Commission Calls for Transmission Line Hearings in La Broquerie
Selinger Agrees He’s Down, But Stresses Not Out
By Marianne Curtis Residents are getting another chance to speak out against the proposed Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission project. At the beginning of the month, the Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship had requested that the Clean Environment Commission hold public hearings on the proposed Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project. “We want Manitobans to have the opportunity to share their views on this proposed transmission line and for their views to be taken into account by the Clean Environment Commission,” said Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonof. Manitoba Hydro is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of a 213 km long, 500kilovolt alternating current, international power line from the Dorsey Station in Rosser to the United States border crossing south of Piney. Despite the opposition, the project has been pushing forward. Last year, local residents formed the Southeast Stakeholders Coalition and attended a meeting with Manitoba Hydro to discuss the project and opposition was fierce. Monique and Albert Berard, who farm north of La Broquerie believe the line should be moved eastward through the RM of Reynolds where another line is already established, and it is less populated. “We are glad that the Clean Environment Commission is having these hearings because we can once again give our input to our opposition of the MMTP. It is one
“When you make a tough decision, you are not doing it to become popular, you are doing it to get things done...” By Marianne Curtis
In the next few months, the Clean Environment Commission will be announcing public hearings to further discuss the proposed Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project.
of our last chances to state how we feel and people really need to tell them the way they feel, whether it’s feeling bullied, sad, and angry,” stated Monique. “The commission needs to know and we need to be on the record of our opposition so that the next government can see that. We are banking on government change big time. It’s our only chance to have changes made.” Allain and Jacqueline Fournier live on the next section, along with his father Bernard Fournier. “People don’t realize how this will affect them, and we need the support of everyone affected by these towers to speak up and come forward,” Allain encouraged. “We’ve been here for over a hundred years and now they want to come in and take it. We should have a say in what happens to our land.”
The hearings will allow for a public review. Manitoba Hydro’s environmental impact statement on a preferred route for the MMTP was prepared following an extensive public and stakeholder engagement process, the minister added. The Clean Environment Commission (CEC) is an arm’s-length provincial agency that encourages and facilitates public involvement in environmental matters. The CEC offers advice and recommendations to the minister with respect to environmental issues, project approvals and environmental licences. Clean Environment Commission expects to announce further details on the hearings in the next few months.
The road to the April 19 provincial election is unofficially underway. While the official writ will not be dropped until mid-March, elections ads are starting to pop up and leaders are sharing initial details of their platforms. In an interview with the Dawson Trail Dispatch, we asked Premier Greg Selinger some tough questions, as posed by our readers. In recent months, the polls have showed the NDP government in an unhappy place with Manitobans. Selinger say he is paying attention to voters, especially since the NDP is currently in third place. “You have to pay attention to the polls and to pay attention to the values of Manitobans,” said Selinger. “People are concerned; they want to know they can look after their families, so we need to create jobs. We are ready to move on these things to keep things going in the right directions, and jobs are important to keep young people in the province so they want to put down roots.” Selinger admits that the government’s biggest mistake was not handling the PST increase in a more democratic fashion. “On that one we caught people by surprise and we should have taken more time; we should have talked about it more... it was a lesson learned,” he responded. “We have taken that experience and are ready to move
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Landmark Woman Heading to Scotties
Kerrie Einarson, Selena Kaatz, Liz Fyfe and Kristin MacCuish (right), along with Kerrie Einarson, Selena Kaatz and Liz Fyfe are heading to Alberta to represent this province at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
By Marianne Curtis A twenty-three year old woman from Landmark is heading to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts next month after her team claimed the provincial crown. Landmark’s Kristin MacCuish, lead of the Kerri Einarson team, claimed the provincial title at the Scotties, which took place in Beausejour January 24-25. With Team Jones not
in the mix, it opened the door for the Einarson team to finally win their first provincial title, after losing the past two Manitoba finals, to Jennifer Jones last year, and to Chelsea Carey in 2014. “This is a great group of girls and we put a lot of work into it so our hard work has paid off,” stated MacCuish after the win. “It feels good to have done this with this group of girls.”
Einarson was a 7-5 winner over Kristy McDonald in the allWinnipeg 2016 final. The team includes, third Selena Kaatz, second Liz Fyfe and MacCuish. MacCuish credits her well known aunt curler, Jill Officer for peeking her interest in curling when she was only eleven. Officer is well known for skills as part of the famous Jennifer Jones team for years, including representing Canada at the Olympics. Last year, when the two women squared off in the finals, Officer admitted that qualifying for the Scotties during the Beausejour event was a little more stressful than usual. “So while I know all the big games and big shots in my life have prepared me for future games and shots, this situation was a little different,” said Officer. “I had to work a little harder at being mentally prepared for this big game.” MacCuish is not the only one in the family with talent on the sheets. Two years ago, her little brother Brandan represented Canada at the World Junior Curling Championships in Russia. This success comes after the team took home a gold medal in junior curling for the first time in eleven years. The 2016 Scotties is scheduled for Feb. 20-28 at Revolution Place in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
RCMP Swap Boundaries, Residents Happy By Marianne Curtis The Steinbach and St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP Detachments have conducted a recent boundary swap that is expected to improve call times and increase efficiency in both detachments. According to Steinbach RCMP Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga, the detachment will now cover St. Genevieve and Ross areas. “Currently St. Pierre is policing that area and it makes more sense for us,” said Laninga. He says it takes about twenty minutes for Steinbach officers to respond to those areas, while it can take around forty-five minutes for St. Pierre-Jolys to attend. “They have to actually drive through our area to access those communities; this makes more sense.” RM of Tache Mayor Robert Rivard said that this is something the police and the municipality have worked on together. “We wanted to decrease the wait response times in the east end of the municipality. In discussions with the St. Pierre detachment we concluded that this would be best for them and for us,” said Rivard. “This will reduce response time for us from over an hour to under half an hour. Tache really appreciates the willingness of the two detachments to work with us in achieving this.” Residents living in the affected areas are also pleased including Ste. Genevieve residents. “It’s nice to see that response time will be less than before. Prior to this it was a 45 minute dispatch, how can an emergency be helped in such an amount of time,” said Bergson. “I am also hoping we will see more police presence in the future to help deter other criminal activity. It’s a nice start to a long time problem this community has long asked for to be looked at.” Casia Schreyer, who lives near Monominto, agrees. “This makes me very happy. My grandparents are in their seventies and it was very concerning that, it would take over an hour for emergency services to reach them. Now it will only take twenty-five minutes. That’s a lot of peace of mind,” Schreyer added. In exchange, the St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP will be taking over coverage in the Kleefeld and New Bothwell areas. “This is a very populated rural area, but they will not have to travel as far,” said Laninga adding that he expects there will be an increase of police presence in the area because of the close proximity to St. Pierre-Jolys. The decision was made in consultation with local governments.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Selinger continued... Continued from page 1
On Dawson Trail MLA Ron Lemieux... “While he may be absent from the constituency more, he has been in cabinet fighting for issues.” forward and focus on the real issues such as better roads, schools, PCHS, and hospitals.” “When you make a tough decision, you are not doing it to become popular, you are doing it to get things done and you need the resources to do that,” he added. Selinger claims the approximate $525 million in financial announcements made in early January, including a number in the region are not just empty pre-election blackout promises. “We did the throne speech in the fall that gave a positive 5 year vision, the economy is slowing down, choppy waters, have a clear plan where we want to go,” said Selinger. “The announcements were made to show that we were ready, on the ground and willing to put up the resources that will make a difference in their lives.” The only NDP stronghold in our region has been what is currently known as Dawson Trail. For over a decade, MLA Ron Lemiuex has served as the MLA for the area, but his focus has been divided as cabinet minister. Selinger was surprised to hear that Lemiuex’s popularity has slipped in recent years, mostly due to being away on cabinet matters instead of being seen locally. “While he may be absent from the constituency more, he has been in cabinet fighting for issues. He has always been at the table representing his residents,” Selinger stated. “He gets in there, makes the case, and being at the cabinet table gives him a strong voice for Dawson Trail.” Selinger said he wants southeast residents to know that his government has heard the people and they want another opportunity to move the province forward. “We are a political party that will be there for them on the jobs, good economy and we will be there in the people in the health care. This is the time to invest in the community and create jobs,” he concluded.
February 2016
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
NDP Have Thrown in the Towel
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Empty Promises, Higher Taxes
January 28, 2016 was the 100th anniversary of most Manitoba women winning the right to vote. To celebrate, Manitobans from across the province gathered at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg to honour the work of Nellie McClung and her fellow Suffragettes, collectively known as the Famous Five, who fought to give women in Manitoba the right to vote. On January 28, 1916, Manitoba became the first province to pass such a law and led the way for other provinces to follow. Manitobans have always played an important role in charting Canada’s future. This is something we can all be proud of. Manitobans are No. 1 in Canada when it comes to volunteering, donating and helping others. We all know how important this is to the success of our communities. We also live in a province that has an abundance of natural resources. Manitoba has everything it would take to be Canada’s No. 1 province. I truly believe that. The question is, however, why is Manitoba lagging behind other provinces in so many important ways? Why are our wait times for emergency medical care the longest in Canada? Why are 24 hospital emergency rooms either closed or managed by nurses? Why are more than 11,000 Manitoba kids in the care of Child and Family Services, with one newborn taken into government custody every day? Why is Manitoba in ninth place in Canada when it comes to reading, science and math scores in schools? Why do we have the worst child poverty rate in the entire country? And, despite all of this, why are Manitobans the highest-taxed people west of Quebec? Why does the Selinger NDP government think it’s OK that it took over a century for the province to become $16 billion in debt, and yet only eight more years for the NDP to more than double the debt to $36 billion? We as taxpayers are paying $850 million this year alone in interest on the government’s $36-billion debt. Just think how much better we could make the lives of Manitobans if we put those funds into health care, education and infrastructure. If Manitoba were a sports team, its coach and his staff would be fired for their losing record. In November 2014, five key players in the NDP thought the same of their leader, Premier Greg Selinger, and revolted against him in resigning their cabinet positions. A leadership race followed, causing deep divisions on the NDP team and leading to several high-profile staff resigning with six-figure payouts. And just this week, two high-profile NDP ministers announced they would not seek re-election. Talk about throwing in the towel. Clearly, it’s time for a change and a government that serves Manitobans as a united team. Let’s make sure our children and grandchildren have a future here in Manitoba. On April 19, vote for the PC team. That’s a vote for a better plan and better future. I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or concerns, and can be reached at my constituency office at 204-424-5406, my Legislature office at 204-9454339 or at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.
It must be election time. Manitoba NDP Minister’s were out in full force in January promising to spend hundreds of millions of dollars of your tax dollars’ in a pre-election spending spree. No doubt, this all seemed very familiar to Manitobans. After all, they have seen this before. In 2011 prior to the provincial election, the NDP fanned out across the province making promises with your money. And they did it while promising you that they wouldn’t raise your taxes one little bit. They also said they could do it while balancing the provincial budget. We saw how that turned out. After the election, Premier Greg Selinger not only broke many of the promises that he made, he also brought in the largest tax increase in Manitoba history, which included raising the provincial sales tax from 7% to 8%. Now again, on the eve of an election where the NDP are desperate to hold on to power, they are up to the same old tricks. Since Boxing Day the NDP have made $750 million in promises with your money. But don’t worry; Mr. Selinger says he has no intention of raising your taxes again. Few Manitobans are falling for the trick this time. The path that has once again been set out by Greg Selinger and the NDP is the same one that was established by the NDP prior to the 2011 campaign. Since then, not only have taxes gone up in Manitoba, but the province has had its first credit rating downgrade in decades and the debt in the province grows by hundreds of millions of dollars each and every year. Add to this the fact that your hydro rates are increasing by nearly 4% every year under the NDP and it’s no wonder Manitobans are looking for change. Most can’t afford four more years of the NDP. Many NDP MLAs are hoping that Manitobans get fooled again. But there are also signs that even many within the NDP understand that empty promises followed by higher taxes isn’t going to work this time. Several top NDP MLAs have already resigned or indicated they will not run in the April election. Manitoba is a province with great potential. But it cannot be reached with a government that has lost the trust of Manitobans and that is only thinking of short-term survival. That kind of government results in mismanagement and higher taxes, exactly what the NDP have delivered. You can be sure that the NDP will continue to offer you empty promises all the while promising not to reach into your pocket any further. Just like they did in 2011, right before they emptied out the pockets of Manitobans. I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at 204-326-5763, by fax at 204-346-9913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
NDP Plan for Child Care Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.
The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaper distributed free of charge to 50 Southeastern Manitoba communities. Published by: One One Consultants Inc. Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768 Dan Guetre, Managing Editor One One Consultants Inc., Publisher News Writers: Marianne Curtis and Dan Guetre Columnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann, Peter Martens, Dave Millar Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck Copy Editing: Monica Guetre Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre
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Our NDP team understands that affordable, quality childcare is important for working and middleclass Manitoba families. It gives families the option to go back to work or to upgrade their education, while their children are looked after in a safe, educational environment with qualified staff. That’s why we have committed to building a universally accessible childcare system with 12,000 new spaces, lower fees, more training and better wages. To make sure every Manitoba family has the childcare they need, our diverse team of NDP MLAs is looking at the system as a whole. We commissioned a report to guide us in creating a sustainable, high-quality future for childcare with affordable fees, trained staff, quality curriculum, and better access in under-served neighbourhoods. Based on the report, our long-term strategy includes: - Exploring making childcare more affordable for families by implementing a subsidy and a sliding scale on child-care fees; - Ensuring that childcare centres
continue to hire and retain the best workers by phasing in a provincial wage scale, beginning September 1, 2016; - Working with colleges and universities to double training opportunities for child care workers with full-time college programs, workplace training and expanded dual-credit programs in high schools; and - Investing in training supports for low-income indigenous and newcomer Manitobans. So far, our NDP team has increased wages for frontline childcare staff by 54%, and we created the first province-wide pension plan for childcare workers outside Québec. We made it law that all new schools built in Manitoba must include a childcare centre. In the future, we will also expand childcare centres into new housing developments, colleges, universities, and other public buildings. This is a drastically different
approach from Brian Pallister ’s Conservatives. In fact, when Pallister was a cabinet minister in the last Conservative government, he helped eliminate funding for the Manitoba Child Care Association, cut millions from childcare centres, and doubled childcare fees (Manitoba Budget, 1993). One daycare director said about the Conservatives, “They’ve crippled child care. Manitoba as the leader in child care died today.” (Wpg. Sun, March 16/93). And so far, Liberal leader Rana Bokhari has focused her policy on tax breaks for big business - which would mean less money to invest in frontline services like childcare. We can do better. Our NDP team will continue to fight for affordable, quality childcare here in Manitoba.
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail: ron.lemieux@yourmanitoba.ca, by phone 204-878-4644, or by mail at Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0. Together we can continue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Lost Key Program Pays Off for Youth Dear Editor: I am a right hand amputee and a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program. I was recently fitted with a myoelectric arm thanks to public support of the War Amps Key Tag Service. My myoelectric allows me to handle various tools in my metal shop class at school and I can use it to shake peoples’ hands. I also used it for chopping wood when I went camping this summer. 2016 marks the 70th anniversary of The War Amps Key Tag Service and to date, more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys have been returned to their owners. Although it is a free service, donations provide young amputees with financial assistance for artificial limbs and, while growing up, allow us to go to regional seminars with our parents where we learn about the latest in artificial limbs and meet others just like us. Thank you to everyone who has supported The War Amps Key Tag Service, which has helped Canadian amputees like me for the past 70 years. Sincerely, Wesley Mustard, 16 Year Old Champ, Anola, MB
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Doctor Assisted Suicide Last year the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada’s ban on assisted suicide and gave the then Conservative Government one year to respond to this issue. With the change in government following the federal election this past fall, the Supreme Court decided to give the new Liberal Government a four-month extension. Not only is permitting doctor assisted suicide a slippery slope, I also believe that it’s wrong. I urge the Liberal Government to address this very important issue, as this is not a decision that we can take lightly. I have made my views on this matter publicly known through a variety of methods including my regular mail out brochures; local media; direct correspondence with constituents; and my website and Facebook. In addition to making my stance on the issue public, I have also received a lot of feedback from constituents with similar views on the issue and I thank all those who have contacted my office. Here in southeastern Manitoba, many of us share similar values and I appreciate your feedback. Since becoming the MP for Provencher, I have also taken stances on a number of similar issues, including my opposition to Mr. Trudeau’s ban of pro-life Liberal candidates; my opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Canada’s prostitution laws; and my strong support for churches’ rights to charitable status. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to contact my office to share your views with me on this or similar issues. You can contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889. You may also write my office at 76 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4, e-mail me at ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.
Police Shootings Have Become an Epidemic There are moments in history where we as individuals shudder at police excesses upon our everyday lives. The most recent one to greatly bother me was the verdict handed to police officer Forcillo of the Toronto police force when he was found guilty of attempted murder, yet the fact that he shot nine times at an individual and hitting him eight times is not in dispute. That the whole incident is filmed and in viewing makes for an incident which sticks to our psyche like a cancer impossible to excise and will stay as an indelible mark that even passing time will have little effect on this blemish. There have been many other occurrences where people were shot by police when it was an instance of weapons, to instances of where there were no weapons and yet very few police were found guilty of using excessive force. Wouldn’t anybody expect a different procedure and result in cases such as Robert Dziekanski, J.J. Harper or many others? How many people have been killed that are only guilty of mental illness? The police unions seem to have an exorbitant amount of power to circumvent fairness in these cases. They have a standing in defending these situations because of the inherent danger but not to the extent, they use this defence. I might add that the public has seen this behaviour as excessive and abuse of power as well. The result is the branding of Police Forces across Canada as tarnished and their organizations lose integrity in the eyes of the public they serve and pay them. Plus the community served ensures they have very reasonable pension. As an ex-military, if we would have been as keen to use deadly force of this nature, we would have started WWIII long ago and yet we never had the availability of rubber bullets or tazers to tame the odd wild situation. Yes it was an inherently dangerous job knowing full well that your work must be done while “armed”; it gave pause for concern. For military personnel it was these constraints that are still as acceptable and with the knowledge of dangerous situations. I presume without being overly facetious that this is why we were made to sign or resign with these written and or implied restrictions whichever the case may be. Which bring us to the problem we have in many urban areas. Do we have any police direction or procedural mandate for de-escalation of these types of situations? Acknowledging that these occurrences could broadly be described as, from mental illness, to damn it wasn’t a weapon after all, to suicide or to a variety of deadly weapons. Obviously, we should be aware that the range of responses should have a wide variety of reactions compared to what has become all too commonplace; killed by police fire, no charges will be laid. It seems that police procedure in different cities may be the culprit, its time to test these same procedures in court because all police forces hide behind it. We have a need in society for a professional police force and it must exude trust to this same society. There was a time when community policing was part of that agenda. Perhaps it’s time to go back to this ancient commonsense; the adversarial model has unfortunately taken hold and has been discredited too many times. Why am I angry? The reasons are in this case because Officer Forcillo was charged with murder, manslaughter and attempted murder. He was found innocent of the first two because his first four shot were deemed necessary to subdue Sammy Yatim who had a knife and this was accepted as necessary reaction, by the jury and undoubtedly because of the procedural manifesto of the Toronto Police Force. Yatim was probably fidgeting on the ground because of three bullet wounds and was described as mentally ill at that moment. Forcillo fired four times and hit Yatim three times. Yatim was found to then have died before the volley of the next five shots. Therefore murder and manslaughter were not legally applicable, but found guilty of attempted murder because he would have died if he was not previously killed by the first three rounds had he been shot another five times. Now, the officer is appealing his sentence because he claims he was following procedure. If that is procedure, we should get the law changed so as we can all wear helmets and flak jackets. There are so many things wrong with that particular incident that one wonders where to begin. If after shooting somebody four times and he is still standing it is only because of a herculean desire to survive and I am positive the twitching is involuntary and the hearing is gone and the fact that he is still holding the knife it is obvious that he’s dying and it is just a reflex. If this is municipal procedure, it’s a collective insult to civilization, if it a personnel decision its murder. Either one of these possibilities are unacceptable. First procedures need a thorough going over, de-escalation first order, tazer; rubber ammunition and shooting with intent to incapacitate are all options. Weed out the cowboy attitude. I am sure a psychological test is administrated, and if these changes to procedure allow more people to survive this would be of great value for the good of the community. At present, the outcome is embarrassing and murderously self-serving.
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Dominion City Gains Million-Dollar Housing Project
In the fall of 2016, new assisted living senior’s housing will be available in Dominion City.
By Marianne Curtis The community of Dominion City is celebrating the upcoming construction of a new multi-unit building that will combine the privacy of individual living spaces with the convenience and social benefits of shared meals and other services for seniors from the Municipality of Emerson-Franklin and the surrounding region. The estimated capital cost of the project is $1.6 million, which will be split between the governments of Canada and Manitoba providing more than $566,000 under Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2014-2019 extension agreement. The Municipality of EmersonFranklin is donating the land for the project, valued at $100,000. “Our municipality is grateful for the dedicated efforts of the Emerson Franklin Heritage Holdings Board to ensure senior residents have the opportunity to remain in our community with the construction of an Abbeyfield Home and the assisted living supports it will provide,” said Greg Janzen, Reeve, Municipality of Emerson-Franklin. “The financial assistance provided by both governments was critical in assuring the Abbeyfield Home remains accessible and affordable for seniors throughout our region.” Emerson-Franklin Heritage Holdings Inc (EFHHI) was created in 2014 to develop and manage capital projects in the municipality and enhance housing, social and recreational services. Chairperson Bryan Nichols says the project is expected to keep seniors in the community. “For too many years, the elders of our region have had to leave the place they have called home all their lives,” Nichols added. “With the construction of a new Abbeyfield Home in Dominion City, our board is confident that the majority of Emerson-Franklin seniors will be able to remain close to family, friends and community with the additional assistance required to age-in-place.” The housing project includes a raised, bungalow-style, multi-family home, with four studio and six one-bedroom units. The main floor will include a shared kitchen, dining area, lounge and laundry facility. The basement will offer storage spaces, shared recreational area and office space for homecare services. A house manager will oversee all enhanced services for residents, including meals in the shared dining area, laundry and light cleaning. Eight units will be available at affordable rents of $414 per month for a studio suite and $587 for a one-bedroom suite. Two units will be available on a rent geared-to-income basis to accommodate lower-income households. Construction is expected to be complete by the fall of 2016.
Former Elmdale Principal Pleads Guilty to Prostitution Related Charges The former principal of Elmdale School is awaiting sentencing after he pled guilty to prostitution related charges. On January 26, 61 year old Garry Giesbrecht, of Steinbach pled guilty to a Communicating for the Purposes of Prostitution charge in a Winnipeg courtroom. He was charged following an incident that took place in Winnipeg on January 30, 2015. A charge of committing an indecent act in a public place was stayed. He is scheduled to appear in court again on February 1 for sentencing. Giesbrecht is well known in the community of Steinbach. Last June, he retired suddenly after a thirty-eight year career as a teacher, and most recently as principal for Elmdale School. He was also named Canada’s Top Principal back in 2006. Hanover Superintendent Randy Dueck issued a statement after news of Giesbrecht’s plea hit the news. “Although we cannot speak to personnel matters of former employees, or to cases that are before the courts, the Division is confident that we took all steps necessary to ensure that Mr. Giesbrecht did not return to Elmdale School from the moment we became aware of the charge. Hanover School Division takes the role of protecting student welfare very seriously, and acts quickly on any information that comes to its attention,” read the statement. “Our first priority has been, and always will be, the safety and well-being of our students and ensuring a safe learning environment for them.” Giesbrecht is facing additional prostitution-related charges this fall. In Manitoba when offenders are charged with the Criminal Code offence of Communicating for the Purpose of Prostitution, the name of the offender is entered into a national tracking system maintained by police. If it is a first time being caught and a child is not involved, the offender can enroll in Prostitution Offender Program, a community-based, alternative measures program offered to males and females who have been arrested if he/she is willing to accept responsibility. The program is offered by The Salvation Army, in partnership with Manitoba Justice (Public Prosecutions and Probation Services) and the Winnipeg Police Service.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2016
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Tache Approves Multiplex for Lorette By Marianne Curtis
The project cannot proceed without a number of funding commitments. In December, the It was standing room only with municipality was informed that residents filling the RM of Tache funding was committed to the Council chambers to show their project, up to $8 million. Rivard said support when council discussed they are hoping to get another $5 proceeding with a substantial million through infrastructure community multiplex. grants from the federal government. On January 14, the municipality However, to ensure the project held a hearing to discuss proceeds as planned, the proceeding with a $15 million community must raised $2 million multiplex after the provincial government offered funding of up locally. “We won’t be butting a to $8 million for a new recreational shovel in the ground until enough money is raised locally,” Rivard complex for Lorette. stressed. RM of Tache Mayor Robert The $15 million multiplex is Rivard confirmed that because of expected to include an ice surface, that meeting, the municipality is daycare, municipal library, moving forward with the project. gymnasium and common area with They have officially put out a request to contractors interested in a significantly smaller price tag from a project proposed a few years submitting design proposals. ago. “We’ve had informal talks with Two years ago, the RM of Tache contractors and they suggest it will cost about $15 million to construct hired a consultant who designed a complex based on a community the complex,” Rivard told media.
Pat Porter Active Living Centre offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm, call 204-3204600 or online patporteralc.com. Membership is $25 per year due by January 15 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. Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: February Potluck: On Thursday, February 11. If you know that, you would like to attend please call ahead and let us know what you would like to bring. Call 204-320-4600. As always needed are: salads, casseroles, desserts large enough to share. Cost is $6. 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, 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 1-800-6612653 for appointment. Monday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 – 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball 1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains 1 pm Canasta 7 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am – 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 – 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1:30 - 4 pm Floor Shuffle 2:30 - 4:30 pm Family Search Wednesday 9 – 12 pm Computer Classes - Call to register 10 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage 7 - 9 pm Old Time Band Practice Thursday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Whist 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 204320-4605 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.
survey. The finished plan proposed a $45 million project, which included two ice surfaces, a curling rink, full service restaurant and gymnasium.
Rivard said that council expects to have several proposals from design contractors in the next few weeks. Council will review the proposals then make a decision on
whom to hire to create the conceptional drawings. He does not expect construction to begin for at least eighteen months.
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Winter Endurance Challenge Ready to Roll As riders sign up for the challenge, organizers of the fifth annual Actif Epica community festival are getting excited. The one-day event, which consists of a 160-kilometre bike challenge from St. Malo to St. Boniface, kicks off February 13. Ian Hall, one of the organizers of the event explains that the 160 km course starts with a 34 km leg taking cyclists south and checking in again at the St. Malo Arena checkpoint. The original distance of 125 km is for both cyclists and runners.
To date, almost fifty participants from both sides of the border have signed up. The roster includes participants from Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Iowa, Connecticut, Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado and Tennessee. This year, cyclists have the option to tackle a longer 160 km course, as well as a revised 125 km option. Historically, the event consists of a 130-kilometre bike challenge from St. Malo to St. Boniface. The additional mileage will allow participants to visit the Senkiw Bridge. The 125 km course remains virtually unchanged from previous years until Schapansky Road nearing the floodway. Participants will then head west to Duff Roblin Provincial Park, where they will cross the Red River on the Floodway Control structure and then head to La Barriere Park via St. Norbert before continuing to the University of Manitoba. The race starts early at the St. Malo Arena, goes to Senkiw Bridge and comes back to St. Malo before continuing to The Forks, stopping in at checkpoints along the way at the St-Pierre-Jolys Sugar Shack, Crystal Springs Hutterite Colony, Niverville Arena and St. Adolphe Fellowship Church. The public is encouraged to come out and cheer along the way or stop in at one of the checkpoints to chat with volunteers.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
City of Steinbach Supports Bethesda Foundation “The availability of health services in Steinbach, such as additional personal care home beds so our seniors can stay in the community, are definitely a priority.”
The City of Steinbach Council delivered the first installment of funds to the Bethesda Foundation.
The City of Steinbach recently announced a commitment of $1.5 million to the Bethesda Foundation. This contribution coincides with increased lobbying efforts to see additional personal care home beds for seniors in Steinbach, a major focus of their advocacy work with the provincial government over the coming year. “Council works hard to support and allocate money to the priorities of the city,” said Mayor Chris Goertzen, “The availability of health services in Steinbach, such as additional personal care home beds so our seniors can stay in the community, are definitely a priority.” The City of Steinbach will contribute the funds over five years to the Bethesda Foundation. For health related capital construction projects, provincial assistance can be requested once a ten percent local funding requirement has been met. The committed funds from the City will form a portion of this requirement. “The city is doing its part and will continue to advocate on behalf of Steinbach residents to support healthcare initiatives in our community, especially those which support our seniors,” said Goertzen.
Grocery Thief Identified and Charged
A 46-year-old male resident of Steinbach has been arrested and charged with Theft Under $5,000 after turning himself in to the RCMP. The Steinbach RCMP had asked for the public’s help in identifying an unknown man who stole several items from the Steinbach Superstore. On January 22 at 4:22 pm, the man was caught on camera walking out of the Superstore with a cart full of groceries and other items then loading them into a dark blue Dodge Caravan. Public response resulted in the man being identified. He will appear in court on February 25.
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Social Media Prolific Fraudster in Custody The RCMP are looking for more victims of fraud after they charged a thirty-two year old man with defrauding women he met over social media and dating sites. On January 13, the Steinbach RCMP charged Jesse Daniel Cole, of no fixed address with 21 counts of breaching probation, seven counts of fraud under $5,000, one count of fraud over $5,000 and 1 count of unauthorized possession of credit card data. Sgt Bert Paquet of the Manitoba RCMP called the man a “prolific offender”. “We’re releasing this information and his picture to encourage anyone who may have been defrauded by this individual to contact their local policing agency,” said Paquet. RCMP believes Cole used dating and social media sites to meet and defraud women using aliases, including “Jesse Sinclair”. Cole is also wanted for similar offences in Alberta, Quebec and Ontario. Cole remains in custody. The RCMP are encouraging anyone who may be one of Cole’s victims to come forward and speak to police.
Discount Books Support Hospital The ladies of the Bethesda Hospital Auxiliary are already busy sorting books for their upcoming fundraiser book sale and while the ladies sort, readers can come out and check out a very special sale. According to Bethesda Hospital
“We’re releasing this information and his picture to encourage anyone who may have been defrauded by this individual to contact their local policing agency.”
Women who have been defrauded by Jesse Cole are encouraged to contact RCMP with their story.
Auxiliary member Verna Thiessen, the group is offering a large number of books prior to the official book sale for a discount price. “While we are sorting, we are selling .50 cent books,” said Thiessen. “There is quite a collection of gently used books; they are slightly worn, or not in the condition we would like for our sale.” Over the years, the Bethesda Hospital Auxiliary has hosted several successful sales, which have raised well over $500,000 for medical equipment deemed necessary for patient comfort or safety but not funded through Manitoba Health programs. Their next goal is to raise $30,000 to replace the ARJP bathtub in Bethesda Place. Donations of books, records, tapes, magazines, puzzles and games will be accepted until the week of the sale. The drop-off location is in Clearspring Centre near Sobeys on Tuesday’s from 9:30 am to 4 pm. This year’s spring book sale is taking place March 16-19.
Firefighters Wanted for Ste. Agathe Fire Hall By Marianne Curtis The RM of Ritchot has put out the call for volunteer firefighters for Ste. Agathe. The Municipality of Ritchot is currently reviewing its plan for a proposed fire hall in Ste. Agathe and they are inviting interested individuals to attend an upcoming recruit information session. RM of Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt confirmed the municipality is working out the details of the hall, and resources are an essential component to the development of the project. “The Ste. Agathe fire hall is in the works,” said Hunt. “We are not sure of the time frame as there is a lot of work required to get it up and running; it is a project that requires planning and budgeting.” A recruitment meeting took place in the middle of January and over thirty people attended. Currently, the RM of Ritchot Fire Department consists of a fleet of thirty volunteers working out of two stations in Ile des Chene and St. Adolphe. The need to build a third hall in the municipality was driven by the construction of a number of new subdivisions, along with two canola plants in the area which have contributed significantly to the growth of the community. According to the municipality, the proposed fire hall would likely be built near the west entrance of the community. Depending on the final drawings, it could cost between $600,000 and $750,000. Another information and recruitment meeting is taking place February 25 at 7 pm at the Ste. Agathe Hall. Members of the Ritchot Fire Department along with municipal representatives will be on-site to answer any questions. Further inquiries can be made by contacting Councillor Jeannot Robert at 204-223-4118.
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RM of Piney Hosts Photo Contest The RM of Piney is hosting a photo contest to show case the majestic and peaceful areas that the municipality has to offer and to expand their current library of photographs. The municipality is looking for entries in two categories including communities and community events and festivities. “The intention of the Rural Municipality of Piney 2016 Photo Contest is to showcase the communities and community events and festivities the Rural Municipality of Piney has to offer, and to expand on the current library of photographs that the RM of Piney uses to promote our area,” said council in a statement. The municipality is also hoping to reflect on the times that the community has gotten together for both joyous and devastating moments. “We want to see what kind of creative and unique photograph you are able to capture that showcases the community you live in and see some community pride!” said council. The contest is also expected to help boost tourism. “If visitors post comments and photos about their experiences on Facebook or other social media, so much the better. The economic benefits of successful festivals ripple throughout a local economy affecting tourism and non-tourism related businesses alike,” noted council. One winner in each category will be awarded $100. Entries are limited to two per entrant in each category. Entries will be accepted by the RM of Piney until September 1 at 1 pm. Photos can be mailed to RM of Piney Photo Contest PO Box 48 Vassar, Manitoba R0A 2J0 or emailed rmofpiney@wiband.ca.
February 2016
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Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Taekwondo Students Challenge for Belts
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Providence Breaks Wall for New Business and Science Space
By Lionel Bernier On Wednesday, December 2, almost 40 students of The Kang’s Taekwondo Academy travelled to Ile des Chênes for the Eastman Region promotion test night hosted at the TransCanada Centre. Depending on the level the students were striving for, they were required to perform everything from basic stances to more complicated moves such as kicks while spinning or jumping in front of a jury of Masters. Next up on February 6 is the annual winter black belt promotion test in Winnipeg, the first to be held during the 40th anniversary year of the founding of The Kang’s Taekwondo Academy in Winnipeg.
Ted Falk, MP for Provencher, Stan Toews, Reeve of RM of Hanover, Kelvin Goertzen, MLA for Steinbach, Cliff Graydon, MLA for Emerson and Dr. David Johnson, Providence President.
On January 14, Providence College and Seminary School held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new business and science-purposed space. The new project is expected to enable Providence College to deliver additional business and science offerings in a modern, user-friendly environment. Instead of using a traditional spade, Providence College Board Chair Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, along with Providence President Dr. David Johnson grabbed the sledgehammers knocking down a wall for the new space. “The expansion is very important to us,” remarked Giesbrecht. “Providence is a liberal arts college in the Christian tradition, and we don’t currently have a lot of science offerings. This really opens the door to students who have not been able to come here before. Feedback has been very positive.” The new facility, at 7,000 square feet, will include 2 classrooms, 2 networked seminar rooms, 24 laboratory workstations, and 4 faculty offices, as well as a 3,500 square foot exterior courtyard. Construction began immediately, with a completion goal of May 2016.
RCMP Looking for Vehicle Vandal On January 10, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a mischief that occurred on Edgewood Avenue in Steinbach. A vehicle’s window was damaged some time between January 9 at 3 pm and January 10 at 1:30 pm. If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Students Assembled Prior to Promotion test on December 1, 2015. fourth row l-r: Nikolaus Wupori, Maria Krawec, Torianna Smith, Elisabeth Fust and Landon Handberg. third row l-r: Mr. Aaron Bernier, Ms. Allanah Climaco, Master Michael Tam and Mr. Lionel Bernier. second row l-r: Cory Jolicoeur, Derek Jolicoeur, Luke Jolicoeur and Nathan Chartier first row l-r: Rya Bernier, Tristan Krawec, Ava Asprey-Prydun and Gaiden Bernier
Five year old Rya Bernier demonstrating her flexibilty to the testing committee and her prowess in performing full knuckle pushups.
Lorette Branch Promotion Test Award Group (l-r) Grandmaster King Yeung, Elisabeth Fust, Maria Krawec, Derek Jolicoeur and Master Michael Tam.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2016
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Giving Back to Community Benefits Area Non-Profits “Throughout the seven years running St. Labre 200 has been able to give back to their community and have handed out over thousands of dollars to local initiatives, daycares, charities and more.”
is expected to be made early in the next month. The next St. Labre 200 will take place on July 8 to 10, 2016. The main event is a 24-hour go-cart build-off followed by a 200-lap race (50 miles). Other activities on the grounds include excavator rodeo, bounce castles, R/C racecars, Rubber Boot Toss and live bands.
By Marianne Curtis At the St. Labre 200 annual general meeting, representatives from Ecole Pointe-des-Chenes. Compassionate Quilters and Canadian CMV Foundation were all presented with cheques. Joel Grenier, one of the organizers of the annual St. Labre 200 said their group is pleased to be able to donate to local groups. “St. Labre 200 was proud to distribute some money to charities of choice thru their Giving Back to the Community campaign,” said Grenier. “Throughout the seven years running St. Labre 200 has been able to give back to their community and have handed out over thousands of dollars to local initiatives, daycares, charities and more.” The money is raised during the annual St. Labre 200, which takes place in St. Labre every summer. Profits from a community supper, concessions, merchandise, team auction, on site donation jar and a raffle are what make it possible for organizers to Give Back to the Community. A call to organizations wishing to receive funding from this year’s event Below: Compassionate Quilters accepts a $2,000 cheque from Joel Grenier, President of St.Labre 200.
Above: St. Labre 200 President Joel Grenier presents a check for $2,000 to the CMV Foundation.
RCMP Search for Firebugs
Steinbach RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in solving an arson that occurred at the Extra Foods parking lot on Main Street. On Sunday morning of December 5 at approximately 1:44 am, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a fire in a construction dumpster at the old Extra Foods parking lot. Surveillance video shows three males involved in starting the fire in the dumpster and then running from the area. If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637). Pointe-de-Chenes School picked up a cheque for $2,750.
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Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2016
Vintage Club Showcases Local Activities
Expo participants try out a program called Muscle Fit, which is available to local residents over 50. Photo by Marianne Curtis
By Marianne Curtis On January 30, over a hundred people attended the first annual Refresh and Rejuvenate 50 plus Health and Wellness Expo, which took place at the TransCanada Centre in Ile Des Chenes. Vintage Club President Corinne Webb said the one-day event called “Refresh and Rejuvenate” was the newly founded organizations way to introduce Ile des Chenes and area to the different activities available in the community. “We have this great facility here in Ile des Chenes and we should be using it,” Webb said. “We have some activities here, like a once a month lunch, which is attended by up to seventy people; we even hire a band for the event.” Webb said the event was successful in getting the message out to the community that there are many activities available to residents over 50 within the community. “We have an aging community that still wants to have fun and have access to services, so we wanted to give them a taste of what is available,” Webb continued. “We want to service their needs and keep them in the community; we should not have to go to Winnipeg for services.” During the expo, attendees could try a variety of activities including pickleball, line dancing, Yoga, and other fitness activities including cardio and muscle fit. There were also a variety of booths that provided opportunity to grab information, or to sign up for classes such as painting, block therapy and creative workshops. While the Vintage Club is not sure if they will hold another Expo, they did collect surveys from those in attendance. “We are going to use the surveys to determine what the community really wants and use the information to design programs people want or need,” Webb added.
Bram Sisters Invited to Training Camp Two hockey playing sisters from Ste. Anne are waiting to hear if they made the cut to represent Canada at the 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championships. Bailey Bram and Shelby Bram were among the 32-player camp roster invited to Kamloops to participate in the Canadian National Women’s Team Training Camp held from January 25-29. For four days, the players were on the ice for daily practices, and participated in four Red-White intrasquad games. The training camp served as an opportunity for Canada’s National Women’s Team coaching staff, including Head Coach Laura Schuler, Assistant Coaches Howie Draper alongside Melody Davidson, Hockey Canada’s General Manager of national women’s team programs, to evaluate players’ midseason. The evaluations assist the coaching and scouting staff in selecting the team that will represent Canada at the 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championship on home ice in Kamloops, B.C., from March 28 to April 4.
Coffee Invite Goes Out to Piney Residents
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Residents in the RM of Piney will have several opportunities to meet with their elected representatives during special “Coffee with Council” meetings. According to council, the purpose of the meetings is to give ratepayers within the RM of Piney an opportunity to join the council for coffee and voice concerns or ask council any questions they may have. The three meetings will take place February 3 at the Woodridge Community Hall, February 4 at the Piney Community Hall and February 8 at the Sprague Evergreen Seniors Club. All meetings will start at 7 pm and run until 9 pm.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2016
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Kids Rec Committee Adds 50/50 Fundraiser By Marianne Curtis Recreation Opportunities for Children (ROC) Eastman is thrilled to be part of the community wide “50/50 for Kids” raffle. “It’s a great way to help children and you might win big! Half the proceeds will go to the winning ticket and half will go ROC Eastman,” explained Moni Loewen, Executive Director ROC Eastman adding she is excited about the program and the new venue to help fundraise for the organization. “ROC kids have a few more obstacles in life than most, isolation, lack of money, limited transportation, low self-esteem and stigma are some common ones,” Loewen explained. “We hope ‘50/50 for Kids’ will reduce our waiting list and help us help more kids!” Loewen said the program has become a valuable asset to the community. ROC Eastman works with children in communities including St. Malo, St. Pierre-Jolys, Steinbach, Niverville, Blumenort, La Broquerie, Pine Falls and Beausejour. “ROC has seen many positive changes in the kids and families we work with. They are proud of what they have created in an art class, a song they can play on a guitar, piano or drum set, learning to skate or
Police Search for Stolen Snowmobile On January 28, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a theft of snowmobile from a residence located on Granite Park Blvd in Steinbach. It was stolen over night between January 27 and January 28. The snowmobile is described as a 2012 POLARIS 600 Rush and white in colour. The license plate on the snowmobile is 723V9. If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Moni Loewen, Executive Director for Recreation Opportunities for Children invites readers to win some money while helping youth throughout the region through their recently launched 50/50 fundraiser.
confidence in the deep end,” Loewen continued. “They have made new friends and feel better about trying something difficult. Parents and kids have exciting things to talk about and look forward to.” Tickets for the ‘50/50 for Kids’ will be sold from Feb 1-18 for $5 each at various businesses throughout the southeast. They can also be purchased at Oakridge Greenhouse and Garden Centre and Brio Insurance in Steinbach. For more info on ROC Eastman, visit roceastman.ca.
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Christian Infants 1- Peter 2: 1-3 ... 1) Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2) Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3) now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (NIV) The Apostle Peter calls us “newborn babies.” We know that newborn babies have only their mother and father to take care of them. They are totally helpless and dependent from the rising and the setting of the sun. We know they need food, clothing, and a place to live. They need a mother and father who will provide the necessary protection and needs of a family. I suppose the Apostle is saying that we, just as little newborn babies are totally dependent on their parents; we Christians, likewise, are totally dependent on God. New Christians soon realize that they have limited power in themselves. Sadly, we often forget that we have access or right to the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. We also became aware that there was a longing in our heart, an appetite for the things of God. As we began to spend time in the Bible, we find that we were being fed spiritually. We become conscious that we were not strong enough on our own; we need the Holy Spirit to hold us up. The Apostle Peter describes or explains it in a way that invites us to share in this new experience. Peter points out that this new attitude in us is the same as newborn babies’ desire for milk; ours is spiritual milk, a desire for the nourishment of the Word of God. We have tasted of the Lord’s kindness and trustworthiness. We understand that this new desire in our heart can be fed by reading the Bible and spending time in prayer. The more we read, the more we think about it, the stronger our faith grows. I have also become aware that I am only a visitor here on earth; my real home is in heaven. Now my desire with the help of the Holy Spirit is to keep away from evil things of this world. This evil desire is not meant for those who are in Christ, because it fights our new attitude that we have found in Jesus Christ. We now understand that no Christian can really stay the way they were before meeting Christ. Therefore, the Apostle Peter urges us to have no part in the evil pleasures of this world. Instead, we are to set our heart on that which nourishes our growth in a Christ-filled life. When we talk about a Christ-filled life, we are talking about a life of reverence. It is an attitude of our mind, which makes us aware that we are always in the presence of God. Life for the Christian is like living in the very shadow of eternity. We do not only think where we are this very moment, but also where we are going. We live in Christ today and long for the full realization of eternity. Life in this world should be very important to us because it is leading to the life beyond. As Christians can never forget what it cost for us to have eternal life. It cost the life and death of none other than Jesus Christ. Life to us becomes so important that we do not want to waste or throw away the glory that is waiting for us. I cannot think of a Christian who would want to throw away unlimited joy, which is there for us. The Christ-filled life reveals a sincere love of others. We must always remember that we have been reborn, not of earthly parents, but of the heavenly Spirit. Reborn by the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus, we have been remade. As disciples of the Living Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in us to transform us into the very likeness of God... To God Be the Glory! Would you pray this prayer with me ...“Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.
Thief Grabs Hockey Equipment Steinbach RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating hockey equipment stolen from a vehicle on Cutlass Drive in Steinbach. The theft occurred overnight between the January 27 and 28. The side window in a vehicle was broken and the thief grabbed a pair of Bauer Total One NXG skates, CCM CL12 hockey pants, Sherwood REKKER EK15 85 flex hockey stick, Sherwood T90 85 flex hockey stick and a CCM V10 helmet with a Bauer HDD Pro Visor. The total value of the equipment is estimated at $1,400. If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2016
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The Cup Half Full is Filled with Hope Have you ever noticed when meeting people in our daily lives, there seems to be two kinds of people? There are those who seem to always get the worst deals in life and they’ll tell you so. Then there are those, in spite of their circumstances still see hope and are expecting better things ahead. What makes the difference between these two types of people? I believe a lot of it depends upon the attitude with which we face life. We can have a positive attitude of gratitude and be thankful for the small blessings that come. Everyone has them, if we care to look for them. Most of us, in Canada, have a roof over our head, clothes to wear, food to eat, a job, health to get around, friends to share life with, but most of all a God who cares what happens in our life. I Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your care upon him (God); for he careth for you.” Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God …” With the right attitude, we will trust God and realize He has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. We may not understand, or even agree with what He’s doing, but we know it will all work out for our good in the end. The Bible calls that HOPE. When you put your hope in God and Him alone, you can trust Him and have a good outlook on life regardless of outward circumstances. Unfortunately, there are many people who fail to see the faith side of life and love to complain about all the terrible raw deals that come their way. I used to have a neighbouring farmer that I visited every week to pick up our farm fresh eggs. He never had anything good to say about anybody or anything. When I went to get eggs, I joked that I was going over for my weekly ‘doom and gloom’ report. There are many people, even Christians, who I’m afraid to ask, “How are you?” I’m not sure there’s enough time to listen to all their complaints. In the Bible, Joshua sent 12 spies into the Promised Land to see what it would take to conquer it. Ten spies came back with a gloomy report. All they saw were giants and impossible problems that couldn’t be solved. But two spies, who saw the exact same things the ten spies saw, were rejoicing when they gave their positive report. They said, “We are well able to take the land.” What was the difference? One saw giants, the other saw God. Whom do you see in your problems? One group of people see a cup half-full, the other sees it half-empty. One group of people see flowers on the rosebush, the others only see thorns. I would not be so naïve to say life’s problems aren’t real or challenging, but I can assure you there is Someone who loves you and would love to walk with you through them all. God will encourage, strengthen you and give you wisdom and direction. First, trust Him to save you and make you His child, and then enjoy life as God takes your hand and leads you through every circumstance in life. Then your final destination will be heaven. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say Rejoice.” God bless you as you seek His will and His way in your life.
Hayward Campaigns to Turn Dawson Trail Liberal By Marianne Curtis For the past three federal elections, candidate Terry Hayward has knocked on doors and made a name for himself as a dedicated representative of the Liberal party. While he was unsuccessful in his bid for federal politics, Hayward is hopeful that he can transfer support gained while campaigning previously into a provincial win after being named the party’s official Dawson Trail candidate in the upcoming provincial election. “Locally we did not win, but during the federal election, I had a lot of support from the provincial party so it makes sense to be running for them now,” Hayward explained. “Provincial Liberal leader Rana Bokhari is putting together a great team, and we are ready for change.” Hayward has been door knocking for years, and it has paid off in the polls. While he did not win a seat in Ottawa, he did manage to capture 34% of the votes, the majority being from the vicinity of Dawson Trail. “People don’t really care about what level of government you are in; they expect services and they expect things to be done,” Hayward continued. “I am prepared to be Dawson Trail’s advocate either in government or in opposition.” While campaigning federally,
Dawson Trail Liberal candidate Terry Hayward and Liberal leader Rana Bokhari toured Lorette recently with the RM of Tache council.
Hayward made connections on a federal level what could benefit locally. Hayward said it is the time for Dawson Trail voters to think Liberal now that the spark has been lit. “With a federal Liberal government, we are in a good position to elect a Liberal government locally,” he added. “We need a government to work in cooperation with Ottawa and not fight every step of the way.” Hayward said that while speaking to residents, the concerns are the same provincially as federally. Residents want government support in healthcare, early
childhood learning, daycare, homecare, infrastructure and education. “More importantly though, residents recognize that there needs to be a change, and there is a desire to make that change,” Hayward concluded. Dawson Trail residents also have Landmark resident Bob Lagasse (PC) and Ron Lemieux (NDP) as choices in the upcoming election. The Green Party and Manitoba Party have not come forward with candidates yet.
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Local Women Named Mompreneur Award Finalists By Marianne Curtis
own life for a convenient source of whole food. It then morphed into a passion to infuse adventure in my Two of the Top 20 finalists selected for the fourth installment life, which turned into a desire to inspire others on their individual of The Mompreneur Awards journeys to find health, adventure brought to you by Mompreneur and purpose,” explained Dyck. Showcase Group Inc. and ParentsCanada Magazine are from “We provide natural, convenient real food for people to fuel their Niverville and St. Pierre-Jolys. bodies. We want to inspire people Colleen Dyck, owner of GORP to find adventure and embrace Clean Energy Bar of Niverville, Manitoba is one of the finalists for healthy living. The philosophy being that if you help people take the Mompreneur Award of care of themselves they can take Excellence - Canada’s care of others!” Mompreneur of the Year. St. Pierre-Jolys’s Cindy Grenier of “GORP started as a need in my
L’Immobilière de St Pierre Realty Ltée was named a finalist for the 2016 Mompreneur Award of Merit. “I always had a mind of my own and a motivation to follow projects from start to finish in person,” Grenier added. “I found that being an entrepreneur puts me in charge of projects directly and allows me to try my hand at different aspects of the business.” Every year The Mompreneur Awards get bigger and recognition gets more renowned as the achievements and contributions of women and their
businesses in Canada grows. This year two new awards were added to include women across all areas of business. The winner will be chosen based on a select set of criteria for each award including track record of success; product innovation of business idea; growth potential and scalability; revenue; inspiration to others; and impact on the community. The winner will be announced at the 2016 National Mompreneurs Conference on Saturday, March 5, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario.
Granny’s Expansion Underway By Marianne Curtis Granny’s Poultry in Blumenort is implementing a $37 million plant expansion and renovation, which will allow them to grow their business and purchase new equipment for processing, chilling, packaging and grading poultry, and improving production efficiency. Granny’s Poultry distributes fresh and frozen Manitoba chicken and turkey across the country, and is one of the largest food processors in the province. Granny’s Chairman, Barclay Uruski said the investment ensures that the process remains viable. “This investment ensures our farmer-owners have a viable processor to buy their production long term,” stated Uruski. “It also demonstrates the commitment that our farmer-owners have to the Manitoba poultry industry and to providing quality poultry products to consumers across Canada.” The expanded facility will provide an opportunity for up to 148 employees to upgrade their skills over the next two years through new training.
Excessive Speeder Pays On January 22 at approximately 12:45 am while on patrol, Steinbach RCMP stopped a driver travelling south on Highway 12 in the RM of Hanover. The driver was stopped for travelling 174 km/h in a posted 100-km/h zone. The 21-year-old driver from Grunthal was charged for speeding and issued an offence notice with a fine of over $1,000. Due to the seriousness of the offence, the driver was also issued a notice under Section 273 of the Highway Traffic Act, which stipulates, without further notice MPI will suspend or cancel the license of the driver.
Jobs and the Economy will further assist the $37 million plant upgrading through the provision of a secured, repayable Manitoba Industrial Opportunities Program (MIOP) term loan of $2.5 million. The MIOP program provides term loans to assist expanding businesses in Manitoba. Chief Executive Officer for Granny’s Poultry, Craig Evans said the expansion is expected to keep the company going. “The expansion and upgrading of our processing facilities will keep Granny’s
growing and competitive for years to come,” added Evans. “Investing in state-of-the-art equipment will improve production efficiencies and help us develop new market opportunities for Manitoba poultry.” Granny’s Poultry currently represents 188 producer-member owners who supply the company with hatching eggs, chickens and turkeys. The company is the sole processor of turkeys in the province and employs approximately 500 Manitobans, supporting the livelihood of poultry producers, breeders and hatcheries.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Former NCI Librarian Grateful for Support
February 2016
17
Bethesda Entrance Goes to Tender
Hundreds of people came out to support the Nickel family during a recent Bingo night in Niverville.
By Marianne Curtis
When word got out, students from Niverville Collegiate stepped in to help their former librarian. “I, The community of Niverville came out in droves in support of along with classmates Dylan Asmundson and Cory Ellis were one of their own after the family was left devastated by a sudden doing a project for our Global Issues class called the Take illness. In January, students from Action Project,” explained Dylan Butler, who helped organize the Niverville Collegiate organized a Bingo Night as a “Take Action” event. “We decided to have a event. The event was held by staff charity bingo night in honour of and students in support of Ann Ann and Neil Nickel.” Because of the student’s efforts, Nickel, the school’s former librarian and her husband Neil. over $3,000 was raised in the charity event. Another was raised Neil had gone to Bolivia to visit family, where he became extremely through a GoFundMe Page. “I have been totally humbled by ill and needed emergency surgery; all the generous donations that then he suffered a stroke. Due to the community of Niverville along lack of insurance, the family was with family and friends has hit with over $100,000 in medical contributed to our medical bills that included air ambulance.
expense bill which has exceeded $100,000,” said a grateful Nickel. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think my retirement would start out on this note. Just goes to show that we should never take anything for granted.” Unfortunately, a few days later, Neil passed away. “I have lived in Niverville for 44 years and I wouldn’t live anywhere else... the people are amazing and truly a community that will bond together in a time of need,” Nickel continued. “I cannot express how grateful I am to you all; from your monetary donations to the amounts of food you have brought to my house. This is all so overwhelming to me!”
Patients using the wheelchair ramp can expect a more practical option in the next few months now that the Bethesda Regional Health Centre entrance project has gone to tender. Photo by Marianne Curtis
By Marianne Curtis Patients and visitors with mobility issues having problems accessing Bethesda Regional Health Centre will soon see some relief now that the project has gone to tender. In the middle of January, Southern Health-Santé Sud Chief Executive Officer Kathy McPhail announced that the main entrance of Bethesda Regional Health Centre (BRHC) has gone to public tender. “We are excited to reach this milestone so we can begin the universally accessible main entrance project,” said McPhail. “This new design will improve patient, staff and visitor flow and will allow for easier access to the health centre.” When the project is completed, there will be direct ground level access at both the emergency department and the main entrance of the Bethesda Regional Health Centre. This will provide ease of patient and visitor movement into and throughout the building. The hospital improvements are in partnership with Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors to complete the project. The new entrance will add 2,045 square feet to the facility and include a new full-sized, pass-through elevator at the main entrance, enclosed stairs with an enclosed waiting space as well as an enclosed walkway link between the emergency department and the main hospital entrance. It also includes an external canopy for weather protection easing drop-off and pick-up of patients, improved signage for way finding and security improvements. The tender is expected to close in mid-February, with construction planned to begin later this spring.
Manhunt on for Pottie Punks Steinbach RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in solving vandalism that occurred at the Taco Del Mar at 115 Park Rd W. On Saturday January 2 at approximately 6:22 pm, Steinbach RCMP were called to the scene at the Taco Del Mar. Surveillance video shows the three males who were possibly involved in causing the damage to the washroom in the restaurant. If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
When CRA Calls and When to Call CRA I’ve been receiving calls from clients and non-clients since last April about threatening calls they have been receiving from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The caller explains that you owe money and you must pay it now “or else”. Well, even I got that call mid-January! The message was on my answering machine at home. Now I know what the clients were hearing and can understand why some were concerned or worried. Fortunately, my clients have been phoning me to find out if it is real or not. My first answer is, “The call is a scam, that’s not how CRA talks to taxpayers.” Then I look up their account with CRA and confirm that they definitely do not have an amount owing with their taxes. There is not much we can do with these (and other types) of scam phone calls. My suggestion is to hang up and call me or CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to confirm if you owe any amount outstanding on your taxes. Never give any information over the phone from an incoming call. Here is some of the information that is on the CRA website about telephone calls. “The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is noting an increase in telephone scams where the caller claims to be from the CRA but is not, and is asking Canadians to beware. These calls are fraudulent and could result in identity and financial theft.” “Some recent telephone scams involve threatening taxpayers or using aggressive and forceful language to scare them into paying fictitious debt to the CRA. Victims receive a phone call from a person claiming to work for the CRA and saying that taxes are owed. The caller requests immediate payment by credit card or convinces the victims to purchase a prepaid credit card and to call back immediately with the information. The taxpayer is often threatened with court charges, jail or deportation.” “These types of communication are not from the CRA. When the CRA calls you, it has established procedures in place to make sure your personal information is protected.” Remember that the CRA... - Never requests prepaid credit cards; and does not accept Visa as payment. - Never asks for information about your passport, healthcard, or driver’s licence; - Never shares your taxpayer information with another person, unless you have provided the appropriate authorization; and
- Never leaves personal information on your answering machine or asks you to leave a message containing your personal information on an answering machine. Keep in mind CRA can and does call taxpayers about outstanding tax returns and unpaid taxes. But it’s usually after they have sent out many reminders and a statement of account. And before they have a conversation with you, they will ask questions to confirm your identity. When should you call CRA? The most important reason is to advise of your marital status change (common-law after 12 months or when you have a child together, or married, or separated). Many benefits are affected by your change in status such as the GST Credit and Child Tax Benefit are the main ones. If you are recently separated you need to wait 90 days before reporting to CRA. Also, call CRA when your mailing address changes so you continue to receive any mail from them. When you call CRA, you will need your previous tax information available as they will ask questions about it to confirm your identity. On-Line Mail. You can sign up to receive an email notification that you have mail in CRA’s My Account; the confidential mail is NOT in the actual email. You need to access “My Account” to get the electronic mail they have sent you. How to pay CRA? There are many ways to pay CRA if you owe them money. Of course, they still accept cheques in the mail, and you can pay it at your Bank or Credit Union or Caisse. You can also pay electronically via on-line banking (your SIN is your account number), or you can go straight to CRA’s website to “My Payment” and can pay direct from your bank account (interac debit payment). And starting February 15, 2016, Visa Debit cards will be accepted with the My Payment service on CRA’s website (cra.gc.ca). Remember we can start filing your 2015 taxes (and previous years) on February 15, 2016 (if you have all your tax information). The deadline to file is May 2 (April 30 is a Saturday). Especially if you owe. You can still file your taxes early even if you owe; you can
Anni Markmann is a Tax Professional, a Certified Financial Planner, and a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact the Ste Anne Tax Service office at 204.422.6631, info@SteAnneTaxService.ca or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne.
pay on or before April 30 to avoid any interest. Those that are self-employed (non-incorporated), we (and our spouses) can file as late as June 15 and be considered filed on time. But if we have an amount owing, the interest does start to add up on May 2.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2016
19
Investment Insight: A Closer Look at Volatility
By Michel Fournier If you’re an investor, you know the impact that volatility can have on your portfolio. Ups and downs in financial markets, individual securities and even mutual funds can have you smiling one day, worried the next. However, it is possible to manage volatility so price fluctuations won’t be such a concern. When you understand volatility and how it works, you can take steps to manage its impact. Volatility is important because it is a measure of risk and potential reward. It is the tendency of securities to rise and fall over a short period. Large swings equal high volatility. More moderate swings represent lower volatility. The higher the volatility, the greater the potential for short-term returns and the greater the risk that your investment will decline in value over a short period. If you have the potential to make a lot of money you often have the potential to lose a lot as well. Less volatile investments may not have the same potential for windfall profits, but they usually don’t have the same degree of downside risk. You can gauge the volatility of an investment by examining its
price history. For example, if a stock has a tendency to fluctuate considerably over a short time, it is volatile. This is especially the case if the price movements are out of sync with the market. While you might expect stocks to move up and down with general market conditions, a volatile stock will often fluctuate even in times of generally stable markets. A low-volatility stock will vary in price much less. Its price moves may be more gradual, and it may even move in tandem with a market index most of the time. Should you be concerned about the volatility of an investment? If you want to assess potential risk before investing for the short term, the answer is yes. If you’re willing to take on more risk to earn potentially higher returns, more volatile investments might be suitable for your portfolio. If you want low volatility, with the tradeoff of lower returns potential, look for lower volatility investments. You should also be concerned about the overall volatility of your portfolio-in other words, how much the value of your portfolio fluctuates and over what period of time. This is easily managed by ensuring your portfolio is well diversified. Hold individual investments that vary in their degree of volatility, as well as including all major assets classes in your portfolio. Individual asset classes don’t always move in tandem, and they seldom fluctuate to the same degree at the same time. You can also reduce volatility worries by focusing on the long-term. With a longer investment horizon, temporary fluctuations don’t matter as much. You reduce volatility risk and take advantage of the fact that over the longterm, the direction of markets is generally up. You can even take advantage of volatility to enhance returns. If you invest at regular intervals-through a periodic investment plan, for instance-volatility can work in your favor because your regular investment amount will buy
Michel Fournier is the financial advisor for Edward Jones located at Clearspring Centre in Steinbach. He can be reached at 204-3469977 or michel.fournier@edwardjones.com. edwardjones.com, Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
more when prices dip. This technique is known as “dollar cost averaging” and it can lower your cost of investing.
Ask your financial advisor for help in assessing and managing the volatility of your portfolio.
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Education by Daddy Each day my son comes home from school with what is called an agenda. No, it’s not one of those secret agendas where there is talk of taking over the world and ruling it with an iron fist; we’ll leave that to the politicians and the mad scientists. My son’s agenda is more of a calendar notebook/day planner where he copies down the notes that his teacher has written on the board that is of importance to students and parents. Such things could be reminders of an upcoming field trip, a special quiz or just a note to parents about something that they should be aware of. This agenda needs to be shown to the parents each day and they need to initial it to show that they have seen it. Now, when my son brings home his agenda he is always hoping that his Mommy is the one to read the note and to sign it and, if he’s very, very lucky his Daddy will be too busy to see it. The reason for this ardent hope is because his Daddy, being a stickler for correct spelling, will actually take the time to look at the note and, if there is a spelling error, have him write out the word with the correct spelling several times. For some reason, he doesn’t seem to care for this! While I try to explain to him how important it is to spell words correctly, he merely sees it as more work (which is actually quite funny since he almost never has any homework). While I do understand that we all make mistakes I also strongly feel that we can and should all learn from, not only our own mistakes but from those around us so as to stop making them and improve ourselves. Something that has started recently, and that I find quite interesting, is that my seven-year-old daughter seems to have a desire to learn handwriting, or cursive as it is also known. So far, what she and I have done is that I’ll write out a word, such as the word “one” and she’ll copy it beneath mine. To date we have reached the word “twenty-nine” but the bumps of the “n” and the dips of the “w” are causing some issues. Being such a smart little cookie, I’m sure she’ll be excelling at them soon. She has even begun to show one of her friends how to write cursively. Maybe in a few years, much like her brother, she might not be too happy with her Daddy’s educational assistance. Then again, maybe she’ll be the one to grow up and become a teacher. Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.
Watershed Meeting Taking Place in Vita The Seine Rat River Conservation District is developing an Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the Roseau River Watershed. The organization has been consulting with residents through
Piney and Stuartburn Circulate Tourism Survey The Rural Municipalities of Piney and Stuartburn are looking to better themselves as a region by focusing on the development of tourism. According to the RM of Stuartburn, the purpose of the strategy is to identify ways to increase and enhance tourism. In addition, to determine what currently draws tourists into the area and what resources are most used and needed by people visiting. The strategy is expected to identify the top five strengths within each municipality and the best means of highlighting the strengths and improve them. The result will be the implementation of a strategy to draw in more tourists and benefit each municipality. The RM of Piney received $8,000 to undertake this study last year through the province’s Partner 4 Growth Grant. In January, public consultations took place in the communities of Woodridge, Vita and Sprague at which time residents had the opportunity to expand on their answers and bring forward any ideas or comments they had. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the survey by visiting the link https:// w w w. s u r v e y m o n k e y. c o m / r / R6XK5XM.
public meetings in a number of communities. The plan will set goals, priorities and actions for the protection, restoration and improved management of land and water resources within the watershed. There is one more meeting taking place locally, and it is scheduled to take place at the Vita Community Hall on Thursday, February 11, starting at 6:30 pm. For more information visit the SeineRat River web site at srrcd.ca, follow on Facebook; call the offices in La Broquerie 204-424-5845 ext 1 or Vita 204425-7877 or e-mail manager@srrcd.ca.
Charges Laid Against Home Invaders In the early morning hours of January 1, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to a report of a home invasion in progress in the RM of DeSalaberry. The residents were awakened by noise and called police. Police arrived and arrested 34-year-old Brett Sutherland and 29-yearold Candace Scott, both from Winnipeg. There were no injuries reported. A stolen Audi was recovered at the scene and has been confirmed stolen from Headingley. Both accused have been remanded into custody pending court appearances. The suspects have been charged with resisting arrest, break, enter and theft, theft under $5,000, unlawfully in a dwelling, possession of stolen property, multiple failures to comply, identity fraud and using and possessing forged documents.
Curling Rocks in Lorette The Lorette Curling Club hosted a 24 team Open Bonspiel filled with great competition and socializing the weekend of January 28-31st! Contact us at curlinginlorette@gmail.com if you would like to get active - for ALL ages!
C Event - Kathleen Messner, Nicolas Messner, Irene Bohémier & Stephanie Tétreault.
A Event winners were - Dan Lagasse, Justin Richard, Denis Nolette & Léon Lafond.
B Event - Luc Audette, Lucille & Gilles Brunette & Mitch Tetrault.
D Event - Suzanne & Denis Sarassin, Kevin Orchard & Darla Penner.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Ritchot Chamber Elects New Executive By Marianne Curtis On January 7, the board of the Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce began the year by nominating a new President and Vice President. At the first board of directors meeting for the year, Derek Roth stepped down from his position as President. “It was a great experience to be the first president of the chamber; it was something we believed in and we made it happen,” said Roth. “Unfortunately, I am in the middle of a huge building project and I cannot dedicate as much time as I need to this position.” Upon tendering his resignation, the board nominated Larry Niebel as his successor. “It was an honour to become the second elected board president since the Chamber began,” said Niebel. “We are still a new organization so one of the first things we are doing this year, is to sit down and develop a strategic plan for the future. We are going to put our heads together and come up with ideas that will help us grow as an organization and a business community.” Marty Ritchot also stepped down as Vice President and Marc Palud was elected as the new Vice President while Roger Perron remains as Secretary Treasurer. Over the next few months, the board will develop a strategic plan to determine what kind of events they will host, types of fundraisers and other community driven projects. Anyone with a business, corporation or firm, can sign up as a member of the Ritchot Chamber of Commerce. Individuals, non-profit organization and Friends of the Chamber are two other categories of membership.
Search Warrant Results in Drug, Weapons and Arrests On January 21, the Steinbach RCMP executed a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in Steinbach. This investigation, led by the General Investigation section involved the search of a residence on Penrose Crescent, which resulted in the seizure of prohibited weapons and items relating to the sale of controlled substances, including Cocaine and currency. Twenty-five year old Trenten Sass, and twenty two-year old Shawn Sass, both from Steinbach have been arrested in relation to this incident. Both individuals have been charged with possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possessing the proceeds of crime and possession of a prohibited weapon. Both individuals were remanded into custody.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Woodridge Student Earns Scholorship
A second year nursing student from Woodridge is the proud recipient of this year’s Pat Porter Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The award was presented to Renee Boily at the annual Pat Porter Active Living Centre fundraising banquet. “I was always interested in medicine and I think it will be a great career for me,” said Boily, who is currently enrolled at the St. Boniface University. “I heard they had a great program and I wanted to continue my studies in French.” The $1,000 scholarship is given annually in memory of Patricia Porter, who was once a nurse herself. The award is given to a student that has completed at least one year of school in a Bachlor of Nursing program.
Hunt for Stolen Dirt Bike On January 21, the Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of a stolen dirt bike from a residence off Brandt St. The bike is a white 1987 Yamaha YZ80 with a red seat and was stolen sometime between January 19 at 4 pm and January 21 at 3 pm. If you have any information in regards to the above theft you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
RCMP Seek POI The Steinbach RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the following person who may be able to provide information into a current RCMP investigation. If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
February 2016
21
Tache Library Thanks Fundraising Partner
Alexie Morton, Michelle de Rocquigny, Yvonne Romaniuk, Gail Bohemier, Elvira Plett present a thank you gift to Ron Harder in appreciation for the support shown to the Bibliotheque Tache Library.
Bibliotheque Tache Library board members presented a gift to Marketplace at Lorette Manager Ron Harder in appreciation for his support with the Marketplace Gift Cards. Part of the proceeds from the cards goes to the building fund of a new complex. Library Board members wanted to express their appreciation and plan on continuing this partnership throughout 2016.
Public Assistance Can Help Thief Find New Home Behind Bars
In the early hours of January 9 Steinbach RCMP were dispatched to a break, enter and theft at a business on Brandt Street in Steinbach. The business had been entered and an undisclosed amount of money was stolen. The suspect was captured on surveillance video and police are seeking any tips that may lead to the identity of the suspect. 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 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
9 am and 10:15 am classes to improve heart health, muscle strength and endurance, balance and body awareness. On Wednesdays at 1 pm a fusion of yoga, Pilates and strength to increase muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, body awareness & relaxation techniques. All classes for ages 50+ EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548 and taught by certified fitness leader, Janice Burnett, MFC Anola is a one evening session for $35. If interested contact us email certified since 1991. Class packages may be pre purchased Selo Ukrainian Dancers Annual Zabava – On Saturday, Feb- BTL@srsd.ca, or register in person during library hours by and used anytime during the session. 10-class pack for $40 or a drop in fee of $5 per class. Contact 204-883-2820. ruary at 8 pm-1 am at the Community Centre. Celebrating 30 Monday, February 15. Spots are Limited! years of dance, hot lunch, live band Sloohai, and silent auction. All ages welcome. Cost $15 ea. Contact 204-866-4114. Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities. Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. Adolphe ComIf you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around munity Club. Doors open at 6 pm, 6:55 pm - Speedo Game, 7 Falcon Lake the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 pm - Regular Games. We hope to 42nd Annual Beaver Days Winter Festival – From Friday, Feb- support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an see you there! Proceeds will support the Community Club. ruary 5 – Sunday February 7 at the Whiteshell Community hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 St. Malo Club, Hwy #301, 1/4 km from Falcon Lake Entrance adjacent Lorettecopp@gmail.com. Actif Epica – On Saturday, February 13 beginning at 8 am from to Hwy #1. Celebrate snow, Manitoba Mini Sled Racers, snowmobile poker derby, SnoMo Radar Runs, chili cook-off, horse New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more. St. Malo to Winnipeg. Year 5 brings a new challenge! Racers drawn sleigh rides, Spongee tournament, kids’ games and Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 from around the world will gather in the frozen winter landscape of North America’s geographic centre and cyclists will crafts, Prediction Cross Country Ski Run, kids’ cupcake contest, St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552. have the option to tackle a longer 160 km course (as well as Whiteshell Trappers and Manitoba Conservation displays, a revised 125 km option). Contact 204-960-6743, actifepi.ca, moustache & beard competition, something for everyone. Marchand Valentine’s Day Square Dance – On Saturday, February 13, Box 248, St. Malo, MB. R0E 2G0. Whiteshell Rocks Bonspiel- Men’s teams from Friday, March 6:30 pm at the Community Club, Dobson Ave. Bring your sweet4 –Sunday March 6. Ladies teams from Friday, March 11 – heart and dance the night away. Do-si-do with talented callers Sponge Puck Hockey – On Wednesdays at 8 pm at the arena. Sunday, March 13. Saturday night banquet included. Cost $200/ from Saskatoon, brilliant musicians from Winnipeg and treats Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079. team. Contact Sean 204-349-8715, snedohin@nlis.ca. galore to keep you dancing all night! Don’t miss the event of the winter! Beginners are welcome! Cost Tickets $15 in ad- St. Pierre-Jolys Friedensfeld vance at Nature’s Pasta, 5 Life Sciences Pkwy., $20 at the door, Step Aerobics with Weights - On Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm, at the ICSP School Gym. Contact Stephanie 204-320Whist drives - On Friday, February 5 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, 13 - 16 yrs old $10, Under 12 yrs free. Cash Bar. 2667, Louise 204-433-3839 or The Health Corner 204-433February 21 at 2 pm, March 4, 7:30 pm, March 20, 12 noon, 3891. at the Community Centre. Admission $5, lunch is included. New Bothwell Winter Carnival – Friday, February 19, at 7 pm - Saturday, Diabetes Educational Resource Centre – On 2nd Thursday of Valentine’s Dance – On Saturday, February 13, 7 pm at the February 20, to 9 pm at the Community Centre. Live band Small Town Limits, night lunch Recreational Centre. Come out have fun and support our com- the month from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the DeSalaberry District served. Cost $17 per person. Advance tickets only. Contact munity. A Friday Night Crib Tournament, Saturday Pancake Health Centre. Contact 204-346-6254. Irene 204-326-1624. Breakfast, Bingo, Coloring Contests, Hockey, Skating, Ice Scrambles, Silent Auction, Fireworks, Great Food and much Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar, post partum mood disorders support group meetings held Steinbach Pistons Fire & Ice Banquet – On Monday, February more. on the last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet 22 at the Community Centre. Cocktails: 5:30 pm, Dinner: 6 pm. Malouin boardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Guest Speaker: Winnipeg Jets Play-by-Play Voice Dennis Niverville Beyak. Ticket information at SteinbachPistons.ca. The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club – Meets every Monday at Hospital. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228. 7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to beGiroux come a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective Ste. Agathe Bingo - Every Thursday at Giroux Hall. Doors open at 5 pm, or develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place Taekwondo - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15 - 7:30 pm at Ecole Sainte Agathe hosted by Kang’s Taekwondo AcadBingo starts at 7 pm. Hall rental information for Socials, wed- to start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca. emy. Cost $40/month. Family rates available. Contact Jason dings, family functions, Meetings and more please call Debbie 204-424-5506 or Mike 204-326-6260. GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the Barnabe, jason.barnabe@gmail.com or 204-802-3458. loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn Hadashville about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register Ste. Anne StoryTime - Every Tuesday until March 15 at 2 pm at Bibliothèque Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com. Sainte Anne Library. Come and enjoy story time with your Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six. preschooler. Stories, songs, crafts. Contact stress release and have an excellent workout at the same Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the steannelib@steannemb.ca or call 204-422-9958. time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along The Sainte Anne Prayer Group - Invites you to hear Pastors Dan KSTA.academy@gmail.com. with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms & Susan McLean from Victoria, BC on Thursday, February 4 and Wednesday, February 5 at 7 pm at Seine River Banquet Hall. visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com. The McLean’s are from Victoria Miracle Centre have traveled in Ile-des-Chênes 18 nations and many places in Canada ministering the good Shake, Rattle and Roll – On Tuesdays, February 23 to April 19 Prawda from 10 – 11 am. A physical literacy program for children ages Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool news of Jesus Christ with signs, wonders and miracles follow2-4 yrs old at the Trans Canada Centre IDC. Contact 204-803- down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean ing. Contact 204-371-6657. 6115 to register. runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact International Cooking Classes - On the third Wednesday of the month from 6 - 8:30 pm. Learn to cook authentic and original Story Time in Pyjamas - Every Thursday evening at the Ritchot Wendy 204-348-2433. foods from Columbia, India, Iraq, Philippines and Bolivia. PreLibrary Ecole Regional Gabrielle-Roy at 6:30 pm. Ages 2-8 however all ages are welcome. Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at register with the Town of Ste. Anne at 204-422-5293 or email the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks town@steannemb.ca. Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Sat- provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to urday of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays about Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Richer Blessed Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss Mother’s place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673. their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204email her at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register. Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek 422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net. Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarKleefeld ships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interCommunity Playgroup - For parents, caregivers and children and 12. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult ested in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. up to age 5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open at 5:30 pm On Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan and snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC License # at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013. BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com. doreen@spmf.ca. Ste. Geneviève La Broquerie Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Hope for Haiti Scrapbooking Crop – On Saturday, February 27 Sprague from 8 am - 10 pm at the Centre de l’amitie 97 Principale St. Sprague & District Historical Museum - Open by appointment Centre on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 - 8 pm, Kirsten Desorcy together with Canadian Scrapbooker Maga- from June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the early brings a large selection of books in both French and English, zine sponsoring an all-day crop fundraiser for Haiti. To build days. Free Admission Donations Accepted. Contact 204-437- for children and adults. The next ‘Library Night’ is on Tuesday, January 12. Special requests can be made to the librarian, an art room in their school that will feature art, music, dance 2210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686. bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. Come for a visit and see for over 300 children. Fundraiser has limited spaces. Cost $40 what we are all about. and a potluck dish for supper $25 that goes directly to the St. Adolphe school in Haiti. Entrance goodies, snacks, coupons for CTMH Valentine’s Date Night – On Saturday, February 13 at the and Happy Grillmore, 3 sketch challenges to win a prize - Curling Club - Bud, Spud & Steak Night. Doors open at 5:30 Steinbach special CTMH challenge to win a prize, copy of CTMH’s new pm, dinner at 6 pm, live entertainment at 9 pm. Cost $20 per Blind Date With A Book – All of February, in honour of seasonal expressions catalogue,-small on-site store with prod- person. Wine and Dine your Valentine! Contact for tickets 204- Valentine’s Day and I Love To Read Month with the Jake Epp Library hosting. Ask at the front desk for a random book, or pick ucts, use of a Cricut and Sizzix Big Shot machine, silent auc- 883-2622, or email curlstadolphe@gmail.com. based on genre, see what you end up with! tion. Contact Kirsten Desorcy Kirstendesorcy21@hotmail.com or 204-371-1564. Community Pancake Breakfast – On Thursday, February 18 from 7 – 9 am at Ecole St. Adolphe School. All community Steinbach & Area Garden Club - On Monday, February 8 at 7 pm at Mennonite Heritage Village. “101 Butterfly Species In Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé members are welcome. Manitoba: More Than Just Monarchs- Learn to recognize nafrom Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, Mixed Bonspiel – On Thursday, February 25 – Sunday, Feb- tive butterflies & how to attract them to your garden. Simone foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard ruary 28 at the Curling Club. Open to teams of 2 male + 2 Allard, author of ‘Manitoba Butterflies: A Field Guide’. Everymaintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. female curlers, or 3 + 1 (if your team is 3 + 1, the single or one welcome, contact sagardenclub.com. Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204- female curler plays 3rd or skip). Junior Curlers and Junior 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Teams welcome! Calcutta on Friday Night; Karaoke on Satur- Page to Film Night – On Friday, February 26 at 7 pm Jake Epp Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, day Night! Food available throughout the weekend. Entry Library showing Diary of a Wimpy Kid at 7 p.m. Normally, the leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Fee: $180/team (Cash Prizes). To register, contact 4th Friday of the month. Popcorn provided, Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. curlstadolphe@gmail.com or Robert at 204-688-6955. Eastman Safety Upcoming Programs: Located at 385 Loewen Cost $10. Ritchot Seniors Services Active Living Centre - A variety of fit- Blvd. Register online at eastmansafety.ca or contact 1-204Lorette ness classes and programs from September 2015 – June 2016 371-1595. Paint Night – On Monday, February 22, 6:30 pm at the starts Monday, September 14 at the Ritchot Senior Services Bibliothèque Taché Library with Painting on the Prairies. This Active Living Center, 457 Main Street. Mondays and Fridays at
Eastman Immigrant Services - Many events and activities to support and help you make new friends. Start to make this community feel like your home. Volunteer to help at our community events. To register contact 204-346-6609, lois@eastmanis.com. Upcoming Events: Cultures in the Kitchen -Submit your recipe. Help us create an amazing ethnic cookbook. Let’s Chat – Informal conversation group that meets every Wednesday 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Pronunciation Skills – Intermediate Pronunciation on Monday and Wednesday from 5 – 7 pm. Advanced Pronunciation on Monday and Wednesday from 7 – 9 pm at D4-284 Reimer Ave. Classes are free. IELTS (International English Language Testing Services) - On Thursday, February 18. Contact 204 346 6609. Hip Hop – Every Tuesday for youth ages 8-15.
Dawson Trail Dispatch Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-424-5737. Al-Anon Program – Meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact Lloyd 204326-4365. Al-Anon 12 Step Recovery Group - Meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at United Church, 541 Main St, front door, ring doorbell. All are welcome. Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm at Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 204-346-0413.
Vita Picklyk Hockey Tournament - From Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 7. Contact Derek Rettaler at 204-392-3165 or Providence College Lecture Series - At the Eastman Education Candice Narth 204-425-3106 for more details. Centre in Steinbach in February and March. Stories in Stitches – the Social History of the Quilt, Tuesday, February 9, Having Woodridge Dominion – A Christian Approach to the Environment, Tues- T.O.P.S -Taking Off Pounds Sensibly - On the second Wednesday, February 16, David Bowie in Darkness – How Celebrities day of every month at the Community Club. For club hours of Navigate the Mediated World, Tuesday, March 1, Human Rights operation, contact Stan 204-429-2253. and Religion – Their Awkward Waltz, Tuesday, March 8, Jesus and Women – The Untold Stories, Tuesday, March 15. Admis- The Mobile Clinic – Is onsite on the third Thursday of every sion is Free. Seminars all start at 7 pm. month from 9 am – 4 pm at the Community Club. Contact for appointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca. Steinbach Girls Softball Registration SGSA is holding softball registration on Monday, February 15 and 22 at the TG Smith General Arena from 6:30 – 9 pm. Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, February 9, March 8, and April 12 from 8:30 am - 7:15 Mommies Group at Kidzone - On Wednesdays, from 9 am - 1 pm. Join us for a great day of fun and friendship. Visit McPhillips pm. Come by to meet other moms to chat with and get your Street Station in the morning and Club Regent in the afterkids to make some new friends. Cost $7, free coffee. noon. Starting at 8:30 am, pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes Creativi-Tea Time - Need to relax and have some you time? and cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus to and Give adult colouring a try. from the casinos for those wishing to play. Overnight trips to Event runs the second Wednesday of every month, from 6:30 South Beach Casino and Folklorama trips are also available. - 8:30 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Come and go as it suits you. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for information and to reWe’ll provide basic supplies (including tea and coffee. serve your seat. Games Day – On the 1st Saturday from 12 – 5 pm every month and 3rd Wednesday every month from 6 – 8:30 pm, at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play strategy games. Bring a friend, your strategies and games. Test your skills and have fun. Ages 14 and up unless accompanied by an adult. Contact 204-326-6841, programs@jakeepplibrary.com
RM of Ste. Anne Temporarily Waives Fines for Pools
The RM of Ste. Anne is trying to Canadian Legion - On 1st Tuesday every month at 8 pm and Ladies Auxiliary meets 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 pm get the message out to area residents at the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, 294 Lumber Ave. who have backyard swimming pools or hot tubs.
Adult Book Club - Tuesdays from 7 – 9 pm. Bring book sugAccording to the municipality, any gestions or peruse our book lists. Meet some other book lovers existing and future swimming pool too and bring a friend. At the Jake Epp Library 255 Elmdale St. Contact Tracey Pankratz 204-326-6841 or hot tub that capable of containing programming@jakeepplibrary.com. over 24” of water is required to have Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main St. Registration for girls 5-17. Develop personal values and well-being, self-respect and respect for others; promote fun, friendship, adventure and challenges through new experiences; develop leadership and decisionmaking skills; give service to the community; value the natural environment. Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at Lecoka, 8B - Brandt Street. Drop in and discuss sustainable living. Contact rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com. The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon except when Monday falls on a long weekend at the Chicken Chef, 365 Main Street, visitors are welcome. Contact Cornie at 326-3155. Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family and friends of people with mental health issues are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden East building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email eastmanmss@mts.net MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living with multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Place apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. MS Lunch Group- On 4th Thursday of every month, from 12 – 1 pm at All D’s Restaurant 320 Main Street. Contact Stephanie Bevacqua 204-988-0904, Stephanie.Bevacqua@mssociety.ca. Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228. 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 326-3028. 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,
a permit and a five-foot fence. “Once we have the information, we prepare the application and contact residents to schedule an appointment to finalize the application,” explained Nadine Vielfaure on behalf of the municipality. “At that appointment, we will review the documentation, a signature and collect $200 building permit fees.” Residents are responsible to contact the building inspector to confirm the project is to code. To guarantee compliance, council has waived the deposit requirement and fines up until May 25, 2016. After that date, a $175 fine and $500 refundable deposit will be required for all permit applications for pre-existing pools.
B&E Crooks Caught At approximately 10:20 am on January 17, Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a property just east of Highway 12 and Highway 1 intersection. The property owner witnessed three people breaking into sheds on his property. Although the suspects fled, they were apprehended by police at a property in Richer. A 27-year-old female, Danielle Thiessen, has been charged for break and enter with intent and failing to comply with her recognizance. Thiessen was remanded into custody. Two 36-year-old males were also arrested and released on charges of break and enter with intent, possession of property obtained by crime, and theft under $5,000.
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Grand Pointe Grandmother Makes Blankets for Refugees
February 2016
23
Richer Fire Fighters Use New Years Eve to Give Back
By Ed Belisle Newly arrived Syrian refugee children are thrilled to receive their specially made blankets. This group of volunteers are making warm Canadian themed blankets for the children of Syrian refugees arriving in Manitoba.
The students at Gabrielle Roy School in Ile des Chenes added their special welcome messages to the blankets as they helped with another package of blankets.
By Marianne Curtis A grandmother from Grande Pointe has been spending the winter months, making blankets to be distributed to Syrian refugees in an effort to wrap them in warmth and love while welcoming them into their new country. Cecile Berard said the project came to life after seeing the body of a Syrian refugee child, Aylan Kurdi washed up on the shore, underscoring the plight of refugees. “It reminded me of my own grandchildren and to me no child of God deserves this no matter their race, religion. I was deeply moved and decided to do something about it,” explained Berard. “We are a group of family and friends working on this humanitarian project to help welcome these families and children to our province.” Berard said initially its primary goal is to welcome each preschool child with a warm and cuddly blanket. Now the program has expanded to include all Syrian children. “We would like to provide each family with a blanket bearing the Canadians colors and emblem,” she continued. “Eventually every child should be surrounded with a blanket to feel the warmth and love of fellow Canadians and Manitobans.” She noted that since the governments are willing to make new homes for these refugees, her group wants to do their part to welcome them and help them grow, be part of the communities and become proud Canadians. “This is the reason why we want each family to receive a blanket bearing the maple leaf and the colors of our country,” Berard explained. Berard said the project, which started in her house, has a few goals, the first being to give warmth, love and tenderness to the children and families as communities welcome them to the country and province. “It raises the awareness amongst local children and youths about the plight of children in the world and especially at this time about the refugee children, and help the refugees coming to our country that they too have a responsibility to learn and love our country as a giving and peaceful country,” Berard added. “It also raises awareness in our local children.” Berard and a group of volunteers have engaged the help of local schoolchildren by recruiting the Grade 8 students at Gabrielle Roy School in Ile des Chenes to help cut and package the blankets. So far, the group has made over 140 blankets; during the last week of January the first, forty were handed out to Syrian children. Materials have been purchased to make another forty blankets. “Our goal is to make at least 500 blankets,” Berard continued. “We are working with youth groups and schools to bring awareness to the youth of the plight of these less fortunate children.” To obtain further information regarding this project, please feel free to contact Cecile Berard at 204 257-8751 or by email at renelb@mts.net. Friends have also set up a “go fund me” account for “Blankets for Syrian children” at gofundme.com/refugeeblankets.
The Richer Fire Department recently handed out three cheques totalling over $2,000 to three deserving organizations thanks to funds raised at their packed New Years Eve Social. Firefighters not only raised funds through ticket and liquor sales, but also hosted a successful “Pie Your Firefighter” event where social attendees were able to purchase whipped cream pies and pick the firefighter they wanted to hit with it. Firefighters were all smiles as dozens of pies were thrown, knowing that each hit only added to their fundraising efforts. “We wanted to do something to help out during the Christmas season and wanted to bring the community together to celebrate the season and to welcome in the New Year right,” said organizer and volunteer firefighter Rob Desautels. Desautels expressed his thanks to his fellow firefighters and the community for their support. The Richer Day care, Operation Red Nose and the Ste. Anne Food Bank all benefited from the social event. According to firefighters, they are already looking forward to a similar event next year, and possibly bringing out the “Pie Your Firefighter” setup at other community events.
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February 2016
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
Check out all programs, events and purchase tickets online steinbachartscouncil.ca. Experience Live Theatre! Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in Steinbach. On Tuesday, February 16 at 7:30 pm at the SRSS the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre with be performing The Hound of The Baskervilles. The grip of a modern day Sherlock Holmes mystery comes to life on the Steinbach stage, mtc.mb.ca. Selling fast!
New! Designer Workshop – Ask a Designer! Featuring artists known as Interior Designers! Calling back designers from the Designer Home Tour in Fall to answer your questions: Sandra Toews, Edna Wiebe. Priscilla Giesbrecht, Lisa Clark and Jaclyn Peters. On Saturday, February 27 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Schedule includes customized consultations and 2 workshops: The Wellness Shift and Transforming Your Kitchen and Bath Project both presented by Corey Klassen, CKD, CBD. Bring your questions, samples, and colors! Tickets available online or at the office.
Sierra Noble, Fiddling and more... You won’t want to miss this talented Métis Fiddler, singer and storyteller! On Tuesday, March 1 at 7:30 pm at the SRSS Theatre. A family event - come and hear our local young fiddlers perform as well. Tickets selling fast - check online/SAC office.
Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit applications are online This is for all ages, and all mediums – watercolor, drawing, oils, acrylics, photography, quilting, eggery, crafts, and more - anyone from the southeastern Manitoba region. Register by Tuesday, March 1 and submit your artwork by March 24. See website. No entry fees for students!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Adults – Digital Photography, Beginner Watercolor & Oil Painting, Mixed Art for Adults, Pottery Passion, Intro to the Pottery Wheel, Woodcarving. Teens – Digital Photography, Cartoon Illustration, Pottery Passion, Mixed Art for Teens In the Kitchen - Kids in the Kitchen and Creative Cooking – with Culinary Artist Cassandra Milcharek. Explore flavors, culture and creativity in the kitchen this winter. Languages – French and Spanish, Levels 1 & 2. Friday Night Strings – Discover the FUN of playing violin together. Join other violinists on Friday nights. Backbeat Music - for young musicians, 12 - 17, monthly Saturday mornings.
Build Your Confidence! The Backyard Theatre Company is for ages 5 – 17. Sign up for classes Acting Out, Dramatic Discovery, The Actor’s Studio and The Audition. Explore your imagination and ignite your creativity through recitals and festival.
Arts4Tots Preschool Program It’s the most creative way to learn with specialists in Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts for Ages 3 - 5, Monday – Thursday. Join Miss Pam and Miss Jen for creativity, fun and learning.
Hall Gallery Art Exhibit Opening. You are invited to The South East Artists (SEA) Mosaic Art Exhibit Opening on Saturday, February 27 at 7 pm at The Steinbach Cultural Arts Council’s Hall Gallery. All are welcome and toonie donations graciously accepted. Thank you to our Hall Gallery sponsor Good ‘n’ Natural.
Beautiful Local Art – for your Home or Business Beautiful pieces of art by local artists are available for you! Change the look of your home or office - we can customize something just for you! Call the SAC office and check out our art room, or the many pieces on display in our Hall Gallery. We will come in to install and remove it – you just enjoy it! And support your local arts community at the same time. Call Jolene.
New! 12 Week Dance Classes
Calling all musicians!
Starts January 18 - Try the 12-Week Dance Classes at SAC! No fundraising or costume fees! Run by our talented XCOMPANY instructors. Dance4Tots - Ages 3 - 5 years old; Intro to Jazz and Intro to Hip Hop and more...classes for ages 6 and up! Call 204-346-1077 to register.
SAC is a partner with the Steinbach Pistons - looking for singers, instrumentalists, groups and performers to perform the National Anthem at games.
Creative Wellness
Aboriginal Community and SAC will partner to run classes learning their culture, art, languages, and food. Call SAC if interested.
NEW! Adaptive Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Zumba with THE Eddie Miller Power Pilates, Pilates Core Basic, On the Ball Pilates, Belly Dancing Beginner & Advanced. Kids – Hand Building with Clay, Art Adventures, Art X-Travaganza.
New! Aboriginal Culture Group Call 204-346-1077 for more details on all programs and concerts.