 204346-1077.

Arts4Tots Preschool Program - Why are we unique? The most creative way to learn for ages 3 5 with specialists in dance, music, drama, visual arts, culinary and more! Following our creative calendar each month, we have weeks full of fun, creativity, learning, field trips and guests. Call us now to be registered for the fall…we start in September!

The Backyard Theatre Company - We want you! Experience scripts, improv, character building, perform on stage and build your confidence! Take the stage in a Christmas Showcase, local festival and final production at the SRSS theatre for ages 5 - 17. Get signed up for Fall in September!

SPAC….the Steinbach Performing Arts Centre New! Visit our website friendsofspac.ca. This facility will connect so many people from the region – concerts from classical to pop to rock to country music artists, grads, recitals, Pre-Registration Day choir fests, conventions, etc. Huge for Fall Programs! economic spinoffs for local businessDon’t miss your chance to register es… funders are showing positive for fall 10% off on Thursday, June 1 responses too! from 3 - 8 pm Arts4tots Preschool Program, Back- Summer Camp yard Theatre, Summer Arts Day Early Bird Registrations Camps, visual arts – painting, carSummer Arts Day Camps - Join tooning, pottery, creative wellness, the fun and creativity this summer! languages, creative cooking, dance We offer 7 camps infused with muand more! sic, dance, drama, visual arts, field trips, community outings, recreation, New Dates & Themes. swimming, splash parks and more!

Don’t miss Canvas & Cabernet For 2 Separate age groups – ages 5 nights…For Beginners!

- 8 and ages 9 – 12. Sign by Tuesday, Get ready for spring! It’s time for You May 9 – Receive 10% off. to try it out! Check our website for Seven Exciting Themes: Celebrating the creative themes and more details. Canada’s 150th Birthday, Touring So popular, filling up fast, limited the World, Our Community, Life at numbers. Sign up now online or call Sea, SCORE! Sports Week, Animal the office today. Limited numbers in Planet and Disney. each night. Next Date is Thursday, May 11 – Dreams.

Calling all musicians for KR Park Upcoming…

Concerts in the Park Thursday, May 25 – Flower Power, Coming soon KR Barkman ConWednesday, June 7 – Farm Side certs schedule for May and June with Gabrielle Doll, and Thursday, online steinbachartscouncil.ca. Per-

Spring Classes Pilates with Kimberley Koop – Until Friday, June 9 – Pilates Core Basic, Pilates on the Ball, Power Pilates and Foam Roller Pilates.

Call to sign up.

Join the Creative Youth Council - Plan the next Turnip the Music event at Randolph garage – call to join in the fun!

Volunteers needed - For Summer in the City Artist Tent – fun and creativity guaranteed!

Calling all Volunteers - Summer in the City is just around the corner. We are looking for creative volunteers in the Artist Tents– help the artists, meet the public and have fun! Interested? Call 204346-1077.

May 2017

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2 Thessalonians 2:13-17… 13) But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14) He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15) So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16) May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17) encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

(NIV) “Ouch that hurts.” Something we say many times a day. But did you know that pain can be good? It can be God’s warning device that whatever hurts needs attention. When warning lights come on we pay attention, if we do not we will pay the price sooner than later. Pain has its rightful place either good or bad.

Scientists claim they can measure the amount of pain we feel. They can determine what hurts more and what hurts less, but I do not think they are able to measure the pain we feel in our hearts. I am persuaded that pain is part of God’s wisdom and there is no way you or I can avoid this experience. We can learn from the experience with a positive attitude or we can be destroyed by the experience.

Remember the last time you changed the furniture in your house and you got up in the middle of the night and banged your toe against the sharp edge on the night table? Did you say, “Ouch that hurts,” or did you say “#*@#...?”

I can still feel it. But when I do it, again the next night then it is time to adjust to our new surroundings. Heart hurts are like that, we need to search the Scripture for guidance and adjust to our new challenges ... Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

When people suffer, (hearts hurt) we need to pick them up and encourage them. That is what the apostle Paul did when the people in Thessalonica were being misled by false teachers. Too often, we turn our heads and go the other way. Or we might try to be like the Good Samaritan and encourage people whose faith is being battered and bruised.

Paul does not pray that God should take away the hurt, did you notice that?

But rather; that God should strengthen them in their experience. Somehow, we learn best when we are tested. We want things to be perfect, no fuss, no bother; none of this out of sorts skirmishes. But life just is not that kind to us; somehow, we need those bumps in the night.

Tough times help to develop our understanding. The Christian is not called to twiddle their thumbs and live in a dream world; we are called to fight the good fight. We are never left to fight alone. God who gives us our marching orders also provides the strength for us to win. We Christians can regard this present hardship as a light thing in comparison with the glory that we shall soon enjoy.

The prophet Isaiah puts it this way… Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (NIV) I think this is what he is trying to say to us, that God will watch over us and continue to love us even though we fail at times. He is just as anxious as we are to find our way through the hurtful bumps and bruises… To God Be the Glory.

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.

Seine Singers Celebrate 20 Years in Lorette

By Marianne Curtis It has been twenty-years since three private music teachers in Lorette started the Seine Singers, a community women’s choir based in Lorette.

Organized back in 1997, the group was formed to promote music in the community and to give people who love choral music a chance to get together and sing. Members come from Lorette, Ste. Anne, Landmark, Ile des Chenes, Anola, Dugald, Oakbank and Winnipeg. There are still three original members in the choir.

Arlene Schultz was one of the founders and still runs the group as the director. She said the choir consists of about twenty people from all walks life, and range in age anywhere from teenage to over sev-

enty. “I would welcome more singers for a fuller sound, but the choir sounds good. People generally love it,” said Schulz. “I try to challenge the singers by choosing a repertoire that contains at least a few difficult pieces, but I also want the singers to enjoy the experience and not become overwhelmed.”

According to Schultz, there is more to the choir than beautiful music. “Almost every summer when it’s time to look for music and get things planned and organized for the choir, I ask myself, ‘do I want to do this again?’” Shultz confided.

“I think about the ladies that come and about how therapeutic it is for myself and everyone. I see some women come in tired and stressed at almost every practice. When we are singing they are smiling, happy and

chatting away.”

Schultz added that there are many benefits of singing because it releases endorphins that leave us with a feeling of happiness and well-being.

“It feels like a spiritual experience.

It feels like a high and after experiencing that over and over again you can’t stop and you keep coming back each year for more,” Schultz continued. “When I become engaged in music, I have no problems, pain goes away, loneliness goes away, depression goes away and stress goes away. I want others to experience this as well and so that is why I continue directing the choir.”

Every spring the choir puts on a spring dessert concert, which is their annual fundraiser. This year’s concert will take place on May 7 starting at 7 pm at the TransCanada Centre,

On May 7, the Lorette based Seine Singers are hosting a 20 year anniversary celebration concert.

Ile des Chenes. Other performances at the concert will be Plain Salt, a local Celtic band who has accompanied the choir since 2007. Tick-

ets are $15 and are available from choir members or call 204-8782016. Tickets are not available at the door.

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May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Lagasse Recognizes Local Hero in Cabinet

Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagasse calls his 10-year-old cousin Kyden Turner a “Dawson Trail Hero” for having such a positive outlook despite the challenges of living with Muscular Dystrophy.

By Marianne Curtis Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagasse got personal at the Manitoba Legislature recently when he presented his young cousin to the gathered assembly during his Members Statement.

In a heartfelt tribute, Lagasse introduced his government colleagues to ten-year-old Kyden Turner from Ste. Adolphe, who was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Bethlem/Ullrich Collagen 6, Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.

“Kyden is an extraordinary young man and his unrelenting positivity and kindness is a characteristic we all can hope to cultivate in the face of adversity. And this is what makes Kyden a Dawson Trail

Hero in my books,” Lagasse told the assembly. “[He] by far is one of the strongest pre- teens I know, especially when it comes to his attitude towards life and the challenges it has presented him so far.”

Kyden’s condition causes him to get sick a lot, Lagasse added. “Despite the complications that Kyden’s condition poses to his day-to-day routine, he still maintains a positive outlook on life. His resilience and spirit are remarkable. He rarely lets things affect him. An example of this is a time when he was in the hospital. He had just had an operation, was in two full leg casts and on pain medication- when the doctor asked him how he was doing, Kyden smiled widely and

said, ‘I’m good!’” Lagasse continued.

Kyden said that his outlook on life is to, “Just keep going!” and he often tells his mom Bridgette Lagasse that, “If I can do it, you can do it,” when she gets discouraged.

Kyden was recently named 2017’s Youth Ambassador for The Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Winnipeg, and some of his duties will include various speaking engagements and charity work throughout the year.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle but medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the course of the disease.

May 2017

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Fatal Vehicle Collision on Highway 52 On April 24 at approximately 11:50 am, Steinbach RCMP responded to a three-vehicle collision on Highway 52, 5 km east of Steinbach in the RM of La Broquerie.

Investigators believe a southbound vehicle on Road 40E, being driven by a 19-year-old male, failed to stop at the intersection of Hwy 52. His vehicle proceeded into the intersection and struck a westbound vehicle being driven by a 58-year-old male. The resulting collision caused the 58-year-old’s vehicle to be pushed into oncoming traffic where he then collided with an eastbound pickup truck being driven by a 49-year-old male.

The 58-year-old driver died at the scene. The 19-yearold was transported to hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the pickup truck was not injured. All three drivers are from the La Broquerie area.

The 19-year-old has been arrested for Criminal Negligence Causing Death and is currently in police custody.

Alcohol is not a factor and police would only confirm that the deceased was wearing his seatbelt at the time.

Truck Stolen from Dawson Road

On April 8 at approximately 3:14 pm, Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of a stolen truck on Dawson Road in the RM of Ste. Anne. The owner of a white 2008 Chevy Silverado Licence Plate number HPC 860, reported that his truck had been stolen over the weekend from his driveway. RCMP are asking for the community’s help in locating the vehicle.

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

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May 2017

Pat Porter Active Living Centre offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for mature adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come, pay us a visit, and consider participating in some of our programs.

Rentals and Functions: We can accommodate the following but are not limited to Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Banquets, Conferences, Family Gatherings and More! Call Lynda at 204-320-4603 or Kim 204320-4602 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer with us – we could use volunteers in many different areas. Whatever your skill set or age, we have a place for you. Whether you can volunteer for an hour a month, week or day or several hours we can accommodate you with tasks.

We are in need of Volunteers for the following duties: We are in need of Volunteers for the following duties: Gardening/Weeding, Reception and Special events. Call Lynda at 204320-4603 for more information.

Special Events: Facebook and Windows 10 Workshop – On Tuesday, May 2 from 1 – 4 pm. Come learn more about Facebook and Social Media as well as learn what is different and the same about Windows 10. Presenter Richard Denesiuk – Director of Technology with Creative Retirement Manitoba will be conducting this FREE Workshop. Please RSVP if you plan on attending at 204-3204600.

Mother’s Day Afternoon – On Monday, May 15 come enjoy an afternoon of dainties and entertainment. Fee is $3 per person. Everyone is welcomed but must register

by Monday, May 8.

Dessert Concert – On Wednesday, May 17 at 7 pm. Featuring the Pat Porter Active Living Choir under the direction of Lin Wiebe and Special Guests, Janna Penner and Madeline Audette (Flautists). This is a Fundraiser for our Choir Program.

Tickets are $10 each. Please come by our office to purchase tickets or call to purchase with a credit card and we will hold them at the door.

Please come support our Choir!!

AGM and Volunteer Appreciation Bar-be-que – On Thursday, June 8.

Save the Date.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - On Thursday, June 15 from 12 – 1:30 pm with Presenter Maggie Magnusson. Fee is $5 per person, which includes a purple lunch. Everyone is welcomed however, it is important to register by Thursday, June 8. Call 204-320-4600.

Father’s Day Afternoon – On Monday, June 19, come enjoy an afternoon of dainties and entertainment.

Fee is $3 per person. Everyone is welcomed but must register by Monday, June 12.

Regular Activities: Make sure to check out our quarterly Newsletter.

All Programs have a fee of $2 to participate.

New Programs; Walking Program: Every Morning from 8:30 – 9 am (Weekdays) in our Auditorium. Free to the public! En-

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

joy Free Coffee or Tea after!!!

The New Connection: If you are New to the community or have had a significant change in your life (i.e. loss of a significant other, divorce, living arrangement or need a friend) we would like to welcome you.

Starts Thursday, April 6 at 2 pm.

This program will run the first and third Thursday of each month.

Choir: Wednesdays from 10 – 11:30 am. Everyone (all ages) welcomed.

Choir director is Lin Wiebe.

Fitness Class: Every Tuesday – Everyone (all ages) welcomed. Call Lynda at 204-320-4603 for more details. (Instructors are a licensed Physiotherapist and a licensed Kinesiologist) This is a structured program.

Fun Bingo: 3rd Thursday of each month. 10 – 11:30 am. No Cash prizes – fun prizes are offered.

Movie Time: 4th Monday of each month. 1 - 4 pm. Family friendly movies.

Floor Curling/Floor Shuffle: Wednesdays 1:30 – 4 pm.

Pickleball: Monday, Thursday and Fridays from 9 am – Noon. Tuesdays from 9 - 10:30 am.

Drop in Billiards: Monday - Friday from 9 am – 4 pm.

Computer Classes: Wednesdays, from 9 am -1 pm. Call 204-3204600 to book an appointment.

Cards: Monday – Canasta; Wednesday – Cribbage. All card games are from 1 – 4 pm.

Old Time Country Jam: Wednesdays from 7 – 9 pm.

Ho Model Railway Project: Monday - Friday from 9 am – 4 pm (Wednesday the Train Conductors are here).

Free Programs: Crafty Corner: every Friday from 2 - 4 pm. Bring your craft (anything goes – knitting, scrapbooking, woodwork, etc), have some good conversation, coffee, and share in learning from each other. Special guests + activities once a month.

Cozy Corner Coffee Time: 10:30 every morning for free coffee, tea, and a cookie. Meet new people and staff in a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

Walking Program: Every Morning from 8:30 – 9 am (Weekdays) in our Auditorium. Free to the public! Enjoy Free Coffee or Tea after!!!

Other Programs/Services Provided: Noon Meals: Available Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Come join us for lunch. Call Deb at 320-4605 the day before or by 9:00 am that day to reserve your meal.

Tai Chi: Monday evening at 7 pm and Wednesday mornings at 10 am.

Foot Care Clinic: Foot care is available the first Tuesday and Wednesday of every month and the third Tuesday and Thursday of every month. Call Reception at 204-3204600 to book your appointment.

Beltone Hearing Clinic: Third Friday of the month. Call 1-800-6612653 to book your appointment.

For more information on our programs, activities or volunteer opportunities, drop by the Centre Monday to Friday from 8:30 am - 4 pm or call reception desk at 320-4600 or Lynda at 320-4603. Visit our website at patporteralc.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Otterburne Métis Artist Hosts WAG Show A Francophone-Métis artist from Otterburne is presenting her artwork at the shop in the Winnipeg Art Gallery in the Johnson Terminal at the Forks for another month.

Initially, Candace Lipischak’s show was expected to run until the end of April. However, due to popular demand it has been extended until the end of May. Lipischak creates her one of a kind artwork from items found at her Otterburne property. Using items such as metal, feathers and even a lawn mower, the artist is inspired by her Métis culture to create these works of art.

The exhibition takes place until the end of May. The Dispatch first met Lipischak in 2013, when she was named as winner of the “Just Watch Me” contest, which honours disabled entrepreneurs. The bilingual graphic designer and desktop publisher was one of four finalists competing for $1,000 top prize in the completion.

In 2000, Lipischak was diagnosed

Candace Lipischak with a vast display of her creations, including this jewellery is available at the Winnipeg Art Gallery at the Forks for another month.

with Multiple Sclerosis.

When working regular business hours became difficult after her diagnosis, she started her own business in 2007 to expand her creativity.

Richert Racing and SAR Introduce the Slingshot Racing Cup Professional race car driver and Niverville native David Richert, and SAR Sport and Recreation in Steinbach have partnered to bring the world’s first ever Slingshot Racing Cup. The Slingshot Racing Cup is a driving championship open to qualified candidates owning a Slingshot and will hold several events at Gimli Motorsport Park throughout this summer. The winner will be given the exclusive opportunity to experience driving Richert’s ultra quick open-wheel racecar in Europe with a professional race team.

“Being part of something groundbreaking, like the Slingshot Racing Cup, is always a fun experience and getting the chance to do it so close to home

will be a bonus,” explained Richert.

“We’re right on the edge of taking that last step up into the highest racing championships in the world so this opportunity fits in at a perfect time. I’m looking forward to working with all the other drivers as they experience the unique challenges of racing the Slingshot.”

In addition to the fun of driving their Slingshot around the track, and the tantalizing prize, is the fact that all participants will get to compete wheel-to-wheel with Richert. Last year, he became one of the only Canadians to ever complete a race through the streets of Monte Carlo at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

The concept was initially developed after the introduction by Polaris of a new and innovative 3-wheeled sport

Formula 1 World Champion, Jenson Button, prepares to race the Slingshot.

vehicle called Slingshot.

SAR in Steinbach took the initiative to enlist the support of professional racecar driver David Richert as Brand Ambassador for their Slingshot program in 2016. After a very successful partnership last year, both SAR and Richert Racing have teamed up again, this time to enter uncharted territory and develop the Slingshot Racing Cup. “We’re very excited to pioneer this new venture into the world of Slingshot Racing,” said Adam Crookes of SAR. There will be five races this season, taking place June 1, June 28, July 20, August 10 and August 30.

Further details about the Slingshot Racing Cup are available on the official series website SlingshotRacingCup.com. To participate, contact Randy Wolgemuth at SAR.

Submitted photo

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Businesses Recognized for Diversity and Inclusiveness Earlier this month the City of Steinbach and Canadian Tire were named as this year’s recipients of the Manitoba Champions of Diversity Award.

The Manitoba Champions of Diversity awards have been handed out to various employers for the past seven years. Many employers throughout Manitoba have been recognized for their recruitment and advancement staffing practices in an environment that recognizes the assets people with disabilities bring to the workplace.

Special mention also goes out to the five other local organizations that were nominated for this year’s award. They are Earl’s Meat Market, Loewen Windows, Sobeys Inc., Steinbach Credit Union and Tim Hortons.

Pictured left to right are Cameron Bergen, Steinbach Chamber President; John Fehr with the City of Steinbach; Brian Stewart, Community Chair for the Joint Committee on Disability and Employment Issues; Hannu Nurkkala from Canadian Tire; and Mayor Chris Goertzen with the City of Steinbach.

Otterburne Curling Club Receives Funds for Wheelchair Access On April 17, BSI Insurance donated $2,000 to the Otterburne Curling Club to be used for building upgrades.

According to BSI Insurance spokesperson Elise Davy, the main upgrade concern is currently making the washrooms wheelchair accessible.

“BSI is happy to be able to support this project,” she added.

The Otterburne Curling Club has provided people of all ages the opportunity to get physically active and participate in recreational activities since it was built in the early 1950s.

The club, which has been in operation for 65 years currently runs 3 different leagues, including 1 adult league and 2 youth leagues, as well as several bonspiels each year.

This donation is awarded in part from the BSI - Because We Care initiative.

The initiative will see approximately $30,000 in donations distributed annually between its 16 locations and Sharon Martel, Team Leader and Reane Philippot Insurance Broker St. Pierre-Jolys Branch present a cheque to Albert Poirier, Curling Club Director in Otterburne. neighbouring communities.

“There’s No Place Like Home” Sold Out The Steinbach Arts Council production in Steinbach of the Wizard of Oz completely sold out its six scheduled performances directed by David Klassen with a cast and crew of 80 people.

The Wizard of Oz cast photo

Munchkin Cast…the Coroner Munchkin proclaiming the Death Certificate

Tin Man, Scare Crowe, Dorothy and Lion, off to see the wizard

May 2017

15

Southern Health Appoints New CEO

Southern Health Board of Directors has appointed Jane Curtis as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective April 29. This appointment is further to a recruitment process undertaken by the Board of Directors following the retirement of Kathy McPhail who has held the position since 2007.

Curtis has a wealth of experience and education in the health care field and has spent the past 24 years in various health-related positions, most recently in the role of VP Planning, Innovation, Quality and Risk for Southern Health-Santé Sud. She is a very active member participating on numerous provincial committees and a champion of LEAN management where she has been instrumental in supporting the streamlining of many regional processes with rippling financial efficiencies.

“Jane’s extensive knowledge and experience in health care coupled with her proven skills in team building, strategic planning and fiscal management will continue to be valuable assets to the region,” said Abe Bergen, Chair of the Board of Directors. “She has a great appreciation for the diversity in our region, values the many working relationships with various external stakeholders and embodies the qualities of integrity, compassion, excellence and respect. The Board of Directors is looking forward to working with Jane in her new role.”

“I am committed to improving the sustainability of the health care system based on the region’s health needs,” shared Curtis. ‘I look forward to building on the valuable contributions of my predecessor with a continued focus on people and partnerships.”

Recycle Everywhere Launched Businesses, property managers, campground owners and government buildings are being encouraged to lead the way by making it easier for employees and users to recycle beverage containers.

On April 25, the Manitoba government and Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA) announced a three-way partnership that is expected to make it easier for Manitobans to recycle beverage containers in their workplace and while at the cottage or campsite.

To build on the existing reach into Manitoba’s private and public sectors, CBCRA and Recycle Everywhere announced three distinct initiatives. They include a partnership with all government-owned buildings in the northern region to add and increase recycling in their locations; offering new recycling options for all Manitoba cottages, seasonal sites and campgrounds; and a new partnership with Manitoba property managers.

The Manitoba government is encouraging all commercial property managers and owners to order their free Recycle Everywhere bins for every office building, strip mall, multi-tenant building and any other commercial space in Manitoba.

Recycle Everywhere plans to supply about 30,000 Bin Bags free of charge to all Manitoba cottages and seasonal sites. In addition, about 200,000 clear recycling bags will be given to all provincial, municipal and private campgrounds for overnight campers.

Manitoba provincial parks with public access, already have Recycle Everywhere bins, making these new summer initiatives a complement to the existing recycling program noted the Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox. She added the province will support Recycle Everywhere’s summer initiatives by helping to ensure that all campers and cottagers in the provincial parks receive a Bin Bag or clear recycling bag.

Founded in 2010, the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA) is a notfor-profit, industry-funded organization whose membership includes beverage brand owners and distributors. CBCRA implemented and operates the Recycle Everywhere program.

Learn more at recycleeverywhere.ca and cbcra-acrcb.org.

16

May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

C ommunity E vents Caliento Fundraiser Lunch – On Sunday, May 7 from 12 – 2 pm at the Parish Hall. All-you-can-eat spaghetti with meat sauce, Caesar salad, garlic bread, desserts, refreshments. Adults $10, children $4. Music provided. Proceeds for upkeep of the cemetery and church yard. Everyone welcome. Call 204-4253523 or 204-425-3256 for info.

Friedensfeld Gala Fundraiser – On Friday, May 5 starting at 5 pm in the Community Hall. Celebrate the Arts - Celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday. Cost: $120.

Giroux Bingo - Every Thursday at Giroux Hall. Doors open at 5 pm, Bingo starts at 7 pm. Hall rental information for Socials, weddings, family functions, Meetings and more please call Debbie 204-424-5506 or Mike 204-326-6260.

Grande Pointe Celebrate Canada’s 150th – On Friday, June 2 from 8 pm – 1 am, at the park 423 Bernat Rd. Social featuring live band – ‘The Other Side’ plus fireworks. Tickets $12.50. Contact Lynn 204-293-7473.

Pancake Breakfast – On Saturday, June 3 from 9 am – 12 pm at the park 423 Bernat Rd. Adults - $5 and Children $2.50. All Welcome - tickets at the door.

Outdoor Market – On Saturday, June 3 from 9 am – 3 pm at the park 423 Bernat Rd. Homemade crafts, unique items, bath and beauty, baked goods, home-based businesses and more! Free Admission. For table rental, contact Angie 204292-2218.

Community Garage Sale – On Saturday, June 3 starts at 8 am. Watch for individual signs/balloons.

Car Show – On Saturday, June 3 from 10 am – 5 pm at the park 423 Bernat Rd. Free Admission. A show for all ages.

Grunthal AGM Caring Hands Food Bank – On Monday, May 29 from 7 – 8 pm at 30 Main St. Come and see what the local food bank is up to. Cost Free.

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

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

Ile-des-Chênes Seine Singers Dessert Concert – On Sunday, May 7 begins at 7 pm at the TransCanada Centre, Ile des Chenes. Tickets - $15 each, available from choir members or 204-878-2016. Tickets not available at the door. Celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday and Celebrating Seine Singers 20th Anniversary. Featuring Seine Singers the Lorette community women’s choir and Plain Salt a local Celtic Band.

Ritchot Senior Services Foot Care Clinic - On Monday, May 8, May 29, June 19 and July 10 by appointment. To reserve contact Janice 204-883-2880. With Cheryl Palmer, foot care nurse.

AGM Ritchot Senior Services – On Thursday, May 11, 7 pm at Trans Canada Center, #1 Rivard St. Door prizes. Refreshments will be served.

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

Quantum Dance Academy – Runs to Tuesday, May 23 2017 at 539 Main Street. For students aged 2-18 a variety of dance styles including ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap and more. The season finishes with a recital at the Pantages Playhouse Theatre.

Contact Lee Miazga at quantumdanceacademy@gmail.com or 204- 880-5178.

Parent Child Playgroup - On Wednesdays from 10 am – 12 pm at the School, Rm142. Contact idc.mb.playgroup@ gmail.com.

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

Yoga- On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 - 7:30 pm at the TransCanada Centre. Cost is $15 per class or 10 classes for $125.

Zumba - On Mondays and Wednesdays, from 7 pm – 8 pm at the TransCanada Centre. 10 classes for $75 or $10 drop in.

Contact sarah.abraham@gmail.com.

50+ Programs - At the Trans Canada Centre Indoor Walking - Mondays, Wednesday & Friday 9 – 10 am Yoga - Monday 10 -11 am Coffee Talk - Wednesday 10 - 11 am Block Therapy - Tuesday 10 - 11 am Water Colour Painting – Thursday 10 - 11:30 am Line Dancing - Thursday 7 - 8 pm

Floor Curling - Friday 10 am – 12 pm Contact to register Mary Ann vintageclub@transcanadacentre.com, 204-339-6141.

Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204878-4908 or email her at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register.

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

La Broquerie AGM Seine River Services for Seniors – On Wednesday, May 17 at Le Centre de l’Amitié, 97 Principale St. Doors open at 11:15 am. Everyone is welcome. To register contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285 before Wednesday, May 10.

Eastman Immigration Services - International Cooking Classes – On the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month in La Broquerie.

Space is limited. Contact to register 204-346-6609 or email lois@eastmanis.com.

Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204-424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com.

Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10.

Lorette Craft & Story Time – On Saturday, May 6 at the Tache Library, 11 am - English, 1 pm – French and Mother’s Day Craft from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm at 1082 Dawson Road.

Contact 204-878-9488, email btl@srsd.ca. Also Mother’s Day Contest… Tell us what’s special about your mom and post it in our library for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to chapters.

Lego Club – On the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month. May 24 and May 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at the Tache Library, 1082 Dawson Rd. Please register, as space is limited. Open to all ages! Contact 204-878-9488, email btl@srsd.ca.

New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble and more. Drop in Tuesdays 1 - 5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette, 12 St. Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

Ritchot Senior Services Foot Care Clinic - On Wednesdays May 3, May 24, June 14, July 5 and July 26 by appointment. To reserve contact Janice 204-883-2880. With Cheryl Palmer, foot care nurse.

Mitchell Provision of Hope ‘Raise the Roof’ Fundraiser Dinner – On Wednesday, May 10, 6 pm at the Seniors Centre. Tickets $15.

Raising funds for the Education of Children at Risk in Liberia and West Africa. Come join us for a night of fun and good food! Entertainment by Island Breeze. Contact Elaine Peters for Tickets 204-371-0731.

Senior Centre - Breakfasts on Tuesdays from 8 - 10 am at 130 Ash St. Niverville Free-Give-Away Day – On Sunday, May 7 starts at 8 am.

Put out any “give-aways” on the curb and mark “FREE” on the items for anyone interested to pick up. Please be sure to remove any items from your front yard and end of the driveway that could be mistakenly considered as part of this Free event (e.g. Children’s bikes, toys, hockey nets, basketball nets, etc.)

Walk for Alzheimer’s – On Tuesday, June 13 at 10 am at the Friendship Centre and a hot dog lunch. Join the NationWide Movement! Contact or to register online, visit alzheimer. mb.ca/wfa2017 or 204-943-6622.

The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club – Meets every Monday at 7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca.

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

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

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

Paradise Village Annual Garage Sale – On Friday, June 2, from 10 am – 7 pm and on Saturday, June 3 from 9 am - 1 pm. There will be a Hotdog Sale at the Recreation Centre on Friday from 11 am - 1 pm.

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

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

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

Snacks provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290.

Richer Membership, Métis Conservation Trust Fund Stickers and Big Game Tag – On Saturday, May 6 from 11 am- 3 pm at the Richer Young at Hearts Club. Hosted by local Métis Federation and the Regional MMF office to process your Membership, Harvester, replace or renewal of cards. Each Harvester card must be returned and any unused past year’s tags. Each harvester member must complete a survey before acquiring new tags for the new season. Fee: Membership/Harvester/Replacing or Renewing card $10, Big Game Tags $25. Cash only accepted. For copy of survey or more information visit MMF website mmf.mb.ca.doc. Elections will be held for the positions of president and vice-president.

Craft and Bake Sale Fundraiser – On Saturday, May 13 from 10 am – 3 pm at the Young at Hearts Community Centre supporting Helping Hooves Manitoba. Stepping up for Manitobans with Breast Cancer. We will also have a 50/50 draw and canteen served by Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation along with an Epicure Shish Kabob Stir Fry. Spring Rummage Sale – From Friday, May 26 – Sunday, May 28, fundraiser at the Dawson Trail Museum. If you wish to donate items towards the sale or have questions contact Yvonne at 204 422 9369. All proceeds goes towards the Dawson Trail Museum renovations and maintenance.

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

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

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

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

Sarto Ukrainian Dance Club – On Mondays from 7 - 8 pm at the Sarto Hall. Join the Sarto Polevnyi Ukrainian Dance Club for the season! You do not need to be Ukrainian to dance! Boys & girls, ages 3 to adult, no prior experience required! Cost starts at $150/year.

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

St. Adolphe Open for Business Event – On Tuesday, May 9 at Colibri Canada, hosted by Chamber of Commerce. Co-owners Lori Hawkins and Sandra O’Malley will give an exclusive tour of their business and share their story of how their product is not only functional and environmentally responsible, and shipped to a number of distributors across Canada.

Townwide Yard Sale – On Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 from 9 am - 3 pm. A map of the town with addresses will be available at the Esso the evening of Friday, May 12 and morning of May 13. Contact Fay Thomas at fdthomas@ mymts.net to have your name listed on the map.

Jour de Plaisir (Ritchot Seniors Walk a Thon) – On Saturday, May 27 from 10 am – 2 pm at 457 Main St. behind the pharmacy. Everyone invited for games and fun for all ages.

An amazing silent auction and bake sale, hot dogs on the BBQ and a pulled pork lunch. Games include ladder ball, giant jenga or feeling more adventurous try our geo caching scavenger hunt!

provement of the Ste-Anne Hospital’s services and equipment.

Register online fondshopitalsteanne.ca/health-walk.

Event is Free. Raise pledge donations for a chance to win some great prizes!

Forever Young Dance Club – On Saturday, May 13, from 7 – 11 pm, music with Dennis Nykoliation and Saturday June 10 from 7 -11 pm, music with Small Town Limits. At 457 Main St. Cost $15 includes lunch. Reservations required contact Rae 204-883-2440 or Denise 204-883-2429.

It’s Story Time at Your Library- Wednesday at 1 pm and Friday at 11 am at the Bibliothèque Sainte Anne Library. Come and enjoy story time with your preschooler. Please call or email to reserve a spot 204-422-9958 or email steannelib@ steannemb.ca.

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

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

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

Pickle Ball – On Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 pm hosted by Club Amical at the St. Adolphe school gym. Contact Alma at 204883-2251.

Lunches & Bingo – On Thursdays hosted by Club Amical.

Contact 204-883-2491.

Athena Women’s Beginner Hockey – Contact Bahia Taylor, bahia@envypaintanddesign.com for details and costs.

Badminton Nights - At the school gym on Monday nights between 6 - 8 pm. $2 drop-in is required. Contact yvandupuis@gmail.com.

Ritchot Senior Services – Monday - Thursday from 9 am- 2 pm at 457 Main Street. Contact 204 883-2880 or Ritchotseniors@mymts.net.

Monthly Activities: Block Therapy - On first Wednesday of the month 6 – 7 pm.

Mood Disorders - Monthly Meeting - On first Thursday of the month at 2:15 pm Art Class - On first Monday and second Tuesday of the month, from 7 – 8 pm.

Weekly Activities: Cardio Fit - On Mondays from 9:30 – 10:30 am.

Chair Fit - On Mondays from 11 – 11:40 am.

Yoga - On Wednesdays from 1 – 2 pm.

Muscle Fit - On Thursdays from 9:30- 10:30 am Foot Care Clinic - On Friday May 5, Tuesday, May 23, Friday, June 16, Tuesday July 4 and Friday, July 28 by appointment.

To reserve contact Janice 204-883-2880. With Cheryl Palmer, foot care nurse.

Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. Adolphe Community Club. Doors open at 6 pm, 6:55 pm - Speedo Game, 7 pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 pm - Regular Games. We hope to see you there! Proceeds will support the Community Club.

St. Malo AGM St. Malo Arena – On Thursday May 4 at 8 pm. It is very important for all parents to attend.

Get Better Together – Until Wednesday May 10 from 1 – 3:30 pm at the Chalet Malouin. Free program model developed by the Patient Education Research Centre at Stanford University coordinated by the Wellness Institute. Visit getbettertogether. ca. Register contact 204-346-6694 or 1-800-742-6509.

Harvesters Stickers 2017+2018 – Pickup on Monday, May 15 at 4:30 pm invitation to all members of the St Malo Métis Local at Epic/Smile. Cash only ($25) required.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba - On the last Monday each month at 7 pm at Paroisse St-Malo/Blessed Marguerite Catholic Community, #5 St. Malo St. For persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns; individual and support groups. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

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

Ste. Agathe Ritchot Senior Services Foot Care Clinic - On Tuesdays, June 6, July 18, August 29, October 11 and November 21 by appointment. To reserve contact Janice 204-883-2880. With Cheryl Palmer, foot care nurse.

Ladies Hockey – At the Arena. All levels welcome, including first timers. Contact cougarsrechockey@gmail.com for more info and costs.

Ste. Geneviève Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Centre on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 - 8 pm.

A large selection of books in both French and English, for children and adults. Special requests can be made to the librarian, e-mail btl@srsd.ca or 204-878-9488 or in person.

Come for a visit and see what we are all about.

Steinbach Beginner Salsa Dance Lessons – On Fridays, May 5, May 12, May 18 and May 26 starts at 8 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion. Come out and enjoy learning beginner-friendly Salsa with Jon MacDonald from Winnipeg’s Ted Motyka Dance Studio. Casual attire/No partner required. Each class is $10 per person. Contact 204-381-1005.

Pick Up and Walk - On May 6 starts at 9 am, meet at the TG Smith Arena. Help beautify the city. Everyone is welcome.

People are encouraged to wear rubber boots, gloves and to dress for the weather. A thank you lunch will be provided, free of charge, back at the arena at noon.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club – On Monday, May 8 at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Container Gardening Basics and New Annuals for 2017’ with Colleen Zacharias, Winnipeg Free Press gardening columnist. Discover new plant combinations for outstanding containers with this year’s new introductions! Refreshments! Door prizes! Walk-ins $5. More info sagardenclub.com.

Human Trafficking: What Mothers Need to Tell Their Daughters – On Tuesday, May 9 from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre. A discussion on current luring tactics observed in South Eastman and how we can protect our children.

Speaker Ms. Shon McLaren, M.A. Executive Director- Inner City Women’s Ministries International and Friends. Free public lecture/workshop. To RSVP or for more information call 1204-955-4296.

Trade Show, Craft and Bake Sale – On Saturday, May 13 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Legion Community Hall. Free Admission.

Let’s Run - On Saturday, May 13, starts at 8:30 am at the Soccer Park. Annual running event to build and support the running community and promote healthy lifestyle choices for individuals and families. Introducing the 1/4 Marathon; a first in Manitoba. We will once again have a 5 km, 2 km Kid’s Run (Grade K - 4) and a Mini Run (ages 3-5). Contact letsrunsteinbach.ca.

Author Reading – On Tuesday, May 16, 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Two local authors will read from and talk about their books. Oriole A. Vane Veldhius wrote a biographical fiction ‘For Elise’ and Sheldon Friesen will be speaking about his Christian Fiction book ‘Emmanuel, God is With Us’. Refreshments provided.

Paint Night Fundraiser – On Wednesday, May 24, door opens at 6:30 pm, and paint from 7 – 9 pm at the Legion Hall fundraiser for the Steinbach Legion. Cost $35 for tickets to paint with guidance from Colleen Watchorn. Light lunch served. For tickets call 204-326-5335 or text 204-381-0558 or email us.

Walking/Running Club - A walking and running club held on various weekdays at 7 pm, contact carly.flowers@hotmail. com.

Classic Movie Night – On Friday, May 26, 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Showing ‘ ‘Roman Holiday’ (G). Movie Nights are on the fourth Friday of the month. Admission and popcorn are free, ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Community Shred Day – On Saturday, May 27 from 10 am - 1 pm at Valeant Pharmaceuticals, front entrance off Hwy 52. Cost is Free. Bring your paperwork to be confidentially shredded.

Ste. Anne Skate Jam – On Saturday, May 13 at the Skate Park. Noon – 2 pm registration and practice, 2:30 pm Team Demo, 3 – 5 pm competition.

Teddy Bear Fun Day – Saturday, June 3 from 12 – 3 pm at E.A. Friesen Park by Jake Epp Library for Agape House.

Meet our safe and healthy community partners, such as local/regional fire department services, ambulance services, law enforcement and many local businesses. Features our popular bear repair station, giant bouncer, face painting, children’s games, information on safe communities, snacks and prize draws.

Hospital Health Walk – On Saturday, June 3 starts at 10:30 am at the Hospital Grounds. A 4 km family walk around the Town followed by a picnic lunch and outdoor activities for everyone! All proceeds of the event will go towards the im-

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

C ommunity E vents Heritage Classic Car Show - On Sunday, June 4 from 11 am – 4 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Dave Nickel Memorial Soap Box Derby & Swap Meet. Contact Patricia 204326-9661, patriciaw@mhv.ca.

MS Lunch Group- On 4th Thursday of every month, from 12 – 1 pm at All D’s Restaurant 320 Main Street. Contact Stephanie Bevacqua 204-988-0904, Stephanie.Bevacqua@mssociety.ca.

Ladies Auxiliary Meeting and Potluck – On June 5 at 7:30 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. Potluck prior to the meeting!

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - Meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:30 – 3 pm at The Eden East Office, 21 Loewen Blvd For persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Walk for Alzheimer’s – On Thursday, June 8 at 5:30 pm at A.D. Penner Park Picnic Shelter and a hot dog supper by the Lions Club. Join the Nation-Wide Movement! Contact or to register online, visit alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa2017 or 204-9436622.

Oil Recycling Day – On Wednesday, June 14 from 9 am – 5 pm at the Landfill. For every 4L of used oil you bring to the Eco Centre (max. 205 litres per vehicle) at 104 Hanover Rd. E., receive a coupon for 1L of Co-op 5W-30 Sonic Silver Motor Oil (max. 5 coupons per vehicle) Free! Enjoy a hot dog and drink for $2 from 11 am - 2 pm.

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

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

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

Eastman Immigrant Services - Many events and activities to support and help you make new friends. Start to make this community feel like your home. Volunteer to help at our community events.

IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) in Steinbach on May 25. Call EIS to reserve your place.

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

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

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

Contact 204-346-6609 or email lois@eastmanis.com.

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

Mommies Group at Kidzone - On Wednesdays, from 9 am - 1 pm. Come by to meet other moms to chat with and get your kids to make some new friends. Cost $7, free coffee.

Creativi-Tea Time - Need to relax? Every second Wednesday of the month, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Jake Epp Library.

Come and go as it suits you. We’ll provide basic supplies; feel free to bring your own. Includes tea and coffee.

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

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

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

Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main St. Registration for girls 5-17. Develop personal values and well-being, self-respect and respect for others; promote fun, friendship, adventure and challenges through new experiences; develop leadership and decisionmaking skills; give service to the community; value the natural environment.

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

Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family and friends of people with mental health issues are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden East building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email eastmanmss@mts.net MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living with multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Place apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email nadine.konyk@ mssociety.ca.

The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on the first Tuesday of every month except for the months of July and August at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyone interested in auxiliary work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 3263028.

Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at the Magnolia Restaurant. Contact 204-326-2313.

Carillon Toastmasters - Meetings open to adults who want to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursdays at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street, Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-4245737.

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

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

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

SAC Presents a Summer Full of Creativity for Kids - You can register your children with a week long summer camp presented by the Steinbach Arts Council. There are two separate camps available with Camp #1 for ages 5 - 8 and Camp #2 for ages 9 - 12. Each week is jam-packed with creativity, art, dance, music, drama, recreation, community field trips, swimming, Splash Park and more!

SAC Summer Arts Day Camps - Join the fun and creativity this summer! We offer 7 camps infused with music, dance, drama, visual arts, field trips, community outings, recreation, swimming, splash parks and more! For 2 Separate age groups ages 5-8 and ages 9–12. Sign up by Tuesday, May 9 and receive 10% off. Seven Exciting Themes: Celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday, Touring the World, Our Community, Life at Sea, SCORE! Sports Week, Animal Planet and Disney.

Tolstoi Chili Supper & Live Auction - On Friday, May 5, 6:30 pm at the Hall. Fundraiser for the Sundown Ukrainian Orthodox Heritage Church. Doors open 5:30 pm, cash bar. Tickets $12.

Contact Blaine 204-425-3547 or Susan 204-296-0629.

Woodmore Yard/Craft/Bake Sale – On Saturday, May 13 from 9 am -3 pm at the Hall (1 mile north of Hwy 201 on Road 24E). A canteen will be available, plus silent auction and quilt draw.

Contact 204 427-2431. Come shop for Mother’s Day! Woodridge Get Better Together – Until Wednesday May 10 from 1 – 3:30 pm at the Community Hall. Free program model developed by the Patient Education Research Centre at Stanford University coordinated by the Wellness Institute. Visit getbettertogether. ca. Register contact 204-346-6694 or 1-800-742-6509.

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

Vita The Mac-Mow-We-Tak Sled Dog Association is having their AGM and Wind Up at the Vita Hall on Saturday May 13th, 2017. The Banquet and Awards with an evening dance is open to the public, starting at 6pm. The Guest Speaker is Dave Hochman, St Malo. Silent Auction prizes to be won. This is a fundraiser for The MacMowWeTak Association and for the 2nd annual Vita and Area Winter Festival being held January 13 & 14, 2018. For tickets please contact Rachel @ 204-7127726 or Dave @204-427-2164.

General Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- Let us do the driving! Join us for a fun filled day. On Tuesdays, May 9 and June 13 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Begins at 8:30 am, pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for those wishing to play. Bi-monthly overnight trips to South Beach Casino are also available, amazing prices on these trips so call for details. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for information and reserve a seat.

Please email your local community events to editor@dawsontrail.ca for inclusion each month.

May 2017

17

SRSS Volleyball Coach Recognized On April 22, a Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS) Coach was among a dozen developers from across the province to be recognized as Coach of the Year by Sport Manitoba.

Henry Kasdorf, a volleyball Coach from the SRSS took home the Peter Dick Award. Kasdorf was among a dozen coaches honoured by Sport Manitoba for their achievements in sport, leadership, personal development and coaching effectiveness at the 2017 Coaching Manitoba IMPACT Awards presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.

“This annual event was established to celebrate Manitoba’s best coaches and acknowledge the outstanding contributions they have made to their athletes and sport over a number of years,” said Laurel Read, Interim CEO, Sport Manitoba.

“Congratulations to the finalists!”

Sport Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization and the lead planning, programming and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba.

SRSS Volleyball Coach Henry Kasdorf accepts a Coach of the Year award from Sport Manitoba.

Ste. Anne Native named in “Top 40 Under 40”

By Marianne Curtis

A twenty-seven year old Ste. Anne man is one of ten Manitoban’s named as one of western Canada’s francophone “Top 40 under 40”.

Jonas Desrosiers, a native of the RM of Ste. Anne has been named as one of western Canada’s francophone “Top 40 under 40”. The contest organized by Radio-Canada had a special jury select 10 finalists from western Canada and the Territories. The finalists represent francophone leaders in various fields, including Business, Fashion, Arts and culture.

Desrosiers is named to this list as a community leader, and is an avid volunteer for multiple organizations and events. Locally he is known for being the former Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Dawson in Lorette Manitoba, as well as past Vice-President of the Comité Culturel de Ste-Anne.

“What an honour to be amongst the finalists of Jeunes Leaders d’ici! I stand along side many impressive youth dedicated to their community!” said Desrosiers.

Desrosiers is currently Chair of the board of governors for Envol 91FM, Manitoba’s francophone

community radio station, as well as a board member for the SaintBoniface Museum and the Brigade de la Rivière rouge. He is also a leadership volunteer in the Official Languages team for the upcoming Canada Summer Games.

For the next step of the contest, the public is invited to vote for their

candidate of choice. The two top finalists from each province will go on to participate in the Young Leaders Summit to represent Manitoba in June 2017.

Information about the contest (En français) can be seen at ici.radiocanada.ca/regions/special/2017/ jeunes-leaders.

Ste. Anne native Jonas Desrosiers is looking for community support as he competes to be named as one of western Canada’s Francophone Top 40 under 40.

La Broquerie Home Wins Award The RM of La Broquerie recently accepted an award on behalf of one of their residents after the home earned the Manitoba Good Roads Association Best Urban Home Grounds award. This year’s recognition goes to Denis and Nicole Vielfaure who live within La Broquerie.

Accepting the award on their behalf are RM of La Broquerie Reeve Lewis Weiss and Councillor Wilfred Gagnon.

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May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Eastman’s ATV Ride for Mom Launches Annual Campaign Eastman ATV Association’s ATV Ride for Mom just launched their 2017 fundraising campaign for Breast Cancer research, patient support and awareness. Eastman ATV Association fundraising campaign is working along with CancerCare Manitoba where all funds raised stay in Manitoba.

The ATV Ride for Mom is on Saturday June 3 on Eastman ATV’s 80 km trail located in the Richer Sandilands area. The launch marks the beginning of their fundraising initiative and Eastman ATV needs your support to reach their goal of raising $15,000. You can help this cause by donating, by pledging, by becoming a volunteer or by becoming a sponsor. Do this for your mom, your sister and your friends.

The ATV Ride for Mom will be held on Saturday, June 3 rain or shine with registration from 9 – 11 am. The ride starts at 9 am and participants can ride with their own group at their own pace and start time. The last group should be on the trail by no later than 11:30 am. At the Eastman ATV Staging Area, riders will enjoy a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, Awesome Dog Lunch and the chance to win a Cabela’s GPS Door Prize. Other activities include a 50/50 Draw, and an amazing silent auction.

Registration is online, atvrideformom.com or on the day of the event if spots are available since space is limited to 500 Machines. Cost is $40 per machine, which covers the rider’s breakfast and trail lunch. This also gets your name entered for a chance to win a great door prize. For additional riders registration is $10, which covers breakfast and trail lunch.

Thanks to research efforts to date, Breast Cancer deaths have decreased by 44% since the peak in 1986. The importance of early detection makes investment in awareness initiatives equally important to research. Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed Cancer among women with 250 men that were diagnosed in Canada in 2016. Early detection through regular mammograms can lower Breast Cancer deaths by 25%. Currently Breast Cancer survival in Manitoba is at 85%.

ATV riders, Breast Cancer patients and their families as well as non-riders can learn more about participating and donating by visiting atvrideformom.com.

Summer Food Truck Fair Launched Part of the excitement of summer in a large urban area, is the presence of food trucks and carts. This summer, the City of Steinbach is endorsing this tradition by introducing a Food Truck Fair in the community.

The Food Truck Fair will take place at the new Community Plaza, every Thursday during July. Residents are invited to grab lunch between 11am – 2 pm from a participating food truck and enjoy it at Steinbach’s newest outdoor gathering place.

“This is a great summer event that encourages people to have lunch, connect with others and enjoy our beautiful new community plaza,” said Mayor Chris Goertzen.

The plaza, located downtown in front of the T.G. Smith Centre, boasts benches, tables, trees, shrubs and green space. Food trucks will be parked on the T.G. Smith Centre parking lot along the sidewalk beside the Stony Brook Creek leading into the plaza.

Food truck operators interested in participating can contact the City of Steinbach or visit their website at steinbach.ca, steinbachs-food-truck-fair. Applications are available on-line.

Business licenses are required to participate at a cost of $100 for residents or $300 for nonresidents.

The Food Truck Fair is expected to operate rain or shine.

Southeast Could See Mining Boom

Over the past few months, 452 mineral rights claims within the region have been made.

The claims are being made by a numbered Alberta company and cover over 120,300 hectares of land covering the RM of Hanover, Tache, Ste. Anne, La Broquerie and Springfield.

Mineral Resources Assistant Deputy Minister Tim Friesen confirmed that the numbered company of 1993502 Alberta Ltd has made a considerable effort in acquiring mining rights in the region. The company was registered in September 15, 2016 to a Calgary, Alberta address.

“Their concerns would be making sure they’ve captured the scope of land that is of interest to what they’re doing,” Friesen explained to media. “The concern would be that speculators may come in and try to take up some of the land that may prevent them from pursuing their interests in the future.”

A mineral rights holder is not required to disclose its interest in its claims, and confidentiality is important in the industry, especially for early stage projects, Friesen added.

Ruth Bezys, President of the Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association, told the media that she thinks they may be looking for lithium. “Lithium might be found running along limestone rocks, which exists in the Steinbach area, or it could be diamonds and gold hiding below,” Bezys stated. She added that lithium is a hot commodity right now as it is used to make batteries, cell phones and antidepressants.

“It’s good news. Anything with mining is good news in Manitoba,” she added that it could be years before anything is taken out of the ground. “Let’s hope they find something because it is good for the province and secondly let’s hope there is enough to make it into a mine.”

Meanwhile, the claims are putting a hamper on construction in local municipalities.

In the RM of La Broquerie, Franz and Ronald Felnhofer were planning to invest in the expansion of a housing development on their land. The plan was stalled last year because of a mineral claim on their property. “We were supposed to arrange with them that they should give their permission to go ahead,” said Felnhofer.

Bezys said that despite some obstacles, companies will often compensate property owners and mining brings in a lot of revenue.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Ross L. Gray Dominates at Basketball Awards

Katlyn Thiessen “A” Female Player of the Year.

By Marianne Curtis On April 15, Basketball Manitoba held their annual Basketball Manitoba Awards, which took place at the Victoria Inn Hotel and at St. Paul’s High School in Winnipeg.

The event featured players and coaches at the high school basketball level from this past year who had outstanding seasons.

The day featured the boys and girls A - AAA and AAAA Graduating All-Star games followed by

Quentin Sylvester “A” Male Player of the Year.

Darryl Pederson Coach of the Year, Ross L. Gray School.

a banquet to announce and present the Players of the Year, AllManitoba Teams, Coaches of the Year and other special recognition awards.

Katlyn Thiessen was named “A” Female Player of the Year and Quentin Sylvester was named “A” Male Player of the Year. Both students are from Ross L. Gray School in Sprague.

Ross L. Gray School coach Darryl Pederson was named “A” Girls Coach of the Year. Various exem-

plary players were chosen to be part of the All- Manitoba Teams.

The first A/AA/AAA Male All-Manitoba Team included Kevin Zebrasky from Ross L. Gray School and Kaan Bitchok from the Lorette Collegiate. The second team included Cyrus O’Connor from Ross L. Gray School and Jeremy Reimer from Steinbach Christian School.

The first A/AA/AAA Female All-Manitoba Teams included Frances Lerma and the Second team included Rachel Brown, both from Ross L. Gray School.

RM of Ste. Anne Embraces Solar Energy The RM of Ste. Anne is taking advantage of the Manitoba Hydro Solar Power Initiative by installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to offset their hydro.

According to Councillor Randy Eros, council decided to take part in Manitoba Hydro Solar Power Initiative a year ago when it was first announced. The municipality has installed a 30-kilowatt system outside their new building with the expectation that it will pull double duty.

“We added some infrastructure to the project so it will also be a shelter for vehicles in our lot,” Eros explained. “We thought it would be an appropriate use of those funds, to take Hydro money and use it to create electricity.”

Once complete, the municipality is expecting a $28,000 rebate from MB Hydro.

The 30-kilowatt system is being installed

by AC/DC Utilities.

The RM of Ste. Anne is paying $115,000

for the project, using funds received from the Manitoba Hydro CDI. This fund was established by Manitoba Hydro to provide direct benefit to municipalities near Bipole III facilities. Since the program started, the RM of Ste. Anne has received $102,000 per year.

The Solar Energy Program was designed for customers who would like to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to displace their own electricity needs with solar energy. It is available to residential, commercial and industrial customers. It must generate a minimum of 1 kw up to a maximum 200 kw and must be connected to the grid. Systems greater than 10 kw may be subject to a customer-paid feasibility study. The incentive is paid at the end of the project, once the PV system is installed and passes inspection.

The incentive is limited by the average annual electricity consumption (kw/h) at the site, and the amount of solar PV required to offset annual electricity bills.

The RM of Ste. Anne is participating in Manitoba Hydro Solar Energy Program by adding solar panels next to the new municipal office, west of Ste. Anne.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

May 2017

19

Steinbach Teammates Share Tri-Star Honours A pair of competitive badminton players from the Steinbach Christian Flames are the most recent Tire Recycle High School Athletes of the Week.

On April 25, badminton doubles partners Oliver Kampen and Cyrus Brandt of the Steinbach Christian Flames were named Tire Recycle High School Athletes of the Week.

At 6’2”, Kampen and 5’10” Brandt have had a great season so far in boy’s doubles. The boys claimed the top spot at both the St. Jean-Baptiste and Westpark School tournaments, as well as all three Zone 13 league and qualifier events.

Coach Scott Schalla is proud of both boys. “Oli and Cy are both very easy going individuals who like to have a lot of fun.

They both possess a very competitive spirit while being positive role models both on and off the court. They are the type of people who are able to remain calm even when things are not going their way,” praised Schalla.

Both boys are great students and busy athletes.

Grade 12 student, Kampen maintains a 92% average, wile also participating in volleyball. Brandt, who is in grade 10, maintains an 80% average, while also participating in volleyball, curling, basketball and baseball.

Oliver Kampen and Cyrus Brandt are the region’s most recent Tri-Star Athletes.

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May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Taxes Filed? Look at your Notice from CRA So you have filed your taxes on time and you have received your Notice of Assessment (Notice) from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), now what? Have a good look at it. You may learn some things about your taxes.

Most people just “file it away”. But before you do, have a look at all the pages. Before you review the pages, the first thing you should do is staple it together in proper order. Easier to keep track of all the pages for the correct year and for the right person, especially if there is more than one of you in the home.

The first page is just the basic info, your name, address, part of your Social Insurance Number and whether you have a refund or you owe some taxes.

Is the amount what you expected? Were you expecting a higher refund? Or maybe it is higher than what you expected? Find out why. Do you owe more than what was expected? Or maybe you owe less? Find out why.

There may be some clues on page two and three. On page two your income is listed and your deductions and total tax credits.

Look to see if there is a line near the bottom of the second page that says, “Balance from previous assessments.” This means you had an amount owing from last year’s taxes, or there were re-assessments during the year or you could have owed money to another CRA program, like GST credit or Canada Child Benefit (was Child Tax Credit and/or Universal Child Care Benefit).

Were you aware of previous amounts owing? If not, find out why.

Do you have access to your CRA via on line? If so, you can go into your CRA account and look for all the assessments and re-assessments since 2006. You can also look at different programs like the GST credit and the Canada Child Benefit.

If you do not have on line access, review the paper assessments you have received in the past 12 months. If you have not received them, did you move in the past 12 months and perhaps you did not receive them? Or come to our office and we will see what we can find out for you. With your signed authorization, we can access your CRA account on line and answer some of your questions.

Also, look at the commentary that appears on your Notice, normally on page three. It may explain some differences (maybe you forgot to report a tax slip that you did not receive?). It will also comment on items that have been carried forward like Unused Tuition Credits, Manitoba Graduate’s Tuition Rebate, Unused Net Capital Losses or Unused Non-Capital Losses.

Do you claim the Disability Tax Credit? It should also comment about it. If you are under the age of 50 and you claim the Disability Tax Credit, you should consider contributing to the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Another section of your Notice includes info about your RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan). It will tell you what your contribution room is for 2017 and if you have, any un-deducted RRSPs (make sure you understand why they have not been deducted).

One item that does not appear on the Notice is your Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) room. You can go to CRA on-line to confirm your room, or contact our office and we can find out what CRA has for contribution room for you. You don’t want to go over, the penalties are severe.

So don’t just file away the Notice of Assessment. Understand what it is telling you. If you don’t understand something, contact us and we’ll help you figure it out. When you understand your taxes, it’s easier to do some tax planning if you can: using tax credits and deductions to your best advantage.

Remember, we love Rescuing Unclaimed Tax Credits! Just give us a chance!

If you haven’t file your taxes yet get them completed this month.

If you owe, you will also have a penalty of 5% of the amount you owe (10% if it’s not the first time), plus 1% per month, so get them done by May 31.

If you are self-employed, you can relax a bit. You have until June 15 to file without penalty, although any amount you owe now has interest owing too (but at 5% per year, it’s not a bad interest rate).

If you are a spouse of someone self-employed, your deadline is also June 15.

Need some help? Contact us!

Thank you to everyone who we had the honour of serving this year. More than $2,000 will be donated to the Ste Anne Hospital Fund and/or the Villa Youville. We donate $1 per tax return filed.

Thank you for your trust in us!

Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact her at 204.422.6631 or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Co-op) or Info@SteAnneTaxService.ca.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Oakbank Man Arrested for Lorette Thefts

By Marianne Curtis A 31-year-old from the RM of Springfield was arrested following an early morning crime spree.

On April 25, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP received a call at 4:40 am that a break-and-enter was in progress at a residence along Dawson Road, northwest of Lorette. A suspect had forced his way into a detached garage and stole an ATV. Over the next few hours, two additional break-ins were reported by nearby residents as well as from a location in the RM of Springfield.

Sergeant Paul Manaigre with the St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP said officers attended and in speaking to a witness, they were provided a very good description of the suspect who fled the scene on an ATV. Officers located the suspect in the Red River Floodway where he was arrested.

Frederic Pujol has been charged with four counts of Break and Enter, three counts of Theft, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Possession of Break-in Instruments. He has been remanded in custody.

“This is an excellent reminder to the public that even the smallest detail may assist the police in making

an arrest,” said Manaigre. “The detailed description of the suspect and ATV allowed police to track Pujol down.”

Meanwhile, Facebook is being acknowledged as a means to help catch the culprit. Shortly after the incident, the victim posted a message on a local community Facebook page that stated, “My 2005 Suzuki Vinson Quad got stolen from my locked shop at 4:45 am this morning just west of Lorette. The RCMP arrived shortly after they drove off in it. Forced entry and exit.” Several other local residents joined the posting with similar incidents that took place the same morning. After the arrest, he posted an update, “My quad and all of my belongings have been returned and the thief has been captured by RCMP and is in custody. Thanks for all who shared my post and to the community for pulling together on different tips of all of the different crimes that have been going on.”

The investigation continues.

Later that day, St. Pierre-Jolys police also received a report of a young man spotted in the Ile des Chenes trailer park with a mask on, carrying bolt cutters. No one was arrested in that incident.

A Lorette resident posted this picture of his quad after it was stolen out of his garage on April 25th.

Kids Flock to Soccer in St. Anne Soccer Sainte Anne is up and running for another season and the number of kids registered for 2017 has grown tremendously.

“Soccer Sainte Anne is in a growth year, last year we had 160 kids, this year over 230,” said Dave Nelson, President of Soccer Sainte Anne.

“It’s amazing for us to see so much change in one season, we are very excited.”

“It’s great to see kids from all over the RM of Ste. Anne signed up for the program. We have players from Ste. Anne, Ross, Ste. Genevieve and Richer. I would say 70% of our players are from outside Ste. Anne, I think we have around 40 kids just from the Richer area alone,” he continued.

“Our mini soccer program is where we saw the most growth, with around 160 kids in that group,” Nelson said. “We admit we are running into some growing pains with the amount of equipment needed for all of these players, specifically goals. With so many kids, we knew we needed to buy more goals but when we started doing pricing we found that having to purchase 20 new premade goal frames was not

something we could afford. So we started to look at building them. We called out to our parents and community for wholesale pricing but even with wholesale pricing it was looking like we might need to build some this season and the remainder next season, which wasn’t ideal.”

Nelson said that another business came to rescue with some much needed assistance on goal equipment. “Then unexpectedly on April 19 I received the most amazing call from A & P Plumbing and Heating in Selkirk, saying they would donate all of the pipe, fittings and glue needed to build all 20 of our goals! It’s such a great gesture and we can’t thank them enough for it,” said an excited Nelson on their newest benefactor.

“We truly live in an amazing community with great people. There are number of companies who have helped us out this year already and the season hasn’t even started. Tim Horton’s Timbits, T & T properties, the Dawson Trail Dispatch and now A &P. Businesses like these are how we are able to grow and improve our program and we greatly appreciate all that they do for us.”

May 2017

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Lorette Player Invited to Try for Team Canada

Josee Huberdeau, of Lorette is heading to Toronto for an upcoming Junior national team selection camp where she could be named to join Team Canada’s Junior Ringette Team.

By Marianne Curtis Lorette’s Josée Huberdeau was finally invited to participate in the national junior Ringette selection camp. By the end of the trip, the eighteen year old could represent Canada at the next world championships.

Josée Huberdeau and four other Manitoba players including Madison Ford, Alana Lesperance, Milica Orave and Kaylee Spearing will travel to Toronto for May 18 to 22 where nearly 40 players from across Canada will gather.

During recent tryouts, Huberdeau said she made sure to draw the attention of the national team

coaches by participating in two development camps. These events took place this past winter in Montreal from December 27 to 29 and then in Sherwood Park, Alberta from December 31 to January 2.

“It’s just tryouts,” she explained.

“You can decide whether to go or not, it’s at your cost, otherwise there are also scouts during the season and tournaments.”

With her U19 and LNR finished, Huberdeau has been training in preparation for the section camp with starts May 18. Due to her age, this is the last year that Huberdeau can compete at the Junior Level.

Huberdeau is confident that she will do well at the camp. “There is

a [junior national team] coach who sees me all the time, she knows how I play because I play against her at AA level, so she knows me,” she noted.

This past season Huberdeau left her centre position to defend with the Eastman Flames at the AA level in under-19s.

If she succeeds in carving out a position with the Canadian team, the former Gabrielle-Roy Regional College student would defend not only the colours of her country, but also the title of world champion. Last year in Finland, Canada defeated the host country in overtime in the 10-9 mark to win the first ever World Junior Championship.

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May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Outdoor upgrades that add value to your property on a budget As we freshen up our homes for the warmer months, we often forget to touch up our front yard. Create a lasting first impression with these tips from Cindy Jardim, style and trends expert at Lowe’s, that are sure to leave your neighbours with curb envy.

Furnishings. Adding a place to sit, drink coffee and enjoy your view might make all the difference. Insert a new reading nook onto your patio with a great outdoor sofa or swing accompanied by the perfect side table and you’ll soon find yourself spending more time outside than in.

Landscaping. Build an inviting walkway with a sophisticated and lush landscape of annuals, perennials and shrubs.

Walkways are also a terrific way to draw attention to your front door. Use plants, lowvoltage landscape lighting or beautiful patio stones to draw Create “Outdoor Living Space” that draws you to spend time outside of the house. guests forward.

A pop of colour. Trying to give your home a facelift? A pop of numbers for a complete revitalization.

Let the sun shine in. The easiest change you can make colour is an economical way to redecorate and add some new personality. Whether it’s a fresh coat or a new colour, adding paint is to clean up the space. Use a power washer to extract dirt to your front door, trim or shutters can make a big impact on your and grime from your windows, driveway, porch and gutters to brighten your home’s interior and exterior. A crisp, clean outdoor aesthetic and liven up your space.

New hardware. Remember that a little fine-tuning brings ev- sparkle is the best accessory you can find.

Find everything you need for a quick fix online at lowes.ca. erything together. New hardware is easy and can quickly modern(www.newscanada.com) ize your home. Consider a new mailbox, door knob or address

Homeowner’s Guide to Safe Digging Plan Ahead! Every year, homeowners in Manitoba damage buried utility lines on their property resulting in costly repairs, injuries and even fatalities. Follow this guide to make sure you are digging safely.

Whether you are digging a flowerbed or a fence line, you could damage a buried utility line which could cost you money or your life. DON’T DIG UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT’S BELOW. A Minimum of Three Full Working Days Notice is Required.

Remember, you need to submit your utility location request AT LEAST THREE FULL WORKING DAYS before you plan on starting your project. This ensures underground utilities are marked, and you are digging safely.

Step 1: Submit your locate request online or by phone. Go to Submit Locate Request or call 1.800.940.3447 to request that your buried facilities be located and marked. Make sure you plan ahead and submit your request at least three full working days before you start your project.

Step 2: Wait for the locate to be completed. Within three full working days, the utility owners or their authorized locator will contact you or

will locate and mark the buried lines on your property. They will provide you with detailed information explaining the markings and how to proceed safely. Locate documentation must be kept on site during your excavation.

Step 3: Identify any customer-owned utility lines. Customer-owned lines, such as water and sewer service lines, sprinkler systems and any lines connecting buildings on a property, are not registered with ClickBeforeYouDigMB.com The utility owners do not know the location of these lines. It is your responsibility to contact a private locator to mark any customer-owned utilities in the dig area.

Step 4: Dig with care. Locate markings identify the approximate location of buried utilities. If you’re digging within one metre on either side of the markings (five metres from high pressure pipelines), carefully expose the line with hand tools to determine its exact location. If you have questions about digging close to a utility, contact the utility owner directly.

See www,ClickBeforeYouDigMB.com for more information.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Did You Know?

May 2017

Easier Gardening Tips

By Lisa Kackenhoff Gardening should be a relaxing and happy experience that should not become an overbearing burden on your free time. You want to put your feet up and enjoy the beauty of your green creations instead of spending hours upon hours maintaining them.

Here are few tips to help you avoid unnecessary gardening toil.

Spend some time with a notepad and make a rough sketch of the area. It does not have to be perfect. Write down what parts of your yard are in the sun most of the time and which are shade or quite shaded. Then buy plant material that is suited to those lighting requirements.

Buy plants that will eventually grow into the size that is needed.

The plants that you purchase today still have years of growing to do. The 1-foot tall shrub you just planted may have a mature height of 10 feet in a few years.

Your soil is the food for the plants. Look at it and feel it. If it is old and spent, replace it with new soil. Maybe all that is needed is some peat moss and other soil amendments.

Do not add manure around peonies or potatoes. Manure can

bring on disease to these plants.

Bone meal is a good alternative.

Hydrangeas and Roses also love bone meal.

If your lawn needs thickening, instead of adding soil as a top dress since this just adds weeds to your already struggling lawn use a sterile mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, grass seed, and fertilizer. The lawn will respond quickly and be the envy of all.

If you have deer and rabbit friends that lunch on your plants, use plants that they do not like to dine on. For annuals use Alyssum, Lantana, Snapdragons, or Marigolds. In perennials, use Monkshood, Campanula, Butterfly weed and Coreopsis. These critters do not like Basil, Mint, and Rosemary either.

Buy good tools. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to work with an inferior garden spade or cultivator. It takes twice as long to do the work, the work is not done as well, and you will end up replacing the tool much sooner than a good one.

Buy good plants. If the plant is already half dead when you haul it home it will be a lot of work to nurse it back to a robust state.

Some plants will not make it even with the best loving care. Starting out with good healthy plants

that have been cared for, fertilized and watered properly in there young lives, grow to be wonderful and beautiful vigorous plant specimens.

When you water your plants put the hose to the ground and in a nice trickle, water the soil and allow the moisture to soak in. Fast sprays overtop of your plants promote shallow root systems and encourage disease on the plants.

Finally keep up with the weeding. If you are not a weeder, try planting in containers for your annuals display. Use a good landscape fabric (5 oz. weight) and use cedar mulch or stone mulch on some of your shrub beds. But try hard not to let the weeds get ahead of you as then the whole garden seems to become very discouraging and a lot of hard work all at one time. A little bit of weeding every week can make your garden not only blooming gorgeous but easier to maintain in the long run.

Kackenhoff Nurseries Ltd. is a family run nursery, garden centre, and landscaping company that was started in 1958.

They are located on Hwy.75, just north of Hwy.210.

Ritchot Makes Community Gardens Available

Residents who are preparing for warm weather and green thumbs in the RM of Ritchot will have the opportunity to rent community garden boxes this year in St. Adolphe, Iles des Chene and Ste. Agathe.

Community members who are looking to garden but do not have available space will now be able to rent their gardening area.

For further information, residents can contact Ritchot Recreation at 204-803-6115 or recreation@ritchot.com.

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May 2017

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch