Dawson Trail Dispatch May 2015

Kleefeld SingerSongwriter Knighted in Ottawa

Landmark Woman Named Foster Mom of the Year

Robb Nash, from Kleefeld was recently knighted into the Order of St. George the Canadian Priory.

By Marianne Curtis

Three and a half years ago, a Landmark area woman became the mother of a very special little girl. Not only did this child steal her heart and change her life, but recently, Patti Gibeault Skirzyk was recognized as Foster Parent of the Year by the Child Welfare League of Canada.

“There were doctors, executive directors of child protection branches, Children’s Advocate executives and researchers from

Kleefeld singer-songwriter Robb Nash received the highest honour when he was flown to Ottawa and Knighted. In the middle of April, Nash was flown to Ottawa to officially receive the Order of St. George, the Canadian Priory for the work he and his team are doing.

The Canadian Forces Central Band Trumpeters played, as he knelt by the British and Canadian Flags and a sword was rested on both shoulders.

“As I stood there with the others getting knighted, I felt unworthy considering many were wearing medals for their time serving in the army, but it was an honour to stand with them!” Nash said. “It was pretty crazy; they put a clock on you, and a big medal around your neck.”

Nash, who was nominated for the Order of St. George by a judge, was honoured along with several military veterans. “I felt really unworthy being there, I’m thinking,

Continued on page 3

Continued on page 3

Patti Gibeault Skirzyk (centre) was recently recognized as Foster Parent of the Year by the Child Welfare League of Canada.

By Marianne Curtis

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May 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Family Hockey Celebrates 25 Years in St. Malo

The Maynard family were the A-side winners of this year’s Family Hockey night in St. Malo.

Twenty five years ago, local resident and then-Chamber President Bill Remenda brought forward an idea about a family hockey tournament, which he had heard had been successfully running in Saskatchewan. He thought it would be a great idea to start a similar tournament.

Last month, the St. Malo and District Chamber of Commerce held its 25th annual family hockey tournament and everyone all ages got in on the fun.

The event was sponsored by the St. Malo Chamber of Commerce Board with the assistance of numerous volunteers.

“The Chamber of Commerce Directors would like to thank everyone who participated, attended and would like to send a special thanks to all the volunteers who make this weekend event a success,” stated Lorraine Jones-Racine, Président. “The tournament is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Chamber and it was once again a huge success. It is only with our wonderful volunteers that we can continue to host such a great event for 25 years running.”

Three teams from St. Malo and one from La Broquerie went home with bragging rights after being declared the winners in their level. Four families battled their way to the top of the competition with the Maynard family declared A side winners. The Collette family was named the B side winner, and LaFantaisie named D side winners. The Tetrault family from La Broquerie earned the C side win.”

This year, the Chamber hosted a kids game with younger players from all family teams. A total of 40 kids were split into four teams and played on the split ice surface.

Grand Pointe Homeowners Win Volunteer Award On April 14, the Grande Pointe Homeowners Association (GPHA) was presented with the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award at the 32nd Annual Volunteer Awards banquet. At the gala event, the GPHA was honoured for the significant contribution it has made to the community, specifically the Grande Pointe Park.

RM of Ritchot Councillor Corinne Webb said the group were deserving nominees.

“Those living in Grande Pointe and throughout the Municipality have greatly benefited from the GPHA’s vision and commitment to excellence in creating a quality place to meet, play and be active,” said Webb.

According to Webb, GPHA’s extraordinary commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the Grande Pointe community is evident in every project and program they undertake. With an outstanding long-term vision, they have transformed a 20-acre vacant piece of land into a central hub for

Premier Greg Selinger presented the members of the Grande Pointe Homeowners Association, with the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award.

recreation, community engagement and healthy living.

The association fundraised over $325,000 for park infrastructure, which includes a variety of recreational opportunities like beach volleyball courts, an outdoor rink, baseball diamonds, an outdoor stage, a natural playground, outdoor fitness equipment and much more.

On the heels of winning this award, the Grande Pointe Homeowners Association is getting ready to host the 6th annual Rock n’ the Park and slow pitch tournament on June 6 that will feature live music all day. The night will end with a performance by Free Ride.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Foster Mom continued...

Continued from page 1 across Canada at the meeting when I was presented with my award,” Skirzyk recalled. “I was so humbled by the calibre of people in that room.”

Skirzyk, who works for Macdonald Youth Services in the Treatment Foster Care Program says that becoming a foster parent made her part of the solution.

“I thought about fostering for many years. I finally made the decision as I wanted to be part of the solution. I have the training, knowledge and love to share,” Skirzyk continued. “I have always worked with the children others did not want to. It is amazing to see a child bloom who did not believe they could. I currently foster one child and exploring another child joining our family.”

She admits that being a foster parent can be difficult, but it is also extremely important.

“Foster parents open their homes and hearts to the children. It is all

worth it when you see the smiles, or hear their laughter,” she continued.

“Children just want to be loved and to fit in somewhere. Children in care have no choice in the matter. They are just children who don’t really understand what is happening in their lives.”

Skirzyk, who has no children of her own, says that she is honoured to be a foster mom.

“I am so grateful that so many people have trusted me with the development and growth of our foster daughter. She is a blessing to our lives. I am humbled each time she turns to me in a difficult time or when she says ‘thank you’ for something I think is minimal like dinner or a shopping trip or buying more bananas. She loves bananas and I try to keep them in the house,” she continued.

Skirzyk encourages others to consider fostering as there is a huge demand for safe homes.

“I always tell people who are considering fostering to examine their own feelings and to be honest about what kinds of behaviours and situations they are willing and able to accept. Foster parents must understand that no matter the situation these are not your children,” Skirzyk added. “You love them every day you have them, but know that their situation may change at some time and the child may be moved. Social workers are the guardians and they make final decisions for these children. It is not easy to love a child every day and then watch them leave. But know that you did the best you could for that child for the time you had together.”

Anyone considering becoming a foster parent is encouraged to contact Manitoba Foster Family Network for an information package and to talk to a peer support about the steps to take. Call (204)940-1280, 1(866)365-4409 or email manifest@mffn.ca.

The Child Welfare League of Canada is a national organization made up to professionals who are involved and invested in child welfare throughout Canada. She was nominated by the Manitoba Foster Family network.

May 2015

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Knighted continued...

Continued from page 1 man, I didn’t fight a war,” Nash continued. The event’s program says otherwise. “Robb’s not fighting a war overseas, he is fighting a war within our country and it’s a different kind of war,” reads the program.

For the past few years, Nash has been touring the country, and sharing his inspiring story with junior high and high school students.

Over the years, he has spoken to over 1 million students, about suicide prevention and bullying, and even received over three hundred suicide notes from students who changed their minds.

Founded by King Károly Róbert of Hungary in 1326, membership of the Order of St George is linked to its Christian foundations and to the chivalric code. The Order of St. George has grown to encompass people of many faiths, and maintains its timeless commitments to faithful service and to helping people in need. A successful membership application will have little to do with a person’s material success; rather it will be an acknowledgement of a person’s character and integrity.

Members of the Order Valiant of St George have always made a difference in their world, and pursue traditions of excellence by compassion and supporting various works of charity.

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May 2015

More Than Just News!

Delivering Results for Canadians – A Balanced Budget I’m proud of the budget our Conservative Government recently tabled. We have kept our promise to Canadians by balancing the budget, the first balanced budget since the global recession. Since then, under our leadership, Canada has created over 1.2 million new jobs.

However we live in uncertain times and the global economy remains fragile.

That’s why Economic Action Plan 2015 will continue our Government’s focus on creating more jobs and growing the economy across the country. Economic Action Plan 2015 includes key measures to support Provencher families and to support the Manitoba economy, including: - Supporting Families: Economic Action Plan 2015 benefits 100% of families with children by lowering taxes and increasing benefits. Our budget implements the Family Tax Cuts and Benefits Plan, including the enhanced Universal Child Care Benefit, the doubled Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and income splitting for families with minor children. An average family will receive $6,600 in support per year due to measures our government has introduced.

- Tax Free Savings Account: Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes to increase the Tax-Free Savings Account annual contribution limit to $10,000, effective for the 2015 taxation year. There are now 11 million Canadians who have opened accounts to save money for their priorities.

- Cutting Tax for Small Business: Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes to further reduce the small business tax rate down to 9% by 2019. Due to measures taken since we formed government, we have reduced taxes for small businesses by almost 50%.

- Supporting Farmers: Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes to increase the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1 million for our farmers and fishermen.

- Supporting Seniors: Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes to provide more flexibility for seniors by reducing the minimum withdrawal factors for Registered Retirement Income Funds to permit seniors to preserve more of their retirement savings. Economic Action Plan 2015 also proposes to introduce a new, permanent, non-refundable Home Accessibility Tax Credit for seniors and persons with disabilities.

- Post-secondary education: We will be enhancing access to post-secondary education by expanding the eligibility for Low- and Middle-Income Canada Student Grants to students in short-duration programs.

- Compassionate care: We are supporting Canadians Caring for Gravely Ill and Dying Family Members by extending the Employment Insurance (EI) Compassionate Care Benefits from 6 weeks to over 6 months (26 weeks).

The news is not only good for individuals, but for the Province of Manitoba in general. Manitoba will receive record high transfer payments to support health care, education, and social programs. Specifically, Manitoba will receive $3.4B in federal transfers this year – a $717M increase (or 26%) from under the old Liberal government.

A wide and diverse group of economists, entrepreneurs, community groups, commentators, and experts are all applauding Economic Action Plan 2015 and its measures as the right plan for jobs, growth and Canada’s long-term prosperity.

Some of the comments include: - Canadian Nurses Association: “Encouraged by home accessibility tax credit, which will help seniors age safely and securely at home.”

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

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- Canadian Federation of Independent Business: “Gives 2015 budget an ‘A’.” According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), small business owners across the country will be thrilled to see several small business friendly measures in the 2015 budget, particularly the 18 per cent reduction in the small business corporate tax rate over the next four years. This builds on earlier announcements of Employment Insurance premium relief, new measures to address credit card fees and balanced budget legislation.

- Canadian Taxpayers Federation: “Applauded the government’s 2015-16 federal budget. Credit where due, the Harper government has shown the necessary discipline to get the books back into the black.”

- Canadian Cancer Society: “Applauds the government for extending compassionate care benefits in today’s federal budget, calling it a critical step towards ensuring family caregivers in Canada gets the financial support they need. The Canadian Cancer Society congratulates the government for this important commitment which will make the lives of family caregivers easier.”

- CARP: “CARP members welcome government action in Budget 2015 to reduce mandatory RRIF withdrawal rates for retirees, to almost double the TFSA from $5,500 to $10,000, to increase the amount of time Canadians can draw on employment insurance for compassionate leave to provide care giving to loved ones.”

- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: “The measures to support Canada’s manufacturing sector are timely. This sector is evolving rapidly and set to seize new opportunities. The budget will have a positive impact in a sector poised for new growth. We also appreciate the fact that the government took the needs of small business into account in this budget.”

- Canadian Alliance of Student Association: “Canada’s postsecondary students are welcoming extensive new measures in the 2015 Federal budget that will enhance access to postsecondary education and improve long-term employment prospects for Canadian youth. We are extremely pleased to see that government is taking students’ priorities seriously. The total contributions are $419 million over four years. Students have not seen this kind of investment in financial aid in several years.”

- Canadian Pork Council: “The Canadian swine industry is very supportive of expanding trade and cooperation activities that would help to improve the trading climate and competitiveness of Canadian Pork. The budget contained an ongoing demonstration of a commitment to agriculture and the hog industry market development efforts. ” Our Conservative Government has managed to balance the budget and deliver the services Canadians need, while keeping taxes low. We will continue to work hard to deliver real results for Canadians.

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, email me at ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

Cottage Owner Fees Out of Control Dear Editor: Governments have a responsibility to live within the law. The NDP government has set a bad example by violating the Provincial Parks Act for more than a decade and has failed to account for enormous fee hikes it has imposed on Manitoba cottage owners.

The NDP’s increases to cottage fees have ranged from 250 to 750%. The result of these hikes is that multi-generational owned cottages will have to be sold because of the sharp rise in costs.

The Provincial Parks Act requires the Conservation Department to prepare estimates and actual expenditures for each park district on an annual basis, in order to provide transparency to those paying for services. For more than a decade, the NDP kept incomplete records of these estimates or expenditures and for several years during that period, kept no such records at all. In 2012-13, the NDP began to provide some of the financial reports required under the law, but not all of them.

The NDP must obey the law and provide the required level of accountability and transparency. That’s why the PC Party is calling for a two-year moratorium on cottage fee increases to allow for a cost-of-service audit that would ensure cottage owners pay only what they should, and no more than that.

Shannon Martin Progressive Conservative MLA for Morris

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Budget Fairness AWOL Like most budgets, there are winners and losers except this one seems to be more pronounced with a very narrow field of winners. This narrow field appears to correlate to specific population demographics that would be inclined to vote Conservative.

For instance, income splitting would benefit about 18 % of the population, which are high-income earners.

Also Increasing the Tax Free Saving Account from $5,500 to $10,000 will serve the few who have that kind of cash flow, which is only wishful thinking for most people.

It is already damn difficult to find the first $5,500. Of course, if we all had a tax cut it would be helpful.

At first glance, the Military sector is a winner in the budget lotteries; it will receive $11.8 billion extra, but wait a minute that is over ten years. Small business will receive a corporate tax decrease to 9% from 11%. But hold on for a second that will be in 2019. Does anybody believe these two promises will play out as advertised? They are balancing the budget with a $2 billion theft from the contingency fund that will not see the $2 billion replaced until 2019. Sounds like never to me.

Harper is trained as an economist, perhaps wishful thinking was the subject of his thesis.

Yes, this budget is meant to re-elect a Conservative government. Some of the other signs are that this was the first budget, which wasn’t an Omnibus bill.

Previous budget Bills were loaded with countless other measures guaranteed to frustrate the opposition; it also frustrated a good part of the public to see Parliament treated in such a shabby manner. So this time we were pleased to see a small measure of professionalism.

Another indication that this bill was not what most of us would consider fair, is this bill did not increase the personal standard deduction to all taxpayers, to lower everybody’s tax load. Fairness was not the important criteria instead conservative voting demographics were the desired substitution.

Since the Chretien government, debt retirement was always front and centre and the debt accumulation has become a serious consideration to Canadians. In the Trudeau Government years, the debt increased from $19.4 billion to $194.5 billion. Ouch! In the Mulroney years, debt went from $194.5 billion to $562.9 billion.

OUCH! The Chretien years brought this down to $481.5 billion. During Harper’s time, the projection to October 2015 is, debt will increase further by $176.4 billion to $769.3 billion. BIG BLOODY OWIE! Yet this budget has no contingency for debt management. This is a common sense matter, which should merit serious consideration. This sort budget gives considerable credence to my thinking that this is nothing more than the start of a political campaign. It reminds me of an e-mail from some yahoo in Nigeria wanting $30,000 from me, to free up $10 million.

Only then would I receive my just do and with a lovely bonus of course.

You can imagine the millions of dollars budgeted for TV ads until the election are called. This will be like a million Nigerian e-mails insulting us all summer.

If anybody scratches the surface of the budget just a wee bit you will find fairness is AWOL, lack of management of the debt is disturbing and points to the shallowness of this Bill and many of the promises are in the future after the election. So a used car is more likely to be a much better bargain.

Let’s see what the other two will tell us, but as of now, the crop of 2015 is dismal.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Our Future Serviced by Growing Debt The spring session began at the Manitoba Legislature last Thursday, with the NDP government delivering its 2015 budget. This budget is especially important because it sets the tone for the upcoming provincial election, which is less than a year away, and because Manitobans are affected so strongly by the financial choices, the NDP has made.

Again, as in previous years, the NDP has not balanced the budget. The deficit and debt created by the NDP are bad for the Manitoba economy. The province has more than $33 billion in debt and this year’s deficit is expected to be $424 million - $70 million more than it was last year. Manitobans will pay close to $1 billion in interest to service the debt, and will have to make up for the deficit in the future.

Many initiatives can be supported with $1 billion, including strengthening our education system, funding more doctors, re-opening closed emergency rooms and taking better care of our children through Family Services. It’s our children, grandchildren and their children who will pay for this government’s waste.

Despite the growing deficit, Finance Minister Greg Dewar said, “This budget is responsible.” Manitobans know better. They know how much they can spend based on how much they have. A responsible government would keep its debt at a minimum to avoid paying large sums to service the debt, and would not take money from places it shouldn’t.

This NDP government has gone so far as to reach into its rainy-day fund to cushion its financial mismanagement. When Greg Selinger became premier in 2009, the rainy-day fund had nearly $900 million. Because of this budget, the fund will be down to $115 million. This approach to managing the province is foolish and with the NDP, Manitobans are paying more and getting less. The NDP continues to increase spending, yet the province ranks last in the country in core areas such as health care and education.

Without a plan to lessen the province’s debt or to prepare for rainy days, the NDP has presented a budget that aims to fool voters instead of providing them with services and resources they deserve.

The finance minister, like the two previous NDP finance ministers, promised the budget would be balanced. They all failed to deliver on their promises. Manitobans are tired of the same NDP broken promises and want a change for the better.

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.

Budget a Work of Fiction Manitoba’s NDP government has become great writers of fiction. Every year they produce a new work. It’s called the provincial budget. Unfortunately, unlike most works of fiction, which are meant to be entertaining, the budget is actually supposed to be quite a serious matter.

Yet, every year since Greg Selinger has become Premier, the budget has been taken less and less seriously. And the reason why is simple. It’s because almost nobody believes it any more. Manitobans don’t believe it. Business owners don’t believe it. Bond rating agencies, who determine how much we pay on our debt don’t believe it. And frankly, most of the NDP MLAs themselves likely don’t believe it.

On April 30, the NDP unveiled their latest work of fiction, the 2015-2016 budget.

After first promising to balance the provincial budget in 2014, the NDP broke that promise and made a new one, that it would be balanced in 2016. Now they have broken that promise and say it will be balanced in 2018. But the new budget gives absolutely no indication how that will happen. After repeatedly breaking a promise to balance the budget, why would anyone believe the new promise?

In fact, the new 2015-2016 budget indicates this year’s deficit will be $422 million.

Even more than last years deficit and hundreds of millions more than the NDP had said it would be at this time.

And all of this comes after massive tax increases during the past few budgets that included the expansion of the PST on to items like home insurance and the increase of the PST from 7% to 8%. And that was after the Premier promised over and over not to raise your taxes, another act of fiction.

While most works of fiction are fun to read, this budget certainly wasn’t. It showed that since Mr. Selinger has become Premier he has doubled Manitoba’s debt, in only six years. It contained many more tax and fee increases that Manitobans will have to dig deeper in their pockets to pay for. And the legacy of debt is something that is going to negatively impact many future generations of Manitobans. Since the NDP have never actually lived within a budget under Mr. Selinger, the deficit will almost certainly be much worse than predicted. It is fiction after all.

Unlike most works of fiction, when you are done reading it you can put it away, forget about it and choose something else to read.

The NDP budget fiction can’t be dismissed as easily. It will have negative consequences for years to come as interest on the NDP debt comes due. If only that were fiction.

I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at 204-326-5763, by fax at 204-346-9913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Spring Cleaning Delayed at the Legislative Building Dear Editor: It’s April, our thoughts turn to spring and the resurgence of life. In New Brunswick and Alberta, the newly elected party leaders have decided to legitimize their Premiership and have both have called for general elections. I suppose the subtle hint will go ignored here by the NDP’s newly re-elected leader. Oh well, the count- down is on. One year from now, we will be in the throes of a provincial election. I find the fact it will be in spring is symbolic as we will be renewing and revitalizing our province.

Our current government has been in power for 16 years and is very stale with no new ideas or and comprehensive plan for the future. Without a long-term strategy, many areas of government responsibilities are suffering knee-jerk bandage solutions when problems occur. On many occasions, because of the longevity of this government, the solutions are just a re-hash of bandages that were proposed by this government before and never implemented.

Over the next twelve months, we can expect a continued flurry of feel good proposals designed to buy your votes. Traditionally this is done in the last twelve months of a mandate. However, the effectiveness of this ploy will undoubtedly be blunted as the government started this tactic much earlier in an attempt to stop the vote haemorrhaging because of the PST hike.

More desperate tactics the NDP are using to cling to power has the NDP trying to tell you what Brian Pallister is thinking about doing when he is elected. I’m quite sure Brian Pallister does not send a memo to the NDP to inform them about his policy ideas.

Any claims the NDP make come from the mouths that lied about tax increases and the PST hike to get elected and have been proven to lie to you about the firing of nurses and now teachers in the 1990s. I for one would not believe anything a proven liar tells me.

Another unsubstantiated claim the NDP make is that the PCs would cut services and roll back all that has been gained over the last sixteen years. The NDP treat the word “services” as some type of sacred deity. Ask your local NDP candidate exactly which services they are referring to. Of course all services are bundled together with core services, so as soon as your question the value of any service the standard answer is the, “PCs are going to gut health care.” More questions you could ask your local NDP candidate are. “Exactly what gains are you talking about? And how have I benefited from them?” I think that you will find the answer doesn’t benefit you.

From the outside looking in, it is very obvious that the provincial Conservatives will have a giant cleaning job to do when they are elected, with the NDP continuing to party like it was 1999. So I find it fitting the countdown is on for next spring’s election.

Manitoban’s can then participate in a large spring house cleaning.

David Sutherland Landmark, MB

May 2015

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Our Plan Is Working – Budget 2015 I am honoured to be a part of a government with a balanced plan to deliver on the priorities of Manitoba families.

Budget 2015 chooses to build instead of cut. It builds on what is working to provide more jobs, better roads, and stronger services. In short, Budget 2015 says to Manitoba families, we are on your side.

Across Canada, and around the world, governments have faced a momentous challenge, on how to achieve steady growth and good jobs at a time when the global economy is still struggling to recover from the Great Recession. Rather than shrink from this challenge, our government acted quickly and boldly to keep people working. We put in place a plan based on investing in infrastructure and skills.

Investing in strategic infrastructure projects allows us to build and repair roads, bridges and flood protection. Doing so creates jobs now as it lays the foundation for an even stronger economic future.

In Dawson Trail, that means continuing major work on the TransCanada Highway east of Highway 12 including intersection improvements at Paradise Village and supporting the renewal of SainteAnne’s Main Street. We will also continue to work on Highway 12 near Steinbach.

And by investing in education and training, we are helping more Manitobans; especially young Manitobans get the skills they need.

Skills that will help them start careers and take advantage of the opportunities created by a growing economy – here at home.

That is our plan. And the results are compelling.

The Conference Board of Canada forecasts Manitoba’s average rate of economic growth to lead the country for 2015 and 2016 combined.

The best in Canada.

Of course, a forecast of three per cent GDP growth in 2016 is an impressive number, and an important one. But it is just that, a number.

What really matters is how does this affect Manitoba families?

For most people, the most important economic indicator is a job. And here, too, our plan is delivering. We know our plan is working because Manitobans are working. Our economy is creating jobs faster than any other province – more than 20,000 new jobs since we delivered our last budget. Once again, the best in Canada.

In fact, our rate of employment growth is nearly four times the national average.

And wages are following suit, average weekly earnings in Manitoba grew 4.3 per cent last year. Here too we are the best in Canada.

Growth. Jobs. Wages. That is what a strong economy means for Manitobans. And that is what our plan is delivering.

Businesses share our confidence in Manitoba’s future. Three out of every four new jobs are in the private sector. And these are good jobs with four out of five being full time. For thousands of young Manitobans, this is the start of a new career.

With numbers like these it is easy to understand why BMO Capital Markets named Manitoba a “rising star” in job creation. We have a plan and that plan is working. And people are noticing.

The social benefits of a strong economy are widespread. Wages rise and crime rates fall.

We are fixing the roads, creating jobs and keeping health care strong for the future. More people are living and working in Manitoba than ever before, and they are earning more to support their families. Budget 2015 keeps our momentum building.

Our plan is based on the priorities of Manitobans. We listened to industry. We listened to labour. We listened to educators. We listened to you. And then we moved forward together to implement our plan.

We also listened to Paradise Village seniors in Dawson Trail. On top of an increase in the Seniors’ School Tax Rebate from $235 to $470 for the 2015 property tax year, based on the experience gained with the 2014 Rebate, the eligibility criteria for senior homeowners will now be broadened to include seniors who occupy their principal residence and pay school taxes. For example, seniors who do not own the land or dwelling unit that is their principal residence but nonetheless are liable for school taxes will qualify for the Rebate starting with the 2015 property tax year.

Let me emphasize one important point. Manitoba’s economic success is the result of a deliberate choice made by our government to invest in the future. It is no accident that Manitoba leads the country in economic growth and job growth — and we must not take it for granted. Because our momentum could be stopped in its tracks by a turn to austerity and reckless cuts.

Brian Pallister’s reckless policies will stop our economic momentum and hurt the services we all count on. At the Filmon cabinet table, Pallister repeatedly made cuts that hurt families and our economy. And he hasn’t changed. He is still planning a half billion in cuts to our hospitals, schools, and roads. And he still believes in privatizing our crown corporations, as they did with MTS. Pallister is only in it for those at the top.

Ultimately, budgets are not simply about numbers, they are about people. For governments, budgets are about choices. Our government has made it clear. We will always choose to put families first, protecting the jobs and services they rely on from the threat of reckless cuts.

This is why Budget 2015 says to Manitoba families we are on your side.

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More Than Just News!

May 2015

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Wildlife Haven Receives Tagged Falcon

By Marianne Curtis A Peregrine Falcon found injured in Winnipeg is currently under care at the Wildlife Haven and Rehabilitation Centre in Ile Des Chenes. What makes this story unique is unlike most rescues that come to the centre, “Beau” the Peregrine was tagged, and tracked by the Peregrin Falcon Recovery Project.

According Dan Diawol, spokesperson from Wildlife Haven and Rehabilitation Centre (WHRC) Beau was brought into the facility after being found near the Canadian Mennonite University with a fractured wing and several deep cuts. When he was brought into the Centre, the staff noticed the bird was banded.

“This Peregrine Falcon who is known as Beau was found injured in Winnipeg and because he is banded, we were able to learn all

about him,” said Diawol. “He was captive born and released to the wild in 2007 by Parkland Mews, a centre in Manitoba that breeds Peregrine Falcons to be populated back into the wild.”

Peregrine Falcons have been listed as an endangered species in Manitoba since 1992. The Peregrine Falcon Recovery Project, another organization in Manitoba that tracks several groups of Peregrines around the province has been observing his successful return to a nest site in West Winnipeg each year since 2010.

“We are not exactly sure what the cause of his injuries, but he was found within his known hunting range with a fractured wing and several deep cuts,” Diawol explained. Centennial Animal performed surgery on the bird, and he remains at the centre recovering.

“The Peregrine Falcon is still in care, healing his wounds at the moment

and is doing well,” he added.

Staff at the centre is also excited to report that a bobcat found starving and very cold in a woodpile near Middlebro is looking more hopeful. “We are working out details for the bobcat release still but we are hoping it will be in a few more weeks,” Diawol continued. “We want to wait till it is ideal for her release to ensure better survival on her own, which includes making sure there is plenty of food for her to find.”

For over 30 years, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre has been caring for injured and orphaned wildlife from all over Manitoba and north western Ontario. Its mandate is to receive and care for injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. They also provide and promote public education in wildlife Known as “Beau” this previously tagged Peregrine Falcon was brought into the Wildlife preservation and conservation with Haven Rehabilitation Centre to recover from its injuries. an education ambassador program.

Landmark Dancer Invited to New York and Barcelona “It makes me feel good; the dance studio is my second home.”

Ten-year-old Alexis Gaudette of Landmark has earned a scholarship to attend dance workshops in New York and Barcelona, and a chance to compete at the Dance World Cup in Whistler BC.

By Marianne Curtis A ten-year-old dancer from Landmark and her best friend have been invited to dance their way around the world after wowing judges at several recent competitions.

The girls’ extraordinary talent recently earned them both invitations to further their dancing in New York and Barcelona.

On a recent trip to Minneapolis to attend the Masquerade Dance Competition at the end of March, Alexis Gaudette and her friend Kennedy Fontaine stood out to the judges and each earned an invite to the New York All Star Kids Convention this summer in New York City. Both girls are ten and have only been dancing competitively for two years.

“Honestly, when I went into my first competition I did not know this was an option for me, and that I would have these opportunities and be able to travel,” Gaudette

continued. “It makes me feel good; the dance studio is my second home.”

Gaudette’s competitive season just started with two competitions, one in Winnipeg (5678 Showtime) and one in Minneapolis (Masquerade).

At 5678 Showtime, Alexis was awarded First place in each one of her four solos, multiple first places for her group performances, acknowledged for her diversity and awarded Dancer of the year, and received a scholarship to a dance workshop in either Barcelona, Spain or at the Paris Dance Tour. She then earned one of the invitations to compete in the annual Dance World Cup in Whistler BC. She said it is a huge honour to be presented with these opportunities.

“It means that I’m getting noticed and that I’m being pulled out of groups and that they remember me,” Gaudette said. “It’s something to compete and get your award, but it’s another thing to be recognized and

stand out to the judges.”

She dances sixteen hours a week in Tap, Acro, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Stage. Not only is she learning to dance, but about nutrition, sewing, time management, public performances, being independent and a team player, the value of a dollar, dedication, perseverance, discipline, scheduling, dealing with constructive criticism, communication, body language.

Gaudette said she hopes to be a dance adjudicator when she grows up.

A number of fundraisers are underway to help Alexis Gaudette achieve her dream. She needs to raise approximately $9,000 for her trips to New York and Barcelona. A fundraiser will be held in both girls honour at Canad Inns, Windsor Park in the Stereo Night Club on May 22 5 – 8 pm. Contact Christina at 204795-1255 or Jennifer at 204-297-6094 for more information.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

May 2015

7

Hope for Endangered Minnow

By Bill Stilwell The Carmine Shiner is an endangered species found mainly in the Whitemouth River Watershed, including Medika Drain, near Hadashville. A project is taking place to help protect habitat that is vital to this little fish’s survival.

The project to stabilize Medika Drain, a vital piece of habitat for the Carmine Shiner minnow, is being hailed as, “A major success,” by an RM of Reynolds spokesperson. This tiny minnow is listed as an endangered species that is mainly found in this watershed located about 100 km east of Winnipeg.

“We needed to improve the downward end of Medika Drain for proper movement of water,” said Reeve David Turchyn, RM of Reynolds. “The water was always bottle-necked and we had a lot of slumping and erosion taking place.” This slumping was causing an infrastructure problem for the RM, but was also creating issues for local fish species.

“The Carmine Shiner is an endangered species found mainly in the Whitemouth River Watershed,” said Stephen Carlyle, Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation’s (MHHC) program Development Manager. “The Medika Drain, a tributary of the Birch River is part of this watershed. It was severely eroding and immediate action was needed to stabilize the banks.”

“That last couple hundred metres of the Medika Drain where it meets the Birch River was fairly eroded,” said Carlyle. “That extra sediment being washed into the Birch River made for poor living conditions for the shiners.”

The initial improvements to Medika Drain were carried out decades ago, but over time erosion took its toll. The north bank was slumping into the river and

something had to be done to stabilize it. Since the drain is inhabited by an endangered species, it was necessary to get permission from Fisheries and Oceans and other regulatory bodies making the task more difficult.

The RM of Reynolds and the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) formed a partnership to carry out the project, according to Turchyn. The MHHC secured funding for the required study and then took on the task of getting the licensing approvals, while the RM of Reynolds tendered the work, which was done by a local contractor to complete the actual construction work along the drainage system.

“We each had a vested interest and by working together it met everyone’s needs,” Turchyn said.

“It was a great partnership.”

The partners addressed the problem, reclaiming this important piece of habitat. The results of this restoration project include improved flows, reduced sedimentation and stabilization of severely eroded stream banks.

The Carmine Shiner is a member of the minnow family. It is a slender, elongated minnow that is silvery coloured with shades of olive green and typically grows to about 60 mm in length. It is rare in Manitoba and is only found in the Whitemouth River and the eastern Manitoba waterways flowing into it. It is now listed as a threatened species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and

Protecting the habitat of the endangered minnow species the Carmine Shiner found only in eastern Manitoba is a priority for the RM of Reynolds.

has been identified by the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for Species at Risk as a priority species.

“The lower reach of the Medika Drain has been recognized as a potential threat to the Carmine Shiner,” according to the Medika Drain Fish Habitat Enhancement Project Report. Due to continued slumping and bank failure during flooding and high water periods, increased erosion has led to high sediment loads being discharged into the Birch River. Increasing turbidity has been identified as a

potential threat to the minnow’s survival.

The restoration work included clearing of vegetation and resloping the north side of the drain.

It was then widened to allow improved floodwater flows, while the main channel of the drain remained untouched, thus protecting the valuable fish habitat found within the drain channel, according to Carlyle. To help reduce erosion the banks were revegetated with native plant species and rip-rap was placed on

the west bank of the Birch River where it intersects the drain.

While this project has significantly improved fish habitat, one of the best hopes for this minnow is through the protection of its habitat and riparian areas within the Whitemouth River watershed. Protecting this habitat will have many benefits, not just restricted to the Carmine Shiner.

Many different species make their homes in and along the waterways of this vital area contributing to the overall biological diversity of the region.

MHHC, with a mandate to conserve, enhance and restore habitat, is a provincial Crown Corporation responsible to the Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship.

For information, contact Scott Beaton, MHHC Habitat Conservation Specialist at 204-4719663 or mhhc.mb.ca.

8

May 2015

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

Anola 25th Anniversary Parish Celebration - On Saturday, May 9, Mass at 5 pm at Our Lady of Hope Church with a Banquet at 6:30 pm at the Anola Community Centre, All parishioners and former parishioners of Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church are invited to attend a Contact Liz 204-853-2007, echongva@mts.net, Lucille 204-755-2821.

Leadership. Proceeds to Midway Bible Camp near Thompson for a tractor for extensive yard maintenance. All welcome. Freewill offering. Coffee and dainties.

Mitchell & Area Community Garage Sale – On Saturday, May 23 from 8 am – 5 pm. The 20th Annual Mitchell & Area Community Garage Sale. Get ready to Shop.

More Than Just News! with their new models. Bring the kids out to meet Smokey the $120 get 8 free. Instructor Janice Burnett, a certified fitness Bear. No charge, donations welcome. leader. Contact mjburn@shaw.ca.

Strategy Game Night – On the 1st Saturday from 12 - 5pm on Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. Adolphe June 6 and 3rd Wednesday, on May 20 from 6 – 8:30 pm, Community Club. Doors open at every month at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play some 6 pm, 6:55 pm - Speedo Game, 7 pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 games. Bring a friend, your strategies and games. Test your pm - Regular Games. We hope to see you there! Proceeds will skills and have fun. Contact Madison Friesen, 204-326-6841, support the Community Club. programs@jakeepplibrary.com, librarian@jakeepplibrary.com.

Fitness Classes –Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8 - 9 pm at the St. Adolphe School Gym. Include cardio fitness, Annual Community Shred Day - On Saturday, May 9 at the resistance training, flexibility and balance training. Monthly Valeant parking lot off Hwy 52 from 9 am – 1 pm. Valeant schedule is provided. All fitness levels are welcome. Options Pharmaceuticals and Phoenix along with the City of Steinbach are $175 - 35 x $5 per class + 5 classes free, $120 - 20 x $6 are pleased to offer the annual Community Shred Day. Bring per class or drop in $7 per class. Certified fitness leader Janice all your confidential paperwork and enjoy coffee and a Burnett. mjburn@shaw.ca. doughnut while we take care of your shredding free.

Morris Town Wide Garage Sale – On Saturday May 9. To register your sale, contact Joyce Ginter 204-746-2496. Maps will be available at the Town office closer to the date.

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

Mother’s Day Bake Sale – On Saturday, May 9 from 9:30 am Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079.

-12 pm at the St. Maurice Catholic Church hosted by Ladies Auxiliary.

St. Pierre-Jolys Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar, Street Hockey Tournament - On Saturday, May 9 from 10 am post partum mood disorders support group meetings held on – 2 pm for ages 10 - 14 years. Register your team of 4 to the last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet Malouin Grunthal Hanover Spring Rodeo – From Friday May 15 – Monday, May compete. Cost Free. Contact Recreation Commission 204-746- boardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital.

18 at the Hanover Ag Grounds. Roughstock School Friday from 6622 or recreation@townofmorris.ca.

Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

6 – 10 pm and Saturday from 6 – 9 pm. Cost $5 at the gate, Saturday night Gymkhana $8, Sunday and Monday MHSRA Area Senior Services, Inc. - Helping Seniors enjoy their Ste. Anne independence for as long as possible. Serving Morris, Lowe Ste. Anne Lions Club Walk for Dog Guides - On Sunday, May Rodeo, Children 10 and under free.

Farm and Rosenort. Contact Resource Coordinator Cheryl D. 31 at Redemptorist Park in Ste. Anne. Sign in at 10 am, walk Waldner, 204-746-6336, mass@mts.net.

Hadashville starts at 12 noon. Dog show, face painting, food and Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville refreshments, silent auction and more. Contact Chris Barnard Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years Niverville at 204-422-8259 or cbarnard@mts.net or visit old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great Olde Tyme Country Fair - 20th Anniversary – From Friday, June purinawalkfordogguides.com.

12 at 6 pm – Saturday, June 13 at 11:45 pm. street fair including stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask country singers, Brett Kissel and Jordan McIntosh, freestyle 10th Annual Symposium for the Adult Day Program - On about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or motocross, heavy metal jousting, fireworks, and much, much Wednesday May 27, Thursday May 28 and Friday May 29 from more. Cost $25.

KSTA.academy@gmail.com.

12:30 - 3pm at the Salon Marguerite d’Youville at the Villa Youville in Ste-Anne. Participate in the origami contest, ‘The The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club –Meets every Monday at Thread for Life Origami’. Each entry must have an origami Ile-des-Chênes Wrangler’s Community Garage Sale- On Saturday, May 8 at 8 7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become piece made of paper or tissue with a thread, ribbon or wire etc. am. Bring your stuff and Sell, bring your lawn chairs and any a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or Add a title with a short description and put your name on the portable tables. Individuals are free to bring their stuff, just develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to back then bring your entry to Carmelle by Friday, May 22. Light give us a heads up so we know how many people to expect. start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca. snack included. The prizes for the contest will be awarded on Businesses are free to come and set up tables/booths. Free for Friday, May 29 at 1 pm. everyone. RSVP to info@idchotel.ca if you would like us to GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn save you space. Outdoor Milkshake Stand, outdoor music.

Ste. Anne Lions Club Family Kite Festival - On Saturday, June about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register 20 from 10 am - 5 pm at the old #12 Soccer Park beside the Come out and get a Sunday breakfast buffet coupon. or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com. fire hall in Ste. Anne. Don’t have a kite, buy one on site. Hot Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday dogs and refreshments, music, face painting, henna tattoos Moms N’ Tots Playgroup Moms with children up to age six. of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about and more. Fun for everyone. Contact Rick at 204-430-6820.

Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Wii Bowling Games – Every Monday afternoon at 1:30 pm at place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along the Club Jovial. Great time to join even if you have never at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register. with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms played. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285. visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Kleefeld International Cooking Classes - On the third Wednesday of the Hockey for Hawgood Cause – On Saturday, May 9, starts at 10 Prawda month from 6 - 8:30 pm. Learn to cook authentic and original Circuit 30 Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool am at the Recreation Centre and Kleefeld School. Full day of foods from Columbia, India, Iraq, Philippines and Bolivia. Preevents in order to assist a local teacher and her family acquire down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean register with the Town of Ste. Anne at 204-422-5293 or email a wheelchair accessible van for their young daughter. The day runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays town@steannemb.ca. will feature a youth ball hockey tournament, zumbathon and and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact marquee event, which is a teachers versus firefighters’ ball Wendy 204-348-2433.

Computer Courses - Free at the bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library. hockey game. Contact to register for the ball hockey game go For appointment, contact Harlee at 204-392-0568. to silvereyesports.ca. The zumbathon will be from 2 – 4 pm at Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at the school. Cost is $20 at the door. Admission to the marquee the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to event is based on donations. A full service canteen and amazing provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays silent auction prizes. Hope to see you there. from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These Richer gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss Community Garage Sale – On Saturday May 16 from 9 am – Young at Heart Dinner and Dance – On Saturday, May 16 with their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204live entertainment Bernie Elastic and his Rubber Band.

Cash 4:30 pm.

422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net. bar 5 pm, supper 6 pm, dance until 11 pm. Cost $20 each.

Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children Contact for tickets Julienne 204-422-5662 or Irene: 204-422- Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested ages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and 5932 in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. On snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan at Seine River Services for Seniors - Program Contact Juliette 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013.

Rowan Community Resource Coordinator at 204-424-5575 for services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Richer services or email labseinerss@gmail.com.

La Broquerie Annual General Meeting Seine River Services for Seniors - On Ste. Geneviève Thursday, May 28 at 11:30 am for lunch followed by the meeting Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community at Le Centre de l’Amitié, 97 Principale St., Everyone invited. at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673.

Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285. Hope to see you all - 8 pm. Come for a visit and see what we are all about. Over Monday Night Bingos To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek there.

21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large print Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides books and magazines plus they can import books from any Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488, for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 Steinbach Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204- or doreen@spmf.ca.

Meet the Author – On Friday, May 8 at 10:15 am with Shelly 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Sanders (Toronto) at the Jake Epp Library to share stories with Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, St. Adolphe children as part of the 38th annual TD Canadian Children’s leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Cook Club – On Thursday, May 21 from 6 -9 pm at the Ritchot Book Week. Theme: Hear Our Stories: Celebrating First Nations, Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Recreation Centre 352 Main St. Delicious and Nutritious: Métis and Inuit Literature.

Everyday meals with a twist. Cost $50 person. Contact Amber Cost $10.

Recreation Director recreation@ritchot.com to register by Trade Show, Craft & Bake Sale - On Saturday, May 9 from 9 am Thursday, May 14.

Lorette - 4 pm at the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, 294 Lumber Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities.

Avenue. A variety of home made and hand crafted products as St. Adolphe Curling Club Golf Tournament – On Saturday, If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around well as your favourite home show vendors. All day canteen the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your June 6 at the La Verendrye Golf course. Cost $100. Registration featuring hot meals and freshly baked items. Tables for rent support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an deadline Saturday, May 30. Entry fee includes bus ride to and $25 each. Contact Kathy at 204-326-2478 or hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 from golf course, round of golf and cart, supper, prizes and a Steinbach190LA@hotmail.com to book. Organized by the great time. Contact Marc Lemoine 204-883-2661 or 204-479- Steinbach Legion Ladies Auxiliary #190.

Lorettecopp@gmail.com.

8666.

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

Southeast ATV Association Annual Awareness Day – On Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 50+ Fitness Classes - Every Monday & Friday at 9:30 – 10:30 Saturday, May 9 from 10 am - 5 pm at the Mennonite Heritage am.

Focus on strength, flexibility and range of motion St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

Village. Promoting and explaining safe riding practices, movement on a variety of equipment, such as weights, stretch Explaining and demonstrating proper use of safety riding tubing and stability balls. Wednesdays 1 - 2 pm workout is for equipment, MPIC will be setting up the Texting and Driving Mitchell Gospel Music Fundraising Concert – On Friday, May 15 at the slow flow yoga inspired strength, flexibility, balance and Simulator, Office of the Fire Commission, Adventure Smart Mitchell Gospel Church, 57 Willow St at 7 pm. Featuring Isaiah relaxation. Pre-purchase 10 classes for $40, 5 classes for $20 Trailer, there will be many informational booths and dealers 6, Rising Above Band; guest speakers from Midway Christian or drop in for $5 per workout. Special deal purchase 30 classes Dominion City Healthy Communities Conference 2015 – On Friday, May 29 from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm in the Community Hall, 31 McKercher Street. Hear from rural Manitobans dedicated to making a positive difference in the community. Topics include Aging in Place, Making People Laugh and Feel Good and Positive Possibilities for People. Entertainment provided by country music singer Lorenzo Friesen. Contact and register Tanya Kohut 204-427-2557.

Dawson Trail Dispatch 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.

Composting Workshop - On Monday, May 11, from 6 – 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Local Master Composters will demonstrate the basics of composting to successfully produce beautiful compost for your flowerbeds. Everyone welcome. Contact sagardenclub.com or call 204-326-2396.

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

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

Steinbach & Area Garden Club meeting - On Monday, May 11, Information and Support Sessions at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Garden Plant Diseases: Identify, Manage, Prevent with Andy Tekauz Research The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on the Plant Pathologist, U of M and gardener. Learn to recognize first Tuesday of every month except for the months of July and what is making your plant sick, how to make it better and how August at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyone to avoid future problems - information to become a better interested in auxiliary work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 326gardener! Spring Plant Exchange. Everyone welcome. 3028.

Refreshments and door prizes. Contact sagardenclub.com or Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets on the second and call 204-326-2396. fourth Wednesdays of every month at the Magnolia Restaurant.

Manitoba Day – On Tuesday, May 12 from 9:30 am - 6 pm. Contact 204-326-2313.

Celebrate Manitoba’s 145th birthday at Mennonite Heritage Village. There will be a short program at 9:30 am at the Steamer Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open to adults who want Shelter, speeches by dignitaries and local government officials, to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursdays at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street, and flag raising ceremony. Cost $2 admission day.

Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-424-5737.

Spring on the Farm and Tractor Show – On Monday, May 18 at Mennonite Heritage Village from 9 am - 6 pm. Celebrate Steinbach Al-Anon Program - Meetings held on Wednesdays spring with us at the village with a tractor parade, tractor games, at 7:30 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. Ring the front door bell. pioneer demonstrations and delicious Mennonite food.

Hanover Festival of the Arts – From Thursday May 21 – Sunday, May 24. Opening on Wednesday evening May 20 begins at 7 pm at the Clearspring Centre featuring student artwork from across Hanover School Division. Looking to volunteer contact Ryan Loeppky 204-392-4723 or rloeppky@hsd.ca.

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.

Tolstoi Community-Wide Yard Sale – Tolstoi Historical Society Family Movie Night – On Friday, May 22 from 7 - 8:30 pm at rummage sale and food at Senior Centre on Friday May 22 Jake Epp Library. Arthur & the Invisibles (rated G). Admission from 2 -7 pm and Saturday May 23 at 10 am - 3 pm. Contact and popcorn are free. Contact Madison Friesen, 204-326- all Sandra 204-425-3556.

6841, programs@jakeepplibrary.com.

Vita Craft Day “Bee” Creative – On Saturday, May 23 from 10:30 Susydka Ukrainian Dance Club 35th Anniversary Recital/Dinner - 11:30 am or 1:30 - 2:30 pm. Come to the library and learn & Dance Fundraiser - On Saturday, May 23. The Susydka all about Bees with Come to the library and learn all about Ukrainian Dance Club invites everyone to their 35th Anniversary Bees with Come to the library and learn all about Bees with Recital at 3 pm at the Shevchenko School Gym. Then head over crafts and stories! Ages 5 - 10 in the morning and 11+ in the to the Hall at 6 pm for a delicious supper of homemade perogies, afternoon. Advance Sign up required. Contact Madison Friesen, meatballs, cabbage rolls and all the fixings before the band Kalyna gets you polka’ing all night long. Cost $20 per person 204-326-6841, programs@jakeepplibrary.com. for dinner and dance. Contact Michelle 204-425-3040 or Let’s Run - On Saturday May 23 at 8:30 am. Participate in the susydkadanceclub@gmail.com.

10 km /5 km/ 2 km running event. Proceeds from the 2015 event will support three local charities that benefit our community; Steinbach Family Resource Centre, Kidsport Steinbach, and Steinbach Cancer Care. For more information visit lets-run.ca.

Fundraising Concert and Faspa – On Sunday, May 24 from 2:30 - 5 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. MHV Auxiliary hosts a fundraising concert & faspa featuring the “Sisters of the Holy Rock” concert for the whole family. Cost $20. Tickets can be purchased at MHV. Contact 204-326-9661.

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

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

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

Songs and Sweets – On Thursday, May 28 at 7 pm, at the Shevchenko School. An evening filled with songs and sweets!

The Senior Choir from Shevchenko School presents a variety of music from all different genres. Cost $5.

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 Join the Farm & Food Discovery Centre - For many exciting family and educational events taking place over the spring and summer months.

Incredible Insects Investigation - On Saturday, July 11, 10 am12pm. Search for insects in the tall grass and study their body parts under a microscope. Make a ‘buggy’ vegetable snack.

For children aged three to ten.

Dairy Day, On Thursday, August 6, from 10 am – 2 pm. Visit the dairy barn to learn how cows are milked. Turn cream into butter and strawberry, chocolate or vanilla ice cream. All ages welcome.

Pizza Party – On Tuesday, August 25 from 10 am - 1:30 pm.

Discover how ingredients for a pizza are created. Prepare your own mini pizza for lunch and bake it in our outdoor stone oven.

All ages welcome.

Spaces limited for all events. RSVP to reserve your spot. Contact 204-883-2524 or email ffdc@umanitoba.ca. Full event details and admission rates for individual events found at ffdc.ca.

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 decision- Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesday, making skills; give service to the community; value the natural June 9 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Join us for a great day of fun and friendship. Visit McPhillips Street Station in the morning environment. and Club Regent in the afternoon. Starting at 8:30 am pickGreen Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip.

Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at Lecoka, 8B - Brandt Street. Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for those Drop in and discuss sustainable living. Contact wishing to play. Overnight trips to South Beach Casino Folklorama are also available. Contact Marilyn at 204-326rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com.

4939 for more information and to reserve your seat.

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.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

May 2015

Liberals Greet Festival Goers in St. Pierre-Jolys On May 2, Adam Vaughan, MP for Trinity-Spadina, in Ontario paid a special visit to St. Pierre. Vaughan, along with Provencher Liberal candidate Terry Hayward, and Provincial Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari met with local residents and community leaders at the Cabane Sucre.

While in Provencher Vaughan, who is also the Federal Liberal Critic for Housing and Urban affairs was able to meet with the mayors of Niverville, Lorette and St Pierre Jolys.

According to Hayward, Vaughan noted that “our country badly needs an urban agenda.”

“Close to 90% of Canada’s residents live in cities, towns and villages, yet somehow this fact is still not recognized by the Harper Government,” Hayward explained.

“Vaughan pointed out to the groups he met with that urban areas are not

getting the help they need on critical files.”

During the meeting the group also discussed rural housing issues and the need for better infrastructure funding for municipalities. It is time for a new approach, noted Vaughan during his meetings, one that brings mayors and local leaders to the table as partners in building a stronger country. Canadian municipalities need more than 8% of the tax base if they are going to rebuild deteriorating infrastructure, broken bridges and deteriorating roadways, expand lagoons and build much needed housing.

The Manitoba Liberal Party recognizes the need for long term planning and commitments in this area and has committed to creating a municipal infrastructure fund to fix roads and highways, added Hayward.

Book Sales are Like Christmas Presents Late last month my wife and I were able to go into Winnipeg to St. Vital Mall for the Children’s Hospital Foundation Book Sale (or Book Market, if you will). This is something that we’ve done in past years, some times with the children and sometimes without them.

This year it was a bit of both (no we didn’t take half of this one and half of that one!). The oldest two were unable to come but the youngest one was free to join my wife and me on the journey.

Arriving at the mall I parked far away from the mall entrance and began the hike past the other parked vehicles. Yes, I am one of those rare people who will not spend time and gas driving around and around the parking lot trying to find that one golden spot. The one spot that it seems most everyone else hunts for but only the select few can ever find. Nope, that’s not how this fellow rolls. I’ve just rejected that dream of ever finding that most wonderful spot and have instead embraced the joy of parking a fair distance away and enjoying the exercise that it gives to me and my family. It’s also fun to hear them complain about it during the winter months but I say, “Hey, if you don’t like the cold then grow a beard.”

For me, walking into the mall is like walking into a Christmas present.

Days before the time of our mall arrival I am already fantasizing about which books I might find. Will I find the books that I am missing from the Xanth series? Will I find some other book by Piers Anthony that I’ve wanted to read? How about a book that is more informational but equally compelling? Oh how the excitement builds!

Walking down the halls I find myself gazing happily at familiar books that I’ve already finished – good friends and bypassing those that I doubt I would ever read. Finally, I reach the sci-fi and fantasy section and now I become nearly giddy with anticipation, will it be here, will I finally find the book that I’ve been waiting sooo long to find? Scanning the table I spot the title that I’ve been looking for but, before I can snatch it up and do a happy dance throughout the mall, I realize that it’s in hardcover not paperback like the ones I already have. Sadness envelopes me but I soon cheer up as I find other books by new and unread authors that I will now have the pleasure to get to know.

Later on, we went over to the children’s books section and selected several books for all three of my children. They too have series’ that they want to read. From Star Wars to fairies we have quite the collection of booty to return home with.

Yes, we are a book-loving family and I love it that we are!

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

Liberal Adam Vaughan, MP Trinity-Spadina with Rana Bokhari, Leader Manitoba Liberal Party, Dr Doug Eyolfson, Liberal Candidate in Charleswood St James Assiniboia Headingley and Ken Werbinski, Terry Hayward, and St. Pierre Mayor Mona Bruneau Fallis.

Still Time to Vote for Your Top Immigrant Award There is still some time to show support for Niverville’s Vicki Olatundun who was recently named one of the 75 finalists in the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.

Olatundun, who is the Executive Director of Steinbach Family Resource Centre, was instrumental in achieving the first gym for the homeless in Manitoba in 2011 and the first dental implant program for the homeless in 2011.

She credits some of her drive to being a survivor of the 1983 Maitatsine Sect riot in Kano, Nigeria, in which more than 4,000 members of her community were killed by machete.

Supporters can vote for Olatundun online at canadianimmigrant.ca until Monday, May 11.

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May 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Landmark Collegiate Students Win Award An innovative idea presented by two grade eight students from Landmark Collegiate was recognized as one of the top three during this year’s Caring for Our Watersheds Competition.

Nadia Braun and Joe Toews worked together on an idea to convert regular toilets into dual flush systems. Their entry was among 258 others from across Canada. The top ten finalists were invited to Oak Hammock Marsh where they presented their project.

“Our teacher said we had to think of a proposal on how to save our watershed, he showed us problems and gave us ideas on how to help it,” Braun explained. “I got the idea from my dad who converted our toilets at home into a dual flush a few years ago.”

The students had to present their project orally and then they were asked questions about their project. At the end of the night were was a dinner where it was announced the students came in third. The top two winners were presented to grade 12 students.

Caring for Our Watersheds is an education program that engages students in preserving and improving their local watersheds. Each year Agrium invites students to submit proposals that answer the question, “What can you do for your watershed?”

The program rewards the students and the schools who submit the most creative, thought provoking and innovative ideas. Implementation funding and community mentorship is available to turn the students’ ideas into realistic solutions.

Grade eight students Nadia Braun and Joe Toews earned a third place finish in this years Caring for Our Watersheds competition with their dual flush toilet.

Provencher MP Pleased with Federal Budget Provencher MP Ted Falk is pleased with the recent Federal budget. He says it will support jobs and growth in Provencher, and help families and communities prosper while ensuring the security of all Canadians.

“We are proud of our plan that is lowering taxes and providing benefits directly to families right here in Provencher.”

“We have kept our promise to Canadians by balancing the budget in 2015, the first balanced budget since the recession,” said Falk. “Since then, under our leadership, Canada has created over 1.2 million new jobs.

However, we live in uncertain times and the global economy remains fragile. That’s why Economic Action Plan 2015 will continue our Government’s focus on creating more jobs and growing the economy across the country.”

According to Falk the federal budget supports families, tax-free savings, lower taxes for small businesses, support for job creating businesses, support for seniors and national security.

“We are proud of our plan that is lowering taxes and providing benefits directly to families right here in Provencher, allowing them to reinvest in the Canadian economy,” Falk added.

The Province of Manitoba will receive record high transfer payments to support health care, education, and social programs.

Specifically, Manitoba will receive $3.4 billion in federal transfers this year, which is a $717 million increase.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Budget Announcements and Tax Reminders Recently both the federal and the provincial governments announced their annual budgets. I will review some of the changes that may affect your personal income taxes in 2015 and 2016.

First a few quick reminders: if you are self-employed like me, you have until June 15 to file your 2014 taxes without penalty (interest did start accruing May 1, about $1 per $1,000 per week). I normally file mine on June 14 after I get everyone else done.

If you are not self employed and you missed the extended filing deadline of May 5, and you have an amount owing on your taxes, you now owe another 5% penalty (higher if this isn’t the first time you’ve been late) and 1% for each month you wait, PLUS the interest of 5% annual rate. So get your taxes done in May so you don’t face more penalties. Even if you cannot pay any or all of it, filing now will minimize the penalties.

If you are expecting a refund, you have lots of time (three years), but why wait to get your own money back! Remember to sign up for direct deposit as all cheques for tax refunds and GST credits will be phased out in 2016.

If you own foreign property that costs more than $100,000, you need to disclose that on your tax return. This can be shares in a US brokerage or a home or recreational property in the US or elsewhere.

Snowbirds: remember to complete Form 8840 IRS: Closer Connection Exception Statement for Aliens. If you travel in the USA for 120 days or more each year, you may need to file this return with the IRS before June 15. The forms are on line, or call me or stop by if you need one and/or if you need help completing it.

Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) – it was announced in the fall that it would be for all children under age 18. And you do not need to apply if you are already receiving UCCB or Child Tax Benefit; it is effective January 1, and you will receive 6 months in July and then monthly after that. Remember it is taxable income (may want to increase tax withheld at work or other sources). Yes the one hand gives and the other one takes some back. An exception is single parents: one child can claim the income instead of the parent.

So let’s review the changes to your personal income taxes both federally and provincially after they announced their budgets in April.

Provincial Budget: there are a few changes for personal income tax.

The Senior’s School Tax Rebate will increase to $470 and you must apply each year; if you received the $235 in 2014, you will get the application in the mail directly as a reminder; if you didn’t, make sure you do apply after you pay your property taxes as the deadline is the following March 31. As well, it will be expanded to include seniors who occupy their principal residence, even if they do not own the land, and pay school taxes (Paradise Village residents).

The Manitoba Primary Caregiver Tax Credit will increase from $1,275 per year to $1,400. If you are providing care to a loved one, a neighbour or a friend, you may qualify. Call me!

The Volunteer Firefighter and Search & Rescue $3,000 credits are now available for a provincial credit as well as the federal credit.

The Federal Budget had a few changes as well that may affect you.

Tax Free Savings Account – annual limit increased to $10,000 effective Jan 1 2015 – that means now! So the cumulative maximum contribution available is now $41,000.

This is a great retirement savings plan for those with incomes under $45,000 (lowest federal tax bracket) and if you will likely remain in the same tax bracket for the future and into retirement. If you are in the lowest tax bracket and use RRSPs to save for the future, you may be taxed too heavily after age 65 and it may not make sense to use RRSPs to save for your retirement. Talk to me to find out what is right for you and your family.

The RRIF minimum withdrawal limits are reduced; doesn’t affect most of the clients I see (who withdraw more than the minimum), but does affect some higher income seniors who do not need the RRIF income; but it may become a tax issue when they pass away. If you have already withdrawn the previous annual minimum, you can re-contribute back until February 29 2016. Talk to me to see if it makes sense to do so.

A new Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) can provide a non-refundable credit to seniors (65+) and disabled tax payers (eligible for the disability tax credit) to help pay for the cost of home renovations for safety and accessibility beginning January 1 2016; maximum credit is $10,000 per year. Eligible expenditures include ramps, walk-in tubs, wheel-in showers and grab bars. Remember this is a nonrefundable credit: if you do not have income taxes payable, it does not help you.

Employment Insurance (EI) compassionate care benefits coverage is increasing from 6 weeks to 6 months beginning January 1 2016.Those who have to take time away from work to care for a dying loved one will get more help from the federal government’s EI program. Remember you have to be paying into EI to be eligible (those of us who are self-employed do not normally pay into EI, but you can with restrictions).

So those are some 2014 tax reminders and some new announcements for 2015 and 2016.

Thank you again for all your personal income tax business and for your referrals.

The business grew again this year, and fortunately, my returning and new employees were there to help.

Heartfelt thanks to Ruth, Cheryl, Erik, Darlene, Gail and Angela for all the work they did in the past two months. They know I couldn’t have done it without them!

We made a great team!

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

May 2015

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St. Adolphe Group Wants Control Over Ferry

By Marianne Curtis A committee dedicated to reclaiming and preserving the old St. Adolphe Ferry is hoping that the RM of Ritchot will throw their support behind the project. The group recently met with the council to discuss the ability to move the ferry to a site in front of the municipal public works shop and build a multi-purpose education centre.

Lina Le Gal, on behalf of the committee said that since 2008, the St. Adolphe Ferry Committee has made plans to restore and protect this unique artefact. The historical St. Adolphe ferry was the last working ferry on the Red River.

“Since our initial plans in 2008 the Committee has determined that the Ferry and the presentation of historical information will be the anchor for the facility but not the sole purpose,” explained Le Gal. “It will have the ability to be a multi-use educational space that can bring in revenue, with an attractive heritage facade, utilizing artefacts and resources from the old personal care home and also from the community.”

The site would have an outdoor feature that allows for picnic tables for those wanting to eat or sit outdoors, would be conducive for walkers, strollers, wheelchairs and be universally accessible.

The cost of moving the ferry, then renovating it into this structure is estimated at $193,000.

“Once the vacant site is confirmed as the permanent site for the multi-purpose and educational Centre, requests for grants can be prepared to various government agencies and foundations,” Le Gal added.

“Sustainability would be achieved through admission fees, by leasing the premises for small events, and by regular fundraising activities.”

In the last years, Council did a rebranding of the Ritchot logo with ‘Country Skies...City

The St. Adolphe Ferry was the last working ferry to cross the Red River circa 1970.

Ties’ in order to attract people to St. Adolphe. The group believes a Multi-purpose Educational Centre would bring value to the image of St. Adolphe and eventually used as an icon to promote the municipality and the town of St. Adolphe.

With the new housing

developments happening in this area and with the future expansions to come, the multipurpose educational centre is expected to be more than just a shelter for a ferry. It will serve as a venue for people of all ages to get together for all kinds of activities, Le Gal noted.

A committee wants to preserve this unique piece of local history by using it to create an education centre unique to the area.

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More Than Just News!

May 2015

Veteran Fire Chief Tenders Resignation

After twenty-three years with the RM of Ritchot Fire Department, twenty-three year veteran Fire Chief Troy Ash has announced his retirement.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

municipality,” stated Hunt. “Their commitment and dedication to the Ritchot Fire Service is second to none. On behalf of the RM and its residents, we would like to thank them for the years of service they have given.”

Hunt said the municipality is already looking at the replacement process. “We are planning on posting the job internally and externally. The needs of the municipality are changing with all of the growth we’ve experienced over the last five years and because of that the needs of our emergency services department are changing as well,” Hunt added.

Hunt said council will be working

with Ash, along with Deputy Chief Scott Wier and the Office of the Fire Commissioner to help establish what the municipality’s short and long term needs are so that they can establish the requirements of the position prior to posting it.

“We hope to have the position filled early June so that we have a few weeks of overlap prior to Troy’s departure,” Hunt said.

The RM of Ritchot Fire Department currently consists of a fleet of thirty volunteers working out of two stations in Ile des Chene and St. Adolphe. Hunt has confirmed that a third station to be established in Ste. Agathe is in the works.

Grass Fire Claims Car Collection

By Marianne Curtis An out of control grass fire that broke out southwest of Steinbach on April 17 forced the evacuation of fifteen homes.

While the majority of the neighbourhood along Bush Farm Road suffered minimal damage, Tanya Fehr says her family sustained about $200,000 in damages to their property.

Fire crews were responding to a fire along Bristol Road but winds pushed the blaze within minutes towards them.

Fehr says her mother noticed smoke when the fire was still about half a mile away.

“It was a nightmare once the fire got to our place,” Fehr recalled.

The heaviest loss to the family was the destruction of a number of classic vehicles along the back of the property.

The shop was consumed by the fire and everything that was in it including a 68 Roadrunner that her brother Tyler was in the process of rebuilding. ”My brother’s car, his pride and joy, that he put all of his money, all of his free time into, it’s gone,” Fehr told media.

“The shop is gone, all of the tools are gone, the cabin is gone, and my mom’s garden shed is gone with all our gardening tools, everything like that is gone.”

She says about eleven muscle cars were destroyed in the fire. All the vehicles were project cars and none of them had insurance.

Kyla Meilleur, a friend of the family, is trying to help Tyler replace his dream car.

“He didn’t have insurance on the car because until it is restored and appraised it is considered almost worthless to

Vet Warns Pet Owners to Lookout for Lyme Disease

By Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis At the end of June, long time RM of Ritchot Fire Department volunteer Fire Chief Troy Ash will hang up his gear for the last time.

Ash joined the department twentythree years ago and for the past seven years has served as the head of the municipal department, which includes stations in St. Adolphe and Ile des Chenes.

Since joining the department, Ash said the Ritchot Fire Department has become progressively improved with new equipment and training.

“The departments are growing and have been expanding to include more specialized training such as water rescue,” Ash continued. “One thing I would like to say is it is not the Fire Chief who makes a great fire department it is all the volunteers and paid on call fire personnel that makes it happen. They are the best!”

Ash admits that leaving the department was not easy, but as a new business owner, it was the right thing to do. “It has been a great twenty-three years with a lot of great times. I will miss it, but it is time for a new chief with new ideas to continue expanding the department,” Ash said. “If you can call this retirement, I will basically concentrate on my own business with Agcon Equipment. We have been in business now for 4 years, so I need to give it my full attention.”

RM of Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt said the municipality is sorry to see him go, along with Fire Captain Chad Leclaire who made his own similar announcement. “We are always grateful for the service these men and women provide to the

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Tyler Fehr looks over what is left of a 68 roadrunner he was in the process of restoring when a grass fire burned down the shop.

An out of control grass fire south of Mitchell caused $200,000 in damages to a home, and destroyed more than a dozen classic cars in the midst of restoration.

insurance companies,” Meilleur added.

“What some people might not understand is that it’s not just the car.

So much was lost. $200,000 worth of stuff went up in flames in just minutes.

I’m just trying to help get a little part of what was lost back.”

Meilleur has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the Fehr’s. To help out, donations can be sent to w w w. g o f u n d m e . c o m / scvtec?pc=14_tw_1.

Spring is finally here and pet owners are advised to keep an eye on their pets and watch for symptoms of Lyme disease.

According to Dr. Vanessa Graydon with the St. Pierre Veterinary Hospital, Lyme disease is now considered epidemic in Manitoba, and that should put us on the defensive.

“Although we only see the tick in the summer time, we continue to deal with the after effects throughout the rest of the year,” stated Graydon. “We have dealt with five cases of dogs over the winter that have come down with Lyme disease. Although the bite happened sometime during tick season, the bacterium stays in the system year round.”

Pet owners who think their dog or cat may have been exposed should take their animal to the veterinary. “Vets will assess risk, clinical signs, and possibly further testing to determine whether treatment is necessary in your pet’s case,” Graydon noted.

Lyme disease is spread by the bite of blacklegged tick. Blacklegged ticks pass through three different life stages (larva-1, nymph-2, adult male-3, adult female-4). The nymphal stage typically occurs during the summer months and is the stage most likely to infect people with Lyme disease. This is due to their small size, which prevents people from noticing them on their body. The bacteria live in the tick’s stomach and is transferred to a pet when the tick feeds. Then the bacteria enter the bloodstream where it has the potential to cause Lyme disease.

“Most pets can fight off this infection without us even noticing anything happened,” continued Graydon. “In some cases the pet gets sick.”

Things to watch for include fever, general malaise, lack of appetite, stiff walk with an arched back, sensitive to touch, recurring and shifting leg lameness, difficulty breathing and frequent urination. These symptoms can appear long after the initial bite and the disease can remain dormant.

Complications that are more serious include damage to the kidney, and rarely heart or nervous system disease. “The most common symptom seen at our clinic is lameness,” Graydon noted.

Lyme disease can be prevented by vaccinating against the disease and by preventing tick bites. There are also products available for the prevention of bites. However, the best defence is to keep your pet vaccinated, Graydon stressed.

Ritchot Promotes New Emergency Alert App

By Marianne Curtis Thanks to a new mobile app, RM of Ritchot residents are the first in Manitoba to have access to real-time updates and information in the event of an emergency in their community.

Integrated with live content from the Ritchot website the new app provides staff with the ability to send emergency alert notifications directly to residents who have downloaded the app to their cell phones.

Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt anticipates that this will benefit both the municipality and residents. “Given that much of our municipality is located in a flood zone, we wanted to launch the app before the 2015 spring thaw in the event that residents needed to be notified about any road closures or pertinent weather information,” said Hunt. “We encourage our residents and the media to download this app. It is an instant way to have access to information during emergency situations and to stay up-to-speed on what is going on in the community.” The app, developed by All-Net.ca using their iTown service, will also enable users to access to local notices, community events, maps, and the municipality’s business directory.

“The staff in the RM of Ritchot now have the ability to manage their website information with ease, while knowing they can also reach people immediately in a mobile world,” added Vern Sabeski, President of All-Net.ca.

The new app is free and can be downloaded by iPhone and Android users by searching for “Ritchot” in the App Store and on Google Play. It is directly linked to the municipal website at ritchot.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

May 2015

13

Niverville Firefighter Recognized

By Marianne Curtis Over two hundred people attended the Niverville Fire and Emergency Foundation Dinner, which took place on April 30 at the Heritage Centre.

According to George Sawatsky, about $8,000 was raised to help the Niverville Fire and Emergency Services to purchase a new Air Bottle Station.

The highlight of the night was the presentation of a prestigious award. Gary Macdonald, a thirty-seven year veteran volunteer firefighter with the Niverville Fire Department was presented with the Province of Manitoba highest award that a firefighter can receive.

As one of Niverville’s longest serving members with an incredible, impeccable resume and experience in emergency services, Macdonald was presented with the Mary Beth Dolin Meritorious Fire Service Award. He earned the award for his many years of service with the St. James, Winnipeg, and Niverville Fire Departments as well as his ongoing work with the Office of the Fire Commissioner as an instructor, an examiner, and member of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing team. He is also one of the founding members of the Fightfighers Burn Fund in Manitoba.

Brad Wasilinchuk, deputy chief with Niverville Fire and EMS says that Macdonald is very actively involved with the department.

“He joined us in 2002 until he retired. Even though he’s retired he still comes to meetings every second week, and helps train our members,” Wasilinchuk says. “He is a great inspiration to our younger members.”

Katelyn Derksen, a nursing student from Niverville, was presented the South Eastman Health Scholarship during the event also.

The Niverville Fire and Emergency Foundation is governed by a group of community minded citizens, which annually raises funds for the promotion and support of worthwhile community endeavors advancing health and recreational services in our community.

Group Set Up to “Bless” Moms A non-profit group based out of Niverville is looking for new and gently used items and distribute to mothers in need.

According to Ashley Hayward, Baby Blessings has a desire to bless any mother along their parenting journey with a small act of kindness.

“Our women contact us from groups such as North End Women’s Centre, Villa Rosa women’s shelter, Agape House, FASD’s life’s journey, Sara Riel, Child and Family Services, just to name a few,” explained Hayward. “Many come to us directly through word of mouth. We are run strictly by volunteers and receive no funding.”

More info can be found on facebook (www.facebook.com/ babyblessingsmb) or their website at www.babyblessings.ca.

Long time firefighter Gary Macdonald and his wife Sandra with his award.

Students Lose Weather Balloon The students from a Winnipeg school are hoping for some help from the rural community.

Heidi Werner, a physics teacher at the St James Collegiate in Winnipeg and her students recently launched a weather balloon into the atmosphere, but after the launch they lost radio contact.

According to Werner, the class predicted that the balloon would land somewhere northeast of Morris, and although the students spent two days searching, they were unable to find it.

There is a light blue foam box, measuring 25 cm, attached to a bright orange parachute. The contents are very valuable to the school. It contains two cameras which will give a great view of the planet, and Arduino (computer board) containing temperature and pressure data, and the radio tracking beacon as well as some other personal items. Different means of communication is being used to locate the missing weather balloon.

If anyone has found something or seen the fallen balloon, residents are asked to report their findings to Heidi Werner, 204-898-4457 or by e-mail: heidiwerner@shaw.ca Anyone who finds it could have their name included in the classes’ publications.

The weather balloon is bright orange like the one pictured on the left.

This box contains several pieces of valuable equipment and information.

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More Than Just News!

May 2015

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

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

Membership is only $25 per year due by January 15 of each year for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights and eligibility to serve on the board or committees. The fee after January 15, 2015 is $30.

Join early and avoid the $5 late fee!

Centre will be closed on Monday, May 18 for Victoria Day. Community Garden: Volunteers needed to help us get the garden spots ready, planting, weeding, and watering our garden. Please note that all of the produce that is grown is used in our kitchen for the Meals on Wheels Program. Any help with this project is greatly appreciated Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: Mother’s Day Supper: Take mom to Hawaii for Mother’s Day on Monday, May 11 at 6 pm. Nothing can repay the lifetime of sacrifices a mother makes, but that won’t stop us from trying. For all those years spent sprinkling chocolate chips in your pancakes, cutting off crusts so you don’t have to, or even making your favorite meal when you have had a bad day, she has most definitely earned an evening spent in … Hawaii! Treat mom to a well-deserved Mother’s Day supper with a Hawaiian theme! Please call ahead to register at 204-320-4600. The cost is $10 per person.

Back to Nature Nordic Hiking: 90 Day Hiking Program starting on Thursday, June 4. Explore Steinbach’s many parks as well as a few of Manitoba’s Provincial Parks. Program includes structured walking program, advice on fitness goals and weight loss, nutritional information, and more! Transportation, park entry fees and refreshments provided. Contact Carrie at: 204-320-4604 AGM & BBQ Volunteer Appreciation: On Thursday, June 11, beginning at 2 pm with the AGM followed by entertainment and BBQ Supper and Volunteer Awards at 4 pm and more entertainment and dessert at 6 pm.

Potlucks: On Thursdays, May 14 at 6 pm. If you know, you are coming, please call the week ahead and let us know. Cost is $6 per person. Please bring a Salad, Casserole or Dessert large enough to share.

Old Time Country Dance: With live band, Old Time Band on Friday, May 29 from 8 pm until 12 am. Tickets available at the centre or if you cannot make it in, we can take Visa or MasterCard payments over the phone. Advanced tickets are $10 for members; $12 for non-members and $14 at the door. Lunch served at 10 pm.

Police Academy - Older Adult Division: Every Thursday afternoon from April 23 - May 28 from 1- 3:30 pm. May 7, May 14, May 21 and May 28. Free admission and refreshments provided. This 12-hour workshop spread over 6 weeks focuses on skills and safety principles for older adults. The program is offered in partnership with the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Secretariat, The Manitoba Association of Senior Centres (MASC), Manitoba Consumers Bureau, Steinbach Fire Department,

Dawson Trail Dispatch

City of Steinbach, RCMP - Steinbach Detachment, Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, Southeast Wellness Pharmacy, Safety Services Manitoba, and the Pat Porter Active Living Centre. Presentations include Identity theft, Planning your future, fall prevention, safe banking practices, Frauds & frauds, Safety at home and on the street, Fire safety, Emergency preparedness, Safe driving practices, Scooter safety, Medication safety, Elder abuse, Substance and gambling. On the final week, participants are presented with a certificate and encouraged to share the information with other older adults. Contact Carrie at 204-320-4604 for more information and to register.

Computer Lab: Need help with your computer skills? Call the centre and make an appointment. Labs are 1 hour long and available every Wednesday morning from 9 am – Noon. Please call the centre at 204320-4600.

Birthday Celebrations: First Wednesdays of the month, May 6, June 3 and July 8 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.

Parkinson’s Support Group: On Tuesday May 12 from 1 - 4 pm.

Brain Injury Support Group: On Monday, May 25 from 7 - 8:30 pm.

Beltone Hearing: On the third Friday of each month on May 29.

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 – 3 pm 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 204-320-4605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend.

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

Brides Treated to a Grand Wedding Experience at the Trans-Canada Centre

By Marianne Curtis Over one hundred brides and their bridal parties came out to Ile Des Chenes on April 18 to take in the first ever Wedding Experience.

For one day, the Trans-Canada Centre (TCC) in Ile des Chenes was transformed into a wedding chapel, banquet room and dance hall. Instead of visiting various tables at a traditional trade show, the first ever Wedding Experience transported perspective brides into what could be their actual wedding.

“I don’t think there has ever been a show like this anywhere in Manitoba,” organizer Yvette Bernat, Facilities Manager for the TCC. “You could feel the magic from the moment you walked through the door.”

Unlike traditional wedding shows, there were no trade booths. Vendors were invited to highlight their products throughout the facility and centre stage.

“Our team of exhibitors showcased the most sought after products and services in a manner that brides to be could actually see, touch, hear and taste,” Bernat continued. “Our aim was to give brides and grooms the opportunity to meet face to face with professional industry vendors and help them make specific wedding decisions.”

Peggy Wiebe, from Little Flower Shop was instrumental in transforming the hall into a beautiful wonderland. “This was a great event, and as you can see the hall transforms into this beautiful venue. The vendors made valuable contact with people instead of having brides grab information and move to the next booth,” Wiebe continued. “We can’t wait to do this again next year and it will be bigger and better.”

The event also provided a means of promoting the Trans-Canada Centre, which is owned by the RM of Ritchot, as a location for weddings, socials

Yvette Bernat, Facilities Manager for the TransCanada Centre and Peggy Wiebe, from Little Flower Shop are already making plans for next year’s Wedding Experience.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

and other events.

“We have this beautiful building that has so many possibilities, but it is the most underused facility in the municipality,” Bernat added. “We need to change that perception.”

Vendors included Little Flower Shop, Urban Prairie Cuisine, Summer Bounce Entertainment, Have a Seat Linens and Decor, Event Light, Jeremy Dueck Photography, Moving Pictures Studeo, Salon 421, Couture Love, Pelee Island Winery, HM Events, Turning Points and Kiss the Girl Boudoir.

Sharing Our Stories…

Not Alone May 3 – May 9, 2015 has been coined the Let No One Be Alone awareness week. People who experience loneliness often feel a general sense of emptiness, do not have people that they feel close to, miss having people around and often feel rejected. Everyone knows someone who lives alone. Let’s take the time to make sure those who are alone know that we care!

In 2012, Brenda Tonn, a Seniors Resource Coordinator from the community of Plumas, developed an innovative initiative to reach isolated seniors called “Let No One Be Alone Week.” She envisioned a week focused on increasing awareness about those who are alone and encouraging everyone to reach out to, visit, call and/or reconnect with someone who may be lonely. Brenda shared her passion to make a difference by networking with other Seniors Resource Coordinators and others across the province. Today, more than 50 communities across Manitoba participate in this week of awareness.

It is Brenda’s hope that this number continues to grow, and that perhaps this week will be celebrated nationally.

As individuals, we should be asking ourselves, what the impact of loneliness in our communities is. Being lonely, as well as being socially isolated, can have a negative impact on the health of anyone. Social networks, social participation and feelings of belonging are important to healthy living, disease prevention and the prevention of isolation among older adults. We know that older people who remain active in society and stay socially connected are happier, physically and mentally healthier, and better able to cope with life’s ups and downs. The initiative called “Let No One Be Alone” is being undertaken by several organizations, including many communities under the umbrella of the Senior Support Programs of Manitoba.

No matter how little or how much you do, every bit will make a difference. Here are some simple ideas of things that you can do: - Call a friend or family member; and encourage others to call an important older person in their lives.

- Take someone out for lunch, coffee, a drive or a movie!

- Bring people together to play games and/or visit.

- Ask people you know to reach out to those that are alone by visiting or doing something kind for them.

- Host an event that reaches out to people who are alone such as a BBQ or tea. Encourage people who attend the event to bring someone with them.

- Offer to run an errand for someone … be supportive-clean someone’s yard … or bake a goodie basket for a neighbour.

- Develop an intergenerational project to bring together youth and older people during this week.

- Spread the word to others in your community by word of mouth or through existing networks, i.e. make copies of the Let No One Be Alone poster (attached) and place them throughout your community.

- Advertise the week in newsletters and local papers; or write an article to increase awareness about social isolation.

- Join the Let No One Be Alone Facebook page at facebook.com/ LetNoOneBeAlone.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Build a Roof Campaign Fundraiser a Huge Success

By Marianne Curtis The need to construct a no-kill animal shelter in southern Manitoba is no laughing matter, but a recent fundraiser kept the audience in stitches.

On April 11, comedian Matt Falk, Magician Chris Funk and Musician Cornie Rempel took to the stage at the Pat Porter Centre in Steinbach in support of the Build a Roof campaign.

Barry Piasta, founder of dogadoptionmb.com organized the Build a Roof Variety Show. Money raised during the fundraiser will go to help the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue raise funds to build a No Kill Shelter that would service all the community’s in southeastern Manitoba.

“As the area grows and the population of new young families grows, so does the pet population,” said Piasta. “With this growth comes new challenges for the area, including animal control, lost and found pets, animal abandonment, care and control questions, along with spay and neuter programs.”

Michelle Neufeld, President of Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue says the organization is moving full steam ahead with fundraising so the organization can obtain a suitable building for a rescue. “We had just about 100 people attend, and about $2,100 was raised after expenses,” stated Neufeld. “Our entertainers were great and everyone said they did a great job. We had a lot of support from local businesses and we thank them for it.”

Neufeld said the organization has elected a board of directors and the group is moving towards being able to build or buy a building to establish a shelter

Approximately 100 people came out to support of the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue in April 11.

in the area. “We are working on the paperwork aspect of the rescue, such as applying for charitable status and government grants,” Neufeld continued. “We need to raise a lot of money if we want to purchase a building or build which hopefully gets on its way in the near future, but for now we take in as many animals as we can and place them in foster homes.”

Along with Neufeld, the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue board consists of Natasha Wharrad, Ann Wowchuck and Jon Binding.

Neufeld said that more foster homes are needed. “All of our adoptable pets are in foster homes while we work on our main goal, which is to have a building to temporarily house stray and abandoned animals,” Neufeld continued. “We only take in emergency cases and need foster home to help out. We provide all the vet care and food.”

Contact Michelle Neufeld at 204-392-7646 or Natasha Wharrad at 204-392-7205 for more information or visit their website at steinbachanimalrescue.com.

Final Fundraising Push for Community Park

May 2015

This Celebration is 150 Years in the Making Provencher MP Ted Falk is inviting residents and groups in Provencher to get involved in the celebration of the country’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation.

In the lead up to and during 2017, Canadians are being encouraged to give back to their community and their country in ways that will have a lasting effect on Canadian life for generations to come. Exceptional Canadian people, places, achievements and events will be showcased to help shape Canada’s leaders of tomorrow.

“Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017 is set to be an exceptional year for Canadians,” said Falk. “In a country as vast and diverse as Canada, each of us can contribute something unique and meaningful to this celebration.

Canada 150 programming will aim to make the most of government investments and generate economic spin-offs for communities of all sizes across the country.”

As announced in Budget 2015, a total of $210 million over four years, starting in 2015–16, will support activities, events and celebrations across Canada.

Eligible funding recipients under the Canada 150 Fund include not-for-profit organizations, including corporations, trusts, cooperatives and unincorporated associations; business corporations, including partnerships, trusts and joint ventures where projects are non-commercial in nature; schools; and municipal governments and their institutions.

For applications or more information visit canada150.gc.ca or contact the Department of Canadian Heritage Regional office at 204-983-3601, 1-866-811-0055 or email pnr.rpn@pch.gc.ca.

La Broquerie to Host Town Cleanup The La Broquerie Community Development Corporation is inviting residents to come out and participate in the first annual town cleanup. The one day event begins at 9 am on May 9, at the La Broquerie Arena.

Teams will be given maps and assigned a one mile area they are responsible to cleanup. There will also be hazardous waste and large item crews circulating the routes to maintain safety.

Lunch will be provided at the La Broquerie Arena beginning at 11 am until all the teams return.

The community of St. Adolphe will soon have new green space for everyone to enjoy.

By Marianne Curtis For the past five years, the St. Adolphe Community Green Space Committee (SCGSC) has been working towards the improvement of the green space located behind the Ecole St. Adolphe School (ESAS).

Lesley Gaudry, Project Coordinator, St. Adolphe Community Green Space Committee said the group formed to address the critical need of upgrading the existing 25 year old play structure and replacing it with a green space plan with a community-based vision.

“Since the decommissioning of the old St. Adolphe Park, and the inability to put any permanent infrastructure on the site, St. Adolphe has not had a central community green space since 1997,” Gaudry explained. “The St. Adolphe residents will benefit from this project because it will give students and community residents a safe, accessible, engaging, and greener place to play, gather and participate in recreational activities.”

The Community Green Space and Playground will service youth from ages 3 - 15, as well as teenagers and adults.

There will be a sand zone for younger children, a revitalized

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four square, Tetherball, a basketball hard surface play zone for the older children, and pathways and benches for older residents should they like to take a walk or sit at evening recreation programs such as baseball and soccer, Gaudry added.

Through fundraising, grant applications, and in cooperation with the ESAS Parent Advisory Council, the Seine River School Division, the Municipality of Ritchot, and HTFC Planning and Design, the group is nearing their goal to start construction.

Total costs of the project are close to $200,000 which includes plans, excavation, drainage, rough grading, hard surface and soft surface landscaping, sand zones, play surfacing and play zone equipment). Gaudry said they have about $50,000 left to raise.

The Community Green Space and Playground will be available for students of the St. Adolphe Child Care Centre and the St. Adolphe School during school operating hours, following regular school hours, the play zones and sand zone is available for community use as well on weekends. Special events can also be held with school permission. There will be garbage and recycling receptacles on site and residents are asked to respect the school grounds.

Construction is expected to begin in July 2015 and finish August 2016.

More Than Just News!

May 2015

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

Freedom from the Snare of Spiritual Lethargy How many times in life have we been snared or ensnared by something or someone? The Bible mentions snares 70 times and lists about 25 different types of snares that people can be caught in.

I have a friend who is a trapper and he uses snares as a form of trap to catch certain wild animals. His snare is a wire tied to a stake that encircles part of an animal and pulls tighter on the animal as it struggles. This snare has a slipknot that only tightens.

But the broad definition of snare is anything by which one is entangled and brought into trouble or difficulty.

There are four basic truths about snares.

1. Snares are hidden when set.

2. Snares are put on well-travelled trails.

3. You can’t get out of a snare by yourself.

4. The more you fight the snare the worse it gets.

In the past, I assumed another basic truth about snares to be that they are set by an enemy. But as I studied the Bible, I found this not necessarily so. Isaiah 8:13-15 says, “Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin (trap) and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.”

Obviously, God became a snare to these people. They, in their pride and indifference for God, had forgotten Him and wanted nothing to do with Him. So God sent those evil times to give them an opportunity to recognize their wrongdoing and give them a chance to get right.

God allows troubles and trials to come into our lives and sometimes they are snares ordained by God to wake us up from our spiritual lethargy. God may send snares to individuals, to families, to communities, to countries or to the whole world.

God’s purpose in allowing snares in our lives is not for punishment, as most people would suppose. Rather, it’s to wake us up and warn us that judgment is coming unless we take heed of the warning signs. God could just send judgment and He would be justified in doing that, but He is gracious and long suffering and He desires everyone to come to Him for salvation.

When a trapper sets a snare for an animal, he may have to leave it there a long time before the snare does its work. Similarly, with God, He may have to leave a snare for us for a long time before it finally does its work, we submit, and yield to God’s will.

II Timothy 2:24-26 tells us the way to deal with snares. If we just acknowledge the truth, quit opposing ourselves, submit to God and repent (change our thinking and our actions), then God will see that the snare is removed.

Years ago, I lived in a small northern community in Ontario. A wire at our local waste disposal site snared a wolf. People wanted to free him and he desperately wanted free, but nothing could be done for him until he quit fighting. When exhausted, he just lay still and allowed the people to cut the snare and loose him. Then he was free.

If you are trapped in a snare today, God is patiently waiting for you to quit fighting it and trying to do it on your own. When you submit to God, He will free you from your snare. II Corinthians 3:17 says, “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Are you enjoying that liberty today?

God bless you as you seek Him. If you have any questions, contact me at dmillar@nlis.ca.

Woodridge Championship Fiddler Releases New CD at Age 86 One of Manitoba’s finest fiddlers, Alex Carriere, at age 86 is still in great form as he prepares to release his latest CD project entitled Waltzing with Alex.

The release party and dance will take place at the Transcanada Center in Ile De Chene at 7:30 pm on Saturday, May 23. The dance will feature the music of Alex’s grandson, Michael Audette & his band, Just a Coincidence. The evening line up has a number of special guest musicians performing including 86-year-old Carriere, Carriere is one of the last Métis fiddlers still alive from a group of many other outstanding fiddlers who were predominant at the beginning of the Festival de Voyageurs. He was a grand champion fiddler at the event and over the years won many other fiddling contests.

Carriere’s strength has always been his ability to make people dance with his impeccable fiddling skills.

Carriere was born in the small community of Woodridge in the RM of Piney, the home of another very popular fiddler, Andy Dejarlis.

“If it were not for Andy, I would not have picked up the fiddle. I started out by playing guitar, often times as a back-up for Andy, and quickly recognized that he was getting all the attention,” stated Alex. “I decided that the fiddle was the instrument and I wanted to learn to play it.

Andy was one of the smoothest fiddlers ever to play the fiddle and I decided very early in my musical career to copy his style. That is one of the main reasons why I wanted to release a CD that contained many of the waltzes that were made popular by Andy.”

The CD, Waltzing with Alex, features 15 beautiful

Foodbank to Open in Ste. Anne

waltzes that will definitely keep people dancing for many years.

This project was brilliantly co-produced and engineered by Jeremy Rusu, who also played every backup instrument except the fiddle.

Patti Kusturok, a national fiddling champion, does an amazing job on harmony fiddle.

Additional information on Alex Carriere’s release party and dance is available by contacting either Ronnie at 219-6319 or Judy at audettejudy@gmail.com.

The Town of Ste. Anne will soon have a new food bank, thanks to the hard work of a number of concerned volunteers.

On April 29, about one hundred people came to the Accueil Kateri Centre, which is located in the Knights of Columbus Hall to celebrate the upcoming opening of a new food bank in the community.

Staffed with local volunteers, the facility is expected to address an

unfortunate need in the community.

Joanne Vielfaure-Romaniuk, Social Worker, Seine River School Division says the facility was named the Accueil Kateri Centre in honour of a young aboriginal woman who died in 1680 at 24 years old.

“She was a person of faith who went through a lot of suffering during her short life, but who never lost hope for a better future. Kateri serves as an encouragement to those

involved in establishing a food bank and as an inspiration to those who are suffering because of a lack of food,” Vielfaure-Romaniuk explained.

Claudette Lavack will be donating her time as Coordinator of the new food bank, Vielfaure-Romaniuk added.

A kickoff took place with the Ecole Ste. Anne School Band providing the entertainment and David

Northcotte of Winnipeg Harvest congratulating the community for this local initiative.

Donations in support of the new facility can be made at the Ville of Ste-Anne office. Charitable receipt will be provided.

Construction still underway to the facility, but it is expected to be open for the first clients on June 24.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

May 2015

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When All Things Become Equal 2 Corinthians 5:1-10…

1) For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2) Meanwhile, we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3) because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4) For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5) Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6) Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7) For we live by faith, not by sight. 8) We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9) So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (NIV) Death has been called, “The moment when all things become equal.” However, that too maybe a confusing expression. It is true no matter who we are, how much money we have, or how much influence we exert, death is inescapable. Some have the idea that when they die everything is finished, and the only happiness they can experience is what they have experienced while here on earth. When they suffer, whether from illness or any other kind of sorrow, they take comfort in the idea that death will end all their sorrows and all their sufferings. Another said, “I have never known anything but misery and now I am dying as I have lived. Do you think God would allow me to be miserable in the next world to come?”

Many have that view today, but it is as wrong today as it was in Christ’s time. Death is an equalizer only in the sense that all must die. But it does not necessarily equal out the blessings and agonies of this world. That is what makes hell so terrible and heaven such a blessing. It is not merely that hell is a place of suffering, though it is. It is that the loss of those in hell becomes ever more horrid and the desperation of the lost ever more desperate. In heaven the opposite is true… the pleasures of the saints just keeps on getting better and better.

What is this death we see and hear about every day? We all know that the body dies when the spirit leaves it. I have never seen a spirit hanging around a dead body have you?

Yet all ministers at every funeral I believe say the same thing, “Ashes-to-ashes, and dust-to-dust.”

Then they go on to explain how the dead person’s spirit has moved on to see their heavenly glory. But they never seem to mention hell. None of us I believe has ever heard of a minister conducting a hell-bound-funeral.

There are those who believe that when we die we simply move into a temporary state where our family and friends can pray for us to free us from whatever form of punishment that God has in mind for us. Luke 16:19-31) There are some who believe that death is the terminator of everything. In other words, there is nothing beyond the grave, there is no afterlife, this is all there is. Others on the other hand slip into despair at the very thought of death, for them there is nothing but darkness and a Christ-less grave.

The Bible teaches that all must die, and therefore, death occurs to all. It is the ultimate result of sin. But we only die once, and after death we will be judged by God. When we die, if there is a breach between God, and us it will be an unbridgeable fracture. (Luke 16:26) But if we have lived as a child of God, by that I mean; if we have accepted Christ into our hearts, we will instantly be transported into the very presence of Christ, never too lose our place in heaven … 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.

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More Than Just News!

May 2015

Funding Shortage is Issue for New President of Trails Manitoba Wayne Arseny, current VicePresident and Trail Boss of the Crow Wing Trail Association has been elected as President of Trails Manitoba. As ex-mayor of Emerson, Arseny was involved from the beginning in the development of the Association and the Crow Wing Trail as part of the Trans Canada Trail.

Arseny comes to the position with a depth of experience chairing Rivers West and the Red River Basin Tourism Committee among others.

“I am truly excited about this opportunity to work with all trail groups across Manitoba, including the national connection with the Trans Canada Trail,” stated Arseny.

“I look forward to the challenges all trail groups face in not only building trails, but facing the continued maintenance issues which have cost implications and shortage of monies for volunteers to do alone.”

“Trails are looked at as wanted and needed by the public in a very intune physically fit society we live in now. As President, one has to work with all groups, including the builders, the users and government.

We also need to ensure necessary funding for complete connectivity all across Manitoba,” Arseny Crow Wing Trail Vice President Wayne Arseny is the new President of Trails Manitoba. continued.

La Broquerie CDC Offers New Opportunities to Businesses

By Marianne Curtis Following the 2015 Economic Forum, there is a growing interest to formalize a local Chamber of Commerce. According to the Community Development Corporation (CDC) President, Joseph Giesbrecht the main reasons businesses want to unite is for political advocacy, intra-commerce (with and between local businesses) and La Broquerie area marketing strategies.

The La Broquerie CDC covers the entire RM of La Broquerie, which includes from Steinbach City limits eastward, the Kokomo area, the LUD of La Broquerie, Marchand and Zhoda.

“Distance is certainly an issue as well as competition and interest from the bigger centres like Steinbach and Winnipeg. Another big issue is communication,” Giesbrecht explained.

“Our region struggles both with Internet and an extreme lack of cell service. Both of which are critical in today’s economy.”

Geographically the area is quite large, but the La Broquerie CDC is confident they can bring everyone together to form a united voice for business in the area. “We wanted to encourage business along the 210 corridor and foster a natural partnership with the RM of Piney businesses,” Giesbrecht explained. “As for the exact number of businesses in our mandate, that is not fully known yet. We hope to have a comprehensive list compiled shortly.”

To facilitate this process, the CDC has established a free community website to stay connected with the business community. Businesses are encouraged to add their listing, post upcoming events, job listings and other ads.

The La Broquerie CDC has also launched a YOUTUBE BIZ video of the week contest.

Contact the CDC Projects Officer to book a 1-minute video ad or send your own commercial to be featured on the Community website through YouTube. Every week a new BIZ will be featured.

“The YouTube is a new venture. Something a little fun that we can play with,” Giesbrecht continued. “Currently it will be posted on the CDC website, but if it is a hit, we may expand it to other media outlets.”

Contact the CDC to book a free video advertisement at sdclabroquerie@gmail.com, 204371-0379 or check out their website at labroquerie.communityinfo.net.

Two Hospitalized After Trans Canada Collision Near Richer The Richer Fire Department was called to an accident on the north side of Highway 1 and Road 302 near Richer shortly before 5 pm on April 28.

A spokesperson for the Richer Fire Department said a car collided with the side of a Semi at about 60km/h. According to the Fire Department the driver and a passenger of the car were taken to the hospital, however their condition is unknown.

The driver of the semi truck was not injured.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Sugar Festival’s Sweet Success

Terry Hayward (right) learns how to make rope the old fashioned way during this year’s Sugaring off Festival in St. Pierre-Jolys.

During the month of April, the annual festival celebrating spring took place in St. Pierre-Jolys.

The Sugaring Off Festival was held on April 11 and 12 in the Cabane à Sucre on the grounds of the Musée St-Pierre-Jolys in St. Pierre-Jolys.

Each year, visitors from all over the province attend the festival, which is designed to celebrate the tradition of tapping Maple sap to make syrup and maple butter. As part of the celebrations, visitors to the Cabane à Sucre were shown how to properly tap a Maple tree for the sweetness inside, witness the dehydrating process first hand and then given the opportunity to sample the finished product.

The annual weekend event was full of activities, including taffy on snow, an interpretive centre demonstrating the production of maple syrup, horse wagon rides, museum tours, traditional French-Canadian dining and local entertainment.

The site was also open to students from over a dozen rural and Winnipeg school groups who came out during the week prior to the actual festival. The students watched the process beginning with tapping the maple sap from the four hundred and fifty trees around St. Pierre-Jolys, down to making and enjoying the final product.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

RCMP Take Down Large Grow Op On April 23 RCMP conducted a traffic stop and while speaking to the driver, police observed what appeared to be waste from a grow operation and noted a strong odour of raw marihuana coming from inside the vehicle. As a result, a search warrant was obtained for a nearby residence connected to the driver.

The next day on April 24, a Controlled Drug and Substances Act warrant was executed on a rural property in the RM of Reynolds.

RCMP officers from Lac du Bonnet, Whitemouth and Beausejour Detachments seized approximately 500 plants, as well as equipment used in the grow operation. Ba Tong Ly, 56, of Winnipeg, was arrested and charged with Unlawful Production of Marihuana and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He has been remanded in custody and appeared in Winnipeg Provincial Court on April 27.

Those who traffic in illicit drugs

May 2015

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Niverville Chamber Hands out First Business Awards

Photo courtesy of RCMP.

destroy lives, homes and communities. The RCMP remains fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent.

Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking is asked

to call their local police agency or RCMP Detachment, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800222-8477, submit a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

Six Groups to Benefit from St. Labre 200

Allan Anderson presented Allan and Brenda Sawatsky of Sparkline Autoworks with the Outstanding Customer Service 2014 award.

Six non-profit groups from the region have been named as the beneficiaries of the 7th Annual St. Labre 200.

The annual event won’t take place until July, but teams and organizations are already ready to roll. In March, organizers of the St. Labre 200 invited non-profit organizations to apply for funds through their “Giving Back to the Community Campaign”.

Proceeds from this year’s event will be divided between the Compassionate Quilters in Vita, Woodridge Fire Fighters Association, Agape House, Expressions Through Art, Ecole Point-des-Chene’s Alternative Education Program and Canadian CMV Foundation. Since the event started seven years ago, $38,000 has been donated to non-profit groups throughout the region.

St. Labre 200 includes many activities and raises funds with a community supper, concessions, merchandise, a team auction, an on-site donation jar and a raffle.

The main event is a 24 hour go-cart build-off followed by a 200 lap race (50 miles). Other activities on the grounds include excavator and skid steer rodeo, bounce castles, R/C race cars, rubber boot toss, live bands, Red Bomb Fireworks, a Manitoba Arm Wrestling Association sanctioned tournament and many other activities.

This year’s St. Labre 200 will take place July 10 to 11. There is no admission cost at the gate but donations are greatly appreciated.

City Promotes Emergency Preparedness

Carl and Heather Fast, the owners of Wm. Dyck & Sons receive the Outstanding Business of the Year from Allan Anderson.

On April 23, the Niverville Chamber of Commerce recognized two local businesses in the community with business awards during this year’s annual meeting. This is the first time that the Niverville Chamber has recognized local business owners with business awards.

Approximately sixty people came out for the annual meeting, where GORP Energy Bar company owners Colleen and Grant Dyck shared their experience with business and how it affects community and personal lives. emergencies and making plans. It situations, but they can also

By Marianne Curtis Afterwards, the first annual business awards were handed out. The is also recommended to have educate themselves on the City’s inaugural Outstanding Business of the Year Award 2014 was presented to emergency plans,” Vassart added. enough non-perishable food items The first week of May is Carl and Heather Fast, the owners of Wm. Dyck & Sons. and water for both people and pets To ensure that everyone has officially Emergency Preparedness The first Outstanding Customer Service Award was presented to Allan access to information, the City has to last at least three days.

Month and the City of Steinbach and Brenda Sawatsky, of Sparkline Autoworks. created a Facebook page, called is reminding residents to prepare Steinbach Emergency for anything.

Preparedness for information on Denis Vassart, Emergency various types of emergencies and Planning Coordinator for Steinbach encourages all residents how to be prepared. During an to prepare for any type of disaster emergency, relevant information simply by preparing a 72-hour kit. and updates will be posted to the page with links to other pertinent “Emergency preparedness is something every family should be sources of information. Twitter users can practicing year-round,” said Vassart. “This includes things like follow EmergAlertSteinbach to receive future alerts regarding purchasing a weather radio, emergencies in the City of planning a fire evacuation route, and packing a 72-hour emergency Steinbach.

Taking place May 3 - 9, National kit.”

Emergency Preparedness Week Vassart points to the excellent serves as a reminder to make sure sources of information available you have all the necessary items via the City’s website, for you and your family to survive steinbach.ca, as well as links to in the event of an emergency. other federal emergency Preparing for an emergency can preparedness websites. “Citizens begin with checking supplies at can not only access information home, including flashlights, and brochures that will help them batteries, preparing children for prepare for different emergency

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More Than Just News!

May 2015

Hogs Perish in Greenland Area Fire On April 17, a hog barn fire claimed the lives of thousands of hogs located in a barn west of Greenland Road.

The RM of Ste. Anne Fire Department, including crews from Richer and Giroux responded to the blaze after an alert passerby spotted smoke and called 911 just before 1 pm in the afternoon.

Steinbach RCMP said that approximately 3,000 hogs died in the fire.

The Office Of The Fire Commissioner has determined that the fire was accidentally started because of hot metal embers from a contractor grinding a hole through metal siding.

The loss is estimated at $3.6 million.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Filipino Community Elects New Leader The new President of the South Eastman Filipino Association (SEMFA) Raymond Chua (left) is welcomed to his new role by the outgoing President Cesar Valdez (centre). Overseeing the ceremony wearing a formal Filipino Barong is Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen.

SEMFA organizes local events for Filipino families as well as participating in community events in and around the Steinbach area. The new president and officers of the Association were sworn in at an induction ceremony on Saturday April 18 in Steinbach. They were elected to serve a two-year term.

Petition Circulating Against Piney Administrator

By Marianne Curtis The RM of Piney administrator could be in an awkward position after a petition started circulating earlier in May. The petition suggests that he is not doing his job, and he should resign or municipal council should terminate him.

To date, over one hundred and seventy residents have signed the petition which demands that CEO Martin Van Osch resign his position immediately. Word of the petition first surfaced on Facebook on the Sprague River Inn business page after owner Sheera York admits to starting it.

“We believe his negative treatment of the citizenry “ We believe his negative to be unacceptable, and we disagree with the direction treatment of the citizenry to be and guidance he provides council. We want fair and unacceptable, and we disagree ethical treatment,” the petition reads.

“Ratepayers have been voicing a variety of concerns with the direction and guidance pertaining to Mr. Van Osch, so I started the petition give them a chance to be heard,” says York. “As a he provides council. We want fair to ratepayer, I’ve had questions and concerns myself about how things are being handled in the office. and ethical treatment.”

Many of us feel that the new council and ratepayers are being misled by the administrator and that they are making important decisions based on his input and advice without all the information.”

Van Osch admits to knowing about the petition, but claims to have not seen it personally.

“Yes, I am aware of the petition,” stated Van Osch. “The public has many avenues to use in expressing their concerns and opinions. A petition is one means available to the public. I have not seen the petition and I do not know what is included in the petition.”

Van Osch stressed that the role of a CAO is outlined in the Municipal Act and he does not have his own agenda.

“Administrators are the individuals assigned to delegate and implement council’s decisions. We act based on bylaws, policies, and resolutions. As you are aware I am not a voting member of council, this is not the role of administration. We complete the tasks requested by the council,” Van Osch added. “I don’t believe there is much more that I wish to add to the discussion. I do my job.”

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

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Kleefeld Honey Festival to Send Champions to Cook-Off in Florida The Canadian Food Championships (CFC) is excited to be raising the stakes in their partnership with the Kleefeld Honey Festival. The top two winners of Kleefeld Honey Festival’s Chili Cook-Off will be sent straight to Kissimmee, Florida, to compete in the Chili category at the World Food Championships (WFC) for a shot at the grand prize of $100,000.

The Kleefeld Chili Cook-Off will see the area’s best chili cooks battle to win the hearts and taste buds of judges and the public alike on Saturday, August 8, 2015, for the Kleefeld Honey Festival’s 45th anniversary.

The 1st place winner of the chili cook-off will now receive $2,500 cash, a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships in November, and a $1,500 travel voucher to get there. The 2nd place winner will also receive a Golden Ticket to WFC, a $500 travel voucher, and $1,000 cash.

“The Kleefeld Honey Festival Committee and Earl’s Meat Market together are honoured to be the Canadian Chili Cook-Off Capital in 2015,” said Chili Cook-Off Event Manager Gord Meneer. “This opportunity presented by the Canadian Food Championships is unprecedented, so bring on your Chili to Kleefeld, Manitoba then to the World!”

Registration spots for Kleefeld Honey Festival’s chili cook-off are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up early at kleefeldpark.ca.

Registration is open to any Canadian citizen over the age of 16.

“We’re thrilled to be able to provide a chance for two Kleefeld Honey Festival competitors to represent Team Canada at the World Food Championships,” said Paul Lucas, Events General Manager. “We love the energy and charm that Kleefeld brings to CFC.” The Canadian Food Championships is a high energy, high intensity, timed, double blind judged cooking competition open to any Canadian resident with prizes valued at over $50,000. It is the only Canadian qualifying event to get to the WFC, where prizes of over $300,000 are up for grabs.

CFC is also looking for other cooking competitions to act as preferred qualifying events. If you think your event has what it takes to be a preferred qualifier, please contact Shannon at sarmstrong@eventsedmonton.ca.

The Kleefeld Honey Festival has been a yearly tradition since 1970 and is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. The festival weekend is fun for all ages, with a movie night, parade, chili cook-off, carnival and boasts to have the best fireworks show in southeast Manitoba.

This year’s festival takes place August 7-8 at the Kleefeld Park.

Rescues Expected at Eastman Adoption Event

By Marianne Curtis Families looking to expand their families by adding a cat or dog are encouraged to wait until the Eastman Pet Adoption Fair takes place at the end of the month.

On May 30, about a dozen dog and cat rescues from the province are expected to converge near Ste. Anne. Waldenway Canine and Kitty Camp are hosting the event this year, and they hope it becomes a bi-annual event.

Lise Simister, spokesperson on behalf of Waldenway is excited to be planning the event.

“This event is about getting as many adoptable dogs and cats in one location so that people will come out to see what animals are available at a variety of rescues and find the right dog for their families,” Simister says.

“We are bringing as many dogs from different places to one place at one time.”

Waldenway has been working closely with Barry Piasta, founder of dogadoption.com who organized the first pet adoption fair in Niverville a few years ago.

“The Niverville event was a huge event and it did very well. We are not looking to replace it,” Simister stresses. “Barry did an amazing job with the Niverville event, but he had to give it up due to health reasons.”

The Eastman Pet Adoption Fair is taking place on May 30, at Waldenway Canine and Kitty came, just west of Ste. Anne long Highway 206.

“We are looking to create a fun environment for families to meet new family members,” Simister continued. “To me, it’s about bringing a lot of goodness to both the animals and peoples lives and making life changing connections.”

On top of a variety of pets looking for new homes, there will be activities for the entire family, including bouncers, face painting, horse and pony rides, dog demonstrations, tours, music, vendors offering great products such as feeders, beds, nutritious treats, food and refreshments and silent auction.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Niverville to Participate in Communities in Bloom The Niverville Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents to participate in promoting the community with their blooms.

The Town of Niverville Council has demonstrated their commitment to improve the quality of life of the residents of Niverville by

participating in the 2015 National/ Provincial Communities in Bloom Program.

The Communities in Bloom Program is designed to build community pride in a variety of ways and involves both the local businesses and the residents on

Promoting Environmental Education for Students with River Watch The Seine-Rat River Conservation District (SRRCD) has partnered with South Central Eco Institute to bring “River Watch” to local schools in our district.

“River Watch is a citizen-science program. It gives schools an opportunity to participate in water quality testing of their local waterways. Students are involved in all aspects of water quality testing.

They help to collect and analyze the samples, as well as monitor water quality parameters such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and pH,” stated Alan Wiebe, Watershed Assistant for the SRRCD. The SRRCD provides on-the-ground-technical support to interested teachers, show the students how to conduct the different types of tests and help them understand what the results mean for their watershed.

All the data collected through the River Watch program are entered online at scecoinstitute.com.

To learn more about the program contact SRRCD office in La Broquerie at 204-424-5845, or in Vita at (204) 425-7877.

volunteer committees to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification throughout the community.

“Everyone is encouraged to come together as a community and develop new initiatives designed to showcase their community and

May 2015 heighten their sense of pride,” encouraged the Chamber.

Program objectives include increasing awareness of the program and its benefits for the environment, community and quality of life for all residents, promoting the development of community spirit and co-operation. It creates opportunities for resident participation at all age levels, creating civic pride, encouraging residents to take ownership of their community through the development of special projects.

The program also promotes tourism by bringing municipalities,

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businesses, service groups and residents together in support of the town.

During July or August 2015, Communities in Bloom judges will visit Niverville to rate the achievements on the eight program criteria and award a bloom rating of 1-5 blooms. Judges look for community participations in projects involving beautifications, heritage and environmental awareness.

Anyone interested in serving on a committee to develop special projects, please contact Shirley Hoult 0250shi@gmail.com.

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More Than Just News!

May 2015

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ste. Agathe Fire Hall BSI Donates Funds to in the Works Niverville Fire Department

RM of Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt has confirmed the rumours flying around the municipality about a new fire hall being organized and built in Ste. Agathe.

“The Ste. Agathe fire hall is in the works,” stated Hunt. “We are not sure of the time frame as there is a lot of work required to get it up and running.

It’s not a rumour, but it is a project that requires planning and budgeting.”

In the past few years, a number of new subdivisions, along with two canola plants in the area have contributed to significant growth within the community.

By-Election Called for the RM of Ste. Anne

Clayton Smeltz, CFO at BSI Insurance presents a cheque to the Niverville Fire Department including Keith Bueckert, Fire Chief (right).

On April 14, BSI Insurance donated $2,000 to the Niverville Fire Department for the purchase of an Air Bottle Fill Station.

An air bottle fill station fills selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles firefighters wear in

hazardous environments that allow the firefighter to breathe clean air.

The Fire Department members currently must drive to La Broquerie to fill their bottles, which can take up 2-5 hours of their day. With the purchase of this equipment, they will

be able to reduce this task to 1-3 hours a day and will be able to better respond at a moment’s notice.

The Niverville Fire Department has raised $25,500 of their $40,000 goal.

This donation is done in part with the BSI - Because We Care initiative.

Annual Tea Features Ukrainian Dance Troupe

On May 28, Ward 6 voters in the RM of Ste. Anne will be going to the polls to elect a new representative.

Two candidates have stepped forward to compete for the job. Faren Chadney and Randy Eros are looking for support to become the new councillor. The RM of Ste. Anne Ward 6 boundaries includes Paradise Village.

The by-election was called after the resignation of long time Councillor Laurie Evans. Evans was first elected to council in 2002. He was acclaimed twice, including the 2014 election.

Voting will take place at the RM of Ste. Anne office from 8 am – 8 pm.

Advance polls will be open May 21 from 8 am – 8 pm.

Voters can also cast their ballot via sealed envelope by applying in person, writing or by fax to the Senior Elections Officer at Rural Municipality of Ste. Anne, 395 Traverse Road, Ste. Anne, mailing address, Box 6, Grp 50, RR 1, Ste. Anne, MB, R5H 1R1, Fax 204-422-9723 or in person during regular office hours until May 25.

Co-op Approved for Ile des Chenes Ste. Anne Co-op has been given the green light to construct a brand new gas bar, car wash and convenience store to be built in Ile des Chenes.

On April 8, a conditional use permit application put forward by Henry Nickel, on behalf of Ste. Anne Co-op was approved by the RM of Ritchot Council. The new co-operative will be built on Quest Boulevard, on the west side of the community.

The new station is expected to replace the current Co-op gas bar located along Main Street.

St. Adolphe Dike Expansion Gets Green Light Construction of the St. Adolphe Dike Expansion project could start in June following the approval of the final portion of funding.

“There were times when I didn’t think the project was going to happen,” said RM of Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt. “It’s very exciting to finally have municipal, provincial and federal funding all taken care of.”

The dike expansion, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2016, will surround nearly 300 acres of developable land that could hold up to 1,300 housing units.

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

Ted Falk and his wife Irene, Dennis Smook, MLA for LaVerendrye and the Susydka Ukrainian Dance Group at the Rosa Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League Annual Tea on Sunday, May 3.

Family Activity Planned in Support of Local Hospital The Ste-Anne Hospital Fund is organizing its 1st annual Health Walk on Saturday, May 30 at 10:30 am starting from the Ste-Anne Hospital.

This fundraising event includes a 4 km family walk followed by a picnic lunch with outdoor activities for all ages, including the STARS MEU bus!

Register online at fondshospitalsteanne.ca/health-walk and download your pledge form. Registration is free. There will be door prizes for some lucky participants and grand prizes to be won for most money raised!

This event is an opportunity for the young and the not so young to enjoy a family walk.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

May 2015

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Gardening pointers for novices People have many reasons for growing gardens, and some of the most popular gardens are plots designated for cultivating herbs and vegetables. Fresh produce at the ready is a great benefit of having a home garden, which also allows homeowners to exercise full control over which products to use to grow robust, healthy vegetables.

Novice gardeners may not know where to begin when it comes to planting their first vegetable gardens, and such gardeners can benefit by starting small. You may want to begin by growing plants in containers so they are more manageable and can be moved as you discover which areas of your property provide the best growing conditions.

Begin with one or two types of vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumbers and certain squashes are popular starter plants, as they are relatively hardy. Select only a few plants so you are not overwhelmed with the level of care required to maintain your garden.

Some gardeners prefer to start plants from seeds, but this will require more time and a greater commitment with regard to maintenance and planting. When just starting out, experiment with small plants that are established and already have a good root system.

Consult with your local gardening center for more suggestions, such as which soil amendments to use. Plants may require a certain soil pH that can be adjusted for optimal plant growth.

Did you know?

Damage to a lawn may be indicative of various problems. Everything from insects to rodents to the family pet may be responsible for causing burnt patches, holes and other eyesores. Getting to the bottom of the problem is the first step in remediation. Burning and discoloration of the lawn is often a result of high concentrations of dog urine pooling in one area. Diluting the urine by hosing down areas of the lawn can clear up many problems. Birds, raccoons, skunks, moles, and other rodents may feed on grubs that reside just under the thatch of the lawn, and animals may tear up lawns in search of this delicacy. Treating the grub problem usually alleviates damage caused by animals. Mole crickets are another common lawn destroyer. These insects resemble crickets, but they burrow beneath the turf to feed on plant roots. The mole crickets can push up channels of turf as they burrow, exposing roots to the elements and causing the grass to die. Getting rid of the insects can revitalize the lawn.

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May 2015

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch