Dawson Trail Dispatch November 2015

Police Converge in St. Malo

By Marianne Curtis A massive criminal investigation involving both the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP moved into the St. Malo area around 1 pm on November 2.

Police will not give any more information other than the investigation is connected to the shooting death of 49-year-old Camille Runke on October 30.

She was found unresponsive with gunshot wounds outside JB’s Trophy on Marion Street in Winnipeg.

“RCMP are taking the lead at the scene. It was not a standoff. I can’t brief you on any backstory as to what it is connected to or the incident that started it,” stated Winnipeg Police Services, Constable Rob Carver. “There is a fairly large area secured and I don’t believe we have any concerns for public safety.”

Court documents show Camille Runke was granted a protection order against her estranged husband Kevin in late July. In the documents she wrote about him having access to a gun, stalking her home and that her “vehicle had been compromised.”

Kevin attempted to file his own protection order against Camille earlier in July, but it was denied.

Sources say that police received a tip that Kevin Runke was at a home on Lambert Road, two miles south of St. Malo when St. Pierre and Steinbach RCMP along with Winnipeg Police and SWAT converged on the residence.

Jason LaFrance and his family live within walking distance of where the tactical unit was stationed. He said it’s a “quiet town” and the large police presence is rare for the area.

“I live on the outskirts. We’ve got the doors locked and we’re sort of monitoring

Continued on page 3

Winnipeg RCMP and St. Pierre RCMP converge on a property south of St. Malo in connection with a murder investigation in Winnipeg.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

RM of Ste. Anne Forced to Close Lagoon Temporarily

By Marianne Curtis The RM of Ste. Anne is hoping to reopen their municipal lagoon after they voluntarily closed the facility October 21.

According to RM of Ste. Anne Reeve Art Bergmann, the municipality chose to close the lagoon temporarily after it failed to meet new standards. “The licensing requirements have changed and we were unable to release the second cell because of elevated phosphate and ecoli levels,” Bergmann confirmed. “We, the municipality, made this decision, not the province.”

According to Bergmann, the municipality had hoped to discharge the second cell of the lagoon into the Seine River Diversion back in June, however it failed tests. He blamed migrating geese for the problem. “The levels were four times higher than what they were supposed to be,” Bergmann stated. “Our lagoon does not have a force main coming into it and so most of the effluent that is brought there is from septic tanks and so it’s pretty loaded with nutrients.”

Bergmann said the RM of Ste Anne hired Nelson Environmental in late summer, which treated the lagoon with alum. The municipality was finally able to bring down the levels with the help of added chlorine. The province gave them the green light to discharge the lagoon October 28, but not before the lagoon reached capacity.

“We had to tell residents and septic trucks coming into the lagoon that it was closed,” the Reeve stated. “We made arrangements with the Town of Ste. Anne and the RM of Hanover so that trucks that normally dump in our lagoon could use theirs.”

In the meantime, septic trucks forced to take loads they normally dump into the RM of Ste. Anne lagoon were subjected to sometimes higher costs associated with using those facilities due to mileage and tipping fees. Bergmann said those costs are the responsibility of the business owners.

Until two years ago, the Town of Ste. Anne provided testing to the municipality. Bergmann confirmed the Town no longer does the testing and the municipality “had difficulty” finding someone to take over regular testing.

It cost the RM of Ste. Anne $25,000 to prepare the lagoon for a proper discharge.

Bergmann said the RM of Ste. Anne is working on a solution to prevent this from happening again.

A consultant has been hired and improvements are expected to take place next year.

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Historic Gardenton Church Gets New Roof

By Marianne Curtis

The Friends of the St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in Gardenton are undertaking several projects to maintain the integrity of the first Ukrainian church recorded to be built in Canada.

This past summer, the historic St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in Gardenton underwent much needed renovation including the installation of a new cedar shingled roof.

Friends of St. Michaels board member Wayne Arseny is pleased that the recent restoration of the cedar-shingled roof has been completed.

“All aspects of application conform with originality, to the period of 1890s construction being followed,” explained Arseny. Grants from the Province of Manitoba Designated Heritage Building program, Sir Thomas Cropo Foundation and the remainder from the Friends of St. Michael’s group supported costs for the project.

Located in the RM of Stuartburn, the St. Michael’s Church is a significant historical site for both the area and nationally and the structure exemplifies Bukowynian pioneer

craftsmanship in architecture. Rural churches and schools represent the earliest landmarks of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. According to the evidence, St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the first Ukrainian church built in Canada.

“St. Michael’s served as a focal point of spiritual and cultural life in the first Ukrainian settlement in Manitoba and remains a symbol of the continuity of the Ukrainian identity in Canada,” Arseny continued.

Inside the historic church, one may see unique religious artefacts, such as wooden crosses, candelabras and altar decorations built by local craftsmen and a collection of rare lithographs from Kiev, Odessa, St. Petersburg and Moscow.

One of the unique finds on the site was a twopage scroll found sealed in the frame of the church altar that gives the full name of each builder, the name of the chief carpenter, the name of the first priest with an inscription that the church was built in the spring of 1899, right after Easter.

The church cemetery is crowded with distinctive Orthodox grave markers-inscribed crosses cast in cement moulds by the local pioneer craftsmen. The earliest standing marker is dated 1898, marking the grave of a pioneer settler from Onut.

Arseny said work would continue with other projects, which include improvements in the cemetery directory kiosk to assist locating a family member as most headstones are written in Ukrainian.

La Broquerie Coach to be Recognized The baseball season is now over, and Baseball Manitoba is gearing up to recognize the accomplishments of all that were involved throughout the season.

In the middle of the month, Baseball Manitoba will name Louis Cote from La Broquerie as Volunteer of the Year. Cote serves as the President of the La Broquerie Minor Baseball and Carillon Minor Baseball Association.

He will be recognized for his contributions at the upcoming Baseball Manitoba annual awards banquet.

The event is taking place on November 14 at the Royal Oak Inn Brandon.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

November 2015

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Police continued...

Continued from page 1 our own situation here,” LaFrance said. “I came home and we closed the garage door and locked the house up really good, because we don’t know what’s going on either.”

He confirmed that the RCMP have visited neighbours, but didn’t disclose many details in their discussion about the investigation. Another neighbour, who asked for their names to be withheld, said police told her they were investigating a murder and not to talk to media at this time.

Reports that the body of Kevin was recovered from the scene after police moved in at the property.

The incident affected local bus traffic and Red River Valley School Division was forced to cancel bus service into the area affected until the area was cleared by police. Parents were advised to pick up their children from the school.

Sundown Girl Raises Money for Cancer Society

By Marianne Curtis For the past two years, Rebecca Thibodeau has been growing her hair with the specific purpose of wanting to cut it and donate it so another child recovering from cancer can have a hairpiece. On October 9, the twelve-year-old girl from Sundown, was true to her word and during a special event was able to raise $3,080 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Her proud mother, Michelle Thibodeau said the family joined forces with the Canadian Cancer Society, and registered the

fundraiser as Rebecca’s Haircut for Hope. “Rebecca’s initial fundraising goal was $1,000 which I thought was pretty aggressive since it was taking place the same time as the annual Terry Fox Run Campaign,” explained Thibodeau. “I was overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends, family members, and complete strangers who wished to support Rebecca and we are proud of her for undertaking such a fantastic goal at such a young age.”

Thibodeau said that after coverage of the fundraiser in the Dawson Trail Dispatch, Rebecca was contacted

On October 23, Rebecca Thibodeau and her family travelled to the Canadian Cancer Society, Winnipeg Offices where she was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a small gift to commemorate her generosity by Executive Director Mark McDonald.

by a local woman Emily Tkachuk from Menisino, a hair stylist with Avenue Hair & Skin Studio in Steinbach. Tkachuk volunteered to cut and style Rebecca’s hair while the studio hosted a special event for when she was scheduled to come in for the haircut. Customers were able to support the cause through product sales, hair wash and styles, mini-facials, and there was a donation jar on hand.

“An unknown customer also left a bouquet of pink carnations for Rebecca to receive after her hair cut which brought me to tears. That

happened many times throughout the course of the fundraising venture,” recounted Thibodeau. “I met people who wanted to share their stories of battling and beating cancer because of cancer research which Rebecca was helping to fund.

I was overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends, family members, and complete strangers who wished to support Rebecca and were proud of her for undertaking such a fantastic goal at such a young age.”

Rebecca said she undertook this cause to give other kids a chance to

know their families, after losing her grandfather before she was born. “I wish I could have met him, but there was no cure for the cancer he had,” she said. “I would also like to raise money for cancer research so maybe other children will get the chance I did not have.”

Through the support of Avenue Hair & Skin Studio, community members, strangers, family and friends, Rebecca’s Haircut for Hope Fundraiser reached $3,080 in donations, which will all go towards cancer research.

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Teaching Tool Highlights Achievements of Forgotten Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia

War, Another Chapter Finally, a break in Syria, welcome words so far, but the process will be long, tortuous and murderous for far too many still. After 4 and half years of war, 250,000 killed, 10 million displaced and countless refugees desperate to know peace, a glimmer of hope challenges this diabolic scene.

Words will be parsed by presidents and dictators to distraction, advantages will be sought for the many undeserving negotiators but alas, the gods of geopolitics must be served. Many ideas will be floated, many hopeful rumours will end in disappointment but hope must win out in the end.

At the same time, the U.S. is putting boots on the ground in Syria as advisors, at least acknowledging them, as I am sure they have been present on the ground for some time with the Kurds. They are a peculiar nation these Kurds, a people with no country yet recognized as the only ones doing the heavy lifting in the battle against ISIS on the ground. Turkey, Iraq and Syria should be ashamed of their treatment of the Kurds but they have perfected this terrible abuse of these people for so long that it has been ingrained in their collective DNA. This turn of events appears to have been brought about by Russia getting involved. They have of course been disingenuous with their goals of fighting ISIS, it was strictly to help their client dictator Assad, but in turn, it forced the American President to notch up his engagement in the area. Therefore serious dialogue has started. This is all reminiscent of the cold war where threat of mutual annihilation grudgingly produced positive results, unintended perhaps but welcomed always.

For a President who wanted so much to extricate himself from inherited wars, Obama now finds himself bogged down in Afghanistan for far longer than he intended. The Taliban does not appear to be a group who will opt for another hobby very easily and persuasion is at time a tough job.

This may have Canadian repercussions for Mr. Trudeau Prime Minister elect who has hinted that training Kurds on the ground was a possibility to replace the bombing mission in Iraq and Afghanistan is a fight the Canadian Army knows well, and perhaps it is unfinished Canadian business, but then any one of these situations will produce more casualties of our men and women in uniform.

I would hope that shortly after the Canadian government transition on November 4th we will hear of an improvement in the treatment of the soldiers who have come home damaged from the areas we have sent them to. It is hoped this portfolio will see a much-deserved improvement. There is still a continuing frustration in Canada on how we treat our returning veterans, who have always at best been ignored and when wounded than treated with a pervasive incompetence.

As an ex-military, I have many times found politicians embarrassing in their treatment of men and women in uniform active or retired. Lest we forget must first and foremost apply to our Government.

The Richer Fireside Youth Helping Kids to Soar Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.

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

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

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

Canada Post Agreement Number 42079020

Dear Editor: I would like to share my heart with you. Six years ago, I had the privilege of starting up a Youth ministry and DVBS program at Richer Fellowship Church, teaching children in the community about God, building friendships with them, and using tough love to help them reach their potential.

One year ago, I was told to discontinue my work with the Youth and children of Richer, as I did not share the same vision for the Youth building as the church leadership did. It has been a year of grieving for both my family and me and although I received many calls of encouragement from parents and friends in Richer, I felt I let everybody down, especially my Youth kids. I would like to say sorry to you, the community of Richer, from the bottom of my heart.

This past summer my family and I decided that, we would have a wiener roast in Richer Park to say good-bye to the kids. After the

A new interactive website and teachers’ guide developed by the Manitoba government in partnership with the Louis Riel Institute and the Manitoba Métis Federation will help high school students understand and appreciate the accomplishments of the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia.

The Métis people played a pivotal role in Manitoba’s history and political development. It’s fitting that we launched this new learning resource on the birthday of Louis Riel, October 22, founder of this province and leader of the Métis people.

Students here in Manitoba and across Canada will benefit from this engaging resource, which will help to redefine our perception of the accomplishments of Métis people.

The new bilingual website includes a historical simulation of political events leading up to Manitoba joining Confederation, focusing on the accomplishments and significance of the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia. The simulation is geared primarily toward the Grade 11 Canadian history curriculum in Manitoba.

The highly graphic website takes students through themed modules and includes a teachers-only section with lesson plans. Opportunities for students to reflect on historical concepts are built into the website, which is the first Métis resource of its kind in Canada. This resource will be recommended for all schools in the province.

The Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia sat from March 9, 1870, to June 24, 1870, with Louis Riel as its President, and a council representing French and English communities equally. It was formed during the Red River Resistance and ratified the Manitoba Act in June of 1870, allowing Manitoba’s entry into Confederation. In making the transition from martial law to representative democracy in a period of months, the assembly was a unique political body in Canadian history.

The Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia was lost to history until November 15, 2010, when it was recognized and celebrated as the first democratically elected government in the region that would become Manitoba.

The new resource promotes better understanding of Métis history and culture, which is one of the goals itemized in the Manitoba Métis Policy Framework developed in 2010 by the Manitoba government and the Manitoba Métis Federation. The other goals include: - Enhancing Métis participation in the provincial decision-making process; - Applying a distinctions-based approach that respects the unique roles of Métis people past and present; and - Improving relationships between the province and all organizations representing Métis interests.

To view the resource and find out more about the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia, go to legislativeassemblyofassiniboia.ca.

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

wiener roast, I realized that the kids had no intention of saying ‘Goodbye’ to me when they said, “It’s okay Mrs. D, don’t feel bad,” and gave me a hug. I learned that receiving forgiveness from kids is unconditional! The Richer Fireside Youth began around the fire pit and our family, some parents, youth leaders, and friends continued to have wiener roasts twice a month throughout the summer and early fall.

This October the Richer School has

allowed us to continue our Youth Program (youth of all ages) in the Gym, the first and third Friday of each month from 7 - 9 pm. There is no cost but parents must register their child, as it is “not” a Drop in. If you would like more information, please call Michelle at 204 424-5216 or email mmdri.119@gmail.com.

Thank you Richer, for allowing us to be a part of the community and helping your kids to soar.

Your Friend, Michelle Driedger

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Vita without Access to Emergency Health Care Still On October 17, 2012, the Vita and District Health Centre Emergency Room closed its doors for what was supposed to be a temporary closure, no more than 30 days. It has been just over three years since the ER’s closure, and the signs for the hospital have now been removed from the highways entering Vita. The nearest emergency room in Vita and surrounding communities is in Steinbach, which is about 55 km away.

People in Vita and nearby communities do not have access to emergency health services, and the NDP Government has done nothing to fix the problem.

In the last 3 years, we have had three ministers of health. They have all made the same promise of re-opening the ER and have all failed to keep their promise.

Manitoba families deserve access to high quality health care close to home. All 3-health ministers have made the commitment to all Manitobans that they will have access to a family doctor by 2015. Another broken promise. Since the NDP formed government in 1999, more than 20 emergency rooms have been closed all over the province. This is the exact opposite of providing access to quality health care. The NDP continue to spend more money, yet Manitobans are getting less in health care services. Manitobans are tired of the same NDP broken promises.

In early 2013, the health minister promised that Vita would be a pilot site for a Collaborative Emergency Centre. CEC’s have been used all over Canada, especially in the Maritime Provinces, and have been very helpful in increasing access to health care services in areas where there are no hospitals or emergency rooms.

Advance Care Paramedics, which would be required for the CEC pilot project, are high-level health care practitioners that can administer numerous medications and perform advanced procedures. Unfortunately, the second Minister of Health to deal with this issue did nothing to create a CEC in Vita. The third and current Minister of Health stated in a committee meeting in June 2015 that, “We still want to test this collaborative emergency care centre in Vita…”, but has not made any progress with the pilot program and has failed to live up to the promises she made in a June 2015 estimate’s meeting.

The NDP Government’s closure of the Vita and District Health Centre Emergency Room has been much longer than temporary, and Manitobans are frustrated. At first the Vita ER sign was covered with a garbage bag, then with a more permanent cover, and now hospital signs have been removed from the highway, sending the message to residents that the ER will not be re-opened any time soon. I have had several constituents share their stories of having medical emergencies and not being able to receive care in a timely manner. Jim Swidersky, the Reeve of the RM of Stuartburn, is concerned that the lack of emergency services in the region could result in the unnecessary loss of life.

Manitobans deserve access to health care in case of an emergency.

They deserve to have their taxes used to provide them essential services.

Manitobans are tired of the NDP broken promises of the Vita and District health Centre Emergency Room being closed on a temporary basis and want a change for the better. That change for the better will come in April 2016.

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.

Community Compost Program a Success in Hanover The RM of Hanover is pleased with the public response to compost depots set up during October in the communities of Mitchell and Kleefeld.

According to Lisa Baldwin, from the RM of Hanover, there was quite the turnout at their Saturday compost depots. On the first three Saturday’s in October, compost depots were set up at Mitchell and Kleefeld. During those three weekends, the municipality’s pilot project collected 13 tonnes of material.

“We have successfully diverted quite a bit of tonnage away from the landfill,” Baldwin stated. “We are modelling after what the City of Steinbach does because it has been very successful.”

The RM of Hanover is tracking the results to determine if they were successful in diverting a significant amount of waste and decrease garbage tonnage. The municipality plans to continue the pilot project next year in both communities for the entire summer from May to October.

If the program remains successful, the RM of Hanover will consider expanding the program to other communities in Hanover.

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Looking Forward With the 42nd general election in our rear view mirror, it is time once again to move forward.

I would like to thank the people of Provencher for participating in the democratic process. We saw democracy in action as almost 70% of eligible voters participated. We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to freely choose our government in a fair and open manner.

I would like to thank the people of Provencher for putting their trust in me again. As your re-elected Member of Parliament, I promise to continue to work hard on your behalf.

When first elected in 2006, our Conservative Government began the long process of getting our fiscal house in order. While the global economy remains uncertain, our outgoing Prime Minister has positioned our country well, and the world has noticed. A recent article from the Washington Examiner, looking back at the state of the country prior to this election, stated, “Canada was the best-performing major economy in the world, the only G7 state to come through the downturn without a downturn.”

It’s true that the recent drop in commodity prices caused a slowdown, but the big picture remained positive. Taxes were falling more rapidly than at any time in the nation’s history. Crime rates were at a record low.”

This is the Conservative record of the past ten years and one that I am very proud to have been a part of.

As we move forward, I will continue to fight for the values that are important to us here in Provencher and I will look to support a new Conservative leader who shares those values. The Conservative Party will need to choose a leader who can continue on the strong fiscal path laid out by Prime Minister Harper. The new leader will also need to set a positive vision for the future. Personally, I will look for someone who understands the concerns of both fiscal and social Conservatives.

I look forward to returning to Ottawa to build relationships with the newly elected MP’s from all parties and to work hard toward building a stronger and even better Canada. Once again Provencher, thank you for your support.

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

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

War Veteran Helps Build Lasting Legacy Doug Cushway lost both legs below the knee while serving in the Second World War. He received his first pair of artificial legs on his 21st birthday and has never looked back.

Doug went on to have a career in agriculture, raise a family and inspire others by skating, curling, golfing and cross-country skiing. He has devoted his lifetime of experience to The War Amps and child amputees, holding many positions over the years, at the national and branch levels of the Association.

Through The War Amps, Doug and his fellow war amputees have built a lasting legacy for child amputees in Canada. The Association’s tradition of “amputees helping amputees” will continue through the Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

For Angie Ducharme, a graduate of CHAMP, war amputees have been her role models. “I feel really

privileged to know war amputees like Doug and for everything they’ve helped me with while growing up in CHAMP,” she said. “Some of the things they’ve taught me, I hope I can teach to the younger Champs.”

Doug used to lay a wreath every year on behalf of The War Amps at his local Remembrance Day ceremony but has proudly passed on this tradition to Angie and other members of CHAMP. As part of The War Amps Operation Legacy, Angie helps carry on the message of Remembrance and educates others about the sacrifices of Canada’s veterans.

Calling it, “One good thing that came out of the war,” Doug said. “The CHAMP Program has done a lot since it started. It makes me feel very good that it’s still going strong today.”

The War Amps programs are made possible through donations to its Key Tag Service. Donors may also choose to leave a gift or charitable bequest in their wills to help The War Amps continue to meet its commitments to amputees long into the future.

To learn more about Doug’s story, visit The War Amps YouTube Channel to watch “A Lifetime of Service.” This video won Gold at the 2015 Questar Awards in New York.

Doug and Angie laying a wreath on behalf of The War Amps. The Association continues to serve war amputees, and all Canadian amputees, including children.

Veterans Group Creates Legacy A philosophy of “amputees helping amputees” has been the hallmark of The War Amps since 1918, when the organization was founded by amputee war veterans returning home from the First World War. Chartered in 1920 as The Amputations Association of The Great War, a fraternal society was envisioned that would be able to provide direction for its members while also seeing to their needs.

The Association’s first President was Lieutenant Colonel Sidney Lambert, an Army Padre who had lost his leg in action in France during the First World War. He saw the need for an organization that would assist amputees. It was during his stay in Toronto’s old College Street Veteran’s Hospital that he first conceived of the idea of a national association to help solve the problems of all “men and women who have lost a limb or limbs whilst giving their service to Canada, the British Empire, and the Allies in the Great War.” He helped galvanize his comrades in the early years. The name of the Association was changed to The War Amputations of Canada, and as disabled veterans returned from the Second World War, the organization provided information and fellowship to all of its members.

In 1946 the Key Tag Service was launched as a sheltered workshop where war amputees could not only work for competitive wages, but also provide a service to Canadians that would generate funds for the Association. To date, the Key Tag Service has returned more than 1.5 million sets of lost keys to their owners. The Address Label Service was introduced in 1972 to provide year-round employment for the disabled staff at the Key Tag Service. The sheltered workshop, where key tags and address labels are made, continues to employ Canadian amputees and other people with disabilities.

The Civilian Liaison Program began in 1953 in order that war amputees could share their knowledge with others who are missing limbs from causes other than war. Later, the program was divided into two – one for adults and a separate program for children.

H. Clifford Chadderton, who lost his right leg during the Second World War, became the Chief Executive Officer of the organization in 1965.

The War Amps grew dramatically and became known around the world as a centre of excellence in the amputee community.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Bold Statement

Arise McFarlane says these shelves will remain empty of Christmas merchandise until after Remembrance Day. Photo by Marianne Curtis

A St. Pierre business is making a bold statement by not stocking two prime display cases at the front of their store until after November 11.

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

“We have done this out of respect for our veterans,” McFarlane says. “The empty shelves mean that we are not bringing out any Christmas items until after Remembrance Day.” People argue that veterans fought for freedom, and putting up holiday merchandise after Halloween is common, and should be allowed, but McFarlane disagrees.

“We have over a month to get out the Christmas stuff,” McFarlane continued.

“The veterans deserve a week and a half of our full attention - that is what this display means.”

War Amps Provides Local “CHAMP” with Myolectric Arm

Telysha brushing her hair with her new myolectric arm.

Being born a left arm amputee has not stopped Telysha Warkentin, 5, of Blumenort, from living a full and active life. In fact, she can do everything everyone else can do, sometimes with the help of a special device.

Telysha is a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program and, as such, is eligible to receive financial assistance for artificial limbs. She was recently fitted with a new “myoelectric” artificial arm.

Myoelectric arms are battery powered and have the ability to sense muscle impulses, allowing Telysha to open and close the hand by simply flexing the muscles in her residual limb.

Jodi, Telysha’s mom, said the myoelectric arm has made a difference in her daughter’s life. “This arm has opened her world to a lot of new things. She uses it for skipping, biking, carrying things, crafts, brushing her hair, getting dressed and helping her little sister.”

Telysha also loves the new arm. “It’s just like having two hands,” she said.

“We cannot thank The War Amps enough for all they have done. Although we know there will be hurdles to cross in Telysha’s life, we know that without a doubt she will be able to do it with such great support,” said Jodi.

The War Amps encourages Champs to develop a positive attitude towards their amputation, and live to their full potential. “Telysha’s determination and zest for life is an inspiration to all,” said Danita Chisholm, Executive Director, CHAMP Program. “With the public’s support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service, we are happy to help young amputees like Telysha obtain the tools they need to make everyday tasks a little easier.”

For more information, call 1-800-250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.

November 2015

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Fear Deuteronomy 20:2-4...

2) When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3) He shall say, “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4) For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (NIV) When fear troubles our heart and soul, we know no other solution than to get on our knees and pray. When you and I become frustrated and troubled we must learn to do what the Bible teaches; take time to pray, letting the Holy Spirit bring peace and quietness to our troubled heart. It is no use pretending or acting as though all is spiritually healthy when our heart nudges us to change course. We just cannot bring that gentle quietness to our own soul; it just will not work.

That means, I must stop whatever scheme or plan I have going in my mind and let the power of the Holy Spirit bring lasting, calming relief rather than rely on earthly devises that bring only short-term relief.

As Christians, we must learn not to fear all the twists and turns of this life, that troubles us the wrong way. Rather, we should learn to continue with our original motive and advance our ministry. We should presume that there would be some who would hinder our work, whether in the church or some previous place of ministry. On the other hand, there will be others who believe in what we are doing. Perhaps we might say that the fear of letting others down and failing in our mission would not be the best testimony for us. Fear is one luxury few of us can really afford.

Christians have the ability and power to cope with life’s problems, the power to stand up in the face of the most soulsearing sorrows and monumental disappointments that we face daily. When we are tested, an amazing thing happens because we learn to put God first in our lives. Through testing, we are given the ability to understand the spiritual needs of other people.

We are called to love the lost and hurting so much that we will not get lost in the echo chamber of this world, nor allow our heart to turn a cold shoulder to those who have never ask Christ to come into their life... That requires a certain measure of self-discipline. It means taking control of our emotions and not allowing fear and panic to ruin our ministry.

Strive to give it our very best in everything we do. In every situation give our best and leave the rest to God. After all, we believe that it is Christ alone who can keep us from being swept away, leaving the work to others.

Fear is dreadful. To fear others or some looming event in the future is something we do not enjoy. We can speak of how awful it is for people to live in fear, but until we experience the same kind of fear ourselves we really cannot talk to others, pretending to know what they are suffering.

Never-the-less... we can sympathize with them. However, the fear of God... a reverential fear... is the very beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7... The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction (NIV). If we believe that Jesus is the Christ, that He is the Son of God, and accept God’s only Son into our heart, then we become God’s children. This is the foundation of wisdom. In this wisdom we no longer need to fear our future, and we need no longer fear God as a future judge because His perfect love drives out all fear (1 John 4:18).

That perfect love eliminates all fear of God’s judgment.

Instead, we will hear His gentle voice in our heart, soft as an evening breeze, to assure us that each fault, each sin, has been forgiven... to be remembered no more. The Holy Spirit will calm each fear, turn our attention to a higher calling; so that we might enjoy every victory won and think thoughts of holiness that come right from the heart of God. Inspiration from the Holy Spirit is the privilege of serving God fearlessly, free from fear of failure and others. In Christ, we are made holy and acceptable; ready to stand in His presence on the Day of Judgment, ready to serve Christ... To God be the glory great things He has done.

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.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Honesty is Not Self Serve Have you ever asked this question about yourself or someone else? How spiritual am I or is he/she? How spiritual (holy before God) do you think you are? One person made this observation, “We are never as spiritual as we think we are.” We are not who people say we are; we are not who we think we are; we are who God knows we are. If you think you know your own heart, you are deceiving yourself. Someone said, “Only a self-righteous fool will trust his own carnal heart.”

The Apostle Peter was such a man in Jesus’ day. He’d

been following close to Christ for three years and was considered one of the three inner-circle disciples of the Lord. He thought he was a notch or two above the average man of his day.

So when Christ made the statement at the Last Supper that everyone would deny Him, Peter vehemently protested. He swore allegiance to his Lord, even to death. Yet within hours, he had denied his Lord three times. When Peter realized what he’d done, he went out and wept bitterly. He finally woke up to the realization of how weak and fickle the human heart can be.

Have you ever thought or said, “How could they do that? I could never do such a thing!” Be careful! We, as humans today, are capable of doing anything and everything that we abhor and detest in others. Peter denied Jesus Christ and we say we would never have done that in his situation. But we still deny Christ today in many ways.

We deny Christ the right He has on our lives. He, as God, made us, He died 2,000 years ago to redeem us, and we still turn our back on Him. As Christians, we many times deny knowing Him in a crowd of unbelievers due to fear or peer pressure, afraid of what others may think, say, or do.

We deny Him the service due Him. I Corinthians 7:23 says, “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” I

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John 4:19 says, “We love him, because he first loved us.”

Because Christ loved me enough to die for me, I owe Him my service and I should not want to disappoint Him in any area of my life.

We deny Christ’s power in our lives by putting self on the throne instead of Christ. Then we miss out on the, “Exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe.” (Ephesians 1:19) Christ wants to show Himself mighty on our behalf but we deny Him that privilege by serving self instead of Him. We also deny Christ the fellowship He desires to have with His children. I John 1:3 says, “Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” But we often forfeit that fellowship by willful disobedience. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

Lastly, we often deny Christ the honor and glory due Him. We need to realize that without Christ, I am nothing, so when I am able to accomplish something good, I need to acknowledge and honor Him for helping me and working in and through me. The Apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 15:10, “By the grace of God I am what I am.” He also said in I Corinthians 1:31, “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

So if we were truthful, Peter’s denial of the Lord wasn’t much different from ours today. Maybe we should take an honest look at our own hearts and see how we are denying our Lord. Someone said, “Honesty is the best policy,” but really honesty is the only policy if we want God to bless our lives.

God bless you as you honestly seek Him!

Group Effort Needed to Defeat Hydro Says La Broquerie Residents

By Marianne Curtis A number of residents within the RM of La Broquerie are urging their neighbours to speak up and refuse to play ball with Manitoba Hydro to consider an alternative route before proceeding with the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission project.

Manitoba Hydro is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of a 213 km long, 500-kilovolt alternating current, international power line from the Dorsey Converter Station in Rosser to the United States border crossing near Piney.

Despite the opposition, the project has pushed forward.

Earlier this year, residents formed the Southeast Stakeholders Coalition and attended a meeting with Manitoba Hydro to discuss the project and opposition was fierce. However, they have been ignored reported Southeast Stakeholders Coalition members.

Monique and Albert Berard farm north of La Broquerie, and the proposed line goes just west of their home. If the project must proceed, they along with many others, believe Manitoba Hydro should move the line eastward through the RM of Reynolds where another line is already established. “We brought our concerns to Manitoba Hydro and at the open houses we heard every excuse to not use crown land,” said Monique. “We are being bullied into accepting this.”

Allain and Jacqueline Fournier live on the next section, along with his father Bernard Fournier.

“People don’t realize how this will affect them, and we need the support of everyone affected by these towers to speak up and come forward,” Allain stated. “We’ve been here for over a hundred years and now they want to come in and take it. We should have a say in what happens to our land.”

The Fournier family owns a fifth generation, 1,200-acre cattle farm, which was provincially designated as century farm in 2004. “Their plan would place 5 or 6 towers through my land,” Bernard added. “My cattle will be pasturing right under the towers and the lines. How can that be safe for them, and for the meat they produce?”

Monique stresses that residents need to know that this controversial hydro line will affect the social-economic landscape of the region. “The schools will have lower students because people won’t want to move near the lines; no one knows the long term effects of the EMFs,” she added.

“No one wants to live under it, and no one is going to want to buy land in this area.”

Allain and Jacqueline Fournier and his father Bernard are concerned about how the line will affect their cattle that will be forced to graze under the towers.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

Monique and Albert Berard are worried that this creek will be negatively impacted if the hydro line is allowed through their property.

RM of La Broquerie Reeve Lewis Weiss said residents feel betrayed because Hydro keeps pushing for Route 208, which goes directly through the RM of La Broquerie, and one mile within town limits. “Route 207 would have much less impact on people, it would be mostly through crown land, and there are already lines,” Weiss explained. “Route 208 goes right through our community which is a huge concern for residences, schools, and human health.”

The public has until November 30 to speak for or against this proposal by emailing elise.dogdick@gov.mb.ca, with the Environmental Assessment & Licensing Branch, Manitoba Conservation under File 5750.00 Manitoba Hydro - Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project.

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Lagasse Ready to Take on Lemiuex

By Marianne Curtis In a recent party meeting Dawson Trail Progressive Conservative supporters gathered to choose whom they think will be the best candidate to take on the provincial NDP. On October 29, the Dawson Trail Progressive Conservatives selected Bob Lagasse, from Landmark, as

Providence College’s Program Designer Wins McLuhan Prize On October 18, Providence College’s communications program director posthumously won the 2015 Medium and Light Award, a unique honour presented annually in recognition of the religious elements of Marshall McLuhan’s life and work.

Osicki was once a teacher, media theorist, and man of faith, who played a leading role in shaping the Communications and Media program at Providence. He also lectured at Concordia University, Canadian Mennonite University, and St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba.

“This program is designed to ensure students have exposure to all this college has to offer, so that their media education is enriched by other academic disciplines,” remarked Osicki in 2005, a year after he began teaching at Providence.

Incidentally, he never planned to take up a teaching career, although he later described education as one of three “paths”. He travelled throughout his career, the other two being communications and religion.

Those paths converged perfectly at Providence, where the Media and Communications program remains an Osicki legacy, according to Dr. Nicholas Greco, Associate Professor of Communications and Media and Osicki’s successor.

“He helped shape the program at its very beginning,” said Greco. “I met him for the first time in 2008 and found him to be kind and gracious. I met with him next at a conference on McLuhan that took place at the University of Winnipeg in the fall of 2010. He continued to show interest in my own work and had a real fondness for the program here at Providence.”

Marshall McLuhan, a preeminent media theorist and public intellectual, is best known for such concepts as the Global Village, Tetrad, and Figure and Ground, the latter of which is fundamental to his signature idea ‘The Medium is the Message”.

At the time of his death in October 2012 Osicki was director of The Marshall McLuhan Initiative, which celebrates McLuhan’s faith and work.

their candidate for the next provincial election.

Lagasse says he is thrilled to be the selected candidate to represent Dawson Trail because he is, “Tired.”

“I am tired of politicians who say one thing and do another; I am tired of politicians telling me what my needs are. Politicians who believe that if they distract you from the need you have somehow your need will go away,” Lagasse said. “Politicians who believe that if they throw a layer of Asphalt on a road, you somehow will forget they just raised the PST.” If elected, his goals include eliminating wasteful spending in Manitoba, to reverse the NDP PST increase, and to consult with Manitobans regarding Bipole III and other proposed power lines across valuable farm land.

“As an MLA you are supposed to serve as a representative. Your role is to represent the people in the riding voice their concerns.

Represent their view points, intercede and assist in problem solving,” stated Lagasse. “This is exactly what I’m currently doing in my role as a specialized foster parent.

I have already become a voice for those who don’t have one. I listen to their needs and intercede on their behalf.”

He also wants to be a stronger voice and advocate for the vulnerable children in Manitoba. For the past fifteen years, Lagasse has worked in Social Services and is currently working in Métis Child &

PC Leader Brian Pallister congratulates Bob Lagasse from Landmark and his campaign manager Jenny Plett for a job well done after Lagasse was named the Progressive Conservative candidate for the Dawson Trail constituency in the next provincial election.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Family Services running a specialized foster home.

“I am tired of watching people get hurt because of the decisions our elected officials make without thinking of the outcome,” Lagasse continued. “I’m heart broken and tired of watching children die in care or get bounced around from home to home or get placed in shelters and hotel rooms.”

Supporter Jenny Plett is confident

Food Donations Increase for Drive-Away Hunger Farm Credit Canada (FCC), along with its partners, participating schools and volunteers, have provided more than 5.2 million meals for food banks nationwide, far surpassing this year’s goal.

“FCC Drive Away Hunger brings the industry together to help those who need it most in our rural communities,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. In Manitoba, 224,395 meals were collected.

“We are grateful for the generous support of our customers and partners, and for their commitment to helping fight hunger across Canada,” he said. “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support; we couldn’t do this without them.”

Locally, the Drive Away Hunger campaign collected over 30,000 pounds of non-perishables foods for Southeast Helping Hands this fall.

Food bank Director Hank Klassen said the food drive was a big success. “The church youth went door to door, Farm Credit went to the schools, SBC did a vegetable drive, Creative Print-all did a pie eating contest, all in all we got about 30,000 pounds,” Klassen said. He added that last year, the organization collected about 27,000 pounds of food.

The food collected from this event, combined with what is expected to be collected leading up to Christmas is expected to carry the local food bank through from now until April 2016.

FCC Drive Away Hunger involves driving a tractor and trailer through various communities to collect food and cash donations for food banks across the country. During the week of October 19, tractors drove through communities in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan, to gather food and contributions.

Lagasse will be the one to defeat Lemieux despite the fact he does not look like the typical Progressive Conservative. “We believe that this is a plus these days. Too many people have become cynical and disillusioned with politics,” Plett explained. “When they see Bob at the door, they give him a chance because he looks like an everyday guy. Once they start talking with him, they see how much he cares and that

he is willing to listen to what’s important to them.”

Lagasse grew up in a bilingual home in St. Adolphe where his parents, Louis and Diane still reside.

He moved to Landmark in 2012, along with his wife of seventeen years Andrea, three children and two foster children.

The next provincial election is scheduled to take place April 19, 2016.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

November 2015

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Collecting Clothes for Abused Women Corporate Concert Ticket Special!

Treat your staff or family to SAC concert tickets for a special price of $15 a ticket (regularly $18 - $28) when you buy 10 tickets or more! Pick and choose tickets from all our upcoming concerts, while helping support your local arts community!

Get into the Holiday Spirit with WSO! Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops on Tuesday, December 8 at the Steinbach Mennonite Church in Steinbach will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit! Enjoy Canadian pianist and violinist duo and featured artists, Roy and Rosemary, along with local female ensemble, ACCENT, directed by Sheila Ardies, local student symphony conductors as well as the annual unwrapped toy drive for kids less fortunate this Christmas!

Tickets $26 and $12.

The Magic of Vegas show - SOLD OUT! A larger venue would have accommodated many more happy audience members! Soon…..

Get out of the Basement - BACKBEAT is the place to be!

There are still spaces available for young musicians aged 12 - 17, Saturdays from 9 - 10:30 am! Get out of the basement and play in a band with other musicians at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Whether you’re a singer, songwriter or play the guitar, piano, drums, bass or keyboard, this is the program for you! Participants will have a professional space to play, grow, learn and perform under the guidance of skilled mentors.

Elvis & The Blackwoods!

There are still tickets available to see award-winning Elvis tribute artist and local celebrity entertainer, Corny Rempel, along with Grammy and Dove award-winning Blackwood Quartet! Friday, November 20 at 7 pm at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach. Tickets are $25 and VIP $35 – with all proceeds going towards Steinbach’s future Performing Arts Centre.

‘Who Wants to Conduct the Symphony?’ Contest Grades 5-6! Send us a short paragraph about why you’d like to conduct the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra… and win the chance to do just that!

Plus win tickets to the show for your entire family. Deadline is Wednesday, December 1. Email events@steinbachartscouncil.ca.

New Hall Gallery Art Exhibit Coming Soon!

Mark your calendar for the SAC Art Exhibit opening and reception on Wednesday, November 18 at 7 pm, with Wendy Winther’s Up Close and Steve Friesen’s Ode to Saturday Morning. All are welcome and donations graciously accepted.

November 7 – Free CPR/First Aid Class!

To celebrate National CPR Month, we are proud to offer our annual Do It For Dave event Saturday, November 7 in Superstore’s Community Room on the 2nd floor. This is a non-certification course, so no certificate will be issued. Contact triofirstaid.ca for details.

New! Popular Babysitting & Home Alone Courses.

In addition to CPR/First Aid courses, Trio First Aid has joined the Steinbach Arts Counsel to offer the Babysitters Course and Home Alone Course as well. Contact triofirstaid.ca for details.

Brighten up your Christmas parties with ACCENT. Accent is a contemporary female vocal ensemble directed by Sheila Ardies. Comprised of local singers aged 20 – 35 from southeastern Manitoba, these talented ladies are available to entertain at your Holiday party or event with beautiful, live Christmas music. Customized Christmas packages of 20 or 30 minutes include audience participation, plus the opportunity for a traditional Christmas carol sing-a-long to get everyone in the Christmas spirit! For bookings or more information, contact Sheila Ardies at ardies@mymts.net.

Art Is the Perfect Gift!

Wrap up your Christmas gift giving with the gift of art from a local artist!

Gorgeous art pieces afford a unique and meaningful gift for a loved one, as well as support the local art community! Or join the buy or lease program if you’d like to beautify your home for the holidays, and all year round – we can customize something just for you! Call the SAC office and make an appointment to choose local art pieces today!

Calling all musicians!

SAC is a partner with the Steinbach Pistons Artists – looking for singers, instrumentalists, groups and performers to perform the National Anthem at games.

Call 204-346-1077 or view all our events on steinbachartscouncil.ca.

By Marianne Curtis A mother and daughter from Landmark is putting out the call for used, business or work clothes in support of an organization that provides women leaving abusive situations with appropriate work clothing.

During the month of November, Chantel Ballegeer, along with her daughter Scarlette are hoping to collect enough items so that many

“...I work for a company that supports women globally and so to give back within my own community seemed like an amazing idea...” women can be helped. “As Christmas season approaches, I am wanting to do a give back drive for women in need. I am hoping to collect many items to help donate to The Clothes Closet,” explained Ballegeer. “The reason I am doing this is because I work for a Chantel Ballegeer and her daughter Scarlett sort through a number of donations that have company that supports women been pouring in for Clothes Closet, which provides work clothes for women leaving abusive globally and so to give back within relationships. my own community seemed like an amazing idea, especially having my daughter involved.”

The Clothes Closet, a program of SWFIC, provides work appropriate clothing, free of charge, to women either who have left an abusive situation, or who are in a job training program and are preparing for job interviews. Clients are referred to the Clothes Closet by over 65 partnering agencies throughout Winnipeg and rural communities, including southern Manitoba.

Items she is looking for include purses, work clothing, shoes, and outwear. There is also a huge demand for accessories and unused or unopened makeup is considered a luxury.

“One thing the clothes closet said to me is they love putting together these outfits for these women, but the wardrobe is never complete as they never get new (unused) black or work sock donations,” she continued. “If you don’t have clothing, purses, shoes or jewellery to donate, I would love for some monetary donations to go purchase a few dozen pairs of dressy socks and some makeup.

That would be so fantastic as that is the number one overlooked item.”

Anyone wishing to donate items or money can contact Chantel at chantel.yourcbastylist@gmail.com.

Ste. Anne Library Changes Hours of Operation Effective November 2, Ste. Anne Library’s new hours are Monday 11am - 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 11am – 7 pm, Friday 10 am – 4 pm and Saturday 10 am - 1 pm.

The library is free of charge and is open to all residents of the Town of Ste. Anne as well as the RM of Ste. Anne. Membership cards only take a minute to fill out.

They house a large selection of English and French books and if they do not have what you are looking for, they would be more than happy to order it in from another library.

As a member, you also have access to public computers as well as free WIFI.

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dedicated Volunteers Recognized in St. Malo

The St. Malo Chamber of Commerce recognized this group of volunteers during a special evening in October.

At the end of October, the community of St. Malo gathered for one spectacular evening to honour a group of dedicated volunteers in the community.

The 5th Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards hosted by St Malo & District Chamber of Commerce evening took place October 24 in St. Malo.

St. Malo Chamber of Commerce President Lorraine Jones-Racine said that the volunteer evening is an important event in the community.

“Even though a small group was recognized at our Annual Volunteer Award Night we recognize that there are so many more people who give time, skills and dedication to make things happen for this area,” said JonesRacine. “We like to recognize the community’s dedicated volunteers who give generously of their time to make our community a better place to live. It is appreciated!”

At the gala event, the St. Malo and District Chamber of Commerce recognised one group/organization award, 11 adults and two youths. This year’s winners include Gisèle Maynard, Rachel Laroche, René Robidoux, Aggie Gosselin, Denis Gauthier, Marielle Gauthier, Léo Gosselin, Alix Babiak, Linda Payette, Rita Catellier, Malavika Madhaven, The Village Connection.

Part of the evening celebrations included a performance from Corny Rempel as Elvis and Johnny Cash.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

2015 Seniors’ Rebates and Smaller Refunds for Families November may be an interesting month for personal income tax professionals. There will likely be some changes to our federal taxes with a new Liberal Government taking over. First, I will start with some provincial tax reminders for property owners.

The Manitoba Seniors’ School Tax Rebate was introduced last year for 2014 Property Taxes. Seniors were eligible for a rebate of up to $235 on their property taxes. This year, for 2015, it has been increased to $470.

This is your reminder that you do need to apply for the credit to receive it via cheque or direct deposit and the deadline to apply is March 31, 2016.

You can apply as soon as you have paid your property taxes so by now most of you have done so at your municipal office.

And new this year was the addition of more eligible property owners to include those living on leased land. For example, those living in mobile home parks like Paradise Village in the RM of Ste Anne are now eligible.

You can apply via paper application or you can apply on-line. If you need help, stop by my office as I will have the forms, or I can help you apply on line.

There are some seniors that will receive less than $470 or even no rebate since their school tax portion is already reduced on their property taxes.

If you own some acreage and your property taxes have the word Farmland included, you may also qualify for the Farmland School Tax Rebate; the deadline is also March 31, 2016.

And there are some of you that may not be receiving the basic $700 education credit; either the home is new to you, or maybe there is more than one home on the property. Just make sure you claim this credit when you file your 2015 personal income taxes due April 30, 2016. You can only go back three years on your income tax for most provincial credits, so make sure you keep your tax filings up to date.

Smaller Refunds for Families For the 2015 personal income taxes, most families with children under 18 will notice smaller refunds when they file their taxes by next April 2016.

Earlier this year, the government eliminated the Children’s Tax Credit for 2015. This was a non-refundable tax credit of $2,293 per child under age 18.

The federal credits are worth 15% so that saved taxpayers $343 in taxes.

That is an additional refund (or reduced taxes payable) that families will not be getting next spring when your 2015 taxes are filed.

And secondly, remember that the UCCB (Universal Child Care Benefit) is taxable income. So when we complete your taxes next spring, you will be including this extra $60 per month per child as income on your 2015 tax return (claimed by the spouse with the lower net income). That could be 26% to 40% taxes payable on the UCCB. Most families do not have taxes owing and normally get refunds. So your refund will be lower than normal next Spring; up to $600 less per child. Just giving you some warning now, don’t blame the messenger!

There is some good news for 2015 taxes for lower income families: the Children’s Fitness Credit is now a refundable credit, which means families in the past that had incomes low enough that they were not paying taxes received no benefit for children that were enrolled in sports activities because it was a non-refundable credit. Now they do, since they can receive a refundable credit based on the amount they spent.

There are many tax changes that may be around the corner, but until they are announced, no need to speculate. Stay tuned, and we will make sure you know of any changes that may affect your 2015 and 2016 taxes.

The only tax change I suspect may be made for the 2015 taxes is the Family Tax Cut may be eliminated.

If you are looking for past articles, I have them archived at my website at annimarkmann.ca. Anni Markmann is a tax professional working, living, and volunteering in our community. Contact Anni at 204-4226631 or anni@steannetaxservice.ca or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near the Co-op).

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

IDC Goalie Signs with Everett Silvertips

November 2015

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St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber Hosts Mid November AGM On November 17, the St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber of Commerce will be handing out four awards to area businesses during this year’s annual meeting.

The four awards include, New Business Award, Business Improvement Award, Customer Service Award, and Retirement Award.

During the meeting, the St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber of Commerce, St. Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies and St. PierreJolys’ Recreation Centre will all be providing updates on the past year’s activities.

The awards will be presented during the upcoming annual meeting, which is taking place November 17 at 7:30 pm at the Cabana a Sucre. To attend RSVP before November 13 to Jackie at 204-433-7072.

The Chamber is asking people to nominate businesses or individuals for any of the awards. Nominations can be submitted to St. Pierre-Joly’s Chamber of Commerce, Box 71 St. Pierre-Jolys R0A 1Vo or email sundowng@mts.net.

Ile des Chenes native Mario Petit has signed a contract that will see him manning the net for the Everett Silvertips this hockey season.

By Marianne Curtis Mario Petit from Ile Des Chenes is living his dream after it was announced that he would be suiting up with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.

Petit, was a free agent invitee to Silvertips training camp as a 15-year-old in 2012 before working his way onto the club’s protected list. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound netminder spent last season with the Eastman Selects of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League.

He compiled a 14-7 record, 2.66 goals-against average and .910 saves percentage in 27 appearances last year.

The seventeen-year-old goalie started his career playing for the Ile des Chenes Elks, at the age of twelve.

“I played two years there before jumping onto the Seine

River Snipers bantam team for the next two years,” Petit recalled. “It was not until the second year that I played better and I was noticed by a few teams.”

Petit joined the Eastman Select Midget AAA team and played for Team Manitoba. He was also drafted by the Steinbach Pistons. “That was big,” he admitted.

Now Petit says his goal is to become the team’s starter and lead the team to the Western Hockey League. “I want to win the Memorial Cup this year,” said Petit.

The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) champion.

The Everett Silvertips are an American major junior ice hockey team that is a member of the US Division in the Western Conference of the Western Hockey League.

Ritchot to Host Awards Banquet The Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting their third annual general meeting along with an awards banquet in a few weeks.

The event, which is taking place on December 4, will be held at the TransCanada Centre in Ile des Chenes.

Coinciding with the event, the Chamber will be presenting the first annual Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce business awards. Four awards will be given out including Youth Recreation, Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Corporate Volunteer Engagement.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Clara at info@ritchotchamber.ca or visit ritchotchamber.ca for more information.

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

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 is $30. Join early and avoid the $5 late fee!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

StoneyBrook Air Cadets Going Strong

Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: November Potluck: Thursday November 12 at 6 pm. Please call to confirm if you can make it. As usual needed are Casseroles, Salad, Dessert and Buns. We will be serving Chicken Chef. The cost is $6 per person.

Heart Health Workshop: Please join us from 6:30 - 8 pm Monday, November 16 for a workshop on Healthy Eating—Open to the public.

Contact the Centre before Monday, November 9. Workshop presenter Karla Funk; who is a Chronic Disease nurse with My Health Team in the Steinbach Area through Southern Health-Santé Sud. Learn how the healthy heart works. We will discuss what heart disease is and who it affects. You will learn how to recognize a heart attack or a stroke in yourself or in those around you. We will then discuss how small changes can make a BIG difference in both prevention and management of heart disease.

Old Time Country Dance: On Friday, November 27 with Live Band Frazer River Band from 8 pm - Midnight. Lunch served at 10 pm.

Tickets available at Pat Porter Active Living Centre - 10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach. All ages welcome. Call 204-320-4600. Advanced Tickets are $11 for members; $13 for non-members; and $16 at the door for all.

Cooking for 1 or 2 Workshop: Join us from 1 - 5 pm on Monday, November 30 for a workshop on Cooking for 1 or 2. Open to the public. Contact the Centre before Monday, November 23. Presented

by Rebecca Wilson-Rempel who is a Chronic Disease dietician with My Health Team in the Steinbach Area through Southern HealthSanté Sud. The workshop aims provide people with a structure of how to plan meals for one or two to make it easier and still healthy. It is also designed to provide reliable, current nutrition information and cooking demonstrations geared to help independent living seniors make wise choices. Learn what’s fact or myth, get motivated to enjoy cooking and sample some yummy, easy to make recipes. You will have a chance to ask questions, discuss, and share ideas or recipes 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, November 4 and December 2 at 2 pm. Celebrate with us! Bring your friends! Guests pay $2 for coffee and cake.

Foot Care: On the first Tuesday, first Wednesday and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 2 pm. Run by a professional foot care nurse.

Cost $30. Bring your own towel. Contact the centre to book an appointment.

Beltone Hearing: On the third Friday of the month. Contact 1-800661-2653 for appointment.

Monday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 – 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball 1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains 1 pm Canasta 7 pm Tai Chi 7 - 9 pm Drop in Pool Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am – 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 – 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1:30 - 4 pm Floor Shuffle Wednesday 10 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage 7 - 10 pm Old Time Band Practice 7 - 10 pm Drop in Pool Thursday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Whist 6 - 9 pm Pickleball 6 - 9 pm Drop in Pool Friday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Contact 204-320-4605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend.

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

The Royal Canadian Air Cadet #307 Stoneybrook Squadron parades weekly at the Arborgate School in La Broquerie.

By Marianne Curtis For the past nine years, the Royal Canadian Air Cadet #307 Stoneybrook Squadron have been an active and growing squadron.

This year, the group is excited to be part of the Air Cadet League of Canada’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

The Squadron was founded back in 2006. Over the years, the troop has grown and now consists of about sixty cadets ranging from 12 18 years old. The cadets parade weekly at the Arborgate School in La Broquerie on Thursday nights.

The evening is spent practicing drills, mixed with classroom time where they learn the principals of aviation.

Spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Air Cadet #307 Stoneybrook Squadron, Amanda White said cadets learn valuable life skills while participating in the program. “Cadets learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship,” stated White. “Part of their citizenship is helping in the community, they will be selling poppies for the Royal Canadian Legion, where all the proceeds from poppy sale go to the Legion.”

Participation in Cadets is not limited to drills and classroom activities; they also get involved in the community. “Over the summer a lot of our cadets went to training camps all over Canada, as well as one of our older cadets was chosen for the International Exchange program, and got to go to Turkey for 3 weeks, spending that time with their Air Cadets Program,” White added.

In November, the cadets will be helping the Southeast Helping Hands getting items ready for Christmas Hampers. They will also be participating in the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Free Church in Steinbach on November 11. Over the

winter, cadets will be preparing for the Range Competitions. In the spring the cadets go gliding, and they are planning a trip to a US Army Base Spring break 2016.

The Air Cadet League of Canada is a civilian, non-profit, communitybased and volunteer-led organization that in collaboration

with the Department of National Defence and our other partners, is dedicated to supporting the objectives of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program. The purposes of the League are to advance the education of the Air Cadets and to promote an interest in the air element of the Canadian Forces.

Book Sale Buys Specialized Mattresses

By Marianne Curtis The Organizers of the Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary’s 19th annual Book Faire have added another $11,200 to their fundraising accounts after another successful event that took place on October 15 - 17 at the Clearspring Centre in Steinbach.

Bethesda Auxiliary member Verna Thiessen said that many good quantity of used books found new homes during the three-day event.

The money will be used to purchase a surgery and obstetrics Specialty mattress, which is used for the comfort and better treatment of the patients on both the Surgery and Obstetric Wards at a cost of $9,000.

The balance will go towards a portable phototherapy device for the treatment of neonatal jaundice. This equipment is designed to allow positioning, swaddling, and other direct contact with the baby. Enabling the continuation of developmental care was an important consideration in the design of the BiliSoft. It will cost $16,000 for two.

Over the years, the Bethesda Hospital Auxiliary has hosted several successful sales raising over $500,000 for medical equipment deemed necessary for patient comfort or safety but not funding through Manitoba Health programs.

Families use one of these projects, known as the Chrysalis Room. “The Chrysalis Room is for families faced with a terminal diagnosis,” said Thiessen. “This is a special room where a family can go to deal with a terminal diagnosis in private, either to talk to make crucial decisions.”

Thiessen explained that the room is called the Chrysalis Room because the chrysalis, or hard shell that a caterpillar encases itself in before becoming a butterfly, symbolizes rebirth. “Many families are faced with making tough decisions when it comes from going from one stage of life to the next,” Thiessen continued. “It is important they can do this in a place where they can find peace.”

The Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary has spent about $30,000 for furnishings and other fixtures that will make the room suitable for this use, all with funds raised from the annual book sales.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

November 2015

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Re-Elected Provencher MP Ready for Ottawa

By Marianne Curtis Now that election fever has passed, re-elected Provencher MP Ted Falk is heading back to work in Ottawa with mixed feelings. On October 19, we saw a complete change of leadership as the Liberals won over the country, and many Conservative MPs failed to maintain their seats.

Falk said he is grateful to be returning to Ottawa after maintaining strong support in Provencher, however, he said it will be a very different atmosphere in the House when caucus returns November 4.

“We were very much taken by surprise that we are returning as the opposition, and not the government,” Falk acknowledged.

“There will be a lot of emotion the first week back. We are expecting our leader to step down and we will have to appoint a new one. Some time will be spent debriefing as a caucus on what went right and what went wrong.”

When Falk was first elected as Provencher’s representative since 2013, he was welcomed into the Conservative fold with open arms.

Now he expects that things may be a little different, especially since out of 184 newly elected officials, 140 have no previous experience.

“Having super easy access to ministers will change. That will mean forging new relationships with opposition members and I am

Highway Reconstruction Begins Between Ste. Agathe and St. Adolphe A major section of northbound PTH 75 from Ste. Agathe to St. Adolphe has been upgraded, bringing the entire rebuilding of this key highway linking Winnipeg with the US closer to completion.

About $154 million has been invested in PTH 75 since 2007 to improve and upgrade the highway, the minister noted. The most recent upgrades included rebuilding 12 kilometres of the existing older concrete pavement, including paving the shoulders, between PR 305 and PR 210. The reconstruction, done with an investment of $20 million, further raised the roadbed, which had already been floodproofed to the 2009 levels.

Except for several kilometres at the US border, which will be realigned to match changes on the US side of the border, and a small section north of Morris, the southbound lanes have either been rebuilt or fully upgraded from Winnipeg to the border.

The northbound lanes have now also been rebuilt and upgraded, except for a 25-km stretch from St. Jean Baptiste to Aubigny, which will be done in the next five years and include further raising of the highway to handle floods.

The stretch from St. Jean Baptiste to Morris will be the next phase of construction, followed by the stretch from Morris to Aubigny. The province will also rebuilding the Plum River Bridge on this stretch.

looking forward to doing that,” Falk continued. “I am expecting to be treated the same way as we were before; our ministers were very helpful when we worked with opposition members and we expect to be treated the same now that the roles are reversed.”

Falk is confident that projects proposed before the writ was dropped, will still proceed. “We are expecting that all funding commitments made before the writ will be honoured,” he assured. “In the past, we provided funding for ridings for opposition members almost identical as other candidates and we don’t expect that to change going into the future.”

Falk admitted that he has some concerns that the Liberal government will undo some of the

good his government did, such as abolishing a number of social programs to assist families. “We are concerned they are going to undo a lot; we put together a lot of great family initiatives, sports, fitness, arts credit, income splitting; they said they are going to do away with that, and that is very disappointing. “If they try to undo the good that we have done, we are going to make it as difficult for them as possible.”

Falk first won Provencher over in 2013, in a by-election with 58 percent of the votes. This time around, he gained 55.8 percent of the vote, after Liberal candidate Terry Hayward claimed 34.4 percent of the vote.

Hayward says he is proud of the Liberal team, even though he is disappointed to not be joining his counterparts in Ottawa. The third

time candidate has spent a significant amount of time campaigning throughout Provencher over the past few years.

“Our national performance and results ensure the Liberal Government led by Justin Trudeau will be able to deliver the ambitious and doable platform presented to them,” stated Hayward. “This was a

hard fought effort with a great team and a National result we could only dream of. All is well with more hard work ahead of us!”

In 2011, voter turnout was 62 per cent. Toews won with 27,820 votes (71 per cent of the vote share), far ahead of the NDP’s Al Mackling, who was second with 7,051 votes (18 per cent).

Official Results: Ted Falk (Conservative): Terry Hayward (Liberal): Les Lilley (NDP): Jeff Wheeldon (Green): Total votes: Voter turnout:

25,168 votes 15,507 votes 2,643 votes 1,781 votes 45,099

55.8% 34.4% 5.9% 3.9% 69.8%

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

St. Pierre-Jolys Park Improvements Proceed The Village of St. Pierre-Jolys is pleased to announce that the new outdoor fitness system is being installed in the Parc Carillion.

According to Murielle Bugera, Project Coordinator for Parc Carillon Committee, the group has raised $55,000 for the project. The HealthBeat Outdoor fitness system brings the best of a gym to the outdoors. It uses the latest exercise mythologies to provide a tailors workout for teens and adults of all fitness levels.

“In order to make the best use of the space for all ages, the Parc Carillon Committee Inc. consisting of Village councillors and members of the community contracted the services of a landscape architect to create a plan for the park’s development,” explained Bugera.

On October 6, the Splash Park Sub-Committee submitted its Feasibility Study Report for a Splash Pad to the Parc Carillon Committee.

A decision on whether the sub-committee’s recommendation is accepted is expected soon.

The same day, Native Plants Solutions presented its ‘Strategies and Costing for the Design and Construction of the Parc Carillon Frog Pond’.

According to the Village of St. Pierre-Jolys, this contract was made possible through a grant from Seine Rat River Conservation District, which considers this project very interesting as an educational tool on the natural environment. This project will be possible through volunteer labour and eco-grants.

Next on the agenda will be the upgrading of the shelter-canteenwashroom facility.

Every year, a part of this plan is completed, including a skateboard park, playground equipment, baseball diamond, climbing net, canteen, RV parking area, soccer field, upgrade to the Crow Wing Trail, pedestrian bridge over frog Pond [work in progress], BMX track, disc golf and skating rink. Services are available free of charge, however the park can be reserved for a function for a small fee. There are also seven campsites available in the campground.

Public to be Consulted on Performing Arts Centre

Southeast Coaches Named Coach’s of the Month

Roger Vermette (left) and Michel Lavergne were jointly named Coach of the Month for September.

On October 26, two volleyball coaches from Ile des Chenes were jointly named the Payworks rural Coach of the Month by the Manitoba High School Athletics Association (MHSAA).

Michel Lavergne and Roger Vermette, coaches of the Ecole Regional Gabrielle-Roy Junior Varsity Boys Volleyball team were selected as the Payworks Rural High School Coaches of the Month for September.

Both coaches were recognized because they split all duties equally. The duo was recognized after their team was named Niverville tournament champions and undefeated on October 9 - 10. Prior to that the team earned a 3rd place finish in at a tournament in Portage la Prairie. In September the team was named Morris Tournament champions and semi-finalists at the Brandon University tournament.

The coaches were recognized as being “extremely dedicated to their team”. They even hold individual position practices at lunch time on top of their usual three practices per week after school.

A month after making a Notice of Motion asking the City of Steinbach to reconsider its plans to build a new performing arts centre in the community, Councillor Susan Penner has changed her mind again.

On September 15, Councillor Penner withdrew her support for the project by citing it as, “Too costly.” She informed council that she plans to bring forward a motion to reopen discussion on the project at the October 6 meeting. At that meeting, she decided to withdraw the motion. In its place, she introduced a resolution to keep the centre as top priority.

“The resolution states that the performing arts centre will continue to be the first phase of recreation,” Penner explained. “However, the resolution indicates that council proceeds with a public engagement process to get feedback on the scope, location and cost saving options.”

Penner had suggested that other cost saving options should be considered, including moving the SAC into the now vacant Steinbach Credit Union building.

The motion was supported by Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra.

“Let’s make sure we are listening to the public and make sure we get as much buy in as possible,” added Zwaagstra. “The resolution makes sure we are getting maximum public input.”

The City of Steinbach council voted unanimously for the resolution.

Mayor Chris Goertzen said he is happy council made this decision.

“We can talk to the community and come up with even more ideas; this really propels us forward,” Goertzen concluded.

The City of Steinbach has yet to announce how or when the public consultation process will proceed.

Rosa Hall Celebrates 25 Years One tiny community located along Highway 59, south of St. Malo, Rosa is inviting everyone to come and celebrate the silver anniversary of the Shevchenko Ukrainian Centre.

According to Robert Budey, a 25th Anniversary Gala complete with music by The Heartbreakers is planned for November 7. Starting at 5 pm and dinner at 6 pm, the evening event is a formal gala.

“There will be a formal dinner followed by a program where we will share the history and significance of this facility,” Budey promised.

Tickets are $50 and available in advance only by calling Lillian 204427-3102, Ron 204-427-2243, Robert 204-427-2944, Audrey 204-3475031 or Lawrence 204-253-4844.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Study Called for Hanover Arenas

November 2015

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St. Malo Seeks Site for Infamous Royal Deer Statue

The RM of Hanover is in the process of a feasibility study to determine what to do with recreation facilities in the communities of Mitchell, Grunthal and Blumenort.

According to Lisa Baldwin, RM of Hanover’s Recreation Manager, council wants to make sure responsible choices are made. The municipality operates arenas in Grunthal and Mitchell, and is looking at building a community centre in Blumenort.

“We have two options for Grunthal; people say that we should tear it down and build a new one,” Baldwin explained. “We need to do the research before we can make a decision.”

For Mitchell, there has been talk about expanding the current facility to add more dressing rooms and lobby space. “We need to understand what residents need and make decisions based on the data we collect,” she added.

In Blumenort, the community has been discussing building a community centre for a number of years.

However, before council spends money on the project issues need to be considered, including who will manage the facility and main it after it is built, Baldwin noted.

The feasibility study will take place during November. The RM of Hanover council is hoping that the study will be wrapped up in time for the 2016 budget. The study, which is being conducted by Stantec, will include community consultations and surveys.

Five months after St. Malo’s infamous and Royal deer statue were removed, the concrete base remains on the site until it can be relocated to another site to make way for a condominium development.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis It has been five months since the St. Malo and District Wildlife Association was forced to remove the community’s well know deer monument that has greeted visitors for years to make room for a controversial condo development.

While the deer has been safely stored away, the concrete base remains on site until a new location has been found.

Ian Kirby from the St. Malo and District Wildlife Association says they have been trying to find a suitable location to relocate the deer but several hurdles have stalled the project. “After the lawsuit and the resulting court order to remove our statues this spring, we have pursued several potential locations to relocate,” Kirby explained. “One of those locations is the corner of the property owned by the church at the Grotto. The church board has been contacted by the St. Malo and District Wildlife Association and is open to considering a proposal about relocating the statues there if

acceptable terms could be reached.”

Kirby said the location is one of several being considered for the relocation of the statues. “Currently we do not have a site that meets the needs of the Wildlife Association or the community, but are working hard towards that end,” Kirby continued.

“We want to make sure that things are done properly and in such a manner that something like this never has to be done again.”

At the last LUD of St. Malo meeting there was an agreement between the Wildlife and the LUD of St. Malo and RM of De Salaberry about temporarily relocating the statue base to the east end of St. Hilaire street while plans are being made for a permanent relocation plan.

Kirby said the budget for this relocation is the second hurdle that has to be tackled. “The quoted costs for relocating the statues to another similar site and erecting them will be between $25,000 and $40,000 dollars [site dependant] not including any costs that may be associated with legal fees, permits or purchasing land,” he added. “The

membership of the Wildlife association has been very vocal with our board that there is not a strong desire to raise funds for something that we have already raised money for once.”

He noted that raising funds for this project would take a few years, and attempts to gain grant money or partnership dollars to assist have not been successful.

His Royal Highness Prince Edward unveiled the deer monument in July 1990. It was placed in recognition of the valuable volunteer assistance provided to the Department of Natural Resources by the St. Malo and District Wildlife Association and Area Residents.

From 1985 to 1988, in the first everlarge scale urban deer relocation program in Canada 283 white-tailed deer were captured and moved from the city of Winnipeg to the St. Malo Wildlife Management Area and surrounding region. Area residents provided countless hours of assistance and equipment to transport deer during the relocation program.

Grande Pointe Man Gets 30 Months for Fatal Crash

By Marianne Curtis On October 14, David Delisle sat before family members, including his two teenage sons, as a Winnipeg judge handed him a 30-month sentence for drinking and driving that resulted in a fatal crash in September 2012.

Earlier this year, Delisle plead guilty to impaired driving causing death and impaired driving causing bodily harm in the accidental death of Samantha Schlicting, of Lorette. Charges of criminal negligence and refusing to submit to a breathalyser were dropped by the Crown. The charges stemmed from a collision along the South Perimeter near St. Anne Road that took place September 9, 2012.

Delisle was travelling the wrong way along the Perimeter Highway when he collided with a Buick driven by twenty-two year old Schlicting.

The young mother of two and her twenty-three year old passenger were taken to hospital in critical condition but she later died. Her passenger suffered permanent neurological injuries from the crash. Delisle was not injured in the accident.

At the time of the crash, Delisle had refused to take a Breathalyzer test or give blood samples to police.

Prior to sentencing, the judge acknowledged that Delisle was reeling from the recent death of his wife at the time of the crash.

The Crown was seeking a four-year prison sentence while Delisle’s lawyer wanted a two-year sentence plus probation. The judge sentenced Delisle to 30 months in prison for drinking and driving causing death with an 18-month concurrent sentence for drinking and driving causing bodily harm.

Schlichting was survived by two young children, who were only four months old and 23 months old at the time of the accident.

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Ste. Genevieve 4-H Grows Rapidly

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Falcon Beach RCMP Seize Marihuana

On October 6 at approximately 3:30 pm, Falcon Beach RCMP were called to the West Hawk Scales on Highway 1, where a tractor-trailer unit was being inspected for load securement.

During a search of the trailer, a large amount of marihuana was discovered, vacuum-sealed and packed in several cardboard boxes. In total, police seized 132 packages of marihuana, weighing a total of approximately 200 lbs.

The trailer, which originally departed from Surrey, BC, was destined for Toronto. The 67-year-old male driver is now facing possible trafficking charges. The investigation is ongoing.

RCMP stated that those who traffic in illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities and that they remain 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.

The Ste. Genevieve 4-H group hosted their first Halloween party as a fundraising and social activity designed to benefit the participants.

By Marianne Curtis A group of parents seeking some valued activities in their community has pulled their resources together and organized a 4-H group in Ste. Genevieve. The group, which organized back in February with only eight members, has grown to two dozen and there is room for growth.

4-H provides a strong foundation of leadership and skill development to help kids aged 6 -19 succeed in everything that they do. By nudging kids out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to try and practice new things in a safe, low-pressure environment builds confidence.

Lahrah Bahde said that she and her husband George started the group so that children in the area have something to do close to home.

“We wanted to enrol our kids in a 4-H club and the only one we could find was in Anola, and Steinbach, and they were on weekdays,” Bahde explained. “That did not work, so we started one up on weekends, so kids can get involved with something weekend.”

With the help of Debbie and Jason Johnson and their daughter Brittney, Taryn Bloodworth and Jessica Calvo-Krentz, kids can participate in a variety of activities. Members can choose from more than 60 projects. They can even create unique projects tailored to their own interests and personalities.

“There are kids in Cloverbuds, Adventurer, cooking, equine, small engine, crafts, and outdoor survival,” Bahde added. “I believe that if there is an opportunity for kids to learn something, they can and they should be able to.”

Currently the group has 24 members from Ste. Genevieve, Ross, Richer, Anola, Ste. Anne and Landmark.

“They get leadership skills, the older kids run the group, they have their own executive, they do their own fundraising, communications, they have to give skills,” Bahde continued. “They learn to do by doing.”

Working in partnership with 110 universities, 4-H programs are research-backed and offer life-changing experiences to youth around the world.

For information on joining the Ste. Genevieve 4-H group, email steg4h@gmail.com or call 204-422-5806 or cell 204-771-8103 or Debbie at 204-422-6827.

Drunk Driver Pleads Guilty in Death of Ste. Anne Man The father of a 22-year-old son who was killed in a highway crash east of Winnipeg in 2012 said he is surprised but relieved the driver of the other vehicle has pleaded guilty to drunk driving.

Robert Joubert died after his truck was rear-ended by another vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway near the town of Ste. Anne on the morning of June 8, 2012. At the time, RCMP said the other vehicle was speeding on the shoulder of the highway to pass a semi-trailer when it plowed into the truck, which was stopped on the shoulder. Both vehicles rolled into a ditch. Joubert was ejected from his truck and died.

Court officials confirm that Martin Jolicoeur, who was 26 years old at the time of the crash, pled guilty to driving with a blood alcohol concentration over .08 causing death.

Joubert’s father, Daniel Joubert, said the family was surprised by the guilty plea.

“We were shocked that he admitted to what he did after three years and four months,” Joubert said after the hearing. “We are kind of relieved. Now we’ve got closure and now we know that there’s going to be some time served.”

Jolicoeur’s next court date is scheduled for December 9.

“I hope he’s going to get the maximum penalty. Hopefully jail time,” Joubert said. “Apparently this guy had no prior record. If he doesn’t get jail time, I would ask the Crown to appeal.”

Joubert said his son, who was working for a construction company, left his home in Ste. Anne before 5 am to drive to work in Winnipeg. “He left that day and that’s the last time I saw him,” the father said.

It’s not known why Robert Joubert was parked on the shoulder of the highway. His father said perhaps he was on the phone or maybe his truck broke down.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Authors Host First Regional Book Fair

Author Susan Rocan got into character to connect with a young reader during the first Authors of Manitoba Book Fair and Faspa.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Just in time for National Novel Writing Month, readers from southern Manitoba were invited to connect with published local authors during the first Authors of Manitoba Book Fair and Faspa.

The one-day event, which took place on November 1, drew twenty-one authors out and several dozen readers.

Authors of Manitoba founder Marianne Curtis said the event, which took place at the Steinbach Arts Council, was a success. “We brought many local authors together in one place and at one time, to show the readers in the area that authors are not always out of reach,” said Curtis. “Writing is an important art form. Without writers you wouldn’t have lyrics or theatre, we want to celebrate that, and encourage others thinking about writing, to become that person who wrote a book, not just say they want to write a book.”

Participating authors included Heather Radford, Celesta Thiessen, Barbara Ann Derksen, Susan Rocan, Ruth Morris, Casia Schreyer, Jana Richards, Doreen Pchajek, Alyssa Thiessen, Kristy Pantin, Kelley Post, CJ Bolyne, Marianne Curtis, Crystal Bantel, Laura Reeves, Arthur Adams, Rev. Henry Idonije, Doreen Millichamp, Chantelle Storm and Geralyn Wichers.

Authors of Manitoba was founded at the beginning of 2015 by a driven group of authors and not affiliated with any other writers’ organizations. Most books published by these authors are available at Jake Epp Library in Steinbach. Authors of Manitoba joined the Steinbach Arts Council in May of this year. New members are welcomed and encouraged.

The group consists of fifty Independent Authors from various communities throughout the region including Steinbach, Ste. Anne, Ste. Genevieve, Landmark, Vita, St. Pierre-Jolys, Ile des Chenes, Lorette, St. Labre and Winnipeg. The group has a catalogue of over 100 titles in several genres written for children, young adults, romance, memoir, devotions, religious studies, romance and fantasy.

Winter’s Coming Well folks, the winter season is almost upon us, as we seem to be whipping through another fall once again. The leaves have turned brown and most have taken the long tumble to their resting place on the ground. For myself, the way I approach each fall season is a bit different.

There are some fall seasons where I spend my days eagerly awaiting the sight of drifting snowflakes and can hardly wait for the feeling of a thick snow bank as my children and I play within them. Then there are the other times where I dread the sight of the falling white stuff. The sheer mention of snow has the ability to turn my happy attitude into one of sadness. While I know that these reactions, both negative and positive, are merely caused by how I want to see the oncoming winter, I do believe that some of it is caused by the winters that I have experienced.

Thankfully, I can admit that I’m improving on my feelings towards the winter and all the cold and snow that comes with it.

I have thought on this and have found that one of the main reasons that I sometimes have a negative outlook towards the coming snow is due to all the years that myself, and sometimes my wife, had spent shovelling a more than 300foot long driveway by hand. After working a full day, it was never a fun thing to come home and see that a blizzard had completely closed off the driveway. Of course, without my vehicle having the ability to fly or myself having, the strength to carry it, out would come the shovel and to work, I would go. I was quite glad that back then, we drove a fairly small car and so we would shovel the driveway just big enough to get through. A few years ago, I bought a snow blower (one that works!) and now I don’t dread the thick blanket of snow quite so much anymore.

One thing I do enjoy about the coming winter is that it means my outdoor work will slow down drastically and I can have fun with the interior work about our home. It was a nice thing to see some of my outdoor projects coming to completion and now I look forward to have the interior tasks do the same. Who knows, I might even get to a point where I can relax more often after coming home from work.

What a novel idea!

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

November 2015

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Bales Destroyed Near Blumenort

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ile des Chenes Student Named Tri-Star

By Marianne Curtis

On October 17, four fire departments were called to Braunsdale Holsteins, west of Blumenort, twice to douse a stubborn flax straw bale fire.

The New Bothwell Fire Department, Steinbach Fire Department and Kleefeld Fire Department were all called to the afternoon blaze. The New Bothwell Department was the first on scene and was soon backed up by Steinbach, Kleefeld and then Grunthal.

According to New Bothwell Fire Department Fire Chief Rob Hiebert, the bale fire was easy to control but difficult to put out completely. “It was very difficult to put out the straw fire out so the best plan was to move it away from the other bales and buildings,” said Hiebert.

Fire crews were called back to the site the next day when the fire flared up. Trucks and machinery were brought in and the straw was spread out into a farmer’s field where it smouldered for over a week causing visibility issues.

Grunthal Habitat Homes Welcome Families At the beginning of October, two Grunthal families moved into their homes after Habitat for Humanity turned over the keys.

New homeowner Josie Doerksen said it was, “A dream come true,” to receive the keys to her family’s new home. Doerksen, along with her husband Wes and children Coen and Lily were thrilled to move in.

“We’ve wanted this for so long, but the bank never gave us a mortgage because we don’t make that much,” she explained. “This really is a dream come true.”

The second set of keys was given to single mom Gabi Friesen, and her children Boe and Dorian, who relocated her family to Grunthal from La Broquerie.

“For months they have been talking about the new house and new rooms,” Friesen said with excitement. “The kids were more than ready to move.”

To become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, the family has to demonstrate a need, have an ability to pay based on income and be willing to work alongside Habitat on the project. For example, single families need to put in 350 hours of sweat equity while a couple would have to put in 500 hours.

Families must fit into the low-income category, depending on their family sizes.

Over the past three years, the Southeast Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has built homes for qualifying families in Grunthal, Richer and La Broquerie. The organization is now looking towards Mitchell as the location for their next build. Details are expected to be released in early 2016.

A grade 12 student from Ecole Gabrielle-Roy in Ile Des Chenes has become the first southeast Tri-Star Athlete of the Week to be declared during the 2015-2016 school year.

On October 13, the Manitoba High School Athletic Association announced that Derrick Sabourin of the Gabrielle-Roy Les Roy volleyball team as Tire Recycle Rural High School Athlete of the Week.

Sabourin, a 6’ foot, Right Side leads his team in kills and was recognized as the team’s best passer.

Coach Jacqueline Lemoine said he led the team in back to back tournament victories during competitions at the Mennonite Collegiate and Niverville. “Derrick always shows positive presence in practice and on the court. He cares for his team’s success and helps pull his team out of jams,” stated Lemoine. “His ability to hit, block, pass and set makes him a versatile player we can count on to lead us to victories.”

Despite a busy athletic schedule, Sabourin maintains an 88% average, while also participating in soccer and basketball.

Derrick Sabourin from Ecole Gabrielle-Roy in Ile des Chenes.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Recording Artist and Christian Rapper “Lights it Up” in Richer

21

Provincial Loan Targets Jobs and Training at Loewen Windows A $7 million loan from the Manitoba government is expected to create more than 100 jobs at Loewen Windows in Steinbach.

On October 13, the province announced that they will also be providing an additional $1.3 million for training assistance to the Steinbach-based manufacturer that employs 500 people.

Al Babiuk, President and Chief Executive Officer, Loewen Windows said the funding will help the company significantly. “It will help us grow our customer base, and deliver the highest quality of products and customer service,” said Babiuk. “The loan and training assistance combine with the company’s own investment to help achieve our strategic plan.”

The investment builds on the company’s existing five-year, $32 million strategic plan to create up to 180 jobs. Staff will also be trained in areas such as new equipment and technology use, and process and quality improvement.

“As Canada’s largest wood window builders, Loewen Windows has an international reach, but it knows its biggest impact is creating good jobs here in Steinbach,” said Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief. “We want to help and this loan means it can hire more than 100 new people right here in its hometown.”

The funding is coming from the Manitoba Industrial Opportunities Program (MIOP), which carries interest with repayable terms attached to it.

Above: “Scribe” and his entourage pose with some of the youth.

Right: Troy Lydiate, AKA Scribe, gets a hip hop beat going for the youth.

By Michelle Driedger Back in Jesus’ day the scribes got a “bad rap” for not “walking the talk” but not so with Christian rap artist “Scribe” who began teaching the Richer kids how to “walk the talk” with Jesus in hip hop style with catchy tunes and smooth dance moves.

On October 23, the Richer Fireside Youth kicked off the year by inviting Troy “Scribe” Lydiate and his wife Jasmine to perform a concert at the Richer School. Just as enthralled with the kids as they were with him, emotions broke as Scribe told the audience that he did not come to Richer, “Just to put on a show, but that God wanted to start a revival in this town.”

In between hits such as, “The Call Out”, “Wolf Saved” and “Light it Up,” Scribe bluntly told the boys in the audience that he was “not so nice” to the girls growing up and that girls should be respected.

He also shared that as a Pastor’s kid it was easy to hide his faith under the cloak of his parents but how important it is for kids to have their own faith in God and to know they are loved.

November 2015

Jasmine’s clear soprano voice resonated with emotion as songs of praise struck the heart, reaching kids with a message of selfworth, a message she said, “That the Youth of Richer needs to hear.” Amidst much energy, clapping and raising of hands, Scribe called up the leaders and parents to hold hands together telling them to go “out there” and reach out to the kids of the community.

At the end of the night, Troy and Jasmine talked with the kids, signed CD’s and posters, and took time to pose for many pictures!

Special thank you to Mackenzie Guetre (James and Christina) from Biochemix Entertainment for the awesome lights and sound system, Dan Guetre and the Richer Community Club for funding and advertising for this event and Richer School for your support.

Michelle Driedger is a Youth Leader with the Richer Fireside Youth.

Give Your Christmas Party an Added Touch

Add some holiday cheer to your Christmas Party with a live musical performance by Accent, a local female vocal ensemble.

Accent is a contemporary female vocal ensemble founded and directed by Sheila Ardies. Comprised of local singers aged 20 – 35 from southeastern Manitoba, these talented ladies are available to entertain you with classic and contemporary Christmas music in both a cappella and accompanied style.

Add that special festive touch to your next holiday party or function with live Christmas music performed by Accent. Performances include audience participation, plus the opportunity for a traditional Christmas carol sing-a-long to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Even special requests are no problem. Packages can be customized to suit both your audience and/or hosting business. Special Christmas performances are available in either 20 or 30-minute packages ranging in price, as negotiated with the director.

For more information or to book your Accent Christmas package email Sheila Ardies at ardies@mymts.net.

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

strength and endurance, balance and body awareness. On Wednesdays at 1 pm a fusion of yoga, Pilates and strength to increase muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, body awareness & relaxation techniques. All classes are designed for the 50+ age group and taught by certified fitness leader, EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548 Janice Burnett, MFC certified since 1991. Class packages may be pre purchased and used anytime during the session. 10Friedensfeld family and join us for this season of celebration! Cost a free class pack for $40 or a drop in fee of $5 per class. Contact 204Christmas Craft Fair – On Saturday, November14 from 10 am will offering. Contact 204-949-9484 for your complimentary 883-2820.

- 4 pm at the Community Centre. Come join us as we tickets. accommodate over 40 vendors.

St. Adolphe Curling Club Leagues - Men’s, Mixed and Junior Winterfest & Market - On Saturday, November 21 from 10 am- starting the week of October 12. Contact Grunthal 8 pm at the High School Gym from 10 am – 3 pm, with over curlstadolphe@gmail.com or stadolphecurls.ci-site.net.

The Alzheimer Journey – 4-part video series on Thursday, 43 vendors selling Christmas gift ideas and products. Events beginning November 5 at the Greendale Estates. Presented by include photos with Santa, skating and dinner with Santa and Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. Adolphe the Alzheimer Society a series discussing the diseases that our Community Christmas Tree Lighting event featuring hot Community Club. Doors open at 6 pm, 6:55 pm - Speedo causes Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the assessment and chocolate, carolling and sleigh rides.

Game, 7 pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 pm - Regular Games. We diagnostic process, the changing behaviors in people with hope to see you there! Proceeds will support the Community dementia, treatments, and helpful tips for care-giving. Cost is The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club – Meets every Monday at Club. free. Contact Leona at 204-326-5771.

7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or St. Malo Christmas Stop & Shop – On Saturday, November 14 from develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to Annual Christmas Craft/Bake Sale - On Saturday, November 9:30 am - 2:30 pm at the Grunthal New Horizons Centre. Over start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca.

28 from 10 am - 3 pm at the Chalet Malouin.

20 vendors, a shopping opportunity. Free entry, coffee and sweets while you browse.

GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the Sponge Puck Hockey – On Wednesdays at 8 pm at the arena. loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079.

Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

St. Pierre-Jolys old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great Craft and Bake Sale – On Saturday, November 7 from 10 am stress release and have an excellent workout at the same Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six. - 3 pm. 50 Tables of Baking Goods & Products with Rainbow time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the Auction & Mini Duck Pond Draw at ICSP School Gym. about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) KSTA.academy@gmail.com.

Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along Step Aerobics with Weights - On Tuesday and Thursday at 7 with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms pm, at the ICSP School Gym. Contact Stephanie 204-320Ile-des-Chênes visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

2667, Louise 204-433-3839 or The Health Corner 204-433AGM-AGA – On Saturday, November 7 at 7 pm. Followed by 3891. a musical soiree at 8 pm with D’antan at the Salle des Paradise Village Chevaliers de Colomb, 438, rue Main with Denise and George Paradise Squares Dance Club – On Tuesdays from 7 – 9:30 Diabetes Educational Resource Centre – On 2nd Thursday of Perron. Cash Bar hosted by the Comité culturel d’Ile des Chenes. pm at the Paradise Village Rec. Hall. Modern Square Dancing the month from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the DeSalaberry District is fun and a great social activity. The Start-Up Dance is free and Health Centre. Contact 204-346-6254.

Craft & Trade Show – On Saturday, November 28 from 10 am all are welcome. Coffee and doughnuts will be served. Contact – 4 pm at the TransCanada Centre, Cost $2 or non-perishable Laura 204-422-5873 or Larry 204-422-5424.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar, item for a local food bank. post partum mood disorders support group meetings held on Prawda the last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet Malouin Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool boardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Ste. Agathe place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her Wendy 204-348-2433.

Fundraising concert - On Saturday, November 21 at 9 pm at at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register.

Lucky Luc’s for Le Studio’s San Diego Holiday Bowl Halftime Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at Show Performers. The only Canadian dancers invited to perform Kleefeld the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks for the halftime show and to start the San Diego big balloon Santa Comes to Town & Christmas Tree Lighting – On Saturday, provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. parade! Live Music by Morris’s TyDanDown. Silent Auction, 50/ December 5 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Rec Centre.

50. Cost $5 cover to help 11 dancers proudly represent our Richer community on a world stage this Christmas season.

Community Playgroup - For parents, caregivers and children Young at Heart Dinner and Dance - On Saturday, November 21 up to age 5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs from 5 - 11 pm at the Richer Young at Heart hall. Cash bar 5 Men’s Bonspiel - From Thursday, November 19 – Sunday, and snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the pm, supper 6 pm and dance to 11 pm. Entertainment Bernie November 22 hosted by St. Adolphe Curling Club. Junior curlers Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013. and His Rubber Band. Cost $20. Ticket may be reserved. Contact and junior teams are welcome. Calcutta. Food available. Cost Julienne 204-422-5662 or Irene at 204-422-5932. entry fee per team $160. Contact to register La Broquerie curlstadolphe@gmail.com or call Robert at 204-688-6955.

Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673.

Ste. Anne for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, Wii Bowling Games – Every Monday afternoon at 1:30 pm at foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek the Club Jovial. Great time to join even if you have never maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides played. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285.

Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204- scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating International Cooking Classes - On the third Wednesday of the 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to grades 8 and 12. Children under 14 must be accompanied by month from 6 - 8:30 pm. Learn to cook authentic and original Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open foods from Columbia, India, Iraq, Philippines and Bolivia. Preleaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC register with the Town of Ste. Anne at 204-422-5293 or email Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 town@steannemb.ca.

Cost $10. or doreen@spmf.ca.

Computer Courses - Free at the bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library.

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

Adult & Teen Challenge Banquet – On Wednesday, November Shevchenko Ukrainian Centre Inc 25th Anniversary Gala – On 11 at 7 pm at the Heartland Church. Inspiring stories from men Saturday, November 7. Cocktail hour 5 pm, supper 6 pm. Cash Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to and women who’ve been set free from addiction. Plus bar, entertainment program, presentations and music by The their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays encouraging music from the ATC Choir, and exciting updates Heartbreakers. Cost $50/single, $475/reserve table of 10; from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These from all of our centres. Invite your friends and family and join advance tickets; formal attire. Contact Lillian 204-427-3102, gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss us for this special service! A free will offering will be taken. Ron 204-427-2243, Robert 204-427-2944, Audrey 204-347- their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204Contact 204-949-9484 for your complimentary tickets.

5031 or Lawrence 204-253-4844.

422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club Meeting - On Monday, November 9 at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. ‘Grasses and Perennials for Fall Colour with Susan Jensen Stubbe, co-owner of Jensen’s Nursery and Garden Centre. Autumn gardens can be the loveliest of the year. Learn how to design your fall garden with late flowering perennials and grasses. Plan and plant for a longer season of beauty. SAGC Member Volunteer Appreciation Evening. Bring your hours volunteered for a chance to win great prizes! Refreshments! Door prizes! Cost $5 nonmembers. Contact at sagardenclub.com.

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

Contact 204-326-2313.

Book Launch – On Tuesday, November 17 at 7 pm, Jake Epp Public Library, Book Three of Finders Keepers Series with author Barbara Anne Dersken. Refreshments will be provided and the book will be available for purchase. Contact 204-326-6841 or programs@jakeepplibrary.com.

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 Page to Film Nights – With ‘Night at the Museum’ on Friday, appointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca.

November 20 at 7 pm, Jake Epp Public Library. Come with your family and friends. Free admission, free popcorn. Contact 204- General 326-6841, programs@jakeepplibrary.com, Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, November 10 and December 8 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Join librarian@jakeepplibrary.com. us for a great day of fun and friendship. Visit McPhillips Street Games Night – On the 1st Saturday from 12 – 5 pm and 3rd Station in the morning and Club Regent in the afternoon.

Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8:30 pm, every month at the Starting at 8:30 am, pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Jake Epp Library. Come down to play strategy games. Bring a Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and friend, your strategies and games. Test your skills and have cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus to and from fun. Ages 14 and up. Contact 204-326-6841, the casinos for those wishing to play. Overnight trips to South p r o g r a m s @ j a k e e p p l i b r a r y . c o m , Beach Casino are also available. Contact Marilyn at 204-3264939 for information and to reserve your seat. librarian@jakeepplibrary.com.

Royal Canadian Legion - On 1st Tuesday every month at 8 pm and Ladies Auxiliary meets 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, 294 Lumber Ave. 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.

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

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

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

New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more. Sprague Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 Flea Market Fundraiser - On Saturday, November 7 from 9:30 St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552. am to 3 pm at the Sprague Evergreen Seniors Centre. Lunch served, pizza, hotdogs, drinks. Rainbow auction, grocery Niverville hamper raffle, bake sale, 50/50 draw. Cost $10 to rent a table.

Dog Obedience Class– Runs until December 2 (No class Contact to book a table, Selma at 204-437-2056 or Ruth at November 11) at 7:45 – 8:45 pm, south end of Arena. In this 204-437-2326. class, you and your dog will learn the basic skills that are needed to start working together as a team. Great fun for both St. Adolphe the dog and the handler! For dogs 5 months and older. Cost Buffet Wing Night Fundraiser – On Saturday, November 7. $100 plus GST. Two seatings at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm at the St. Adolphe Motor Inn. Door prize, 50/50 draw for each seating. Cost tickets $20.

Rectification First Aid & CPR - On Thursday November 5 from Contact Leslie 204-883-2144, Kori 204-294-8756 or Lesley at 6 -10 pm at the South end of Arena. Overview of First Aid and 204-471-1210, Affinity Insurance, Esso, Caisse Populaire and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills for the workplace St. Adolphe School. Babysitting also available by pre-registering of home. Includes the latest first aid and CPR Guidelines, meets with Kori (only $5/family for 2 hours). All proceeds go towards OHS Regulations for Basic First Aid. Cost $45 plus GST. the Community Greenspace & Playground project.

Adult & Teen Challenge Banquet – On Tuesday, November 10 at 6:30 pm in the Niverville Heritage Centre. Hear inspiring stories from men and women who’ve been set free from addiction. Plus encouraging music from the ATC Choir, and exciting updates from all of our centres. Invite your friends and

Anything Goes’ Curling Bonspiel – From Friday, November 6 - Sunday, November 8 at the Steinbach Curling Club. Any combination of team welcome - family friendly, a group of friends, men, ladies, mixed, beginners, experienced. Info at www.steinbachcurlingclub.ca.

Roseau River All Thumbs Quilting Guild Fall Weekend Retreat - From Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15 at Roseau River Bible Camp. Cost $100 includes sleeping quarters in cabins and meals. Three classes (extra cost), games, door prizes. Spots limited. Contact Carol at 204-425-3701, caroladol@gmail.com.

Ritchot Seniors Services Active Living Centre - A variety of fitness classes and programs from September 2015 – June 2016 starts Monday, September 14 at the Ritchot Senior Services Active Living Center, 457 Main Street. Mondays and Fridays at 9 am and 10:15 am classes to improve heart health, muscle

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

Al-Anon Program – Meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact Lloyd 204Christmas Tea & Craft Sale – On Thursday, November 12 from 326-4365.

1 - 8 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Enjoy shortbread, hot apple cider & Christmas baking. Affordable decor under Al-Anon 12 Step Recovery Group - Meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at United Church, 541 Main St, front door, ring doorbell. $50. Hear the sounds of seasonal music. Cost $5.

All are welcome.

Canadian Firearms Safety Courses (non-restricted & restricted) – On Friday and Saturday, November 13 at 5 pm and November Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm 14 at 6 pm at the Eastman Safety Training Centre Inc. To be at Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact eligible to apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence, 204-346-0413. classroom participation in the full CFSC is mandatory for firsttime licence applicants. Once the course is completed, Woodridge individuals will then have to pass the tests. Cost $150. Contact Woodridge Christmas Craft & Bake Sale – On Saturday, December 5 from 2 – 6 pm in the Community Hall 69 Denis to register at eastmansafety.ca, 204-371-1595.

Street. Cost admission is free. Wanted crafters, artisans and 1st Annual Steinbach Christmas Market – On Saturday, bakers! Contact to reserve a table Cory at December 19 from 10 am – 4 pm at the Mennonite Heritage ajackson@mymts.net. Use the subject line Woodridge Village. Family fun for all, depending on the weather, sleigh Christmas Craft & Bake Sale or call 204-429-2323. Cost $10/ or wagon rides available and much more including 20 -30 table plus a $10 value prize donation. booths. Magician to entertain young & old. Admission free but some attractions may have charge for their services. Old Country Christmas Supper – On Saturday, December 5 at 4:30 - 6 pm.

Games and Activities.

Contact Join us at our annual Christmas Supper at the Community info@steinbachchristmasmarket.com or call Peter de Jong Centre, 69 Denis Street. Cost Adults/Teens $12/person, Children 6 - 12 years $6/person, Children 5 and under free. at 204-424-5479.

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 Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested 326-3155. in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. On Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan at Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local 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 services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com. building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email eastmanmss@mts.net Ste. Geneviève Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living with - 8 pm. Come for a visit and see what we are all about. Over multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large print evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Place books and magazines plus they can import books from any apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488, nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. bibliotachelibrary.com or in person.

MS Lunch Group- On 4th Thursday of every month, from 12 – 1 pm at All D’s Restaurant 320 Main Street. Contact Stephanie Steinbach 204-988-0904, Soup & Pie Fundraiser – On Friday, November 6 from 5 – 8 Bevacqua at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre. Enjoy homemade soup, Stephanie.Bevacqua@mssociety.ca. fresh buns & pies. Entertainment by Silverwinds Hutterite Colony Choir. Great silent auction items including fishing trip at Lake Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support of the Woods for 4 people with a guide. Cost is by donation. groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, Proceeds are going to John Voth of Kleefeld to help cover the bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. cost of back surgery in Germany in November. Contact 204- Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

388-4073.

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

If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 Lorettecopp@gmail.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

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

Holiday Safety Starts with Energy Efficient LEDs If you enjoy festive lights during the holidays, consider using decorative energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) strings. LED lights use up to 90 per cent less electricity and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent holiday lights. However, the good news does not end there, with no filaments or glass bulbs to break, they are more durable, and they produce almost no heat, reducing the risk of fire.

LEDs are a great choice for outdoor applications in Manitoba, because they perform well in cold temperatures. LED light strings are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours, making them the perfect choice for lighting up your home, your yard or your tree during the holidays.

LED lights also have the following advantages: - Safety – LEDs are cool to the touch, reducing the risk of combustion or burnt fingers.

- Durable/Shatterproof – LEDs are made with epoxy lenses, not glass and are much more resistant to breakage.

For your safety: - Use indoor rated LED strings for indoor displays and outdoor rated strings for outdoor use.

- Plug your lights in to test them; then unplug before installing them in your display.

- Only connect LED strings to other LED strings.

- Turn off all your holiday lights before going to bed or leaving home.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

November 2015

23

Ste. Anne Hospital Lobsterfest Breaks Record “We had a record number of sponsorships, and a record number of participants, which resulted in record breaking fundraising profit.”

The Ste. Anne Hospital’s 10th annual fundraising Lobsterfest was so successful that over $28,000 was raised for the region’s second largest hospital.

One hundred and sixty-five people came out to feast on 600 pounds of fresh New Brunswick lobster that was brought in specifically for the event.

Ste. Anne Hospital’s Executive Director Zoe Nakata said the evening was “fantastic”. “We had a record number of sponsorships, and a record number of participants, which resulted in record breaking fundraising profit,” reported Nakata.

The money raised by the event is going towards the purchase of a portable ultrasound machine for the Ste. Anne Hospital’s operating and emergency room.

The tenth annual Ste. Anne Hospital fundraising Lobsterfest was a recordbreaking event.

Photo by Zoe Nakata

Providence Harvest Banquet Raises $60,000 This year ’s Harvest Festival brought friends of Providence to the Otterburne campus for a weekend banquet that featured speakers Brian Stiller and Michelle Sawatzky-Koop.

The event raised over $60,000 in donations that will boost scholarships, bursaries, and targeted programming, making Providence education more affordable for students.

Irma McKenzie, Vice President for Development at Providence said the funds would go a long way to help the school’s programming. “We are honoured by the students who have chosen Providence as a place to pursue performing arts and athletics,” said McKenzie. “We have about 20 Music majors and minors and more than 60 students engaged in choirs, bands, ensembles, and

Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, who was part of Canada’s volleyball entry at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, addressed the crowd during this year’s Harvest Banquet at Providence College.

individual lessons. We also have around 75 student-athletes this year and approximately 620 kids involved in club volleyball and sports camps.”

Each of them will be equipped to become a difference-maker during their time at Providence, and, appropriately, “Difference-Makers” was the Harvest Festival theme.

Sawatzky-Koop, who was part of Canada’s volleyball entry at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, used her address to reveal the individuals who made a difference over the course of her own journey. She also reinforced the extension of difference-making to those in attendance, whose gifts will enable students to impact churches, workplaces, neighbourhoods, and the world at large. “What you’re

doing here tonight is absolutely, 100 percent, making a difference for the Kingdom of God,” she said. “God bless Providence and the sports it provides.”

She also emphasized the importance of coaches as role models and highlighted the characteristics of discipline, commitment, and hard work that are prominent in sports. “God is alive in sports,” she said. “Because he has gifted some kids and this is their path.”

Providence President David Johnson said he valued both Stiller’s “inspiring” talk on the value of Christian post-secondary education and Sawatzky-Koop’s relaying of the value of sports in life. “The highlights for me were time with the two speakers, visiting with the many faithful friends who were able to attend, and seeing and hearing our students perform and tell their stories about how God has changed their lives through Providence,” Johnson added.

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November 2015

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch