Dawson Trail Dispatch March 2015

Lorette and Ste. Anne Compete for Hockeyville

By Marianne Curtis

Hadashville Girl Makes a Splash for KidSport

Eleven year old Meadow Bjorklund from Hadashville makes the leap with RM of Reynolds Reeve David Turchyn during the 4th Annual Polar Bear Dare for KidSport.

By Marianne Curtis Even with the wind-chill dropping to -34°C, the 4th Annual Polar Bear Dare was another enormous success raising over $30,000.

The February 21 event was held at the Lac du Bonnet town docks with 64 jumpers braving the cold all in support of Eastman KidSport.

Shannon Schade Regional Manager, of the Eastman KidSport Committee said that even though wind-chill factors were -40 during

the event, participants were living up to the motto of “Freezing for a Reason.”

“Since not every child has the chance to experience sports because of a family’s financial limitations, it is KidSport’s goal to enable as many of Manitoba’s less-

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Canada’s fiercest competition, Kraft Hockeyville, is back. Along with the hometown pride that comes with being crowned Kraft Hockeyville, the ultimate hockey community wins $100,000 to upgrade their local arena, an NHL pre-season hockey game and a CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast from their community.

This year, the communities of Lorette and Ste. Anne are both vying to be noticed in the next few weeks before the top ten communities are announced in the middle of March. At that time, voting opens publicly online and the community with the most votes will win the grand prize and the coveted title of Kraft Hockeyville.

Tammy Reimer created a video when she nominated the Lorette Community Complex for the title. Reimer’s was one of six nominations from various people in the community.

“We are the seventh largest Manitoba Hockey Association with 204 hockey players registered in our program,” Reimer said in her nomination. “Our love of all things ice related doesn’t stop there, as we have strong Ringette and figure skating programs as well. However, rostering 17 teams on one sheet of ice comes with some major logistical difficulties.”

She added that “The old barn” was built back in 1962 by volunteers of Lorette. Unfortunately, it no longer meets our current needs and has not for some time, and it will certainly not meet future growth with approximately 650 homes that will be built over the next 5 – 10 years.

“In 2002 our arena was about to be shut down due to a mould issue in the dressing rooms and shower area,” Reimer explained. “A group of volunteers banded together to put on a 36 hour hockey marathon, shattering a Guinness world record and raising over $80,000. With the help of countless volunteers, the dressing rooms were renovated and by fall, the arena was opened up and ready for another hockey season. We love hockey and would be proud to be the next Kraft Hockeyville!”

Joel Chartier nominated the Ste. Anne Arena. “The SteAnne arena is perfect for Kraft Hockeyville because the arena is big enough to fit many people in not only in the stands but by the windows also,” stated Chartier. “It would bring our community together as a family even more than it already is and everyone who plays hockey both on the indoor and outdoor rink.

To aid in the selection process, supporters are encouraged to visit khv2015.ca and support their favourite community by sharing the link. The communities with the most shares during the selection process will be chosen for the top ten.

On March 14, voting will open online and the community with the most votes will become a Kraft Hockeyville hosting an NHL Pre-Season Game and $100,000 for arena upgrades. The second place community will receive $100,000 in arena upgrades and each of the remaining eight prize winners will receive $25,000.

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March 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Icy Splash continued

St. Pierre-Jolys Town Councillor Brian Martel raised the second highest amount for an individual by collecting $3,000 for the organization.

Continued from page 1 fortunate children as possible to participate in sport, realize its benefits and improve their future,” Schade explained. “Events like this help raise money to make that happen. This year’s event raised about $30,000.”

Eleven year old Meadow Bjorklund from Hadashville has the bragging rights of raising the most money for KidSport.

“This year, I decided that I would try to be brave and I would jump in while trying to beat my brother,” Bjorklund said. For the past two years, her older brother has been the top fundraiser. “It was cold, and I got out of there as fast I could.”

While Bjorklund did not raise more money than her brother has in previous years, she did raise the most by a single fundraiser this year with a total of $5,148. For her efforts, she won two West Jet tickets, anywhere West Jet flies.

Last year, Eastman KidSport approved 299 applications and $58,273.75 in funding was disbursed.

St. Pierre-Jolys Councillor Brian Martel returned this year, after raising the second highest amount for an individual by collecting $3,000 for the organization.

Funding for the Eastman KidSport Committee is made possible through fundraising and support from local businesses such as Canadian Tire, Loblaws and Tim Hortons. In addition, funds are raised throughout the municipalities, community groups, schools and individual donors.

Anyone interested in making a donation or have an event that you are looking for a charity of choice contact the Sport Manitoba – Eastman Region Office at 268-2172.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Mother of Local Toddler Grateful for Every Day

Shannon La Dawn cherishes every day she spends with her daughter Delainey who lives with Trisomy 13, a rare condition with an extremely high mortality rate.

By Marianne Curtis A Steinbach mother is grateful for every moment she spends with her daughter because every day of her life, the toddler beats the odds and is making medical history.

Almost three years ago, Shannon La Dawn gave birth to a beautiful little girl, named Delainey. While most first time mothers would be celebrating, Shannon was praying for peace and a miracle, because Delainey was born with Trisomy 13. Trisomy is a genetic condition where an extra genetic material is present. The extra information causes challenges in everyday health and development.

Delainey has an extra chromosome attached to every one of her cells.

This has caused some physical abnormalities as well as internal abnormalities and mental disabilities.

“As a mother, I never thought having a child with special needs would happen to me. No one in my family has any disorders so why would my child be any different? Well, God had other plans,” Shannon explained.

“We were told 1/10,000 children are born with Trisomy 13 and that Delainey only had a ten percent chance of surviving past 3 months and only a five percent chance of surviving to her first birthday. We were devastated! I remember not being able to breathe. My heart physically hurt! I remember being so angry!”

According to Shannon, Delainey has been beating the odds since her first birthday.

“As time went on, Delainey was showing us that she wasn’t going to be their statistic, but that she was making her own statistics,” Shannon continued. “As far as we know, Delainey is the only living Trisomy 13 child in Manitoba.”

“It’s funny how all your dreams change for your little ones. I said my little girl was going to be enrolled in dance classes, and art programs. She was going to play soccer for the TimBits soccer team. My dreams for her got crushed and of course they changed,” Shannon added. “My dreams for my daughter now are that one day she will sit completely on her own, I pray that one day Delainey will say mom and dad. I would give anything to hear her say. I love you.”

Shannon said she hopes that through physiotherapy, speech therapy and child development that Delainey may walk one day and be able to communicate. “Right now our goals for Delainey are simply to keep her happy and give her a life full of love and experiences and in the process acquire many treasured memories.”

Shannon said the hardest is hearing when another child with Trisomy has passed away. “Sometimes I feel guilty for posting Delainey’s successes while others bury their children with the same condition as my daughter,” Shannon added. “Sometimes living with a child that has such a rare disorder, and I’m sure most special needs parents can relate to this, brings the feeling of loneliness and seclusion. Delainey’s life has brought greater meaning to mine. She has turned a quiet, shy cowardly woman into a strong, passionate advocate for not only Trisomy 13 children but all people living with disabilities.”

Delainey has two little sisters, and neither is affected by the disorder.

More Than Just News!

March 2015

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Join the Steinbach Storm Ready Team The City of Steinbach Storm Ready Team is currently seeking six volunteers to act as weather spotters in times of severe weather, such as a tornado.

Spotters must be residents of Steinbach or live within a 10 km radius of the city. Each team consists of four members and is “on call” for one week per month during the months of May through September.

Denis Vassart Emergency Planning Coordinator explained that when needed, storm watchers are notified by weather radio, text, telephone, or cell phone and asked to watch the sky for signs of severe weather developing. The Spotters

will then contact the Emergency Operations Team, Local Radio outlets and Environment Canada if severe weather is imminent.

“Should a tornado touch down in Steinbach, spotters will be asked to do a preliminary damage evaluation of their designated area and report this information to the Emergency Operations Centre Team so they can formulate a plan of action and keep the general public informed,” explained Vassart.

Spotters are provided with training both in-house and by Environment Canada, as well as guidelines on how to

report a sighting and action checklists.

Steinbach Storm Ready partners with the Rest Haven Nursing Home as its first alert point as they have staff on duty 24 hours per day. Another important link is Goldenwest Radio who will broadcast weather warnings over AM1250 and Mix 96.7 FM. In 2010, the City of Steinbach became the first community in Canada to be certified as “Storm Ready.”

Questions and comments can be directed to Denis Vassart, at 204-3925996 or by e-mail at dvassart@steinbach.ca.

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March 2015

More Than Just News!

New Measures Give Canadians More Information About Their Health Products We wrapped up 2014 by adopting the Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act also known as Vanessa’s Law. With Vanessa’s Law, our Government introduced the most profound and important changes to the Food and Drugs Act in over 50 years that will help Canadians stay better informed about medications they are prescribed and empower the Government to recall unsafe products from the market.

We have hit the ground running in 2015. Already this year, we have taken action on two major new initiatives to better protect the health and safety of Canadians and their families.

Canadians are finding too often that they can’t get the medication their doctor has prescribed because of a shortage of that drug – causing worry and treatment interruptions. Doctors and patients need enough advance warning of a possible shortage so they can shift to alternative treatments.

Drug shortages are a complex global problem, and many stakeholders across the healthcare system have important roles to play in responding quickly to reduce the impact on patients. Following extensive consultations, we heard loud and clear from Canadians that a voluntary system wasn’t working. So we announced in early February that we will now make it mandatory for companies to publicly report drug shortages in advance. Our expectation is that drug manufacturers will do their utmost to avoid supply interruptions. Where shortages are unavoidable, our hope is that, with earlier notice, the healthcare system can react and find appropriate alternatives.

Until the mandatory system is in place, a Public Register will be hosted on Health Canada’s website to name and shame manufacturers who fail to provide voluntary notice of a shortage. This register will make industry commitments and, more importantly, industry actions, clear for all to see.

Also in February, we announced the launch of a new online tool designed to provide Canadians with better access to consumer-friendly information on medicines and vaccines.

The Drug and Health Product Register makes it easier for consumers to find information on hundreds of medications, including what a drug is used for, safety warnings and precautions, common side effects, and adverse reactions that have been reported to Health Canada. The new site is mobilefriendly, so Canadians can access health product information on the go.

These are just two examples of the work we continue to do to protect the health and safety of Canadians. We will continue to take action to protect the health and safety of all Canadians.

I am interested in hearing from you on important issues like this one. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889. You may also write my office at 8-227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, e-mail me at ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.

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

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

Hamper Happy Dear Editor: The RM of Tache Christmas Hamper Committee extends a heartfelt thank you to the businesses, organizations, churches, schools, and individuals who donated money and food to the 2014 Christmas Hamper Drive. Thank you to the volunteers who helped collect, sort, pack and distribute the 66 hampers for the recipients in the RM of Tache.

Irene Bialek Coordinator

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest The Manitoba NDP leadership campaign is finally reaching the end.

Regardless of the outcome, Manitobans in droves would love a change, based on the number of silly misleading innuendoes alone. By attacking the opposition leader, the three contestants have run out of imagination or didn’t have any at the outset.

Now we hear we may have a referendum on the PST increase, another silly idea on what would be a foregone conclusion. Of course, the opposition PC are the only choice left as the Liberals have disappeared without a trace. To say that many of us are going to go to the polls with hope for the future is a definite exaggeration. None of the above is probably in the lead at present.

Manitoba Party anyone?

The Federal Government is on a law and order kick again with Bill C-51. Tough on would be terrorists and anybody else caught in the crossfire. Now everybody agrees that after the last two terror attacks in October 2014 some new measures were warranted. The main problem with the bill is insufficient oversight on a broadening scope of hypothetical offences, which is not necessarily related to terrorism but maybe freedom of speech, protesting a new pipeline or other economic protests over environmental concerns.

It brings to mind that President Obama may be found guilty under this new legislation if passed because of his veto on the proposed XL pipeline from Alberta to Texas. Under this new legislation, he could be considered an economic terrorist. Now, this bill in its flawed form will pass without “sufficient” oversight in place.

For this Government it is more than a tool. It is an election platform.

The Conservatives are going to scream security and many Canadians will salute. Prime Minister Harper claims that sufficient oversight is in place with the (SIRC) Security Intelligence Review Committee. This committee of five has no parliamentarians on it, only those appointed by the Prime Minister. At this moment, it is one member short and another one in Jail in Panama because of related fraud charges and he is still awaiting extradition to Canada, this is oversight at your Conservative Government’s best.

I think we can appreciate it if the opposition are asking for a more robust degree of oversight. Do we all remember a particular Canadian Maher Arar being tortured in Syria based on false information supplied

by Canadian authorities? That was not one of our best moments. Also, there are many times this Government has had their finger slapped for bad laws by the Supreme Court, but it hasn’t deterred them much. They disparage the Courts on judge made laws; perhaps they should put more effort in writing laws, which are compatible with the Constitution as opposed to trolling for votes. They appear to be constitutionally challenged when it comes to individual freedom but sell this particular deficiency as tough on crime. I have not once seen them balance their approach to “tough on causes of crime”. I fear this deficiency, after nine years, is beyond their grasp.

Manitoba’s senior federal cabinet minister, Shelly Glover has weighed in on the proposed release of Vince Li suggesting that this violent criminal not ever be released, ever. In a schizophrenic episode, Vince Li killed Tim McLane but was subsequently found not guilty because of mental illness. It is possible for schizophrenics with proper medication to lead a reasonable but managed life. I can appreciate the emotions surrounding this particular sad episode but law cannot be tainted by emotions, as it would soon be compromised by conflicts of those very same emotions. Individually, we are all, including Shelly Glover by the grace of God construed as normal, as long as normal is given a very wide discretion so as to accommodate politicians. But reality is Vince Li was found not guilty, due to mental illness therefore not criminally responsible and therefore not a criminal but nevertheless will be monitored for the remainder of his life, which affords us much more protection than parole from jail without medical care. Was Mrs. Glover’s rant about violent criminals who break the law and should never see the light day pandering for votes or is she just plain dumb. Both is my guess, and that is scary. Mr. Vince Li never broke the law, you would think an ex cop would know that. How many cops have shot innocent people in Manitoba? How many Manitobans have died by a reoffending mentally ill person? A betting person should take his or her chances in the comparative sanity of an insane asylum.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Major Transmission Line to Run Through Fastest Growing Community The NDP has a history of political interference where it is neither wanted nor necessary. Most recently, they have interfered with the operations of Manitoba Hydro and it is looking like the routing of the transmission line being constructed from Manitoba to Minnesota is subject to the same old NDP interference we have come to expect over the last 15 years.

We know that the NDP directed Manitoba Hydro to route the Bipole III transmission line down the west side of Lake Winnipeg despite the fact that the west side option was found to be less favourable in at least 80 percent of indicators examined by Manitoba Hydro. In fact, the political direction on where to route Bipole III came directly from then Hydro Minister and current Premier Greg Selinger.

In a 2007 letter to the Chairman of the Board of Manitoba Hydro Selinger wrote, “The Manitoba Government does not regard an east side Bipole III line as being consistent with these commitments and initiatives (those of government)… We would encourage the corporation to move ahead with required consultations and planning for an alternative Bipole III route.”

Fast-forward eight years and consider the routing of the 500-kilovolt transmission line that will run from the southeast of Winnipeg and terminate at the border south of Piney. This begs the question, has the same type of NDP political interference that has plagued the Bipole III routing process influenced the placement of the Manitoba Minnesota Transmission line?

The line is set to run along what Hydro is calling “route 208”- a routing that will see the line come in close proximity to the community of La Broquerie rather than another route considered by Hydro, called “route 207”, which would have seen the route run further east, avoid densely populated areas and eventually terminate at the same spot at the US border. La Broquerie is one of the fastest growing communities in southeastern Manitoba and the placement of a major transmission line through it will impact future development.

The Progressive Conservative alternative to managing operations at Manitoba Hydro has been very clear- let the experts at hydro manage the province’s largest Crown Corporation in the best interests of all Manitobans and without political interference.

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.

Niverville Development Update Dear Editor: For the past decade there has been a significant focus on providing care for our aging seniors in what has been an innovative project called “The Heritage Center Project”. The Town of Niverville had provided some support to community minded citizens whose passion for seniors led to the building of those facilities.

The success of that project and the recognition that it has received is a testament to what can be achieved when a community works together.

In the spring of 2014 your Town Council had announced a plan to build an aquatic park as a Phase 1 project to meet what was seen as a growing need for our community with so many young families. The commitment was made to provide $500,000 in cash grant as a kick start to a fundraising effort and to have raised through community donations another $1,600,000 to complete the project. A fundraising committee was put in place and an event was held in late spring at the Heritage Center to announce this project.

Through conversations between Councillors and with fundraising committee members, a couple of things became apparent. First, the project appeared to be too focused on a single activity and limited to one season. Because of this, the efforts could not get the traction required to neither solidify a community wide volunteer base nor the financial support needed to see this project completed.

Secondly, during the course of the last municipal election cycle, those running for Council also heard from our residents. Through the listening process there seemed to be a desire from residents for an initial project that had more of a multi-purpose benefit; a project that would incorporate many different types of community programs and that would see use twelve months of the year. As a result this past January, Council took these notes made from listening to residents to their Annual Planning Session. Council decided for a redesigned Phase 1 project that would be bigger and allencompassing for the community regardless of age.

Phase 1 is envisioned to consist of two components – a water feature and a “community

field house”. The initial $500,000 start-up grant that the Town had planned to put into the aquatic park will now be designated for a new “Community Splash Park” located at Hespeler Park. No fundraising for this facility will be necessary with plans already well underway to see this goal completed in 2015. This splash park will provide a very real benefit to our many young families, it will provide an opportunity for grandparents to take their grandchildren out on beautiful summer days, and is in keeping with the master plan for Hespeler Park.

The second component being researched for Phase 1 is an amenity to be located at the Community Campus Site (Arena Road). A “Community Field House” could potentially include all types of indoor recreation such as soccer, a running track, and a play structure. A future Phase 2 portion of this community campus project would be an enhanced winter ice sports facility. However, Phase 1 is a NOW PROJECT and our plan is to see this happen ASAP. A community group has been formed to begin the process of public consultation. Input from citizens is necessary to help facilitate this process and we look forward to meeting with many of you in the months ahead. The first of the public consultations will begin on March 7th.

Council has tasked this volunteer group which will be called the “Niverville Recreation Committee” to be responsible for the public consultation including design ideas and fundraising and advising on the construction of the new facility. The committee has already held three planning meetings within the past month.

There appears to be a real excitement towards the project! As the consultative process occurs, ideas from other communities providing year round integrated recreational facilities will also be examined.

We are inviting more citizens to join us on this exciting journey. Please contact Chantel (Niverville Recreation Director) at the Town of Niverville (204-388-4078 or recreation@whereyoubelong.ca) to indicate your interest. Alternatively, we would invite you to the Community Consultation meetings where opportunity will be given to join this exciting community initiative!

Respectfully, Mayor Myron Dyck and Clare Braun - NRC Member

March 2015

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March 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Local Authors Ban Together and Form Writers Group Joining Curtis at the table is marketing expert Heather Murray, along with authors Carla Funk, Les Kletke, Casia Schreyer and Celesta Thiessen.

“I hope the group will bring authors together for information sharing, marketing help and I think it would be great if we could have some fun together too,” stated Thiessen, who has penned more than twenty books in several genres. “Being an author feels like a lonely job sometimes. It’s great to be able to connect!”

Veteran Christian author Barbara Ann Derksen recently relocated to the area, and was thrilled to join the group. “Since joining, I have learned a little of what is available in Canada already and hope to learn and discover even more as I Marianne Curtis, author and founder of Authors of Manitoba proudly displays some of the encourage others in their writing,” work done by local authors. she added.

‘Authors of Manitoba’ is currently establishing partnerships with local libraries and schools to ensure that students and communities have access to local talent and materials. The group has plans for a book tour, which oblivious,” stated Curtis. “We February was “I love to Read would see several authors at a time have an author in almost every month”, and as part of the doing readings and signings this celebrations a new authors group single community; the problem is summer at community festivals, most people do not know this.” was launched within the region.

Curtis said she would like to see farmers markets and trade shows.

Called the ‘Authors of Manitoba’, A one-day authors’ fair is also in the group operate similar to an the group currently consists of the works for the fall, at Jake Epp Arts Council. over twenty published authors “There is a wealth of information Library in Steinbach. from the region.

“Similar to a trade show, we and representation for artists, Ile des Chenes author and invite all authors to bring their dancers and musicians in the publisher Marianne Curtis books, set up a table, meet with region, but there is nothing for established the group hoping to readers, and have fun,” continued bring visibility to the large number writers,” continued Curtis.

Curtis. “This would be a one day “Literacy is an important facet; of authors who live, and write without it one cannot succeed, so event open to the public, featuring within southern Manitoba. all genres and age groups.”

“Since I published my first book why would we not want to So far, the group consists of promote reading and writing as in 2012, I have been surprised to authors from Otterburne, discover that we have a wealth of being important.”

The first order of business was to Steinbach, Hadashville, East talented authors living in various Braintree, Ste. Anne, St. Pierreappoint a board of directors. communities but the public is Jolys, Buffalo Point, Gardenton, La Broquerie, Vita, Ste. Genevieve, Dugald, Winnipeg and The Pas. Their catalogue contains works in all genres including memoirs, young adults, children, Christian, fiction, romance and local history.

All published authors are welcome to join. You can find ‘Authors of Manitoba’ on Facebook, and a website containing a complete catalogue of local books is planned for the near future.

For more information call 204794-1207 or email emeraldpublication@gmail.com.

“We have an author in almost every single community.”

Spring Break Out! Camp Ages 5 - 8 and 9 - 12 will love Spring Break Out! Camp at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Camp runs four days, Monday, March 30 – Thursday, April 2 from 9 am – 4 pm. Don’t miss the adrenaline rush! – each day is infused with Music, Dance, Drama, Crafts and Sports… Space is limited – call now.

Yoga-size your Way to a Healthier You Try Gentle Flow Yoga with the talented and experienced Bettianne Jolicoeur - Explore the relationship between your breath, mind and heart with Gentle Flow Yoga. Session runs 8 weeks, Tuesday evenings.

The biggest event of our Gallery Season Join us on Friday, April 10 to check out the 17th Annual Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit and works by over 70 artists from southeastern Manitoba! These include paintings, photography, pencil drawings, pottery and more. Come celebrate with us at 7 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre Hall Gallery.

Summer in the City – Looking for volunteers to help backstage (set up and take down, technical crew), work with the Visual Arts Tent committee.

EARLY BIRD! Arts for Tots Preschool Program - Early Fall Registration starts Wednesday, April 1.

Parents love our Arts focus! Ages 3 - 5 learn early childhood education through Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts... and Culture! Choose from Monday through Thursday, morning or afternoon. Limited spaces.

Performers and Visual Artists! We are now taking applications for the KR Barkman Concerts in the Park series. These are free concerts in KR Barkman Park on Main Street, proudly sponsored by Barkman Concrete Foundation. Download forms online – deadline Friday, March 27.

Job Opportunities – Looking for a Summer Camp Director and two Assistant Directors. Summer Arts Day Camps run Monday, July 6 – Friday, August 21 at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. 9 am - 4 pm daily. Please send your resume to Cassandra at programs@steinbachartscouncil.ca by Monday, March 16.

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 a Battle of the Bands.

Spring Classes at SAC! Get Active, Feel Great – NEW! Gentle Flow Yoga, Pilates Adults – Digital Photography, Beginner Oil Painting NEW! Photography for Moms Workshop.

In the Kitchen - Creative Cooking, NEW! Cake X-Travaganza Workshop.

Dance & Martial Arts with XCOMPANY – Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Broadway Stars, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Chinese and Filipino Martial Arts.

Music Lessons – Piano, Voice, Theory, Flute, Guitar, Accordion with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts, or the Southeastern Manitoba Teachers’ Association (SMMTA) Backyard Theatre Company – Adventure Quests Production, Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 pm. A showcase of the entire year! Call 204-346-1077 for tickets.

BACKBEAT SCHOOL OF MUSIC….

Ages 12 - 17 GET OUT OF THE BASEMENT If you want to get together with others, be in a band, or jam with other musicians, we have the perfect program for you! It’s our BACKBEAT SCHOOL OF MUSIC for ages 12 - 17 mentored by Trev Schellenberg, a very talented local musician, radio personality and program director. And looking for singers! Come and try it for free!

Friday Night Strings If you love playing the violin, and like to play with other violinists, this is for you, ages 5 - 15. Under the mentorship of Faith Fehr, from 7 - 7:45 pm.

On Fridays, March 13, 27, April 10, 24 and May 8. Performance opportunities too. Mini Recital is Friday, May 22. Only $4 per session!

NEXT CONCERT Don’t miss Cadence! Unplugged – 4 Voices coming to Steinbach Monday, March 23 at 7:30 pm – Grace Mennonite Church.

Canada’s premiere vocal group features a hypnotic blend of complex harmonies, intricate arrangements, vocal dexterity, and just plan fun with familiar and fresh melodies – and all the richness of a full band! www.cadence-unplugged.com.

SAVE THE DATE! ‘Celebrate the Arts’ Vegas Style. The Steinbach Arts Council fundraising gala is on Friday, May 8 at Friedensfeld Community Centre. Play the tables, enjoy a Magician, Donny & Marie Osmond and even Elvis will make an appearance. Combined with delicious food, sparkling jewels from our jewellery tombola and dancing. Cast your bid for original artwork in our Fine Art Auction. Save the date!

For more details on all shows and programs call 204-346-1077 or check out steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ritchot Holds Photo Contest The Municipality of Ritchot is holding a photo contest and invited local photographers to submit their photos.

“There is a lot going on in the Municipality this year, and we look forward to seeing the pictures our residents capture,” said Ryan Graves, Community Economic Development Officer.

The contest runs from February 28 to November 30, 2015. The winners will be announced on December 11, 2015. The Grand Prize for this contest is an Apple iPad. Photos can be submitted via email to cedo@ritchot.com or in person to the Municipal Office, 352 Main Street, St. Adolphe. The terms and conditions for the submission of photos are available on the Municipal website ritchot.com.

Pat Porter Active Living Centre offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm, call 204-3204600 or online patporteralc.com.

Membership is 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 is $30.

Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: Potlucks: On Thursdays, March 12 at 6 pm. If you know, you are coming, please call the week ahead and let us know. Cost is $5 per person.

Please bring a Salad, Casserole or Dessert large enough to share.

Afternoon Jam: On Thursdays, March 26 from 1:30 - 4 pm. Cost $2 in advance for members, $3 in advance for non-members and $4 at the door for all. Coffee and dessert served.

Old Time Country Dance: Live band on Friday, March 27 –Mark Morisseau starting at 7 pm and lunch at 9 pm. Mark Morisseau is an award winning fiddle player, who grew up in Portage la Prairie, listening to a wealth of fiddle music. For 25 years Mark has been a part of the fiddle world in Manitoba, playing in multiple bands including the country charttopping Doc Walker. Cost $10 for members in advance, $12 in advance for non-members and $14 at the door for all.

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: 1st Wednesday of the month 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.

Brain Injury Support Group: On Monday, March 30 from 7 - 8:30 pm.

Beltone Hearing: On the third Friday of each month. On Friday, March 27. Contact 1-800-661-2653 for appointment.

Monday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 – 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball 1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains 1 pm Canasta 7 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am Circle of Friends 12 – 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Floor Shuffle 2:30 - 4:30 pm Family Search Wednesday 9 am -12 pm Computer classes - call to register 10 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage 1:30 - 4 pm Floor Curling 7 - 9 pm Old Time Country Band Practice 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.

More Than Just News!

March 2015

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March 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Safety Concerns Raised Over Deadly Intersection

During a rally demanding safeguards for the intersection of Highway 59 and Provincial Road 311, drivers demonstrate how busy and dangerous this intersection can be.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis

February prompted concerned On February 7, a 65-year-old man residents from the Niverville area to was pulled from his burning vehicle, A serious crash at Highway 59 and hold a rally demanding safeguards and two women were sent to Provincial Road 311 in early at the intersection. hospital after the crash. All three were transported to hospital with injuries, but survived.

Niverville resident Barry Piasta said it is not the first time there has been a crash at the intersection.

“Besides this accident, there was one in December of 2014 as well.

Someone died in that crash. Daily there’s an incident, near misses at that intersection,” Piasta said.

He further explained there are only a few routes, which can be used to travel from the Niverville area to Winnipeg, and some residents do not use the intersection because they consider it dangerous.

“It’s just a real big concern as the community grows and communities

south of us continue to grow, more and more traffic runs down 59,” Piasta said.

To draw attention to the issue, Piasta organized a rally in Niverville on February 9.

Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck said he would like to see flashing lights and rumble strips installed at the intersection. He went on to say, although there have not been many crashes in the area over the last few years, there have been plenty of narrow escapes.

“We know it’s a dangerous corner for those that live here and, unfortunately, I’m preaching patience. That would be the short nugget of truth I’m trying to get across to people,” he said. “Yes, it might take you a minute; it might take you five minutes. I sit there 10

minutes, sometimes just waiting to get on that highway. But it’s not worth a life-and-death situation.”

He added that Niverville’s population has been growing and so has the amount of traffic along Highway 59, especially at rush hour.

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen said that the intersection has been a concern for many years because of increased traffic volumes from regional population growth.

“Both the MLA for Morris, Shannon Martin and myself have spoken and written to the NDP government in the past asking that short-term solutions and long-term solutions to improve the safety at the intersection be presented and acted upon,” stated Goertzen. “The most troubling thing isn’t that we got an unsatisfactory response to these concerns; the most troubling thing is that we received no response at all.”

A Manitoba government spokesperson has since told the media that an engineering safety review has been done and plans for the intersection will be unveiled later this year; however, Goertzen is cautiously optimistic on when the issue will be addressed.

“Too often we have seen studies undertaken and options presented only to see nothing happen,” said Goertzen. “It is important that residents, who are concerned about safety at the intersection, continue to speak out about these concerns because a study and proposals on their own will not improve the structure of this or any other intersection.”

Dyck said he wants the provincial government to fast track its plan to twin Highway 59.

Skate-a-Thon Raises Funds for Sprague Arena

By Marianne Curtis True to his word, 73 year old Dave Hebel, laced up his ice-skates along with 130 Ross L. Grey students for a fundraising skate-a-thon.

Last month Hebel announced that despite a knee replacement, he was going to take a few spins around the ice while raising money for the facility. He collected $2,060 in pledges for his hometown rink.

“I said I would raise $1,000 and I went over that,” Hebel said. “Everything we fund raise goes towards expenses and every dollar counts.”

The event, which took place February 27, raised $7,616. 98.

“We had a great turn out for the skate-a-thon,”

said Sprague and Area Arena board member Murray Machej.

The arena has fallen into disrepair over the years, and in the past three years, a grassroots group of young volunteers has been working hard to bring the facility back to life. The new board is currently raising money to undertake several projects. The facility needs indoor plumbing upgrades, locker rooms, and canteen, which all have to be gutted and replaced.

These projects are estimated to cost about $300,000.

Above: Seventy-three year old Dave Hebel raised over $2,000 for his hometown arena in Sprague.

Below: This group of skaters raised over $7,000 in support of the Sprague and Area Arena during a skate-a-thon.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Otterburne Resident Named Green Party Candidate

By Marianne Curtis The Provencher Green Party Riding has selected a new representative naming Otterburne resident Jeff Wheeldon as their new candidate for the upcoming federal election.

At a nomination meeting earlier in February, former Green Party candidate Janine Gibson, who has represented the party in six previous elections, was challenged by Wheeldon.

This was the first time Provencher Green Party supporters had two candidates to choose from.

In opening the meeting, attendees were encouraged to tell others why they were now members of the Green Party. Many spoke of a disillusionment with politics and that the Green Party had again given them hope for the political system.

After members took the matter to a vote, Wheeldon was named the party’s official candidate for the federal election to be held later this year.

He said that in order to increase Green support they will need to deal with several widespread misconceptions in Provencher.

One is the perceptions that the

Provencher Green Party Riding has selected a new representative and named Otterburne resident Jeff Wheeldon as their candidate for the upcoming federal election.

Conservative Party of Canada is the most fiscally responsible party in Canada: however, Wheeldon noted the Green Party platform spells out a clear policy of fiscal conservatism.

Another belief common in Provencher is that the Conservative party is a Christian party.

“I aim to show the people of Provencher that the Conservative party does not have a monopoly on

faith or Christianity, and that there is more than one colour of Christian in politics,” Wheeldon said. “However, our biggest challenge will be to engage those who have given up on politics because they have become cynical about the whole process.”

Wheeldon said the Green Party is the only party that does not treat the environment as an issue to be balanced alongside other issues, in tension with the issues of economy and industry and resources.

“We recognize that the environment is fundamental to every issue.

Resources don’t come from thin air, they come from the environment,” Wheeldon added. “The market is not located in a vacuum, and there is no economy without ecology.”

He emphasized that any approach to the environment that separates it from other issues or treats it as instrumental or as a resource fails to recognize its fundamental nature, and fails to recognize the incredible power that human beings have to destroy it.

Wheeldon, with his wife Andrea, and infant son, Sam, lives in Otterburne where Jeff is Registrar at Providence College and Seminary.

Festival of Friends Draws Crowds Despite Cold Despite extreme wind chill warnings, the crowds flocked to St. Malo for this year’s Festival of Friends, which took place February 13 - 16, George Pageot, President of the Friends of St. Malo Provincial Park, said his committee has two goals each year for the event. By bringing quality entertainment to the community, neighbouring communities come out and celebrate.

“We also added a new activity for seniors; for the first time we had a cribbage tournament and we had twelve teams come out and spend the afternoon playing crib,” Pageot said.

Some of the highlights of the weekend included fireworks, and the Junior B Hockey Game, Pea Soup

Contest, skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and a 3-on-3hockey fundraiser.

In celebration of Louis Riel Day on Monday, the Festival committee added a Métis flare to the event.

“Many of the acts derived from Métis roots because we have a strong Métis community in St. Malo,” Pageot added.

Entertainment included performances by Revolving Doors & Reverend Rambler, Sierra Noble and Chronical, Marie-Jo Clément, Mr. Ken, Gaudry Boys, The Rémillard Family, Asham Stompers and La Belle Époque.

The St. Malo Festival of Friends was established in 2008 and dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the Francophone and Métis culture of the region. The

The Asham Stompers performed at this year’s Festival of Friends in St. Malo.

annual festival includes winter activities as well as demonstrations of the local historical Francophone and Métis heritage.

Money raised during the festival is going towards the construction of a four-season shelter in the St. Malo Provincial Park.

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Prawda Receives Mobile Health Unit The RM of Reynolds Council recently signed a Letter of Understanding with the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority that could see a mobile medical clinic situated in Prawda.

According to Council, Interlake-Eastern Health is planning to provide a fully functional primary health care mobile clinic to be situated in Prawda.

The target date for the clinic to be available to residents is tentatively set for the fall of 2015.

Costs associated with the operation of the clinic fall solely on the shoulders of Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.

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March 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Local Farmers Initiate Grassroots Water Retention Over the winter months, the Seine-Rat River Conservation District has been helping area farmers establish a water retention pond in a low area of land.

Cornie Goertzen, with Seine-Rat River Conservation District (SRRCD) said the Edel Retention is a unique project initiated by local landowners concerned about the environment they live in. The retention pond is being created on property owned by Grant and Ralph Edel.

“The Edel’s have been farming here for over 20 years. They share a deep respect for the environment,” Goertzen explained. “Grant and Ralph wanted to improve the health of their watershed before they get ready for retirement. They saw an opportunity to improve the environment by using some of Above: Fast Brothers Ltd. of Blumenort working hard on the Edel Retention. their land to store water.”

The Seine-Rat River Conservation District Below:The Edel Retention is a kilometre long dyke constructed in a low area of (SRRCD) identified water flowing into the 48N land belonging to Grant and Ralph Edel. drain as an issue of concern. The group was looking for water storage options when Grant approached the SRRCD with an idea to hold water on his land.

“This major drain commonly overflows in spring, and during high water events in summer. All of this water sometimes washes out the road, threatens homes, damages the shoreline, and picks up debris along the way,” explained Goertzen. “The Edel Retention is designed to hold water back for a few days before slowly releasing it into the 48N drain.

This project will reduce the risk of flooding by controlling how much water is being carried by the drain.”

The purpose of water retention is to slow down the flow of water to reduce high water flows and reduce the risk of flooding. Water retention can also recharge the water supply, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. projects that will hold back water, enhance Wetlands are an example of natural water retention areas natural wetlands, and help to create more that act like a water filter. They produce many benefits that effective drainage to other high value are good for humans and the environment. agricultural areas downstream,” Goertzen “We are always looking for ways to fund water retention continued.

The Edel Retention project was funded by the SRRCD under a provincial grant from Growing Forward 2 with a budget of $63,000 in July 2014. They will also look after the site in the future to make sure that it is working, as it should.

Farmers interesting in establishing a retention pond on their land can apply under the SRRCD Water Storage and Retention program. The SRRCD may give up to 100% funding to implement a project that protects the local water quality. For the La Broquerie area, contact 204424-5845, Vita at 204-425-7877, or online at srrcd.ca.

Reynolds Get Tough on Stray Dogs The RM of Reynolds has contracted Dan Fryer of Rural Animal Management to provide services for dog control in Molson.

Effective January 1, anyone with concerns about dogs running loose in Molson can call to get assistance from the municipality’s newly retained animal control officer. Under the new policy, owners of any dogs picked up will be responsible for all costs, if they want their dog back.

The RM of Reynolds agreed to pay Rural Animal Management $100 a month retainer plus pickup and holding charges when required for animal control.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Provincial Tax Credit Deadlines As Personal Income Tax Professionals, we often tell our clients that we can adjust taxes going back up to 10 years. This is true for federal taxes and federal tax credits (such as the Disability Tax Credit and Medical expenses), but not necessarily for refundable personal tax credits that are specific to Manitoba.

Some Province of Manitoba credits can be adjusted going back up to three years, but there are two that have deadlines coming up quickly on March 31, 2015.

The newest tax credit, the Manitoba Seniors School Tax Rebate must be applied for by March 31, 2015. The maximum rebate is $235 for landowners 65+. If you need an application form, stop by my office. If you bring your 2014 property taxes with you, we can complete the form and fax it immediately so you get your rebate filed by March 31, 2015. Or you can go the Province of Manitoba website to get the forms and you can apply on-line (if you are still out of province!)

Remember that you must own the land. So if you have a mobile home on rented land (for example, Paradise Village), you do not qualify (your name is not officially on the property tax bill).

The Farmland School Tax Rebate also must be applied for by March 31, 2015. Remember this rebate has nothing to do with whether you farm or not (we don’t). If you own some acreage, check your 2014 Property Tax bill, if it says “farmland” on it, you qualify. If you don’t have a form, you can get it from the Province of Manitoba website, or drop by or call my office and we will help you out.

Other provincial refundable credits received when filing your personal income tax have deadlines too. Some common Province of Manitoba credits include the $700 Education Property Tax Credit and $1,275 Manitoba Primary Caregiver Tax Credit. The deadline to adjust your 2012 income taxes is December 31, 2015. The Manitoba Primary Caregiver Tax Credit takes some time to be approved, so don’t wait till the end of the year.

The $700 (maximum) Education Property Tax Credit is claimed on your Personal Income tax if you did not receive it on your Property Tax bill.

I will normally include these on personal income taxes when there is more than one home on one property (more common in the rural areas of Manitoba) and when people move to a new home (may need to be prorated for a few months). Also, those who rent can only get these credits when filing their personal income tax. If you are behind in filing your personal income taxes, you may only get them for the past few years.

The Manitoba Primary Caregiver Tax Credit was introduced in 2009. It acknowledges that many individuals remain in the community because others (spouses, family, friends and neighbours) help them out, and reduce their need for homecare or delay the need to go to a personal care home. These “informal” caregivers can claim the credit – up to $1,275/year. But we can only go back up to three years. So if someone has been helping you out, they may qualify. If you help, someone else out, you may qualify. Check out the Province of Manitoba website, or call my office. One caregiver can claim up to three Credits (if you are providing care for up to three people).

Senior’s households with a combined income of $40,000 or less may be eligible for an additional Education Property Tax Credit of up to $400. This provides savings of up to $1,100 when combined with the basic $700 Education Property Tax Credit. Whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, you can claim this additional amount on your personal income tax return.

Were you and your spouse or common-law partner living apart at the end of the year for medical reasons (one in a personal care home)? If so, and you and your spouse or common-law partner occupied separate residences for part or all of the year, both of you can claim separate personal tax credits.

A reminder to have your 2014 taxes filed by April 30, 2015 especially if you owe taxes. If you are getting a refund, you have three years to file. If you are selfemployed, we have until June 15 to file without penalty, although interest does begin May 1 2015.

I have arranged for a temporary office in Lorette Wednesday evenings; call for an appointment if that’s a more convenient location for you.

Anni Markmann is a personal income 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.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

More Than Just News!

or drop in for $5 per workout. Special deal purchase 30 classes 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 , $120 get 8 free. Instructor Janice Burnett, a certified fitness librarian@jakeepplibrary.com. leader. Contact mjburn@shaw.ca.

Steinbach and Area Garden Club - On Monday March 9 with Fitness Classes –Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8 - 9 Erna Wiebe, owner of Oakridge Garden Centre. Lilacs and EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548 pm at the St. Adolphe School Gym. Include cardio fitness, Forsythias- Discover the many varieties of these lovely spring Anola Snowstompers Snowmobile Club Inc. Ticket cost $20 ea. Contact resistance training, flexibility and balance training. Monthly blooming shrubs. Extra Fitness Feature ‘Avoiding Injury While schedule is provided. All fitness levels are welcome. Options Gardening and What to Do if it Hurts’ with Grant Bainard, Spaghetti Supper - A fundraiser on Friday, March 13 from 4:30 Nelson 204-667-8259, David 204-878-2182. are $175 - 35 x $5 per class + 5 classes free, $120 - 20 x $6 physiotherapist, Eastman Therapy Centre. Coffee, dainties and - 8 pm at Our Lady of Hope Church Hall 34131 PTH 15. Choice Auction. Contact for tickets Sue 204-799-7994 or 204-866- Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities. per class or drop in $7 per class. Certified fitness leader Janice door prizes. Non-member admission $5. Contact sagardenclub.com.

4813, Lucille 204-755-2821 or Liz 204-853-2007. Cost Adults If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around Burnett. mjburn@shaw.ca. $10, Children 12 and under $5. the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your Eastman Safety Training at the Eastman Education Centre 385 support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an St. Malo Falcon Lake hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, Palliative Care Forum – On Loewen Blvd. Contact info@eastmansafety.ca or 1-204-371Saturday, March 7 with invited guest Fr. Dominic and Danielle 1595.

12th Annual Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off - On Saturday, March Lorettecopp@gmail.com.

Savard, a young Christian singer at the St. Malo church hall. Emergency Child Care First Aid/CPR/AED – On Tuesday, March 21 from 11 am - 2 pm. Supporting the St.Amant Autism Program the tournament donates $1 from every ticket sold, all the New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more. Topic, 2 private members’ bills that support physician-assisted 10 from 9 am -4:30 pm or Tuesday March 10 and Wednesday proceeds from on-ice bait sales. In addition, St.Amant will be Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 suicide for all competent adults over the age of 18 years. All March 11 from 5 – 9 pm and Tuesday, March 24 from 9 - 4:30 welcome. Contact 204-347-5518, parsmalo@mymts.net. pm. Cost $85 for 3-year Red Cross certification. doing a 50/50 draw on the ice. Adult tickets are $50 before St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

Emergency First Aid/CPR/AED- On Saturday, March 14 from 9 March 11, then $70. Second hole and kids are just $30. Tickets Chamber of Commerce Family Hockey Tournament – On -5 pm. Parents, bring your kids ages 11+ or come as a couple at 13 ticket vendors across Manitoba and NW Ontario, online Mitchell at winterfishoff.com or phone 1-866-676-3474. Holes are pre- Breakfast and Social - Every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9 am Thursday, March 12 at the arena celebrating the 25th Annual and enjoy this 1 day class. Cost $75 each for 3-year Red Cross drilled. Catch the heaviest fish win $10,000. Prizes are awarded except the last Tuesday of the month when the social is held Tournament. Share your photos, articles, stories and histories certification. down to 50th place. $50,000 Hidden Weight Contest. Catch instead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area Seniors or the tournament by emailing to Tania Lafournaise at Emergency First Aid/CPR/AED- On Tuesday, March 17 or Saturday, April 11 from 9 am - 4:30 pm. Cost $85 for 3 year Red Cross tlafournaise@rrvsd.ca. Tournament details TBA. one of the first 120 fish and you’re automatically entered into Centre. Contact 204-326-6944. certification. the contest. If your fish matches the hidden weight, you win Sponge Puck Hockey – On Wednesdays at 8 pm at the arena. Standard First Aid/CPR/AED – On Tuesday, March 17 and $50,000. If nobody matches the weight, then the angler with Morris Wednesday, March 18 or Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April the closest weight will receive a Frabill Headquarters six-person Non-Restricted Firearms Course – On Sunday, March 8 from Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079.

12 from 9 am - 4:30 pm. Cost $125 for 3 year Red Cross ice shelter.

9 am - 4 pm at the Multi-Plex. Cost $95. Contact Recreation certification.

St. Pierre-Jolys Director 204-746-6622, recreation@townofmorris.ca.

Steps to Commercialization Workshop – On Tuesday, March Canada Safety Council Home Alone Program (ages 10-12) – Friedensfeld Whist Drive – On Friday, March 6 and Sunday, March 22 at YFC Fundraiser – On Thursday, March 19 begins at 6 pm at the 10 from 9 am – 3 pm at the St. Pierre -Jolys Museum, 432 On Wednesday, March 18 from 5 – 8 pm. Cost, $35-receive a Joubert St. Cost $20 includes meal. Cheques payable to 10% discount if you bring a friend/sibling.

7:30 pm at the Community Centre. Cost $5. Contact Irene 204- Multi Plex Assembly hall.

P.E.S.A.I. Workshop to provide info on what to consider when Standard Child Care First Aid/CPR/AED – On Tuesday, March 24 326-1624.

Spring Fling Craft & Bake Thing – On Saturday, April 25 from processing food in an inspected facility, rules and regulations, and Wednesday, 25 from 9 am -5 pm. Cost $125 for 3 year Hadashville 10 am – 2 pm at the Morris Multiplex. Wide selection of items Good Manufacturing Practices, available funding and services, certification.

Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville and vendor booths with crafts, collectibles, jewelry, purses, personal experiences from other food entrepreneurs. Contact SPRING BREAK Summer Day Camp (ages 6-12) – From Monday, MAFRD Steinbach Go Office 204-392-7268, March 30 –Thursday, April 2 from 9am – 5 pm. Cost $155 Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years clothing, toys, and much more. Canteen open for a light receive a 10% discount if you bring a friend/sibling. old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great Lunch. Free admission and parking. Contact Chelsea Gauthier joy.lorette@gov.mb.ca. stress release and have an excellent workout at the same 204-746-2832, admin@morrismultiplex.ca.

Bantam AA Provincials - From Friday, March 13- Sunday, March Farm Succession Planning – On Wednesday, March 11 from time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or Area Senior Services, Inc. - Helping Seniors enjoy their 15 hosted by Rat River Minor Hockey. If you would like to 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at 10 Chrysler Gate. Contact Clint Mager 204-380-2679.

KSTA.academy@gmail.com. independence for as long as possible. Serving Morris, Lowe volunteer, contact Leanne at 204-712-6037.

Farm and Rosenort. Contact Resource Coordinator Cheryl D. Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar, Human Trafficking Awareness Day – On Thursday, March 12 Ile-des-Chênes Waldner, 204-746-6336, mass@mts.net. post partum mood disorders support group meetings held on from 7 – 9 am at Smitty’s Restaurant. Inner City Women’s Infant/Toddler Massage Workshop - IDC Playgroup is hosting the last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet Malouin Ministries International is calling all intercessors to a Prayer a free Workshop at 10 am Thursday, March 5 in the IDC Playgroup Niverville room in Ecole IDC School.

The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club –Meets every Monday at boardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. Breakfast, to lift up survivors, victims, and their families, and to pray for perpetrators on Manitoba’s Human Trafficking 7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Awareness Day. Contact Carmelle 204-381-7389.

Soirée Juste Pour Rire – On Wednesday, March 18 at 7 pm, a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or doors open 6:30 pm at the Club des Chevaliers de Colomb, develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to Ste. Anne Family Curling – On Sunday, March 15 from 12 - 6 pm at the Strategy Game Night – On the third Wednesday of the month, 438B Rue Main. Cost $10 per adult, $5 15 years and under. start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca.

Curling Club. Family fun day event cost $40 per team, ages 8 March 18 and April 15 at the Jake Epp Library from 6 – 8:30 pm.

Presented by le Comité Culturel d’Ile-des-Chênes et l’ACFM. Tickets call 204- 233-2556 or CPEF / École Gabrielle-Roy 204- GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the and up. Contact Comità at Culturel de Sainte-Anne Inc. at 204- Come on down to play some games. Bring a friend, your strategies and games. Test your skills and have fun. Contact Madison 878-4886. loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn 422-9599.

Friesen, 204-326-6841, programs@jakeepplibrary.com, about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register International Cooking Classes - On the third Wednesday of the librarian@jakeepplibrary.com.

Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com. month from 6 - 8:30 pm. Learn to cook authentic and original 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 Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six. foods from Columbia, India, Iraq, Philippines and Bolivia. Pre- Spring Supper South Eastman Transition Initiative – On Saturday Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the register with the Town of Ste. Anne at 204-422-5293 or email March 21, doors open at 6 pm at the Pat Porter ALC, 10 Chrysler Gate. 4-course meal of local, seasonal fare, wine included for place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) town@steannemb.ca. $25. All funds raised will go to Fruit Share Steinbach. at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register. Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms Computer Courses - Free at the bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library.

Starting Seeds for your Vegetable Garden Workshop – On For appointment, contact Harlee at 204-392-0568.

Kleefeld visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Monday, March 23 begins 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children Toastmasters - The Carillon Toastmaster Club and past Village. Contact sagardenclub.com and register at 204-326ages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and Prawda snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool members are invited to join us to help celebrate the 35-year 2396.

Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013. down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean milestone on Saturday, September 20 at the Club Jovial in Ste. runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays Anne at 4 pm. Contact Flora 204-792-7095 or Sheryl 204- Providence Public Lecture Series presented by Professors of Providence University College and Seminary. Free. At the La Broquerie and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact 326-7628.

Eastman Education Centre, 385 Loewen Blvd on Tuesdays from The Provencher Federal Liberal Association AGM – On Saturday, Wendy 204-348-2433.

Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to 7 – 8:30 pm. Contact Dennis Hiebert 204-433-7488 ext.272.

March 14 begins at 10 am at the La Broquerie Hotel, 3 des Pignon Street in La Broquerie. Everyone is welcome.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays Intersex Realities and the Church -The Unwelcomed, Unwanted the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These Neighbour - On Tuesday, March 10 with Val Hiebert, Ph.D. gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss (Cand.), Assistant Professor of Sociology.

Profits and Partnerships Regional Economic Forum - On provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204- Living in Dying and Modern Health Care – On Tuesday March Thursday, March 19 starts at 6 pm at the Marchand Community 17 with Randall Holm, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biblical 422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net.

Club. With La Broquerie CDC, RM of La Broquerie and RM of Richer Studies.

Piney. Deadline to register Friday, March 6 as space is limited Winterfest - On Sunday, March 8 from 1 - 4 pm at the Dawson to 100 seats. Contact 204-424-5193.

Trail Park and Ice Rink. Sleigh rides, raffle baskets, special Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested guests, face painting, games, activities, bonfire and in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. On Bethesda Auxiliary Book Faire – On Wednesday, March 25, Festival d’humour - Juste pour rire – On Friday, March 20, marshmallow roast, free hotdogs, coffee and hot chocolate, Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan at Thursday, March 26, Friday March 27 from 9 am – 9 pm and doors open at 7:30 pm at the Centre de l’amitié de La Broquerie. 50/50 draw. Everyone welcome. Presented by Richer Day Care 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local Saturday, March 28 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Clearspring Centre.

Contact 204-346-1640. services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Cost $15 each. Tickets contact Chantelle 204-326-0314, and Richer Community Club. cclabroquerie@gmail.com.

Family Movie Night – On Friday, March 27 from 7 - 8:30 pm at Seine River Services for Seniors - Program Contact Juliette Ste. Geneviève Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé Rowan Community Resource Coordinator at 204-424-5575 for Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Jake Epp Library. Garfield: The Tail of Two Kitties (rated G).

Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 Admission and popcorn are free. Contact Madison Friesen, 204from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs Richer services or email labseinerss@gmail.com.

- 8 pm. The next Library Night is on Tuesday, January 13 from 326-6841, programs@jakeepplibrary.com for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard Richer Recovery AA - Group meets every Thursday and Saturday 6:30 - 8 pm. Come for a visit and see what we are all about. maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Lee at 204- Over 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large Low German Variety Night – On Friday, March 13 from 7 - 9:30 print books and magazines plus they can import books from pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Evening of lighthearted Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204- 451-0255. any library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the humour, short plays, readings and music by the Heischraitje 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488, and Willa Honich - all in Low German. Cost Advance Tickets $12, at the door $15. Rush seating. Tickets on sale Saturday, February leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides bibliotachelibrary.com or in person.

28. Contact Carol 204-326-5354 or Ron 204-326-9443.

Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating Cost $10. grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by Steinbach an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open International Women’s Day Film Screening – On Friday, March Rotary Fund Raiser Banquet – On Thursday, April 9 from 6:30 – Landmark at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC 6 from 7 – 8 am. Event is free. Agape House is proud to host 9 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village, Hwy 12. Contact Ed Worship Seminar - On Saturday, March 7 from 9 am - 2:15 pm License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 a series of films titled ‘A woman is not an island’ Manitoba Arts Peterson, ed@sefe.ca.

Network. 12 short films to showcase the amazing array of at Heartland Community Church, 333 Main St. with Christine or doreen@spmf.ca. talented women artists who are creating a varied collection of Steinbach Community Garage Sale – On Saturday April 25 Longhurst. Seminar includes three, 75-minute workshops as visual arts in the province. Refreshments to follow the screening. beginning at 9:30 am TG Smith Arena. Bring your treasures to well as a refreshment break and lunch. Cost for the day $20. Sprague sell, or come down to find that diamond in the rough. As in past Contact HCC at 204-355-4690, 204-878-2016, Annual Fundraising Dinner – On Saturday, March 7 at 6 pm at Contact 204-326-6062. years, all recovered City of Steinbach bicycles will be sold at this arlene.ams@gmail.com. the Hall. For the Sprague & District Historical Museum. Dinner Pancake Breakfast – On Saturday, March 7, from 8:30 - 11:30 sale. If you would like to reserve a spot to sell your goods, the and entertainment. Contact 204-437-4686. am at the Steinbach Legion. Come and support your legion. cost is $20 per spot. Contact Jason 204-346-6217, Dawson Trail PC Association Fundraising Buffet Brunch – On Cost $5 per person. Serving pancakes, sausage, coffee/tea jpeters@steinbach.ca.

Sunday, March 15 from 10:30 am -12: 30 pm at HWY 206 Grill. St. Adolphe Cost Adults $12.50, Children (12 & under) $7.50 with a POP- 50+ Fitness Classes - Every Monday & Friday at 9:30 – 10:30 and juice.

Healthy Eating Cooking Classes - Every other week on Thursdays UP Bake/Craft Sale. am. Focus on strength, flexibility and range of motion movement on a variety of equipment, such as weights, stretch Games Day at the Library – On the first Saturday of the month, at South East Helping Hands. No Charge, enjoy a meal with Lorette tubing and stability balls. Wednesdays 1 - 2 pm workout is for March 7 and April 4 from 12 – 5 pm at Jake Epp Library. Bring other community members and learn how to plan & prepare Bud, Spud & Steak Night – On Saturday, March 12 from 5 – slow flow yoga inspired strength, flexibility, balance and a friend, your strategies and games. Test your skills and have healthy meals on a budget. Contact and register 204-326-2599 8:30 pm at the Inn Seine Bar in Lorette. Annual Fundraiser for relaxation. Pre-purchase 10 classes for $40, 5 classes for $20 fun. Contact Madison Friesen, 204-326-6841, or southeasthelpinghands@gmail.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-4445228.

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

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

Contact 204-326-2313.

Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open to adults who want to improve their leadership and communication skills.

Thursdays at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street, Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-4245737.

Steinbach Al-Anon Program - Meetings held on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. Ring the front door bell.

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

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

The Mobile Clinic – Is onsite on the third Thursday of every month from 9 am – 4 pm at the Community Club. Contact for appointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca General Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, March 10, April 14 and May 5 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. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 to reserve your seat.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

March 2015

13

Actif Epica Racer Inducted into the Order of the Hrimthurs

By Marianne Curtis While many people spent Valentine’s Day cuddling by a fire, a group of die-hard athletes braved temperatures of -43 °C with the windchill and set out on an epic 130 km adventure as part of this year’s Actif Epica.

On February 14, for the fourth year in a row, racers from around the world gathered in St. Malo before taking on the frozen winter landscape. The group either biked or ran the 130 km from St. Malo to St. Boniface.

An early roster showed that 56 participants are registered from Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Forty-six would be cycling, and the remainder aimed to run. The farthest registrant was a cyclist from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

One participant stood out, Sue Lucas, whose determination to complete the race saw her become

the first female to be inducted into the Order of Hrimthurs. This honour is reserved for racers who complete the Tuscobia Winter Ultra (150 km) in Wisconsin, Arrowhead Ultra (135 km) in Minnesota and Actif Epica (130 km) in one season.

“Race morning came fast and with a -43 temperature everyone was feeling a bit apprehensive. It was cold and with the first aid station being 25 km away it was going to be a long morning,” Lucus recalled. “The wind chill was so bitter that every bit of skin had to be covered at all times to avoid frostbite thus making eating and drinking impossible.”

Steeling her determination, Lucus pressed forward, despite losing her racing companions along the way, then completely racing off course.

“Just before we got to the turn off to Crystal Springs we came across another runner. We stopped and chatted with him for a bit before we got running again and unfortunately we ran past the turn off,” Lucas

Despite -43 temperatures with the wind chill, several dozen cyclists and runners gathered in St. Malo at dawn to take part in the fourth annual Actif Epica on February 14.

continued. “Eventually as time went on and the miles went by we realized that something wasn’t right. Backtracking about 6 or so miles we finally saw someone on a dirt road near Crystal Springs; we lost at least two hours.”

Once Lucus was on track, she said that she ran when she could and “Power walked like there was no tomorrow.” However by the time the group left the last first aid station, she said she was “Tired and her feet were killing her from all those gravel roads.” She ended up finishing at the Forks with a time of

Local Curler Wins National Volunteer Award

Harvey Lyons from Lorette is the recipient of the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award by the Canadian Curling Association.

By Marianne Curtis Harvey Lyons, an avid curler and volunteer from Lorette has been named recipient of the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award from the Canadian Curling Association (CCA).

Lyons, a long-time contributing member of the local curling community was nominated by the Lorette Curling Club.

“We didn’t even have a men’s league, because we didn’t have good ice,” said Lyons about the 2013-2014 season in Lorette. “I said ‘If we make the ice better, they will come back.’ And they did.”

Being nominated and winning this award came as a complete surprise to Lyons, and he said the support of his friends and curling colleagues is something he treasures.

“I had to stop reading at one point,” he said about his emotional

response to the letters sent to the CCA supporting his nomination.

“We are very proud of Harvey and very lucky to have great people like him in our community,” stated Sandy Hutchison, on behalf of the Lorette Curling Club Board.

Former club President Betty Ann Orr nominated him for the award. She credits Lyons for revitalizing a failing men’s league and restoring the ice surface.

“Our membership had taken a nosedive two years earlier when our Men’s league moved en masse to a rink in the next town over from Lorette,” Orr stated. “They were protesting the state of the ice management at Lorette Curling Club.”

She said Lyons spent countless hours brainstorming with ice keepers in nearby rural curling rinks as well as with experts in nearby Winnipeg in an effort to perfect best practices for ice management. Lyons took

courses, led volunteers, and even took over for the club’s icemaker when illness kept him away from the ice for three to four weeks during the season.

“Our club is very much indebted to Harvey Lyons,” Orr added. He even organized the year-end party for the volunteers who took the ice out at the end of the season.

“As a result of much effort on Harvey’s part I can now report that our club’s revenues saw a healthy increase because our Men’s league not only returned but increased their membership that year,” Orr continued. “This would not have happened without Harvey’s enthusiastic and dogged efforts.”

Lyons was presented with the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award from the Canadian Curling Association at the Brier in Calgary.

21:30.

“My two year quest for this was finally over. I was ecstatic about my accomplishment, but on the other hand sad that it was over,” Lucus admitted.

Actif Epica is a self-organizing community festival, centred along the checkpoints of a corresponding 130 km bike challenge spanning from St. Malo to St. Boniface, along the historic Crow Wing Trail.

March 2015

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More Than Just News!

Volunteers Needed The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba recently expanded into the South Eastman area and now needs volunteers of all skills to help in their Steinbach office. Volunteer positions available include in-office volunteers to help with data entry, mailings, collating print materials and other miscellaneous office duties. Help is also needed for various campaigns throughout the year such as the January Door to Door campaign, the fall Coffee Break promotion and spring Memory Walk events. If you can spare an hour or two out of your week, please email Leona Doerksen, Regional Coordinator, at alzse@alzheimer.mb.ca or call 204-326-5771 in Steinbach or 1-800-378-6699 in Manitoba.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Walking Tall

More Than Just News!

March 2015

15

Niverville Student Named Loran Scholar

By Marianne Curtis

Ste. Anne Lions Club helped Emile Bourgouin from Ste. Anne walk a little taller recently when they presented him with a new walker. His regular sized walker caused him to bend over to reach the handles and was just not suitable for a man of his stature.

Niverville Collegiate Institute student Lauren Wiebe has been named a Loran Scholar, selected from an application list of 3,800 of Canada’s top high school students. The grade 12 student was named as one of the final thirty winners after seventy-six finalists were interviewed at the beginning of February.

Wiebe said she is planning to get her undergraduate degree in International Development and then take her pre-requisites in science, wanting to ultimately study medicine or law. However, she has not made a decision on where she will go.

“I am still deciding between the University of British Columbia and McGill University in Montreal,” Wiebe said.

While marks played a role in obtaining the scholorship, Wiebe has a lengthy resume of service to the community. She runs an annual “fun day” for younger students as a way to address bullying issues. She has participated in an exchange to Germany, is the yearbook editor and volunteers at a personal care home. Wiebe also coaches soccer, volleyball and baseball, and she plays saxophone.

Four other students in Manitoba were also named as Loran Scholars. Applicants were judged on, “Their character, commitment to service and outstanding overall leadership potential.”

The Loran Scholars Foundation awards students for their exceptional character, commitment to service, and leadership potential with an undergraduate award valued at up to $100,000 over 4 years. Winners receive an annual stipend of $9,000, a matching tuition waiver at one of 25 partner universities, one-on-one mentorship by a Canadian leader and a summer program . In addition, scholars join an extensive network of peers, mentors and alumni.

Founded in 1988, the Loran Scholars Foundation was the first national organization in Canada to grant scholarships based on a mix of academic achievement, extracurricular activity and leadership

Niverville Collegiate student Lauren Wiebe was named a Loran Scholar.

potential. It has provided more than $26 million in undergraduate awards to 2,300 Canadian students, including 500 past and present Loran Scholars. Past Loran Scholars include successful entrepreneurs, executive directors of local and national charities, and 15 Rhodes Scholars.

La Broquerie Artist Opens First Gallery Show

By Marianne Curtis Art lovers who enjoy beautiful paintings and animals are invited to attend La Broquerie artist Lynda Toew’s first gallery show. The exhibit, which opens March 13 at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery, is guaranteed to transport you back to simpler times.

The exhibit, titled A Place in the Kingdom features some of her finest pieces. It consists of fifty acrylic on canvas pieces accompanied with twenty-two stories from people around Manitoba who have grown up on farms.

“Since moving to Manitoba five years ago, I have found myself drawn to the beauty and personalities of local farm animals and was inspired to paint them,” Toews explained. “Painting these animals, declaring they are beautiful and worth of our attention is one way of honouring and celebrating their God-given life and moving into a more soulful connection with nature and its creator.”

Each canvas captures the pure beauty of the common farm animal from simple chickens scratching in the farmyard to a group of curious cows lined up along a fence.

“Working with this subject matter led me to explore how farm animals contributed to the Mennonite journey of survival,” Toews continued. “I hope the shared stories will forge stronger connections between generations, as well as rural and urban people.”

The exhibit will be on display at the Mennonite Heritage Centre

La Broquerie artist Lynda Toews displays some of the prints made from her artwork. The original canvas paintings will be on display in a special gallery show at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg for three months.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Join the artist during a special Gallery at 600 Shaftesbury Blvd in Winnipeg from March 13 - June 20. gallery opening event taking place The pieces are also available for at 2:30 pm on March 15. Everyone is welcome. purchase.

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March 2015

Restoration and Accountability Galatians 6:1-5… Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But, watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3) If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4) Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5) for each, one should carry their own load. (NIV) Paul I believe could not understand or see how any human being would deliberately choose to risk their salvation on their own works rather than on the gracious mercy of Christ. The Bible teaches that we do not save ourselves. It is the difference between freedom and slavery. But, freedom in Christ does not mean license to continue in sin. Even if a person stumbles down the wrong path, those of us who walk in the spirit are called to help by inviting that person back on the right track. This invitation must come from a place of gentle humility. Paul reminds us to watch ourselves and remember that we too may be tested.

Galatians 6:3 reminds us that if anyone thinks themselves to be an important person, or a person of greater respect they are only fooling themselves. Each of us need to evaluate carefully and mull over what we have actually achieved, not measuring us against someone else’s work. Consider the results of stepping back and taking an objective look at ourselves and our accomplishments. When we find character traits and deeds that are Spirit-produced, we can rejoice in them without feeling superior or inferior to other. The only standard we should ever compare ourselves to be is Christ; and that is always a difficult standard to measure up to.

Would you agree that we should appraise ourselves accurately?

Most of us would think that pride, timidity, or uneasiness could impede or hinder the ministry of burden bearing. Both can lead us to hide our struggles, leaving us to suffer under them on our own rather than to unload them onto God’s shoulder. Certainly, the Lord is strong enough and wants to bear our burdens. Still, there are times when they become unbearable for us. It is times like this when God wants us to go beyond our shyness, sharing them with Him not keeping them to ourselves. I believe it is true that He wants us to give other Christians an opportunity to shoulder some of our load.

Paul now states a grim truth. He insists that life holds the scales with an even balance. If a man allows the lower side of his nature to dominate him, in the end he can expect nothing but a harvest of trouble. It is true that Christ forgives sin—but the consequences of sin remain. It is true that Christ forgives bodily sins—but ruined health is the result. It is true that Christ forgives sins against loved ones—but broken hearts are the result.

When we see fellow Christians wavering under the strain of their loads, we need to come to their aid and help shoulder the weight. As we both give and receive in this ministry, we will fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love others as He loved us (John 13:34) and as we love ourselves. (Galatians. 5:14)… For each person will have to shoulder their own load… To God be the glory.

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

Hanover Eliminates Ward Appropriation Budgets The RM of Hanover has officially eliminated Ward Appropriation Budgets in 2015 for all current rural expenses that have historically been overseen by individual ward councillors.

According to Council, items previously budgeted on a per ward basis, such as gravel and drainage will now be overseen by a committee or staff with funds coming from the municipal rural budge.

Councillors will retain a discretionary allowance for grant disbursements, and a nominal discretionary transportation allowance.

Under the new change, the communities of Kleefeld and New Bothwell will now receive funding similar as a local urban district.

The final change to the new budgeting formula will see 2014 ward budget surpluses to be rolled over to 2015 and the wards with a deficit will be netted out proportionately from wards with surpluses.

The communities of Grunthal and Blumenort are not affected because they already operate on their own budgets as local urban districts.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

In the Heart of the Chastener Several times recently, the topic of punishment has surfaced.

Does God punish people today and especially, does He punish His own children (Christians)? The answer from the Bible may surprise you.

First, we must define the term ‘Punish’. Punish is a legal term.

It means to afflict with pain, loss or calamity for a crime.

Punishment is the due rewards as a result of a crime committed.

In the Old Testament, people lived under God’s laws. No one was able to keep those laws so everyone became guilty whether you were God’s child or not. So legally, in the Old Testament times God could punish both the saved and the lost, when they disobeyed Him. Examples of this are numerous (Numbers 15:3236, Leviticus 10:1, 2, Leviticus 24:11).

However, when Jesus Christ died on a cross 2,000 years ago and shed His blood, He took ALL the punishment for every sin on Himself. Now, if a person applies the blood of Christ to his sins, the penalty for that sin is removed and there can be no further punishment. This is what happens when a person admits they are a sinner and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive them and save them from an eternity in hell (punishment for sin). Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Then Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”

So legally, God cannot punish anyone who has trusted Christ as their Saviour. The punishment is already taken care of. But God can chasten His children. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth …” Many Christians think that when God chastens them, He is punishing them. That’s not true. Chastening may look and feel like punishment, but the difference is in the heart of the chastener. God chastens out of a heart of love for us.

When my mother chastened me as a child and then told me she loved me, I had a hard time understanding that. But now, as a parent, I can see it more clearly.

Also in Hebrews, 12:10 it says God chastens us “for our profit”. Verse eleven says chastening brings peace at the end. Punishment seldom comes from a heart of love and many people don’t profit from it or end up having peace. Just look at our prison system for an example.

To summarize, God does not punish His children today. We are under grace, not law. God can punish a non-Christian but many times still chooses to chasten them giving them a chance to recognize God’s love and grace and His desire to see all people saved, so that no one gets punished. But God will never override your free will. The choice is yours; get saved and never experience God’s punishment or chance His eternal punishment. I trust you’ll make the wise decision.

If you want to ask me any questions, feel free to contact me at dmillar@nlis.ca. God Bless.

March 2015

17

New Owners Reopen Ste. Genevieve Store

RM of Tache Councillor Andy Rivard (left) and RM of Tache Mayor Robert Rivard (right) congratulate Joseph and Natashia Lapeire on the reopening of the Ste. G’s, the only store in Ste. Genevieve.

By Marianne Curtis Over two hundred people came out to welcome the new owners of the only store in Ste. Genevieve during a special grand opening celebration.

On February 14, Joseph and Natashia Lapeire welcomed the community to an open house, where they were overwhelmed by the support they received.

“There is a lot of community support and encouragement and we are very thankful for the warm welcome,” Natashia explained. “It is another reminder what a great community Ste. Genevieve is and it feels like a very welcomed breath of fresh air.”

Reopening the community’s only store and meeting place is a big deal in the tiny community. “Ste. G’s is really the hub of the community, and the best place to meet people. We want it to be a place where people can find out the latest activities and stay informed,” Natasha continued. “It is common to have a group of people visiting with each other over coffee in the mornings as well as community information being posted on our community board.” She added that as a resident of Ste. Genevieve, it was hard not having a local store in the past six months.

“I figured with a lot of hard work and commitment to this endeavour it could work really well for us as a family, and for the community - a winwin!” said Natasha. “Community is important to us and we are excited to bring back this much needed service to the residents of Ste. Genevieve and surrounding communities.”

Ste. G’s continues to carry a wide selection of snack items, grocery items, cigarettes and video rentals. “Our fully stocked Coffee Bar offers locals a spot to sit down and grab a coffee and paper in the morning and enjoy visiting with other community members,” Natashia added.

Other products included are an automotive and extend household goods sections.

Residential Schools Subject of Providence Play For three days in February, the Providence Theatre took an unflinching look at the Canadian residential school system in a production called Sisters, written by Wendy Lill. The play, which was set in the 1950s and 60s took to the stage from February 19 - 21.

Sisters told the story of Mary, a young nun who decided to teach at a residential school so she could help aboriginal children. However, she and her fellow sister find themselves navigating both the religious and political systems that governed the schools.

The play shines a spotlight on one of the country’s darkest and most painful pieces of history when for over 100 years, the government removed First Nation’s children from their communities and forced them into Christian boarding schools. At least 4,000 children died attending these schools, and many survivors experienced horrific abuse.

“Having lived with survivors of residential schools in my childhood, I find this an important story to tell,” said cast member Michael Frank. “I have never thought about sympathizing with the people who ran the schools before.

It’s a difficult and eye-opening process, but one that I embrace.”

Marie Raynard, the Director of Sisters, agrees. “In Sisters we see people very like ourselves, people with hopes, desires, and good intentions gone wrong. It has been very

This board displays a timeline pertinent to the storyline of Sisters, a play recently performed at Providence College.

important for us as a cast and crew to acknowledge that these were people of faith doing what they truly believed was the will of God,” explained Raynard. “The testimony of history demands that we carefully examine ourselves, our assumptions, our actions, and realize that we also may be very earnestly doing the wrong thing.”

The timing of the play was also deliberate, with the growing number of recent articles about racism in Winnipeg, she added. “Sisters might be a historical play, but it is about today and it’s about tomorrow,” Raynard concluded.

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March 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Hockey Manitoba Goes All In For Century Celebrations On February 15, more than 142 outdoor hockey games were played by 3,574 participants in 20 locations around the province, including the Town of Ste. Anne to celebrate Hockey Manitoba’s 100th Anniversary.

The Outdoor Series was the brainchild of Hockey Manitoba Communications Director and a first in Canada, stated Peter Woods, Executive Director of Hockey Manitoba.

“But it was a collaborative effort that was embraced by all of us,” Woods said.

“We were blessed with some good weather, a little chilly, maybe, but okay.”

To celebrate grassroots hockey, Ste. Anne hosted games on the Seine River for all levels of hockey.

Each game score was collectively tallied into the Outdoor Series Black vs. Gold competition to determine if Team Black or Team Gold will win the 100th Anniversary Outdoor Series presented by Scotiabank.

The Ste. Anne Aces were given a grant totalling $10,000 by Scotiabank for hosting the event.

Emergency Services Questioned in Sprague

By Marianne Curtis The RM of Piney Council has found themselves in the hot seat over emergency services after several recent delegations accused the local fire department of being inconsistent and allegedly negligent.

On February 9, Frances Wesner told Council about three separate incidents involving medical emergencies in her home where she felt the fire department did not respond accordingly, which may have cost her husband his life.

She had called 911 in March 2014, and Sprague Fire Department responded with a tanker. “When they reached my property the tanker lost control and ended up in the ditch. The Vita Ambulance eventually showed and tended to my husband,” Wesner explained. “When I enquired why the fire truck had responded the Chief informed me that they had to come in case the Medical Helicopter had to land and that they would be there to clear the way, and to give moral support to me.”

Wesner then told Council how she had to call 911 a second time, a few days later. “I was of the impression that the Sprague fire department were the first responders after the first call. They did not arrive,” Wesner continued. She said the Sprague RCMP responded and Vita Ambulance arrived, but no one came from Sprague. “On the third event when my husband required medical assistance I again called 911, RCMP showed up because he had heard the 911 call on his radio. Again, no one from the Sprague first response team showed.”

Her husband subsequently passed away.

“I called the Chief and asked why the Sprague first response team did not respond, the Chief stated she did not know why, she claimed they never got the call,” Wesner claimed.

Shelley Anderson, attended the same meeting and presented Council with a list of questions. She admits to hearing of the issue, but not having direct knowledge until she witnessed an incident January 23, 2015.

“The responders attended a small shed fire consisting of fire trucks from three stations, two trucks from Sprague, one from Piney, one from Woodridge and two ambulances.” Anderson said the call lasted about two hours, which raised concerns about unprotected areas, costs for the four RM of Piney trucks, who dispatches called and why no one stood down.

The RM of Piney said they have an “all station” response.

“The municipality has a number of measures in place to protect and enhance public safety, one of which is the all station response; the other is mutual aid,” explained Council. “At no time is any area of the municipality unprotected.”

As for costs associated with the shed fire, the RM of Piney claims it was $600. The ambulance response is covered by Manitoba Health they added. As for having licensed medical responders, CAO Martin Van Oash told the delegation, “That the RM of Piney has none.”

Last summer, the Dawson Trail Dispatch interviewed the RM of Piney’s Fire Chief Ina Ruttle, and Sprague’s Deputy Chief Amanda Ruttle. At the time, Amanda claimed to have completed her level 1 Fire fighting and EMR certification.

Susan Dyck from Emergency Medical Service Branch stated, “The Emergency Medical Services Branch has no record of Amanda Ruttle holding a Manitoba EMS Personnel licence.”

The RM of Piney Fire Department consists of about 40 dedicated volunteers split between the three district stations in Sprague, Piney and Woodridge. All three RM of Piney crews work closely together to respond to fire calls, motor vehicle accidents, ground search and rescue along with STARS, CN/CP Railways, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Buffalo Point Fire Department.

Ste. Anne Mayor Richard Pelletier joins organizers Neal and Kacee Stoesz to celebrate Hockey Manitoba’s 100th Anniversary.

Teams of all ages came out to participate in an epic hockey event that saw teams across the province playing hockey to celebrate a century of the game in Manitoba.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

March 2015

19

Snowstorm Brings Out Students’ Random Acts of Kindness

By Marianne Curtis While southeast residents dug out from a mid February snowstorm, a group of local high school students made their way through the community performing a welcomed act of kindness.

On February 11, Steinbach resident Amber Thomas was getting her children ready for school when she was welcomed by a pleasant surprise.

“I looked outside my window and saw that my driveway was completely cleared and there was a note left behind,” stated Thomas. “I cried! I was so surprised. To go out and give like this without expecting thanks is amazing. It shouldn’t be rare, but it is rare. Their parents

should be very proud and their teacher should be commended for teaching these kids to give.”

The note reads, “You have been raked (Random Act of Kindness).

We are students from the SRSS Integration Program and we hope that you will enjoy the feeling of having someone randomly doing something kind. Our hope is that you will take that feeling and pass it along to someone else with an act of your own.”

Brad McColm, with the SRSS Integration Program said that seven of his students, along with three teachers went out despite the frigid temperatures and cleared the driveways of a few dozen homes.

“The last two years I have chosen a month as RAK - Random Act of

Winter’s Passed with Poodle Intact and No Trapped Mouse Well, another month has come and gone and with its passing, we are coming that much closer to spring and eventually summer. While I know that winter is not “officially” over and that some folks would warn me about March snowstorms, I still feel the need to look back at the winter that we’ve just passed through and say, “That wasn’t so bad.” Sure, we had some cold spells and even some extreme wind-chill warnings but all in all, the worst seems to be behind us.

I know for myself and my family, the warm weather of spring will bring such relief. Not that we don’t enjoy getting outside on the moderately cold days but adding all those layers can be a bit of a pain. Come springtime when the toque and mitts can be left off, the only outer clothes you need to toss on are a light spring jacket, and pair of runners and off you go. Yeah, I’m looking forward to that!

I can barely contain my excitement at not having to gather a pile of winter clothes and then trying to wrestle my youngest child into them. Sometimes, I’m not sure how we make it out of the house without being late for everything. I’m guessing that as they get older, and don’t spend a lot of time fooling around, we might only have to start getting ready to leave our house with the barest of moments to get ready. That will be quite a change.

Changing topics, I wanted to mention an interesting thing that occurred in the last week. While I was at work, my wife noticed that our little poodle was acting strangely. The poodle would go into our laundry room and sniff about, then come out and sniff in the nearby closet then race downstairs to a room below the laundry room and then come running back up the stairs and start all over. From our past experiences with our poodle, we concluded that there must be a mouse that has come to visit us. Surprising since this hasn’t happened in several years. When I came home from work, I set up our mouse live-trap, strategically placed a few sunflower seeds nearby and figured that I’d have caught me a mouse by morning. Sadly, the trap was empty when next I checked. When I arrived home after work, my wife explained to me that our poodle had continued with her hunting throughout the morning but at a point in the afternoon, she (the poodle not my wife) suddenly stopped her hunting and calmed right down. Since the trap was still empty and our “hunting dog” was no longer on the prowl, I’d have to say that the mouse either ended up in our poodle’s stomach or realizing that it was no longer welcome in our home, packed its’ tiny bags and headed for less poodleguarded acres.

Personally, I’d bet my money on our poodle.

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

Kindness month and we work on doing kind things at random for people,” McColm explained. “Last year it was a challenge I put out to the students as individuals. This year we are trying to be more organized and do things as a group.

One of the suggestions that came forward was snow shovelling. Low and behold two days later it snowed.”

McColm said the SRSS Integration Program is mostly for at-risk youth in the SRSS who have a variety of obstacles to being successful in school. “The Integration Program has a low student to teacher ratio and has many initiatives that we work on to build a sense of community within the classroom,” McColm continued. “It’s been a great opportunity for the students to give back to their community.”

A group of SRSS students performed a random act of kindness after a recent snowstorm by clearing a large number of driveways throughout the community.

While the group did not expect to be compensated for their hard work, McColm noted that their actions were very much appreciated. One

resident gave them all hot chocolate and Thomas even came to the school later with a box of doughnuts for the students.

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March 2015

The La Broquerie CDC Hosts Profits and Partnerships On Thursday, March 19, at 6 pm the La Broquerie Community Development Corporation (CDC) in partnership with the RM of La Broquerie and RM of Piney are jointly hosting the first regional economic forum.

Richard Turenne, organizer of the event, said the one-day meeting is being held to get feedback from area business owners on whether they feel a Chamber of Commerce would be viable in the area.

“We have already got a good feel on what the communities want to see happen in the terms of economic growth and development,” explained Turenne. “The forum is being done to get people and business owner feedback on what projects the CDC should get involved in.”

The free event will be held in the Marchand Community Club with presentations from Community Futures Triple R, CDEM and St. Boniface Chamber of Commerce member Robert Tetrault.

The purpose of the meeting is to invite people to the table to discuss economic projects for both the RM of La Broquerie and Piney.

Registration is required before Friday, March 6 as space is limited to 100 seats. Call 204-424-5193 to reserve a spot.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Witnesses Save Man from Fiery Collision The quick thinking of witnesses at the scene of a fiery collision that took place on February 7, may have saved the life of a 65 year old man and his dog.

On February 7, a 65 year old man ran the stop sign at the corner of Highway 311 and Highway 59, and collided into a vehicle carrying two women.

St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP said the Steinbach man, who was travelling east failed to stop at the stop sign and collided with a northbound SUV. Both vehicles ended up in the east ditch, where the van started to burn.

A twenty-five year old Winnipeg woman and a 24 year old woman from St. Cloud, Minnesota were in the second vehicle. The passenger had to be extricated from the vehicle.

All three victims were transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Monica Chaput and her sister who witnessed the collision called for emergency assistance immediately. “I just called 911 right away, and I was just hoping that everyone was going to be okay,” stated Chaput. “A few seconds later and it could have been me and my sister.”

Jeff Hazelhurst, who lives in Niverville was one of the people who pulled over to help rescue the 65 year old driver who was unconscious in

Fire crews and RCMP remained on scene to investigate a fiery collision at the corner of Highway 311 and Highway 59, east of Niverville.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

the vehicle. According to Hazelhurst when he arrived, witnesses had already cut the driver’s seatbelt and were removing the man from the vehicle.

“I grabbed his legs and they started to put him down, but I told them we had to move him farther away,” Hazehurst recalled. “You hear the tires blowing and the gas tank exploding, things shattering everywhere, it was horrible.”

Another witness managed to rescue the man’s dog from the vehicle.

Ste. Anne Recreational Expansion to Include Spray Park and Canoe Launch Site On February 17, the Town of Ste. Anne held its second public presentation of their recreation plan for the community.

The proposed project for Parc Des Redemptoristes, which is located along the Seine River, by the Villa Youville, includes plans for a new skateboard park, splash park and walkway.

The town is c o n s i d e r i n g constructing a 250 square metre concrete surface spray park with 1.8m overspray apron all internally drained with dual drains at each location.

The project also includes an extensive sand garden, canoe and kayak launch, and additional walking paths.

The recreational future for Parc Des Redemptoristes, in Ste. Anne includes activities for all ages.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Second PC Candidate Steps Up for Dawson Trail

By Marianne Curtis A former St. Adolphe man has become the second person to officially state that he is seeking the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party nomination for Dawson Trail in the next provincial election.

Bob Lagasse grew up in a bilingual home in St. Adolphe where his parents, Louis and Diane still reside. He moved to Landmark in 2012, along with his wife of seventeen years Andrea, three children and two foster children.

For the past fifteen years, Bob has worked in social services and is currently working in Métis Child & Family Services running a specialized foster home.

If elected, his goals include really listening to the constituents of Dawson Trail to find out what is important to them. To eliminate wasteful spending in Manitoba, to reverse the NDP PST increase, and to consult with Manitobans regarding Bipole III and other proposed power lines across valuable farm land.

He also wants to be a stronger voice and advocate for the vulnerable children in Manitoba.

Last fall, David Sutherland from Landmark was the first Dawson Trail resident to step forward and announce his intent to seek the PC nomination in the upcoming provincial election.

“I offer to the voters of Dawson Trail ten years of municipal political experience, lifelong learning experiences, business experiences, self employed and employee experiences,” Sutherland continued. “I believe that my experiences combined with my willingness to go the extra mile, willingness to do all the homework and to present that with passion, will serve the people of Dawson Trail greatly.”

The next provincial election is expected to take place October 2015, but could be pushed back until April 2016, if the government is successful in its bid to change the date because the next federal

21

Hydro Funding Flows into Municipalities

By Marianne Curtis

Bob Lagasse, formerly of St. Adolphe has officially announced that he is seeking the nomination to be the next Progressive Conservative Party candidate for Dawson Trail.

election is also expected to take place in October.

Residents can meet Lagasse at a fundraising brunch taking place March 15, at the Highway 206 Grill in Landmark from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm.

St. Labre 200 Issues Call for Community Groups

Team Registration Opening Soon

Organizations troughout the southeast looking for extra funding are invited to put in an application to the organizers of the St. Labre 200.

While the event does not take place until July, organizations have the entire month of March to apply for a grant courtesy of the group through the St. Labre 200 “Giving Back to the Community” campaign.

“Over the last 6 years, we’ve been able to give back to needy organisations, and we owe it all to the generous crowd and great sponsors,” said Joel Grenier, one of the organizers of the annual event. “The proceeds from the sponsors, canteen, raffles and onsite events are then given to charities.”

Over the past six years, the organizers of St. Labre 200 have given back over $38,000 to local organizations. Last year’s recipients were South East - Habitat for Humanity ($2,000), Steinbach Family Resource Centre ($2,000) and Sprague and District Historical Museum ($2,000).

In preparation for this year’s event, the committee is currently accepting applications from anyone or any organization looking for funding for miscellaneous reasons.

This year’s St. Labre 200 will take place July 10 to 11. The main event is the team 24 hour go-cart build-off, followed by a 200-lap race that is over 80 km or 50 miles. Other activities on the grounds include excavator rodeo, bounce castles, R/C race cars, Rubber Boot Toss and live bands.

Organizations interested can submit an application on the website at stlabre200.ca. The deadline for applications is March 31.

The St-Labre 200 Inc. requires 14 teams to build their own gokarts within 24 hours. Using supplied materials, teams are challenged to build go-karts from scratch on the first day and race them the next day in a fastpaced, nail biting 200 lap race on a quarter mile dirt track. The main race takes place on Saturday evening and has the entire crowd in suspense.

Team registration opens on March 15, 2015 and will close as soon as the quota of 14 teams is met. Registration is done on a first paid ($800), first registered basis. In order to register and to make sure you are in the sand storm of the action with your go kart, go to our Website at stlabre200.ca and click on Events, followed by Teams, then Registration.

Landmark Teen Knits for Charity A fourteen year old girl from Landmark is turning her love of knitting in a way to raise funds for charitable organizations.

Journey Skjaerlund knits scarves, slippers, dish clothes, baby blankets and toques, which she then sells at various events.

She also makes jewellery. Taught by both of her grandmothers the teenager recently sold enough of her collection to donate $351 to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

She said her next fundraiser would be to raise enough money to construct a well in Africa through World Vision.

March 2015

Journey Skjaerlund flanked by her grandmothers, Evangeline Skjaerlund and Barbara Bayne present Christa Kruk with the Children’s Hospital Foundation with a donation.

Amid the controversy of Manitoba Hydro, the construction of Bipole III and the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission route, several municipalities and towns have received significant funding which should benefit the communities involved.

As part of being able to build the controversial hydro line, Manitoba Hydro developed a Community Development Initiative (CDI) to provide direct benefits to municipalities near Bipole III facilities.

According to Hydro, the CDI annual payments are to support community development projects that benefit a broad segment of the community.

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

The RMs of Tache, Ste. Anne, Ritchot, and Hanover; along with the Town of Niverville have all received the first of ten payments from the CDI. Some have projects already in mind, while other municipalities are sitting on the funds.

When the RM of Ritchot received $131,000 they put the call out to community groups to bring projects to the table, said Ryan Graves, Ritchot’s new Community Economic Development Officer. “We are looking forward to seeing what grassroots community initiatives are being developed, as well as partnering with all community groups to build capacity in the region and ultimately improve residents’ quality of life in the Municipality,” said Graves.

The RM of Hanover, which received $160,000, put the money towards the development of a community splash park in Blumenort. “Our first payment of $160,000 was applied for and granted to the Blumenort Recreation Association for the development of their $400,000 community splash park,” stated Luc Lajaie, Hanover’s CAO. “Our second payment that will be disbursed this year will be granted to the Randolph Sports Club ($16,000) for the development of a picnic shelter at the old Janzen Garage property where it has been renovated as a community centre.”

Other municipalities such as Tache, Ste. Anne and the Town of Niverville are still waiting to make decisions on what to do with the money.

Jennnifer Blatz, CAO for RM of Ste. Anne confirmed the municipality received $102,000. “Council put the money in a new reserve fund specifically for the CDI funding, the project the funding is to be spent on will be decided at a later date,” Blatz said.

The Town of Niverville received $149,000 and currently it is in general revenue. “Council is still deciding to which project to allocate the funds. It will be either Economic Development or Recreation. A decision will be made when the 2015 Budget is drafted [within the next month],” stated Dawn Penner, Niverville’s Financial Officer.

RM of Tache CAO Dan Poersch said they received $131,000. “We have chosen not to spend these funds to date, they go into a designated Reserve Fund and Council has not made any final decisions on how this money will fund future Community infrastructure needs,” Poersch confirmed.

Manitoba Hydro’s Community Development Initiative specifically states that funds should be used for community projects. These projects can promote environmental sustainability; resource rehabilitation or development; or cultural and social development. The funding can also be used to provide training, employment or economic development in the community governed or administered by the eligible community or develop community infrastructure.

La Broquerie Fiercly Opposed to Hydro’s Transmission Lines The RM of La Broquerie is urging Manitoba Hydro to consider an alternative route before proceeding with the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission project.

About 140 residents attended a meeting on February 17 with Manitoba Hydro to discuss the project and opposition was fierce. Manitoba Hydro is proposing to construct a 500-kilovolt transmission line from Dorsey Station in Winnipeg, to the Manitoba-Minnesota border.

RM of La Broquerie Reeve Lewis Weiss said residents feel betrayed after they voted unanimously for Route 207, yet Hydro keeps pushing for Route 208 which goes directly through the RM of La Broquerie, and one mile within town limits.

The municipality wants Hydro to pick Route 207, which would build further east of Marchand and go through an area consisting of uninhabited bush.

“Route 207 would have much less impact on people, it would be mostly through crown land, and there are already lines,” Weiss explained. “Route 208 goes right through our community which is a huge concern for residences, schools, and human health.”

He added that it was also a concern for area hog and dairy farmers.

Bill Henderson, Manitoba Hydro Public Affairs Manager said that he is pleased that people are coming out and sharing their concerns.

“We encourage people to become informed,” Henderson said. “What we propose is well within internationally accepted standards and is not a risk to human health.”

Manitoba Hydro is hosting two more public open houses to discuss the issue. The next one is in Richer on Wednesday, March 11 at the Young at Heart Community Club. The final one will take place in Dugald on Thursday, March 12 at the Dugald Community Centre.

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More Than Just News!

March 2015

Ile Des Chenes Looks at Developing 40-Acre Community Park

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ice and Wind Factors in Multiple Semi-Truck Accidents

By Marianne Curtis A group of volunteers from Ile Des Chenes have come together with a proposal that could see an extensive revamping of the community park into a modern multiuse recreational area.

According to Shauna Hart, the plan is to spend the next ten years developing a 40-acre lot behind Ecole Ile des Chenes.

“We are in the process of seeing whether the land behind the French-English school can be built on which is around forty acres or more,” stated Hart. “Most other spaces in town we can not use due to the pipeline underground. Where there is pipeline there is no digging.”

Building over a ten year span, using available grants and with fundraising the committee would like to include a splash pad, skate/BMX park, walking paths with lighting, parking lots, bathrooms, a picnic awning, a high hill with zip line, natural park climbing apparatus, and a pond.

The proposed project would take place in the Optimistic Park, adjacent to the current baseball diamonds.

“If approval of the land takes place, then the walking paths and skate park would be the first things built,” Hart continued. “Our teens need a place to have fun, keep busy and productive.”

She added that the committee is starting with these projects because the plan is so large it has to take place in stages.

“The walking paths were chosen first if we get the space. The reason is because there needs to be a way to access the area first that makes sense for the community,” Hart explained. “The majority of the people at a recent meeting agreed that our youth requires a place to keep busy right away. A youth was also in attendance, which again raises the point that our youth would like to see change and also have a voice.”

Until a skate park is built, Shane Pelletier, who is the director of this project will be opening up the arena during the summer so that skateboarders and BMX bikers can practice their skills.

“It will be great to see our youth with an active space keep busy,” Hart concluded.

An initial committee has been set up, however more help is needed. The group is looking for volunteers to come forward for a number of subcommittees.

Hanover Pilots Recycling Program Geared for Farmers

By Marianne Curtis Manitoba farmers in select regions will have access to a free pilot project aimed at keeping bale/silage wrap, twine and grain bags out of municipal landfills. These materials will be collected during two blitz-style collections – spring and fall - at seven municipal sites across the province including the RM of Hanover.

“We have learned through our experiences with the empty container recycling program and obsolete pesticide collection campaigns that Manitoba farmers are deeply committed to stewardship,” said Barry Friesen, General Manager of CleanFARMS. “With the support of our volunteer collection sites and Green Manitoba, we look forward to helping municipalities offer more recycling options to farmers.”

Farmers can return their waste bale and silage wrap, plastic twine and grain bags free of charge for recycling. Film plastic and twine must be kept as clean as possible and returned in large collection bags, available for free from the RM office or collection site. Grain bags must be rolled and tied before being dropped off at the collection site. In some jurisdictions, a grain bag roller may be available for onfarm use. Unbagged, loose or heavily contaminated materials will not be accepted.

Spring collections will take place from March 23 to 28 in the RM of Hanover, and City of Steinbach. Bags can be picked up at the Steinbach landfill site, and items can be returned for recycling at the same location.

More information on collection site hours and collection bag pickup locations can be found at cleanfarms.ca/manitoba_pilot.

The fall collection blitz will take place in October 26 to the 30.

Funding for the pilot program is being provided by Green Manitoba, the agency of the Manitoba Government that delivers programs and services on behalf of government departments and other clients with a focus on waste reduction.

Steinbach Construction Business Fined On December 23, the owner of Blanchard Construction Inc. pleaded guilty to two charges after an employee was injured on the job a few years ago.

The charges stemmed back to an incident on March 16, 2012 when an employee with the company was installing rafters with a crew on a building under construction. The rafters collapsed, trapping the

worker. He sustained injuries to his right leg because of the accident.

Artur Renz plead guilty to the charge of allowing workers to work on and under an unstable roof truss system, and to the charge of failing to immediately communicate or notify Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) of the serious incident involving the workers.

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

Charges under the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations against Renz remain before the courts.

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

Magazine Gives Steinbach Gold Star for Generosity

By Marianne Curtis

Photo courtesy of Falcon Lake RCMP

On February 11 at approximately 10:30 am, Falcon Lake RCMP responded to a collision on the Trans-Canada Highway at Barren Lake, at the turnoff to Falcon Lake. Two semi-trailers hit head-on and debris was strewn across the highway. Neither of the male drivers who are from out of province was injured and no other vehicles were involved.

Approximately half a kilometre west of the collision scene, another semitrailer jackknifed, temporarily blocking the highway.

At the time of the accidents road conditions were icy with high winds, which is being considered a possible factor in the collision.

RCMP Seek Public Assistance for Stolen Generator On February 12, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP received a report of stolen generator worth $10,000 from a trailer from St. Malo Provincial Park. The theft occurred sometime during the evening of February 11.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other offences is asked to contact the St. PierreJolys RCMP at 204-433-7908 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Lions Coffee House Fundraiser Sells Out

The province of Manitoba made it to the top three as one of the most generous provinces, according to a recent article published in MacLean’s Magazine on February 20.

While the province faired quite well amid the rest of the country, it was the City of Steinbach that “set the gold standard” for donating to charitable organizations, touted the article.

It further stated that according to Statistics Canada, the median donation was $1,830 in 2013, equal to 6.6 % of the total income in the city. Those figures are no match for second runner Abbotsford, BC, where their median is a mere 2.7 %.

Mayor Chris Goertzen is proud of the city for achieving national recognition for something the community does naturally.

“The City of Steinbach has a culture of giving,” stated Goertzen.

Steinbach residents give generously to their church, the food bank, health foundations, arts council and many other charitable organizations.

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen elaborated further. “This will come as no surprise to anyone who lives or has ever lived in our region. Both in their financial resources and their time, residents of our region give,” said MLA Goertzen. “They give because they care about their neighbours, about their communities, and about people they have never met.”

He went on to say, “Residents who give through a number of means, including churches, local or national charities or international causes do not do it for credit or for attention.

But they do set an example for all of us and if for no other reason than that, the recognition is important.”

Provencher MP Ted Falk said this should not come as any surprise to the region.

“Here in Provencher we believe in the importance of building our communities and then giving back and helping those in need.” He also added that he believes the government should allow Canadians to be able to keep more of their money so that they can support more charities.

RCMP Lay Multiple Charges Following Traffic Stop On March 1, at approximately 4 p.m., St. Pierre Jolys RCMP investigated a motorist in the Ile Des Chenes area for an offence under the Provincial Highway Traffic Act. As a result of the traffic stop, an adult male was arrested.

One motor vehicle was seized along with, an undisclosed amount of marihuana and methamphetamine, and a prohibited weapon.

Eric Jonathan Schinkel, 27, from Steinbach is facing eight charges The Ste. Anne Lions Club held there second coffee and entertainment under the Controlled Drugs and evening on Saturday, February 28. The evening’s musical entertainment Substances Act and the Criminal by the Chammartin Family literally brought the house to their feet cheering Code. He appeared in Winnipeg for an encore.

Court on March 2.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

The Edge Nightclub Opens After Extensive Renovations

Josette Roch, owner of The Franz Inn and her staff are getting ready to celebrate the grand opening of their newly renovated lounge and nightclub, The Edge.

By Marianne Curtis After an extensive renovation, The Edge has reopened their doors to the public. They will be celebrating a grand reopening on March 27.

The Edge is part of the Frantz Inn, owned by Josette and Mike Roch.

“We have been in the hospitality industry many years and always strive to grow and improve,” said Roch.

Over the winter months, the bar was subjected to a major overhaul so that it can now be transformed from lounge to nightclub with just the shifting of a few tables.

“We were hoping to open the doors this weekend as a soft opening, but the new dance floor will not be in yet,” said event coordinator Monique Cote.

“The Edge is also family friendly daily until 9 pm, which allows minors to accompany adults for parties and functions within that time,” said Cote. “It is also the perfect place to hold daytime or evening meeting or private event. Each booth has a USB and AC outlet for convenience. Your events can also be custom catered or you can order directly off of our menu.”

The Edge now has many new beers on tap, a huge variety of bottled beer and an extensive cocktail and wine menu. They have also revamped the food menu, which has many delicious choices to satisfy any craving.

The nightclub has a state of the art sound and lighting system for the new dance floor, as well as new pool tables and 11 flat screen TVs to watch all the hockey and football action.

The Frantz Inn is home to the R Bistro restaurant, 19 hotel rooms, a beer store vendor, which carries many unique beverages, the VLT area, as well as The Edge.

An official grand opening celebration is taking place March 27, from 7 - 9 pm. There will be samples of the new menu and drinks. After 9 pm, DJ Brenton will take over. There will be prizes awarded throughout the night.

Best Chili Cook at Kleefeld Honey Festival to Compete in National Championship The Canadian Food Championships (CFC) is excited to announce that the Kleefeld Honey Festival’s Chili Cook-Off will be a Preferred Qualifying event for the CFC. Kleefeld Honey Festival has Manitoba’s only chili competition sanctioned to send the 1st place winner to Edmonton, Alberta to compete at CFC in July. The Kleefeld Chili Cook-Off will see Manitoba’s best chili cooks battle to win the hearts and taste buds of judges and the public alike on Saturday, August 8, for the Kleefeld Honey Festival’s 45th anniversary.

The winner of the chili-cook off will not only receive a golden ticket into the CFC for 2016 and a $400 travel voucher to Edmonton, they’ll also get cold, hard cash.

“The Kleefeld Honey Festival committee and Earl’s Meat Market together are ecstatic and honoured to be a Preferred Qualifier for the Canadian Food Championships in Edmonton,” said Chili Cook-Off Event Manager Gord Meneer. “Our event will stand out as a must event to be at in Manitoba. Bring on your chili for a chance to be the best in Manitoba, Canada or maybe even the world.”

Registration spots for Kleefeld Honey Festival’s chili cook-off are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up early. Registration begins on March 12 online at kleefeldpark.ca. “The Canadian Food championships is thrilled to have the Kleefeld Honey Festival become the Manitoba Preferred Qualifier for the chili cook-off,” Events Edmonton General Manager Paul Lucas said. “We are looking forward to hosting the winner of this competition in Edmonton at the CFC and wish all competitors of the Kleefeld Honey Festival good luck.”

A past winner of the Kleefeld Honey Festival’s chili cook-off will be attending this year’s CFC July 21-25 to face off against 19 other Canadians for the title of Canada’s best chili cook. In addition to bragging rights, the first place winners of CFC will also receive a golden ticket to represent Team Canada at the World Food Championships (WFC) in Florida, including a $1,500 travel voucher and $2,500 cash. Those who move on to the WFC will compete for a grand prize of $100,000.

The Canadian Food Championships in Edmonton will also be hosting competitions in 6 other categories, including sandwich, seafood, bacon, burger, dessert, and pasta. A trip to Florida and $2,500 cash is awaiting the winner of each category. Those interested in competing in any category this year can apply through the wild card entry at canadianfoodchampionships.ca/get-involved. Competitions run July 21-25, 2015, in downtown Edmonton.

March 2015

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Falk to Deliver Seniors’ Funding At the beginning of March, nine organizations across Provencher will receive funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Provencher MP Ted Falk will be personally touring the communities to present the federal funding to each organization. Cheques will be presented to the Eager Beavers Seniors Club, in Middlebro; Pines, Needles and Cones in Vassar; Chalet Malouin in St. Malo, Manoir St. Pierre- Jolys, St. PierreJolys; Grunthal New Horizon Community Centre, Grunthal; Mitchell and Area Seniors Centre, Mitchell; Steinbach Meal Program, Steinbach; Le Club Jovial, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village Residents Association in Paradise Village.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding.

In 2014, eleven senior’s organizations in Provencher received government funding of $118,590.

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March 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch