Dawson Trail Dispatch December 2015

Wildlife Haven Going to the Owls

Syrian Refugees Expected to Settle in Steinbach

By Marianne Curtis Since the pictures of a Syrian toddler washed up on the beach, Canadian eyes have been watching to see how the country would respond to the refugee crisis. Southern Manitoba is once again rising to the occasion even before the province announced that they would be bringing up to 2,000 Syrian refugees.

Local churches have been stepping up and applying to sponsor families.

Richard Kornelson, with Mennonite Brethren in Steinbach has confirmed that their church is sponsoring a family. While details are not completely confirmed, they may be bringing in a family of nine.

“This may be a bit premature. We are still waiting for them to arrive. We know next to nothing about them nor which month they will arrive,” said Kornelson. “There are quite a few churches in the area doing this and yes we have done this before, many years ago.”

Kornelson said the process has been fairly simple for the church to carry through because they are working with the Mennonite Central Committee.

“Going through MCC is definitely the way to go,” Kornelson suggested. “All refugees come pre screened through two levels of security checks. UN/

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Three of the snowy owls currently under care at the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre.

By Marianne Curtis The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chenes took in their fifteenth snowy owl earlier in November.

According to officials, there have been numerous calls about starving and dehydrated Snowy Owls that have been found all over Manitoba.

“We are not sure what brought about this sudden influx of Snowy Owls in the province, but it may be due to a boom in population causing more to head south in search of food or perhaps lemming populations in the north (their main source of food) are at a decline requiring owls to expand their search of food further south,” explained a spokesperson at the

Centre. “Unfortunately, many were in very poor shape so they did not make it.”

At the time, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Center is caring for five snowy owls, all which came in starving. “One has some missing wing feathers and another was found all muddy at a construction site in Winnipeg,” the spokesperson continued. “They will need a lot of care to recover, but we are hopeful that these ones will make it for their second chance!”

If you find a snowy owl that needs assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre at 204-878-3740.

Falk Applauds Trudeau’s Stance on Refugees Provencher MP Ted Falk says he applauds the Liberal Government for rethinking their unrealistic deadline and taking a step in the right direction by reconsidering the country’s refugee resettlement plan and taking a step in the right direction.

“I believe that the Prime Minister’s intention to bring 25,000 refugees to Canada, by his self-imposed and arbitrary year-end deadline, was an unrealistic goal that would undermine our screening processes,” stated Falk. “The federal government must always balance Canada’s security with our humanitarian compassion.”

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Silent Auction Raises Money for Family’s Medical Bills

Ashish Thakkar introduces his newborn son to his mother after she suffered a stroke in Steinbach while visiting from India.

Last month, Ashish Thakkar’s family travelled from India to witness the birth of their grandson. While here, his mother Manjula suffered a stroke. The family did not purchase travel insurance before their trip. Her condition has since upgraded, but after a month in Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, the family could accumulate over $200,000 in medical bills. The Canadian government requires that long-term visitors to Canada have medical insurance, but people travelling on a visitor’s visa do not have to provide proof of insurance.

Funds raised at the first ever German Christmas Market on December 19 at the Mennonite Heritage Village through the Silent Auction is expected to help the family pay what could be over $100,000 in medical bills. Funds can be also donated to the family at gofund.me/ashish13.

Refugees continued...

Continued from page 1 NATO and CSIS. MCC does all the processing and has a good working relationship with the Canadian authorities.”

Meanwhile, organizations in the area are prepared in the event that numerous churches bring families into the community to settle.

Vicki Olatundun with the Steinbach Family Resource Centre said she is prepared to work with the Syrian families as they come in.

“Our community is such as an amazing community; we will embrace them and we are going to have to walk hand in hand with some of the moms; the one thing we have in common here is that we are all mothers,” said Olatundun. “We are getting these families when they are the most vulnerable, so we need to start positioning ourselves so this transition is as smooth as possible.”

Olatundun pointed out that something as simple as addressing changes in parenting styles could present a challenge. “Some of the ways they raise their children is illegal here, so some re-education will be need,” she added.

To sponsor a refugee through MCC, individuals and/or small groups can be sponsors and are required to complete a settlement plan. The sponsoring group is obligated to provide assistance such as finding suitable housing for them, and helping them to learn an official language, get a job for twelve months. After that, the refugees are expected to be self-sufficient; it costs about $40,000 to sponsor a family for one year.

To find out more about sponsoring a refugee, visit mcccanada.ca/learn/what/refugees.

Southern Municipalities Controlling Spending

By Marianne Curtis The RM’s of La Broquerie, Hanover, and Ste. Anne all ranked high in a recent study conducted on municipal spending.

According to the Manitoba Municipal Spending Watch report’s second edition, which was released at the end of November, Manitoba’s 26 largest municipalities continue to spend far more than needed on day-to-day operating spending, the equivalent of $2,500 extra for a family of four.

The report that includes the RM’s of Hanover, Tache, Ste. Anne, Ritchot, La Broquerie, and the City of Steinbach claims that from 2008 to 2013, day-to-day spending grew nearly 3 times faster than the sustainable spending growth benchmark of inflation and population growth.

The RM of La Broquerie was noted to be the most frugal municipality when it came to spending.

Over the six-year study period, municipalities saw their populations grow by 7 per cent, yet inflation-adjusted operating spending grew by 20 per cent, almost 3 times the sustainable spending benchmark. The study covered the 2008-2013 fiscal years and reviewed consolidated operating spending per capita, excluding amortization.

While most municipalities saw operating spending, grow at unsustainable rates, a few kept spending growth under control.

In the 2013 ranking of municipalities, the best records for operating spending growth went to the RM of La Broquerie. The study showed that the municipality has experienced 8% growth in real operating spending, which worked out to $600 per capita.

The RM of Hanover ranked second, followed by Ste. Anne (3); Tache (5) and Ritchot ranked seventh. The worst was the RM of McDonald at $1,647.

The City of Steinbach ranked fifth amid a list of ten cities and towns across Manitoba.

The study was conducted to help municipal governments identify their cost drivers. The Canadian Federation of Indepent Business conducted an extensive cost analysis of spending, which revealed that growing labour costs including municipal salaries, benefits and employer contributions to payroll taxes are the primary driver of operating spending growth.

According the province, over the study period, $319 million of spending above the sustainability benchmark, or 53 per cent, was due to labour cost overruns. These costs stem from the fact that municipal workers receive 14 per cent more in pay and benefits than an individual doing the same job in the private sector.

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Sixteen Years of Broken Promises and Staggering Debt

Being a Realist As the Member of Parliament for Provencher, I am looking forward to the next session of Parliament.

I am pleased to serve under the new interim leader of the Official Opposition, the Honourable Rona Ambrose. I look forward to working with her as we keep the newly elected government accountable on a number of issues.

Over the past number of years, the federal government has introduced several measures aimed at keeping our streets safe, making sure families keep more of their hard-earned money and keeping the economy strong. With a new government in Parliament, I will work hard to ensure that the federal government continues to provide Canadians with this same common sense approach.

Although I am concerned about some of the policies proposed by the new government, I will work with all MPs and Ministers to make sure that our values of family, faith and hard work are well represented in our nation’s capital.

In keeping with this common sense approach, I urged the newly elected government to reconsider their plans to bring in 25,000 refugees before January 1, 2016. I am pleased to see that Prime Minister Trudeau did in fact set a more realistic target for his refugee resettlement proposal. I agree that Canada needs to help refugees escaping persecution, but I believe that we must also balance our humanitarian efforts with proper security screening to ensure the safety of all Canadians.

We in the western world have been fortunate to live in democratic countries that enjoy relative peace, security and stability. However, on Friday November 13, the world witnessed with horror the brutal attacks in Paris that claimed the lives of many innocent people and seriously wounded many others. On behalf of the residents of Provencher, I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families and friends.

With the return to Parliament, I look forward to working with the many newly elected MPs. I urge the new government to continue with some of the important measures that were introduced under the previous government. During our time in office, we concluded free trade negotiations with more than 40 countries. Now, as Canada’s Official Opposition, we will continue to push for expanded free trade.

Earlier this year our Conservative team, led by Minister Ed Fast, concluded negotiations on the most important free trade deal since NAFTA – the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP. It will create good Canadian jobs, grow our economy and is being supported by our allies including President Barack Obama. I believe that Canada should ratify the TPP agreement, so we can begin to reap the benefits.

With the global economy remaining unstable, ensuring that there are good jobs for Canadians is very important.

Recently the federal government gave us a fiscal update that is concerning.

In September of this year, our federal government had a surplus of $1 billion. Just a few months later, and after a change in government, they are now facing a $3 billion deficit. I urge this new administration to continue with the previous government’s goal of maintaining fiscal responsibility and ensuring that our children’s financial future is secure.

Fiscal responsibility must be a goal for all Parliamentarians, regardless of their political party.

Throughout this next session of Parliament, I look forward working with the Honourable Rona Ambrose, our new leader of the Official Opposition. I am confident that she will strike the right balance between keeping the Liberal government accountable while working with them to ensure that the needs and best interest of Canadians are being met.

You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889. You may also write my office at 8-227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, e-mail me at ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

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.

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Smart, Strategic Vision for Growing, Inclusive, Prosperous Manitoba: 2015 Throne Speech In the 2015 speech from the throne, our NDP government outlined a targeted and forwardlooking plan to invest strategically to meet the needs of Manitoba families now and into the future.

Our province is growing and we need to make sure that we plan strategically now for this growth.

Manitoba works best when we all work together and we are a province where everyone belongs. That is why our throne speech focuses on the needs of families like speeding up the rush-hour commute, improving health care, supporting families and building modern, greener cities.

The speech outlines an inclusive, forward-looking vision that

On Monday November 16, the NDP government released its 2015 Speech from the Throne. This speech usually outlines the government’s plans for the next few years. But with an election coming in April, this year’s speech has $6.6 billion in election promise spending. We all know what happened to all the promises made before the last provincial election in 2011.

1. The Premier and all the NDP candidates promised no tax increases.

“Nonsense,” the Premier said. Well, shortly after the election in the 2012 budget, the NDP increased fees and broadened what the provincial sales tax is charged on, such as home insurance and haircuts. This tax increase was one of the largest in Manitoba’s history.

2. In the NDP’s budget in 2013, Greg Selinger increased the PST from seven per cent to eight per cent - a 14 per cent increase. He did this after promising not to raise taxes.

The NDP also took away Manitobans’ right to vote on such tax increases.

3. The Premier promised that the BiPole III hydro transmission line project would not cost Manitobans one cent, though we now know from Manitoba Hydro that Manitobans will pay all of its costs. Hydro plans to at least double its rates to Manitoba customers in the next 20 years. Have you checked lately how much your hydro bill has gone up over the past four years?

The list of NDP broken promises goes on, while Manitobans pay more and get less. Manitobans shouldn’t be fooled by the NDP’s promises. This speech was not about all the things the Selinger NDP is going to do - it’s more about all the things they failed to accomplish in their 16 years in government.

Did you know it took Manitoba 137 years to reach $18 billion in debt, though it has taken Greg Selinger only eight years to double that debt?

Manitoba needs a change in government and the NDP needs a timeout. This NDP lack of common sense means bigger and bigger deficits, more and more debt and higher and higher taxes for Manitoba families.

Manitoba needs a government that is honest and transparent. On April 19, 2016, Manitobans will have a chance to make a change for the better.

As this is my last article for 2015 in the Dawson Trail Dispatch, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a Happy Holiday Season. The holidays are a time to spend with family, friends and neighbours, and to celebrate and share what we have with one another.

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.

provides Manitobans with a clear choice for the future.

Our plan focuses on the priorities and values of all Manitobans, in helping children and youth succeed, creating affordable childcare spaces for families, helping seniors, addressing poverty and more supports for victims of domestic violence, as well as protecting the environment and restoring the health of Lake Winnipeg.

Our plan rejects cuts to front-line services that some have called for and takes a progressive approach to ensuring that families can continue to prosper while making Manitoba their home.

Highlights of the speech: - Investing in an Inclusive Province and Creating Good Jobs - Protecting the Environment - Investing in Children, Youth and Communities - Investing in Even Better Healthcare Services Manitoba families face different visions for our province. Rather than policies of deep cuts and

privatization that could hurt families, this forward-looking plan is strategic and grounded in the values and priorities of Manitoba families to build the kind of prosperous future we want to see for our province over the next five years.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts. I encourage you to contact me by email ron.lemieux@yourmanitoba.ca, by phone 204-878-4644, or by mail at Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0. I invite you to follow me on Facebook (facebook.com/ronlemieuxNDP) and Twitter (@RonLemieux).

Together we can continue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward.

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Refugees, Version 2015 Canada history is completely immersed with immigration and reactions to refugees with good or bad collective intentions. We’ve behaved throughout our history and still do with raw emotions from of love and empathy for our fellow man to xenophobic rhetoric of condemnation for people who are guilty of the very basic first need of all humankind, trying to stay alive.

The examples that follow are of the good the bad and the very ugly variety, which is forever part of our history. You can choose not to read it, or check on your own volition, but it will not change a thing, it’s still ugly.

In 1885, we imposed a head tax on the Chinese starting at $5 increasing to an eventual $500 and it was finally repealed in 1948 followed by an apology in 2006.

For many years the fear of the “yellow hordes”, Asians from all countries were held at bay by well meaning government officials who verbalized their discrimination that will forever be ugly nuggets of

Steinbach RCMP Investigate Damaged Vehicles On November 15, Steinbach RCMP received several complaints regarding numerous mischief incidents that had occurred over night.

Police were advised that at least 10 vehicles parked on the road had their driver’s side mirrors damaged.

Vehicles were parked along Home Street, Hanover Street and Rosewood Drive in Steinbach.

If you have any information about these incidents, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

You can also submit a tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

embarrassment in our history.

In 1914, the ship Komagata Maru with 376 passengers from India aboard was not allowed to dock, let alone unload its passengers, in Vancouver. They sailed back to India.

In 1939, the German Steam Ship the St. Louis with 937 Jewish refugees on board was not allowed to debark in Cuba, USA or Canada.

They returned to Europe and divided among many countries. All those distributed on the continent were eventually hunted by the Nazi and their sympathizers and, more often than not, with extremely drastic results. Hitler had allowed the ship to leave Germany so as to gauge the worlds reaction towards is ultimate goal of a final solution.

The reality is we failed, our prejudices of then is our legacy off all our tomorrows, that of haunting shame.

During WWI and WWII, we interned thousands of “enemy aliens” (Japanese, Germans, Turks, and Italians), who worked for slave

wages and never to my knowledge committed any treasonous acts. Yet Banff National Park is part of that legacy quasi slave labour.

In 1957, Hungary revolted against the USSR. They, the Hungarians, were crushed but multitudes became refugees. We took in 37,000. Toronto was never the same again, thank God for small mercies.

In 1968, Czechoslovakia rebelled against the USSR same results as above except less made it out as their countries did not touch a free country or society but still with great difficulties 11,000 made to Canada.

These two above examples were of a people rebelling against totalitarian communism.

But the next example is an ironic twist of history. In 1973, the government of the Chilean President Allende was over thrown by General Pinochet.

1,188 Chilean refugees made it to Canada after lengthy security

refugees.

In 1972, President for life of Uganda (Idi Amin) deported all of the Asian descent population, 7,000 came to Canada. All were highly trained, many were professionals.

The above historical facts only constitute a small example of our occasions at playing host, opportunities to shine as a people and write a proud history, but, xenophobia and prejudices has marked much of our history in our last century. All the excuses of why we shouldn’t help have been repeated over and over again and screening. We were still under the debunked by history over and impression and influence of the US over again. Yet the Canadian Government whereas the socialism mosaic is quiet the envy of all who was the same as communism; know of us - go figure. I suspect therefore, paranoia ruled our it’s because refugees are very governmental response.

Perhaps our Parliamentarians need forgiving or staying alive is a full time job. the overview of our security The world is again experiencing a institutes such as CSIS and the refugee disaster of proportions not RCMP after all. We wouldn’t want seen since WWII. History will them to acquire too many cases of treat us a lot better if we give this secret bad knee jerk reaction. Their new wave of refugees the best actions will be part of our legacy, possible effort, perhaps even make let’s go for “proud”.

In 1968, Nigeria had a civil war. The our children and grandchildren Biafrans lost, many were allowed to proud of our history, and help to maintain the spirit of Christmas for extend their stay in Canada, and the present. they officially were not considered

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Landmark Man Looks to Germany for Cancer Cure

By Marianne Curtis After a two-year battle with gallbladder cancer, a Landmark man is hoping a trip to a clinic in Germany could save his life or at least give him more time with his wife and young sons.

On October 2013, Paul Giesbrecht’s life changed after he suffered a gall bladder attack, which led to surgery and its removal. After surgery, he was called back and was informed a tumour was found. He is only 27.

A month later, a second surgery removed 40% of his liver, lymph nodes and duodenum. It was discovered the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and Paul went through 6 months of chemo; followed by an intense radiation at the beginning of this year, both were unsuccessful.

“He went for another surgery in October to relieve some digestive problems he’s having because of the cancer. It was helpful, but not life giving,” explained his wife Samantha. “As things stand right now, after both chemotherapy and radiation, Paul’s cancer still remains, and the medical team that has been in charge of his treatment and care has shifted their focus from a plan of action in order to cure his disease to one of simply managing his symptoms and offering pain relief as best they can.”

The family has been told the cancer will begin to grow again and at this point, there is nothing else that can be done other than to provide pain management until the end. Unwilling to accept defeat, Samantha found a clinic called Infusio Clinic in Frankfurt, Germany that is their best hope to not only treat his symptoms but also cure him.

“The Infusio Clinic is the only clinic like it in the world, and we believe without a doubt that the specific treatment offered there has the ability to heal Paul,” Samantha continued. “This trip to Germany is our last hope. There is nothing else the Canadian medical system can do for him. I’m just not okay with that. He has so much life left in him.”

While the Infusio Clinic will take care of all of Paul’s accommodations and his treatments once he is there, many of the expenses will need to be met through the families own resources. Funds are needed for transportation to and from Germany for Paul and his mother,

Twenty-nine year old Paul Giesbrecht from Landmark is hoping that a trip to a clinic in Germany will cure his cancer and give him a few more years with his wife Samantha and their sons Zander, and Jude.

Sylvia, who will be accompanying him.

“As much as I would love to travel with Paul, we agreed that with all our boys have been through and the number of times that it has been necessary for us to be away from them, that it would be in their best interest if I stayed back and cared for them while Sylvia travelled with Paul,” explained Samantha.

The cost of one month’s treatment comes at a cost beginning at about $28,000 USD (or approximately $37,400 CAD). This covers accommodations for his stay and approximately 4-5 hours per day, 5 days a week, of treatment. This also includes any transportation necessary for his treatment. However, funds are needed for food and transportation during their stay.

“Needless to say, because we have been on this journey for an extended period of time, coming up on just over 2 years since his initial diagnosis, we do not, on our own, have the financial means to meet all of these needs,” said Samantha. “In spite of all that we have been through, we have been blessed in so many ways and consider ourselves blessed beyond words.”

The couple hopes to raise the funds need for this trip by the end of December. Donations can be made directly to the Giesbrechts by cheque to Paul Giesbrecht, PO Box 200, Landmark MB R0A0X0 or youcaring.com; search for Paul Giesbrecht. Donations can be made electronically via credit/debit card or paypal by emailing paul_giesbrecht@yahoo.com.

Looking for Owner of Recovered Car Keys Steinbach RCMP are attempting to locate the owner of a set of Kia car keys that were recovered as part of a break and enter investigation.

Police say that there are two keys on the chain, as well as a key fob.

If you have any information in regards to this incident you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

You can also submit a tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

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Baseball Manitoba Honours Volunteer and Carillon Minor Ball

By Marianne Curtis A La Broquerie volunteer was forced to wear two hats recently when he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Baseball Manitoba and then returned to the podium to claim the Region of the Year Award on behalf of the Carillon Minor Baseball Association.

On November 14, Baseball Manitoba recognized Louis Cote as Volunteer of the Year. For the past nine years, he has been President of La Broquerie Minor Baseball and President of Carillon Minor for four years.

With La Broquerie Minor, Cote has worked diligently to improve the facilities and fields which this year included new dugouts, base pads and fencing. By accessing grants, he has improved not only the baseball infrastructure, but the hockey facilities as well.

He was recognized as being passionate and professional in everything

he does. His goal is to get children to play, and keep them playing, and anyone who wants to play will not be denied the opportunity, according to his nominator.

Cote also coached Mosquito and Bantam AAA baseball this summer along with a High school team. He will be an assistant coach for the 2016 Eastman team in the Manitoba Summer Games.

As Carillon President, Cote has been able to get the league, and all the community run associations to buy into what he believes is best for the kids. He always makes sure that participants involved enjoy the game, players, coaches, fans and umpires.

Cote was able to take home a second award that night after The Carillon Minor Baseball Association won region for the year for the Louis Cote (right) accepts the Volunteer of the Year Award. second consecutive year.

“The committee felt that due to the growth of registration numbers, the willingness to try new initiatives, and the role the CMBA plays in the development of baseball in our region and the province that the association deserved the award for the second year in a row,” explained Cote. “This is only the second time in the history of the award that a region has won in back to back years.”

The criteria for Region of the Year includes, but is not limited to participation numbers, hosting of coaches and umpire clinics, participation in grassroots programs such as the Grand Slam Jamboree, My First Pitch and RBI, both programs created by Cote, participation in elite programs such as the Youth Selects, Western Canada Games, and the performance of club and elite teams on the provincial, western and national stages.

Proposed Francophone Bill Applauded Locally

By Marianne Curtis Alex Grenier and Louis Cote accept the Region of the Year award from Baseball Manitoba President Tony Siemens.

The province has introduced a proposed new bill designed to provide a framework to enhance the vitality of Manitoba’s francophone community, and to support and assist its development.

The new bill, called the Francophone Community Enhancement and Support Act, is expected to establish a Francophone Affairs Advisory Council that could advise and make recommendations to the minister responsible for francophone affairs.

It will also modernize the mandate of the Francophone Affairs Secretariat, require departments and certain public bodies to prepare a multi-year strategic plan relating to the provision of French-language services and require the tabling of an annual report on the work of the secretariat, the advisory council and the province’s bilingual service centres, as well as the progress made by public bodies to implement French-language services plans.

Local officials said this legislation corresponds to the Francophone communities wishes that government services in both official languages improve the vitality of their communities, while noting room for improvement.

“This would be fantastic if it actually passes,” stated Mona Fallis, St. Pierre-Jolys’ Mayor. “Support for Francophone communities would enhance the bilingual services offered to the French population of Manitoba.”

This legislation will allow francophone and francophiles alike not only to use these services, but also to offer them, thanks to education in French schools and immersion programs.

Superintendant of Commission scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM), Bernard Lesage says this bill is important for students. “It is a great pleasure for us to see the Government introduce the Francophone Community Enhancement and Support Act,” said Lesage. “It is a gesture that is important for our school communities, as well as for our students. For them, it demonstrates that French is not only a learning language, but also a language that is spoken outside of school. We hope the proposed new bill will be adopted unanimously.”

The French presence in Manitoba goes back to the founding of the province. Louis Riel ensured the Manitoba Act 1870 guaranteed French to be an official language of the courts and the legislature. For more than 25 years, the Manitoba government has provided services in French to Manitobans.

According to the 2011 census, 103,145 Manitobans had knowledge of French and English, and 41,370 Manitobans declared French as their first language. In 2014-15, 5,240 students were registered in French schools and 22,725 were registered in French-immersion programs.

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Operation Red Nose Hits the Streets

By Marianne Curtis On November 27, Operation Red Nose Steinbach/La Broquerie rolled onto the streets for its third season.

Operation Red Nose became available to people in the Steinbach and La Broquerie areas two years ago. The program was organized and operated by the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) from Ecole St-Joachim, in La Broquerie as a school fundraiser. The group then partnered with the communities including the City of Steinbach, RM of La Broquerie and Steinbach RCMP to ensure its success.

Ecole St-Joachim PAC Spokesperson Mariette Kirouac said that volunteers have lined up and the group is ready for a busy year.

“Imagine that! It’s only our third year, and just before our first night of operation, we’d already filled up eight of our nine nights,” stated Kirouac.

“This year we are making it even easier for you to get a safe ride home, just download the free Operation Red Nose app and get automatically connected to us on our nights of service as well as other useful tools.”

The mission of Operation Red Nose is to encourage responsible behaviour (in a non-judgmental manner) with regard to impaired driving by enabling communities to provide a free and confidential chauffeur service, the financial benefits of which are redistributed to local organizations dedicated to youth.

Operation Red Nose is a community-based volunteer program offering holiday party-goers a safe ride home during the holidays. The service is not exclusive to motorists who have been drinking; it is also available for those who don’t feel fit to drive because of fatigue or medication, for example.

The service is free, but donations are highly encouraged. If individuals, groups of friend or workplace would like to volunteer, call at 204-371-1018 or email jnadeauwilson@gmail.com.

Starting November 27 and 28, from 9 pm - 3 am, call Operation Red Nose at 204-424-9555 for a safe ride home for you, and your vehicle, home if you live in the La Broquerie, Steinbach and surrounding communities. Rides can be pre booked for any Friday or Saturday in December, including New Year’s Eve.

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Traffic Lights Go On at Highway 311 and 59 Intersection

By Marianne Curtis The safety of drivers tat the intersection of Highway 311 and Highway 59 is expected to improve now that Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation have turned on the traffic lights at the corner, east of Niverville.

On November 26, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation flipped the switch on the long awaited traffic lights at the intersection with a cost of about $375,000.

Because of numerous requests from The Town of Niverville Council and public outcry, the delayed installation of traffic lights became a reality instead. After several traffic accidents, Council forwarded their concerns to the province, but nothing was done. Finally, last winter, a rally of local residents took place at the intersection, which brought media attention to the situation and Manitoba Highways and Infrastructure began investigating the matter further.

Niverville resident Barry Piasta was one of the organizers of that rally. “The operation of the traffic lights and the intersection is now much more visible from all directions,” Piasta praised. “Will this eliminate all the accidents? Of course not, as what it all boils down to is people make mistakes, they speed, they direct their attention away from driving with the utmost care. Or just simply make mistakes.”

After detouring for the past month during construction, Elmer Hiebert was pleased to finally take his school bus through the busy intersection.

First German Christmas Market to Take Place in Steinbach

By Mariane Curtis

With the Christmas season upon us, shoppers are looking for alternatives to heading out to the mall. A number of community craft and trade shows have been bringing crafters and artisans out with offerings of a more old fashioned Christmas.

Peter De Jong, President of Canadian Gold Beverages is bringing home a piece of his homeland to the region by hosting the First Annual German Christmas Market. The one day event which is is taking place on December 19 is expected to be a Christmas festival combined with traditional market.

Incidentally, that date is the Feast of St. Nicholas (Father Christmas) according to the Gregorian Calendar, which is celebrated by most Ukrainians in the region.

“Normally you would see something like this, lining the streets in Germany,” De Jong explained. “Vendors line the streets, there is live music, games for the kids, and other activities; it is a big event in Germany.”

Germany’s Christmas markets are world famous and offer traditional delights for the senses, aromas of spiced mulled wine, gingerbread and sausage fill the air as you wander through the finger-tingling cold streets, soaking up the festive atmosphere. From food and drink to hand crafted toys, tree decorations, candles and lambskin shoes, the stalls in German On November 26, the new set of traffic lights was turned on at the intersection of Highway 311 and Highway 59, east of Niverville to improve the safety of a dangerous intersection.

Christmas markets offer something for everyone.

“We are trying to recreate this atmosphere, while doing something that Photo by Marianne Curtis will help someone else,” De Jong continued. “We are hosting the event at our cost, to help someone else. All money raised through the silent auction this event will go towards the Thakkar family. In coming years, we will “I went through it this morning with my for help someone else.”

The first ever German Christmas Market is taking place at the Mennonite school bus; I wanted to go and time it Heritage Museum from 10 am - 4 pm. There is no charge to be a vendor, and to be on time for my first pick up.” it is free to attend. The event is open to all ages, and activities include a sleigh ride with Santa, children’s activities, food and tables full of locally cooked or crafted Christmas items. place, but not to the extent originally “I went through it this morning with my school bus; I wanted to go promised about a decade ago. The and time it to be on time for my first province is now looking at the pick up,” Hiebert explained. “It project in two phases with phase 1 turned green when I got close, two consisting of twinning the highway cars in front of me. We all went from Ile des Chenes to the 311; and through and now I was a minute phase 2 would see the project early for my first pick up... It will continue to Highway 52.

Since Highway 59 was twinned work out just wonderful.”

While the busy intersection is from Winnipeg to just south of Ile expected to become safer, there is des Chenes, the area has seen a still the question about twinning significant decrease in highway traffic accidents. highway #59.

The highway south of the According to Dawson Trail MLA Ron Lemiuex, the province has Highway 210 junction remains one decided that some twinning will take of the province’s most dangerous stretches of road.

Missing Man Could be in Whiteshell Area

Travellers and residents living along Highway #1 between Winnipeg and the Ontario border are being encouraged to keep their eyes open for a missing Winnipeg man, after his family reported he has an attachment to the area.

The family of Reid Bricker, a Winnipeg man missing since October 24, has followed up on tips from sightings at Deacon’s Corner near Highway 1 east all the way to Fort Frances. So far, none of the reported sightings have checked out.

Bricker was discharged from Health Sciences Centre in the middle of the night on October 24 after he was admitted following a suicide attempt. He hasn’t been seen since.? His mother, Bonnie said he has an attachment to the Whiteshell area where he grew up camping and hiking in but there is no solid proof he’s left the city.

“We’re quite certain that he’s not still alive, and we need closure on this, and the way to do that is to be able to find his body,” said Bricker’s mom, Bonnie. “Thirty days later he hasn’t got winter clothes on; he has no money, no identification, no phone. And he did leave us a suicide note and a last will and testament… so we’re not hopeful at this point.”

The family has little information about where Bricker might have gone, other than a tip from one woman who saw him hitchhiking on the TransCanada Highway on October 25. He was last reported spotted at Deacon’s Corner.

“We’re hoping that whoever gave him a ride will contact us, let us know where they picked him up, where they dropped him off, and what time it was, because the police don’t even have a launching off point,” she added.

The family is now offering a $2,000 reward to anyone who provides tips that lead to finding Bricker.

11

Resource Centre Gets “Giving” Number

Anyone looking to support the Steinbach Family Resource Centre can do so with a simple text message now that the non-profit organization has its own giving number.

Vicki Olatundun, Executive Director for Steinbach Family Resource Centre, formerly known as Anna’s House said that donations have been down this year so they looked into more creative ways to raise money.

“This is a way of getting new donations; our core donors support other organizations as well, such as Helping Hands and Agape House; there are so many worthwhile organizations in the area vying for funding so we are making it easier for our supporters,” Olatundun explained. “People are busy; they don’t have time to mail a cheque or to drop by. When we came across this opportunity, we thought we’d give it a try.”

To send financial support to the Steinbach Family Resource Centre, contributors can now donate now by texting 20222 with “support families”. A few clicks later and donations of any amount are sent to the organization.

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The True Meaning Behind it All What is a good reason to rejoice at Christmas time? There are family gatherings, Christmas parties and Christmas dinners, with all the trimmings. There are pretty decorations, the Christmas tree with all the presents. There are all the Christmas songs and neighbourly good wishes. There are Christmas programs and special plays at church and elsewhere. These are all good and part of the Christmas season, but isn’t there more to Christmas?

I like the Christmas season because it reminds me again how our God relates to humanity. Philippians 2 says, “God humbled Himself and made Himself of no reputation. He took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ (God in the flesh), was born of a virgin and she laid Him in a manger stall in an animal shed. Luke 2:52 says, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” That means Christ grew from a baby to adulthood in four areas, mentally, physically, spiritually and socially.

As Christ matured, He learned how to cope with all the infirmities of man.

He got weary and tired. He got hungry when He hadn’t eaten for a while.

He had emotions of anger but also of compassion. Scripture says Christ was tempted in all points just like the rest of humanity. Being God in the flesh, Christ was able to resist temptation and He never sinned. Because He never sinned, He became the perfect sin sacrifice for all men.

You see, when Christ was born that first Christmas, He was born to die for you and I. When He died at Calvary and his lifeblood flowed down that cross, it was for your benefit and mine. If a person will admit they are a guilty sinner before God Almighty and apply the blood of Christ in faith to their sin, then God will forgive him/her, wash all their sin away, and give them new life in Christ.

If you, the reader, could know for sure all your sins were completely forgiven and you were God’s child and heaven was your future home, and God was with you to help and encourage you from now until eternity, wouldn’t that give you reason to rejoice this Christmas? I John 5:13 says, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life …”

Do you have that assurance today? If not, call a pastor, a friend or spiritual advisor. Don’t rest until you know you have that eternal life that Baby Jesus came to provide. Then you can truly rejoice with 1,000s of others who have also found the real meaning of Christmas. God Bless.

Goertzen Wants Community Safety Office Program Steinbach MLA and Progressive Conservative Justice Critic, Kelvin Goertzen, has asked that the province open up the Community Safety Officer (CSO) program currently piloted by Thompson to municipalities like Steinbach and Hanover so they can apply for the program if they desire.

Goertzen said many municipalities are struggling to provide adequate law enforcement services either because of the large physical area of some municipalities or because of the cost of policing growing populations.

“The Community Safety Officer program provides some flexibility for municipalities to hire individuals who are not RCMP but who can enforce by-law issues and some provincial laws,” Goertzen explained. “Like cadets with the Winnipeg Police Service, they would allow rural police forces to concentrate more time on investigating crime and preventative policing.”

Currently, the Community Safety Officer program is only operating in Thompson as a provincial pilot project.

“We know that with growing communities comes many positive things but it also brings challenges. One of those can be increased illegal drugs, for example, and police need the time to investigate those issues,” Goertzen continued. “Having options like Community Safety Officers (CSO’s) can be beneficial financially while allowing police officers to focus on preventing crime and not just reacting to it.”

Goertzen gave the committee the example of someone who RCMP take into care under the Mental Health Act and are sometimes required to wait hours with before that individual can be discharged to medical professionals or in the proper facility. Locally, Steinbach councillors have raised this as an issue of concern with Goertzen because it ties up police resources for long periods.

Minister of Justice Gord Mackintosh acknowledged this is a significant concern and indicated that CSO’s could be used in this situation and that other alternatives are also being looked at to try to better use police resources in this circumstance. He committed to meeting with municipalities, including Steinbach, in the weeks ahead to discuss the expansion of the program areas that have an interest.

Goertzen hopes that the option to hire CSO’s can be done quickly for communities that demonstrate a need and an interest.

13

Piney Council Funds Recreation Programs

By Marianne Curtis In preparation for the upcoming budget year, the RM of Piney Council recently sat down and reviewed a number of recreation grant applications submitted by groups and organizations in the municipality.

In one meeting, Council decided which local organizations would receive a portion of funding, instead of entertaining grant requests throughout the year. Once again, the municipality has agreed to support community recreation groups with grants totaling $52,500.

Each of the municipality’s three recreation districts will get $17,500 to share among various organizations with that district.

In District 1, the money will be split between Middlebro Parks and Recreation ($4,000), South Junction Community Club ($2,500), Sprague

& Area Community Arena ($5,000), Sprague Chamber of Commerce ($3,700), and Sprague Evergreen Senior Club ($2,300).

Grants in District 2 are going to the Vassar Community Recreation Centre ($1,977), Badger Community Association ($700), Piney Community Centre ($7,500), Piney Over 40 Club ($3,727), and the Vassar and Area Minor Baseball Assoc. ($3,596).

In District 3, funds will be used for the Carrick Community Club Canteen ($7,810), St. Labre 200 Inc. ($6,290) and St. Labre Community Centre for ($3,400).

The RM of Piney also approved a separate grant of $10,000 to the Piney Community Centre and three Cultural and Community Identity grants for the Pine Grove Seniors, St. Labre Community Centre and Sprague & District Historical Museum.

The community organizations’ grant funding approved by Council will be distributed in 2016.

Tourism Boosted in Piney The RM of Piney is one of nineteen communities across Manitoba that will receive funding through the province’s Partner 4 Growth grants.

Partner 4 Growth provides funding to strengthen or diversify regional economic development in Manitoba communities.

The first intake will see 14 grants of up to $8,000 each to help communities identify regional development projects and undertake feasibility studies. The RM of Piney made the list by getting $8,000 for the development of a regional tourism strategy.

To be eligible, projects had to be regionally focused and involve more than one local government. These grants are cost-shared with the community, with government funding not to exceed 50 percent of total project costs.

Chris Goertzen, President, Association of Manitoba Municipalities said this program helps communities move important forward.

“Municipalities across the province know first-hand what kinds of projects will benefit the places they live, work and raise families,” said Goertzen. “Combining funds raised locally with grants through Partner 4 Growth ensures these important projects keep moving forward.”

In its third year, Partner 4 Growth has distributed $390,000 in funding for 47 projects in Manitoba communities.

Purse Stolen at Clearspring Centre On November 25, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a theft that occurred at Clearspring Centre in Steinbach.

According to Police, a Clearspring Centre employee had their purse stolen sometime between the hours of 6:30 and 8:30 am.

If you have any information in regards to this incident you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

You can also submit a tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

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Sharing Our Stories…

Stay Active in Winter As evenings are getting darker much earlier and with the thought of colder months looming around the corner … people may start making excuses to not go outside and be active. But fresh air is good care! Exercising in the winter is necessary for good health. Not being consistently active is harmful, as muscles become weak and/or tight during periods of inactivity.

People who exercise regularly reduce their risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Tips to embrace winter activity: - It’s important to make sure you are safe. Wear layers, use reflectors, ensure good footing and don’t forget the sunscreen!

- Learn something new like snowshoeing or skiing. It is great cross training and offers the added benefit of having fun and making new friends.

- Think of a game plan when your schedule or the weather does not permit for outside activity. Mall walking, indoor classes and gyms, swimming or home videos are a few options.

With a little planning and creativity, anyone can step up to the challenges of winter exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Feedmill Goes Up in RM of Hanover Over the past few months, the new Randolph Feedmill has been going up in the RM of Hanover.

Denis Vielfaure of HyLife said that due to growth, there is not enough milling capacity to maintain their current facilities. “We are reinvesting into milling capacity as there is not enough,” said Vielfaure.

The location was chosen based on the site being a central location for farmers and for incoming grain. It is also located central to all of Hylife’s barns.

The Randolph Mill will be a 12,800 square foot, state of the art facility, with advanced equipment and control systems.

The new mill will operate 24 hours a day, 5 days a week and produce 250,000 tonnes of feed pellets a year, which works out to be about 962 tonne of feed a day.

Once it is complete, it is expected to provide employment for 42 people and bring in $70,000 in tax revenue to the RM of Hanover.

Hylife expects the Randoph Feedmill to be in operation by September 2016.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

15

Illegal Cigarette Use High in Steinbach

By Marianne Curtis A recent study has revealed that the City of Steinbach has a taste for cheap tobacco. A study released November 17, by the Western Convenience Store Association shows high rates of illegal tobacco in communities across Manitoba, including Steinbach.

The Western Convenience Stores Association commissioned the contraband tobacco study and examined discarded cigarette butts at 30 sites throughout Manitoba to determine if illegal (contraband) cigarettes were being purchased and smoked. Samples were gathered between September 20 and October 5, 2015.

The survey found illegal tobacco usage rates as high as 34% at some locations. The average rate of illegal tobacco use at sites tested across Manitoba was 12.7%.

Elmwood High School in Winnipeg had the highest illegal tobacco usage rate at 34%; the Brandon Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 3) came in second at 21.3% and Steinbach City Hall ranked third at 21%. The City of Steinbach had the highest average in the province with a rate of 15.7% at the six sites tested.

Andrew Klukas, President of the Western Convenience Stores Association (WCSA) said the availability of illegal tobacco is clearly a problem in Manitoba.

“Contraband tobacco is being used in schools and communities across the province,” Klukas stated.

He further explained that contraband tobacco is sold without mandated health warnings on packages and without age-verification checks.

According to the RCMP, illegal tobacco is also linked with organized crime, thereby impacting local safety.

Non-Competitive Hockey Program Starts in Steinbach This winter, the City of Steinbach will be offering a new youth recreational hockey program.

According to Jason Peters, Recreation Programmer, the youth program is for boys and girls between the ages of 7-14.

It is expected to provide an opportunity for children to participate in a non-competitive hockey environment. This program is designed specifically for children not participating in another hockey program, association or league.

Ice sessions will be held Friday evenings at the Smith Arena (T.G. Smith Centre) starting on December 4 and runs until the end of February.

The hour-long sessions, starting at 5:45 pm will include skill development and scrimmage.

The cost for the program is $100 and full equipment for all participants is required.

Anyone interested in signing up their children can do so by submitting a completed program registration form at steinbach.ca or contact Jason Peters, Recreation Programmer at 204-3466217, jpeters@steinbach.ca.

Klukas added that compared to the other western Canadian provinces, Manitoba’s rate of illegal tobacco near high schools is troubling. Manitoba schools consistently rank higher than their western counterparts do and there is no Manitoba school in the bottom 10 of all 44 schools surveyed.

The WCSA is a not-for-profit trade association that represents the interests of over 850 Manitoba convenience store retailers and gas stations. Its mission is to foster the success of the convenience store industry in western Canada by representing the best interests of its members and the communities they serve.

Call Me Bond, Peter Bond For the past while, my family and I have been getting together quite regularly with some friends of ours to watch Amazing Race and to cheer on our teams.

Having drawn the team names out of a hat for fairness sake, we each have a team that we cheer for and hope to see make it to the finish line. Of course, sometimes, there is a team that a person gets that just rubs a person the wrong way and you end up wishing that your team got eliminated. This season there is one such team that is always arguing and not listening to each other, how they made it this far is hard to figure out.

One thing that we have started is that when the episode ends we grab some snacks and throw in a James Bond movie; my buddy has the entire collection. Since there is something like 23 movies in total this will be taking us a great long time but I’ve found that when you have good friends to share it with, anything that takes a long time is always made better.

Starting at the beginning we started with the movie ‘Dr. No’, then went onto ‘From Russia with Love’ and most recently, we viewed ‘Goldfinger’. Next time it will be ‘Thunderball’.

It is quite interesting to watch movies that were made before I was born. Some of the camera work is not as smooth as nowadays, such as when filming from a plane you can see the movie moving with the motion of the plane. Some of the spoken lines are a bit corny, the driving scenes with the fake backgrounds are somewhat silly and Sean Connery has the hairiest legs I’ve ever seen on an actor. Despite all these “issues”, I find it very enjoyable to watch as each new movie is better thought out and the action is more ramped up.

I have to admit that I’m well on my way to becoming a Bond fan. I find myself excitedly waiting for the next chance to watch another movie. I often have pieces of the theme songs drifting through my mind and when faced with an unexpected situation I ask myself, “What would Bond do?”

When next you see me, feel free to call me Bond, Peter Bond.

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

16

Hampers Spread Holiday Cheer

By Marianne Curtis Almost every town or Rural Municipality is doing what they can to help provide for less fortunate families with the basic needs so children will not go hungry or without gifts this holiday season.

In response to the growing need to make Christmas special for everyone, several organizations throughout the region are devoting their efforts to make Christmas special for everyone. Donations of all kinds including food, toys and gifts for children from newborn to seventeen are still needed by all these organizations.

Monetary donations are always needed.

There is also a need for volunteers to assist each community organization with sorting, packing and delivery.

2015 Year End Tax Tips At Ste. Anne Tax Service, we are thinking about taxes all the time. Here are some tips from all of the team you need to remember as we approach the end of the year.

Darlene: Remember the new Manitoba Senior’s School Tax Rebate. This is the second year and it’s been increased up to $470. You do need to apply each year (it’s not automatic like the $700 education credit we all get). Also, included this year are those on leased land (Paradise Village residents). The deadline to apply is March 31, 2016.

Ruth: When it comes to medical expenses, there is so much to remember. First, keep your 2015 calendar if that’s where you record all your doctor appointments. We may need it to claim all trips you made that were more than 40 km to see a health care professional that is not available any closer.

Regarding prescriptions, we recommend you go to your pharmacy in January and ask for a detailed print out for the entire 2015 calendar year. Easier than keeping all those little receipts!

Remember all medical expenses: premiums for health plans you pay yourself through work, or pension, or directly; dental; chiropractor; eye exams and glasses; travel health insurance premiums; portion of rent if you are in senior assisted living or supportive housing; laser eye surgery; and any expenses that you pay out of pocket that is not covered by a plan.

Erik: Students need to get their T2202 Tuition receipt (normally on line from University or College). Any unused tuition and education credits can be transferred to a parent, grandparent, spouse, or carry them forward and claim in a future year. Remember once you graduate and continue to pay taxes in Manitoba, you can claim the Manitoba Tuition Fee Income Tax Rebate. And remember to claim your Student Loan Interest as a credit.

Cheryl: For small businesses and those that are self employed: read your vehicle odometer on December 31 and hope you did on January 1 so you know how many km you drove to compare to your log of business related trips. Maybe stock up on some supplies so you can claim in 2015 and maybe your capital purchases, too. Start organizing your receipts by category if you haven’t yet. It will be much easier to do it now then next spring when you are near the filing deadline.

Anni: so many other receipts to keep: donations are usual ones; children’s activities for the fitness and arts credits (and it’s refundable this year to help lower income families); RRSPs (remember the March to December 2015 and the January and February 2016 receipts); political donations; child care; union dues and other professional fees, transit passes and receipts, tools receipts if you are a tradesperson. Keep your last pay stub of every year (forever!) in case you pay for disability premiums and can claim them as a deduction in the future if you are ever off work.

This year all families with children under 18 will have the Universal Child Care Benefit ($60 per child) to claim as income. If you do not get the receipt, we can get it for you.

The December 31 deadline is important for making charitable donations, incurring medical expenses, contributing to spousal RRSPs (if you are close to retirement), and RRSP withdrawals if you are in a low tax bracket.

Also, December 31, 2015 is the final deadline for making any changes to your 2005 taxes. Why would you? Maybe you should have qualified for the Disability Tax Credit back then? Or maybe you incurred some capital losses that were not claimed? We need to get that adjusted now. December 31, 2015 is also the deadline to claim the Manitoba Primary Caregiver Tax Credit for 2012 (we can only go back three years).

To make it easier for you, we can now access our client’s files at Canada Revenue Agency (with your written authorization); so if you are missing any Tax Slips (T4, CPP, OAS, EI, T4A, UCCB), we may be able to retrieve them so you don’t have to go hunting or making phone calls.

If you haven’t gone south yet and need Snowbird Mail Service, give us a call and arrange pick up of your mail while you are gone.

Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten, Glaedelig Jul from the Ste. Anne Tax Service team, Anni, Ruth, Cheryl, Darlene & Erik.

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

The Dawson Trail Dispatch has compiled a list of organizations that are providing Christmas Hampers this year in various areas. Anyone needing a hamper or knowing someone in need is encouraged to contact any of these organizations.

Grunthal Area Grunthal Caring Hands Food Bank is taking care of the hampers for the area.

Contact 204-371-1394.

Lorette and Landmark Area For residents of the Rural Municipality of Tache, the deadline to register for a Christmas Hamper is December 16.

Contact Irene Bialek at 204-878-3562 or Iris Swiderski at 204-878-3552.

Niverville Area Offers assistance to those in need from communities including Niverville, New Bothwell, Otterburne, St. Adolphe, Ste. Agathe, St. Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo.

Contact 204-388-4166.

St. Adolphe and Iles des Chenes Area The RM of Ritchot collects the names for people wanting a hamper while the food bank in the Iles des Chenes and the Salvation Army take care of the collections and delivery. Contact RM office at 204-883-2293.

St. Pierre-Jolys Area St. Pierre-Jolys, St. Malo, Otterburne, Dufrost, and surrounding areas. Donations can be dropped off at the Village Connection, in St. Pierre-Jolys until December 15.

Hampers will be delivered December 18.

Contact Maureen at 204-433-7092 or Carmelle at 204-347-5685.

Ste. Anne Area Knights of Columbus in Ste. Anne provide hampers for families within the RM of Ste. Anne. Contact the parish at 204-422-8823.

Steinbach Area SouthEast Helping Hands in Steinbach delivers hampers to Steinbach, Blumenort, Mitchell and La Broquerie. Pickups can be made for people from Zhoda, Woodridge, Sandilands, St. Labre, or Marchand.

Registration is now closed but emergency hampers may still be added. Contact 204-3262599.

Vita Area For the Vita area, contact the RM of Stuartburn office at 204-425-3218.

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Students Spend Night Outdoors to Raise Awareness of Homelessness

By Hannah Morton

“It was amazing to see this many people giving up their Saturday to organize clothes and food and sleep outside in the cold to support the homeless.”

On October 31, high school students from Gabrielle Roy in Ile des Chênes volunteered and slept outside in the cold in support of the homeless.

Monique Guinet, Danielle Laurencelle and Jean-Philippe Bélanger Bérubé, three teachers from Gabrielle Roy along with Derek Bentley a graduate from the school organized, supervised and volunteered with the 16 students who spent their Saturday going door to door collecting food and clothing items.

Saturday night they organized bags after bags and boxes after boxes of food and clothes that the students collected during the door-to-door campaign on to raise awareness of homelessness in the province. They have given those items to two non-profit organizations, Siloam Mission, which provides shelter, meals and clothing, and Winnipeg Harvest a food distribution and training centre both based in Winnipeg.

Taking a break from organizing, Marion Willis and her husband Robert Wavey from Street Links a non-profit advocate to end homelessness and make communities safer and Judi Richichi and her husband Joe from Siloam Mission came to the school and talked to the students that night about what they do by sharing their personal experiences and some of the experiences that the homeless have lived through.

Later on, the group put on their extra sweaters and jackets, grabbed their sleeping bags and boxes and installed themselves outside in front of the school to try to sleep for a couple hours before loading the trucks and van with bags of clothes and boxes of food to bring to Siloam Mission and Winnipeg Harvest.

In previous years there were usually six other schools that participated in the awareness campaign and fundraising event. This year Gabrielle Roy was the only one. The teachers and the graduate student unanimously expressed, “It was amazing to see this many people giving up their Saturday to organize clothes and food and sleep outside in the cold to support the homeless.”

Students and volunteers at Gabrielle Roy urge everyone to help end homelessness and hunger. “Remember that every clothing item or food product is something that will keep the homeless warm or a bit less hungry which makes their life a little less unbearable.”

Donations are still needed and gratefully accepted. If you have any unwanted clothes or if you can provide foods assistance, organizers ask that you call 204-956-4344 for Siloam Mission or 204-982-3663 for Winnipeg Sixteen students along with teachers collected outerwear for Siloam Mission on Halloween night, before spending the night outdoors to Harvest. raise awareness for homelessness.

Photo by Hanna Morton

18

Lorette Branch Hosts Inter-academy Taekwondo Championships

By Lionel Bernier Master Michael Tam, head instructor of the Lorette Branch of The Kang’s Taekwondo Academy of Winnipeg, hosted the annual inter-academy taekwondo championship on Saturday October 24 at École Lorette Immersion in Lorette.

The Lorette branch previously hosted this interclub championship in 1992, 1994, 2001, and most recently in 2009. The branch began life in the fall of 1988 with Guy Jolicoeur as instructor followed by Victor Black in 1989 and Léon Desmarais in 1996. Since 2007, the branch has been under the tutelage of Master Michael Tam, 5th Dan Black Belt with instruction under Grand Master King Yeung and Great Grand Master Joo Won Kang. Of the original ten students in 1988, Aaron Bernier competed in this year’s event after a 21-year absence from the martial art.

One hundred and sixty-five members competed in the skills competition of poomse (patterns) and board breaking while many other students attended to observe, to learn, and to absorb the ambience of a taekwondo tournament. Instructors and students from thirteen academy clubs spread across Manitoba participated in the tournament including clubs from Lac Brochet, The Pas, Grandview, Dauphin, Brandon, Pine Falls, Winnipeg Headquarters, Winnipeg Downtown, North Kildonan, Transcona, Niverville, Ile des Chênes, and Lorette. The

tournament was attended by approximately 120 spectators.

Medal winners from the Lorette club for patterns (poomse) were Aaron Bernier, bronze for black belt pattern Koryo, Philipe Johnson, bronze for red belt/black stripe pattern Taegeuk 8 (pal jang), Nikolaus Wupori, bronze for yellow belt pattern Taegeuk 1 (il jang), Torianna Smith, silver for white belt basic pattern #3, and Cory Jolicoeur, bronze for white belt basic pattern #1.

For board breaking, medal winners were Nikolaus Wupori (gold), Nathan Chartier (gold), Luke Jolicoeur (silver), Ava Asprey-Prydun (silver), and Landon Handberg (bronze).

Lorette Branch members train twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 8 pm under the guidance of Master Michael Tam at the Notre Dame de Lorette Parish Hall located at 1282-A Dawson Road. Fees are nominal for this excellent form of martial art instruction and aerobic workout.

For further information, contact Master Michael Tam at 1-204-9970261 or by e-mail at kta_lorette@shaw.ca. The Kang’s Taekwondo Academy is an affiliate of the World Taekwondo Federation and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in Winnipeg next year in August 2016.

Lionel Bernier is a member of the Lorette Branch Taekwondo.

A flashback to the 1991 Lorette Taekwondo class. Lionel Bernier is back row far left, and Dawson Servicentre owner, Vic Black is back row far right. An interesting note, the young girl, third from the left in the back row is Dominique Bosshart, who went on to win the bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

She is the first Canadian woman to win a medal in taekwondo.

Construction Company Fined for Workplace Violations A Steinbach area construction owner has pled guilty to a second set of charges under the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations.

Last month, Artur Renz owner of Steinbach based Blanchard Construction Inc. pled guilty to the charge of failing to provide information, instruction and training to workers regarding the safe installation of a roof truss system and to the charge of failing to ensure the necessary fall protection system was in place.

The charges stemmed back to an incident on March 16, 2012 when a worker for the company was installing rafters with a crew on a building under construction. The rafters collapsed, trapping the worker. He sustained injuries to his right leg because of the accident.

Renz was ordered to pay $5,100 in fines and surcharges.

This is not the first time that Renz pleads guilty to charges in relation to this case.

On December 23, 2014, Renz pleaded guilty to charges of allowing workers to work on and under an unstable roof truss system, and to failing to immediately communicate or notify Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) of the serious incident involving the workers.

The company was ordered to pay $13,850 in fines and surcharges at the time.

When a workplace incident occurs, WSH investigates and can recommend prosecution if it is determined the employer did not have appropriate safeguards in place or employees had not been properly trained.

Parks Get Funding Throughout Ritchot Four community parks within the RM of Ritchot will be sharing a combined $75,000 this coming year.

The RM of Ritchot Recreation Department had budgeted $75,000 for the development of green space using funds from the Manitoba Hydro’s Community Development Initiative.

Funding will be divided between the Ecole IDC School Playground ($15,000); Garden Ridge Playground ($25,000); Lemoine Street Park ($10,000) and St. Adolphe School Playground for ($25,000).

The Manitoba Hydro’s Community Development Initiative provides annual payments to support community development projects that benefit a broad segment of the community.

Funds are determined on a per capita basis and will be distributed over a ten-year period.

Medalists and Participants at the Lorette Taekwondo Tournament Lorette Branch, Kang’s Taekwondo Interacademy Championship 2015.

Back row: Nikolaus Wupori, Aaron Bernier, Master Michael Tam (Instructor) and Elisabeth Fust. Middle row: Landon Handberg, Torianna Smith, Luke Jolicoeur and Nathan Chartier.

Front row: Tristan Krawec, Gaiden Bernier, Cory Jolicoeur, Ava Asprey-Prydun and Rya Bernier. Missing from photo: Philipe Johnson, Simon Johnson and Jack Payment.

Right: Lionel Bernier with his son Aaron members of the Lorette Branch Taekwondo.

19

Construction Moving Along on La Broquerie Rona

The new La Broquerie Rona store is expected to open in early spring.

By Marianne Curtis Rona customers looking for more variety locally will soon be able to save themselves a trip to Winnipeg once the new store opens on the west side of La Broquerie.

Farrell Rempel, the owner of the La Broquerie Rona is looking forward to the completion of their new building. The new store is located along Highway 52, west of the hotel.

Rempel said the new building is

15,000 square feet and will be able to contain more inventory.

“We won’t have all the things that the stores in Winnipeg do, but a good portion,” said Rempel. “It will also be more user friendly, for both the employees and customers.”

La Broquerie Lumber draws a majority of their clients from the communities of La Broquerie, Marchand, Richer, Woodridge, Ste. Anne, Grunthal, Mitchell and Steinbach.

“We have people coming to see

Photo by Marianne Curtis

what we have from the Winnipeg flyers, but they are unable to pick it up because we don’t currently carry them,” Rempel continued. “This gave us the incentive to build a larger building.”

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2016.

Once La Broquerie Rona relocates into their new building, the old building located on Main Street is expected to be torn down to make room for a 55-plus ground level housing units.

Like a Compass Needle Proverbs 3:5-6... 5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (AKJV) One of the oldest instruments for navigation has been the magnetic compass. It is a vital tool that allows ships to steer a given course. However, people who depend on accurate navigational instruments, soon find out that a magnetic compass needle does not always point accurately to earth’s true north. Just as the ship’s compass is affected by the iron in the ship’s hull, so my Christian walk is affected by the echo chamber of this world, trying to convince me or to confuse me into believing that faith in God is really not necessary.

There are individuals who want to create confusion in our minds and tempt us to downgrade our faith; and they can be very persuasive at times. If we listen long enough to their type of reasoning, we might be tempted to go without Jesus Christ as our guide, and His Word (the Bible) as our compass. When we invite the temptations or pursuits of this life to conflict with our pursuit of Christ, there is a real possibility we might wander aimlessly with no sense of direction, especially when life deals harshly with us.

Question: Do we want to close out 2015 on a positive note? Do we want a right relationship with God and other peoples, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense? Do we desire to be truthful and kind? The wisdom of Proverbs invites us to trust the Lord completely, never to trust our own judgment. To most Christians this would be good advice, but it is not always that easy for me. Rather than leaning on Christ for guidance, I find it so tempting to do it my way.

Have you ever found your judgment to be questionable? By that I mean, you say to yourself, “I should have known better.” Is it not true that we often by-pass the advice we could get from Scripture before we make important decisions? Well it seemed so reasonable at the time to do these assignments the way I wanted. I have given it a lot of thought, so why should it not work? But time and again, it just does not turn out the way it is supposed to. Then I do the next silly thing, I wonder why things turned out so lousy.

There are times when we are so raring to go, that we rush into things without a clear idea of what God wants us to do. Perhaps we should sit back and do what should come naturally to Christians, and that is to pray and put our trust in Christ. In everything we do, we must learn the lesson to put God first, that way He can direct and crown our hard work with success. Let us not be conceited, so sure of our own wisdom. Instead, let us learn to trust and revere Jesus Christ as our Lord. Then He will give us the renewed strength and ambition we need so that we can achieve our goals, and also the power to say no to the things that are bad for us.

Like a compass needle, which though it spins around, will always come to rest pointing north; where does our mind point when it is idle, when it is not busy? Do we really acknowledge Christ? Because if we do, Christ will show us how to differentiate right from wrong; He will give us the sense to stay away from individuals who want to lead us astray, individuals who will try and move us away from Christ, steer us away from a life that is filled with joy and peace.

As we close the year 2015, why not say to ourselves,” In the New Year, I shall pursue wisdom.” In other words, “I shall try to understand and do what is right in the sight of God; and have the common sense not to let that wisdom slip away from me.” Give it your best in 2016... You cannot give more... and leave the rest to God... all the best to one and all.

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 be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.” Amen.

20

Throwing Stones Pays Off

Congratulations to the Desaulniers Junior team, B-Side Semi-Finalists in the St. Adolphe Men’s Bonspiel. From left to right: Ryan Schwark (3rd), Ben Anderson (lead), Luc Desaulniers (skip), Thomas McGillivray (2nd).

21

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 204320-4600 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!

The Centre will be closed on Friday, December 25, Monday, December 28 and Friday, January 1, 2016.

Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: Annual Christmas Banquet: Please join us on Thursday, December 10 at 6 pm for our Annual Christmas Banquet. We will be serving a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Punch will be available at 6 pm and dinner is served at 6:30 pm. Advanced tickets are available only: $15 for members, $18 for non-members and available at Pat Porter Active Living Centre 10 Chrysler Gate. Deadline for tickets is Friday, December 4. If you cannot make it to pick up your tickets, please call to reserve, or we also accept Visa and MasterCard over the phone.

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 204-320-4600.

Birthday Celebrations: First Wednesdays of the month, December 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 1-800-661-2653 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 7 - 9 pm Drop in Pool 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 7 - 9 pm Pickleball Wednesday 10 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage 7 - 10 pm Old Time Band Practice 7 - 10 pm Drop in Pool Thursday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Whist 6 - 9 pm Pickleball 6 - 9 pm Drop in Pool 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.

Arrest Made in Roseau River Homicide On November 17, RCMP arrested an 18-year-old male in connection with the first-degree murder of a 14year-old male youth in the Roseau River First Nation.

The accused was arrested in Morden, without incident, for the March 1, 2015 murder of 14-year-old Hyde Hayden.

The teenager was found deceased on the steps of the Ginew School in the Roseau River First Nation. An autopsy was conducted, but cause if death was never released.

As the accused was 17 at the time of the offence, he cannot be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The accused was remanded into custody and will appear in Winnipeg court.

For Over 30 Years and Through the Coming Year!

From the Doctors & Staff of the

Lorette Chiropractic Centre

1334 Dawson Road, Lorette 878-3554

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Smuggled Smokes Seized in West Hawk Because of an investigation into the sale of illegal cigarettes, members of the Manitoba Finance Taxation Special Investigations Unit seized 850,000 contraband cigarettes.

On November 25, Manitoba Finance investigators stopped a Ford F350 cargo van near West Hawk Lake.

The vehicle was seized and towed to a Winnipeg location where a search was conducted. Eighty-five cases of assorted contraband cigarettes, including 2,000 cartons and 2,250 ‘baggies’ (equivalent to a carton), were found in the vehicle. In all, 850,000 cigarettes were seized and the vehicle was impounded.

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, up to six months in jail and mandatory tax penalties of $752,250.

The possession and importation of these products into Manitoba also violates provisions of the Excise Act (2001) and the Criminal Code of Canada. These offences remain under investigation and further charges are pending.

Suspects in Stolen Vehicle Theft Cause Property Damage During the early morning hours of November 13, Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of break and enter, theft of a motor vehicle, hit and run and two mischief occurrences. The incidents occurred on Penfeld Drive and Golfview Crescent in Steinbach.

Police said that suspect(s) broke into a local residence and took some vehicle keys, which were later used to steal the van at the residence. The same suspect(s) also caused mischief by painting a neighbouring vehicle.

Investigation shows that the stolen van was driven a short distance, where it hit a parked vehicle, drove across numerous lawns and then crashed into some trees that were in close proximity to another residence.

If you have any information in regards to these incidents, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit a tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

Niverville Metre Replacement Calls Not a Scam The Town of Niverville wants to assure residents that recent service calls which request access to their residences to replace residential water metres is legitimate.

According to the Town, the community’s Utilities Technician has been making calls to certain homes to arrange an appointment to service and/or replace the water metre in homes.

“This is not a scam,” stated a town representative. “If he is unable to make an appointment with you before the next utility bills are published you may be susceptible to a high estimated reading.”

Anyone who has received these calls is asked to call the technician back at 204-371-0363 or email him at utilities@whereyoubelong.ca to set up an appointment.

Flag Theft Investigated

Steinbach RCMP received a report that during the early morning hours of November 18, a group of possibly four teenagers stole two red flags from the Shell gas station on Highway 12 in Steinbach.

Police said the flags have been recovered, but RCMP is continuing to investigate the incident.

If you have any information in regards to this incident, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit a tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

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Remembrance Day Tribute Goes Viral

By Marianne Curtis The decision to leave their store shelves empty until after November 11 threw a St. Pierre-Jolys business into the international spotlight.

Last month the Dawson Trail Dispatch revealed that St. Pierre Bigway had left two strategically placed display cases empty other than a simple sign saying “Lest We Forget”. The story went viral on social media with several thousand shares. It was also picked up by news media across the country and even overseas while starting an international discussion on the commercialism of Christmas.

Aurise McFarlane, from St. Pierre Bigway, said the empty shelf concept was her idea.

“We did this out of respect for our veterans; we never expected this response,” said McFarlane.

“Once word got out people started calling, emailing and sending us their stories; the response has been incredible.”

Within days, the shelves filled up with letters, memorabilia, pictures and news articles brought by veterans and their families, who voiced gratefulness at the store’s sensitivity.

Mona Fallis, Mayor of St. Pierre-Jolys said she is proud of Bigway for taking this stand.

“Taking time to honour our military families is never too much to ask,” Fallis added. “My Uncle Donat Bruneau’s photo is on the bottom left-hand side of the display. He paid the ultimate sacrifice in Northern Italy in December 1944.”

The story brought so much attention to the community, attendance at this year’s November 11 Remembrance Day Service in St. Pierre-Jolys broke records. There was only standing room at St. PierreJolys Remembrance Day ceremony at the local hall.

Sgt. Ryan Lagasse, who was 21 years old when he

Empty shelves in honour of Remembrance Day and all veterans soon filled up with pictures and stories from all over the world once the story hit social media.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

was deployed to Afghanistan, participated in the sombre ceremony.

“Today’s showing of how many people showed up for the ceremony was a good display of how serious and important this issue really is,” said Lagasse.

The staff and owners of Bigway Foods plan on continuing this new tradition and hope that next year, more stores will follow their lead.

Hundreds of people came to St. Pierre-Jolys to participate in what became the largest Remembrance Day gathering in the history of the community.

Getting Schooled on Current Events Provencher MP Ted Falk had an opportunity to visit with students from École Communautaire Réal-Bérard in St. Pierre-Jolys mid-November to take time to discuss current events with the students.

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Richer Daycare Kids Publish Children’s Book

By Marianne Curtis This past summer, seven kids from the Richer Daycare did something other kids their age rarely do; they co-authored, illustrated and published their own children’s book. Now, Piggy’s Pies is available for purchase online and locally as a unique fundraiser for the daycare.

Richer Daycare assistant and author Casia Schreyer walked the group of children from the age of five to eleven through their first publishing adventure. From the moment they sat down and came up with the story, to drawing the accompanying artwork, the students were all in and all hands-on.

“This is something I would love to do again with them, and possibly with other daycares or schools. I think it’s a great way to engage kids in writing, art, book production and selling,” explained Schreyer. “They are engaged because it is creative; they get a finished product to be proud of, and the chance to sell the book like real authors.”

Piggy’s Pies, which was written and illustrated by Shelby, Skyler, Robyn, Neeko, Fox, Jenna and Zoey, whose last names are withheld at the request of the daycare. The cute story invites kids on a tasty adventure along with Piggy as he tries to stop the hungry wolf coming to town.

Nine years old Skyler, one of the co-authors said she loves to draw. “It was a very nice project and it was fun to experiment with our drawings and to learn about sales,” said Skyler. “We all took turns saying things and coming up with the story,” added eleven-year-old Fox. “When you see the results, it is pretty amazing.”

All seven of the children say the book is extra special within the walls of the daycare. Their own copy is well loved and has become dog-eared since it arrived at the beginning of November.

Copies of Piggy’s Pies are available through Createspace.com or by contacting Casia at casia_schreyer@outlook.com. Monies raised through sales of the book go back into activities for the children who attend the Richer Daycare.

Garbage Pickup Gets Automated in Mitchell Earlier this month, residents in Mitchell began seeing garbage bins dropped off at every residence throughout the community after the RM of Hanover decided to implement a new community garbage collection program.

In the middle of November, garbage collection bins were delivered to individual residences throughout the community. Instructions on how to use the bin are located inside, along with how to use and place your bin at the curb.

According to the RM of Hanover, Pac Man Disposal is providing tote pickup services to everyone.

The official start date for collection of the bins will be the first Wednesday in January.

“We’ve heard that some bin’s lids have frozen to the container or sometimes warped out of shape with the recent snow and thaw/freeze conditions due to the containers having been stored out in the elements,” stated a municipal spokesperson. “We ask that residents assist us to temporarily bring in totes inside garages or indoors to thaw and dry out before using them.”

Pac Man Disposal experimented with a couple locations this week and found that their automated bin pickup arm on their trucks is working very well. They ask that you keep some distance between your garbage and recycling bin to allow the arm to reach.

Anyone having issues with the program is encouraged to call 204-3264488 or email general@hanovermb.ca.

Chamber Awards to Highlight Ritchot CDC AGM The Ritchot Community Development Corporation is hosting their Annual General Meeting in Ile des Chenes on December 7.

According to Lesly Guadry with the RM of Ritchot, one of the highlights will be the election of new board members. There are currently two board positions from St. Adolphe and two board positions from Iles des Chênes area that are up for renewal, as each board position runs for two years.

The evening will also include the presentation of the very first Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Several nominations have been received and the winners of the Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Corporate Volunteer Engagement will be announced.

The board will also present the very first Youth Recreation Grant that will go towards a youth program within the municipality.

Funding for this grant was raised at various chamber events that took place throughout the year.

The event, complete with wine and cheese is taking place on at Cao di Grande in Ile des Chenes on December 3 starting at 7 pm.

To RSVP email Claire at info@ritchotchamber.ca.

Casia Schreyer, along with Shelby, Skyler, Robyn, Neeko and Fox show off the children’s book they coauthored this summer at the Richer Day Care Centre. Jenna and Zoey are missing.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

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St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber Hands Out Hardware

By Marianne Curtis When the St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General meeting at the end of November, several business owners were honoured.

On November 13, the St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber of Commerce, along with Frog Follies and Recreation Centre hosted a joint general meeting at the Cabane Sucre, in St. Pierre-Jolys. As part of the evening, the chamber handed out several awards to both growing businesses and those who have retired.

This year’s St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber Business Improvement Award went to Jacques Tessier, T&H Manufacturing and the New Business Award was presented to Todd and Carrie Dennis from North Strong Fitness. Kathy Baldwin from St-Pierre Pharmacy received the Customer Service Excellence Award.

In addition, three business owners who recently retired were honoured by the Chamber. Pierre and Pauline Gagné, from St. Pierre Bakery; Raymond and Nicole Lavergne, founders of Gite de Forest Bed and Breakfast; and Elaine and Donat Mellor from St. Pierre Car Wash and Le Bébé Rouge.

The St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Excellence award went to Kathy Baldwin from StPierre Pharmacy.

Todd and Carrie Dennis, from North Strong Fitness accepts the Best New Business Award.

Trafficker Wanted A former Steinbach area resident is being sought by RCMP for trafficking Fentanyl. Dean Wallace Barker, a 48 year-old from Winnipeg, has been charged with trafficking, exportation and possession of Fentanyl.

A warrant has been issued for Barker’s arrest. He is described as approximately 5’6" and 110 lbs.

An RCMP operation dubbed Project Dissipate was initiated in early 2014 and targeted cross border Fentanyl trafficking between Winnipeg and the United States.

Fentanyl is a highly potent and addictive synthetic opioid analgesic that is estimated to be up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Fentanyl poses a high risk when consumed for non-medicinal purposes and has been linked to several fatal overdoses across Canada.

The investigation culminated on November 13 with the execution of two separate search warrants in Winnipeg. During the course of the investigation, approximately 6 ounces of Fentanyl were seized.

RCMP are asking anyone with information about Barker ’s whereabouts, to contact the RCMP or the Police Service of your jurisdiction, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

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Bothwell’s Marble Cheddar Wins First Place

Front Row (left to right) Stuart Penner, Nathan Dueck, Gil Dueck, Reinhold Sawatzky and Matthew Tucker. Back Row (left to right) Matthew Georgeson, Levi Falk, Rob Hiebert, Alex Wiese and Danny Cajurao.

Photos courtesy of Bothwell Cheese

Left to right: Rob Hiebert, Gil Dueck and Nathan Dueck.

Bothwell Cheese has once again claimed top spot in the Marbled Cheddar category at the 88th Annual British Empire Cheese Show winning first place for the ninth time in the past ten years. The company also took first place with its Monterey Jack and second place with its medium coloured cheddar.

“We continue to place well in this competition and that says volumes about the consistency and quality of our cheese,” said Bothwell Cheese President Kevin Thomson. “Our team takes pride in what they do, from production through to packaging; care is taken every step of the way.”

“It takes considerable time and effort to grade, tasting and testing product,” said Bothwell Cheese Production Administrative Assistant Nathan Dueck. “We select varieties that stand out based on flavour profile and texture, the ones with the potential to take us to the top.”

The British Empire Cheese Show has a long and distinguished history and is presented by the Central Ontario Cheese Makers Association.

Ste. Agathe and Ile des Chenes Lagoon Studies Underway The RM of Ritchot has hired WSP Professional Engineering Services to conduct two lagoon studies for the municipality.

Currently the RM of Ritchot does not have a designated municipal lagoon that can receive truck hauled sewage.

According to Council, the Ritchot Landfill site will be expanding in the near future to replace the existing lagoon situated on the north side of the Seine River Diversion. The plan is to relocate the Ile Des Chenes lagoon to the south side of the Seine River Diversion next to the newly expanded secondary cell.

The new primary cell will then include a site for Municipal septic disposal.

The Ste. Agathe Lagoon study is based on a capacity shortfall, as it may be undersized for the current and projected loadings.

For a cost of $29,175, WSP is expected to conduct an engineering study on both the Ste. Agathe Lagoon expansion and the Ile Des Chenes Lagoon expansion. WSP told council, they would do both studies based on a fixed fee. The Ile Des Chenes Lagoon study will cost $15,700 and the Ste. Agathe Lagoon Study will cost $13,475.

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Vassar Pool Sees Major Upgrade Residents of Vassar and neighbouring communities can expect to get many more years of enjoyment from the community pool after a significant upgrade was recently completed.

According to Duane Boutang, spokesperson for the Vassar Community Recreation Centre, the organization successfully fundraised $60,000 to install a PVC liner in the existing pool.

“This was a major undertaking for our community,” said Boutang. “We received financial support for the project from the RM of Piney ($20,000), a Community Places Grant ($18,000) and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries ($25,000).”

The new liner, which was installed at the close of the season, is expected to extend the lifespan of the pool by another twenty years. “It is very low maintenance,” Boutang added.

The first Vassar Pool was built in 1967 originally as a sand pool and the existing concrete pool was built in 1974. It is open only during the months of July and August and is the only public pool in the RM of Piney.

“We’ve been open nearly every summer except when we were shut down a couple of years ago because we did not have a lifeguard,” Boutang continued. “It is a lot of work, but it is worthwhile for the community; with one life guard, we can only have thirty people swimming at a time.”

The pool is managed and maintained by volunteers through fundraising The Vassar Pool will be ready for next summer and twenty more years after a recent PVC liner upgrade. and fall suppers.

Space Heaters are for New Hours Temporary Use for Ste. Anne Library

Before you use a space heater, be aware that it can cause fires and injuries if not used with care. Space heaters are not intended to replace a permanent heat source. If you must use a space heater as a temporary heat source in a home or garage, follow these safety tips to avoid potential shock and fire hazards: • Look for a space heater that has the CSA International Certification mark and check to make sure that it is suitable for your intended use.

• Choose a model with a tip-over switch that automatically turns off if knocked over and a guard to prevent fingers or flammable objects from touching hot elements.

• Keep space heaters away from drapery, bedding and other flammable materials.

• Always inspect cords for signs of damage; plug the space heater directly into the power outlet. Never use an extension cord.

• Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised.

Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, which could cause burns or shock.

• Never use space heaters in damp or wet areas.

• Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Don’t use them to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.

• Turn off the space heater when you go to bed or leave the room. Never leave a space heater unattended, and unplug it when not in use.

Remember space heaters are a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. They can have dangerous consequences if left unattended or used incorrectly. Think of your safety first, before plugging in a space heater. If your home is persistently cold, consult a heating professional or your landlord. For more information about electrical safety, visit hydro.mb.ca/safety.

Aside from books in French and English, dvd’s, books on cd and books on tapes, Daisy readers, and public computers, Bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library has a wide variety of thirty different magazine subscriptions in both French and English. Our new hours are as following: Monday - 11:00 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday – 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Wednesday - 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Thursday – 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Friday – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

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COMMUNITY EVENTS EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548

Falcon Lake Christmas Craft and Gift Bazaar – On Saturday, December 5 from 12 – 3 pm at the Whiteshell Community Club a Festive Cake Walk and Auction, 50/50 draw, Santa Pictures. Contact Cheryl 204-426-5428.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290.

Randolph Christmas at Chortitz – On Saturday December 12 at 7 pm. 2nd Annual Christmas at Chortitz German Carol event - 1 mile north Friedensfeld New Years Eve Dance – On Thursday, December 31 at 6:30 pm of Hwy 52 on PR 206, and half a mile west from Randolph at the Community Centre. For more information contact 204- corner. Singing with Willie and Lin Wiebe to provide special music. Hosted by Chortitz Church Heritage Committee. Contact 326-2760 or 204-326-2818.

Ernie Braun 204-388-6146. Seating limit due to space.

Giroux Bingo - Every Thursday at Giroux Hall. Doors open at 5 pm, Richer Bingo starts at 7 pm. Hall rental information for Socials, Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm weddings, family functions, Meetings and more please call at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673.

Debbie 204-424-5506 or Mike 204-326-6260.

Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides Hadashville Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years grades 8 and 12. Children under 14 must be accompanied by old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open stress release and have an excellent workout at the same at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or or doreen@spmf.ca.

KSTA.academy@gmail.com.

Sprague Annual Community Christmas Program – On Sunday, December Ile-des-Chênes Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday 6 at 3 pm at the Sprague Community Hall. This is a joint effort of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about with participants from many southeastern Manitoba Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed communities. The program features individual musical Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s numbers, a children’s pageant, and a 30+-member choir. place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her Sandwiches and dainties will follow the presentation. A warm at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register. welcome is extended to all to begin Christmas celebrations at this event.

Kleefeld Santa Comes to Town & Christmas Tree Lighting – On Saturday, Sprague & District Historical Museum - Open by appointment December 5 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Rec Centre includes from June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the early days. Free Admission Donations Accepted. Contact 204-437skating and toboggan run weather permitting.

2210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686.

Community Playgroup - For parents, caregivers and children up to age 5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs St. Adolphe and snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Ritchot Seniors Services Active Living Centre - A variety of fitness Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013. classes and programs from September 2015 – June 2016 starts Monday, September 14 at the Ritchot Senior Services Active Living Center, 457 Main Street. Mondays and Fridays at La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé 9 am and 10:15 am classes to improve heart health, muscle from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs strength and endurance, balance and body awareness. On for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, Wednesdays at 1 pm a fusion of yoga, Pilates and strength to foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard increase muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, body maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. awareness & relaxation techniques. All classes are designed Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204- for the 50+ age group and taught by certified fitness leader, 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Janice Burnett, MFC certified since 1991. Class packages may Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, be pre purchased and used anytime during the session. 10leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring class pack for $40 or a drop in fee of $5 per class. Contact 204Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. 883-2820.

Cost $10.

Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. Adolphe Community Club. Doors open at 6 pm, 6:55 pm - Speedo Lorette Christmas Market Book Sale – On Saturday, December 5 at Game, 7 pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 pm - Regular Games. We the Tache Library. Come visit and check out our large selection hope to see you there! Proceeds will support the Community of gently used books! All proceeds go towards the Library Club.

Building Fund.

St. Malo Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities. Breakfast with Santa- On Monday December 7 in the new If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around location at the church in the basement from 9 am – 12 pm. the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your Hosted by the St. Malo Chamber of Commerce, includes a support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an pancake breakfast, face painting, children’s crafts, visit with hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 Santa and many more activities. Don’t forget your lists!

Lorettecopp@gmail.com.

Sponge Puck Hockey – On Wednesdays at 8 pm at the arena.

New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more. Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079.

Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 St. Pierre-Jolys St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

Step Aerobics with Weights - On Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm, at the ICSP School Gym. Contact Stephanie 204-320Niverville The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club – Meets every Monday at 2667, Louise 204-433-3839 or The Health Corner 204-4337:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become 3891. a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to Diabetes Educational Resource Centre – On 2nd Thursday of the month from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the DeSalaberry District start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca.

Health Centre. Contact 204-346-6254.

GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar, about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register post partum mood disorders support group meetings held on the last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet Malouin or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com. boardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital.

Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Ste. Agathe Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along Skate with Santa – On Sunday, December 6 from 11:30 am to with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms 1:30 pm at the Ste. Agathe Arena. Pictures with Santa from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served. visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Agathe hosted by Kang’s Taekwondo Academy. Cost $40/ pm at the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, 294 Lumber Ave. month. Family rates available. Contact to register Jason Barnabe, jason.barnabe@gmail.com or call 204-802-3458. 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 Ste. Anne Songs of Christmas Concert - A bilingual concert on Sunday, Elmdale St. Contact Tracey Pankratz 204-326-6841 December 6 at 2 pm, in the church hosted by the Ste-Anne programming@jakeepplibrary.com.

Catholic Parish. People are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Knights of Columbus Christmas hampers. Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main St. Registration for girls 5-17. Develop Wii Bowling Games – Every Monday afternoon at 1:30 pm at personal values and well-being, self-respect and respect for the Club Jovial. Great time to join even if you have never others; promote fun, friendship, adventure and challenges through new experiences; develop leadership and decisionplayed. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285. making skills; give service to the community; value the natural Computer Courses - Free at the bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library. environment.

For appointment, contact Harlee at 204-392-0568.

Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at Lecoka, 8B - Brandt Street. from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These Drop in and discuss sustainable living. Contact gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com. their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon 422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net. except when Monday falls on a long weekend at the Chicken Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested Chef, 365 Main Street, visitors are welcome. Contact Cornie at in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. On 326-3155.

Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family and friends of people with mental health issues are held the services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

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 Ste. Geneviève Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community eastmanmss@mts.net Centre on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 - 8 pm bringing a large selection of books in both French and English, MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living with for children and adults. The next ‘Library Night’ is on Tuesday, multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday December 8 Special requests can be made to the librarian, evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Place bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. Come for a visit and see apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email what we are all about. nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.

Steinbach Bake Sale – On Friday, December 4 from 10 am – 6 pm and MS Lunch Group- On 4th Thursday of every month, from 12 – Saturday, December 5 at the Clearspring Centre mall. Proceeds 1 pm at All D’s Restaurant 320 Main Street. Contact Stephanie 204-988-0904, go toward the New Hope Mennonite Church located in Grunthal. Bevacqua Stephanie.Bevacqua@mssociety.ca.

Candlelight Vigil – On Sunday, December 6 at 6:30 pm at the L.A. Barkman Park (Abe’s Hill) Agape House-Eastman Crisis Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support Centre Candlelight Vigil & Sky Lantern Ceremony National Day groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns.

Honouring Canadian women who have lost their lives to Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228. violence. Contact to purchase a lantern 204-326-6062.

A Reasoned Response to the Syrian Crisis – On Monday, December 7 at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Join us for a discussion of possible responses to the Syrian Refugee crisis.

Input will include a presentation exploring non-violent responses to ISIS by Jeff Wheeldon, Arisnel Mesidor, MCC migration and resettlement program coordinator to answer practical questions about refugee sponsorship possibilities in Manitoba. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free, but a contribution to the MCC refugee program will be encouraged.

Hosted by the Provencher Green Party Association.

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert - On Tuesday, December 8 at 7:30 pm, at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd. Cost tickets: Adults $26, Students $12, Music & Theatre Students $5. Contact 204-346-1077 and order by phone or available online steinbachartscouncil.ca.

WSO conducted by Julian Pellicano spread Holiday cheer with piano and violin duo Roy and Rosemary and their festive program of classic holiday favourites. Enjoy this annual Christmas tradition for the whole family, which will recognize our local artists.

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.

Free Community Dinner- On Wednesday, December 16 from 4 Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm – 8 pm at the Steinbach Legion Hall. at Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact Christmas Market – On Saturday, December 19 from 10 am – 204-346-0413.

4 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Family fun for all, depending on the weather, sleigh or wagon rides available Vita and much more including 20 -30 booths. Magician to entertain Christmas Vendor Market – On Saturday, December 19 from young & old. Admission free but some attractions may have 10 am – 3 pm, upstairs at the Vita arena. Bring your Kids out charge for their services. Old Country Games and Activities. for a fun filled afternoon including free public skating and a Contact info@steinbachchristmasmarket.com or call Peter visit by Santa from 12 pm – 3 pm. Canteen open and we encourage everyone to come out for a bowl of chili or taco in de Jong at 204-424-5479. a bag. Kids get a free hotdog and chocolate milk.

Page to Film – Holiday edition with ‘Polar Express’ on Tuesday, December 29 from 1 -2:30 pm, Jake Epp Public Library. Come Picklyk Hockey Tournament - From Friday, February 5- Sunday, with your family and friends. Bring a pillow & blanket. Free February 7. Contact Derek Rettaler at 204-392-3165 or Candice admission, free popcorn. Contact 204-326-6841, Narth 204-425-3106 for more details. programs@jakeepplibrary.com, Woodridge librarian@jakeepplibrary.com.

Woodridge Christmas Craft & Bake Sale – On Saturday, Eastman Safety Upcoming Programs: Located at 385 Loewen December 5 from 2 – 6 pm in the Community Hall 69 Denis Blvd. Register online at eastmansafety.ca or contact 1-204- Street. Cost admission is free. Wanted crafters, artisans and 371-1595. bakers! Contact to reserve a table Cory at ajackson@mymts.net. Use the subject line Woodridge Games Night – On the 1st Saturday from 12 – 5 pm and 3rd Christmas Craft & Bake Sale or call 204-429-2323. Cost $10/ Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8:30 pm, every month at the table plus a $10 value prize donation.

Jake Epp Library. Come down to play strategy games. Bring a friend, your strategies and games. Test your skills and have Christmas Supper – On Saturday, December 5 at 4:30 - 6 pm.

Bingo - Every Tuesday at the St. Adolphe Community CentrePrawda fun. Ages 14 and up. Contact 204-326-6841, Join us at our annual Christmas Supper at the Community Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool Pioneer Hall. Doors open 6 pm, Early Bird at 7 pm, Regular p r o g r a m s @ j a k e e p p l i b r a r y . c o m , Centre, 69 Denis Street. Cost Adults/Teens $12/person, Bingo at 7:30 pm.

All proceeds support the St. Adolphe down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean librarian@jakeepplibrary.com.

Children 6 - 12 years $6/person, Children 5 and under free. runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays Community Centre. and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Royal Canadian Legion - On 1st Tuesday every month at 8 pm T.O.P.S -Taking Off Pounds Sensibly - On the second Wednesday Taekwondo - Begins Tuesday, January 5, 2016 and every Wendy 204-348-2433. and Ladies Auxiliary meets 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 of every month at the Community Club. For club hours of Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 - 7:30 pm at Ecole Sainte

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 Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, December 8, 2015, January 12, and February 9, 2016 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Join us for a great day of fun and friendship.

Visit McPhillips Street Station in the morning and Club Regent in the afternoon. Starting at 8:30 am, pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for those wishing to play.

Overnight trips to South Beach Casino are also available. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for information and to reserve your seat.

Free festive fun for the family!

Want to add a sparkle to your family’s holiday traditions? Drop by the Manitoba Electrical Museum & Education Centre for All That Glows: Then & Now between until December 30. Let the bright lights of festive seasons past and present bring back memories and warm your spirits.

The Manitoba Electrical Museum at 680 Harrow St. will be showcasing vintage Christmas from years past, as well as today’s trees decorated with LED lights. A large 10 foot wreath will inspire you as you walk through the door to take in all the holiday displays. As you tour the museum you can also learn about the history of electrical development in our province. You might see your great grandmother’s ringer washer, or recognize appliances displayed in the re-creation of a 1940s kitchen.

Videos show current environmental projects that Manitoba Hydro is involved with, as well as the latest innovative technology used by Manitoba Hydro to get power to your homes.

During All That Glows, special events will be held in support of the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation. Check their website for details on the holiday wreath raffle, family fun day and extended holiday hours at hydro.mb.ca.

For more information or to arrange a group tour, call 204-360-7905.

Remember: It’s free admission; free parking, and extended holiday hours.

Vita Man Nabbed in B&E Investigation On November 15, Steinbach RCMP arrested 41-year-old Vita resident, Jeffrey Shypit, in connection to numerous local break-ins.

RCMP report that Shypit has been arrested and charged with five residential break and enters, three of which occurred in the RM Hanover, one in the RM Desalaberry and one in the RM Ritchot.

Shypit was also arrested for five breaches of his probation, as he is a federal parolee. His parole has now been revoked. Jeffrey Shypit was also found to be in possession of items, which valued well over $5,000 and therefore has an eleventh charge of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

He has been remanded in custody and police continue to investigate.

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Construction Begins on Dominion City Seniors Facility “They have the opportunity to be in the community of their choice in a supportive environment with friends of their own age.”

By Marianne Curtis After two years of planning, construction has begun on Abbeyfield House in Dominion City.

The $1.5 million 10-suite seniors’ facility is located within a peaceful residential area surrounded by inviting green space.

Under the direction of a house manager, Abbeyfield will provide home cooked meals, light housekeeping and weekly laundry services. The planned space will also offer a recreational room, workshop and craft room on the lower level.

Project Consultant Gordon Daman said the facility is designed for individuals who are mobile, with higher needs yet can still be cared for in their own homes.

“They have the opportunity to be in the community of their choice in a supportive environment with friends of their own age,” stated Daman. “It also allows families to rest easy knowing that mom or dad isn’t out in a home in their own.”

Abbeyfield House will offer residents a beautiful and secure environment for those who no longer want to shoulder the responsibilities of maintaining a home, but still wish to maintain their independence.

Residents are not expected to provide any capital costs or prepay before moving into the building. Rental subsidies will also be available to qualified tenants, Daman added.

For more information, about Abbeyfield House Dominion City and a virtual tour go to facebook.com/ abbeyfielddominioncity/. There are still some suites available.

Interested parties can contact the RM of Emerson-Franklin for more information.

Construction is expected to be complete by the fall of 2016.

Above: Construction has begun on a new 10-suite seniors’ rental facility in Dominion City.

Left: Conceptual drawing of the completed facility.

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