Dawson Trail Dispatch August 2015

Federal Election Campaign Under Way

Local Dentists Brighten Smiles in Jamaica

Dr. Bao-Tran Nguyen and Dr. Nathan Jeal along with their assistants Vernelle Unrau Van Dale, Crystal Sawyer and Hygienist Kayla Mowat pose with a very happy patient.

By Marianne Curtis Two dentists, two assistants and one hygienist spent seven days in Jamaica last month, brightening a few hundred smiles.

Last month, Dr. Bao-Tran Nguyen, and Dr. Nathan Jeal along with their assistants Vernelle Unrau Van Dale, Crystal Sawyer and Hygienist Kayla Mowat traveled to Jamaica to provide free dental care in two communities.

Continued on page 3

By Marianne Curtis While Canadian’s were basking in the sun of a glorious summer long weekend, the Prime Minister took a stroll to the Governer General’s residence and asked for Parliament to be dissolved and set in motion the start of a very long federal election campaign.

Voters will have 78 days to dig deep and figure out what direction they want Provencher and the entire country to go. To date, incumbant Ted Falk (CPC) is being challenged by Terry Hayward (Liberal) and Doug Wheeldon (Green Party).

Falk encourages voters to take advantage of the lengthy campaign to get to know their candidates instead of becoming frustrated and abstaining on election day.

“For people who are undecided about who to vote for or are unsure, I strongly urge people that when they have an opportunity to speak to a candidate to express their concerns, get some feedback and get opinions from the candidates,” stated Falk. “They need to look closely at the leaders, at their track records and experience and that should help them decide if they are comfortable supporting whichever party. They also need to look at the candidates in each riding; even though they represent a party they are still an individual who has their own values and beliefs and these things are important too.”

For Hayward, the campaign started several years ago.

The energetic Liberal candidate has been seen everywhere drumming up support.

“I hear directly from people, at their doors, in all corners of the riding, that they are ready for better government.

Constituents are looking to me and the Liberal Party of Canada to help deliver that change. There is real concern at the state of our economy and anger at the negative ads we are all being subjected to,” Hayward says. “The main challenge we will have to face is the negative attacks from the Conservative Party. Mr. Harper has decided to call an early election that will cost taxpayers an extra $125 million, so that he can run more negative ads. As a Liberal, it is my job to present a strong, positive alternative to the current Harper Conservatives.”

For the past two years, the Provencher Green Party has been preparing, starting with building a riding association from the ground up.

“We’ve had a small but dedicated team of supporters who have laid the foundation for our campaign, and while there is always more to be done, we aren’t caught off guard by this campaign even though it is early,” stated

Continued on page 3

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August 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

August 2015

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Former Linesman Campaigns to Remove Telegraph Lines

By Marianne Curtis A former hydro linesman from La Broquerie is hoping to encourage CN Railway to either remove miles of abandoned telegraph lines that run through the region or allow a salvager to clean up the mess.

For the past few years, Bob Barrow has been trying to call CN’s attention to the large number of broken poles, sagging lines and abandoned infrastructure that runs adjacent to the railway tracks along the TransCanada Highway. He hopes that if enough local attention is called to the issue, CN will step up and deal with the matter.

“The taxpayers of Manitoba are paying millions of dollars to improve the TransCanada Hwy from Winnipeg to the Ontario border,” stated Barrow. “However, we still have that unsightly mess of an abandoned telegraph line running parallel to the busiest highway in our province.”

Barrow admits that he notices the problem because he once put lines up for Manitoba Hydro. “The only people who would normally recognize this as a problem would be a lineman,” Barrow said. “My main concern is the portion of a line that parallels the TransCanada highway from Tinker Town to

Dufresne.

A portion west of Deacon’s Corner was removed after Barrow first contacted CN but the rest remains in place. The remaining line is comprised of slack wires, wires in the trees, wires laying on the grouped, crooked poles, burnt poles, crooked cross arms and floating insulators.

“Having this unsightly mess along our major highway does little to promote the beauty of our province to travellers from other provinces and countries,” he continued. “With having the highway upgraded this year, having the eyesore of the telegraph line removed would add

to the improvements along the highway.”

Barrow said another benefit of removal comes from employment and salvaging of the materials along the line, including poles and miles of wire. “The job could be tendered out, the materials could be salvaged, but CN said this is not a priority,” Barrow noted.

Barrow has gained the support from the RM of Tache and other municipalities, but nothing further has been done. He hopes that other

organizations such as the National Monument Society, who is developing a 20-acre park along this route near Dufresne, to mark the longitudinal centre of Canada, will join the fight.

The telegraph lines along the railroad tracks were once used by CN for communication with their trains. At one time, these lines were also the only way to communicate with communities like Churchill.

They have not been used since communication systems were upgraded to wireless.

Dentists continued...

Continued from page 1 For seven days, the team of five volunteered their time and expertise to patients in a rural mountain community called Jericho and a village called Sandy Bay. For the entire group, this was a first time experience, but for Dr. Nguyen, it was personal.

“I was a refugee child; my family came here in a boat from Vietnam when I was 5,” she explained. “I always said that once I became a doctor I would give back my skills and my time; that is why we took this trip and I am so glad my team joined me.”

Dr. Jeal said the trip was hard work, but very rewarding. “We saw people who have never seen a dentist and our work was appreciated; some have never seen a toothbrush before,” he said.

“Here, people take treatment for granted and miss an appointment without a thought. Out there, some people have been waiting a year to see a dentist.”

Over seven days, the two dentists and their team worked in extreme conditions from 8 am to 5 pm. During that time, they saw two hundred patients, some who lined up at 6:30 am to make sure they were seen before the end of the day.

“We were roughing it, and knew it was going to be hard work,” said Dr. Nguyen. “We conducted 200 extractions and treated lots of infections.”

She added that extractions were especially difficult thanks to a diet that included sugar cane, which toughened teeth and jaws.

Despite the extreme conditions, and the workload both dentists agreed they would do it again.

The Caribbean Health Outreach is a group made up of primarily health professionals from the Caribbean Diaspora, the US and Canada who over the past twelve years have been giving back to the Caribbean and in particular Jamaica. Over the years, the project has touched and brightened the lives of some fifteen thousand persons, many of who can be described as being among the neediest, primarily the elderly and children.

Nguyen and Jeal took over the Lorette Family Dental three years ago, along with Dr. Rafif

Bob Barrow hopes to gain public support and encourage CN Railways to remove miles of abandoned telegraph lines along the Trans-Canada Highway between Deacons Corner and Dufresne.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Dr. Jeal and his assistant worked long hours despite the less than favourable conditions of the clinics.

Mohammad who specializes in children. The clinic is open four days a week and offers all dental

services including implants and braces. All three dentists are accepting new patients.

Election continued...

Continued from page 1 Wheeldon. “What I think is more important is whether Canadians are ready for this election, and I think that they are: we’ve had the same party governing for nine years, and people are ready for change.”

Wheeldon believes the tide is changing across Canada and he hopes to inspire non-voters to vote this time.

“The NDP has a fairly significant lead at this point, and we’re seeing a higher level of engagement by the public than in the past,” he continued. “Provencher is a bit harder to call: the Conservatives have won here by a very large margin in the past few elections, so it will take a very big swing indeed to have a different outcome under the current first-past-the-post system.”

In the last by-election, only a third of voters showed up to vote. In the previous general election, it was about sixty percent.

“When we see the Conservatives taking home a huge percentage of the vote, it’s not telling the whole story; for all we know, every nonvoter could be casting a vote for someone else,” Wheeldon concluded.

The NDP has yet to announce their candidate for Provencher.

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August 2015

More Than Just News!

When Is a Recession Not a Recession According to all economists, two economic quarterly negative growths in a row is officially a recession and that is the reality of the Canadian economy at this time.

According to PM Harper it’s a minor economic glitch, he’s seen worse, not to worry. Of course with an election being called eminently in late August or early September talk of impending economic problems would be a political embarrassment to our PM the economist. It looks like the best he has to offer is an attempt to bluff his way through and that will not cut it.

Perhaps we, the voter should have a say after all. We have now seen the PM perform in two recessions the first being 2008, that one was handled with the right approach, stimulus to kick-start the economy. Sure enough, it worked but in 2008, he was pushed by the collective opposition, threatened by opposition who had the majority, into this obviously right approach, called stimulus. A near political death experience for PM Harper.

We all remember that he accused the opposition of being undemocratic because they were going to gang up on him over this topic. But it is a Canadian fact that the MP’s at any time can chuck a Government out. They, the opposition meant to vote him down in Parliament and then ask the Governor General to form another government instead. Their solution was a stimulus approach to kick starting the economy. To survive, PM Harper’s only option was to suspend Parliament and call an election. He got another minority, presented a new budget and lived.

Now he’s smacked head on into another recession, and he calls it nothing.

He must be a bit of a slow learner. In 2008, the US, Germany and Great Britain, three G7 countries facing recession provided a greater kick start to their economy and all three are doing considerably better than us, so perhaps that is the problem. Many world economists feel Canada had and has the fiscal capacity to again use the stimuli tool.

If we take a look at our currency it has been devalued considerably vis-à-vis these same three G7 country’s currencies. The extent of our Canadian dollar devaluation bears this out. True it should help exports but we also have a serious trade deficit with the US, which means our imports, food among many other products are more expensive, enough to noticeably increase our cost of living. Our dollar is struggling at more than 20% deficit and in the G7; we use to be at the top. Now we are getting acquainted with the bottom along with Italy and Spain. Furthermore, the US is thinking of raising their interest rates, the Bank of Canada lowered ours to attempt stimulus. Both of these combined could pull the rug from under our dollar. Can you spell banana republic?

It seems obvious that our currency is based on oil and other non-renewable commodities. Our economy must be broader and stimulated for growth; infrastructure is a good bet. Deficits at certain times must take a back seat to growth.

Long term planning beyond an election cycle is long overdue. Fancy tax breaks to selective demographics in society to buy an election is insulting to all the citizens of our country. Yes, it’s the old cliché we need vision and for this election we should pay attention to a Clintonian adage, “It’s the economy stupid.”

Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.

The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaper distributed free of charge to 50 Southeastern Manitoba communities.

Published by: One One Consultants Inc. Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768 Dan Guetre, Managing Editor One One Consultants Inc., Publisher News Writers: Marianne Curtis and Dan Guetre Columnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann, Peter Martens, Dave Millar Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck, Monica Guetre and Wilma Priebe Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre

For Advertising Call: Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768 Email: sales@dawsontrail.ca Subscriptions: $29.95 annually plus GST for Canadian Subscriptions. $52.95 annually for International Subscriptions

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La Broquerie Recruits Fire Fighters The RM of La Broquerie is looking for a few good men and women to join the municipality’s volunteer fire department.

“Our Fire Department team is dedicated to reducing loss of life and property due to fires and emergencies in our community,” stated council.

“Through education, prevention, training and by providing emergency aid and rescue services, we work together to accomplish our mission.”

The RM of La Broquerie currently has twenty-three fire fighters who have combined 306 years of service. Five volunteers have gone on to become professional Winnipeg firefighters, one is an instructor at Manitoba Fire College and another has become a paramedic with Southern Health.

Deadline to apply is September 1, 2015. Submit applications to cao@rmlabroquerie.ca or drop off at the Municipal Office at 123 Rue Simard Street, La Broquerie, MB.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Summer in Dawson Trail While our province is undeniably a place of magnificent destinations, there is much more. You cannot truly know Manitoba without coming to know the diversity of our people and of our activities. This means experiencing our arts, sharing our history, understanding our ambitions, appreciating values and rights important to our social and economic well-being, and joining in our celebrations.

As the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection, I invite you to make the best of your summer with family and friends to discover festivals and events across Manitoba. There is so much to do and so much to see. A quick look around travelmanitoba.ca will show you numerous possibilities and will offer many ways for you to make this summer a memorable one.

In Dawson Trail, we have festivals and events of our own to promote our communities, our culture, our diversity, and our joie de vivre. Whether it’s the Richer Rough Stock Rodeo from August 7 - 9, at the Dawson Trail Park in Richer, the Journées Chemin Dawson Trail Days from September 4 - 7, at the Ste. Anne Recreation Centre in Ste. Anne, or again the Lorette Family Fun Days from September 11 - 13, at the Centre communautaire Lorette Community Complex in Lorette, there’s a festival for everyone to enjoy in Dawson Trail this summer.

I encourage you to visit the festivals’ websites or social media pages to check out their programs, and to share them with family and friends.

There is wide variety of activities planned for all ages.

Dedicated community volunteers and local businesses make these festivals possible and I would like to thank them for their hard work and commitment. They’re not only bringing people together to celebrate, they are also making their communities and province a more vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Province Invests in Francophone Tourism I had the pleasure of recently announcing as the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection that our NDP government will invest $243,900 to promote francophone tourism attractions and experiences.

Our francophone tourist and cultural attractions draw thousands of visitors from around the globe, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. This investment will help showcase our francophone heritage and traditions, and help related organizations and businesses share our unique story.

The Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) will receive $172,100, with $71,800 going to Tourisme Riel, a division of Entreprises Riel.

The funding will support CDEM’s goals to provide training in business development, marketing and planning, develop new tourism packages to draw visitors to Manitoba’s 17 bilingual municipalities, assist tourism organizations and businesses to prepare business plans, feasibility studies and grant proposals and to promote all attractions in the region.

Tourisme Riel’s planned activities include offering tourism information services year round in St. Boniface and seasonally in St. Norbert, promoting all attractions in the Riel region, supporting growth in the tourism sector by developing new products and packages and creating and nurturing partnerships in the Riel region including partnering with Tourism Winnipeg and Travel Manitoba.

CDEM, established in 1996, is an economic development council whose role is to stimulate, encourage and co-ordinate economic development in Manitoba’s 17 bilingual municipalities. Through its tourism component, CDEM develops and promotes the value of French language and culture to Manitoba’s tourism industry and economy, showcasing bilingual municipalities and the Franco-Manitoban heritage.

Entreprises Riel, launched in 1998, is an economic development and destination marketing and tourism product development agency. It promotes the added value of French language in business and tourism in the Riel district of the city of Winnipeg, which includes the communities of St. Boniface, St. Norbert and St. Vital. Entreprises Riel’s board of directors includes corporate leaders from all three communities.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail ron.lemieux@yourmanitoba.ca, by phone 204-878-4644, or by mail at Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0. Together we can continue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

August 2015

Manitobans are Paying More and Getting Less Last month the Public Utilities Board approved of a 3.95 percent rate increase for Manitoba Hydro. This is the sixth Hydro rate increase that Manitobans have faced in the last five years.

This is after the NDP Government promised during the 2011 election campaign that Bipole III would not cost Manitobans a single red cent. Now Manitobans are paying for every red cent used to build Bipole III. The Bipole III transmission line is expected to be in service in 2018 and is a $4.6 billion dollar project. The newest Hydro rate increase came into effect on August 1 and over half of it will be put into an account to fund Bipole III. The NDP Government has already warned Manitobans that they can expect to pay more in Hydro rate increases. An annual rate increase of 4 percent over the next 10 years is expected and rates will at least double by 2034. Manitobans are going to be paying for projects for many years after their completion.

Manitoba Hydro is the province’s most prized Crown Corporation. Now that future rate increases are expected, businesses may not want to stay in the province, which can hurt our economy. The NDP Government has constantly interfered in the operations of Manitoba Hydro, with Manitobans paying the price.

The NDP’s mismanagement will cause Manitobans’ bills to increase dramatically. With major rate increases in the future, Manitobans will continue to be paying more and getting less from this NDP Government that continues to disappoint. Manitobans are tired of the same NDP broken promises and want a change for the better.

July brought more bad news to Manitobans due to the downgrade of Manitoba’s credit rating from Moody’s bond- rating agency. Last year Moody’s warned the NDP Government that their credit rating would be downgraded if they did not change their spending habits. Instead, the NDP increased spending, deficits, and the province’s debt.

The NDP Government will have to pay higher interest payments on top of the $842 million dollars that it currently pays to service its debt. Due to the NDP’s debt mismanagement, Manitobans will be paying even more to continue servicing the debt and their spending

Richer Rodeo Right Around Corner The Richer Roughstock Rodeo starts on August 7 and runs until August 9 and is expected to be as exciting as the two previous years.

The Manitoba Cutting Horse Association will kick things off on Friday starting at 11 am.

The Rodeo committee has added a couple of new events, including a Wild Pony Race for kids aged 1114 on Saturday and Sunday, and the Little Buckaroo Fashion Show on Sunday. Both events have prizes awarded.

The Friday Night Bull-nanza will feature something new also… the Bud light BULL-Nanza Bowl. An area of the rodeo ring will be sectioned off and for $5 more you can sit really close to the action and enjoy a beverage in this newly licensed area. Seating will be limited.

The Cowboy Social will be held Friday night and Saturday night will feature country favourite Trevor Johnson creating a perfect atmosphere for hitting the dance floor.

The Trading Post will be packed with an assortment of vendors and unique shopping opportunities including Richer Roughstock Rodeo souvenirs.

Lots going on for the kids with the Burnell’s Family Fun Zone, pony rides and the Lilac Resort Petting Zoo. The barrel train will be making its rounds for the kids to hitch a ride.

And of course… the main attraction… the HRA Rodeo takes place on both Saturday and Sunday. The Richer Roughstock Rodeo committee has won Rodeo of the Year for the past two years and are trying for a third year in a row.

For more information, go to www.richerrodeo.ca. Lots of great info available to help you have a great weekend! See ya’ll there!

habits. There are many things that the debt servicing payments could be used for including better health care service, road repairs, education, and support for children in the care of Child and Family Services.

Manitobans do not want to pay more of their hardearned money to cover up the NDP Government’s inability to make good decisions, and it is unknown whether or not taxes will be increased to address the province’s debt. If interest rates start to climb due to the NDP’s mismanagement, Manitobans can

expect to keep less of their money, be taxed more, and receive fewer essential frontline services from this government.

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

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August 2015

More Than Just News!

Severe Thunderstorm Causes Flash Flooding in St. Pierre-Jolys

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Otterburne Blast Caused By Crack in Welding

By Marianne Curtis

The water was nearly waist deep when flash floods inundated Highway 59 through St. Pierre-Jolys.

Photo submitted by Christine Morin

A storm system that rolled across southern Manitoba on July 15 caused flash flooding in St. Pierre-Jolys.

Earlier in the evening Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch and warnings as a weather disturbance moved in from Montana into southeastern Manitoba.

In St. Pierre-Jolys, a downpour washed out its main street, which is a portion of Highway 59. The high water closed a section of highway and caused traffic to take a short detour.

Arlene Enns, owner of Le Routier Restaurant said the water came within a few metres of her front door. “It just went from dark to darker, to rain and then it was over in about a half an hour, forty minutes,” said Enns.

St. Pierre-Jolys Mayor Mona Fallis was in a public works meeting discussing drainage issues in the community when the storm hit. “We knew it was raining, and when we came out all of the streets were flooded at least up to the curb,” she said. “The south end of town is kind of low and those houses were surrounded by water and there were a few houses that had water in their basement. I’ve lived here most of my life and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Fallis said the sewer system is about 50 years old and it could not handle the large amount of rain that fell in such a short time. Water was lapping against buildings, flooding basements and flattening nearby fields. The public works supervisor said he stayed up all night making sure pumps were running properly and traffic was being re-routed around the water.

St. Pierre-Jolys unofficially received rainfall amounts of at least three inches (76 mm) in an hour.

An investigation by the Transportation Safety Board into the cause of an explosion near Otterburne last January has determined the blast was caused by a crack in the pipeline that went undetected for fifty years.

A natural gas pipeline (Line 400-1) ruptured in the early morning of January 25, 2014 leading to the immediate evacuation of five homes.

The blast sent balls of flames 200 to 300 metres into the air, and created a crater 24 metre long by 12.5 metres wide.

Within hours, TransCanada Pipeline cut natural gas flow in the affected line, plus two additional lines, which ultimately turned off the heat in eleven communities for almost four days.

The force of the explosion also threw debris about 100 metres from the rupture site, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), which investigated the incident and released its report July 28, 2015.

According to the Transportation Safety Board’s report, the investigation found a crack had formed at the time of the pipeline’s construction, more than 50 years earlier, likely due to an inadequate welding process and poor welding quality.

However, it remained stable and went undetected. The report states that stresses such as weakened soil support, record low temperatures and recent work near the valve site may have driven frost deeper into the ground and contributed to the fracture.

The report says TransCanada has been implementing a number of safety procedures to prevent future incidents. A program was initiated to excavate, inspect and, where applicable, repair all of the mainline valve assemblies on Line 400-1. Following the return to service of Line 400-1, TransCanada performed magnetic flux leakage and electromagnetic acoustic transducer in-line inspections of the pipeline to rule out other threats to safe operation.

In October 2014, an engineering assessment was prepared by TransCanada to demonstrate safe operation of the pipeline at a reduced pressure and the assessment was submitted to the National Energy Board.

The segment of Line 400-1 that failed was hydrostatically tested when the pipeline was originally commissioned in 1960. No other pressure test had been performed on Line 400-1 since then.

Spartan Racers Face Gruelling Course in Grunthal

By Marianne Curtis Despite soaring temperatures, racers flocked to Grunthal on July 11 to participate in the grueling Spartan Race, a first time event for Manitoba.

The Reebok Spartan Race is a series of obstacle races of varying distances and difficulty ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. Races are held in the US and franchised in 14 countries, including Canada, many European countries, South Korea and Australia.

This year was the first time the event took place in Manitoba, at the Grunthal The Spartan Race challenged participants to their push Motocross Park. limits through 15 obstacles set up throughout the Spartan Race Coach Jesse Cox said the Grunthal Motocross Park. park was an ideal location for the Spartan Race, with challenging terrain and lots of mud. “The Reebok Spartan Race is the world’s largest obstacle race that challenges entrants to discover their ‘inner warrior’. The courses are 5km with 15 plus obstacles scattered throughout. The participants go off in limited size waves every 30 minutes starting at 8 am,” explained Cox. “At the finish line, all successfully completed racers received a Spartan t-shirt and medal to show off with pride. This obstacle event is for all levels of fitness and promotes self-esteem, teamwork and accomplishing goals.”

The Reebok Spartan Race has been holding races in cities across British Columbia and Alberta since 2011, After this year’s successful race, Grunthal has joined Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Sun Peaks as a premier Spartan Race destination.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

August 2015

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Local Golfer Takes Junior Title

New Arts Centre Planned WOW! History in the making! A new Performing Arts Centre will become reality!

It has been 12 years since it was formally requested at City Council level and we are thrilled that our City has responded to this need.

Arts and Culture has become one of our largest resources in our City, and region. Thousands of citizens use the Arts Centre for programs, and attend the many concerts and events we present – and now there will be a new home for presentation of these events. THAT’s what makes our community healthy, creative, innovative and energetic - and that is priceless! BRAVO! SUMMER ARTS DAY CAMPS - Still a few spots! Register Today! Get creative this summer with a fusion of art, music, dance, drama, recreation and much more! Different themed camps - African Safari, Our Community and Life at Sea…to name a few! SWIMMING EVERY FRIDAY! NEW! Art in the Park - Ages 3-5…..Explore creativity, imagination and have a blast! MUSIC, DANCE, CRAFTS, SNACKS, FACEPAINTING, BALLOONS, DRAMA & More! Come to E.A. Friesen Park beside Jake Epp Library every Wednesday! From Wednesday, July 8 -Wednesday, August 26 at 11 am - 12 pm. Sponsored by The Steinbach Arts Centre’s Arts4Tots Preschool Program.

FALL REGISTRATION DAY! - Thursday, August 27 from 3 - 8 pm at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Register for fun fall programs and receive 10% off this day only! Call 204-346-1077 for more information!

REGISTER FOR FALL PROGRAMS! Try something creative and new!

Creative Wellness - Zumba….with Eddie Miller! Yoga (Hatha and Adaptive), Pilates (On the Ball, Core Basic and Power) and Belly Dance.

In the Kitchen - Kids in the Kitchen, Creative Cooking.

Languages - French Beginner I & II, Spanish Beginner I & II. Visual Arts Kids: Art Adventures, Art X-Travaganza, Hand building with Clay.

Teens: Mixed Art for Teens, Digital Photography for Teens, Cartoon Illustration, Pottery Passion.

Adult: Intro to the Pottery Wheel, Mixed Art for Adults, Digital Photography, Acrylics, Oils, Watercolours, Woodcarving Club.

NEW! Fusion Musical Theatre Program - Dance, Music and theatre combined! Monthly workshops.

Friday Night Strings! - Learn to play in a group! Every second Friday starting September 18 with musician Faith Fehr.

Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts - Piano, Voice, Violin, Theory.

Southeastern Manitoba Music Teachers Association - music lessons and workshops.

BACKYARD THEATRE COMPANY! Register Today! Explore your imagination, ignite your creativity and build your confidence with our theatre company. Ages 5 - 15 - perform in a Christmas Showcase, Southeast Music Festival and the Final Production.

Arts4Tots Preschool Program - Register Today! Limited Spaces! The most creative way to learn through Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts... and Culture! We hire professional instructors to teach our tots. Choose from Monday through Thursday, morning or afternoon.

NEW! XCOMPANY Dance Studio Satellite Program - 12 Week Introductory Dance Classes. Try something new! Have Fun! For dancers who want a new experience! Hop n’ Bop (3 - 5), Creative Movement (3 - 5), Broadway Stars (3 - 5), Intro Jazz (6 - 9), Intro Hip Hop (6 - 9), Hip Hop (10 - 12), Jazz (10 - 12), Stage Combat (9+), Musical Theatre (6 - 12). For more Program Details, visit xcompany.net or call 204-371-8007.

Looking for youth - Join the Creative Youth Council! Be a part of community events planned BY you and FOR you! TURNIP THE MUSIC, local bands at THE HAY SHED on Saturday, September 19.

Taste of Summer Charity BBQ - Wednesday, August 26 on the corner of Reimer and Main from11 am – 1 pm! CALLING ALL SAC MEMBERS….families, friends and fellow employees. We’ll take your change off your hands….COME FOR LUNCH - for a donation (minimum $2); you will get a hotdog and a drink - easy to treat them all at this price! And support a great cause at the same time.

The Steinbach Arts Council’s Annual General Meeting - Wednesday August 26 at the Cultural Arts Centre.

Corks’N Canvas Wine Tasking Fundraiser - Saturday, September 26 at the Cultural Arts Centre - Over 30 vendors on site - tickets available Tuesday, September 1 at the SAC Office.

Become a season ticket holder! - Reserve your seats for 2015-2016 concert series. Receive discounted rates.

Current hall gallery exhibit The Vanishing Grassland - Exploring Local Extinctions Through Art by Alexandra Ross Smith. Photography, Print Making and Watercolor. Artwork will be displayed in the hallway from Wednesday, June 24 - Friday, August 28.

WATCH FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION - coming soon! Many more details on steinbachartscouncil.ca.

On July 29, seventeen year old Stefan Lavallee of Steinbach claimed the MJT Junior Boys Title during the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour’s Manitoba Series.

Lavallee was one of 70 junior golfers competed for titles in six divisions in Selkirk on July 27 and 28. “I’ve been playing in the MJT events for many years and I enjoy the competition,” Lavallee said. “I have finished second twice this year, so winning feels great.” This is the sixth year that Lavallee has been competing with the MJT. The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s number-one played Junior Golf Tour as well as the only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ in Canada. The MJT hosts more than 70 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 7-12 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players which also qualify juniors for international competitions. The program offers annual awards, scholarships, and frequent player incentives to help reward player’s performance and participation throughout each season.

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August 2015

COMMUNITY EVENTS

More Than Just News!

at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC Wii Bowling Games – Every Monday afternoon at 1:30 pm at License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 the Club Jovial. Great time to join even if you have never or doreen@spmf.ca. played. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285.

International Cooking Classes - On the third Wednesday of the EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548 Roseau River month from 6 - 8:30 pm. Learn to cook authentic and original Roseau River Music Festival – On Saturday August 8 from 2 - foods from Columbia, India, Iraq, Philippines and Bolivia. PreMarchand Carrick 8 pm and Sunday, August 9 from 10 am - 8 pm at the Roseau register with the Town of Ste. Anne at 204-422-5293 or email 23rd Annual Carrick Days – On Saturday, August 8 – Sunday, Helping Hooves Manitoba Fundraiser – On Wednesday, River Park. Sunday morning speaker, 12 singing groups and town@steannemb.ca.

August 26 from 8 am – 5 pm a fundraiser to support patients August 9 at the Community Centre. Parade and gates open at canteen on site. Contact Dave Reimer 204-434-9577. noon, horseshoe tournament 1 pm, bouncing tent, supper struggling with breast cancer. All donations of horse hay, feed, Computer Courses - Free at the bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library.

4:30 pm, silent auction/rainbow draws 6:30 pm, bands and gas cards, bottled water and pledges for patients are gratefully Sandilands For appointment, contact Harlee at 204-392-0568. entertainment. Sunday – breakfast 10 am -noon, Bluegrass accepted. Donation Tax receipts available. Contact Pam at Helping Hooves Manitoba Fundraiser – On Monday, August Gospel 11 am, fiddling contest 1 pm (winner receives $100). 204-422-8076, pam@helpinghoovesmanitoba.ca.

24 from 8 am – 5 pm a fundraiser to support patients struggling Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to Bring your lawn chairs. No dogs allowed. Contact 204-429with breast cancer. All donations of horse hay, feed, gas cards, their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays Morris 2113.

Helping Hooves Manitoba Fundraiser – On Sunday, August bottled water and pledges for patients are gratefully accepted. from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These 30 from 8 am – 5 pm a fundraiser to support patients struggling Donation Tax receipts available. Contact Pam at 204-422- gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss Friedensfeld 8076, pam@helpinghoovesmanitoba.ca. their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204Southeast ATV Association Fundraising Social – On Saturday, with breast cancer at the Multiplex. All donations of horse hay, 422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net.

September 5 begins at 8 pm at the Friedensfeld Community feed, gas cards, bottled water and pledges for patients are Sprague Centre Inc. 4th annual Tin for the Bin fundraising social in gratefully accepted. Donation Tax receipts available. Contact Show & Shine – On Saturday, August 15 from Noon – 4 pm. Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested support of Helping Hands. Silent Auction and Live Band Quinton Pam at 204-422-8076, pam@helpinghoovesmanitoba.ca.

Near the corner of Hwy 12 & PR 308 at Lot #44. Free admission in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. On Blair. Cost $15 each or $20 at the door. Contact Gary Gebhardt and entries, food and entertainment. Contact email Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-429-3276, rebelrunner@live.com. Tickets available at 2nd Annual Morris Fire Department Fundraising Golf 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local Tournament – On Saturday, September 19 at the Morris Riverview a.kimrose@hotmail.com.

Vintage Corner Store in Woodridge. services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Golf & Country Club. 9 Hole Best Ball Scramble. Registration at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Shotgun Start at 1 pm SHARP. Cost $60/ Sprague & District Historical Museum - Every Saturday and Grunthal Sunday from 1 -5 pm during June – August and by appointment Ste. Geneviève Hanover Ag Fair Days – On Thursday, August 13 – Sunday, Golfer (Includes Green Frees, Golf Cart, Dinner & Gift Bag). from June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the early Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community August 16. 70th Anniversary. Crashing cars, bucking bulls, cuddly days. Free Admission Donations Accepted. Contact 204-437- Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 critters, rodeo ropers, a musical mainstage, family fun zone Area Senior Services, Inc. - Helping Seniors enjoy their 2210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686.

- 8 pm. Come for a visit and see what we are all about. Over independence for as long as possible.

Serving Morris, Lowe and so much more at the Fair Grounds and Rodeo, corner 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large print Southwood St & Albert Ave. Daily event passes and weekend Farm and Rosenort. Contact Resource Coordinator Cheryl D. St. Adolphe books and magazines plus they can import books from any Waldner, 204-746-6336, mass@mts.net. passes available. Contact info@hanoverag.com.

Youth Sport Drop in Program – Tuesdays and Thursdays from library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the July 2 – August 28 from 10 am – 12:30 pm and 1 – 4 pm at librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488, Niverville Hadashville the community club, 345 St. Adolphe Rd. for ages 12 -17. Floor bibliotachelibrary.com or in person.

Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Summer Camps – on Friday, August 7, Mad Science Camp hockey, soccer, skate boarding and basketball. Helmets Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years $30/week (4 day week), before care starts 7:30 am, aftercare mandatory for skateboarding.

Steinbach old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great runs until 5:30 pm. Camp runs 9 am – 4 pm at the south end Red Cross Emergency First Aid/CPR Level C- On Thursday, August of Arena.

Contact Community Services Department at 204stress release and have an excellent workout at the same 50+ Fitness Classes - Every Monday & Friday at 9:30 – 10:30 6 at Eastman Safety Training Centre Inc. 385 Loewen Blvd. Cost time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask 388-4078. am. Focus on strength, flexibility and range of motion $84 includes taxes or $40 plus tax for re-certification. about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or movement on a variety of equipment, such as weights, stretch The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club – Meets every Monday at KSTA.academy@gmail.com.

7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become tubing and stability balls. Wednesdays 1 - 2 pm workout is for South East Manitoba Draft Horse Association 4th Annual Plowing a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or slow flow yoga inspired strength, flexibility, balance and Match – On Saturday, August 8 at 9 am, 1 mile west of Steinbach Ile-des-Chênes relaxation. Pre-purchase 10 classes for $40, 5 classes for $20 on Hwy 52, ½-mile north on Keating Rd. Draft horse and Youth Sport Drop in Program – Mondays, Wednesdays and develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to or drop in for $5 per workout. Special deal purchase 30 classes vintage tractors. Admission free and lunch available. Contact Fridays until August 28 from 10 am – 12:30 pm and 1 – 4 pm start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca. $120 get 8 free. Instructor Janice Burnett, a certified fitness Gilbert 204-326-3132 or John 204-346-4323. at the arena 630 Rivard Rd for ages 12 -17. Floor hockey, leader. Contact mjburn@shaw.ca. soccer, skate boarding and basketball. Helmets mandatory GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the Coyote Classic Rock Night Fundraiser - On Friday, August 21 loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn for skateboarding. about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. Adolphe at 7 pm at Park Road East, 2.5 miles from old Safeway, driveway Community Club. Doors open at 6 pm, 6:55 pm - Speedo #36096. Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, Southeast Kids Fitness Kickboxing Summer Day Camp – from Monday, or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

Game, 7 pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 pm - Regular Games. We Chapter. Cost $20. Live bands, Hanover Division, Big Slick, August 17 – Friday, 21 from 9 am – 3 pm for ages 5 – 16. Cost hope to see you there! Proceeds will support the Community Whole Lotta Angus, Free overnight camping. Taxi service and $150 + GST ($157.50) for the entire week. Contact Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six.

Concession stand. All Welcome. Bring lawn chairs. Contact Bev Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the Club. charles@tysonmethod.com. to register for camping or tickets at 204.392-7445. lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Fitness Classes –Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8 - 9 Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along pm at the St. Adolphe School Gym. Include cardio fitness, Red Cross Babysitting Course - On Monday, August 24, from 10 of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms resistance training, flexibility and balance training. Monthly am - 4:30 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Students 11-15 are visit.

Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed schedule is provided. All fitness levels are welcome. Options welcome. Cost $55 per student or sign up with a friend and Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s are $175 - 35 x $5 per class + 5 classes free, $120 - 20 x $6 each receive $10 off! Contact jacqui@triofirstaid.ca for more place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her Prawda per class or drop in $7 per class. Certified fitness leader Janice info. at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register. Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean Burnett. mjburn@shaw.ca.

Arts in the Park – On Wednesdays until August 26 for ages 3 runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays Kleefeld St. Malo Honey Festival & Canadian Chili Cook Off Finals – On Friday, and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Sponge Puck Hockey – On Wednesdays at 8 pm at the arena.

August 7 at 7 pm – Sunday, August 9 at the Kleefeld Park. Free Wendy 204-348-2433.

Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079.

Pancake Breakfast followed by the Parade and Chili Cook off Competition. Play land Of Milk & Honey carnival, bouncy park Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at St. Pierre-Jolys for all ages, toys, crafts, and so much more. Saturday evening the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks Step Aerobics with Weights - On Tuesday and Thursday at 7 provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. starts with concert and ends with Fireworks. pm, at the ICSP School Gym. Contact Stephanie 204-3202667, Louise 204-433-3839 or The Health Corner 204-433Richer Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children up 3891. to age 5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and Richer Roughstock Rodeo – On Friday, August 7 – Sunday, snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld August 9 at the Richer Dawson Trail Park. Friday Night BULLnanza, and cutting horse competition followed by a giant Rodeo Diabetes Educational Resource Centre – On 2nd Thursday of Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013.

Social. Saturday and Sunday HRA Rodeo featuring saddle the month from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the DeSalaberry District bronc, team roping, barrel racing, bull riding, tie down roping, Health Centre. Contact 204-346-6254.

La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé goat tying music, bareback and lots more, main stage live Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar, from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs concert with Trevor Johnson, a family fun zone, wild pony races, post partum mood disorders support group meetings held on chicken scramble, mutton busting, entertainment for all ages, for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, the last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet Malouin foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard a trading post, exciting intermission shows, a weekend boardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. designed for the entire family. Visit www.richerrodeo.ca for Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228. more information.

Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Ste. Anne Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, Helping Hooves Manitoba Fundraiser – On Saturday, August Dawson Trail Days – On Friday, September 4 – Monday, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring 29 from 8 am – 5 pm a Suds, Spud and Steak fundraiser at the September 7 starting at 5p m at the Curling Club grounds. Ball Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Richer Inn to support patients struggling with breast cancer. All tournament, fireworks, parade, kids zone, food vendors, car donations of horse hay, feed, gas cards, bottled water and Cost $10. pledges for patients are gratefully accepted. Donation Tax show many other events. Suds, spud and steak fundraiser, a receipts available. Contact Pam at 204-422-8076, night for our splash pad/ skate park! Live music headliner is Lorette Julian Austin on Sunday Night.

Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities. pam@helpinghoovesmanitoba.ca.

If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around Summer Reading Club – Sign up started Tuesday, June 30 for the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm kids ages 4 – 12. Register with the Summer Reading Club for support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673. reading kit, stickers and activity book, all free. Prizes awarded hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 at the end of the summer. This year’s grand prize is a Tablet Monday Night Bingos To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Lorettecopp@gmail.com.

Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides donated by Ebytes in Steinbach. Children can pick up their reading kit when they register. Register in person or call 204New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more. scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating 422-9958. grades 8 and 12.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

Dawson Trail Dispatch - 5 at E.A. Friesen Park, beside the Library (Elmdale Dr) from 11 am – 12 pm. Dance, drama, music, crafts, snacks, balloons, face painting. Contact Cassandra Milcharek 204-346-1077.

Southeast ATV Association Food Drive - For Helping Hands on Saturday, August 29 from 10 am - 3 pm at the farmers market located on highway 12 north on the McMunn and Yates parking lot, accepting canned food for “tin for the bin” and information table hosted by the Southeast ATV club.

Eastman Safety Upcoming Programs: Eastman Safety Day Camp - From Monday, August 10 – Friday, August14 for ages 5 – 8 at 9 am – 4 pm. Cost $120.

Red Cross Babysitters Course - On Tuesday. August 18 at10 am – 4 pm for ages 11-15. Cost $50.

Red Cross Emergency First Aid/CPR - On Wednesday, August 19 at 10 am – 4 pm. Cost $80+GST. Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR - On Wednesday, August 19 – Thursday, August 20 at 10 am – 4 pm. Cost $120+GST. Red Cross Emergency First Aid/CPR - On Friday, August 22 at 10 am – 4 pm. Cost $80+GST. Manitoba Wildlife Federation Hunter Education - On Sunday, August 23 at 9 am – 5 pm. Cost $50.

Located at 385 Loewen Blvd. Register online at eastmansafety.ca or contact 1-204-371-1595.

Strategy Game Night – On the 1st Saturday from 12 – 5 pm and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8:30 pm, every month at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play some games.

Bring a friend, your strategies and games. Test your skills and have fun. Contact Madison Friesen, 204-326-6841, programs@jakeepplibrary.com, librarian@jakeepplibrary.com.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club – Summer day trip TBA contact sagardenclub.com or call 204-326-2396.

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. Healthy Eating Cooking Classes - Every other week on Thursdays at South East Helping Hands. No Charge, enjoy a meal with other community members and learn how to plan & prepare healthy meals on a budget. Contact and register 204-326-2599 or southeasthelpinghands@gmail.com.

Adult Book Club - Tuesdays from 7 – 9 pm. Bring book suggestions or peruse our book lists. Meet some other book lovers too and bring a friend. At the Jake Epp Library 255 Elmdale St. Contact Tracey Pankratz 204-326-6841 programming@jakeepplibrary.com.

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

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at Lecoka, 8B - Brandt Street.

Drop in and discuss sustainable living. Contact rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com.

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.

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.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns.

Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Information and Support Sessions.

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 are 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 204-424-5737.

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

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

All are welcome.

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.

Stuartburn Movie on the Prairie Night - On Friday, August 14 at 9:30 pm.

Garden Tea Party - On Sunday, August 16 from 1 - 4 pm.

Seed Harvest – On Saturday, September 12 from 10 am - 2 pm. Hosted by The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Weston Family Tall Grass Prairie Interpretive Centre, near Stuartburn.

Contact 1-204-425-8118 or email manitoba@natureconservancy.ca.

Woodridge Family Fun Day – On Saturday, August 15 beginning at 9:30 am at the Community Hall, hosted by Southeast ATV Association.

T.O.P.S -Taking Off Pounds Sensibly - On the second Wednesday of every month at the Community Club. For club hours of operation, contact Stan 204-429-2253.

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

General Join the Farm & Food Discovery Centre - Pizza Party – On Tuesday, August 25 from 10 am - 1:30 pm. Discover how ingredients for a pizza are created. Prepare your own mini pizza for lunch and bake it in our outdoor stone oven. All ages welcome. Spaces limited. RSVP to reserve your spot. Contact 204-883-2524 or email ffdc@umanitoba.ca. Full event details and admission rates for individual events found at ffdc.ca.

August 2015

9

Construction Begins on Assisted Living in Steinbach

By Marianne Curtis Construction has begun on Bridgepark Manor Phase II, a new three-storey, 50-unit affordable assisted living project to support and enhance an independent, healthy lifestyle for seniors in Steinbach and the central region.

On July 23, the ground was officially broken for the $12.9 million project. Eric Peters is Board Chair of Bridgepark Manor Inc.; a community-based non-profit organization that will manage the property said he was pleased to see the spade in the ground. “Our strategy is to enhance independent, healthy retirement living by providing supportive services in a homelike environment,” said Peters. “There is no one-size-fitsall solution to the challenges facing our senior population today. Quality, affordable, secure, supportive housing is one component that Bridgepark Manor is providing.”

Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen said this facility would help seniors remain active and stay in the community. “Assisted living and supportive care facilities allow our seniors to remain active and stay in Steinbach close to family and friends,” Goertzen added. “City of Steinbach’s elderly contribute greatly to our community and the new phase at Bridgepark Manor will help to keep more seniors living in Steinbach.”

Once completed, the three-storey building will feature 29 one-bedroom and 21 two-bedroom units of affordable housing for low-income seniors in the community. In addition to assisted living services such as meals and housekeeping, tenants will have access to the many recreational and social activities already enjoyed by those living in Phase I. The Federal and Provincial governments have committed to providing more than $2.3 million under the federal-provincial Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2014-2019 extension agreement. Additional funding for the project includes land and equity contributions through Bridgepark Manor Inc. (BMI), the City of Steinbach and tenant equity. BMI is a local community-based non-profit organization that will manage the property.

Base rents will be set to Manitoba Housing’s current affordable housing rates for Steinbach.

In addition, the project is expected to be eligible for up to $600,000 under Manitoba’s Rental Housing Construction Tax Credit upon completion.

Phase II is expected to open in the fall of 2016 for occupation.

Check for Electrical Hazards Around the Pool As the weather heats up, swimmers are heading out to backyards, community and public pools, hot tubs and spas. When it comes to pool safety, drowning is the first concern that comes to mind, but there is another danger to swimmers, electrocution.

Where is the danger?

- Faulty underwater pool lighting.

- Aging electrical wiring that hasn’t been inspected in years.

- The use of sump pumps, power washers and vacuums that are not grounded - Outdoor lighting, circuits and receptacles not protected by GFCIs. - Damaged cords on electrical equipment.

The best protection is inspection, detection and correction of potential electrical hazards. Have a licensed electrical contractor install and maintain your pool wiring and upgrade protection equipment.

In addition: - Never touch electrical cords, switches, or appliances when you are wet, standing in water or have wet hands.

- If an electrical cord or appliance falls into the water, do not try to retrieve it until you turn off the power at the main switch.

- Never, use a damaged cord.

- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a wet/dry vacuum or pressure washer.

- Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) on all outdoor outlets. A GFCI is a type of circuit breaker that is designed to prevent serious shock. A GFCI should be used in any area where water may meet electrical products.

Enjoy a safe summer.

Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen, Mohinder Saran, Minister of Manitoba Housing and Community Development, Provencher MP Ted Falk and Bridgepark Manor Inc. Board Chair Eric Peters prepare to turn the sod to a new assisted living complex in Steinbach.

10

August 2015

When 60 Equals 10

Most families received the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) payment lump sums in July. I’m sure they were a welcome payment. Just in time for vacations and school supplies. And families will continue to receive the extra $60 per child under age 18 for the rest of the 2015 year and beyond. Now before you spend it all, I need to caution you that the $60 really only means $10.

Let me explain.

First a recap of what the UCCB changes are. Last November 2014, the Federal Government announced changes to the UCCB. Effective January 1 2015, all families with children under 18 would receive $60 per month. For those with children under six, the UCCB would increase from $100 to $160. But the payments wouldn’t be made until July 2015 and families would receive seven months worth in July. And by feedback from my clients, most families have received it by direct deposit or by cheque. (There were a few mistakes with incorrect addresses, but most of these will be resolved in August.)

Remember that the UCCB is taxable income. So when we complete your taxes next spring, you will be including this extra $60 per month as income on your 2015 tax return (claimed by the spouse with the lower net income). That could be 26 to 40% taxes payable on the UCCB. Most families do not have taxes owing instead they normally get refunds. So your refund will be lower than normal next spring. But that’s not all.

To help offset the extra cash the government is sending to families (increase in expenses); the government eliminated the Children’s Tax Credit. This was a non-refundable tax credit of $2,293 per child under age 18. The federal credits are worth 15% so that saved taxpayers $343 in taxes. That is an additional refund (or reduced taxes payable) that families will not be getting next spring when your 2015 taxes are filed. That’s the additional revenue the government will be receiving to offset most of the cost of the boosted UCCB. I did some “what-ifs” with some existing client returns to confirm all this math. With the taxes payable on the $60 and the elimination of the Children’s Tax Credit, the $60 is really only worth $10. Your refund will be $600 per child less next year ($50 of the $60 per month). I just want you to know now so that your expectations are lowered. And when you ask me why your refund is so much lower next year ($600 per child), you will now know why. I’ll need to keep extra copies of this article to hand out next year to remind my family taxpayers.

Does anyone benefit more than the net $10? Yes, those low income tax payers that did not benefit from the non-refundable tax credit of $2,255 per child will not be affected as much, so their $60 is more like $45 (only 25% tax potentially). Or some single parents with low incomes not paying any taxes, they could potentially keep the full $60 per month with no taxes payable.

So the government did something that affected mostly the low-income families. Keep that in mind as you gripe under your breath: that those who needed it the most, did get the most benefit.

At the other end of the taxpayer spectrum, I remind all senior (65+) homeowners to apply for the Manitoba Senior’s School Tax Rebate. It was doubled this year to $470. You can only apply AFTER you pay your property taxes. Some of you in Steinbach and Ste Anne should have already paid so go ahead and apply (call me if you need a form). Those in the rural areas will have to wait until November after the taxes are paid October 31.

And I remind you that not everyone gets it. If your school taxes on your property taxes are already zero, you do not get any rebate.

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2016 but don’t wait!

Anni Markmann is a tax professional working, living, and volunteering in our community. Contact Anni at 204-422-6631, anni@steannetaxservice.ca, or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near the Co-op).

More Than Just News!

Border Ports of Entry to See Major Upgrades Within the next two years, the ports of entry at Sprague, Piney, South Junction and Tolstoi will see major upgrades thanks to $113.65 million in Federal funding.

The infrastructure upgrades include design finalization, site services, geotechnical and environmental assessments. The modular building construction plans encompass structural, mechanical, electrical, internal fit-up, commissioning, project management and signage. These modern facilities will help meet new space demands due to recent operational requirements. Improvements to facilities will help ensure small, remote and medium ports of entry will continue to deliver service excellence to travellers and traders.

Construction work is planned to begin as early as 2017. These four projects are part of a $440 million border infrastructure investment announced back in November 2014. The majority of Canadian ports of entry will be fully upgraded or replaced with modern facilities, consistent with the Canada Border Services Agency’s efforts towards modernization.

Steinbach Teen Wins Scholarship Eighteen-year-old Ally Klassen has been named a recipient of the University of Winnipeg’s Walter Leatherdale Entrance Scholarship. The Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS) graduate was taken by surprise when she was informed of her $48,000 award on her birthday.

“I could not believe it,” Klassen said. “My family was joking that their birthday gifts could not compare.”

Klassen graduated from the SRSS this past June with a 96% average. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, Klassen has been active in student council and music programs at school and has an orange belt in Kung Fu. She says she wants to study to be a pediatrician.

“Getting this scholarship really takes a lot of stress off of me,” she said. “It will allow me to focus on my studies full-time and I will be able to begin saving to go on to medical school.”

The Walter Leatherdale Entrance Scholarship $48,000 is dispensed in $12,000 increments over 4 years. It was established by Douglas Leatherdale, a 1957 graduate of United College, in memory of his father. It provides tuition and allowances for living expenses and book costs for an outstanding student from rural Manitoba, preferably from farming communities. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.55.

Steinbach Mayor New AMM President At for the beginning of July, Chris Goertzen, Mayor of the City of Steinbach assumed the role of President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) following the resignation of Doug Dobrowolski, who announced that he is seeking a nomination in the Dawson Trail riding ahead of the next provincial election.

Goertzen was elected to serve on the AMM Board of Directors in November 2010, and was elected VicePresident in November 2014.

“I look forward to working with all municipalities as the AMM develops a focused campaign to encourage political parties to make municipal issues left, right and centre in the next provincial election,” stated Goertzen.

In accordance with AMM bylaws, the AMM Board of Directors appointed Mayor Goertzen to serve until November 2016. He is also the current Chair of the AMM Cities Caucus.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Sprague Prepares for Festival For two days in August, the community of Sprague will be hosting Sprague Fest. Taking place August 8 and 9, with this year’s theme the “Sounds of Music”.

Festivities start at 10 am on August 8 with a community parade complete with a bicycle decorating contest for the kids. There will be tons of bouncers and children’s activities for the entire day, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, Lip Sync Battle and dance.

There will also be a fundraising auction to raise money for an outdoor picnic shelter at the Sprague Arena.

On August 9, everyone is invited to a community pancake breakfast and church service. Admission to all daytime activities is free.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Gardenton Golden Jubilee Celebrated By All Ages

By Marianne Curtis Several hundred visitors of all ages passed through the gates when the community of Gardenton celebrated their 50th anniversary of the Gardenton Ukrainian Festival. The two-day festival took place at the Gardenton’s Ukrainian Museum and Village Society on July 11 and 12.

Kelvin Chubaty, one of the organizers of the event, was pleased with the weekend event. “The dancers were amazing and tough to dance in the heat, but smiles on their faces, they all did an amazing job,” Chubaty praised. “It was a great time. We could have done without the heat, but it could of been worse.”

An outdoor church service began the anniversary event on Above: The Zvizda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performs the hook during the 50th Anniversary of the Gardenton Saturday. The afternoon program Ukrainian Festival.

Below: James Ladyka serenades the crowd with Ukrainian folk songs.

Photos by Marianne Curtis consisted of performances by Ukrainian dancers, singers, and musicians. Saturday evening featured a performance by the Starlites. The celebration included a variety of entertainment for children, including dunk tank, kids’ games, petting zoo, slides and bouncers.

“I want to thank the board and all the volunteers for making it a success without you it could not be done,” Chubaty continued. “We have done some great work in the last three years and we are moving forward.”

One of the highlights of the weekend was the unveiling of a mural by Frank Saprowich commemorating Gardenton in its earlier days.

August 2015

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Save the Date to Talk About Patient Experience Southern Health-Sante Sud has announced that they will be holding their annual meeting on Wednesday, October 7 in Portage la Prairie.

The theme for this year’s annual meeting is on Talking about Patient Experience. More details will be released next month.

The meeting will take place at the PCU Centre, Portage La Prairie starting at 7 pm.

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August 2015

Smoke Smugglers Nabbed by Falcon RCMP In two separate incidents, the Manitoba Finance Taxation Special Investigations Unit has seized 250,200 contraband cigarettes, one involving the Falcon RCMP. On July 1, Falcon Lake RCMP and Manitoba Finance investigators stopped a truck hauling a camper trailer on the Trans-Canada Highway east of Winnipeg. One thousand cartons of contraband cigarettes were found in the trailer and one carton in the vehicle, for 200,200 cigarettes.

All but one carton of cigarettes bore no tax markings for Manitoba or for the Excise Act (2001). One carton bore only the Excise Act tax markings.

Currently, one adult male faces charges under the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act including possession of non-Manitoba marked tobacco and willful evasion of paying Manitoba tobacco tax.

If convicted, he faces fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment, and a mandatory tax penalty of $177,177.

Investigation is on going and others may be charged.

All cigarettes that violate the Excise Act (2001) are also liable to charges under that act.

A court appearance is still pending. Provincial officials urge anyone who has information on contraband tobacco to contact their local police department, call the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at 204945-1137 in Winnipeg, email smuggling_manitoba@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Spruce Woods Wonderful Last month my family and I went camping. Loading up the truck and camper, we hit the highway and headed out to Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Since the campground is, a little south of Carberry it was a bit of a long drive but the time seemed to go by quickly and we arrived in good spirits. Some past trips have started out good but, by the time we would get to our destination, everyone’s attitudes would have soured and we were so very thankful to get out of the confines of the vehicle.

This time, it was all good.

The campsite that we had chosen was nice and big and provided me with lots of room to park our camper and plenty of room for the kids to play in. Surrounded by forest with the nearest campsites a little ways away gave us a nice feeling of quiet time to ourselves. We have been to some campgrounds where the sites are so close to each other that you have watch you don’t turn around and step on your neighbour’s lake toys. Being that crowded is in no way relaxing to me, if I want to be packed in like a sardine I’ll just go to the mall around Christmas time, at least that way there are pretty decorations to look at as I’m getting squashed.

One of the big highlights of our camping trip was travelling over to the nearby Spirit Sands. While this area is covered in sand and is often referred to as Manitoba’s desert, it actually is not a desert because it receives too much moisture annually.

While, hiking the self-guided trail, it was easy to forget that we were still in Manitoba and could easily imagine that we were crossing the Sahara desert beneath the scorching rays of the sun. Farther along, the trail winds through some wonderful grasslands and beautiful forests. By the time, we were done hiking the trail we were shot through with fatigue, my wife and children from walking so much and myself from carrying the youngest two children when they got tired. It’s quite the workout carrying two children and a backpack up and down the slopes of hills. Just between you and me, if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change a thing.

While exploring the local area of the campground, my children, ever the collectors, picked up a couple of pine cones and brought them back to our campsite and added them to their pile of natural treasures of interesting leaves, sticks, stones and now pine cones. The following morning my daughter and youngest son had an unpleasant surprise.

When my daughter opened up the camper door, she spotted a squirrel with her pinecone in its paws! Shocked, she could only watch as the furry little thief raced off with her “treasure!” It was quickly apparent that the little rascal had already liberated my youngest son’s pinecone earlier. Neither of them felt too pleased with our furry friends after that!

I’m thinking that sometime this winter the little squirrel will be sitting in his cozy little home, munching on the pinecone and telling stories to his friends about how he risked life and limb to get it.

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

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Former AMM President Makes Bid for Dawson Trail Nomination

By Marianne Curtis While supporters wait for an official candidate nomination meeting to take place, a third hopeful has stepped forward to vie for the PC nomination in the riding of Dawson Trail.

In early July, Doug Dobrowolski stepped down from his position as head of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and announced that he wants to be the candidate of choice for Dawson Trail residents in the next provincial election.

Despite competition for the seat, the RM of Macdonald Councillor is confident that he is the best choice for Progressive Conservative supporters. “I am going to rely on my past experience of working on the issues. I know what has been going on in all the municipalities and I have a better understanding of the issues,” Dobrowolski said. “If successful in getting elected, I am ready to go in and govern.”

Dobrowolski, who is also a farmer, said there are many issues to be dealt with including crumbling roads, bridges and highways. “Every area is different; you have to talk to everyone; meet with council and listen to the municipalities,” Dobrowolski continued. “I’ve gone into this knowing what I am getting into; I am in this to win.”

David Sutherland and Bob Lagasse, both of Landmark were the first two hopefuls to step forward.

Lagasse grew up in St. Adolphe and recently moved to Landmark.

The bilingual social worker and foster parent wants to eliminate wasteful spending in Manitoba, to reverse the PST increase, and to

Former AMM President Doug Dobrowolski has announced that he wants to be nominated as the next PC candidate for Dawson Trail in the next provincial election.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

consult with Manitobans regarding other proposed power lines across valuable farm land. He also wants to be a stronger voice and advocate for the vulnerable children in Manitoba.

David Sutherland was the first Dawson Trail resident to step forward. As a local businessman with ten years of municipal experience as a former LUD Landmark Council member, he hopes his passion for the people of Dawson Trail and experience will earn him the job.

Until a meeting is called, all three candidates will be selling PC memberships. Supporters will be

called together for an official nomination meeting where it will be decided who would represent the party in the next provincial election.

The winner will go against current long time MLA and NDP Cabinet Minister Ron Lemieux.

“The NDP still have some strong areas; I am not taking anything for granted. It’s one thing to sell memberships, but people have to come out to the nomination meetings,” Dobrowolski added.

The next provincial election is scheduled to take place April 19, 2016.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

August 2015

Veterans Ride Takes to the Dawson Trail

By Marianne Curtis

bridge the gaps between military and non-military cultures and create understanding and support,” added Paul’s wife Terry Nichols who is accompanying him on this epic journey. “Our Ride Across Canada talks of the disconnect between military and community and the conversations that we have really speaks to that disconnect. When we

really listen to the stories of our soldiers with an open mind, we will start to bridge that gap. When we can be honest with others without judgment we can continue the conversations.”

Three veterans whose stories will become part of the upcoming book include Steve Hartwig and his wife Kim Vigneault, both from Richer.

They joined the ride during a leg from Ste. Anne to Richer.

Steve joined the Infantry in 2000 and switched over to the RM Tache in 2010. He retired from the Canadian Forces in October 2014 after 15 years of service, one tour to Bosnia and two tours to Afghanistan. He rode today with his wife, Kim Vigneault, who is in her 10th year of service

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and is currently the Head Cashier at 17 Wing in Winnipeg.

Jenny Gallant of Winnipeg spent four years in the Reserves and then joined the Regular Force as a Medical Technician in 2002. She served six months in Afghanistan in 2007, and she is currently posted to 17 Wing Winnipeg.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the ride or to show your support can check out communitiesforveterans.com.

The face of veterans who have fought for our country has changed over the years. Where we once considered veterans to be survivors of World War I, or World War II, the Communities for Veterans: Ride Across Canada is showing the country that veterans can also be as young as twenty.

On July 20, over thirty people on horseback, in wagons, and on bike, including veterans from several generations joined the Communities for Veterans ride as it made its way through the region.

The Communities for Veterans ride is a two hundred and eleven day horseback ride across the country developed to help bring awareness to our contemporary veterans and their stories. Paul Nichols, a young veteran is riding his way across the country to discover the stories of Canadian contemporary veterans.

Upon completion of The Ride, the rider’s stories will be brought to the public through the publication of a book.

“From giving lessons to three guest veteran riders in the morning to joining horses and wagons in a ride from Ste. Anne to Richer and taking part in a fundraising Suds, Spud and Steak dinner, this was one of those days that truly fills us up and keeps us going,” stated Paul.

“Thank you so much to the Richer Community Club and Richer Roughstock Rodeo for welcoming us into your community with such open arms and open hearts.”

“This has been such an emotional journey of discovery. We are having a conversation. And we are trying Three local veterans joined Paul Nichols (right) in a place of honour along the ride including Steve Hartwig and his wife Kim Vigneault, both from Richer and Jenny Gallant from Winnipeg. to educate the public so that we may Photo by Eldon Zigarlick

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August 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

The Believer’s Freedom 1 Corinthians 10:23-24…

23) “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24) No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (NIV) When we talk about Christian Liberties or freedom to do as we like… the Scripture does not always lay down little rules for our conduct to tell us just the things we ought to do or not to do but, states moral – ethical - decent principles which should guide the Christian’s actions.

Perhaps we should say it this way… “Christian freedom does not mean we have the right to do and say as we like but say and do as we should.” Scripture teaches that we are allowed to do many things since the Bible says we can but there are things that are not good for us. Even when the Bible says, I can do them. We should refuse to get involved with issues that may well get a grip on us that would be somewhat difficult to stop if we wanted to.

Now, if I was walking down the street, swinging my arms out from my chest doing my exercise and by mistake struck a passer-by in the face. The person struck likely would be furious and might start to beat on me. “Hey,” we might say.

“Is this not a free country; can a person not do their exercise on the street if they so wish too?” “Yes,” was the answer. “But remember where my nose begins your liberty ends.”

The apostle Paul’s way of answering that argument to the two of us would be to remind us that he too had many privileges which he himself had a perfect right to claim, but which he could not claim because that could turn out to be a stumbling-block to others.

You and I probably have come under criticism from some Christian folks because of our missionary methodology. It is one that might be described as an accommodation to help them grow in Christ. But we think of it, as adjusting our behaviour for the sake of those we want to reach with the gospel… our goal should be winning souls for Christ and strengthening fellow believers. To win, those Christian legalists, live under a ridged system of dos and don’ts.

These folks might not grasp the meaning of their liberty in Christ. And so to free them we may have to submit to their righteous standards.

Because of the Apostle Paul’s self-control many under the law was brought above it to enjoy the full knowledge of Christ.

As a Christian we want to make sure that, we are careful so that we will not bring dishonour or hinder the work of Christ. People judge a message by the life and character of the messenger; meaning we should allow nothing in this life to contradict the message that we speak or do. Most of us have heard people say that they told their preacher, “I cannot hear what you are saying, because I know how you conduct yourself away from the church.” No one should ever say that of us.

We all know, and we all understand that eternal life is something that human effort cannot earn. The scriptures repeatedly emphasize that salvation is a gift of grace that can be received only by faith in Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, once we have received God’s gift, there is a place in the Christian life that requires human effort because the Bible tells us that faithfulness will be rewarded.

We know we have to discipline our mind and of course our behaviour. We cannot give in to every thought that comes our way, because in doing so there will be a spiritual hopelessness that will in the end, ruin our spiritual life. If a person is going to do their best work in any ministry, whether in a factory or church, then of course, our behaviour must be disciplined… that means the whole person.

Perhaps we do that by facing life’s sorrows with calm endurance, its temptations with the strength God gives; Its disappointments with courage and enjoy the full knowledge of Christ and in the end we can truly say… “To God be the glory great things He has done.”

Would you pray this prayer with me ...“Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

You Are Never Forsaken Does the presence of God really make a difference? In our everyday lives we face the typical challenges of stretching our finite incomes, trying to maintain what health we have and juggling our time, efforts and resources between personal, family, work, church and recreation. We get stressed and worn out wondering how we are going to survive from one minute to the next. Then someone mentions something spiritual like Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Can the presence of God from heaven transform our routine lives and really make a difference? Let me suggest to you that whenever and wherever God enters the scene, things begin to change.

In John 2, at the marriage in Cana, they were short of wine so Christ changed water into wine.

In Exodus 3, Moses encounters God at a burning bush; only the bush is not consumed. In Daniel 6, Daniel is thrown into a den of hungry lions but God shuts their mouths so no harm comes to Daniel.

However, the next day, when the enemies of Daniel are thrown into the same den, they became instant breakfast for the lions. In Exodus 14, God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites so they could cross on dry ground. But when the Egyptian army tried the same feat, God returned the water to normal and destroyed the whole army. In Matthew 14, Christ fed a crowd of 5,000 men, women and children using only a little lad’s lunch of five barley loaves and two fishes. In Matthew 9, Christ raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead and returned her to her family. In Acts 9, God changed a Christian hater (Saul) into a missionary (Paul) who became one of the world’s best advocates for God, and wrote much of the New Testament that we still use today.

These incidents in Bible history and multitudes of others have been written down as an encouragement for us. No matter the difficulty or the severity of the problems of life, God is prepared for every emergency. Nothing can ever take God by surprise. His promise to His children is, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Are you one of God’s children today?

You may think your situation is beyond hope, and that nothing or no one could help you out of your predicament. Jeremiah 32:17 says, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.”

We need never fear the storms of life, no matter how great the tempest, even if we’re sinking as long as God is in the ship with us.

I pray this will be an encouragement to you and if I can be a help in any way, don’t hesitate to call me at 1-204-326-5553. God Bless.

August 2015

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Assessment Paints a Picture of Health After more than a year of intensive work to research and compile health data, followed by much discussion and preparation, Southern Health-Santé Sud’s completed its Community Health Assessment (CHA).

Southern Health CEO Kathy McPhail said the assessment shows that residents throughout the region are a, “Picture of health.”

“The Community Health Assessment provides a picture of the overall health of people in the region. With this CHA, we tried to look at the indicators that have proven over time to be really good for measuring population health,” shared McPhail. “One thing that has emerged through this process is the health disparities in the region. So not just looking at populations as a whole, but drilling it down so we can understand what the data means and it reflects on the health of different population groups. The data provides a starting point for conversations about health equity in our region.”

The CHA illustrates some ongoing, key themes, which form the basis for the Strategic Health Plan’s direction, helping the region plan and deliver the programs and services that are needed. Some of the key points found in the assessment are that Southern Health-Santé Sud has a diverse population, which is growing at a rate of around 2% a year, faster than any other health region in Manitoba, increasing demand for health care services.

It also showed that there are increasing wait times for some community services, and language can sometimes be an access barrier.

Even though Southern Health-Santé Sud has one of the healthiest populations in the province, disparities still exist in different geographical areas and across different population groups.

“The CHA data explores some of the factors affecting this inequity, such as education levels that are lower than the provincial averages and income gaps between people living close to large centres and those in rural areas,” McPhail noted.

The data also showed that as population continues to grow, the rate of people living with chronic diseases is also expected to increase. It shows that, there is a need for improved healthy lifestyle choices, such as increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, eating healthier foods, or reducing binge drinking.

Finally, the document showed that the region continues to face challenges with appropriate care environments for aging populations.

The complete document is available on the Southern Health-Santé Sud website southernhealth.ca/cha.php.

Piney Sets Several New Policies

By Marianne Curtis For the past few months, the RM of Piney has been working to establish a number of new policies.

In July, the council revealed several new policies, including a Large Grant Policy; The Cultural and Community Identity Policy; The Events Policy; Recreation Commission Policy and ATV Policy.

RM of Piney Reeve Wayne Anderson said these are just a few of the many new policies being developed and implemented in the municipality. “Our Council understands it is our mandate to set policy rather than manage the day to day affairs of the RM. Transparency dictates that the public is able to see policies we implement in black and white,” stated Anderson. “We want all residents to be treated fairly, and any unworkable/unfair policies to be brought to our attention immediately.”

Anderson said that while some policies are ready to go, others are still a work in progress such as the ATV policy. “Our RM welcomes ATV enthusiasts as it is a form of tourism, which our local businesses desperately need to keep our communities strong,” Anderson explained. “At the same time, we have seen the damaging effects that ATV have on the environment, infrastructure and property. We feel we must be responsible in regulating ATV use in the RM.” The policy adopted also gives direction to those groups planning ATV derbies. The RM of Piney is presently meeting with Manitoba Conservation and ATV user groups to set up designated ATV trails on Crown Land and land within the RM of Piney, Anderson added.

Meanwhile, four new policies were approved at the end of June and are already in place. The Large Grant Policy coordinates and develops recreation services and facilities within the municipality. The Cultural and Community Identity policy coordinates and develops cultural and community identity projects within the municipality. The Events Policy provides funding for community events within the municipality and the Recreation Commission Policy is for the coordination and development of recreational services and facilities within broad geographical and demographical areas within the RM.

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August 2015

Tax Payers Present Petition to Piney Council

By Marianne Curtis Approximately eighty RM of Piney residents packed the municipal council chambers recently when a petition demanding that council deal with concerns raised against the municipal administrator was officially presented.

On behalf of the newly formed Concerned Citizens of the RM of Piney, Sprague River Inn owner Sheera York presented the petition bearing 158 signatures to council on July 14 during a special delegation.

“The overwhelming majority of people who signed this petition did so because they were treated with arrogance and disrespect,” York told council. She proceeded to make a number of allegations against several council members, and the administrator.

“Mr. Reeve, you have publicly thrown your support to your CAO. You also told media the petitioners ‘like to tell each other stories’,” York continued. “For a new reeve to alienate the voters and taxpayers in this fashion is not only political suicide but grossly disrespectful to constituents.”

In reference to the petition, York does not believe the administrator is working for the best interest of the municipality. “We believe his negative treatment of the citizenry to be unacceptable, and we disagree with the direction and guidance he provides council. We want fair and ethical treatment,” said York reading the petition council. “The first part of the petition has never been addressed by anyone of you (council).”

York further pointed out that the municipality’s job description states the administrator is to, “Develop and maintain a high level of positive relationships with both council and the general public,” York continued. “One hundred and fifty eight taxpayers in this municipality do not agree that he has done this.”

The RM of Piney Council accepted the petition and told those in attendance that they would need the thirty days to investigate the matter further before coming back with a decision.

In a previous, interview with the Dawson Trail Dispatch, Reeve Wayne Anderson stated, “If and when any petition is delivered to the RM of Piney Council, and depending on its nature, we will deal with it in a legal and democratic manner.”

Van Osch has been the RM of Piney administrator since 2010.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ile des Chenes Park Owner Working on Water

By Marianne Curtis Approximately three hundred residents living in Southside Estates in Ile des Chenes have been living with a boil water order since the beginning of June after the system tested positive for E.Coli.

Southside Estates Manager John Wiens said he has tried to complete repairs and upgrade the system to meet the demand but keeps running into municipal roadblocks. “The Municipality of Ritchot is desperately trying to stop or delay improvements to the Southside Estates water treatment plant,” said Wiens. “The RM has on three separate occasions issued stop work orders, or warned the workers they’re to stop work on these improvements.”

Shortly after the order was placed in June, Wiens began work constructing an addition to the main pump house to protect the well, which he believes was tampered with. “We are reacting to an emergency situation with our water plant and we are dealing with water stewardship. I am trying to protect our well head by building over it after we suspected tampering,” Wiens continued. “We are also increasing our UV treatment capacity in the hope the province will allow us to stop using chlorine.”

RM of Ritchot Administrator Mitch Duval said a municipal building

permit is required for the project. “It is also my understanding that the building is over the 108 square feet in area and would be subject to a building permit,” Duval told Wiens in a letter. “I have contacted the Office of the Fire Commissioner, which is under the scope of the Province, to inquire about the construction of this building and have been advised that the permitting process for such is under the authority of the Municipality.”

Wiens refuses to comply, stating that, “There is no requirement for a building permit for a public water system, especially from a municipality who has previously informed me that they want the trailer park redeveloped.”

“I have 300 people under a boil water advisory and will not take direction from anyone but Water Stewardship,” Wiens responded.

“The RM has threatened to have removed the small addition which was necessary to house new water treatment equipment, and was done with the full cooperation and knowledge of Manitoba Water Stewardship.”

He further informed the municipality that he will pursue legal action if they continue to stall the project. Wiens hopes to have the new system upgraded and running as soon as possible.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Reynolds Seeks Fire Inspector The RM of Reynolds has put out a call to hire a fire inspector for the municipality.

According to the municipality, the fire inspector will be required to carry out inspections and re-inspections for buildings, which must be inspected annually or at least every three years.

The inspector would be called in as needed to inspect such buildings as licensed childcare centres, licensed premises, schools, recreation centres, hotels or motels and restaurants located in a building that contains one or more dwelling units.

While the position will be filled until the end of the year, the municipality may extend the contract for a longer period.

Interested candidates should submit their resumes, including rate of pay expected, by August 10, 2015 at 4 pm. Resumes can be sent to Fire Inspector Posting, RM of Reynolds, Box 46, Hadashville, MB R0E 0X0. For more information, contact the RM of Reynolds at 204-4265305 or rmreynol@mymts.net.

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

For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm, call 204-320-4600 or online patporteralc.com.

Membership is only $25 per year due by January 15 of each year for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights and eligibility to serve on the board or committees. The fee after January 15 is $30. Join early and avoid the $5 late fee!

Centre will be closed on Monday, September 7.

Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: August Potluck: On Thursday, August 13. If you know that, you would like to attend please call ahead and let us know what you would like to bring. Contact 204-320-4600. As always needed are salads, casseroles, desserts and buns. Cost is $6. We will be having farmer’s sausage Computer Lab: Need help with your computer skills? Call the centre and make an appointment. Labs are 1 hour long and available every Wednesday morning from 9 am – Noon. Please call the centre at 204320-4600.

Birthday Celebrations: First Wednesdays of the month, August 12 and September 2 at 2 pm. Celebrate with us! Bring your friends! Guests pay $2 for coffee and cake.

Foot Care: On the first Tuesday, first Wednesday and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 2 pm. Run by a professional foot care nurse.

Cost $30. Bring your own towel. Contact the centre to book an appointment.

Beltone Hearing: On the third Friday of the month. Contact 1-800661-2653 for appointment.

Monday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 – 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball 1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains 1 pm Canasta 7 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am – 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 – 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1:30 - 4 pm Floor Shuffle Wednesday 10 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage Thursday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Whist 6 - 9 pm Pickleball Friday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Contact 204-320-4605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend.

Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters and receptionists.

More Than Just News!

August 2015

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St. Labre 200 Delivers the Dirt

By Marianne Curtis Organizers delivered the goods once again by hosting an exciting race weekend when the seventh annual St. Labre 200 took place July 10 and 11.

François Grenier, one of the organizers of the yearly event congratulated this year’s winner, Team Awesome.

“This was their 3rd year in St. Labre 200,” said Grenier. “Their cart weighed in at 232 lbs, 73.5 inches long, 43 inches wide, a flex frame, quad handle bars and butt cheeks suspension. Congratulations to Rod Klassen, Brad Klassen, Randy Fehr and Kurt Weins.”

The St. Labre 200 is a go-kart build off competition where fourteen teams are challenged to build their own go-karts within 24 hours. After two previous failed attempts, Team Awesome was finally the first over the finish line, Teams build go-karts from scratch earning them the coveted St. Labre 200 SparkPlug Cup. on the first day and race their new Photo by Marianne Curtis creations the next day in a fastpaced nail biting 200-lap race on a quarter mile dirt track. The winner earns the right to hoist the coveted Sparkplug Cup. Since its inception, the St. Labre 200 has donated $38,000 to different local organizations in what they call the Give Back to the Community campaign.

Proceeds from this year’s event will be divided between the Compassionate Quilters in Vita, Ecole Point-des-Chene’s Alternative Education Program and Canadian CMV Foundation. This year a food collection was also held to collect non-perishable items for Accueil Kateri Centre, the new food bank in Ste. Anne.

Fourteen teams participated, including (in order of completion) Southeastern Farm Equipment, Thibeaultville Thunder, Marchand West Loose Chains, Boteur Busters, Space Racers, Moonshadow Holsteins, Fudmuckers, Eh Team, Metalmasters, Red Handed, Ernie’s Army, Team Giver and Florze Boyz.

Landmark Gets Flood Protection On July 31, the community of Landmark was named as one of five communities to benefit from the Community Dikes Initiative.

Through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, the Community Dikes Initiative will provide funding to the RM of Tache for flood improvements to better protect Landmark.

The Community Dikes Initiative provides joint federal and provincial funding for new flood mitigation infrastructure in flood prone communities.

The other four projects announced were in the rural municipalities of Cartier, Taché, Wallace-Woodworth, Deloraine-Winchester, and Grahamdale. In total, these projects will help protect more than 280 properties in the five municipalities.

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More Than Just News!

August 2015

Frog Follies Draws in the Crowd

Above: Temperatures soared during this year’s frog follies so keeping cool was part of the fun.

Below: Tons of live entertainment and the annual frog jumping competition drew crowds to For a few days in July, the the big tent.

By Marianne Curtis

community of St. Pierre-Jolys was bustling with activity while they celebrated the 45th annual St. PierreJolys Frog Follies and Agricultural Exhibition.

The festivities started Thursday night with the Great Canadian Frog hunt where people can participate by catching the frogs to be used for the Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship.

Other activities included one of Manitoba’s premier agricultural exhibition displays and fair, numerous children’s activities, slopitch tournament, a parade, fireworks, Sunday night DJ social, and the Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship. A few new activities were added to the roster, including Geocaching, Frog Follies Supper, a cribbage tournament and bocce ball.

Entertainment over the weekend included performances by Marc LaBossière, Robin Chestnut, Ryan Price, Ça Claque, Mr. Richards, Fubuki Daikon, Barney Morin Frog

Photos by Marianne Curtis

Follies Improv Troupe, Chronical, The Ricky Smits, Marijo - Y mail en titre, Marie-Josée Clément and the Susan French Dancers.

Inspiration for the first Frog Follies came from a group of residents that decided to welcome people into their

small town and celebrate their rich francophone heritage during the province’s Centennial on July 14, 1970. Many events were held that weekend, including the First Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Steinbach Credit Union Celebrates Landmark Corporate Office

Steinbach Credit Union celebrated a historical milestone with the official Grand Opening Ceremony and Invocation of its new Steinbach Branch and Corporate Head Office at 333 Main Street in Steinbach.

“Three generations ago, a group of tenacious businessmen led by Eugene Derksen gathered together to solve a problem, the lack of local financial aid available to them. Taking up the challenge and taking action, they created a financial cooperative and called it Steinbach Credit Union,” said Reg Penner, Chairman of the SCU Board.

“As a Board we have always maintained that our roots would remain firmly planted in the heart of Steinbach.”

“What began with less than 100 members and $1,000 has now grown to over 80,000 members and over $4.5 billion in assets. Our motto is ‘stronger together’ and we’ve built this Manitoba-made success story, together,” said CEO Glenn Friesen. “We have a unique bigbranch business model with just 3 branches. But this space is extraordinary - it’s a great feeling to finally have all of our 265 Steinbach-based staff back together under one roof.”

Joined by Ted Falk, MP for Provencher, Kelvin Goertzen, MLA for Steinbach, Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen and other dignitaries, the official ceremony included the formal Invocation of the building, ribbon cutting and activation of the 28-foot tall waterfall feature in the member hall. After the ceremony, SCU celebrated with the community by hosting a lunch and offering tours of the new building.

The building is highly energy-efficient, constructed to Power Smart standards, and is geothermally heated and cooled. There is 87 percent efficiency with the air exchange system, which uses waste heat from the exhaust fans – a great savings in cost and energy. The 2,559 windows are all triple glazed, which was critical considering the building was oriented to harvest as much natural light as possible.

The six-storey 95,000 square foot structure was designed by Ray Wan of Raymond SC Wan Architects.

La Broquerie WWII Veteran Honoured

St. Malo Residents Petition MTS for Better Service A local campground owner in St. Malo in hopes that MTS will listen to residents and improve service within the community initiated a petition.

Agnes Gooselin, owner of Debonair Campground is gathering signatures for a petition requesting that MTS improve cell service in the area. “St. Malo does not have adequate cell service, something vitally important in case of accidents and emergencies,” explained Gooselin. “Businesses rely on cell service and so does the growth of our community. Selling homes in this area is much more difficult due to the lack of service.”

St. Malo is a popular tourist destination from May to September with several thousand tourists visiting every week. “Reception in the summer is almost nil. I believe this is because of all the campers and seasonal people out,” she continued. “They use their phones and mobile internet which bogs down our towers. Weekends are the worst.”

Locals claim that calls are dropped, conversations cut in and out, phones do not ring when calls come in, and texts can take up to 24 hours to be delivered.

“We want to let MTS know that we are fed up with paying for service that barely works,” Gooselin added. “We pay the same rate as other areas with good service. How is this fair?”

Gooselin would like to collect at least 500 signatures before she takes the petition to MTS. Anyone wishing to sign it can at change.org/p/mts-improvecell-phone-service-in-st-malo.

Provencher MP Ted Falk presents La Broquerie war veteran Leo Beaupre with a medal in recognition of his service to Canada during World War II.

By Marianne Curtis A World War II veteran from La Broquerie is the most recent southeast soldier to be recognized for his service to the country by the federal government.

Beaupre joined the Navy in the fall of 1941. “They gave me two pairs of boots, new underwear, I had a winter jacket. It was a lot more than I had ever had. On September 4, they put me on a train and I left for training in Halifax,” Beaupre recalled. “When that course was finished, I boarded [HMCS] Montreal, a frigate. We made several trips to Europe on the Montreal.”

One of his most memorable missions was the picking up of survivors after their group sank a German submarine at Land’s End, England. They picked up nineteen survivors on December 19, 1944 and took them to Plymouth December 22.

“The survivors stayed with us for two days. They were very nice,” Beaupre reflected. “We put them in a mess hall that was open on both ends, with guards stationed at each exit. A young guard, who was in charge of guarding, well, apparently he fell asleep overnight. His rifle almost fell. One of the prisoners motioned to the other guard who placed the rifle in his hands and told him to do his job better. The guy woke up!”

Provencher MP Ted Falk presented Leo Beaupre with a Service Award. “It is an honour to thank him for his service,” stated Falk.

“It is due to remarkable contributions such as Leo’s that our great nation is strong and free.”

Beaupre is a one of several veterans throughout Provencher, who has been recognized over the past several months. In recognition of the 75th anniversary of Canada’s entry into the Second World War, the Canadian Government launched this tribute as a symbol of the country’s enduring pride and gratitude to all those who served during this conflict.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Volunteers Needed to Keep St. Malo Museum Open

Six years ago, the St. Malo Museum committee consisted of five volunteers who kept the museum open and thriving. However, each year since, the committee has lost a member until finally only one remains, Edmee Gosselin.

Gosselin said this will be her last year with the museum as she is retiring and wants to spend more time travelling. She hopes that someone will step forward and take over or a university student may be interested in reforming the committee.

“Our town needs young volunteers with fresh ideas,” she said. “We have lost too many important events like our multicultural festival.

People will go elsewhere to spend their money and that hurts our town’s economy.”

This summer, the museum hired two summer students, thanks to grants. Ryan Coulombe, hired under the Manitoba Metis Federation summer student program and Bailey Harder hired under the Service Canada summer student job program.

The museum is open, beginning July 1 from 11 am to 5 pm daily and closes for the season on August 23.

Anyone interested in St. Malo’s history and interested in keeping it alive is encouraged to contact Edmée Gosselin.

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Helping Hooves Preparing to Saddle Up

By Marianne Curtis

Edmee Gosselin is the last remaining volunteer who is keeping the St. Malo Museum open.

August 2015

From August 14 to 29, a group of riders will saddle up and make their way through the region on horseback while raising funds for breast cancer patients in Manitoba.

St. Anne area resident Pam Glover has been instrumental in bringing the fundraising Helping Hooves trail ride from Alberta to Manitoba soil.

“After losing my step-daughter to breast cancer in 2009, I decided I wanted to do something in honour of her memory,” Pam explained. “Because I’m a horse lover and would rather ride one than walk or run, whatever I did had to involve horses.”

In September 2011, Glover along with several other individuals took to the trails for three weeks visiting various communities on horseback while raising money for breast cancer research.

“We are a group of horseback riders who are committed to raising money to HELP! We are raising funds to help Manitoba breast cancer patients,” explained Glover. “Our hoof prints won’t fade from the lives we touch.”

This year’s ride begins on August 14 in Carberry with five riders registered to participate in the entire ride, as well as others joining on different days. “We will get settled in, get everyone registered and then set out for our parade around town,” Glover said. “After a community fundraiser supper there will be a MBRA sanctioned barrel race with half the entry fee going to Helping Hooves.”

Glover noted the entire ride will follow a similar format. Each community the riders participate in have organized fundraising events. The trail will be stop

Water Projects Funded Throughout Region

By Marianne Curtis The impending removal of a moratorium on construction in the community of Landmark is just one way that four recently announced projects will improve the lives in several communities.

On July 31, four projects, including three water infrastructure projects and one wastewater infrastructure project will be going ahead. Federal and Provincial governments are contributing $11,097,465 total towards the projects through the Small Communities Fund.

“These vital infrastructure projects in communities like Landmark, Blumenort, Steinbach and Niverville will create

in Glenboro then back into the southeast with stops in the Sandilands, Marchand, Richer for an end of the trail windup then back to Morris.

A group of Manitobans who assist women and men in Manitoba who are experiencing f i n a n c i a l difficulties while undergoing treatment and follow up for breast cancer founded HELP in 2005. Examples of expenses covered include uninsured medications and treatments, transportation, room and board, child-care, wigs, lymphedema garments and treatments. Helping Hooves will help fund these items by hosting horse friendly events that will bring out people in all walks of life.

Anyone wanting to ride along with the group can contact Pam at 204-422-8076 or email HelpingHooves1@hotmail.com for pledge sheets. There is no minimum pledge, just whatever can be collected. All money raised by rider’s pledges goes directly to HELP. The only stipulation for participation is that rides PINK IT UP as much as possible!

In addition to hitting the trail, one of the group’s sponsors, the Dawson Trail Dispatch’s Editor Dan Guetre will be shaving his head and donating his hair while raising funds for the group. If $500 is reached, he will also shave his moustache and beard for the cause.

If you would like to donate, visit helpinghoovesmanitoba.com and click the Donation tab. You can mark your donation for either Losing Dans Lockes or Pledge to a Rider. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over $20 but any amount is gratefully accepted.

jobs, promote growth, and contribute to the development of strong, prosperous communities throughout Manitoba,” stated Falk.

Construction in Landmark may resume within the next two years if water services are improved as planned.

The RM of Tache will complete a new 36 litre supply well, an in ground concrete water storage reservoir and distribution pumping system, as well as construct a facility to house electrical, mechanical and treatment components in Landmark.

RM of Tache Reeve Robert Rivard said this is good news for the community. “We have had a moratorium on construction for a couple of years; this announcement means that we can start working on improving the water situation in Landmark,” said Rivard. “We are very pleased that the The RM of Tache Council and LUD of Landmark are excited government has come that funding has been made available to improve the through with funding for community’s water supply.

Photo by Marianne Curtis this project.”

Landmark LUD member Jason Miller reiterated the importance of the funding, especially after it was subject to a brief boil water order at the end of June. “LUD of Landmark has been chasing Provincial and Federal funding to build a water treatment facility, and as of today we are very close to building a water treatment facility that will provide Landmark with safe drinking water,” said Miller. “Lifting our building ban that was set by the government. It’s truly a very exciting day for the town of Landmark!”

Three other water projects made the list. The City of Steinbach will continue their water project and install 1,600 metres each of new water and sewer lines to replace existing aging underground infrastructure. Niverville will install approximately 2,100 meters of water main to provide potable water and fire protection to Main Street as well as other areas of the community.

The RM of Hanover will put the additional funding toward the construction of a new wastewater lift station and force main to address capacity issues in the community of Blumenort.

The Federal and Provincial Governments will cost share each contributing 50% up to $3,699,155 each through the Small Communities Fund for the four projects.

The remaining balances must come from the municipalities or community.

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August 2015

More Than Just News!

Wildlife Haven Releases Unique Patient

By Marianne Curtis A bobcat kitten found in a Middlebro woodpile back in December is back in the wild after the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre released her back into the region earlier this month. An exact location of the bobcat’s release will not be made public.

Last December, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre rescued the bobcat kitten after she was found cold and starving in a woodpile by a Middlebro resident. Rescuers estimated that she was about four or five months old and still dependant on her mother.

Within weeks of her arrival at the centre, the cat gained about thirty percent of her body weight and was doing well. The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre cared for her for the next seven months until it was determined she could be released.

“Our animal care team evaluated her and determined that she would be able to survive on her own!” confirmed a Wildlife Haven and Rehabilitation Centre spokesperson. “This was a rare treat to be able to help such an amazing animal! We wish her all the best!”

Located near Ile des Chenes, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre has been caring for injured and orphaned wildlife from all over Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario for over thirty years relying completely upon the support of volunteers and donations.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

St. Malo Daycare Hopeful for September Occupancy A brand new daycare centre in St. Malo continues to sit empty since the beginning of May after it was discovered the fire system was not built up to provincial occupancy standards.

Construction of the Garderie de Bambins in St. Malo was completed in May; however, the Fire Commissioners office will not grant occupancy due to insignificant flow levels to operate a fire suppression system.

Helen Robidoux, President of the Garderie de Bambins board, confirmed there is no official occupancy permit until the system is brought up to code. “The Office of the Fire Commissioner stated, that a reliable water source is needed for our sprinkler system to ensure the fire and life safety of all the occupants,” said Robidoux. “The Office of the Fire Commissioner is not able to issue an occupancy permit at this time because we don’t have the volume, capacity, and an acceptable water supply source from the municipal portable water tanks needed for the sprinkler system.”

Robidoux explained that a cistern and fire pump will have to be installed which will cost about $200,000. She hopes the daycare will be able to open by September.

The new 7,000 square feet building would allow the community’s only daycare centre to expand from the current occupancy of 64 to 94 children.

Above: Rescued bobcat peeks out from the kennel.

Below: Young bobcat takes her first steps into freedom.

Carrick to Host Big Party Annual Festival Expected to Draws Large Crowd The 23rd Annual Carrick Days is around the corner and the tiny community is inviting everyone to come out and celebrate.

Carrick is a tiny community that consists of eight full time residents, yet each year the group manages to throw one of the most successful events in the area.

Hundreds of people flock to the hamlet located between Marchand and Woodridge.

This year Carrick Days takes place from August 8 and 9. When the gates open at noon on Saturday, visitors will be treated to a community parade followed by live entertainment that includes the Susydka Ukrainian Dancers, Norm Shorting Band, Family Brew Band, Ricky Smits Band and DJ Roy Harrison. The highlight of the weekend is always the Horseshoe Tournament where attendees compete for the coveted Carrick Cup. There will be many activities for the kids, a community supper and fireworks.

On Sunday, everyone is invited for breakfast and a bluegrass gospel concert. A crib tournament is just one of the activities taking place during the afternoon.

St. Pierre Lion Named District Governor A St. Pierre-Jolys resident has been named as the new District Governor for the Lions Club International District 5M 11.

At the beginning of July, Lions Club member Gérald Fontaine was inducted as District Governor for Lions Club District 5M 11. The induction took place at the beginning of July in Honolulu, Hawaii during the 98 International Lions Convention. There were some 20,000 Lions’ members from approximately 120 countries of the world present at the Annual Convention.

Fontaine lives in St. Pierre-Jolys and is an active member of the Riverside Lions Club, in Winnipeg. District 5M 11 encompasses 73 clubs in communities throughout southeast Manitoba and northwest Minnesota, including clubs in Ste. Anne, Toshiko Yamada, Lions Clubs International President Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada (seated) along Steinbach, Grunthal and South with Partner in Service Eliane Carmel and newly installed District Governor Gérald Junction.

Fontaine.

RCMP Respond to Two-Vehicle Collision On July 5 at approximately 9 pm, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to a twovehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 59 and Oak Grove Road in the RM of Ritchot. A pickup truck was travelling westbound on Oak Grove Road, attempting to cross Highway 59, when it collided with a car travelling southbound on Highway 59.

The male driver, 20, of the RM of Tache, was not injured in the collision. The female driver of the car, 35, and her five passengers, a 42-year-old male and four children between the ages of seven and two, all from Niverville, were transported to Winnipeg hospital. All injuries were non-life threatening.

Alcohol was not considered a factor in the collision.

Brendan Gauthier-Gobeil, the driver of the truck, has been charged with Proceed Before it is Safe to Do so under the Highway Traffic Act.

Blumenort Splash Park Funding Clarified Last month the Dawson Trail Dispatch printed a story called Community splash park opens in Blumenort.

The article stated that the Blumenort Splash Park was funded by Manitoba Hydro’s Community Development Initiative in the amount of $160,000. While the program did contribute towards the $426,000 project, the remaining balance was raised at the local level.

Funding for the splash park was raised by the Blumenort Recreation ($55,000); RM of Hanover Ward 3 ($11,000); donations ($11,370) with the LUD of Blumenort making up the balance of $188,500.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Prairie Day Celebrates the Tall Grass Prairie Ecosystem in Manitoba The Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve will be hosting its annual Prairie Day event on Saturday, August 8 at the Prairie Shore Interpretive Trail, located 3km east of Tolstoi on Provincial Road 209.

Learn about wood and deer ticks from an expert entomologist or go on a walk with a skilled botanist to learn how to identify prairie grasses.

Find out how a prairie landscape is managed and where some of our native orchids like to grow. Amazing birders from the Manitoba Bird Atlas program will give an over view of the project and help identify prairie birds. Animal ambassadors from the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre will attend with some of their human handlers to answer your questions about animals in Manitoba. The Seine-Rat River Conservation District and Native Orchid Conservation Inc. will have displays.

Other family activities to enjoy include borrowing a net and going on a bug hunt. Take in a guided walk to learn about the many wildflowers in bloom or pick up a roasting stick and enjoy freshly baked bannock. Children can do a scavenger hunt, go critter catching, get their face painted, take on the Tall Grass Trivia Challenge and you might win a prize.

Admission for the day is $5 per adult and no charge for children. Activities will begin at 10 am and wrap up at 4 pm. An on-site canteen will

be open from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm. A hot dog lunch will be available from 11:30 am to 2 pm, only cash is accepted at this event. Picnic tables and rustic washrooms are also available on-site.

Bring along a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen and insect repellent. Trail conditions may be wet so rubber boots or a change of footwear is suggested. All Prairie Day activities will take place rain or shine.

For more information on this event, contact Christie at the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve at 204-425-3229 or tgpphq@mymts.net.

Ritchot Names New Fire Chief At the beginning of July, the RM of Ritchot has a new municipal Fire Chief after offering long time volunteer Scott Weir the position.

Weir joined the Ritchot Fire Department back in 1998. For the past seven years, he has served as Deputy Chief alongside former Chief Troy Ash who retired at the end of June.

Outgoing Chief Troy Ash said Weir is a great choice for the municipal Fire Chief. “He has an excellent fire background and is a very efficient manager and works well with the volunteers and the municipality,” said Ash. “Scotty and I have brought the fire department along the way together and he will continue what we started.”

Paul Houle has been named as the new Deputy Fire Chief. The RM of Ritchot Fire Department currently consists of a team of thirty volunteers working out of two stations in Ile des Chene and St. Adolphe. Establishing a third fire station to be located in Ste. Agathe Scott Weir has been named the new Fire Chief for the RM of Ritchot Fire Department. is in the works.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

August 2015

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Women Faces Ecstasy Charges On June 23 at around 10 am, Falcon Beach RCMP conducted a traffic stop for speeding on the Trans Canada Highway in the RM of Reynolds.

During the initial investigation, police believed the occupants were in possession of a c o n t r o l l e d substance. A search of the occupants revealed forty grams of both MDMA and MDA (ecstasy). Police also located a small quantity of marihuana and other drug paraphernalia.

The driver of the vehicle, a 21 year-old male, was issued a common offense notice for speeding and a 22 year-old female passenger from Saskatoon was charged for possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act. She is scheduled to appear in Steinbach court on September 3, 2015. The investigation is on going.

The RCMP remains fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs because those who traffic destroy lives, homes and communities.

Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking is asked to call their local police agency or RCMP Detachment, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

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More Than Just News!

August 2015

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Massive Parade Kicks Off Pioneer Days

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Several thousand people lined Main Street and Brandt Road in Steinbach Winning entries included Loewen Windows (Best Theme); Hylife (Judges on July 31 to take in the annual Pioneer Days parade.

Choice), Fairway Ford (Equestrian), Springs Church (Youth); Southeast Approximately 135 entries participated in the spectacular display of colour Implements (Antique Farm) and Mennonite Heritage Village (Antique and sound that carried a theme of More for You Here - Discover the Spirit Vehicle). of Steinbach.

Ste. Agathe Hosts Cheyanne Summer Fest

Sudden Vacancy Forces La Broquerie Municipal By-election Call RM of La Broquerie residents will be heading to the polls on September 2 to vote for a new member of council. A by-election was called after Ken Taillaire tendered his resignation in June.

RM of La Broquerie Reeve Louis Weiss said his resignation was tendered effective immediately and without an explanation. “We were shocked and did not expect it,” Weiss confirmed.

Former RM of La Broquerie administrator and provincial hopeful Larry Tetrault and Eric Wiens are vying for the vacancy.

Driver Charged in Grand Point Collision

Families looking for a fun weekend flocked to Ste. Agathe on July 17 and 18 for this year’s Cheyenne Summer Fest.

The Cheyanne Summer Fest boasted a great parade, delicious pancake breakfast, live musical performances, family baseball tournament, tons of family fun and kids activities. Friday night was jam packed with laughs and good times as The Cheyenne Pioneer Games made its first appearance at the festival. The night was capped off with fireworks.

After a second day of family activities, the weekend ended with live music by SouthTown 4 and Midnight Grind featuring Grant and Nazeem.

Clowning around at Ste. Agathe’s Cheyenne Summer Fest parade.

Six people were hospitalized with various injuries after this collision south of Grande Pointe.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

On July 5, six people from Niverville were hospitalized with undisclosed injuries following a collision at the corner of Highway #59 at Oak Grove Road, south of Grande Pointe.

St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP say a westbound truck crossed Highway #59 and collided with a southbound car.

The 35-year-old female driver of the car along with a 42 year-old male passenger and four children aged two to seven, all from Niverville, were transported to a Winnipeg hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the truck was not injured in the collision. Twenty-year-old Brendan Gauthier-Gobeil from the RM of Tache has been charged with Proceed Before it is Safe to Do So under the Highway Traffic Act. Police say alcohol was not a factor.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

August 2015

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August 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch