Dawson Trail Dispatch July 2015

Landmark and Ile Des Chene Under Boil Water Advisory

Splash Park Opens in Blumenort

By Marianne Curtis The community of Blumenort had a lot to celebrate on June 27 when they officially opened a brand new splash park in the local park.

RM of Hanover Councillor Bob Brandt said the project started two years ago with a simple idea. “It happened because of the people and volunteers that were here for the entire project,” said Brandt. “We built this amazing park with no debt and I think that’s a great achievement.”

The Blumenort community splash park was a joint project between the RM of Hanover, LUD of Blumenort, and Manitoba Hydro, along with numerous volunteers.

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen and Provencher MP Ted Falk channeled their inner child and tried out the new facility first hand.

“When you build communities you have to look after the kids. What is going to bring families to a community and what is going to keep them,” Goertzen stated. “This LUD Blumenort member Leo Penner manages to stay dry while Provencher MP Ted Falk, Steinbach MLA Kelvin will attract and keep families here.” Goertzen, and RM of Hanover Councillor Bob Brandt (under the water) prove you are never too old to have fun.

“Each community has a different Photo by Marianne Curtis spot called the ‘watering hole’. This cultural and social development. The Development Initiative (CDI) to provide community’s watering hole will be the splash park,” Falk added. “It will direct benefits to municipalities near Bipole funding can also be used to provide training, employment or economic be a great place to make memories III facilities.

John Thompson, with Manitoba Hydro development in the community or develop for years to come.”

With a price tag of $160,000, said, “This project is a great example of what community infrastructure.

The RM’s of Tache, Ste. Anne, Ritchot, Manitoba Hydro’s Community their program was designed to do.”

The program specially states that funds and Hanover along with the Town of Development Initiative funded the new Blumenort Splash Park. As part should be used for community projects over Niverville have all received funds from the of being able to build a controversial the next decade. These projects can CDI. Some have projects in mind, while hydro line, Manitoba Hydro promote environmental sustainability, other municipalities have not yet decided. developed a Community resource rehabilitation or development,

Residents throughout the community of Landmark were advised they were on a boil water advisory on July 26.

About 1,600 residents in Landmark are under a boil water advisory after a water sample tested positive for coliform and E. coli bacteria in the water supply.

RM of Tache Mayor Robert Rivard, confirmed the warning was issued June 26.

One out of four samples taken tested positive for the bacteria, Rivard said, adding the community plans to continue water testing over the weekend. If additional samples come back bacteria-free, the advisory could be lifted as early as Monday, he advised.

Meanwhile, over one hundred homes within Southside Estates in Ile des Chenes remain under a boil water advisory after E.Coli was found within it’s water system.

Earlier in June, the owners began upgrades within the trailer parks main pump house, forcing the community to rely on the backup system. It is unknown how long these upgrades will be taking place.

In both cases, residents were told to bring water to a rolling boil for at least a minute before they consumed it for drinking, making ice, preparing beverages such as infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables and brushing teeth.

The boil water advisories will remain in effect until health officials can confirm the water no longer poses a risk. They will notify residents when the water is deemed clear.

E. coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria. Its presence in water suggests the water or sample has been possibly contaminated by sewage or waste in some way.

RM of Hanover Approves Grunthal Kennel

By Marianne Curtis Despite the discovery that a dog kennel was operating outside of Grunthal without a license, the RM of Hanover council has decided they will not shut down the facility despite public outcry by some animal activists.

Earlier in June, the RM of Hanover held a public hearing to discuss an operation called Lonesum D Ranch, owned by Donald and Pearl Dyck. According

Continued on page 3

2

More Than Just News!

July 2015

Blumenort Fair and Grand Opening of Splash Park Enjoyed by All

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Despite a partial rainy day, organizers of the annual Blumenort Fun and Fair Days were pleased with the event.

Several hundred people came out for a free pancake breakfast and then adjourned for a community parade. After lunch, there were intermittent showers that dampened festivities, but things cleared up towards the evening just in time for the live entertainment and fireworks.

Blumenort Fun and Fair Days coordinator Karen Doyle Hopkins said one of the highlights of the day was the opening of a new splash park in the community.

The ribbon is cut to declare that the new Blumenort Splash Park is officially opened.

LUD of Blumenort community members served a pancake breakfast to several hundred people.

“It has been a busy day, we did have some rain but overall people seemed to be having a great time,” said Hopkins. “We are so grateful for our volunteers who helped make this weekend a success. We could not have done this without them.”

There were displays set up with Prairie Exotics, the Red River Photos by Marianne Curtis Mutual Fire Safety Truck, MPI Mini Car Town, the Community Volunteer award presentation, Stoney Brook dancers and Flippers gymnastics.

Left: The bike parade was a huge hit for the kids during the Blumenort Fair.

Frog Follies to Celebrate 45 Years

By Marianne Curtis For the past forty-five years, frogs and a love for francophone heritage have been the driving force behind one of the regions most successful community festivals. This year the St. Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies and Agriculture Fair are celebrating their 45th birthday on July 9-12.

Festivities kick off Thursday night with the Great Canadian Frog hunt where people can participate in catching the frogs to be used for the Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship.

Some of the featured activities include one of Manitoba’s premier agricultural exhibition displays and fair, numerous children’s activities, slo-pitch tournament, a parade, fireworks, Sunday night DJ social, and the Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship.

A few new activities have been added to the roster, including Geocaching, a Frog Follies Supper on Saturday, and a Cribbage tournament and bocce ball on Sunday. There will be a variety of entertainers including performances by Marc LaBossière, Robin Chestnut, Ryan Price, Ça Claque, Mr. Richards, Fubuki Daikon, Barney Morin Frog Follies Improv Troupe, Chronical, The Ricky Smits, marijo - Y mouille en titi, Marie-Josée Clément, and the Susan French Dancers.

The first Frog Follies began when a group of residents decided they wanted to welcome people into their small town to celebrate their rich francophone heritage during the province’s Centennial. On July 14, 1970, St-Pierre-Jolys welcomed HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles for a 20 minute visit to launch the first ever St-Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies.

Many events were held that weekend, including the First Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship. Mayor Fernand Lavergne issued a public challenge to politicians and mayors of other towns. The winner of the first frog-jumping contest was Albert Driedger, Reeve of the RM of Hanover, when his frog, Georges, jumped 7 feet 1.25 inches.

In 2009, the St-Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies joined forces with the St-PierreJolys Agricultural Society’s Fair. This merger created a larger event that began attracting more people from all over the region and the country.

Today, the St-Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies and Agricultural Fair welcome over 2,000 people per day.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Veterans Ride Across Canada to Make Stopover in Richer

By Marianne Curtis The community of Richer is gearing up for a special event as they prepare to host the Community for Veterans Ride on July 20.

The Communities for Veterans ride is a two hundred and eleven day horseback ride across the country developed to help bring awareness to our contemporary veterans and their stories. Upon completion of The Ride, the rider stories will be brought to the public through the publication of a book.

Paul Nichols has made his way across Canada on horseback since April 13.

“I was in Vancouver and a random lady in a shop saw the Regimental crest on my jacket. She had lived through the siege of Sarajevo for two years and it was Canadian troops that got her out. She told me her story and cried and hugged me as we talked,” explained Nichols. “The people in line behind me had tears in their eyes and I realized the power of a heartfelt story told in a context that people can understand. I’m a different person today because of that woman and I need to share this with my Brothers.

Hopefully this will inspire other Canadians to reach out to our Veterans that are struggling to transition into regular civilian lives.”

Nichols believes that everyone has a responsibility to bring that awareness to the Canadian people and let them know that veterans live quietly among us every day.

“Some of our veterans need some help adjusting and I personally know that timely help can change a life.

We thought who better to raise that awareness in our communities than the veterans themselves,” he continued. “It is about Canada’s communities coming together with veterans to create awareness and encourage discussions of the challenges that our

Veterans can face at home. By the time our horses get us to the Atlantic coast of Canada, we will have heard, and shared, the stories of over 700 Canadian Veterans.”

Dan Guetre, owner of the Dawson Trail Dispatch is helping ensure the group gets the reception they deserve when they ride through the area. For the past few months he has been restoring an one hundred year old covered wagon which will be used for the event. He is working with the Richer Community Club and the Richer Roughstock Rodeo committee. The Ride is expected to arrive in Ste. Anne Monday, July 20 and head towards Richer by about 10 am.

“I just bought a turn-of-the-century covered wagon and we are looking at using it to bring up the rear of the ride from Ste. Anne to Richer to accommodate some older vets and guests who may not want to get on a horse,” stated Guetre. “We want as many veterans to join us as possible, either on horseback or they can ride in the covered wagon.”

When in Richer, the group will go by the Richer Inn where a Suds, Spud and Steak fundraiser dinner will be held. The group will then continue on to the Richer Dawson Trail Park they will be staying for the evening. The Richer Community Club is hosting a fun gymkhana there for the group and local riders to enjoy.

If you know of a vet who would be interested in participating, they can go to www.communitiesforveterans.com to register to ride on horseback. The group is going so far as to provide a riding lesson and horse.

If you know of a vet who would like to participate, but does not feel up to riding a horse, the covered wagon is available that can seat about 10. They can call Dan at 204-355-8798 for details.

Grunthal Kennel continued...

Continued from page 1 to Deputy Reeve Bernie Stahn, the kennel has been operating for about eight years without the municipality’s knowledge.

“The Animal Control Officer was driving by one day and spotted several dogs in the yard,” explained Stahn.

Further investigation revealed the Dyck’s owned fifteen pets plus seventy breeding dogs on the site. “Council was left with making a decision.”

At the June 24 council meeting, Council reviewed recommendations from their planning committee.

“In eight years there has not been a single complaint against this operation, plus there was no public opposition at the hearing,” Strahn continued. “Our bylaw enforcement officer inspected the site and it appeared in good operation.”

As a result, the RM of Hanover approved the operation, allowing no more than 85 adult dogs on the property and to penalize the owners $1,000 for operating a kennel without a permit.

Meanwhile, Barry Piasta, founder of dogadoptionmb.com and supporter for the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue to raise funds to build a no kill shelter that would service all the community’s in southeastern Manitoba is upset with the decision.

“This is nothing more than a puppy mill, a puppy factory,” stated Piasta. “Please call your council members let them know that now they have opened the doors and have said puppy mills are welcome in Hanover. Using this as a precedence now anyone who wants to open a large dog breeding operation can use this as aa example to back their request.”

Jenny Plett is “appalled” by the municipality’s decision.

“There are too many good people putting in too much time and money to rescue animals,” added Plett. “The breeders are either creating animals that could eventually end up in rescues or they are simply taking away the potential homes of rescued animals.”

According to their website, Lonesum D Ranch breeds and sells Australian Shepherds and Papillion puppies.

July 2015

3

Hidden Traps Found Along ATV Trails On June 10 Sprague RCMP received a report of sharpened pieces of metal purposefully stuck in the ground along a trail located on Crown land south of Marchand. This trail is commonly used by loggers, hunters and ATV riders.

On June 7, two males in their 20s, one from Winnipeg and one from Gardenton were riding ATVs on the trail when they struck the partially buried pieces of metal, which caused tires to blow out, creating an extremely dangerous situation and endangering lives.

Intentionally burying metal or laying roadblocks across any trail is a criminal offence and could result in a prison sentence and a substantial fine.

The RCMP are treating this matter very seriously and are requesting anyone with information to contact the Sprague RCMP at 204-437-2222 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

Anyone who has concerns regarding trail use by ATV riders needs to address those concerns with the municipality and the police.

4

July 2015

A House Divided It has been clear for some time now that Manitoba’s NDP government is a house divided. Of course, that became evident when five senior cabinet ministers resigned late last year and said that they had lost confidence in Premier Greg Selinger.

And while there had long been signs of division, that rebellion and the subsequent leadership race exposed for all to see the deep divide within the NDP government. And it appears that the wounds aren’t about to heal anytime soon. Evidence of this is in the series of information leaks that continue to come from within the NDP which attempt to paint rival colleagues in a bad light.

The most recent came in a series of leaks late in June that indicated that leadership contender and Infrastructure Minister Steve Ashton had tried to award an untendered contract of $5 million for flood fighting equipment.

In fact, an announcement was made even before there had been approval from Treasury Board. Media sources indicate that this attempt to award an untendered contract was one of the issues that led to the NDP rebellion.

Further leaks have indicated that medical projects were being timed to have the greatest impact on elections, rather than on patient need.

Of course, these leaks and the distrust the NDP MLAs have for each other provide little incentive for Manitobans to have faith in their provincial government. After all, if the NDP don’t trust each other, why should anyone else trust them.

But equally concerning is the fact that the ongoing feud within the NDP causes a distraction that can only lead to government dysfunction. This dysfunction had been on display long before the official NDP rebellion began as important matters of government simply went unresolved due to a lack of a focused approach.

What has become clear is that there are countless personal agendas being played out within the NDP caucus but none of those agendas put the interests of Manitobans first. And while leaks shine a light on how the NDP is wasting Manitobans’ money and ultimately putting front line services at risk, they show how dysfunctional the provincial government truly is.

Manitobans deserve a government that they cannot only trust but also count on to run matters effectively and professionally. The NDP is clearly incapable of providing that right now. The question is how much longer can the divided NDP house stand, and how much more can Manitobans take.

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.

Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.

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

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

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

Canada Post Agreement Number 42079020

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Infrastructure: Building a Stronger Manitoba Budget 2015 builds on our record $5.5 billion five year plan to strengthen our roads, bridges, and flood protection throughout the province.

Last year we invested over $1 billion in core infrastructure – the most ever. This year we’ll invest even more, including $747 million for roads, highways, and bridges, $285 million for municipal infrastructure, and $48 million for flood protection.

Our historic infrastructure investments are building Manitoba like never before. Everywhere, progress is being made. And whether it’s through our highways renewal plan or our municipal infrastructure program, Manitobans can see the difference.

The Conference Board of Canada confirms that these infrastructure investments will create nearly 60,000 good jobs and give our economy a $6.3 billion boost.

Hundreds of investments, large and small, are changing the face of Manitoba. For example: - Continuing reconstruction of Highway 12 near Steinbach.

- Continuing major work on the Trans-Canada Highway east of Highway 12, including intersection improvements at Paradise Village.

- Work will continue on Highway 75 to bring it to interstate standards for flood protection, and planning work is also underway on raising Highway 75 to ensure access during major floods.

These upgrades are critical in order to better connect and protect our communities, help businesses get their goods to the market, create good jobs, and grow our economy.

We are also recognized as a leader in Canada at securing and advancing funding for rural community projects through the New Building Canada Plan. A good example of this is the St. Adolphe East Dike Expansion Project.

In the year ahead, we look forward to working with communities and the federal government to identify more priority projects. Your NDP government is building on what is working. We’re on your side.

The annual road repair season is underway and motorists are reminded to slow down and drive safely when they see construction signs and flaggers at the roadside. Drivers are required to reduce speeds to specific limits in construction zones under the Highway Traffic Act. 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.

Disenfranchising Voters with Elections and Rules It appears that our election rules have taken a turn for the worse and increased the amount of time that we will have to listen to partisan hype. This likely will turn off many more potential voters.

The new election act bill was crafted to stop people who have insufficient ID from participating as they cannot now be vouched for by their neighbours. This was one change inserted to stop “voter fraud” in spite of the fact that not one incident was ever uncovered. Approximately 120,000 people were vouched by an acquaintance in election 2011, another 400,000 used the voter info card that they received by mail after being enumerated but that will now not do. That’s better than half a million disenfranchised voters giving democracy a black eye. There is not one iota in this new Bill called the “fair election act” that could entice more people to participate in democracy.

Electoral cheating gets one former MP a new address for two months, Dean Del Mastro has been sentenced to two months jail time and ordered to pay back $10,000 dollars to the Peterborough Electoral District Association.

Michael Sona was sentenced to nine months for the robocalls scandal.

Now we have HarperPAC, which was born and killed in a week as Conservatives realized that this was all a bit too much and might backfire. A political action committee “PAC” is an American invention for raising funds outside of a political party and then spending it for a political party without constraints. The PAC’s did absolutely nothing for democracy in the USA other than distort the restrictions on election fund spending.

Now we have the same distortions in Canada. Buying an election under the guise of free speech is not and will not improve voter participation but rather discourage people from voting at all if they figure too much money is being spent by corporations or union coffers. This also works better with fixed election dates as the ads spending can be targeted at the most appropriate times.

I remember when the PM ran on the promise of fixing government, implying of course, ethics. He even said he would fix the Senate. As it turns out fixing, the Senate was appointing some of the most ethically challenged people we’ve ever seen. The fly in the ointment is that the Senate is a provincial jurisdiction, a presumed leverage promised to the provinces for entering Confederation.

To create change, vis a vis this Confederation a promise was made that all provinces would have to agree. That is the realm for any constitutional change. It would take a PM with real leadership qualities to change the Constitution. It has been tried and I’m afraid Harper would fail. Furthermore he also sells himself as the best manager for the economy, We’ve seen better.

Probably the best way to improve the Senate is to have a permanent provincial list with three available candidates from each province, have the PM choose from that list and appoint each one as an independent.

Senate change also goes hand in hand with improved guidelines on allowable expenditures since it seems nowadays common sense is in short supply.

It is also obvious that election rules should be implemented with absolute fair play in mind and ways to increase participation, not the other way around. We have other institutions such as the Supreme Court, which has continuously been attacked by this government for apparent political points. Yet our rights are guaranteed by this very Court and thank God, not by the whims of elected partisans and all too often ethically challenged individuals. The fact that one is elected does not guarantee good character.

What is required, is leadership, and I find it surprising that Harper is selling himself as the best leader for the October election. His qualities would be more akin to a bull with a migraine in a china shop. Integrity and democratic values with an eye on history and confidence in the future, that’s what we need.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Canada Day! As we head into summer, Canada Day is just past. It was a special day to celebrate our rich history, diverse natural and cultural heritage, strong values and many accomplishments.

Canada’s history is filled with notable figures whose legacy has enriched the Canadian and global community. For instance, Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone changed the way the world communicates forever. Harriet Tubman’s courage and determination helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom in Canada along the Underground Railroad.

Nellie McClung’s leadership paved the way for equality for women in Canada. Terry Fox’s inspiring cross-Canada run continues to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Canada’s men and women in uniform have courageously fought tyranny and evil around the world throughout our history. And, every day, hard-working and generous Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast contribute to the Canadian experience.

The Fathers of Confederation founded our great country with a vision for a united and prosperous Canada, and 148 years later Canada stands on the world stage as a nation strong and free.

And, our Conservative Government is committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Canada for years to come. That’s why we are helping create jobs and opportunities for all Canadians, while keeping taxes low and balancing the budget. We are helping make our streets and communities safer. We are making historic infrastructure investments in communities across Canada. We are conserving Canada’s rich natural beauty. And, we are protecting and promoting Canadian values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law in Canada and abroad.

Canada is known around the world as a diverse and welcoming society.

Recently, at the Summer in the City Festival in Steinbach, it was my great pleasure to welcome several new citizens to Canada. We are a nation of immigrants and our diversity is truly one of our greatest strengths. I look forward to seeing these new citizens continue to thrive and be important contributors to our great nation.

Canada’s future is indeed bright, and on July 1, we were proud to celebrate Canada – the best country in the world.

As your Member of Parliament for Provencher, I celebrated this special day with many of you at events across the riding. I hope everyone had a very happy Canada Day! You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-3269889. You may also write my office at 8-227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, e-mail me at ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

Let’s Enjoy Our Manitoba Summer The month of June has been a very busy month. It is the month for Graduations and the start of the summer fair season.

I had the pleasure of attending some of the graduation ceremonies at the schools in my constituency.

It is a great feeling to watch as the grads step up one at a time to receive their diplomas. I would like to wish the class of 2015 graduating students much success in the future and hope that many of them will choose to stay in this province to continue their studies or start a career.

Graduation is not only a time to congratulate students, but to thank their parents, teachers and mentors for their hard work in helping the grads reach this important milestone in life. For the Grads, you are the future of this great province. I wish you all success in this next chapter of life.

Manitoba is home to many great summer events, beautiful cottage country, abundant lakes and loads of summer activities. However you choose to spend your summer, I wish you to have an enjoyable and safe one. I look forward to attending many of the events that Manitoba has to offer and meeting with Manitobans as we enjoy summer.

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

More Than Just News!

July 2015

5

Kennels Need to be More Responsible Dear Editor: I am writing about the Lonesum D Ranch just outside of Grunthal that is housing 85 dogs in a converted hog barn. Although I believe that it is possible that the ranch is kept clean and well run, I am appalled at the mass breeding of dogs in a province that is already overrun with stray and unwanted dogs. I know that we are mostly rural people and that the farm attitude has generally been that animals are simply animals with minimal value in our lives. I believe that that attitude is starting to change and I would like to be a part of that change.

We became pet owners when our son was 1 year old. I didn’t know how to house train it and the puppy was also afraid of my husband. After three months we threw in the towel. Fortunately, we knew of a good home to send it to. Five years ago we tried again. It was still difficult but our two dogs are now firmly entrenched as beloved pets that we will keep until they die. They make us laugh every single day and they are the best examples of living in the moment and unconditional love that I know.

There was a time when I wanted to let our female have puppies. As I became more educated about all of the unwanted animals in Manitoba – and the dozens of rescues and hundreds of people working to spay/neuter and rehome animals that no longer had a home – I realized how irresponsible that would be. We contented ourselves with fostering two little puppies. The plan was to give them up for adoption once they were old enough. Only one made it to adoption. The other dog needed to stay with us.

The people who run rescues are kind, caring and hard-working people. They have busy lives, just like most of us do, but they can’t stand to see the animals being neglected so they allow themselves to become busier by caring for these animals and making every effort to find good homes for them. I wonder how many pets sold by pet stores or breeders end up at the rescues. I believe that the mass breeding is absolutely counter-productive to the well-being of our society. We are at the top of the food chain and with that comes responsibility. We are responsible for caring for the environment and I believe that we are responsible for animals that we have taught to be our pets.

I understand that some people want specific types or breeds of dogs. I am not suggesting that breeders be put out of business completely. I am simply asking that there be accountability for animal welfare and that the numbers be decreased. If the owners of the Lonesum D Ranch truly love their animals and are not just in the business to make a buck, I believe that they will also understand that if they breed fewer puppies every year, that our province will be a better place. If the good people who run and work at the animal rescues would have time to devote their energy to other volunteer work, we would benefit even more. Plenty of charitable donations go to dog rescues as well. Again, that money could be spent elsewhere!

It is my hope that the RM of Hanover councilors will see this letter and consider my request.

Jennifer Plett Landmark, MB

Scholarships Pay-It-Forward future,” said Curtis, who did eventually graduate in 2005 at 37.

“It is an honour to inspire students to be the best they can be, despite what is going on in their lives. To have this award named after me, with my history in this school, is a huge honour.”

The Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation was established by Pchajek in memory of her thirteen year old daughter who died as a result of car crash seventeen years ago.

“We have been presenting awards and scholarships in Ste. Anne for the past twelve years.

This is the first time our foundation has sponsored an award in another school,” explained Pchajek. “Education was important to Stacey and while she Dawson Trail Dispatch journalist Marianne Curtis, Jazz Daignealt, SRSS teacher Brad did not live to finish school, I McColm, Sharon Janz and President of the Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation, Doreen know she would want her memory Pchajek at the presentation of the first Marianne Curtis Flexible Learning Award. carried on by supporting others.”

The Marianne Curtis Flexible Two SRSS students recently career and it was made possible by Learning Award will be given out learned there is value in paying it Marianne and Doreen’s efforts and annually to a graduating student forward after they became the generosity. The girls and their who has completed a minimum of first recipients of a new “Flexible parents were over the moon with Learning Award”. excitement,” said McColm. “I am so four credits in a flexible learning On June 18, Jazz Daignealt and glad that we will now have an award program. These programs are Sharon Janz became the first two for students who work their hardest designed to provide support for graduating students from the to overcome obstacles in their lives students who have obstacles to being successful in a regular SRSS to receive the Marianne but may not be the typical 90+ classroom.

Curtis Award sponsored by student.”

Students complete grade level Stacey Pchajek Memorial McColm met Curtis, a former SRSS Foundation. Both graduates alumnus after his students’ shoveled work and achieve the same credits as regular programs; it is the were presented with cheques for driveways in one of this past pathway that looks a little $500 and a crystal award winter’s brutal snowstorms over a different. In Steinbach, the recognizing their achievements. story for the Dawson Trail programs are SDL – Self Directed While Diagneault has not Dispatch. A brief discussion about Learning, TLC – The Learning decided what she will do after scholarships inspired Curtis to Centre and The Integrations graduation, Janz has already figure out a way to fund an award Program. been accepted into an for the school. Upon hearing she After hearing about this award, a Educational Assistant program. was raising money, Doreen Pchajek, former Shevecheko School student Brad McColm an SRSS teacher President of the Stacey Pchajek said he wanted to offer Memorial Foundation came forward has established a Pay-It-Forward award in Vita. something substantial to his and offered to fund the award The Stacey Pchajek Memorial students who are graduating indefinitely, one of the conditions Foundation also presented and despite numerous obstacles. was that it be named after Curtis. award in Ste. Anne to grade 8 “Wednesday was likely the “I was once that student; bullied, greatest highlight of my teaching abused, depressed; the one with no student Camrin Place.

6

More Than Just News!

July 2015

St. Adolphe East Dike Expansion Begins

By Marianne Curtis The landlocked community of St. Adolphe is expected to see a significant construction boom in the coming years now that the long awaited dike expansion project has officially commenced.

Construction of the St. Adolphe East Dike Expansion officially started in the beginning of June. The $6.9 million project includes the reconstruction of the existing easterly portion of the ring dike. The expansion will be approximately four kilometres in length and built to accommodate a one-in-200 year flood protection level while maximizing community safety in severe flooding conditions.

Not only will the community be assured of flood protection, the project opens the door to the construction of 1,300 new housing units, depending on what kind of projects proposed.

RM of Ritchot Reeve Jackie Hunt is relieved to see the earth being moved, making way for new development.

“This has been the most challenging project of my life,” Hunt admitted. “There were times when I didn’t think this project was going to happen.” Initially the project was expected to cost $2.3 million, and then costs started to add up.

“We walked away from this project twice because we could not make it a go,” Hunt continued. “But our partners stepped forward and say they would make it happen.”

Provencher MP Ted Falk, Dawson Trail MLA Ron Lemiuex and RM of Ritchot Reeve Jackie Hunt officially kicked off construction of St. Adolphe East Dike Expansion on June 5.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Funding for the structure was obtained under the Building Canada Fund for $2.3 million, while the province pitched in $4 million. The RM of Ritchot will provide the remaining balance.

“This is important for the survival of our community. Since I moved here fourteen years ago, businesses have been closing; there was no room for growth, or additional recreation opportunities. Council of the day recognized we were out of land so they started looking for ways to move the dike.”

Dawson Trail MLA Ron Lemiuex

said this is a significant project for the area. “Bob Stefaniuk, the former reeve and former MP Vic Toews have to be thanked for keeping this project on the rails,” said Lemiuex. “This project illustrates the importance of partnerships when it comes to getting things done for a community.”

The $6.9 million project includes hydraulic studies, obtaining environmental approvals, preparing concept plans and detailed drawings, purchasing property, tendering the work required, and inspecting the work done.

The St. Adolphe Dike Expansion project is being constructed by H. Baudry Construction, a locally owned and operated heavy equipment company located in Ste. Agathe. Construction is expected to take two years wrapping up in the fall of 2016.

Authors in the City a Make an Impression For the past six years, Summer in the City has been a hot spot for artists, musicians, ethnic food and culture. This year, a group of local authors joined the festivities with the first “Author’s in the City” display. During the event, twelve published authors from southern Manitoba proudly displayed over forty different titles in Twelve local authors including Kim Rempel, Celesta Thiessen, Susan Rocan, Barbara genres for all tastes and Derksen, CJ Bolyne and Marianne Curtis brought their vast library of locally written books to the community for the first time during this year’s Summer in the City. ages.

Marianne Curtis, spokesperson for Authors of Manitoba said the weekend event was a huge success for the fledgling group.

“When we first set up our booth, people wandered over, curious to know why there was a group of us around tables of books. By the end of the weekend, people were pointing our booth out to others and saying, ‘Look, they are all local authors!’” said Curtis. “When we got here, no one knew who we were. We wanted visibility and we got it.”

As new members of the Steinbach Arts Council, Authors of Manitoba are trying to find their niche.

“The community is not used to seeing so many writers in one place at one time, but once they figured out who we were, the response was encouraging,” Curtis continued. “The ability to meet the author of a new favourite book, or introduce local readers to a product they’d otherwise not know was available; this was a great opportunity for us.”

In addition to the exposure to hundreds of new readers, Authors of Manitoba obtained a valuable offer for retail space. Sheri Parent, owner of Driven 2 Sew, Quilt and Craft Shop offered to become the exclusive distributor of work composed by members of the group. “I am a big supporter of local artists, and I am looking forward to having readers come to my store,” Parent said. “If setting up a little bookstore gives the many talented local writers a place to sell their books in Steinbach, then I want to help out however I can.”

Currently over forty titles are available at her shop, which is located within the Brookdale Mall on Main Street in Steinbach and more are expected to arrive soon.

The group called Authors in the City consists of published writers from Steinbach, La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, Ste. Genevieve, Middlebro, Gardenton, Ile des Chenes and Winnipeg. They will be displaying their work at the upcoming Richer Rough Stock Rodeo taking place in August.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Sprague RCMP Launch New Line The Sprague RCMP has implemented a new phone number for the public to file reports with the police.

Police say that the idea behind the move was to make the number easier to remember for area residents and in doing so, increase public safety.

Currently Buffalo Point First Nation is not set up for 911 service and must dial the police, ambulance or fire services directly. The new number should allow for less confusion.

The previous emergency number will still bevalid and call forwarded for the foreseeable future to allow for a safer transition.

Anyone needing to report an incident is encouraged to call (204-437-2222). Calls to this number are routed through the RCMP dispatch service to which police officers can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Residents are reminded that Sprague RCMP and Steinbach RCMP are amalgamated, so it is common for officers to be dispatched from either detachment This number does not replace 911 - except for Buffalo Pointe, which does not have 911.

For general inquiries, the administration phone number of 204-437-2041 is still available for daytime hours Tuesday through Thursday.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Hot Cars No Place for Dogs

The Clearspring Veterinary Clinic is one of the most recent businesses to jump on board a campaign designed to inform pet owners about the dangers of leaving a dog behind in your vehicle during the hot summer months.

By Marianne Curtis Now that summer holidays have arrived, pet owners will be hitting the road along with their family pet, sometimes unknowingly placing their lives in danger by leaving them in their vehicles.

For the second year in a row, Barry Piasta with dogadoption.ca has been going to various businesses and encouraging them to post signs, advising customers not to leave their pet behind in their vehicle.

“Each year we hear or read about another dog dying when left in the car while the owner had run into the store or such. This occurs not because they are not loved, it’s simply because many pet owners are misinformed about the dangers,” said Piasta. “Many have said, “But it was an overcast day, and only 20 degrees or I was only gone 5 minutes. But it was really more, time passes by faster than we think when we are occupied.”

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are real concerns for animals at this time of year.

If you are outside with your pet, always have shade and water available, and never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, Piasta warns.

“That’s why we created our sign to remind pet owners, as well who to contact if you ever come across a dog in distress alone in a car,” Piasta continued.

The temperature inside a vehicle on a sunny day can quickly rise to over 40 degrees Celsius in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked open.

Anyone who sees an animal in a parked vehicle and is concerned for its well-being, is asked to notify the management of the business closest to the vehicle to locate the owner as soon as possible. If necessary, call police. Leaving an unattended pet in a hot vehicle can lead to animal cruelty charges even in rural areas.

“Many people say that they would just break the window. We inform you that you can be charged for this, and if you are not charged by police the auto insurance company may seek that you pay for any damages of that vehicle,” Piasta stressed.

Police advise the best response is to call 911. However, if a life is in immediate risk, any action, including breaking a window to access a vehicle is permitted without being charged with a criminal offence.

This is the second year the program is in place. Last year, dogadoption.ca distributed signs to fifty businesses across Manitoba to display in their parking lots. The organization has almost met that goal for this year.

The signs are purchased by the organization using funds raised through T-shirt sales and donations.

Plett Disputes Accusations In early June, Senator Don Plett was one of a number of senators singled out by Auditor General Michael Ferguson’s expense audit of the Senate.

In his report, Plett has repaid $2,975 out of $4,095 in ineligible travel expenses.

He is contesting the other $1,120. “There were two claims that had an administrative error,” Plett said. “We happened to flag both of these errors prior to [the] audit and we immediately said these are mistakes that should not have been there.”

Plett said that during the period under review, he filed 103 travel expense forms, adding he was worried based on the sheer volume of claims that there could be some human error at play. “We’re all human, my staff is human, I’m human,” he said, adding he never once wilfully took any money that did not belong to him.

“I stand by that today, but clearly, yes, this tells me that some of the people and I’m not wanting to be critical of individuals in the audit team, there is a lack of knowledge about what is and what is not Senate business,” stated Plett.

A portion of the money in dispute stems from a direct flight Plett took at the request of the then Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. Plett said he took a direct flight from Calgary to Ottawa, however the auditor felt he should have paid for a trip from Calgary to Winnipeg on his own dime, then fly to Ottawa. The direct flight cost $715 more than detouring home.

“Official business means public business that has been authorized by the Senate or a committee of the Senate or requested by a minister of the Crown,” Plett told media. “I feel very strongly that travel at the request of a minister of the Crown clearly is Senate business.”

The balance Plett is contesting comes from two stopovers in Montreal he took while travelling to Ottawa from Winnipeg. He claims he met with, “Stakeholders on Senate matters,” before continuing to Ottawa. However, the auditors determined there was not enough proof to substantiate that claim.

More Than Just News!

July 2015

7

St. Jean Baptist Days Celebrated in La Broquerie The community of La Broquerie Through the years, the event has over the weekend to celebrate the was bustling with activity during evolved from a family celebration French Canadian heritage with over there annual St. Jean Baptist Days into a community event that is held 1,500 people in attendance. which took place June 27 and 28.

On Saturday night the Dust Rhinos and Harlequin took to the stage and played to a nearly sold out crowd at the La Broquerie Arena.

After the parade on Sunday, the community adjourned to the arena to enjoy entertainment by LuLuBelle the Clown, Dan Gervais, Ya Ketchose and Ca Claque.

The first Saint-Jean-Baptiste Days was held in La Broquerie in 1897 with a special mass, games and a picnic in a one day event. The celebration was put on hold during World War I for a few years. The first parade was in 1940 and until this day it still follows that same route down and up Rue Principale. The St. Jean Baptist Parade was one of the highlights of this year’s event.

8

More Than Just News!

July 2015

Countdown to St. Labre 200

By Marianne Curtis Organizers are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting race weekend when the seventh annual St. Labre 200 takes place July 10 to 11.

The annual St. Labre 200 is a go-kart build off competition where fourteen teams are challenged to build their own go-karts within 24 hours. Teams build go-karts from scratch on the first day and race their new creations the next day in a fast-paced nail biting 200-lap race (50 miles) on a quarter mile dirt track. The winner earns the right to hoist the coveted Sparkplug Cup. François Grenier one of the organizers of the yearly event is excitedly looking forward to the weekend, which draws mechanically inclined individuals to the community.

“If you like music, adrenaline, fun, uniqueness, being outdoors and dust, we are looking for lots of high energy volunteers,” Grenier says.

“Let us know if you are interested and we will find you something fun to do - guaranteed!”

Over the past six years, the St. Labre 200 has been able to give $38,000 to different local organizations. Profits from the, concessions, merchandise, community supper, team auction, on site donation jar and in the past a big raffle are what make it possible for the Give Back to the Community campaign.

Proceeds from this year ’s event will be divided between the Compassionate Quilters in Vita, Ecole Point-des-Chene’s Alternative Education Program and Canadian CMV Foundation.

Other activities on the grounds include excavator and skid steer rodeo, bounce castles, R/C race cars, rubber boot toss, live bands, Red Bomb Fireworks, Manitoba Arm Wrestling Association sanctioned tournament and many others.

All fourteen go-cart spots have been filled. Teams who have entered include Thibeautville Thunder, Moteau Busters, Moonshadow Holsteins, Team Awesome, JKW Give’r, Eh Team, Fudmuckers, Les Eclairs, Ernie’s Army, Southeast Farm Equipment, Marchand West, Florize Boys, Metalmaster and Red Handed.

Organizers have added one more charity this year to their giving back to the community. There is no admission cost at the gate for attendees who bring non-perishable food items for Accueil Kateri Centre, the new food bank in Ste. Anne.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact Chantal at chantal.sorin@gmail.com.

Heating and Cooling Upgrades Coming to Shevchenko School After a ten year wait, Shevchenko School in Vita is finally getting an upgrade to their heating and cooling system.

According to Krista Curry, Superintendant of Borderland School Division, the board has been saving money for nearly a decade for the project because it was not covered under the Public Schools Finance Branch. “Work has already begun,” said Curry. “It is a well needed upgrade that is a long time coming.”

Curry said students will notice a difference right away once the system is complete. “The building was originally an open concept school, then renovated to become individual classrooms,” Curry explained. “The heating and cooling system was not upgraded to fit the new layout and it was not uncommon to have ten to fifteen degree fluctuations depending on where you were located in the school.”

Upgrades are expected to be complete before school starts in the fall.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ile des Chenes Residents Upset With Community Mailboxes

By Marianne Curtis A large number of Ile des Chenes residents were informed at the end of June that by July 20 they would have access to new community mailboxes. In a letter from Canada Post, residents were informed that on of July 6 they could pick up new mailbox keys.

“The last day of mail service to your PO box inside the post office will be July 17,” stated the letter. All mail will then be delivered to the new boxes July 20.

While the boxes are not installed yet, there are four locations throughout Ile des Chenes where the RM of Ritchot has marked for the placement of the new including Dumaine Road, the old Highway 59 in front of Meadowlark Townhouses, Dufault Road and Bonneteau Ave in Southside Estates.

While the community mailboxes are expected to provide many users who currently get their mail delivered to General Delivery or maintain mailboxes in Winnipeg, residents living in the new condominiums south of Dumaine are less than pleased.

Pat Lloyd, spokesperson for Hayley Common Condo Corps said they are frustrated by the process.

“It’s ludicrous. I have had quite a few spirited discussions with Canada Post and the RM of Ritchot,” said Lloyd. She explained that when the condo development was built the RM of Ritchot had a

In the next few weeks, community mailboxes will be installed at four different locations throughout Ile des Chenes.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

clause in the contract between the developer and the municipality that the developer is financially responsible for installation.

“Canada Post came along and said the developer did not have to comply as they didn’t anticipate there would be a need for another five years,” she said. “A year and a half later, we have to pay.”

Hayley Common consists of seven buildings with 16 units per building. Estimated costs to get community boxes installed now are estimated to cost about $9,000. “We will have to collect that through condo fees,” Lloyd continued.

Lloyd said it is also upsetting

because many residents are losing the social aspect of going into town to get their mail, then shopping at the local stores.

“The post office is a meeting place,” she concluded. “We don’t want community mailboxes; plus it is more than twice the price to maintain these boxes than at the post office.”

Lloyd added that if the issue was space, the Knights of Columbus, who own the building that, houses the Ile des Chenes post office did offer to add more boxes. That offer was declined by Canada Post, she said.

Lorette Lagoon Funding Announced On June 29, the provincial and federal governments announced that funding has been approved for the expansion of the Lorette lagoon.

The Lorette lagoon expansion is expected to address the need for additional treatment capacity and meet regulatory requirements for nutrient removal.

Robert Rivard, Mayor of RM of Taché is pleased the governments came together to make this $2.4 million project a reality.

“Large infrastructure projects like this lagoon expansion for the community of Lorette would never be able to be accomplished by only the local government. Local rate payers would not have the ability to pay for a project like this without it being a huge burden on local taxes,” said Mayor Rivard. “As long as we all keep working together, we can accomplish things like this lagoon project and other infrastructure needs for our communities.”

The proposed project will consist of construction of a new aerated primary cell which will be connected to the two existing aerated primary cells. A phosphorous removal system will be installed to filter phosphorous before wastewater proceeds to secondary cell storage.

As well, a new secondary cell will also be constructed.

Ron Lemiueux, Dawson Trail MLA and Provencher MP Ted Falk were both on hand to make the announcement.

“The expansion of the lagoon

Provencher MP Ted Falk, RM of Tache Mayor Robert Rivard and Dawson Trail MLA Ron Lemuiex were happy to announce that funding is in place to expand the Lorette lagoon.

gives Lorette an opportunity to continue growing as a community while better protecting the environment,” said Lemieux.

“Projects like this demonstrate our commitment to working together building stronger communities, supporting economic growth in our rural areas and investing in much needed public infrastructure.”

Under the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba and the Rural Municipality of Taché have each committed $800,000 toward the project.

“The improvements announced here today will have a long-term, positive impact on Lorette, and is an example of our commitment to building a better Canada,” Falk added.

“Our Government understands that by investing in local infrastructure we are strengthening communities, growing the economy, and improving the quality of life for Canadians.”

This project will result in further benefit to the improvement of water quality associated with the Lake Winnipeg watershed. The lagoon expansion project is expected to be complete in 2016.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

July 2015

9

10

More Than Just News!

July 2015

MHSAA Announces De Salaberry to Hire New President New Foreman On June 18, Chris Gudziunas, Assistant Superintendent of Hanover School Division, was elected President of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association at its annual meeting in Gimli.

One hundred and ten delegates from across the Province came together to discuss high school sports, and future initiatives and direction.

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association is a voluntary, not for profit organization, which is comprised of 193 Senior High Schools from across the Province.

Over 30,000 student athletes and 2,900 volunteer coaches are involved with the association.

The RM of De Salaberry is in the market for a new Public Works Foreman to assist in the operations of the rural municipality of De Salaberry.

Council accepted applications until the end of June for the position that includes personnel, coordinating staff in day-to-day workloads, maintenance and construction of municipal infrastructure, daily and monthly record keeping, general advice for municipal projects and act as liaison between the municipality and private engineering firms, contractors and major utilities.

A number of interested applicants have come forward. The RM of De Salaberry will be making a decision on the matter in July.

Pat Porter Active Living Centre offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm, call 204320-4600 or online patporteralc.com.

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

Centre will be closed on the following days on Wednesday, July 1, Monday, August 3, and Monday, September 7.

Community Garden: Volunteers needed to help us get the garden spots ready, planting, weeding, and watering our garden. Please note that all of the produce that is grown is used in our kitchen for the Meals on Wheels Program. Any help with this project is greatly appreciated Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: July Potluck: On Thursday, July 9. 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 and buns.

Cost is $6. We will be having farmer’s sausage.

Computer Lab: Need help with your computer skills? Call the centre and make an appointment. Labs are 1 hour long and available every Wednesday morning from 9 am – Noon. Please call the centre at 204-320-4600.

Birthday Celebrations: First Wednesdays of the month, July 8, August 12 and September 2 at 2 pm. Celebrate with us! Bring your friends! Guests pay $2 for coffee and cake.

Foot Care: On the first Tuesday, first Wednesday and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 2 pm. Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost $30. Bring your own towel. Contact the centre to book an appointment.

Beltone Hearing: On the third Friday of each month. Contact 1-800-6612653 for appointment.

Weekly Events: 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 10 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage Thursday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Whist 6 - 9 pm Pickleball Friday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Contact 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.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Vita Sledge Hockey Gets Support

By Marianne Curtis The community of Vita is the first in the region to offer an opportunity for athletes to participate in Sledge Hockey thanks to a grant from Southern Health’s Healthy Together Now program.

Carol Dolynchuk, Council Resource Coordinator for the Vita and District Resource Council said the Vita Sledge Hockey committee was successful in receiving a grant for $8,400 that will be used to purchase the equipment to begin the program in Vita for winter 2015-16 and beyond.

“Each Sledge costs about $700, so the committee wanted to ensure that enough sledges were purchased for two teams, so that all children, teens and adults can learn and enjoy the sport without needing to purchase their own sledge right away,” said Dolynchuk. “We will be the only area in the south to have these sledges and we want to get other teams from other areas to come to compete with us. We want to get youth to seniors motivated to get a team together and teams from other towns. We want folks to see that is is an all abilities activity; one for seniors who can’t skate any more, those who have never skated, could not afford hockey, are disabled.”

A Sledge Hockey workshop took place earlier in the year for students at Shevchenko School, and the committee hosted a free event for community members to come out and try Sledge Hockey.

Currently local sledge hockey players, including seventeen-year-old Willow Tkachuk have to travel as far as Selkirk to play the game. “Willow is living with Cerebral Palsy and Sledge Hockey is such a wonderful sport, as it is accessible for people of all abilities,” Dolynchuk explained. “Willow’s mother, Patty began exploring opportunities to bring Sledge Hockey to the rural regions, and connected with the Society for Manitobans with

Seventeen-year-old Willow Tkachuk (centre) will be able to play sledge hockey in his own community thanks to a special grant from the Healthy Together Now program.

Disabilities (SMD).”

She added that Tkachuk was very committed to bringing community members together to join her in her efforts to bring accessible sports to Vita.

“She connected with other local resources and brought together a dedicated group of people who worked on developing a grant proposal to the Healthy Together Now (HTN) Initiative,” Dolynchuk concluded.

The Healthy Together Now program focuses on prevention activities within four pillars including healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco reduction and mental well-being.

RM of Stuartburn Councillor Konrad Narth says the committee will be able to purchase enough equipment for two teams. Narth added he is hoping this will

attract people from the entire southern region to further use their facility. “In the municipality we are noticing the population rising. We have an active, young group and a substantial presence of seniors who may have more limited mobility,” Narth said. “Sledge hockey was tailor made for our community because those of all skill levels can participate.”

Sledge hockey is an innovative team sport that incorporates the same rules and discipline structure as regular ice hockey. Players sit on specially designed sleds, or ‘sledges’, with skate blades under the seat. Two sticks are used to not only pass, stickhandle and shoot the puck, but also to propel and manoeuvre their sledges.

Dion Visits Centre of Canada Site

By Marianne Curtis On June 20, Stephane Dion, former leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and Terry Hayward, Liberal Candidate in Provencher took time to visit the Centre of Canada Park site. As Liberal Critic for Canadian Heritage, Dion was impressed with the concept of a park to mark the location of the longitudinal centre of Canada along the TransCanada Highway.

The National Monument Society, who is developing this twenty-acre park, envisions a gathering place that celebrates all Canadians and inspires national pride.

A monument will mark the longitudinal centre of Canada on the Trans-Canada Highway to commemorate the country’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Conceptualized and designed by acclaimed Ste. Genevieve artist Robert Freynet, it will be constructed of Canadian red granite and Manitoba limestone.

Plans include a picnic area with landscaped grounds and interpretive plaques explaining the significance of the area and the roles of all the different peoples who built Canada. The area could be used by school groups as well as local people for gatherings and events. The group is also negotiating with commercial interests who would lease part of the area to provide services to tourists and revenue to maintain the park.

There is a possibility of expansion to sixty acres in the future, but for now, the group is concentrating on fundraising for their initial plan.

Terry Hayward, Liberal Candidate in Provencher, RM of Tache Councillors Armand Poirier and Bill Heather, Stephane Dion, former leader of the Liberal Party of Canada along with National Monument Society board members Robert Freynet, Hettie Penner, Harold Taylor, and Leonard Penner meet at the Centre of Canada monument site to discuss the Confederation project.

With Canada’s 150th birthday coming in 2017 the National Monument Society feels that this would be a logical project for some federal funding.

The RM of Tache purchased the land and the other two levels of government have been approached for funding and other support.

Individuals and interested groups are also invited to become involved.

Tax-deductible receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. Details can be found at centreofcanada.ca.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

July 2015

11

Four Projects Get Homegrown Grants

grants. Small businesses are also eligible for Hometown Main Streets Enhancements. This year, the Manitoba government will distribute Four community projects in our $225,000 to 101 projects. region will be sprucing up their areas thanks to funding support from the Hometown Manitoba Grant Program.

Two projects within the RM of Hanover were approved. The Blumenort Recreation Association wil receive funds for the Oakdale Drive Playground Project and in Cam Kelbert, from the SRSS was Randolph, the Randolph Sports one of six teachers recognized during Club will use the money to restore this year’s Manitoba High Schools the community centre.

Athletic Association award In the RM of Ritchot, Ecole St. ceremony on June 15.

Adolphe Parents Advisory will get Cam Kelbert received a Certificate funding for their playground. The of Recognition for long time Wildlife Rehabiliation Centre in Ile contribution to high school sport. des Chenes are using the funds to He was presented his award at the plant trees at their new location.

MHSAA annual general meeting in The Hometown Manitoba program Gimli where approximately 110 provides annual funding in three teachers, coaches and categories including Hometown administrators gathered to discuss Meeting Places, Hometown Main policies and philosophies pertaining Streets Enhancements and to high school sports.

Hometown Tree Planting.

The Manitoba High Schools Non-profit community Athletic Association is a voluntary organizations, municipalities and not for profit organization which is northern community councils or co- comprised of 193 Senior High operatives are able to apply for these Schools from across the Province.

SRSS Teacher Recognized

Métis Heritage Celebrated in Locally Composed Piece On June 6, Providence College’s music professor Karen Sunabacka premiered her newest composition during the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival at the University of Winnipeg’s Convocation Hall.

According to Sunabacka, the piece entitled “Mama’s Painting: Louis Riel’s Dream” honours her Métis grandmother, Lenore Clouston, and the poetry of her mother, Joyce Clouston. “She began with five sketches that she intended to turn into five paintings,” said Sunabacka, who teaches music theory and composition at Providence. “These paintings were to highlight the history of western Canada through the stories of aboriginal and Métis people, illustrating the clashes of culture and politics in Canada and pointing to a future where people of all races could live in harmony.”

Unfortunately, her grandmother was unable to finish the set of paintings, and her sketches were lost in a fire. Sunabacka, however, endeavoured to complete the project musically. “Mama’s Painting” is the result.

Inviting collaboration from additional family members, including her sister and two of her aunts, she drew heavily on her mother’s poetry, which opens all five movements of the piece.

She also explores the music of Oliver Messiaen, a French-born composer and contemporary of Lenore.

“I found similarities between him and my grandmother,” Sunabacka writes, pointing out that Messiaen was, “Both an enthusiastic ornithologist with a love for the world and a committed church musician,” who brought birdcalls into his compositions.

“This pairs well with my grandmother, who had a deep faith, who lived in rural Manitoba and whose love of the world around her is reflected in her work,” writes Sunabacka. “The vision of my grandmother continues to be something for which I feel our communities must strive.”

12

July 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

July 2015

13

50th Jubilee for Gardenton Ukrainian Festival Red River College Continues to Make an Impact in Rural Manitoba

By Marianne Curtis The Ukrainian Museum and Village Society Inc. from Gardenton is celebrating its 50th Jubilee at a weekend festival on July 11 and 12.

“There will be lots to see and do for both kids and adults, alike!” said Kelvin Chubaty, one of the organizers. “Sing or dance along with the Ukrainian performers, fill up on delicious traditional Ukrainian fare and learn about the lives of Manitoba’s Ukrainian settlers with guided tours of the museum and fun, interactive games and activities!”

The Saturday program begins with an on site 11 am outdoor church service. The afternoon programs will consist of over a hundred different Ukrainian dancers, singers, and musicians. Saturday evening will feature dancing to the music of the Starlites.

According to Chubaty, the highlight of the weekend will be the unveiling of a 30 ft. x 4 ft. mural by Frank Saprowich commemorating Gardenton in its earlier days. Another highlight will be all types of entertainment for children, including rides and bouncers.

Everyone is invited to come out for the weekend to enjoy the museum artefacts, weekend activities, delicious Ukrainian food, music and performances.

“We look forward to people coming to Gardenton enjoy the festival, go for a walk down to the river, and bring a canoe or fishing rod. Camping is available,” Chubaty continued. “There will be a huge kid’s fire truck slide , dunk tank, kids’ games and hands on crafts, petting zoo and we have the tour of the museum, school and hay rides to a 100 year old church and our historical Gardenton bridge.”

Admission is $10 per day or $15 for the weekend for adults while children under 12 free admission. There is a small charge for the children’s activities and admission to the dance is $15 with a hot lunch provided.

For further information, contact Kelvin at 204-4258197 or Harry at 204-222-8984.

The highlight of the 50th Jubilee for the Gardenton Ukrainian Festival will be the unveiling of a mural by Frank Saprowich commemorating Gardenton in its earlier days.

Providence Coach Honoured

By Marianne Curtis Martin Ward, a 21-year veteran coach from Province College was recently named the 2015 recipient of the National Christian College Athletic Association’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Male Athletic Staff Character Award.

Ward has been the Men’s Soccer Coach at Providence for over 2 decades and under his leadership, the team has amassed a 184-92-25 record, 10 NCCAA North Central Region Championships and 10 NCCAA National Championship appearances.

Ward has also received the North Central Region Coach of the Year award six times in his career.

According to the NCCAA, Ward’s contributions to the lives of student-athletes, the Providence Athletics program, the NCCAA, and his community are significant and many. “His moral character, integrity, and commitment to discipleship, have reflected his sincere desire to be a role model to his players, and to make a genuine difference in their lives,” stated a release from the association. “For Martin, coaching is much more than just the game. His approach to coaching exemplifies the very purposes of the NCCAA, that athletics are a means to an end, not the end themselves.

The process is as important as the performance, and that the student-athlete is more important than the program.”

The NCCAA oversees athletic competition between Christian colleges and universities, mostly in the United States since Providence and Trinity Western University are its only Canadian members. The organization has presented Game Plan 4 LIFE awards since 2011.

Using the acronym “LIFE,” the award recognizes student-athletes and staff who exhibit the character qualities of Love by ‘demonstrating a caring and consistent love for others’, Integrity through ‘living out ethical principles in a clear, consistent manner’, Faith by ‘acknowledging a life of faith and sharing that faith with others’ and Excellence in ‘striving to do all things at the highest standard’.

Ward received the Game Plan 4 LIFE Award in person at the NCCAA Annual

This year, 127 students graduated from various programs at Red River College’s (RRC) Steinbach Regional Campus.

“We’re very proud of the accomplishments of our students and their impact on the community,” said MaryAnn Shukla, Campus Manager, Steinbach Regional Campus. “Our graduates have worked hard to obtain the necessary skills and qualifications to enter into a meaningful and rewarding career and I wish this year’s graduates all the best as they enter the workforce.”

Convocation ceremonies for the Steinbach Regional Campus took place on June 17 and June 24. Students graduated from the Business Administration diploma program, Early Childhood Education diploma and certificate programs, Administrative Assistant certificate program, Business Accounting Management certificate program, Health Care Aide certificate program, and the Educational Assistant program, together with various programs through RRC’s Adult Learning Centre.

“Our Regional Campuses create a positive economic impact in many rural communities by providing ease of access to post-secondary education,” said Shukla.

“That access allows our students to obtain many different diploma or certificate programs, or build their skills through our Adult Learning Centre, so they have the right qualifications to begin their post-secondary career. It’s a tremendous advantage for the community and we’re proud that we have the capacity to offer these kinds of services to Steinbach and the surrounding area.”

Red River College’s Regional Campuses encompass the communities of Steinbach, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, Southport, the Interlake, and Peguis-Fisher River, while providing access to many of RRC’s diploma and certificate programs, as well as many adult education programs through their adult learning centres.

As one of Manitoba’s largest post-secondary institutions Red River College has more than 30,000 enrolments in over 200 full and part-time degree, diploma and certificate programs.

Traffic Lights to be Installed at Deadly Intersection

Martin Ward, a 21-year veteran coach from Providence College received the National Christian College Athletic Association’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Male Athletic Staff Character Award recently.

Convention at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana at the end of May.

Commuters who use the intersection at the corner of Highway 59 and PR 311, east of Niverville will have an easier time of it by the fall.

According to Manitoba Highways and Infrastructure, signals and lights will be installed at the deadly intersection

by September.

A year ago, an appeal by the Town of Niverville council to address safety concerns at the intersection went unheeded.

“Near accidents and drivers taking inappropriate actions to avoid traffic delays calls in the question of vehicle safety,” stated council. “The Province is aware of the situation and has to date not taken corrective remedial action.”

The Town of Niverville council forwarded their concerns and requested that Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation immediately undertake the necessary studies and steps needed to improve safety measures, but nothing was done.

After the rally, Manitoba Highways and Infrastructure spokesperson told the media that an engineering safety review/audit had been done and plans for the intersection would be unveiled later in the year. They also asked to meet with the RM of Ritchot to discuss cross walk concerns in Ile des Chenes.

CUTLINE st malo triat

14

More Than Just News!

July 2015

Sod Turns for New Rehabilitation Wildlife Centre

By Marianne Curtis On June 4, a sod turning ceremony was held to celebrate the new wildlife hospital and educational facility that will be built near Ile des Chenes.

Last year, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre secured 18 acres of property by successfully fundraising the money needed to build a permanent $2.5 million wildlife hospital and education centre to care for and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife. Once the new facility is completed, the organization expects to provide valuable outreach and education services to the community and engage volunteers in a rewarding experience.

Judy Robertson, Vice-President of Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre sees the facility as a dream come true. “Our staff, volunteers and donors have worked hard to deliver the best care possible for Canada’s injured and orphaned wildlife, often in temporary locations,” said Robertson. “We have dreamed about a state-of-the-art facility offering a hospital, species specific recovery enclosures and an education centre.”

Following the sod turning ceremony, the Wildlife Haven Educational Team delivered an outdoor presentation titled “Raptor Rendezvous” to the local students of École Gabrielle-Roy. In addition to a new wildlife hospital and education centre, there will also be a variety of enclosures for the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. This

st malo triat Coming in o

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Partipants Wanted for Third Annual CEO Sleep Out Business owners, executive officers and other interested individuals are encouraged to consider participating in the third annual Today House CEO Sleepout. While the event is not slated to take place until, September participants are encouraged to set their sights forward and start fundraising.

Simone Penner, with Today House said the last two Sleepouts have been tremendously successful. The inaugural event in 2013, raised $32,000 and the second event in 2014 raised $40,000.

“Not only have the events generated important resources for Today House, they have also increased awareness about homelessness in Steinbach and galvanized community action,” said Penner.

Today House does not receive ongoing government funding. “As such, events like the CEO Sleepout are essential to funding this important work and ensuring that we are able to offer emergency shelter to those in need,” Penner added. “This year’s goal is to raise $50,000!” The Today House 3rd CEO Sleep out will take place September 24 in K.R. Barkman Park. To date, forty-five people have confirmed they will be participating.

To register or for further information contact Simone Penner, Chair of Today House, at simone@penner.ca or 204-326-3353.

Constructing Final Stage for Niverville’s Heritage Center

Provencher MP Ted Falk visits with Hillary Hobson at the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. She is one of the summer students in Provencher hired through the Canada Summer Jobs Program this year.

includes a flyway that allows for birds to exercise and practice flying prior to release and a waterfowl enclosure of ponds for the waterfowl to swim about.

For over 30 years, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre has been caring for injured and orphaned wildlife from all over Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Its mandate is to receive and care for injured and

orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. They also provide and promote public education in wildlife preservation and conservation with an education ambassador program.

The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre relies completely upon the support of donations and volunteers.

On June 15, the Niverville Heritage Centre broke ground on the latest and final stage of their aging in place concept in Niverville.

According to Steven Neufeld, CEO Niverville Heritage Centre, the group broke ground for the new Heritage Life Retirement Living - Life Lease Project.

“It will be a $12.9 M project and feature 46 units within a 4 storey building,” said Neufeld. “The new addition will be attached to the existing Heritage Centre and will complete the Independent Living portion of aging in place vision we began in 2007.”

The Niverville Heritage Life-lease project will cater mainly to seniors. It particularly provides older homeowners with an opportunity to move into smaller, more manageable housing options than their existing homes.

The occupants of the 46 suites will raise the funds needed for the $12.9 million project.

Residents can choose from a variety of support services such as housekeeping, laundry and a la carte food service option. The Life Lease facility will also provide convenient access to all the health care services already provided at the Heritage Centre.

Upon completion of the final stage, the Niverville Heritage Centre campus will include housing solutions for all levels of the aging process, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Housing, Personal Care and Special Care.

Woman Rear-ends Feed Truck Near Kleefeld Volunteers to be Honoured in East Braintree

On June 23, STARS and the Kleefeld District Fire Department responded to an accident involving an SUV and HyLife Feed Truck, along Highway 52.

According to John Schroeder, Kleefeld Fire Chief, he says the feed truck was eastbound on Highway 52 was turning north onto road 26E when it was rear ended by an SUV. “The driver was pinned underneath the dash and extrication was needed,” Schroeder stated.

Schroeder says the SUV was dragged by the truck about 50 metres off of Highway 52 onto Road 26E before the feed truck driver noticed that it was there.

The female driver was airlifted to a Winnipeg hospital by STARS with unknown injuries.

Highway 52 was closed for several hours after the crash while RCMP investigated the scene.

Hanover Ag Receives Small Grant The Hanover Ag Society in Grunthal will be able to improve their communications thanks to a small grant from the province’s Agriculture Society Infrastructure grant program.

The organization is receiving $900 in provincial funding to update the communications systems with twoway radios and speakers. The money will also be used for fence painting and new concrete.

Over the last three years, the Manitoba government has funded 150 agricultural society’s projects with just over $280,000 through the Agriculture Society Infrastructure grant program.

On July 5, Provencher MP Ted Falk will be on hand at the MidWinter Heritage Site in East Braintree to recognize a number of outstanding community volunteers.

According to Margaret Feilberg, President of the Midwinter Heritage Association in East Braintree the event is taking place to both celebrate Canada Day and honour local volunteers. “Hum Dinger Folk Singer Kane Berg is performing and Ted Falk, MP for Provencher will be the MC and will give Recognition Awards to several worthy volunteers,” confirmed Feilberg. “Money raised during the event will go towards painting the Midwinter School Museum.”

To nominate a volunteer, call Bill at 204-426-5510 or message the Midwinter Heritage’s Facebook page.

The Celebrate Canada Day Event will be on Sunday, July 5 at the Midwinter Heritage Site’s Picnic Grounds in East Braintree 1/2 mile off the #1 Hwy, on PR 308 from 1 - 4 pm rain or shine. BBQ is $5 per person. Organizers are asking that you bring a salad to the event. Tea, coffee and ice tea will be served. There will also be a silent auction.

Ritchot Offers Summer Youth Drop in Program The Ritchot Recreational Committee is offering a community drop in program for youth.

“We are excited to announce a Youth Sport Drop in Program in Ile Des Chene and St. Adolphe this summer,” said Ryan Graves, Community Economic Development Officer.

Youth between 12 and 17 years of age are invited to participate in floor hockey, soccer, skateboarding, and basketball in a safe and engaging environment. Helmets are required for skateboarding activities. From July 2-August 28, youth are invited to go to the Ile des Chenes Arena Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday at the St. Adolphe Arena. Hours of operation are from 10 am – 4 pm, but closed from 12:30 – 1 pm.

yr.jpg

yr (2).jpg ke.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Record Breaking Multisports Weekend in St. Malo

Kleefeld Dairy Farmers Named Farm Family of the Year award

July 2015

15

Ed and Kathy Friesen owners of their Kleefeld family farm Friecrest Holsteins with Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen and Hanover Reeve Stan Toews.

By Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis Organizers of the 20th annual St. Malo Triathlon are calling this year’s event a record-breaking year. Almost three hundred athletes of all ages turned out for the annual Multisport Weekend on June 27 and 28 at the St. Malo Provincial Park.

Assistant Race Director Mark Fornier said the event has grown since his first race twenty-years ago. “We had between seventy and eighty athletes and only one course the first year,” Fornier said. “This year we had almost three hundred athletes come out and five different courses.”

Athletes start by swimming in the St Malo Lake, continue biking and running through St. Malo onto highway 218 and ending back in the park where a live band plays to cap off the event.

The St. Malo Triathlon is early in the Triathlon Manitoba race series, which makes it the perfect race for first time tri-athletes as well as a showcase for seasoned veterans and their training accomplishments over the spring.

Racers get ready to head out for the first part of the course.

SUMMER ARTS DAY CAMPS – Register Today! Get creative this summer with a fusion of art, music, dance, drama, recreation and much more! Choose from 7 weeks of different themed camps – African Safari, Get Active – Sports, Life at Sea…to name a few! SWIMMING EVERY FRIDAY! Limited spaces….call now!

NEW! Art in the Park - Ages 3 – 5. Explore creativity, imagination and have a blast!

MUSIC, DANCE, CRAFTS, SNACKS, FACEPAINTING, BALLOONS, DRAMA & More!

Come to E.A. Friesen Park beside Jake Epp Library every Wednesday! From Wednesday, July 8 – Wednesday August 26 at 11 am – 12 pm. Sponsored by The Steinbach Arts Centre’s Arts4Tots Preschool Program.

Become a season ticket holder! – Reserve your seats for 2015-2016 concert series. Receive discounted rates and ensure the seats YOU want for every show.

Arts4Tots Preschool Program – Register Today! Limited Spaces! Parents love our Arts focus! Ages 3 - 5 learn early childhood education through Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts... and Culture! We hire professional instructors to teach our tots the most creative way to learn! Choose from Monday through Thursday, morning or afternoon.

REGISTER FOR FALL PROGRAMS! Try something creative and new!

Creative Wellness – Zumba, Yoga (Hatha and Adaptive), Pilates (On the Ball, Core Basic and Power), Belly Dance.

In the Kitchen – Kids in the Kitchen, Creative Cooking Languages – French Beginner I & II, Spanish Beginner I & II Visual Arts – Kids: Art Adventures, Art X-Travaganza, Hand building with Clay Teens: Mixed Art for Teens, Digital Photography for Teens, Cartoon Illustration, Pottery Passion.

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

Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts – Piano, Voice, Violin, Theory Southeastern Manitoba Music Teachers Association – music lessons and workshops.

BACKYARD THEATRE COMPANY! Register Today! Explore your imagination, ignite your creativity and build your confidence with our theatre company. Ages 5 - 15 – perform in a Christmas Showcase, Southeast Music Festival and the Final Production. Participate in creative classes that include story-telling, character building, improvisation, script writing, games, pajama parties, costume parties and much more!

Call 204-346-1077 to register for fall today!

NEW! XCOMPANY Dance Studio Satellite Program - 12 Week Introductory Dance Classes.

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

Looking for youth – Join the Creative Youth Council! Be a part of community events planned BY you and FOR you! Upcoming events include the Summer in the City Festival (Youth in the City zone) and our third annual Battle of the Bands. Contact the SAC Office.

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

Many more details on steinbachartscouncil.ca.

On June 15, The Red River Exhibition Association (RREA) officially named Kleefeld family and owners of Friecrest Holsteins as the 2015 Farm Family of the Year.

Ed and Kathy Friesen along with their four daughters, Alyssa, Loralie, Janelle and Jocelyn have joined a distinguished list of 49 other families who have been honoured with this award since its inception fifty years ago.

“This annual award celebrates the steadfast people in our rural communities whose efforts continually enhance the way of life of their families, neighbours, and the Manitoba economy,” said Garth Rogerson, CEO of the RREA. “The Friesen family is an ambassador and leader in Manitoba’s agricultural industry and personifies the qualities recognized by this title.”

Ed and Kathy started Friecrest Holsteins in 1999 and have always been very active in their community and the dairy-farming industry. Their farm is a glowing example of the pride and dedication that Manitoba dairy farmers have for their farms and the products that they harvest each day.

Ed is active in many dairy industry boards and they take pride in hosting groups and providing tours of their operations to increase awareness of the farming industry.

“The Friesen family stood out in the selection process for Farm Family of the Year,” said Morris Deveson, Chair of the Farm Family of the Year committee. Their passion for what they do, their devotion to the community and their exemplary efforts to share their knowledge and experience is extremely evident.”

The Friesen family was officially acknowledged at a reception held in their honour on June 15.

16

July 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Our Shepherd Psalm 23:1-6… 1) The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2) He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3) he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4) Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6) Surely, your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (NIV) Over the years Psalm 23 has brought comfort to those who suffer from all the hurt, anguish, pain, remorse, distress, misery, sadness and wretchedness… we could go on and on. When human minds are clouded with emotional disturbance from all the bumps and all the bruises that challenge us, we often turn to the beautiful and familiar 23rd Psalm. Here is courage and comfort.

Death is the supreme test of life. This is not just talking about the deathbed. Our human family lives in the shadow of death. All this is brought out in the beautiful simplicity in these few verses. Here is richness, quietness, an assurance that sets the soul at rest. “Will not fear, for thou art with me,”… with me in every situation, in every dark pathway, in every dismal disappointment and every distressing predicament.

How we long to make things better. How we long for the day when all things will be made right. We want to get beyond the worldly wise. We want to have a more intimate walk with God. We often hear people speak of mountaintop experiences… we envy those who seemed to have ascended the heights and entered this loftier virtuous noble sort of life. Perhaps we often have the wrong idea about how this takes place. It is as though we imagined we could be air lifted onto higher ground. That somehow we could by-pass all the hardships of life and make one flying leap into the very presence of God. For those of us down here on earth there is still a life to live. There are still valleys to walk through during our remaining days. These need not be dead end streets. The disappointments, the frustrations, the discouragement, dark and difficult days though they are shadowed valleys, need not be a disaster. They can be the road to higher ground in our walk with God. Again and again we must remind ourselves; God, this seems terribly tough! But, we know for a fact that in the end it will prove to be the easiest and gentlest way to get us onto higher ground.

Then when we thank Him for the difficult things in those dark days, we discover that He is there with us in distress… at this point our panic, our fear, our misgiving give way to calm and quiet confidence in His care. Somehow, in a peaceful quiet way we are assured all will turn out well for our best because He is with us in the valley and things are under His control.

When our faith is big enough, our conviction is strong enough, and we are persuaded that God is in control, we enter an attitude of quiet acceptance of every adversity. We can say that we have moved onto higher ground with God. Knowing Him in this new and intimate manner makes life much more bearable than before. As Christians, we will sooner or later discover that it is in the valley of our life that we find a hushed reassurance from God Himself. It is not until we have walked with Him through some very deep troubles that we discover He can lead us to find our strength in Him right there in the midst of our difficulty. We are thrilled beyond words when we move toward restoration to our soul and spirit from Christ’s gracious Spirit.

That is what is meant in Psalm 139:23-24 when the psalmist wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive ways in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” If we will allow it, if we will submit to it, God by His Word will search us. We need not shrink from this process. It is not something to avoid. It is done with love and compassion for our welfare.

The Great Shepherd of our soul has our own best interest at heart when He so searches us. What a comfort this should be to the child of God who can trust in God’s care… Then truly, we can say, “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.” 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 don’t have peace in my heart, I really want that peace, joy and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honor to Your Name.”

Amen.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

July 2015

17

Let Him Take Away Your Bitterness Bitterness is a universal problem that every person deals with. It causes problems in our homes, our churches and our work place. Most of us have bitterness in some form and we either don’t recognize it, or don’t want to recognize it or deal with it.

What causes bitterness, how do we recognize it and how do we deal with it?

Bitterness is an emotional state brought on by a bitter situation in life. The dictionary defines bitter as hurtful, sarcastic, sharp (in taste, speech or situation).

Bitter is that which tends to bring on mournfulness, distress and pain of mind and/ or body. Life contains a multitude of bitter circumstances that often results in people getting bitter.

In the Bible, the first mention of bitterness is in I Samuel 1:10. Hannah, “Was in bitterness of soul.” She was married, but had no children. She longed to have a child so this caused her great distress. Also, her husband had a second wife (which was allowed at that time) and this wife had children and provoked Hannah greatly about her not having children.

This had gone on for some time.

The Bible describes several reactions that Hannah had due to bitterness of soul. Verse 6 says she, ‘Fretted!’ Her mind was irritated, agitated and she got angry. Verse 7 says she, “Wept.” People who have bitterness often feel sorry for themselves and weep over their situation. Unless dealt with, this bitterness may lead to depression. Verse 7 also says she, “Did not eat.”

Bitterness releases hormones into your body, which depresses your appetite and can add to your problems. Verse 8 says she was, “Grieved,” (to have pain of mind due to loss, misfortune, injury or evil of any kind). Verse 15 says she had a, “Sorrowful spirit,” (loss of happiness and in deep sadness). Verse 16 says she had abundance of, “Complaint and grief.” A person with bitterness always complains and sees the negative side of even positive situations. Then lastly, verse 18 says her countenance was, “Sad.” Everyone who saw Hannah knew she had a problem.

Realize it is a normal human reaction to life’s situations to have some bitterness. But the key is how you now deal with that problem. Hannah made the right choice. In verse 10 it says she, “Prayed unto the Lord.” In verse 15 she even says she, “Poured out my soul before the Lord.” She took all her complaints, sorrow, grieving and pain and dumped it all out on God. She did what I Peter 5:7 tells us to do, “Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you.”

When she did this, God lifted her burdens and answered her prayer. She ended up having six children. Verse 18 says her countenance changed and she ate again. Verse 19 says she was able to get up early (bitter people often sleep a lot) and she now was able to truly worship the Lord.

Dear reader, if you happen to be in bitterness of soul (for whatever reason), let me encourage you to act like Hannah and take your problems to the Lord and watch what He will do for you. God bless till next time.

Water Rescue Trains in St. Malo

By Marianne Curtis Swimmers and cottagers around St. Malo Lake may have thought they were seeing things when the RM of Ritchot Fire Department took to the water for some valuable training in St. Malo recently.

On June 14, members of the department, along with Manitoba Conservation Officers participated in a one-day training session on St. Malo Lake. Members of the group were put through the drills on how to perform water rescues and searches, and familiarize themselves with the equipment.

Fire Chief Troy Ash said it is important to keep the fire department trained in the event of an emergency, especially since the nearest water rescue team in the area is two hours away in Dominion City.

“Some people have the misconception that STARS will go anywhere but they will not even land until we secure them the site,” Ash continued. “The RM of Ritchot has been classified by the Office of the Fire Commissioner as being high risk for water emergencies,” Ash said.

In the last three years, the water rescue team has been called out sixteen times. Calls range from removing stranded drivers from flooded vehicles to

Niverville Residents Asked to Take Pride and Get Dirty

Get out your gardening tools, get down and dirty, inspire your friends and neighbourhood to join in and show Manitoba why Niverville is such a great place to live.

On July 27, the Town of Niverville will be showcased as part of the 2015 Communities in Bloom Program. Judges will be touring the Town looking for floral displays, tidiness, landscape, urban forestry, heritage conservation, and environmental conservation.

As part of the program, to generate some excitement, and beginning June 12, the Town of Niverville introduced two special categories for recognition, “Another Bloomin’ Business” and the “Green Thumb Yard Of The Week”.

Residents are encouraged to nominate a business, one of the neighbours or their own yard for this recognition. To win, you can nominate a business, your own yard or one of your neighbours. Contest results will be posted weekly on the Town’s Facebook page.

For more information or on how to nominate contact 0250shi@gmail.com.

The RM of Ritchot Fire Department obtained some valuable water rescue training in St. Malo Lake recently.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

moving equipment to fires, helping people leave flooded homes and medical evacuation.

The team was also instrumental in the search for Raymond Stott who died after his truck washed away during flooding and was found under 15 feet of water.

Through Mutual Aid, the Ritchot Fire Department’s water rescue team is available if needed by other municipal fire departments in the region.

While the department had special permission to operate a motorized boat in the water, a number of complaints were received by local cottagers.

Motorized boating is not allowed on St. Malo Lake other than to perform an actual water emergency or rescue.

Record Oil Recycling Day The City of Steinbach landfill took in a record amount of used oil during their annual oil-recycling day.

On June 10, more than 8,000 litres of used oil was collected and 1,000 coupons for free new oil at Oil Recycling Day were handed out during the all day event. Many people enjoyed a $2 hot dog and drink, also part of the annual event.

“We had a great turnout. We collect used oil at our Eco Centre yearround, but people appreciate the free oil and it gives a little extra incentive to properly dispose of the used oil that’s often just sitting in people’s garages,” said Eldon Wallman, Solid Waste Department Head for the City of Steinbach.

The used oil collected at the city’s landfill is sent to an oil recycling plant that will eventually turn it into recycled products such as fuel oil for cruise ships and oil-based paints.

Residents can continue to dispose of their used oil at the Eco Centre during regular summer operating hours at the city landfill, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm.

18

July 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Richer Park Gears Up for New Playground Structure Construction The community of Richer figured 30 years of use from their playground structure at the community park was long enough and thanks to the Richer Community Club (RCC) and various sponsors, construction of a new playground structure begins in early July.

“We had some initial money raised and commitment from some local businesses and residents, but what really pushed us over the top to actually get ready for a shovel in the ground was a Richer Community Club Enhancement sponsorship from Manitoba Liquors and Lotteries,” said Dan Guetre, a spokesperson for the project and board member of the RCC. “We are really excited for the components of the structure to arrive and to see one of our dreams become a reality.”

The structure will be located at the Richer Dawson Trail Park, on the east end of the community. Once construction begins in July it is expected to be complete after a few short weeks of work.

Once completed the Richer Community Club plans to invite kids from the region to check out the new structure.

Fatal Plane Crash Takes Grunthal Pastor

By Marianne Curtis The community of Grunthal was left reeling after the sudden and tragic death of Dave Neufeld, a much-loved community pastor.

Neufeld was killed when the ultra light plane he was flying crashed in a field in the RM of De Salaberry on June 18.

St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP said the plane came down around 10:30 am on farmland north of Highway 205 East in the RM of De Salaberry.

Police said the 59-year old pastor was dead by the time they arrived on the scene. He was alone in the plane. Police do not suspect foul play.

Neufeld was a senior pastor at Grunthal Abundant Life Fellowship for nearly 30 years. “He was my best friend and he’s been my pastor for over 20 years,” said Ed Schroeder.

“He was a great man, he was an incredible man, to know him was to love him.”

Federal accident investigators from the Transportation Safety Board investigate the cause of a crash that killed Grunthal Pastor Dave Neufeld.

Federal accident investigators from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) were on the scene shortly after the accident. “We’re examining the engine, the propeller, the seat belts and the wing systems on board the

aircraft to look for any irregularities,” said TSB investigator Dave Ross.

“We will take a look at the pilot qualifications, training background, experience, that sort of thing.”

Neufeld leaves behind his wife Kathy.

Musician Formerly of Grunthal Dies in Australia

July 2015

19

RCMP Rescue Occupants in Head-On Collision On June 14 at approximately 12:15 pm, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP were conducting a traffic stop southbound on Highway 59, two kilometres north of St. Pierre-Jolys. A southbound vehicle attempted to go around the vehicles on the side of the road and collided head-on with a northbound vehicle.

After the collision, the northbound vehicle started on fire. RCMP officers were able to extract the driver and lone occupant. Officers were also able to extract the driver and passenger of the southbound vehicle. The three individuals were transported to Winnipeg hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The three occupants in the vehicle involved in the traffic stop and the RCMP officers were uninjured.

Soccer Domination Growing up, I never really paid much attention to the world of soccer other than to kick the occasional ball around in gym class but in the last few years, my interest has been growing.

For the past seven years, my oldest son has been playing soccer. Sure, the first couple of years they learn to kick the ball without falling over it, to chase the ball, which net to chase the ball towards and that it’s okay to take the ball away from another child.

Taking the ball away is a harder thing to teach, mostly because it goes against the lessons taught concerning sharing but hey, they can share with members of their own teams.

In more recent years, my son’s team has been attending a soccer tournament at the end of the soccer season. Last year, my son’s team won all but one of their tournament games and finished with a silver medal hanging around his neck. It was quite a strong team that they’d had.

At the start of this year his team didn’t look too strong and won about as many games as they lost. As the weeks went by the team seemed to be “gelling” and began working more as a team and not as a bunch of individuals out to score. Then came the tournament.

Starting on the Friday night they played one game and walked away with a 10 - 2 victory. A good way to start a tournament. The Saturday dawned clear and bright. Donning shin pads and cleats my son’s team won their second tournament game, 8 - 0. A break for lunch and then back to the pitch for another game and another victory, this time with a score of 10 - 0.

Then came the final game, the game that would determine who would wear the gold and who would wear the silver. Whether my son won gold or a silver medal, I would be just as proud of him but, as I’m sure most fathers would, I wanted my son to win the gold.

The final game was a nail-biter for the first half with both teams firing on net but the second half was a landslide as my son’s team pulled together and finished the game victoriously with a score of 11 - 0. I’m not sure who was more excited me or my son!

Watching my son’s team play I could see the growth in their skills shine forth. For the most part they challenged the other players for the ball, they passed to each other effectively and they played with the hearts. It’s a little humbling to be able to see these Champions in the making.

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

The Kurrajong cabins where Derek Kehler and Helena Curic died of possible carbon monoxide poisoning in what appears to be a converted shipping container.

Grunthal native Derek Kehler, a musician who performed as Steel Audrey, was found dead along with his Australian girlfriend, Helena Curic, in a cabin outside Sydney, Australia, on June 8.

Australian police determined the couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning from a makeshift fire used to heat the cabin on Browns Road in Kurrajong.

The cabin appears to have been a converted shipping container, and Australian media are reporting the deadly gas may have come from a pot of hot coals the couple brought inside. “It appears they had some sort of makeshift heater inside the cabin and there wasn’t any ventilation, and as a result of that they may have asphyxiated,” New South Wales police Detective

Inspector Suzanne Rode-Sanders said at a news conference.

The bodies of the thirty-two year old musician and his girlfriend were

found by a family member. The couple had recently moved to Australia from Vancouver, where Kehler settled after leaving Grunthal.

RCMP Investigate Vandalism at High School On June 13 at approximately 2:30 am, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP received a report of vandalism at Niverville Collegiate in Niverville. When RCMP officers arrived on scene, they were able to locate two males who were fleeing.

RCMP arrested a 26-year-old

male of the RM of Ritchot, and a male youth, 16, of Emerson. Both are charged with Mischief over $5,000 and released to appear in St. Pierre-Jolys Provincial Court on August 11.

The suspects did not gain entry into the school. However, there

was significant damage to the outside of the building that included twenty-nine broken windows and two school buses were vandalized in the parking lot.

Two vandals were caught by the St. Pierre RCMP for this vandalism at Niverville Collegiate.

Photos courtesy RCMP

20

July 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

July 2015

21

Several Injured in Richer Accident Several people from Winnipeg were injured and one woman remains in critical condition after a multivehicle crash east of Richer on June 26 that kept a strip of the TransCanada Highway east of Winnipeg closed overnight.

STARS air ambulance and emergency crews were called to an area of the Trans-Canada Highway a few kilometres east of Richer after reports of a collision.

RCMP said a fast-moving pickup truck rear-ended a car as traffic was slowing down in a construction zone around 7:30 p.m. The car was pushed into a trailer being towed by an SUV; the SUV then slammed into a van directly in front of it.

Both the car and SUV then caught on fire, RCMP said.

Four people in the SUV — a 45year-old male driver and three children - managed to get out of the vehicle. The driver of the SUV and others, then freed a 41-year-old female driver from her burning car.

The kids weren’t hurt, RCMP said, adding the 45-year-old man was

No Will?

No Excuse!

taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The 41-year-old woman (the lone occupant of the car) was seriously injured and was transported to hospital in Winnipeg. She remains in critical condition.

The 32-year-old driver of the pickup truck and her passenger were taken to a hospital in the area with minor injuries.

The 38-year-old female driver of the van and her passengers weren’t injured in the crash.

RCMP said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

Traffic was rerouted down side roads, mainly the Dawson Trail, from about 7 pm Friday to 4 am Saturday.

The highway has since reopened, RCMP said.

An investigation is ongoing.

La Broquerie Arena Project Complete The community of La Broquerie recently celebrated the completion of a $3 million arena expansion in the community.

Reeve Louis Weiss says the current facility which was built in 1978 could no longer accommodate the growing needs of the community. Over 200 children use the facility for hockey, figure skating and the CanSkate program.

“Now we have room for more players,” stated Weiss. “It is a much better facility.”

The La Broquerie arena project included five dressing rooms, an improved lobby, canteen, hall facilities and a community meeting room. It was also renamed Hylife Sports Complex.

Over 200 children use the facility for hockey, figure skating and the CanSkate program.

The project was initially estimated at $2 million, but after the municipality hired Penn-Co Construction the costs have risen to $3 million due to inflation. The money was raised through various fundraisers, including selling the naming rights to Hylife.

When the municipality launched the project, the municipality was sitting on firmer ground financially. However, other priorities, including a $6 million community lagoon project pushed the project towards the bottom of the municipality’s to-do list. The municipality received funding federal and provincial funding from the Building Canada fund for the lagoon.

Steinbach Doubles After Annexation Agreement With Hanover

By Marianne Curtis The City of Steinbach and the RM of Hanover have reached an annexation agreement for approximately 7,300 acres of land. The agreement, which is subject to an approval process set out by the Manitoba Municipal Board (MMB), was reached through friendly negotiations over the past year and accommodates future long-term growth plans of both the city and municipality.

Steinbach’s Mayor, Chris Goertzen sees this is a positive step towards making the city a regional centre. “We are expanding the boundaries to accommodate our growing city and planning in an organized and efficient manner,” stated Goertzen. “This is a proactive application and truly looks at long-term growth requirements for the City and for the region.”

The areas identified in the proposed annexation include significant acres of undeveloped and vacant land would expand the boundaries around Steinbach, with the largest expansion area to the west of the City into the RM of

Hanover.

RM of Hanover Reeve Stan Toews said the municipality is pleased with the agreement. “This is part of good planning for future commercial and residential grown for our communities and the region,” Toews added.

The agreement includes a tax loss compensation amount to be paid to the RM of Hanover for just under one million dollars over eight years from the City of Steinbach. This compensation is to offset the loss of tax revenue from property that would no longer be within

the RM of Hanover boundaries.

Landowners within the proposed area will receive an information package from the City of Steinbach in the near future.

The package will include answers to common questions and information about the annexation process.

With many shared borders, this is the largest land agreement reached between the City of Steinbach and RM of Hanover to date. This would be the seventh boundary expansion by the City of Steinbach since its incorporation in 1947.

Landmark Friendship Festival Cancelled For the first time in a number of years, the community of Landmark will not be hosting the annual Friendship Festival.

According to Jenny Plett, a previous volunteer, there were not enough volunteers to put an event together this year. Organizer and founder Cheryl Tremeer stepped down after last year’s event.

“Like any event, if too few people are there to help, it gets frustrating,” said Plett. “Many hands make light work.”

While the festival will not take place, Keating Mechanical is hosting the third Annual Redneck Lawnmower Racing Event. This year’s event will take place on September 12 on the Keating Mechanical property in Landmark.

The day will start off with a free hot dog lunch sponsored by the Niverville Credit Union. Lawnmower races will start after lunch and carry on throughout the afternoon. The lawnmower races will include a Powderpuff (girls) Division this year. There will also be a category for 16-20 year olds.

Contact tim@pletttrucking.com for more information on the lawnmower races and to register. The race day includes a chili on a bun supper at a reasonable cost, live band in the evening and fireworks will go off at 9:30 pm.

Volunteers are needed to make this event a success and to make things easier for the organizers. Volunteers should contact jen@pletttrucking.com.

There is no reason not to have a Will.

There are many reasons why people don’t get their Will done and I think the biggest one is procrastination. We keep putting it off to another day. No more excuses. By the time you finish reading this article and do some basic homework with a piece of paper, you can have a valid Will.

In Manitoba, a holograph Will is valid. It’s a Will that is completely in your own handwriting (no hand printing allowed).

You do not need witnesses. Please write legibly so others can read it.

Before we begin, I want to state that there are many situations that a handwritten Will should not be used and you really should see a lawyer. Some of the reasons include a complex estate, a second marriage, many assets, many beneficiaries, and more.

But if you truly think you have a basic estate, maybe a handwritten Will is sufficient. I’m being a bit selfish for wanting you to have a Will now. It’s really just so I can complete all your taxes and deal with your legal representative (your executor). Yes, it is part of those two certainties in life: Death and Taxes.

If you do not have a Will, you have no legal representative to look after anything, even just filing your tax returns. So that’s why I need you to have a Will. I would hate for a family member or friend to have to apply for Letters of Administration (the courts appoint a legal representative) just to get your taxes done.

For many people, their estates will be simple. One or two bank accounts, with amounts under $30,000 and the account may be joint with their spouse. If you are widowed, maybe you just want to leave your estate to all your children. Fine. That’s what I call a simple estate. Get out your pen and paper.

The first sentence will be: This is the last Will and Testament of me, YOUR FULL NAME, of (write out your town or community you live in), Manitoba, dated (write today’s date).

The next paragraph will say who your legal representative is: I appoint my husband/wife, HIS/HER FULL NAME, to be my executor and trustee of my Will. If he/she should predecease me, or is unable or unwilling to act as my executor, I appoint my son/ daughter, HIS/HER FULL NAME, to be my alternate executor and trustee of my Will. If my son/daughter HIS/HER NAME is unwilling or unable to act as executor, I appoint my daughter/son, HER/HIS NAME. Now who should be your executor? Often it is your spouse and the alternate is one of your children. I say one of because it’s really not necessary to have more than one. It’s easier for the estate to be looked after if it just one executor rather than multiple people. It’s best if they live nearby or at least live in Manitoba. If you do not have a spouse, name one of your children as executor and another one as the alternate.

If you really don’t know who your executor should be, call me and we can go over some of your options and I can make some recommendations to you.

Ok, now how do you want your assets distributed?

I designate as my sole beneficiary, my husband/wife, HIS/HER NAME. Should my husband/wife predecease me, I designate all my biological children to be my beneficiaries, equally: NAME ALL OF THEM. If any of my children should predecease me, their share shall be paid to their issue.

If any of my beneficiaries are minors, I instruct my executor to pay their proceeds at age 18.

Sign your name. Sign as you would your cheque or any other legal document. It is supposed to be your signature, not just writing out your name.

There. You now have a legal Will. If you think that is too basic and you want more directions in your Will, then you do need to get it done through a lawyer. Not sure? Call or drop by to see me.

I help people decide what should be in their Will and give them all the “what ifs” and the pros and cons, and then I send you to a lawyer to create a proper Will.

Now that you have your legal Will, what should you do with it?

I suggest making copies to give to your executor(s) and to your beneficiaries so everyone knows it exists and what it says (no surprises). Let your executor(s) know where you are keeping the original. It should be in a safe (fire proof) place in your home. For many years, my parents kept theirs in their freezer in a zip lock bag (last place to burn). But as executor, I knew where it was and had a photocopy. If you have a fireproof box at home, that would be a good location.

If you want to make me a copy too, that would be good, then I know who your legal representative is when it comes to completing your last tax return(s).

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

22

More Than Just News!

July 2015

Dawson Trail Dispatch

How to embrace an active outdoor lifestyle Blue skies and warm weather entice people to enjoy the great outdoors.

For many people, few things are more enjoyable than soaking up some rays and breathing in some fresh air. Moderate temperatures help make many outdoor activities that much more enjoyable. But even if the weather isn’t perfect, individuals can make the best of the situation and still get out of the house. As the seasons of warm weather return, those itching to get outside can explore these entertaining outdoor activities.

Hiking Thousands of miles of hiking trails crisscross North America.

These trails include rough and rugged paths blazed across natural areas and long-distance trails that stretch over portions of the country. Hiking is a great outdoor activity in part because it can be enjoyed by people of any age and just about any fitness level. Hikers can work up from relatively short and flat trails to more intense vertical and varied hikes. Local parks, government preserves and rural areas offer plenty of places to walk and hike.

When hiking, it’s best to go in pairs. In the event anything occurs, such as an injury, the other hiker will be able to go for help. Hikers also should alert people at home as to their itineraries. Leave a map and plot out where you will be, especially if hikes take you off the beaten path. Remember to pack a portable snack and plenty of water. And when out in the sun, apply sunscreen and reapply as needed.

Biking Biking is another outdoor activity ideal for people of all ages and athletic abilities. Once you’ve learned to ride a bicycle, that ability stays with you, whether you ride a bike each day or haven’t taken one for a spin in years. Many towns and cities across the country have become much more bike-friendly in recent years, clearing space for biking paths and lanes even in the busiest metropolitan areas. And mountain bikers still have plenty of trails to traverse as well. Check that your bike is in good working order and that the chain is freshly oiled. Take your bike to a local cycling shop for a tune-up if necessary. Verify the fit of helmets, especially on children who may have grown since the most recent cycling season.

Horseback riding Nature takes on an entirely different look when you are atop a horse. Horseback riding isn’t just for country folk or cowboys, and it can be a great workout as well as a recreational retreat. It takes balance, strong legs and quick reflexes to stay in a saddle. Those interested in horseback riding should visit a stable or riding academy nearby. You likely do not need to own a horse of your own, as riding schools and stables will have animals you can work with. Remember to wear the right clothing, including long pants and boots, for riding. A hat can shade you from the overhead sun, while a helmet is advisable for people new to the sport or those who want added protection. Always arrive early so that you can familiarize yourself with your horse and have him or her get to know you. Approach the horse from the front left side.

Horses are prey animals and can be skittish by nature, so a firm, calm greeting can reassure the animal.

These are just a few of the many outdoor activities people can enjoy when the weather warms up. Try taking exercise routines outdoors, such as running on a path instead of the treadmill. Swimming, walking, gardening, and sports activities are other fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

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

Buffalo Point Buffalo Days – Weeklong festivities from Saturday, July 11 Saturday July 18. Family Fun Days, Fireworks, Firedancer, Pancake Breakfast, Family & Community Golf Tournament, Family Games Night and lots more. Contact 204-437-2133, buffalopoint.ca to volunteer or more information.

hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 Lorettecopp@gmail.com.

New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more.

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

Marchand Ranch Rodeo – On Saturday, July 25 - Sunday, July 26 beginning at 9 am. Cost $5/person/day. Grand Entry & Rodeo at 1 pm Saturday and Sunday. Canteen open 12 – 5 pm.

Church Service 9:30 am Sunday. Dinner & Dance on Saturday at 6 pm. Cost $15/ person (kids under 10 free). Live Music from East Braintree Quniton Blaire. Rodeo events include Calcutta, Steer Mugging, Celebrate Canada – On Sunday, Midwinter Heritage Site picnic Steer Doctoring, Barrel Racing, Range Branding, Goat Tying, grounds, ½ mi off Hwy #1 on PR 308; rain or shine from 1 – Saddle Horse Race, Calf Branding, Wild Cow Milking.

4pm. Cost BBQ $5/person; bring a salad; tea, coffee and iced tea served. Silent auction; donations of prizes appreciated; Mitchell charitable tax receipts given. Money raised goes towards Mitchell Fun Days – On Saturday, July 11 starting at 12:30 pm painting Midwinter School Museum. at the community arena centre.

Carrick 23rd Annual Carrick Days – On Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 at the Community Centre. Horseshoe Tournament, Kids Entertainment, Bands all day, dinner, fireworks. Contact 204-429-2113.

Gardenton Celebrating the 50th Jubilee - at the Ukrainian Museum & Village weekend festival on Saturday, July 11- Sunday, July 12. Saturday begins with 11 am outdoor church service, afternoon a hundred different Ukrainian dancers, singers, and musicians with all types of entertainment for children including rides and bouncers. Saturday features dancing to the music of the Starlites. Weekend highlight unveiling of a 30 ft. x 4 ft. mural by Frank Saprowich commemorating Gardenton in its earlier days. Enjoy the museum artifacts, delicious Ukrainian food or the beer garden. Cost Adults $10/day or $15 for the weekend. Children under 12 free admission. Nominal charge for children’ activities. Dance $15 and hot lunch provided.

Contact Kelvin at 204-425-8197 or Harry at 204-222-8984.

Grunthal Hanover Ag Society Rodeo - On Saturday, July 11 – Sunday, July 12 and beginning at 12 pm both days at Steve’s Livestock Transport Rodeo Arena. Many events and activities planned.

Hanover Ag Fair Days – On Thursday, August 13 – Sunday, August 16. 70th Anniversary. Crashing cars, bucking bulls, cuddly critters, rodeo ropers, a musical mainstage, family fun zone and so much more at the Fair Grounds and Rodeo, corner Southwood St & Albert Ave. Daily event passes and weekend passes available. Contact info@hanoverag.com.

Hadashville Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or KSTA.academy@gmail.com.

Ile-des-Chênes Youth Sport Drop in Program – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from July 2 – August 28 from 10 am – 12:30 pm and 1 – 4 pm at the arean 630 Rivard Rd fro ages 12 -17. Floor hockey, soccer, skate boarding and basketball. Helmets mandatory for skateboarding.

Kids Fitness Kickboxing Summer Day Camp – from Monday, August 17 – Friday, 21 from 9 am – 3 pm for ages 5 – 16. Cost $150 + GST ($157.50) for the entire week. Contact charles@tysonmethod.com.

Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register.

Kleefeld Honey Festival & Canadian Chili Cook Off Finals – On Friday, August 7 – Saturday, August 8 at the Kleefeld Park. Free Pancake Breakfast followed by the Parade and Chili Cook off Competition. Play land Of Milk & Honey carnival, bouncy park for all ages, toys, crafts, and so much more. Saturday evening starts with concert and ends with Fireworks.

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

La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games.

Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm.

Cost $10.

Lorette Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities.

If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an

More Than Just News!

July 2015

Ste. Geneviève Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 - 8 pm. Come for a visit and see what we are all about. Over 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large print Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm books and magazines plus they can import books from any at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673. library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488, Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek bibliotachelibrary.com or in person.

Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating Steinbach grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by Arts in the Park – On Wednesdays from July 8 – August 26 for an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open ages 3 - 5 at E.A. Friesen Park, beside the Library (Elmdale Dr) at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC from 11 am – 12 pm. Dance, drama, music, crafts, snacks, License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 balloons, face painting. Contact Cassandra Milcharek 204or doreen@spmf.ca.

346-1077.

July 27-31, 2 pm to 3:30 pm. This program is for children 5-12.

There will be stories, games and songs. A snack will be offered.

This program is put on by the CEF. For more information call Shon at 204-380-4476.

Sprague Sprague & District Historical Museum - Eery Saturday and Sunday from 1 -5 pm during June – August and by appointment from June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the early days. Free Admission Donations Accepted. Contact 204-4372210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686.

St. Adolphe Youth Sport Drop in Program – Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 2 – August 28 from 10 am – 12:30 pm and 1 – 4 pm at Mud Days Summer Camp - Summer day camp for boys and the community club, 345 St. Adolphe Rd. for ages 12 -17. Floor girls ages 8 – 14 from Monday, July 20 – Thursday, July 23 for hockey, soccer, skate boarding and basketball. Helmets ages 8 - 11 and Monday, July 27 – 30 for ages 12 – 14 at the mandatory for skateboarding. community arena centre. Each Day runs from 10 am – 4 pm.

Dress appropriately for activities and bring own Lunch. Cost 50+ Fitness Classes - Every Monday & Friday at 9:30 – 10:30 $30. Completed registration forms drop off at the Co-op or am. Focus on strength, flexibility and range of motion contact James Loewen at 204-371-6409 or movement on a variety of equipment, such as weights, stretch mitchellcommunitycentre@gmail.com. tubing and stability balls. Wednesdays 1 - 2 pm workout is for slow flow yoga inspired strength, flexibility, balance and Morris relaxation. Pre-purchase 10 classes for $40, 5 classes for $20 Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition – On Thursday, July 16 – or drop in for $5 per workout. Special deal purchase 30 classes Sunday, July 19 at the exhibition grounds. Bull riding, bronco- $120 get 8 free. Instructor Janice Burnett, a certified fitness busting, tie down roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, leader. Contact mjburn@shaw.ca. ladies barrel racing, and team roping, thoroughbred chariot and pony chariot and chuck wagon racing. Youth Stars Manitoba Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. Adolphe Talent Competition, Agriculture Fair and competition dairy Community Club. Doors open at 6 pm, 6:55 pm - Speedo shows and equestrian, commercial displays, petting zoo, music, Game, 7 pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 pm - Regular Games. We concerts and a Midway. hope to see you there! Proceeds will support the Community Club.

Pancake Breakfast – On Friday, July 17 at 7:30 am sponsored

by Access Credit Union at Boyne Ave. Fitness Classes –Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8 - 9 pm at the St. Adolphe School Gym. Include cardio fitness, Area Senior Services, Inc. - Helping Seniors enjoy their resistance training, flexibility and balance training. Monthly independence for as long as possible. Serving Morris, Lowe schedule is provided. All fitness levels are welcome. Options Farm and Rosenort. Contact Resource Coordinator Cheryl D. are $175 - 35 x $5 per class + 5 classes free, $120 - 20 x $6 Waldner, 204-746-6336, mass@mts.net. per class or drop in $7 per class. Certified fitness leader Janice Burnett. mjburn@shaw.ca.

Niverville Summer Camps – On Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10, Frozen St. Malo Camp - $50/week before care starts at 7:30 am, aftercare runs Sponge Puck Hockey – On Wednesdays at 8 pm at the arena. until 5:30 pm. Camp runs 9 am – 3 pm. On Monday, July 13 Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079.

– Friday, July 17, Lego Camp - $37.50/week before care starts at 7:30 am, aftercare runs until 5:30 pm. Camp runs 9 am – St. Pierre-Jolys 4 pm. On Tuesday, August 4 –Friday, August 7, Mad Science Frog Follies & Agricultural Fair – On Thursday July 9 – Sunday, Camp - $30/week (4 day week), before care starts 7:30 am, July 12. Jammed packed with events. Frog follies, bingo, music, aftercare runs until 5:30 pm. Camp runs 9 am – 4 pm at the Chamber of Commerce dinner, children’s, farm & 4-H activities south end of Arena. Contact Community Services Department and agricultural fair. at 204-388-4078.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar, The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club –Meets every Monday at post partum mood disorders support group meetings held on 7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become the last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet Malouin a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or boardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228. start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca.

Ste. Agathe GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the Cheyenne Summer Festival - From Friday July 17- Saturday loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn July 18. Kick-off parade; many live musical performances, about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register children’s’ entertainers and activities, Family Baseball or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

Tournament, beer garden and food court, Steak Supper night hosted by Lucky Luc’s Bar and Grill, and fireworks display.

Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six. Conatct Jöel Gagnon 204-791-1202 or jgagnon@lifeinc.ca.

Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Ste. Anne Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along Summer Reading Club – Sign up started Tuesday, June 30 for with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms kids ages 4 – 12. Register with the Summer Reading Club for visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com. reading kit, stickers and activity book, all free. Prizes awarded at the end of the summer. This year’s grand prize is a Tablet Prawda donated by Ebytes in Steinbach. Children can pick up their Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool reading kit when they register. Register in person or call 204down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean 422-9958. runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Wii Bowling Games – Every Monday afternoon at 1:30 pm at Wendy 204-348-2433. the Club Jovial. Great time to join even if you have never played. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at International Cooking Classes - On the third Wednesday of the the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks month from 6 - 8:30 pm. Learn to cook authentic and original provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. foods from Columbia, India, Iraq, Philippines and Bolivia. Preregister with the Town of Ste. Anne at 204-422-5293 or email Richer town@steannemb.ca.

Community for Veterans – The Ride Across Canada will be visiting Richer on July 20. They will be leaving Ste. Anne at Computer Courses - Free at the bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library. about 10 am and riding their horses to Richer. Arrival about 1 For appointment, contact Harlee at 204-392-0568. pm. Fun Gymkana in the park followed by a Suds, Spud and Steak dinner at the Richer Inn. Dinner tickets only $25 each. Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to Available at door or by calling Dan at 204-355-8798. their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These Richer Roughstock Rodeo – On Friday, August 7 – Sunday, gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss August 9 at the park. Friday Night BULL-nanza, and cutting their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204horse competition, saddle bronc, team roping, barrel racing, 422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net. music, main stage live concert, a family fun zone, entertainment for all ages, a trading post, exciting intermission shows, a Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested weekend designed for the entire family. Visit in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. On www.richerrodeo.ca for more info.

Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local Richer Fellowship Church presents Inventor Fuzzywig’s services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Workshop 5-Day Club at the church (50 Southeast Drive) from

Brio Charity Classic Car Show – On Saturday, 11 July from 5 – 10 pm at 13 Brandt St. to support Steinbach Family Resource Centre. Classic Cars, food, live music from ‘Cracked Eggshell’ Bring your car, or stop by and help support families in our community. Contact Norma at Brio Insurance 204 -326-3870.

Bevacqua Stephanie.Bevacqua@mssociety.ca.

23 204-988-0904,

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

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

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

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

Contact 204-326-2313.

Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open to adults who want to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursdays at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street, Southeast ATV Association Food Drive - For Helping Hands on Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-424-5737.

Saturday, July 11 and Saturday, August 29 from 10 am - 3 pm at the farmers market located on highway 12 north on the Steinbach Al-Anon Program - Meetings held on Wednesdays McMunn and Yates parking lot, accepting canned food for “tin at 7:30 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. Ring the for the bin” and information table hosted by the Southeast ATV front door bell. club.

Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm Summer Safety Day Camp – Ages 5 - 8 on Monday, Jul 20 – at Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact Friday, July 24 and Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14. 204-346-0413.

Ages 9 - 13 on Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31 and Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21 from 9 am – 4 pm at the Woodridge Eastman Safety Training Centre, 385 Loewen Blvd. Cost $115 T.O.P.S -Taking Off Pounds Sensibly - On the second Wednesday + GST. Engaging learning experience includes First Aid, of every month at the Community Club. For club hours of Babysitting, Safety Awareness, Conflict Resolution, Fire Safety, operation, contact Stan 204-429-2253.

Bullying Prevention, Cyber Safety, Traffic Safety, Being Home Alone, Personal Protection, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts. The Mobile Clinic – Is onsite on the third Thursday of every Instruction includes The War Amps, RCMP, Steinbach Fire Hall, month from 9 am – 4 pm at the Community Club. Contact for MPI and CASA. Contact info@eastmansafety.ca or 204-371- appointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca.

1595, register online at eastmansafety.ca/camps.

General Helping Hands Pie-Eating Contest Fundraiser – On Friday, Join the Farm & Food Discovery Centre - For many exciting July 31 starts at 12 pm, 285 PTH #12 North just past Mennonite family and educational events taking place over the spring Heritage Village on Creative Print All lot. Pork-on-a-bun Lunch and summer months.

12 – 2 pm presented by the Steinbach Lions Club (includes $5 Incredible Insects Investigation - On Saturday, July 11, 10 amdrink). Pie eating is at 1 pm. Face painting, games and music. 12pm. Search for insects in the tall grass and study their body parts under a microscope. Make a ‘buggy’ vegetable snack.

Contact events@creativeprintall.com.

For children aged three to ten.

Strategy Game Night – On the 1st Saturday from 12 – 5 pm Dairy Day, On Thursday, August 6, from 10 am – 2 pm. Visit the and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8:30 pm, every dairy barn to learn how cows are milked. Turn cream into butter month at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play some games. and strawberry, chocolate or vanilla ice cream. All ages welcome.

Bring a friend, your strategies and games. Test your skills and Pizza Party – On Tuesday, August 25 from 10 am - 1:30 pm. have fun. Contact Madison Friesen, 204-326-6841, Discover how ingredients for a pizza are created. Prepare your p r o g r a m s @ j a k e e p p l i b r a r y . c o m , own mini pizza for lunch and bake it in our outdoor stone oven.

All ages welcome. librarian@jakeepplibrary.com.

Spaces limited for all events. RSVP to reserve your spot. Contact Steinbach & Area Garden Club – Summer day trip TBA contact 204-883-2524 or email ffdc@umanitoba.ca. Full event details and admission rates for individual events found at ffdc.ca. sagardenclub.com or call 204-326-2396.

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

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

Ladies Get Fit Classes - Sponsored by Eastman Immigrant Services, every Wednesday at 7:15 pm at the Woodlawn School gym. Aerobic, circuit training, weights, mats and stretching exercises. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Register contact Lois 204-346-6609.

Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesday, eptember 15 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Join us for a great day of fun and friendship. Visit McPhillips Street Station in the morning and Club Regent in the afternoon. Starting at 8:30 am pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for those wishing to play. Overnight trips to South Beach Casino Folklorama are also available. Contact Marilyn at 204-3264939 for more information and to reserve your seat.

Pedestrian Hospitalized After Being Hit

by SUV

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 On June 6 at approximately 9:30 pm, through new experiences; develop leadership and decisionRCMP received a report of a pedestrian making skills; give service to the community; value the natural struck by a vehicle in Grunthal. 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

Early investigation shows a male had been speaking with a driver of a SUV, when the SUV sped off with the male still holding on to the vehicle. The SUV then swerved into parked vehicles, causing the male to fall off the SUV where he received serious, but non-life threatening injuries. The SUV driver then fled the scene.

A 29-year-old male from Winnipeg was transported to Winnipeg hospital for treatment and remains in hospital in stable condition.

Scott Martens, 31, from Grunthal, has been charged with Drive Dangerous Causing Bodily Harm and Fail to Remain at Scene of a Collision. Martens has been released from custody and will appear in Winnipeg Court on July 13.

The RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact call them at 204433-7908 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

24

July 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch