Dawson Trail Dispatch November 2016

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Teen a Hero Ste. Anne Teen Dies in Accident,

Saves 45 Through Organ Donation

By Marianne Curtis

Sixteen-year-old Tyler Klassen lost his life in an automobile accident, only days after obtaining his drivers license, about a month after deciding to become an organ donor.

Photos by Charmaine Wiens Photography

A sixteen-year-old RM of Ste. Anne teen who died after being critically injured in a collision near Steinbach is being recognized as a hero for helping 45 people through organ donation.

On October 22, Tyler Klassen, lost control of his vehicle while passing a car on the gravel Hanover Road West only two days after receiving his driver’s licence, a family friend said.

“Tyler was brain dead and wouldn’t recover,” said Doreen Dueck, a family friend. “Tyler had expressed to his mother, Lisa Boyd that he wanted to be an organ donor just a month ago.”

“We kept him on life support longer so we could donate his organs as he told me several months ago to sign the donor card he got from Driver’s Ed and said if he was ever able to he would like to help others live with his donation of organs,” Lisa explained. “He was very passionate about donating.”

While his heart and lungs were still too damaged for transplant, doctors were able to harvest Tyler’s kidneys, liver, pancreas and eyes as well as muscle and tissue. A few days later, Lisa was able to share some bittersweet news. “What a bittersweet moment!!! Just found out Tyler’s kidney is doing great and know of who the recipient is! Happy for the other family just wish Tyler was still here,” Lisa reported to her friends.

“Found out who the two people who each got one of his kidneys are after lots of searching. And they are both recovering well.”

On a more personal level, Lisa is grateful for the support she has received from friends and strangers alike.

A Go-Fund-Me page was started by friends to raise money for Tyler’s funeral and almost $15,000 has been raised to help the family during this difficult time.

Lisa is also struggling with the sudden loss of her only son. “I am struggling emotionally very badly. I know you need time to grieve and I realize that this is just the beginning of my struggle, but I am having a hard time doing anything,” she confided. “I watch and try to help my 15 year old daughter who is struggling as she lost her best friend in the world, but I am of no help to her with the way I am feeling and crying.”

Continued on Page 2

November 2016

Primary Health Clinic to be Located Within SRSS In a recent announcement the Hanover School Division, Southern Health-Santé Sud and Steinbach Family Medical have signed an agreement to provide onsite primary health care for students of the Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS).

Operating as a satellite extension of Steinbach Family Medical, the SRSS Health Clinic will be staffed with a full-time nurse practitioner, serving over 1,700 grade 9-12 students at the regional school.

“It is important that all young adults have access to health care services when they are most needed,” said Kathy McPhail, CEO of Southern Health-Santé Sud. “Moving to an interdisciplinary care model, we will have a nurse practitioner available at the site and this will group together a number of available services into this one place, providing a team approach to wellness and health care. We would like to acknowledge the Hanover School Division and Steinbach Family Medical for their collaborative and cooperative partnership in seeing this initiative to fruition.”

This partnership will consolidate student health care services within the SRSS, and expand upon existing programming. Current support services available to students include counselling for addictions, mental health, guidance, and access to public health education. The addition of nurse practitioner, and a clientcentred focus to primary care, will provide students with a single point of access to a team of health care professionals.

“We are very pleased to partner with Southern Health-Santé Sud and Steinbach Family Medical,” remarked Randy Dueck, Superintendent-CEO of Hanover School Division. “This partnership will provide SRSS students with convenience of access to comprehensive health care, and with these services being made available on-site, the time away from classes can be greatly reduced,” said Dueck.

Funding for this innovative model of health care delivery has been made available by Southern HealthSanté Sud and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living. This initiative aligns with strategic directions to support the broader goals of primary care renewal.

Steinbach Family Medical will manage all patient records, and coordinate clinic staffing.

The SRSS Health Clinic is scheduled to open in November 2016.

November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Teen a Hero

Continued from page 1

Skate Park Nears Completion in Ste. Anne

By Marianne Curtis Skateboarders in the Town of Ste. Anne will soon be able to do kick flips and perform rail rides because the new community skate park next to the curling rink is nearly complete.

According to Celeste Plouffe who is with the Ste. Anne Recreational Skate Board and Splash Pad Park Committee, the skate park is expected to be open soon. “A grand opening to be announced soon,” Plouffe said. “We are excited for all you skateboarders.”

This past spring Mayor Richard Pelletier said the total cost of the recreational plan, including the splash pad and Skateboard Park is $1.2 million dollars. He said there would be several phases

Lisa Boyd is proud of her only son’s decision, which is ultimately helping him significantly improve the lives of 45 people.

Photos by Charmaine Wiens Photography

RCMP are still investigating the crash, but say Tyler and his passenger were wearing seatbelts and alcohol was not a factor. Tyler’s passenger remains in hospital in stable condition. The family has asked for privacy during this time.

Organ and tissue donation saves lives. An organ transplant is often the only treatment for people with organs that are damaged through injury or disease and who would otherwise die. Skin, bone, eye, and heart valve donations also dramati-

cally change and improve the quality of life for people of all ages.

Everyone can register to be a donor regardless of age, medical condition or sexual orientation. A decision to register should not be based on whether you think you would be eligible or not. A donor’s eligibility is determined by the health care team upon their death.

To become a donor, either fill out the back of your driver’s license or visit www.signupforlife.ca.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

of the project over the next couple of years. “We are going to do it in steps, so we’re not going to spend the $1.2 million this summer,” Pelletier added. Along with government grants, the town is continuing to fundraise to cover the costs of additional projects.

While some of the money has already been raised through government grants, the community still needs to fundraise the balance and volunteers are needed. “I will be asking for more volunteers for three more bingoes,” announced Plouffe.

“We still need to fundraise for those parks as they are still not completely paid for!”

Along with government grants, the Town needs to continue with fundraising to cover the costs of the additional projects. At this time,

a Wine Raffle is underway; tickets are available at various businesses throughout Ste. Anne including the Old #12 Restaurant, liquor store, and hardware store until December 12. Sponsorships are also available.

Construction crews work on the bowl, which is one of the features in the new skate park in Ste. Anne.

Steinbach Woman Named New Liberal Leader

By Marianne Curtis On October 21, the Manitoba Liberal Party’s Board of Directors appointed Judy Klassen, MLA for Kewatinook, as Interim Leader effective immediately.

Klassen’s appointment makes her the first female First Nation leader in the party’s history in Manitoba.

As MLA for the largest constituency in the province, and a passionate advocate for all Manitobans, Klassen said she will continue to work with her fellow provincial Liberal MLAs to present a strong Liberal

voice in the Legislature. “It’s an honour to accept the position of Interim Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party,” said Klassen. “I believe this party can prove to Manitobans that we are a thoughtful, constructive and compassionate party with a real drive to change things for the better.”

As Interim Leader, Klassen will be responsible for working with constituency associations to solidify the party’s organization throughout the province. She will also participate in outreach to new and current party members as well as supporting the Board of Directors’ fundraising activities.

Originally, from St. Theresa Point, Klassen said she now lives in Steinbach. Terry Hayward, former provincial and federal Liberal candidate in the southeast said Klassen’s appointment is a good thing for the Liberal Party of Manitoba. “Judy is an amazing person who cares deeply about the region that she represents and the people of Manitoba as a whole,” said Hayward. “She knows southeast Manitoba, she is from this area so this does very well for us as a region to have someone knowledgeable in the Legislature. She is a hard working, passionate politician and I am confident that she is the right person for the job at this time; and if she resigns to run for the leadership race later, she will be a great choice for that as well.”

Judy Klassen – Liberal Leader.jpg Manitoba Liberal Party’s Board of Directors has appointed Judy Klassen, MLA for Kewatinook, and former Steinbach resident has been named the Manitoba Liberal Party’s Interim Leader.

Klassen cannot run for permanent leadership, unless she steps down from the position no later than June 20, 2017. If she steps down later, or remains in her seat until the election, she would be unable to obtain the permanent position.

Now that the Liberals have an Interim Leader in place, the Manitoba Liberals will focus their efforts on fundraising and the organization of constituency associations.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

November 2016

Landlord Who Saved Ste. Anne Students Awarded Star of Courage

By Marianne Curtis On October 28, Governor General David Johnston awarded Winnipeg native Lester Lehmann a Star of Courage for his selfless actions in protecting 26 students from armed gunmen. The students, all teenagers from Ste. Anne, were visiting the Dominican Republic on a humanitarian mission when the event took place.

Lehmann was looking after the apartments where the students were staying when two intruders broke into the villa about one o’clock in the morning.

The École Pointe-Des-Chênes students were in a group of 18 including students from École régionale

Saint-Jean-Baptiste plus 8 teachers and chaperones when their humanitarian trip to the Dominican was cut short after they witnessed a shooting during a robbery on their first night.

The group arrived in Puerto Plata Friday where they were supposed to work until February 6 on a project to help an orphanage and school for girls aged five to 17. “I didn’t realize they [the intruders] were there until I turned around and they both had guns pointed at me,” Lehmann recalled. “I did not think they would shoot me because I was unarmed.”

Lehmann was shot several times, and then knocked out. After the intruders left to hold up the students, Lehmann grabbed a baseball bat and went after them. “It was just a reac-

tion. I was responsible for these young kids. Most of them were 16-, 17-year-old teenage girls from Ste. Anne and I had to step up,” Lehmann continued.

Most of the students did not witness the shooting but they all heard it. The division flew the group home immediately. None of the 18 students, plus 8 teachers and adult chaperones, was injured.

The schools have been going to the same location the past four years, and their visits date back at least 10 years. The building was like a large home broken into suites, with four or five students per suite, plus chaperones. There was security, but somehow the thieves got past it.

On October 28, Governor General David Johnston awarded Winnipeg native Lester Lehmann a Star of Courage for his selfless actions in protecting 26 Ste. Anne students from armed gunmen.

Talented Landmark Knitter Donates Hats to Bethesda Maternity

By Marianne Curtis Babies born in the Bethesda Hospital over the next few months will have a very special gift to take home at the end of their stay thanks to a Landmark woman.

For the past few months, Myrna Tomko has been knitting and crocheting all sizes and styles of hats.

Traditionally, the Bethesda Ladies Auxiliary has provided handcrafted hats for newborns, but the organization cut off the supply.

“My mom Myrna Tomko has crocheted over 100 baby hats to donate to the maternity ward at Steinbach Hospital. She doesn’t know how to go about getting them there, so I figured you would know, or would like to make a story out of it, so she can get some recognition for her hard work,” said Crystal Donais on her eagerness to spread the word.

“My last baby was born there [Bethesda], and the nurses and staff were so nice. The baby hat my

daughter was given was too small, so it kept pulling up,” explained Crystal Donais. “The nurses said that the older citizens in the area made them for the hospital, so my mom took it upon herself to create various sizes of cute little hats.”

Myrna began making the hats shortly after her husband was diagnosed with cancer, and the creation was therapeutic. “It kept my mind and fingers occupied during a difficult time,” Myrna said. “I am so glad now that others can enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.”

Myrna did not just knit little toques for the newborns. She got creative with her patterns. Over the next few months, babies will be going home dressed like ladybugs, footballs, teddy bears and even cupcakes. “When my granddaughter was born, they did not have the right size for her, so I made sure I had hats in many different sizes,” Myrna added.

The Bethesda Hospital Maternity

Bethesda Regional Health Care Facility accepted over 100 hand knitted and crocheted baby hats from Myrna Tomko, for distribution to babies born in the facility. Pictured here: (left to right) Jennifer Derkson, Clinical Resource Nurse, Crystal Donais and Brayson (5); Dr. Christo Minnar, Chief of Staff, Dr. Karen Toews; Crystal Hunt, Clinic Services Manager, Lisa Albensi, Director of Health, Myrna Tomko and Brinley (3).

Ward handles between 450-500 births per year. The adorable collection of hats is expected to last for a few months.

Lorette Mourns Death of Teen

Colin Roer was a grade 11 student at the Lorette Collegiate and an employee at the Lorette Co-Op.

A seventeen-year-old teenager from Lorette is dead because of a single vehicle accident that took place during the early hours of October 16.

According to Steinbach RCMP, Colin Andrew Roer died when the car he was traveling in rolled into a ditch on the north side of Highway 207 around 4:30 am.

The 17-year-old driver, also from Lorette, was rushed to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police say the driver was wearing a seat belt, but Roer, who was a passenger, was not. He was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Roer was a grade 11 student at the Lorette Collegiate, and a well loved student and employee at the Lorette Co-Op. “We couldn’t believe it, thought it was a bad nightmare,” said Michelle Sauve, Manager of the Co-op in Lorette. “It’s a small community. You’re in shock,” she added. “We didn’t realize it was true until one of our employees came in crying ... I went and spoke with his dad and it’s beyond words. It’s a tragedy.”

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident.

November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Health Ministers Meeting Wraps Up Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen donned his Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister hat and concluded a two-day meeting recently with provincial, territorial and federal officials that focused on securing long-term funding and innovation, and ensuring a sustainable health-care system for all Canadians.

“We recognize that every province faces its own unique challenges associated with the different demographics of their particular province,” said Goertzen. “In Manitoba’s experience, the health-care challenges associated with our large and growing Indigenous population and the remote nature of much of our province result in significant cost pressures around health-care delivery. Our expectation would be the Federal Government recognize the unique challenges of each province and will provide long-term, flexible funding to allow provinces to deliver health care appropriately within their own jurisdictions.”

While the discussions with federal partners were productive on many areas related to healthcare delivery, the minister said Manitoba remains concerned about the potential loss of $39 million in health-care support as proposed by the federal government beginning in budget year 2017-18. “Historically Canada was an equal partner in funding health care for Canadians. That

has fallen dramatically since the start of Medicare to the point that federal support for health care is below 25 per cent in most provinces. Our province is committed to seeking innovation and efficiency within our health-care system. However, the federal government must participate as a real partner in supporting the health-care needs of Canadians,” said Goertzen.

The minister stressed that healthcare needs are not the same in every province, noting that chronic disease affects Manitoba in particular. For example, the Goertzen said that while kidney failure rates in Canada have stabilized, Manitoba has the highest rate of kidney disease in the country. In addition, end-stage kidney disease prevalence and the need for dialysis are two to three times higher in Manitoba’s Indigenous populations compared to other groups.

Currently, about 1,500 patients receive dialysis treatment through the Manitoba Renal Program, with another 5,000 patients monitored through the program’s renal clinics. Last year, the Manitoba Renal Program patient population grew by 484 Manitobans.

Goertzen renewed a call from premiers for a first ministers meeting with the Prime Minister to deal with the need to establish a long-term, predictable and flexible funding mechanism for health care.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Country Under Construction

As we tick off 149 years for our nation, it is evident that much of this history is exemplary and on a few incidents, we fell noticeably short. It is therefore self-evident that building a nation is an ongoing endeavor. Alas, we all fell short collectively way too often.

But again for another year our military shines, quietly and below the radar, the support it is giving in the middle east is not as flashy as flying F16s but definitely not any less dangerous. It could easily be argued that this is a much more dangerous mission and I concur with that sentiment.

Furthermore, our military are signing up for another peacekeeping mission and it looks like Mali will be the destination. Peace keeping in that part of the world is a misnomer, you must first make peace and only then can we attempt salvaging it. The Rwanda genocide is an historical political deficiency we own which should never be duplicated. We don’t own it alone you say, you’re right there was a few other idiots involved, what does that make us? An idiot by any other name is not a rose.

On the side of the angels, though it also seems likely that resources will be supplied to Colombia for landmine removal, and that job is no picnic. We’re growing up I

think, facing reality head on is always a good sign.

Not all of our endeavours can be applauded. The RCMP have announced $100 million to settle sexual harassment dating back 40 some years. The magnitude of cases is phenomenal when you consider the amount of money set aside for that particular “mea culpa”. I think I would not be alone in feeling assaulted and robbed by some RCMP’s male personnel who have since retired with full pensions with much deserved culpability and how many more of the “old boy’s club” will slink to retirement in the future under the same set of circumstances.

It is difficult to not only entertain the insult of double standard that has been perpetrated but what is more difficult for us citizens is to know we must uphold the value of what the brand should have been if we want to own and not be disappointed with our history.

I am disappointed and I am angry and I doubt I am not alone.

More recently, our local representative in Ottawa has had a problem vis-à-vis Bill C16 legislation meant to protect gender identity and expression. He feels that they have sufficient protection now and don’t need to be protected from harmful prejudices. By the very fact of his own actions, he proves otherwise.

He is fearful of anybody who is different from him. “We remember” is the commendable desire to walk for frolicking frogs and the deep fear of marching for human ambiguity.

He professes that you are born with choices, true if speaking of one’s brain, but physiology is an accident of birth. Who you are born as is what you will live to be and who you will die as is preordained; political fear notwithstanding.

Regardless of one’s religious selfimposed mental restrictions on the question of sex and sexual realities towards one’s fellow citizen, it cannot be solved by a political decision.

The relevance is this is not a question of an “act of sex”, but the sexuality you were born with. Add a touch of charity and a sprinkling of love and you may just have a winner.

Now let’s add Truth and Reconciliation to this job in progress. Thank God, we’re Canadians anything less, we would probably give up. Lest we forget, not a chance.

Falk Supports Referendum Before Voting System Changes As the Federal government takes steps towards overhauling the country’s electoral system, MPs are going to their constituents and finding strong oppositions to change without consultation.

Locally, Provencher MP Ted Falk said that southeast residents are strongly opposed to the Federal government’s desire to change the country’s electoral system without consulting Canadians. “I have surveyed my constituents in my riding of Provencher on this mat-

ter, and they have overwhelmingly suggested that before any changes are made to the method in which we vote, they should be consulted,” Falk stated.

Falk said that over 1,400 residents in southern Manitoba responded to a mail-out survey with 95% voting in favour of the statement, “Before changing how we elect our MP’s, should the government get the approval of Canadians?”

“This overwhelming majority opinion is not limited to Provench-

er,” Falk continued. “Members of Parliament from across Canada have received very similar results with an average of 91% of Canadian’s indicating their support for a referendum.”

Falk said that he has conveyed this message to the Prime Minister.

During the 2015 federal election, the Liberals pledged it would be the last under the first-past-the-post system after securing a majority government with 39.5 per cent of the popular vote.

Community Centre Significantly Damaged by Vandals On October 5, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a mischief to the Community Centre in Ross.

Sometime between the evening of October 4 and early October 5, the Centre was damaged significantly

by unknown vandals. Damage included broken windows, lighting, signage and the arena boards.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP

Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Bill-7 Aims to Add Democratic Voting in Unions Our new Manitoba government is well into the fall sitting of this legislative session, working hard to ensure democracy in the workplace and to protect the rights of employees. Bill-7, which would amend the Manitoba Labour Relations Act, has gone through second reading in the house and is now at the committee stage where the public and representatives of various organizations are making presentations directly to MLAs. There were more than 20 presenters on October 27, and it’s expected it will take two more evenings to hear all those interested in having a say on this legislation.

Bill-7 would make union certification by secret-ballot votes mandatory. This bill is about democracy and the rights of workers across Manitoba to participate in decisions on union certification without fear of intimidation by colleagues, unions or employers. Currently, without secret-ballot voting in Manitoba, workers struggle with such pres-

sures. Secret-ballot voting would eliminate this stress, because only individual workers would know where their votes went.

Our government has consulted Manitobans on this bill, and surveys show secret-ballot votes are supported by most of them. As well, the provincial Labour Management Review Committee, which includes representatives of business and labour organizations, has been consulted.

Secret-ballot voting would put Manitoba in line with most Canadian provinces that use this method for union certification. Bill-7 is just one of our new government’s legislative changes in favour of fairness, transparency and democracy for hard-working Manitobans as we continue to fix our province’s finances, repair our services and rebuild our economy.

November 11 is coming fast, and I would like to remind all Manitobans about the importance of Remem-

Let’s Set Our Priorities Straight October was a very busy but fulfilling month for me as your MLA for Dawson Trail. I was honoured to attend and volunteer at some of the many fall dinners in the constituency, and connect with those who make these great events happen.

While the legislature is in session, I’ve made sure to use any time I have outside of the house to hold a few casual coffees in various Dawson Trail towns, attend fundraisers to support the great work of organizations such as the Ste. Anne Hospital Foundation, and catch up on correspondence with constituents.

On October 24 at the legislature, I was privileged to recognize a young woman from Ste. Anne, Ms. Brooklyn Walker. With a private member’s statement, I told my colleagues in the Legislative Assembly of Ms. Walker’s heroic efforts in saving a young girl from drowning in a Winnipeg swimming pool.

Again, I would like to thank her for her instinct and bravery that day as she saved a life and forever changed many others.

Our new Progressive Conservative government has been working hard to follow through on many commitments made to Manitobans before last April’s election. This has been a rewarding experience as we work to fix our province’s finances, repair our services and rebuild our economy. We have reached out and are listening to all Manitobans to set our priorities.

One example is the in-person and online consultations we have held as part of our planning for Budget 2017. Thousands of Manitobans have submitted their ideas, while formal presentations from stakeholders representing a broad range of interests have been heard. If you have missed the in-person pre-budget consultations, I encourage you to submit your ideas online at gov. mb.ca/prebudget/submissions.html.

That process will continue until December 1.

After a decade of debt, decay and decline under the previous NDP administration, your input in the process to put Manitoba back on the right track, and our finances where they are most needed, is critically important as our new government works to make Manitoba families safer and stronger.

If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at 204-8074663 or by e-mail at bob.lagasse@ leg.gov.mb.ca. You can also stay connected through Facebook at Bob Lagassé, MLA for Dawson Trail.

RCMP Looking for Stolen Trailer On October 4, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a theft of a trailer from the Trans Canada Highway in the RM of Ste. Anne near Richer. The theft of a gray Titan snowmobile trailer occurred sometime between mid-July and October 4. If you have any in-

formation in regards to the above theft you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

brance Day. This day commemorates the sacrifices made by our Canadian soldiers in armed conflicts in the past and present. We should not forget these soldiers, many of whom gave their lives so we could enjoy the freedoms we have today. On November 11, wear a poppy and remind others to take the time to remember.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you with your questions or concerns. I can be reached at my constituency office at 204-4245403, my legislative office at 204945-4339 or by email at dennis. smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.

Dennis Smook, MLA for the constituency of La Verendrye

November 2016

Locals Appointed to Francophone Council A Lorette woman and a La Broquerie man are two members of the Francophone Affairs Advisory Council who were recently appointed by the province. The council is mandated to advise the government on measures to enhance the vitality of the francophone community in Manitoba.

With more than 100,000 Manitobans who speak French, the establishment of the advisory council is expected to allow the government to make the best investments in the development of the francophone community here at home, but promotes this strategic asset during interprovincial relations and with other countries.

Joining the Council is Michèle

Lagimodière-Gagnon, Lorette for a two-year term and Louis Tétrault, La Broquerie for a threeyear term.

The council consists of seven members including Co-Chairs, Donna Miller, Clerk of the Executive Council, and Jacqueline Blay, Board Chair, Société franco-manitobaine and 5 deputy ministers.

The Francophone Affairs Advisory Council was created under the Francophone Community Enhancement and Support Act., adopted last June by the Manitoba government, establishes a framework to promote the vitality of the francophone community in Manitoba and to support its development, through the activities of the Francophone Affairs Secretariat.

Vita Woman Re-Elected as MGEU President On October 18, Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) delegates re-elected Michelle Gawronsky as union President during their annual convention.

The election for President went to a second vote. In the first round, Gerry Labelle received 48 votes, Melissa Dvorak received 135 votes and Michelle Gawronsky received 153 votes.

Michelle Gawronsky won the second round with 172 votes. “I just want to take a moment to thank both of the candidates that ran for president, it’s not an easy thing to do to stand up here and pour your heart out and your feelings,” said Gawronsky. “Returning as President for a third term is truly an honour! I am thrilled to be able to continue our work together and I look forward to continuing to move our Union in a positive direction, representing our members.”

Vita resident Michelle Gawronksy has been re-elected as the President of the province’s largest union for a third term.

Gawronsky spent years’ working in the health care sector and brings over 29 years of union experience to the office of MGEU President.

Gawronsky is returning with Vice President Wayne Chacun, 2nd Vice President Doug Troke, 3rd VP Shelley Wiggins, and 4th VP is Charlotte McWilliams.

The Manitoba Government and

General Employees’ Union has a membership of over 40,000 employees, with 16,000 employed directly by the Province of Manitoba in the Civil Service while others work in crown corporations, universities and colleges, health care facilities, social service agencies, and arts and cultural organizations.

November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

A Day of Appreciation Commemorates RCMP Service in Manitoba Mounties serve with distinction, sacrifice much for communities across Manitoba and Canada said MLA Cliff Graydon for the constituency of Emerson on why he has introduced legislation that would establish February 1 as an annual day in Manitoba to show appreciation for the RCMP, and for the work, they do to protect and serve Manitobans and all Canadians.

“The Mountie and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are among Canada’s most recognizable symbols,” said Graydon. “The brave men and women of the RCMP serve Manitobans and all Canadians with distinction and give much in terms of service and sacrifice to our communities. This legislation would formally set an annual day on which to show respect, gratitude and appreciation for all they have done and continue to do.”

Bill-208, which was debated at second reading in the Legislature

today, highlights the importance of recognizing and promoting awareness of the historical and ongoing role of the RCMP in Manitoba. The bill proposes February 1 as the day for commemorating the RCMP because the national police service was formed on that date in 1920 through a merger of the Dominion Police and the Northwest Mounted Police. Manitoba’s provincial police service was absorbed into the RCMP in 1932.

The RCMP now has jurisdiction in eight provinces and three territories, and offers resources to other Canadian law enforcement agencies. Its 28,400 employees work in operations dealing with organized crime, terrorism, illicit drugs, economic crimes and offences that threaten the integrity of Canada’s borders, while also helping youth, supporting Indigenous communities and assisting with United Nations peace operations worldwide.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

HyLife Expands Investment in Manitoba’s Value-Added Pork Processing

While in China with Prime Minister Trudeau in early September, HyLife President, Claude Vielfaure announced a contract with the Chinese e-commerce platform, JD.com.

On October 15, La Broquerie’s HyLife announced that steady growth in demand for high quality pork product has resulted in the need for an investment up to $125 million to modernize and expand to its Integrated Pork Production and Processing System, starting as early as 2017. This will include another expansion of HyLife’s flagship pork processing facility in Neepawa, Manitoba.

“HyLife’s investment into growing our Japanese and Chinese markets has been very rewarding and is sending the signal that we can do more,” said HyLife President, Claude Vielfaure. “This new investment in Manitoba will mean not only more jobs across the province but a greater demand for value-added pork thanks to our integrated system and our great pri-

mary producer partners.”

HyLife has become Canada’s number one fresh chilled pork exporter to Japan, returning $200 million worth of sales from the Japanese market annually. HyLife recently opened a restaurant in the trendy Daikanyama district of Tokyo to further highlight the quality and taste profile that HyLife pork delivers.

“HyLife has taken that unique Japanese consumer demand for its domestic pork and worked tirelessly to recreate this taste profile at home in our integrated production and processing system,” continued Vielfaure. “The result has been a solid and growing base of Japanese consumers seeking to buy HyLife’s premium fresh chilled pork products, which we grow and process right here in Manitoba.”

HyLife has also had a steady pres-

ence in the Chinese market, grossing $80 million in sales since breaking into the market in 2008. While in China with Prime Minister Trudeau in early September, HyLife announced a contract with the Chinese e-commerce platform, JD.com.

In order to meet growing demand and address international competitive pressure, the time has come to reinvest back into HyLife’s integrated system. HyLife envisions expanding the Neepawa plant by moving to a full double shift and adopting innovative technologies to improve yields and processes and increase shelf life. HyLife also plans to construct new finishing barns and a feed mill. This will bring up to 165 new jobs to the communities HyLife operates in and will increase its total employee base to approximately 2,000.

New Municipal Fire Chief Named in Tache The RM of Tache Council has named Allan Rau as their new municipal Fire Chief. According to Tache Mayor Robert Rivard, Rau has been with the department, in Lorette, for the past two years.

“I think we lucked out in getting someone as qualified as him,” said Rivard.

While Rau has only been in Lorette for two years, he came to the department with thirty years in emergency services. Over half of that career was served as either a

Fire Marshall or Fire Chief. His resume includes serving as Fire Chief in Cold Lake, Alberta. Rau is semiretired from the Royal Canadian Air Force and works with the Department of National Defense.

“As far as we know, he is the only level 3 fire fighter in the area,” Rivard told media. “He is a great asset to us.”

Rau takes over from Peter Skjaerlund, who served as municipal Fire Chief since 2005. Skjaerlund, stepped down from the department

after being named as the RM of Tache’s Utilities Manager. The RM of Tache received a number of applications for the position, but only two were called in for an interview, Rivard noted.

As new municipal Fire Chief, Rau will oversea all three halls in Lorette, Landmark and Ste. Genevieve where his training in shared services, and budgeting is expected to be an asset to the communities.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

STARS and Wellness Centre Benefit from St. Labre 200 When the St. Labre 200 committee gathered on October 19 for their annual meeting, cheques were presented to organizations benefitting directly from this year’s Giving Back to the Community Campaign.

At the meeting, St. Labre 200, Vice President Joel Grenier said the organization hosted another successful year, even though it rained throughout the event. “It was muddier than usual because of the rain, but this made it safer,” said Grenier.

Normally the family friendly event raises about $6,000. “This year we raised the most money ever.”

A total of $9,000 was raised during this year’s event and the proceeds were divided between two organizations. Lil Steps Miniatures & Wellness Farm, from St. Malo and STARS - Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society, received $4,500 each. Lil Steps is an animal assisted wellness farm for children between 6-18 years old with various needs such as Autism, ADHD/ADD, anxiety, and depression. The STARS – Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society, which provides rapid air medical service to the southeast and remote regions in Manitoba, was the other recipient.

La Broquerie Fire Chief Alain Nadeau said the money he received would cover the costs of one rescue mission by STARS air ambulance.

He recently raised $73,969 while participating in a STARS Rescue Island Rescue, where he was vol-

La Broquerie Fire Chief Alain Nadeau and JR Audette accept cheques on behalf of STARS and Lil Steps Miniatures at the St. Labre 200 general meeting.

untarily stranded on an island to raise money for the organization.

The funds from St. Labre 200 are already part of that total.

St. Labre 200, which takes place annually in July, started as a competition between the Grenier brothers and friends. It has since grown into an event that draws about 120 participants and about 1,500 spectators to the community of St. Labre.

The main event is a 24-hour go-cart build off, followed by a 200-lap race (50 miles). Other activities on the grounds include excavator and skid steer rodeo, bounce castles,

Over 400 residents to Paint Community Canada 150 Mural Mosaic

By Marianne Curtis On November 2 and 3, more than four hundred Steinbach residents will take part in painting workshops to create a community mural to commemorate Canada’s 150th Birthday in 2017.

The Canada 150 Mosaic Team will work late into the night so that on November 4 a completed mural can be unveiled at the grand opening of the Community Plaza, located in front of the T.G. Smith Centre.

The City of Steinbach is one of 150 communities across the country asked to take part in the Canada 150 Mosaic Project.

Heather Chambers Ewen, Commu-

nications Coordinator for the City of Steinbach said the committee had a great response from the community and people are really excited about the project. “It’s a unique opportunity to be part of the mural, a piece of artwork that will remain in the community for a long time,” said Ewen.

“We have families, pre-schoolers, seniors, businesses and community groups all coming to paint a tile.”

The finished mural will have the windmill as the central image, but will contain hundreds of smaller images paying tribute to the diverse backgrounds of Steinbach residents.

It will also be a link to the approximately 150 other Canadian communities participating in the Canada

R/C race cars, rubber boot toss, live bands, Red Bomb Fireworks, Manitoba Arm Wrestling Association sanctioned tournament and many others.

Because of its unique appeal and success, over the last 8 years, StLabre 200 has given back about $60,000 to various organizations throughout the region.

Grenier said that next year, the organization hopes to have bleachers built for spectators. “There’s definitely room for more people to come out, and with the bleachers, we’ll have a lot more room.”

150 Mosaic project. Each community’s mural incorporates a train car that symbolizes the connection of people across Canada.

Although its permanent home will eventually be the Jake Epp Library, the mural will spend some time at City Hall and the Mennonite Heritage Village until after Canada Day 2017.

The City of Steinbach invites everyone to come out, experience the new community plaza (in front of the T.G. Smith Centre), and be part of the mural unveiling on November 4 at 1:30 pm.

Over a two-year span, a mural will be created, including all provinces and territories, that when united will form one gigantic mural mosaic.

The mural will remain and be displayed in Steinbach and connected virtually to the other murals on Canada150Mosaic.com.

RCMP Issue Request to Identify The Steinbach RCMP is seeking the public’s help identifying a male who was involved in an incident in the RM of Hanover and in Tourond. The incident occurred during the day on October 14.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-2228477 or manitobacrimestoppers. com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

November 2016

Conservation Enforcement Blitz Targets Illegal Moose Hunting Manitoba Sustainable Development advises of a recent four-day enforcement blitz by conservation officers targeting the illegal hunting of moose in eastern Manitoba.

The operation resulted in charges being laid against eight hunters and the seizure of four vehicles, multiple weapons and hunting equipment.

The moose population in Manitoba’s east-central area, encompassing all portions of Game Hunting Area (GHA) 26 and portions of GHA 17, has been in decline for a number of years.

Aimed at increasing the population, several remedial restoration projects are currently in place and include full and partial closures to moose hunting in GHA 26 affecting both licensed and rights-based hunters.

With the assistance of tips from the public and the work of con-

servation officers, eight individuals have been charged with a variety of offences including hunting at night, hunting moose in a Moose Conservation Closure area, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, having a loaded firearm in a vehicle and operating a motor vehicle while suspended. In addition, one person was charged with possession of more fish than is allowed by daily quota.

The Manitoba Government commends the work of the conservation officers involved in this operation.

Hunting at night and other unsafe and unsustainable hunting practices are an enforcement priority of Manitoba Sustainable Development.

Anyone with information about illegal activities is asked to call their local Manitoba Sustainable Development Office or the Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).

November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

C ommunity E vents Giroux Bingo - Every Thursday at Giroux Hall. Doors open at 5 pm, Bingo starts at 7 pm. Hall rental information for Socials, weddings, family functions, Meetings and more please call Debbie 204-424-5506 or Mike 204-326-6260.

Lorette Story Time & Crafts - On Saturday, November 5 at 11 amEnglish and 1 pm-French at the Bibliothèque Taché Library.

Come join us to make a Remembrance Day picture frame from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Hadashville Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time.

Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or KSTA. academy@gmail.com.

New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble and more. Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette, 12 St. Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

Ile-des-Chênes Main Street Revitalization Concept Plan Workshops – On Monday, November 14 from 5 – 7 pm in Trans Canada Centre Boardroom. For all residents, stakeholders, businesses, or community organizations with a passion for community and an interest in how Main Street can be revitalized are welcomed/encouraged to come and share their ideas or experiences. Please RSVP to Lesley - cedo@ritchot.com or text 204.803.2871.

Craft & Trade Show – On Saturday, November 26 from 10 am – 4 pm at the TransCanada Centre. Cost $2 or a non-perishable item for local foodbank. Canteen available.

Fund-Raising event focused on assisting the Canadian Diabetes Association on Saturday, November 12 from 8 pm – 1 am. $15 per person. TransCanada Centre, Rivard St., Ile Des Chene. Live Band The Mosqitoz.

Taekwondo – On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 – 8 pm at the Ecole Ile Des Chene School. Cost $40/month, family rates available. Contact Kangs.mb.ca, Master Bill Tam 204296-8217.

Quantum Dance Academy – Runs to Tuesday, May 23 2017 at 539 Main Street. For students aged 2-18 a variety of dance styles including ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap and more. The season finishes with a recital at the Pantages Playhouse Theatre.

Contact Lee Miazga at quantumdanceacademy@gmail.com or 204- 880-5178.

Parent Child Playgroup - On Wednesdays from 10 am – 12 pm at the School in room 142. Contact idc.mb.playgroup@ gmail.com.

Story Time in Pyjamas - Every Thursday evening at the Ritchot Library Ecole Regional Gabrielle-Roy at 6:30 pm. Ages 2-8 however all ages are welcome.

Yoga- On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 - 7:30 pm at the TransCanada Centre. Cost is $15/class or 10 for $125.

Zumba - On Mondays and Wednesdays, from 7 pm – 8 pm at the TransCanada Centre. 10 classes for $75 or $10 drop in.

Contact sarah.abraham@gmail.com.

50+ Programs - At the Trans Canada Centre Indoor Walking - Mondays, Wednesday and Fri 9 – 10 am Yoga - Monday 10 -11 am Coffee Talk - Wednesday 10 - 11 am Block Therapy - Tuesday 10 - 11 am Water Colour Painting – Thursday 10 - 11:30 am Line Dancing - Thursday 7 - 8 pm Floor Curling - Friday 10 am – 12 pm Contact Mary Ann vintageclub@transcanadacentre.com, 204-339-6141 to register.

Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204878-4908 or email her at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register.

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

La Broquerie Meat Pie Fundraiser Sale – Deadline to order is Monday, November 21, fundraiser for Seine River Services for Seniors.

Either ½ pork and ½ beef - traditional recipe. Pies are 9 inch for $12 or 6 inch for $6. Contact Juliette Rowan @ 204424-5285.

Eastman Immigration Services International Cooking Classes – On the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month in La Broquerie. Space is limited. Contact to register 204-346-6609 or email lois@eastmanis.com.

Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204-424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com.

Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10.

Mitchell Ecuador Earthquake Relief Dinner – On Friday, November 4 at 6:30 pm, Mitchell Seniors Centre. Manitoba to Ecuador is raising money to pay for bricks, mortar, concrete and educational supports for Puerto Lopez following the impact of the April earthquake. There will be a free-will offering, an auction and a silent auction in an attempt to raise funds. Contact Mark Reimer at marreimer@hsd.ca for a free ticket.

Niverville Teen Challenge Banquet – On Monday, November 14 from 6:30 - 9 pm at the Heritage Centre. Join us for our annual fundraising banquet; hear powerful stories of changed lives. Reservations required.

Contact 204-949-9484, info@teenchallenge.tc.

Annual Winterfest & Market – On Saturday, November 19 from 10 am – 8 pm at Elementary School, 181 Main. St., Craft Sale & Market 10 am – 3 pm at Heritage Centre Skating with Santa 4:30 – 6:30 pm and Supper at the Arena.

Then Tree lighting from 6:30 – 8 pm at 62 Main St., hosted

by Chamber of Commerce and Multiplex.

The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club – Meets every Monday at 7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca.

GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six.

Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Paradise Village Paradise Squares Dance Club - On Tuesdays from 7 – 9:30 pm at the Paradise Village Rec. Hall. Modern Square Dancing is fun and a great social activity. Couples and singles are welcome. Contact Larry 204-422-5424.

from June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the early days. Free Admission. Donations Accepted. Contact 204-4372210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686.

St. Adolphe Mixed Doubles Bonspiel – On Saturday and Sunday, November 5 – 6 at the Curling Club. 2-person Teams (one female, one male), 3 Games Guaranteed (6-end games) Entry Fee $80/team (includes calcutta pick and complimentary beverage). Cash Prizes, Blind Calcutta. Never played Mixed Doubles? No problem – we’ll teach you! (complete rules review before your first draw) Register by email: curlstadolphe@gmail.com or contact Dan at 204-612-5801.

Limited space available.

Forever Young Dance Club – On Saturday, November 12, from 7 – 11 pm at Pioneer Hall. Music by Michael Audette. Ticket $15 (includes lunch). Reservation required. Contact Rae 204883-2440 or Denise 204-883-2429.

Main Street Revitalization Concept Plan Workshops – On Tuesday, November 15 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Fire Hall Boardroom. For all residents, stakeholders, businesses, or community organizations with a passion for community and an interest in how Main St. can be revitalized are welcomed/encouraged to come and share their ideas or experiences. Please RSVP to Lesley - cedo@ritchot.com or text 204-803-2871.

Men’s Bonspiel – From Thursday, November 17 – Sunday, November 20 at the Curling Club. 3 Games Guaranteed. Cash Prizes, Blind Calcutta, Food available all weekend!

Entry Fee: $160/team.Register by email curlstadolphe@ gmail.com, Dan at 204-612-5801. Limited space available.

Christmas Craft & Vendor Sale – On Friday, November 19 from 9 am – 4 pm at the Pioneer Hall, 345 Herbt Rd. Free admission. Silent auction.

Introduction to Meditation – On Tuesday, November 22 at 10 am in the Pioneer Hall with Pamela Thrift. Cost $15.

Closet Treasures – On Saturday, November 26 from 10 am – 4 pm at the Pioneer Hall. Women’s gently used clothing, handbags, jewellery and shoe sale. Some in bags and some with tags. For table info contact mplarner@gmail.com, ktaitley@gmail.com, mirstewart@hotmail.com or ransomd@ mts.com.

C.H.I.L.D program – On Wednesdays from 9:30 - 10:30 am at Ecole St. Adolphe School. Children’s introduction to learning and development. Contact sas@srsd.ca or 204-883-2182.

Pickle Ball – On Thursdays from 6 – 7:30 pm hosted by Club Amical at the St. Adolphe school gym. Contact Alma at 204 883-2251.

Prawda Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Wendy 204-348-2433.

Athena Women’s Beginner Hockey – Contact Bahia Taylor, bahia@envypaintanddesign.com for details and costs.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children.

Snacks provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290.

Ritchot Senior Services - Summer Office Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am- noon at 457 Main Street. Contact 204 883-2880, Ritchotseniors@mymts.net.

Walking Club: Travelling all around St. Adolphe for approximately 40-45 minutes and then finishing up with some stretching on the deck with Janice.

Coffee talk: On Wednesdays. Join us for coffee talk outside on the deck, weather permitting. Enjoy coffee or tea, catch up with a friend, or perhaps challenge someone to a game of ladder ball, lawn darts, bocce, a round of disc washer toss or game of beanbag toss. Guaranteed laughs.

Foot care: Clinic on Wednesday in Lorette, by appointment only. To reserve in St. Adolphe, Ste.Agathe, Ile-des-Chenes or Lorette contact Janice 204-883-2880. Every 6 weeks Cheryl Palmer, foot care nurse visits each location and provides foot care to help keep your feet feeling happy.

Richer Adult & Teen Challenge Concerned Persons Support Group Join us Thursday evenings at 7 pm, in the Richer Fellowship Church, 50 Southeast Drive. If you have a relationship with someone who has a life-controlling problem, join us for this nine-week Living Free course. Receive encouragement and support in a safe setting, and learn practical ways to best help your loved one. Contact Pastor Ben Funk at 204-326-2254 or phone the church at 204-422-5308.

Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673.

Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or doreen@spmf.ca.

Sarto Ukrainian Dance Club – On Mondays from 7 - 8 pm at the Sarto Hall. Join the Sarto Polevnyi Ukrainian Dance Club for the 2016/2017 season! You do not need to be Ukrainian to dance! Boys & girls, ages 3 to adult, no prior experience required! Cost starts at $150/year.

Sprague Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser – On Saturday, November 5 from 8 – 11:30 am at the Sprague Evergreen Seniors Club.

Rainbow auction, grocery hamper raffle and 50/50 draw.

Contact 204-437-2056.

Community Christmas Program – On Sunday, December 4 at 3 pm in the Sprague Community Hall. Local talent and carol singing. Lunch to follow. Come join us for an early celebration of the Christmas Season.

Sprague & District Historical Museum - Open by appointment

Badminton Nights - At the school gym on Monday nights between 6 - 8 pm. $2 drop-in is required.

Contact yvandupuis@gmail.com.

Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. Adolphe Community Club. Doors open at 6 pm, 6:55 pm - Speedo Game, 7 pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 pm - Regular Games. We hope to see you there! Proceeds will support the Community Club.

St. Malo Fall Supper – On Sunday, November 6 from 5 – 7 pm at Chalet Malouin.

Annual Christmas Craft/Bake Sale - On Saturday, November 26 from 9 am - 3 pm at Chalet Malouin. Over 30 vendors.

Contact Aline 204-347-5249.

Annual Breakfast with Santa – On Saturday, December 3 from 9 am -Noon at the St. Malo Church basement hosted by the Chamber of Commerce a pancake breakfast, face painting, entertainment, children’s silent auction, visit with Santa, and craft corner.

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

Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079.

St. Pierre-Jolys Step Aerobics with Weights - On Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm, at the ICSP School Gym. Contact Stephanie 204-3202667, Louise 204-433-3839 or The Health Corner 204-4333891.

Diabetes Educational Resource Centre – On 2nd Thursday of the month from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the DeSalaberry District Health Centre. Contact 204-346-6254.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar, post partum mood disorders support group meetings held on the last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet Malouin boardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Ste. Agathe Main Street Revitalization Concept Plan Workshops – On Monday November 14 from 7:30 – 9:30 pm in the Community Hall. For all residents, stakeholders, businesses, or community organizations with a passion for community and an interest in how Main St. can be revitalized are welcomed/encouraged to come and share their ideas or experiences. RSVP to Lesley cedo@ritchot.com or text 204-803-2871.

Ladies Hockey – At the Arena. All levels welcome, including first timers. Contact cougarsrechockey@gmail.com for more info and costs.

Cougars-Ladies Rec Hockey - Weekly Ice time Sundays at 6:45 – 7:45 pm until March 5, 2017 at the Arena. Cost $150/person per season, 21 ice times or drop in for $10/ice time. Contact cougersrechockey@gmail.com.

Walking/Running Club - A walking and running club held various weekdays 7 pm, contact carly.flowers@hotmail.com.

Taekwondo - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15 - 7:30 pm at Ecole Sainte Agathe hosted by Kang’s Taekwondo Academy. Cost $40/month. Family rates available. Contact Jason Barnabe, jason.barnabe@gmail.com or 204-802-3458.

Ste. Anne Remembrance Day Service - On Friday, November 11 at the Ste. Anne Catholic Church. Service starts at 10:30 am hosted by the Ste. Anne Legion.

Breakfast with Santa and Pictures - On Saturday, November 26 from 9 am – noon pancake breakfast and from 9 – 11 am photos with Santa at the Ste. Anne Immersion Gym. Hosted by the Lion’s Club. Cost $5 for ages 3 and over includes pictures.

A Tin for the Bin is appreciated. Contact 204-290-5336, pmcpherson@hotmail.ca.

Lion’s Club Christmas Craft Sale – On Saturday, November 26 from 9 am – 2 pm at the Ste. Anne Immersion Gym. Christmas cash draw at 2 pm. A Tin for the Bin is appreciated.

Contact 204-290-5336, pmcpherson@hotmail.ca.

Meat Pie Fundraiser Sale – Deadline to order is Monday, November 21, fundraiser for Seine River Services for Seniors. Either ½ pork and ½ beef - traditional recipe. A 9-inch for $12 or 6-inch for $6. Contact Juliette Rowan @ 204-424-5285 International Cooking Classes - On the third Wednesday of the month from 6 - 8:30 pm. Learn to cook authentic and original foods from Columbia, India, Iraq, Philippines and Bolivia.

Pre-register with the Town of Ste. Anne at 204-422-5293 or email town@steannemb.ca.

Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204-422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net.

Seine River Services for Seniors – Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15.

Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Ste. Geneviève Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Centre on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 - 8 pm, brings a large selection of books in both French and English, for children and adults. Special requests can be made to the librarian, bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. Come for a visit and see what we are all about.

Steinbach Craft and Bake Sale - On Saturday, November 5 from 9 am - 3:30 pm at the Legion Hall, 294 Lumber Ave hosted by the Steinbach Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. Start your holiday shopping early with unique one of a kind items from local crafters.

Or pick up favourite products from home-based vendors and freshly baked goods from the bake sale. Rent a table for $25.

Call Shirley at 204-326-3220.

NaNoWriMo Write In - On Saturdays, November 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10 am - 1 pm and Wednesday, November 23 from 6 – 9 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Need a quiet place to write?

Come “write” in! Join us every week for a scheduled writing session. Enjoy refreshments and a change of scenery with other writers. A fun and intense approach to creative writing.

Participants work toward the goal of writing a 50,000-word draft during the month of November. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought fleetingly about writing a novel.

South East Artist Art Show & Sale – On Saturday, November 5 from 10 am – 4 pm at the Clearspring Centre Mall. Oils, Acrylics, Watercolour paintings, and Art Cards for Sale.

Dawson Trail Dispatch Shake, Rattle & Roll Fun National Child Day Celebration - On Saturday, November 5 at 11 am or 1 pm, Clearspring Centre near Sobeys. Parents and preschoolers welcome. Free. Contact 204-346-6698, healthychildcoalition.ca.

Duo Fortin-Poirier Pianistic Powerhouses - One Piano, Four Hands on Monday, November 7 at 7:30 pm in the SRSS Theatre. Cost Adults $18, Youth $12, and Theatre Students, only $6. Purchase at SAC Office only.

Our Culture, Our Community - Exhibit runs from Wednesday, November 9 2016 – Monday, January 16, 2017 by Edmund Raguindin at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre Hall Gallery 304 Second Street. A toonie donation is greatly appreciated.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club – On Monday, November 14 at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. ‘What Works for You?” An evening of fun sharing gardening questions, tips and answers from our members. Come and enjoy home grown advice from our own garden club members! Volunteer Appreciation prizes. All welcome. Non-member walk-in fee $5. Refreshments and door prizes. Contact 204-326-2351 or email info@sagardenclub.com.

Dessert Night Author Reading - On Tuesday November 15 at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Featuring two authors, Karen Emilson is celebrating two victories. The first is the release of her new book, ‘Be Still the Water’. Second is the 20th anniversary of the release of Karen’s first book ‘Where Children Run’. Geralyn Wichers is a local author celebrating the release of her third book ‘Cursed Seed’, the first in her new series Society of Immortals. Refreshments served and books will be available for sale.

Canvas & Cabernet Paint Nites - On Thursday, November 17 and Thursday, December 15 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at the SAC 304 Second St. Cost $35. Each night includes instruction, all your art supplies, live music, delicious appetizers, and wine. Contact 204-346-1077 or register online at steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Swing Back in Time - Sgt Wilson’s Army Show - On Thursday, November 24 at 6:15 pm, Steinbach Legion Hall. Wine and cheese pre-show meet and greet performance at 7 pm, social hour with coffee, tea, desserts. Tickets $15. Internationally acclaimed, Dutch based songs from the Andrews Sisters, Glenn Miller, Vera Lynn and more in a variety show format. Contact 204-326-5335, go to steinbachlegion.ca or visit their Facebook page.

Drop In Book Club – 2nd Tuesday every month at 7 pm in the Jake Epp Library. We’ll post the book for discussion that month and if you’d like to join us please stop by. If you want to start your own book club instead, you can always take advantage of our Book Club collections. No sign up required. Just read the book and come hang out.

Knit-Wits Drop-In Club for Adults - Knit-Wits - Every 4th Friday of the month, from 6 – 9 pm at the Jake Epp Library. This is for anyone interested in fibre hand crafts such as knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needlepoint etc. This is not a class but a casual knitting circle for all skill levels.

Classic Movie Night – The 4th Friday every month. Free admission. Free Popcorn! All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) – On Wednesdays, from 8:45 - 10:30 am at the Royal Canadian Legion. Cost $2/ week. A weight control support group that helps take off pounds sensibly and keep off pounds sensibly. Contact BettyLou Toews at 326-6397.

Eastman Immigrant Services - Many events and activities to support and help you make new friends. Start to make this community feel like your home. Volunteer to help at our community events.

Cooking with Canadian Food – On Monday, November 7 at 6:30 pm 522 Main St. Free. Contact to register 204-3466609 or email lois@eastmanis.com.

Let’s Sew - On Tuesday’s from 1:30 – 3:30 pm., Sewing machines provided.

Every Day English All Levels - Every Wednesday 1 – 3 pm.

Reading & Writing – All Levels on Monday and Wednesday from 10 am – 12 pm.

Pronunciation All Levels - On Monday and Wednesday from 7 – 9 pm at D4-284 Reimer Ave. Classes are free.

International Cooking Classes – On the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month in La Broquerie. Space is limited. Contact to register 204-346-6609 or email lois@eastmanis.com.

Eastman Safety Upcoming Programs - Located at 385 Loewen Blvd. Register online at eastmansafety.ca or contact 1-204371-1595.

Mommies Group at Kidzone - On Wednesdays, from 9 am - 1 pm. Come by to meet other moms to chat with and get your kids to make some new friends. Cost $7, free coffee.

Creativi-Tea Time - Need to relax and have some you time?

Event runs every second Wednesday of the month, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Come and go as it suits you. We’ll provide basic supplies, feel free to bring your own.

Event includes tea and coffee.

Games Day & Games Night – Every 1st Saturday from 12 – 5 pm of the month and the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8:30 pm, at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play strategy games. Bring a friend, your strategies and games.

Test your skills and have fun. Ages 14 and up unless accompanied by an adult. Contact 204-326-6841, programs@ jakeepplibrary.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

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.

Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at the Magnolia Restaurant. Contact 204-326-2313.

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.

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.

Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at Lecoka, 8B - Brandt Street. Drop in and discuss sustainable living. Contact rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com.

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

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

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

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204444-5228.

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

Al-Anon Program – Meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact Lloyd 204-326-4365.

Al-Anon 12 Step Recovery Group - Meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at United Church, 541 Main St, front door, ring doorbell. All are welcome.

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

Woodridge Vintage Snowmobile Swap Meet - On Saturday, October 15, starting at 10 am at Woodridge Community Centre picnic grounds. Vendor at 7:30 am. 1st Annual South East Sno-Riders host vintage snowmobile and related items swap meet and show and shine at the on October 15th 2016 starting at 10.00AM. Vendor cost $20 for a truck and trailer or $10 for a single table. General admission $5. Great food served on site. Contact Dave Boutang dboutang@mts.net or Maureen Sorokowski jmsorokowski@ gmail.com.

The Mobile Clinic – Is onsite on the third Thursday of every month from 9 am – 4 pm at the Community Club. Contact for appointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca.

General Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, November 8 and December 6 from 8:30 am 7:15 pm. Join us for a great day of fun and friendship.

Visit McPhillips Street Station in the morning and Club Regent in the afternoon. Begins at 8:30 am, pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip.

Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for those wishing to play. Bi-monthly overnight trips to South Beach Casino are also available, amazing prices on these trips so call for details. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for information and to reserve a seat.

Culprit Donned Yellow Pants and Purple Jacket for Clinic Break In Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break-in at the Steinbach Clinic and Pharmacy, which occurred on October 25 at approximately 3 am. The suspect is described as wearing yellow pants, a purple jacket, black shoes and has glasses.

Several items of an undetermined value were stolen.

Entry was gained initially via the Steinbach Family Medical Centre on Loewen Boulevard and then once inside the culprit gained entry into the Pharmacy.

Steinbach RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person in the photos. If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

November 2016

A Horribly Written Movie

The following column includes spoilers and rants of a recently viewed movie titled ‘Disaster LA: The Last Zombie Apocalypse’. If you have any hopes of watching this “fine” film then you may want to save this column and read it after you’ve watched it. Then again, maybe by reading this beforehand I can save you the agony of watching it. Your choice.

In the movie, a group of survivors run to a parking garage beneath an apartment complex where a friend lives. While the one man goes up to his friend’s apartment to ask to borrow his car keys, the rest of the folks remain in the underground parking area and decide to scavenge from the nearby vehicles for anything that they can use to survive. Good plan, sadly though, they each go off alone (whatever happened to the buddy system?) and attempt to find useful items. The one man uses his elbow to smash the driver’s side window of a car (which shatters instantly and completely) and begins to rummage around, another man uses his foot and kicks in a side window and a third man, my personal favourite most ridiculous champion of all apocalypse survival movies, runs towards the car and grabs an orange pylon (which flexes as he runs) and smashes open another driver’s side window. My wife and I laugh at the stupidity of these entries.

Searching through the vehicle, the aforementioned champion lucks out and finds a tool bag full of tools.

Now after watching the Walking Dead TV series, I figured that this guy just hit the jackpot what with a hammer and screwdrivers, maybe even a blade of some type. Sadly, he even picks up a hammer and swings it a few times as if to show the audience what a hammer does and then places it back in the bag and grabs a pack of cigarettes from the dashboard instead and then, just to add to the high level of dumbness, he leaves the car and the tool bag behind and wanders off to check out some motion that he saw farther into the garage.

Ummm, if you’re going off alone to check out something spooky that you may have seen, maybe, just maybe, you should grab the hammer? Better yet, grab the tool bag and get back to your friends! Luckily for this champion his brother did end up finding a pistol (which I’m surprised he didn’t throw away or accidentally blow up the building with) and managed to save him in the nick of time. Sadly, the acting was so bad that instead of it looking like he was fighting off the zombie, it actually looked like he was tickling the zombie in the ribs.

Now this was only one scene from a horribly made tale, I didn’t get around to talking about the show-

down between a gun man and a stopped car, about how they left an idling car behind and choose to run instead and I didn’t mention about the obvious “tender moment” scenes where all the characters stop fleeing from the impending death and decide to talk about how they’re feeling inside. I’m all for having a heart to heart with fellow survivors; I just don’t want them to do it when said heart will be potentially ripped from their chests!

While this movie was one of the most horribly written and contained some of the worst acting I’ve seen in a very, very long time, there is something about it that makes me want to suggest to you that you should see it too. Maybe it’s like going through a battle together so that we can all share in the horrors that we’ve faced and maybe, together, we can get through it in one piece.

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

10

November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Your Legal Representative I’m in the middle of my first threepart Estate Planning workshop. The participants have completed two of the three-day event and feedback has been very good. There were lots of questions and discussion around the legal representative, so I thought I should share my thoughts about who should be your legal representative.

You will likely have three situations where your legal representative will step in on your behalf. First, for your health and end of life care; second for your finances when you are incapacitated; and finally, when you pass away.

The last one will be your executor or administrator when you die.

We have a 100% chance of dying so you better put in writing who will be your executor. You need to have a valid Will.

What happens if you don’t have a Will? You are considered “intestate”. You died without a Will. Then someone has to step up and offer to be your legal representative. And often others have to agree.

I have assisted many families in the past few years. I have helped families get the court approval to administer the Estate. Yes, you can apply yourself without a lawyer. I can help you do that if the estate is straightforward. If it could be complicated, I will recommend you talk to a lawyer.

The first and most obvious legal representative could be your spouse.

If you die without a Will, your spouse can be appointed your legal representative. The courts approve the request and it’s called “Letters of Administration”. It’s a court document, one page that legally appoints someone as the administrator of your Estate.

The second most obvious person to apply is one or more of your children. If you have more than one child, the rest will have to agree. As administrator, you need to be nominated by the rest of your siblings or two of you can offer to be the administrators and the rest of the siblings will nominate you.

And the appointed administrator must live in Manitoba. I recently was appointed the administrator for an estate because the children did not live in Manitoba. Actually, the sons were relieved they didn’t have to do it. It can be a lot of work. Mostly paper work and dealing with a lot of organizations. And a lot easier if you live near where the deceased lived (which they did not).

If you do not have a written Power of Attorney that appoints someone to make financial decisions for you when you are unable (incapacitated), then someone needs to be appointed by the courts as the legal representative. This is called “Committee”

(pronounced “comma tea”). This is more complicated than being appointed administrator of your estate and I recommend the family seek a lawyer to help with the application.

Who can apply to be the Committee? Anyone who lives in Manitoba, usually a close relative or friend. It can also be a trust company if the estate is large. As a last resort, the Public Guardian and Trustee may be appointed.

So, if you do not have your legal documents in place: Will, Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive or Compassionate Care Contract; your legal representative can be appointed by the courts. However, it may cost more and will definitely take more time, and may cause some family problems.

I recommend if you do only one thing after reading this article, get your Power of Attorney document in place. It’s the most difficult and complicated if you don’t. If you die without a Will, it’s not ideal, but your estate can be administered relatively easily if you were not in a second relationship.

Who should be your legal representative? Decide now while you have a choice and while you have the mental capacity to decide. You can change your mind in the future and choose someone else. Of course, it costs money every time you have to write a new Power of Attorney document or a new Will.

I recommend it be someone who has the financial capacity and the time to look after your affairs (while alive or after you have died). The person should also be someone who will be proactive and not a procrastinator. The individual should also be someone who will communicate regularly and easily with your beneficiaries.

When I was the legal power of attorney and then executor for my parents, the most important thing I did was send copies of the bank statements every month to my siblings so everyone stayed informed and I was held accountable. It made me feel better knowing that my siblings knew everything I was doing.

What is the recipient of accounts?

Should you name more than one legal representative? You can, but normally not recommended or not needed. While looking after your finances while you cannot, the legal representative is accountable to the “recipient of accounts”. This is another individual you have appointed to receive the financial information on a regular basis so the attorney is being held accountable.

If you insist on naming two to act jointly, and then make sure, they get along and they live fairly close together. Most of the time one person ends up doing all of the work, and

Ste. Anne Beautifies Community with New Tree Plantings The Town of Ste. Anne was recently able to plant 230 trees in the community thanks to a grant from CN EcoConnexions – From the Ground Up, in partnership with Tree Canada.

According to the Town of Ste. Anne Council, this grant, along with

matching funds from the town, will fund the planting of almost 230 trees near the outskirts of the Town.

“This initiative provides a welcoming change for the residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Richard Pelletier. “We are pleased that this project will intensively enhance our

Volunteers Wanted for Operation Red Nose

By Marianne Curtis

the other person just co-signs everything; makes the administrating more difficult than it needed to be.

And after you die, your executor is held accountable to your beneficiaries and must report all income and expenses to the beneficiaries. I recommend to executors that they don’t wait till the end; I suggest that they report monthly so there is full information flowing to the beneficiaries regularly.

So, how can I help you? I can help your appointed Power of Attorney and your appointed Executor(s) help them deal with your affairs.

I will often get calls from the family advising of a client’s death and we meet shortly after so I can guide them in what they need or don’t need. Do you need to have the Will probated (approved by the courts); do you need to get a lawyer; and how best to handle all the bank accounts and income tax returns. Many older clients have informed me they have written instructions for their children. “When we die, call Anni!”

Sometimes I’m appointed the executor if there is no one else suitable, or family live too far away. Or I can be appointed as the co-executor to assist your family member if they may otherwise be overwhelmed.

Also, as I explained earlier, if there is no Will and no one suitable lives in Manitoba, I can be nominated by the family and appointed the Administrator.

I would prefer you have a valid Will and Power of Attorney in place.

I have seen lawyers advertising a Power of Attorney for $150 for seniors. So no excuses to not have at least this document in place.

If you need some nudging, sign up for the next Estate Planning Workshop and then you will be “good to go”.

A reminder for my faithful readers: Service Canada (CPP, OAS) is in Ste Anne every month at the Manitoba Service Centre, 30 Dawson Road, next to my office. The next date is Thursday November 17. Sign up for online access to your Canada Pension Plan account and Canada Revenue Agency account.

Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community.

Contact her at 204.422.6631 or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Coop) or Info@SteAnneTaxService.ca.

community and create a more desirable scenery for future generations and improve environment benefits as trees play a vital role in providing habitat for wildlife.” Trees have also been planted along Centrale Avenue.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

In a few weeks, Operation Red Nose Steinbach/La Broquerie will roll onto the streets for its fourth season of operation and it is not too early to think about volunteering.

Operation Red Nose became available to people in the Steinbach and La Broquerie areas four holiday seasons ago. The program is organized and operated annually by the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) from Ecole St-Joachim, in La Broquerie as a school fundraiser. The group has partnered with the communities including the City of Steinbach, RM of La Broquerie and Steinbach RCMP to ensure its success.

Ecole St-Joachim PAC Spokesperson Mariette Kirouac said that now is the time to volunteer for the upcoming season. “We are one month away from our opening night with Red Nose,” said Kirouac. “It is not too early to sign up to volunteer.” Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license, vehicle and work in pairs. A criminal record check is also required.

“The more drivers we have the better; we don’t want to leave anyone waiting for a ride so they get impatient and decide to take a chance,” Kirouac added. “We aim to sign up at least a hundred people.”

Operation Red Nose is a community-based volunteer program offering holiday partygoers a safe

ride home during the holidays. The service is not exclusive to motorists who have been drinking; it is also available for those who do not feel fit to drive because of fatigue or medication, for example. The service is free, but donations are highly encouraged.

Last year, 190 volunteers stepped up and provided 248 rides during the 2015 holiday season and about $5,437.81was raised.

This year’s Operation Red Nose Steinbach/La Broquerie will be running for nine evenings, starting November 25 and 26. The service will also be available December 2 and 3; December 9 and 10; December 16 and 17, and December 31 and because of the growing demand, volunteers are needed.

If individuals, groups of friend or workplace would like to volunteer, call at 204-371-1018 or email jnadeauwilson@gmail.com.

Starting November 25 and 26 from 9 pm - 3 am, call Operation Red Nose at 204-424-9555 for a safe ride home for you, and your vehicle, home if you live in the La Broquerie, Steinbach and surrounding communities. To make it easier for local residents to find a safe ride home, drivers can download a free Operation Red Nose app and be automatically connected on the nights of service, as well as other useful tools.

Rides can be pre booked for any Friday or Saturday in December, including New Year’s Eve.

Public Asked to Report Sighting of Stolen Truck On October 28 at approximately 2 am, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen truck in the RM of Tache. The vehicle is described as a 2008, 1500 white Chevrolet Silverado with Manitoba plates GKK867. The vehicle was last seen in the Richer area.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Stuartburn and Piney Launch Joint Tourism Website On November 5, the RM of Stuartburn and the RM of Piney councils will be launching their new website, name and logo in Sundown.

Since fall of 2015, the municipalities have been working jointly on a regional tourism plan. In January 2016, a resident survey was distributed, and from this survey, the hired consultant created a tourism strategy plan.

The plan included nine recommendations. From the recommendations, the first task was to create a regional tourism committee.

In June 2016, the 6-member tourism committee, including individuals from both municipalities awarded a website development contract and continued to meet every month to work on content for the site, create a name and logo.

On Saturday, November 5, the committee will be presenting the new website, name and logo. At the event, which starts at 9 am at the Sundown Community Hall, there will be a short presentation, followed by a free pancake breakfast, free logo branded tote bags and other items to the first 100 attendees. The winners of the regional photo contest will also be announced.

This tourism initiative is to assist with promoting the area, businesses and organizations within both the RM of Stuartburn and Piney municipalities.

St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP Respond to Fatal Collision On October 30 at approximately 6:15 am, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 75, just north of Provincial Road 247, south of St. Norbert.

A car was travelling northbound in the southbound lane of Highway 75 when it collided head-on with a southbound car. From the impact, the northbound car ended up in the west ditch and caught fire. The driver and lone occupant of that vehicle, a 21-year-old female from Winnipeg, was transported to hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

The driver and lone occupant of the southbound vehicle, a 26-yearold female from Winnipeg, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Speed, alcohol and distracted driving are considered factors in this collision. It is believed at this time that seatbelts were in use.

A RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

RCMP Hold Man Accused of Indecent Acts Steinbach RCMP received two reports of a male committing an indecent act in public. On October 1, a female reported a male sitting on a bench in LA Barkman Park in Steinbach committing an indecent act.

Children were playing nearby.

On October 2, a female reported a male committing an indecent act on the corner of Reimer Avenue and 4th Street in Steinbach. When confronted by a citizen, the male fled on a bicycle.

On October 4, members of the RCMP arrested a 26-year-old male from Steinbach in relation to these incidents.

During the investigation, it was learned that additional offences may have occurred in the area around Reimer Avenue and Brandt Street throughout the summer. The suspect remains in police custody.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Steinbach RCMP at 204326-4452 or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-2228477, submit a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

On the Hunt for Farm Machinery Thieves Steinbach RCMP received a report of a theft of farm equipment on Lasko Road, in the RM of La Broquerie that occurred August 25 - 26.

According to the police report, the suspects walked into the property and stole several items, belonging to specific farm machinery.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Piney Regional Chamber Recruiting Members

By Marianne Curtis Businesses within the RM of Piney and surrounding areas are being encouraged to join the newly established Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Over the summer months, a committee of like-minded individuals have been working on establishing a regional chamber. According to temporary Chairperson Jonathan Prevost, there is no official board yet and the focus is on signing up members. “We are working on the membership drive now so we can get the board elected ASAP,” Prevost explained. “In our bylaws, we also reserved a position on the board of directors for a municipal rep. Mel Parent just came on board as the RM of Piney municipal rep for our chamber once the bylaws were ad-

opted.”

Prevost said that based on the RM business directory; there are approximately 70 businesses within the RM. There are a number of businesses that operate within, but are not physically located in the RM, as well as budding communities just outside the RM boundaries.

Chamber membership is open to all businesses and residents in the RM of Piney and surrounding areas.

“Businesses will benefit most by participating and being active chamber members. We also understand that some businesses are not interested in being active in chamber activities, but see the benefits of supporting their community enrichment via the chamber and contribute by purchasing a membership, thereby contributing to the economic well being and success of the chamber,” Pre-

vost continued. “There have been a number of chambers in the area for the various towns going back many decades. As of right now there are no groups acting as official Chambers of Commerce in the region. Many have converted over to recreation focused groups over the years as business numbers dwindled in their respective towns.”

Anyone interested in finding out more are invited to the next meeting of the Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is taking place in the RM of Piney municipal office in Vassar on November 23 at 7 pm.

For more information, contact Jonathon Prevost at 204-4373037 or Christine Sibilleau at 204-437-2345 ext 3110.

November 2016

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, pay us a visit, and consider participating in some of our programs. Drop by the Centre Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. For more information call the Centre at 204-320-4600 or go to patporteralc.com.

Rentals and Functions: Book your next function at Pat Porter Active Living Centre. We can accommodate the following but are not limited to Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Banquets, Conferences, Family Gatherings and More! Contact Lynda at 204-320-4603 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities: We are in NEED of some individuals to help with miscellaneous tasks/roles such as Handy Man, Receptionists, Kitchen Help and other miscellaneous volunteers with special individual projects.

Volunteer with us – we could use volunteers in many different areas.

Whatever your skill set or age, we have a place for you. Whether you can volunteer for an hour a month, week or day or several hours we can accommodate you with tasks. Call Lynda at 204-320-4603 for more information.

Up Coming Events: Please come by the Centre to pick up our newsletter for full details on all upcoming events.

Wills, Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives - On Wednesday, November 9 from 2 - 3 pm. John Neufeld gives this FREE Presentation from Smith Neufeld Jodoin Law Office. This very informative presentation is open to everyone!

Please register by calling 204-3204600.

Old Time Country Dance - On Friday, November from 7 - 11 pm.

Band is Ivan Spence + The Burntwood Band. Advanced tickets for members are $11 and non-members $13. At the door $16. Night lunch provided.

Annual Christmas Banquet - On Thursday, December 8 at 6 pm., Punch at 6:30 pm. Dinner is turkey dinner with all the trimmings! Entertainment the Pat Porter Active Living Centre Choir. Tickets $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

If you could RSVP by Wednesday, November 30 this would help us with planning of the meal. Contact Reception 204-320-4600 or Lynda 204-320-4603.

New Programs starting this Month: Choir: Wednesdays from 10 am

11

– Noon. Contact 204-320-4600 to register. Lin Wiebe is our new Choir Director.

Chess/Scrabble/Crokinole/Yahtzee/ Pool: Tuesdays from 7 - 9:00 pm Come join in some evening activity.

Crafty Corner: Fridays from 2 - 4 pm. Bring your craft (anything goes – knitting, scrapbooking, woodwork, etc), have some good conversation, coffee, and share in learning from each other.

Fun Bingo: 3rd Thursday of each month. No Cash prizes – fun prizes are offered to players.

Movie Time: 4th Monday of each month from 1 - 4 pm. Bring a snack, we will provide coffee/tea. Family generated movies. Everyone is welcome.

Noon Meals Available: From Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Contact Deb 204-320-4605.

Beltone Hearing Clinic: Third Friday of the month. Call 1-800-6612653 to book your appointment.

Foot Care Clinic: Foot care is available the first Tuesday and Wednesday of every month and the third Tuesday and Thursday of every month. Call the Centre to book your appointment.

Note – occasionally programs are cancelled due to special events.

Please contact the Centre for confirmation of programs times and date.

Regular Activities: Cozy Corner Coffee Time: Come join us at 10:30 every morning for coffee, tea, and a cookie. Meet new people and staff in a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

Drop in Billiards: Monday - Friday 9 am – 4 pm.

Computer Classes: Wednesdays, contact 204-320-4600 to book an appointment Cards: 1 pm - 4 pm. Monday – Canasta, Wednesday - Cribbage; Thursday – Whist.

Tai Chi: Monday evenings at 7 pm and Wednesday mornings at 10 am from 2 – 3:30 pm.

Pickleball: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays 9 am – Noon.

Floor Curling/Shuffle: Wednesdays 1:30 – 4 pm.

Old Time Country Jam: Wednesdays 7- 9 pm.

Ho Model Railway Project: Monday - Friday from 9 am – 4 pm.

Membership at Pat Porter Active Living Centre - is only $25 per year. Memberships are due in January of each year. After January, memberships can be bought at $30.

Membership is 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.

12

November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

November 2016

13

SPECIAL FEATURE

REMEMBRANCE

DAY 2017

see pages 17-19

Abbeyfield House Grand Opening Celebrated

By Marianne Curtis On October 28, the community of Dominion City celebrated the official opening of a unique assisted-living facility for seniors.

Known as Abbeyfield House, the facility offers the privacy of individual living units and the social benefits of communal meals and other group activities.

Abbeyfield House is a $1.6-million bungalow-style, multi-family home with four studio and six one-bedroom units. Its shared living spaces include a kitchen, dining room, lounge and recreation area. The governments of Canada and Manitoba provided more than $566,000 to this project through the federal-provincial Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2014-2019 extension agreement.

The property will be managed by Emerson-Franklin Heritage Holdings Inc. (EFHHI), which was created in 2014 by the Municipality of Emerson-Franklin to enhance housing, social and recreational services in the region. It is the first Manitoba-based affiliated member of the Abbeyfield Society of Canada, part of an international organization focused on providing communal housing to seniors. The Municipality of Emerson-Franklin donated the land for this project, valued at $100,000.

“The ability for seniors in our community to age in place is such a gift for a rural town like Dominion City,” said Dave Kirkpatrick, EFHHI Chair. “The Abbeyfield House

Abbeyfield House was made possible through the hard work and vision of the Abbeyfield Dominion City Board. Members include: (back row) Gordon Daman (consultant), Bev Berrington, Larry Chubey, Dave Kirkpatrick, Bruce Borodenko (front row) Joanne Graydon, Bev Kirkpatrick, Mitzi Borodenko.

Missing from the photo are Dennis Weiss, Tracey French, and Greg Janzen.

model with assisted living supports, along with the affordable housing assistance, will ensure seniors in our region will be able to remain close to family and friends for years to come.”

“The investment Manitoba and Canada have made in seniors housing in the Municipality of Emerson-Franklin exhibits true leadership in ensuring the sustainability of rural Manitoba,” said Reeve Greg Janzen. “This commitment, along with the passionate involvement of the Abbeyfield board made up of local citizens, will allow our seniors to re-

main in the community they call home.”

Eight units will be available at affordable rents for $414 per month for a studio suite and $587 for a one-bedroom suite. Two units will be available on a rent geared-toincome basis to accommodate lower-income households, with annual provincial support totalling about $3,500.

The new building is accessible and meets Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart designation. A house manager will oversee all enhanced services for residents including meals in the shared dining area, laundry and light cleaning.

Donations Needed to Help Local Seniors The members of the board of administration for Seine River Services for Seniors are inviting you to donate your slightly used mobility aids to help the elderly who are in need of mobility assistance.

The Board hopes that by asking for the community’s help that they can continue meeting the critical needs of local seniors through donations of equipment such as rolling walkers, standard walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs and bath chairs will help give our seniors a little extra stability when it is required.

For more information, contact the Resource coordinator, Julie Rowan, at 204-424-5285.

Significant Damage Caused in Cottage Break-In Steinbach RCMP was called after a break-in at a cottage in the rural area of La Broquerie off road 47 E and 32 N. Some items were stolen and the suspects caused significant damage to the property. The break-in occurred between October 10 and 16.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

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November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

MPI Winter Tire Purchase Program Continues in 2017 Even if you’re driving safely, winter roads can be slippery. Reduce your risk on the road by purchasing winter tires with low-interest financing.

The Winter Tire Program provides low-interest financing to eligible Manitobans at prime plus two per cent*, on up to $2,000 per vehicle. This financing can be used for the purchase of qualifying winter tires and associated costs from participating retailers.

Program eligibility: To be eligible for the Winter Tire Program, you must: - be an individual (not corporate) Manitoba Public Insurance customer - purchase qualifying winter tires for a passenger vehicle or light truck (gross vehicle weight under 4541 kg) registered under your name - have no financing restrictions or outstanding arrears on your Manitoba Public Insurance account.

Eligible tires will display the winter tire symbol, as endorsed by Transport Canada and must appear on the list of eligible tires. It indicates that the tires have met specific snow traction performance requirements and are designed to be used in severe snow conditions.

Financing can be applied to the purchase of eligible winter tires. Customers financing eligible winter tires may also receive financing on associated costs including: - rims - Tire Pressure Monitoring System - addition of studs to tires (some limitations apply) - mounting and balancing - storage costs (if paid during initial purchase) - switchover costs (if paid during initial purchase) - wheel alignment - nitrogen fill - valve stems - shop supplies - applicable taxes and fees Eligible products and services financed for the same eligible vehicle can be made from multiple retailers.

Determine your eligibility for the program, then visit a participating retailer and select your tires. The retailer will confirm your eligibility and complete the loan authorization. See www.mpi.mb.ca for full details!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

The Myth of All-Season Tires

There are a lot of theories about how to best drive in the winter; some are myths and others are true. Test your knowledge to see if you can identify which of the following statements are popular winter driving myths and which are prized pointers to help practice road safety this season.

1. All-season tires are fine for the winter season. Not so. While all-season tires are meant to keep you safe in occasional, transitional weather conditions, you need winter tires to safely ride through our Canadian winters.

Winter tires feature unique tread compounds, like the flex-ice compound in Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tires, which allow them to remain more flexible in colder temperatures, providing better traction than all-season tires. Allseason tires are less flexible and less effective when the temperature drops consistently below freezing, and especially when precipitation is added to the mix.

2. Dropping tire pressure leads to better traction. False. Winter tires are designed to perform with no inflation pressure adjustment. A well-inflated, narrower tire can bite through snow down to the pavement where the tire can get better traction. As a general rule of thumb, you should always keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation, which can be found on the inside wall of your vehicle’s driver door.

3. I am safer in an all-wheel drive vehicle. This is a myth. AWD is a performance feature, not a safety feature.

AWD helps you accelerate and offers no advantage when you’re trying to turn or stop in snowy or icy conditions. Having the right tire for the season is a safety issue. Increased tread blocks, micro-pumps that absorb water, tridimensional sipes, and the tire compound all play a part in a tire’s overall winter performance and your safety on winter roads.

4. To regain control while spinning, I should always steer in the opposite direction of the spin. This is true. It’s important to remember if you drive at a safe speed, allow ample distance to vehicles in front of you, and avoid sudden braking, accelerating, or turning, you won’t need to worry about slipping and sliding.

Find more winter driving safety tips at www.michelinwintercenter.com/en/tips. (News Canada)

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Manitoba Hydro Warns Homeowners To Be Cautious of Door-to-Door Solicitors A number of Manitoba Hydro residential customers have reported solicitors falsely claiming to be affiliated with the utility knocking on doors and asking to check furnaces and test water conditions.

To date reports have been submitted to Manitoba Hydro from across the province.

The individuals ask to enter to the residence to inspect the homeowner’s furnace or test water conditions. They then offer to rent or sell the homeowner a new furnace or water filtration system.

Manitoba Hydro is not involved in any of these programs, and advises homeowners to deny entry.

Homeowners purchasing a new furnace or any home improvement equipment should also get at least three quotes from reputable vendors so they can compare prices and service.

While Manitoba Hydro employees do go door-to-door periodically for various reasons, they always carry an official identification card with their name and photo. If someone asks to enter your home claiming to be with Manitoba Hydro, ask for their name and to see their ID card.

Contact us at 1-888-624-9376 if you have any doubts about someone who claims to represent or be affiliated with Manitoba Hydro before allowing the individual into your home.

If you believe you have encountered, or are a victim of fraudulent solicitation, immediately call your local police department.

Consumers can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or contact the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-782-0067 or visit gov.mb.ca/cca/cpo/home_improvements. The Consumer Protection Office investigates complaints about unlicensed businesses and direct sellers, high-pressure sales tactics, warranty concerns on goods and services, and cancellation rights.

For more information on how to identify legitimate Manitoba Hydro employees, see hydro.mb.ca/frauds_and_scams.

Baseball Manitoba Recognizes Local Athletes The baseball season is now over, and it is time to recognize the accomplishments of all that were involved by thanking those who have contributed to a successful year.

This year, two coaches and one player are among the winners who will be presented with awards at this year’s annual banquet.

Cody Bartel, from Blumenort is the only local athlete to be honoured this year. The Carillon league member is being named Midget Player of the Year.

On the coaching side, Nik Grenier from Ile des Chenes and Jamieson Krentzen from Steinbach were both named H/P Coach of the Year. They both are coaches with the Carillon league.

All three, along with the other eighteen winners will be recognized at the Baseball Manitoba’s annual awards banquet taking place November 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Airport West, in Winnipeg. Tickets for the banquet may be purchased through the Baseball Manitoba office for $65 each by calling 1-204-925-5765.

RCMP Canine Sniffs Out Suspects At approximately 9 am on Friday September 30 Steinbach RCMP were dispatched to a possible break and enter at an abandoned residence on Park Road in the RM of Ste. Anne.

The suspects were confronted by a property representative and fled into the bush before the police arrived, leaving their vehicle behind.

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen, the previous day, and the licence plate was stolen in a separate incident. With the assistance of Cst. Henderson and police dog “Enzo”, both suspects were eventually located and taken into custody.

Kaitlyn Fehr was arrested and remanded into custody on 16 charges, several charges for possession of property obtained by crime and for possession of stolen credit cards. Mark Kuehn was arrested and remanded into custody on two charges of possession of property obtained by crime.

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Main Street Projects Could Benefit Ritchot Communities

By Marianne Curtis RM of Ritchot residents and concerned persons who wish to have a say in how their community develops are encouraged to participate in one of three Main Street revitalization workshops.

According to Lesley Gaudry, Community Economic Development the project is exploring design features that enhance walking, and flow for cars and bikes along community Main Streets. “It is our desire for each Main Street to be a vibrant central business district,” Gaudry explained. “Our overarching goal is to design Main Streets that are intended to bring the community together in strategic meeting places which will help drive economic growth.”

The municipality has hired HTFC Planning and Design to help create a unique sense of place for

each respective Main Street. The first step of the process is to hold a workshop in the three main communities. At the open houses, HTFC will guide productive discussions and assist groups in reaching consensus around preferred development direction through exercises.

“We encourage everyone to come, we can assist with drivers if people need and take part as the outcome of the design phase will only be as successful as our community input,” Gaudry continued.

The Ile des Chenes Main Street will be discussed at the TransCanada Centre, in Ile des Chenes on November 14 from 5 – 7 pm. The Ste. Agathe Main Street Workshop is taking place the same night from 7:30 - 9:30 pm at the St. Agathe Hall. The third workshop is taking place in St. Adolphe at the RM Fire Hall boardroom on November 15 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

To RSVP email Lesley at cedo@ritchot.com, or call or text 204-803-2871.

Ritchot Chamber to Host Awards Gala Tickets are now available for the Ritchot Chamber of Commerce’s Awards Gala.

According to Larry Noble, Ritchot Chamber of Commerce President the event is, “An evening of celebration, recognition and awards for businesses contributing to our local economy.”

Scheduled to take place on December 3 at the TransCanada Centre in Ile Des Chenes, the Gala will begin with the annual general meeting, where the Chamber’s regular business and board member elections will take place. Afterwards there will be a formal sit down dinner, followed by the highlight of the eve-

ning, the 2nd Annual Business Award presentations.

Nominations are being accepted for three awards, including Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Corporate Volunteerism Award.

The evening will end with a fun casino night, live music with South Town and dancing. Businesses are encouraged to use the special night as an all-in-one Christmas event for all businesses looking to host a staff party with other regional businesses and their employees.

Tickets are $50 each and available by contacting Yvette at 204-881-2351. To nominate a business for an award, email inquiries to info@ritchotchamber.ca or call Yvette.

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November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Stay Safe Around Hyro Substations Substations are groups of complex electrical infrastructure Manitoba Hydro uses to deliver electricity to its customers’ homes, workplaces, cabins and more. They carry enormous voltages – enough to serve entire communities – and coming into contact with substation equipment can lead to electrocution or an explosion. Interference with substation operation also poses risk to people, equipment and service to the substation’s community.

Manitoba Hydro wants to keep you safe. Keep your distance from substations – their tall, barbed-wire fences are designed to keep you from harm. Trespassing beyond a substation’s fence puts you at risk for harm and death. Vandalizing that fence compromises its security, making it easier for small children or animals to wander in.

Talking to your children about your local substation can prevent tragedies. A substation can look like a jungle gym to a child - be sure your child can tell one from the other. Retrieving a ball or Frisbee from the substation’s yard can be disastrous - tell your child an adult will contact Manitoba Hydro to retrieve toys lost inside substation yards.

If you notice any damage to a substation fence or to a ground wire on Hydro poles or equipment, stay away from the area and contact Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) immediately.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Province Funds Commercial Kitchen in Hadashville The Hadashville Recreation Centre was one of five community centres across the province to receive funding to purchase and install commercial grade kitchen equipment to support local entrepreneurs.

The five community centres in the province are sharing a total of $95,000 that includes purchasing and installing commercial-grade kitchen equipment to support local food entrepreneurs. Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler said the funding was announced to help entrepreneurs make the leap from a home-based business to a larger-scale commercial enterprise.

“Many people may not realize their community centre can be a hub for food product development,” said Eichler. “This is an important investment in community infrastructure to support local value-added processing.”

The Hadashville Recreation Centre received more than $10,500 for a convection oven, freezer, dough sheeter and mixer.

The commercial community kitchen can be rented by start-up food entrepreneurs who may not have the resources to invest in their own production facilities. All commercial community kitchens are inspected and have a valid food-service establishment permit.

A directory of commercial community kitchens and more information about who should use them is online at gov.mb.ca/agriculture/food-and-ag-processing under Quick Links. For more information on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services, follow the Twitter account at twitter.com/MBGovAg.

Kleefeld Woman Competes at World Food Championships This November, Anne Meneer from Kleefeld will be a member of Team Canada when the group heads down to Orange Beach, Alabama to compete in the World Food Championships (WFC). Meneer earned the honour after winning this year’s Kleefeld Honey Festival Chili Cook-off.

“My daughter Charity and I have been doing this for three years, this will be the fourth year and we basically cook with love. I’m kind of shaking here and I am super excited right now, no words can describe how I feel,” Meneer said after winning the cook-off.

Thanks to her award winning chili, Meneer will be part of a team that will represent Canada on the international stage at the World Food Championships, a cooking competition held on November 9-15 that sees hundreds of teams from across the world competing for a grand prize of $100,000.

At WFC, teams compete in a preliminary round for their category (Bacon, BBQ, Burger, Chili, Dessert, Steak, Recipe, Sandwich, or Seafood), with the top 10 in each moving on to a final category round. First place winners in each category win $10,000 and move on to compete at the Final Table, where the $100,000 prize is up for grabs.

Investigation Continues on Stolen and Torched Car On October 12, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a theft of a Motor Vehicle from an address on Quail Ridge Road. Shortly thereafter, police received a report of a motor vehicle fire on Hespeler Road South. Through the investigation, the RCMP learned that the same vehicle that was stolen from Quail Ridge was set on fire on Hespeler Road.

The theft of the vehicle took place between the hours of 9 pm - 7 am, and the motor vehicle fire took place between the hours of 9 am - 11 am.

If you have any information in regards to the above Break & Enter theft you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

RCMP Want to Talk to Cyclist On the September 26 around 7:30 pm Steinbach RCMP were dispatched to a call of a multiple vehicle collision at the intersection of Reimer Avenue and Brandt Street in Steinbach. An unknown subject wearing a bright green jacket riding a bicycle was involved in the collision and never stopped to speak to or identify himself to the other parties involved.

RCMP would like to speak to this individual.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

November 2016

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November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

November 2016

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November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Communication…

Is it Important?

James chapter 3:2-6 ... 2) We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 3) When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4) Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5) Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.

Consider that a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6) The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.

It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (NIV) My speech reveals my true character. It communicates my true personality more than anything else does. If I could control my tongue always, James says, “I would be a perfect man.” He goes on to say, “If I have perfect control over that little member of my body … the rest of my life’s problems would be easy.” If anyone has perfect control with their speech, I think we would have the power to control ourselves.

No matter what we face.

Sometimes what I say can be funny. But sometimes it is not that funny at all. Sometimes I say things I do not mean to say.

Sometimes I say things that I mean to say but I should not because it will be misunderstood by other folks, and it may just hurt some people. There are times when I should zip-up and do the quiet thing and say nothing. I must always remember that the tongue is in my mouth and it is up to me to have some measure of control over it. God put that tongue of mine in my mouth behind my teeth so I can close my mouth before I say things that are not proper.

The Bible has a lot to say about what we say and how we say it. It makes it very clear that as Christian folks we need to have controlled speech, not this negative stuff. Our speech should not be wicked, slanderous, lying, filthy, bitter, angry, cursing, contentious; boastful ... I could go on. I am old enough to know how I should or should not speak.

We understand that the tongue, though it is small, can cause a lot of trouble for us. There are times when blessings and curses come from the same mouth that praised God one moment and the next moment we say unkind things

about people who are made in the image of God. Blessing and cursing from the same mouth should not happen.

I need to be mindful of the power of spoken words. I know I sometimes say things that would have been better if I had not said them ... then I feel awful later. I should never underestimate the power of speech. When you really look at it, that small thing (the tongue) has the power to control our lives.

Strange, that such a small part of our body should have that much power. If we do not have control over our tongue and what it says we will eventually self-destruct.

The Bible compares our tongue to that of a ship’s rudder. I used to be in the Canadian Navy and I have steered some pretty big ships.

I was always amazed at how that little rudder could move the ship in any direction that I wanted it to go. A rudder is small, but when I turned that wheel it would exert enough pressure on the ship and turn the ship to where I wanted it to go. Likewise, when the Holy Spirit exerts that gentle pressure in my heart, if I allow it to, it can control what my tongue will say.

The Bible is not for a moment suggesting that we never say anything. It does not want us to be speechless. What it is saying is that we need to have control when we speak. What we say tells the listener what kind of person we are. When we have a right relationship with God, we will say things that encourage, build up, and heal. And when we do, you and I will feel a whole lot better about ourselves and we will make a real difference in the lives of others. Proverbs 21:23 teaches that those who protect their mouths and their tongues shield themselves from trouble.

Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change.

I don’t have peace in my heart.

I really want that peace, joy and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.”

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Providence Professor Presents “Still Listening... Voices Among Us”

By Marianne Curtis For two nights, the Steinbach Regional Secondary School theatre was a packed house when “Still Listening... Voices Among Us” took to the stage.

Written and directed by Providence College Professor Val Hiebert and directed by Millie Hilderbrant, “Still Listening... Voices Among Us” is a collection of stories and songs based on real life experiences drawn from interviews from real people living in the southeast.

“Voices Among Us is a collection of stories as told by people living in the southeast,” Hiebert said. “Each story is being lived by the person who was willing to share their narrative with us and with you, our audience,” continued Hiebert. “We feel the community needs better forums

for conversation, and we hope to foster that.”

Delivered through theatre, poetry and music, the performance told the stories of a wide range of people, some who identify as LGBTTQI; other accounts come from family, friends and allies. The performance was brought to the community by Steinbach Neighbours for Community, a group of individuals who want to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity present in society. The group openly acknowledges that there are numerous sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, locally and globally.

“I want people to be safe,” Hiebert told media. “I want people to be safe and feel safe in my community.

That’s what drives all the energy I put into this.”

In the fall of 2014, a number of people from the area went to see a play called “Listening for Grace”.

The presentation inspired the founding of Steinbach Neighbours for Community (SNFC), a group that had long observed the need for a support organization for Steinbach’s LGBTTQI* citizens, their families and allies.

The common goal of SNFC is to facilitate the conversation while providing insight and education around this often-divisive subject.

The group encourages healthy dialogue as they seek better understanding and full acceptance of LGBTTQI members in the community and beyond.

This summer was significant in the history of Steinbach when thousands took to the streets for the first Steinbach Pride Parade.

Bell “Let’s Talk” Supports Eastman Safety Training Centre Eastman Safety Training Centre, Steinbach is one of seven organizations to receive funding from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund.

On October 6, Bell Let’s Talk announced that seven mental health support organizations would share in $100,000 grants. The Eastman Safety Training Centre was named one of the recipients and will get funding to launch the first free Mental Health First Aid training program in southern Manitoba.

Clara Hughes, Canada’s 6-time Olympic medalist and national spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk made the announcement at the start of Mental Health Week. “Bell Let’s Talk funds the work of major health

care institutions, universities and other national research and care initiatives, but we know it’s critical to get behind the smaller and more local mental health groups that make such a positive difference for people living with mental illness,” said Hughes. “As a loyal Manitoban and proud Canadian, I’m very happy that we’re able to support more of these great grassroots initiatives here in my home province and in every corner of the country with the Community Fund.”

The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund provides grants each year, totaling $1 million for local mental health initiatives. Since 2011, the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund

has supported almost 350 community groups in every region of Canada, including the 72 receiving grants this year.

Bell Let’s Talk promotes mental health based on anti-stigma, care and access, new research, and workplace best practices. It was launched in 2010 as a 5-year program with a $50 million donation from Bell, and a commitment to grow funding based on the engagement of Canadians in the cause on Bell Let’s Talk Day each year. In September 2015, Bell announced it would extend Bell Let’s Talk a further 5 years and commit to at least $100 million in total funding for Canadian mental health.

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Meet Your Eternal Saviour What is your relationship with the Almighty God of heaven? Everyone has a relationship with God whether they want to or not! One day you will stand before God. He will be either your Judge or your Saviour. You have a perfect right to question everything I say and think its all foolish rantings of a crazy preacher. But if the Bible is true and you neglect to act on it, you stand to lose for eternity.

God created the world and the universe around us. Psalms 33:9 says about our world, “For he [God] spake, and it was done, he commanded, and it stood fast.”

Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created.” John 1:3 says, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”

The religion of evolution (notice it’s not science, it’s a religion) says everything just evolved over billions of years, by accident. To accept this as truth requires much faith or a willing ignorance. The Bible, talking about creation, describes evolutionists in II Peter 3:5. “For this they willingly are ignorant of …”

But God has given us His Word, the Bible. From it, we can learn how our world came into existence and what we need to do to prepare ourselves to meet God one day. Amos 4:12 says, “Prepare to meet thy God.” When God created the world in Genesis 1, verse 31 says, “…behold, it was very good.” However, when man disobeyed God and sinned, our earth has been cursed ever since. One day that curse will be lifted. But until then God has given man a way to deal with his sin. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

If a person admits and confesses their sins to God and believes that Jesus Christ died and rose again to completely atone for their sins; then God will forgive them and make them a child of God (Christian or Believer). God then becomes this person’s Saviour. As your Saviour, God is also your Comforter, Lord, Mediator, Intercessor, Advocate, Friend, Provider and much more.

As a child of God, you can look forward to meeting your God face to face one day. You have made preparations to meet Him. But if you choose to refuse to listen to God’s appeal to you, then Isaiah 33:22 is for you, “For the Lord is our judge.” Revelation 20:11-15 describes this judgment and all who hadn’t received God as Saviour were cast into the eternal lake of fire for eternity.

What I’ve just described is not some dreamed-up fantasy of a religious fanatic. It is the truth before Almighty God. If you have any doubts about God being your Saviour, let me challenge you to go directly to God and ask Him if what is written in this article is true or false. If you really want to know the truth, God will show you. John 8:32 says, “…the truth shall make you free.”

God bless you as you seek to settle this matter once and for all, so you can joyfully meet God as your Saviour and not just your Judge.

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Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Joint Concert Debuts CD Releases

By Marianne Curtis

Duo Fortin-Poirier – Pianistic Powerhouses!

Montreal pianist duo, Amelie Fortin and Marie-Christine Poirier will dazzle our audience on Monday, November 7 at the SRSS Theatre, 7:30 pm. The performance includes a live video projection of the artists as they use one piano for both talented artists – One Piano, Four Hands!

This show is almost SOLD OUT! Call the SAC office for tickets!

204-346-1077.

OZ Auditions! Calling 5 - 12 year olds We are looking for creative & talented performers or aspiring performers, young and old, for the upcoming spring musical – The Wizard of Oz! A special call out for children ages 5 – 12, looking for munchkins! Don’t miss your chance to make your Musical debut or maybe return to the stage once again! We have the perfect role for you in the Wizard of Oz. Auditions are Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 at The Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Contact 204-346-1077 for more info and to book your audition! Note: if the audition slots for your preference are full, please call Cassandra at 204-3461077 and she will create an audition slot for you. There will be a audition time for everyone!

Specialized Musical Theatre Training Fusion! Musical Theatre Program workshops – For Ages 9 - 14 and 15 – 19. Music Dance Drama workshops by some of the industry’s finest…expand your triple threat skills!

Your Voice – Monday, December 12 from 6 - 8 pm.

Acting the Part – Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 6 - 8 pm.

Dance Your Feet Off – Thursday, March 23 from 6 - 8 pm.

South East Artists Fall Art Show & Sale - At the Clearspring Centre in Steinbach on Saturday, November 5 from 10 am – 4 pm. Oils, Acrylics, Watercolour painting for sale. Support your local artists. The perfect gift for everyone.

Elvis & The Blackwoods! Back by popular demand! Come and see the award-winning Elvis tribute artist and local celebrity entertainer, Corny Rempel, along with Grammy and Dove awardwinning Blackwood Quartet!

Join “Elvis” and the Blackwoods as they honour the memory of Elvis and his beloved gospel music on Friday, November 4 at 7 pm at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach. Tickets are $35 and available at the SAC office.

Canvas and Cabernet New! with our very talented Gabrielle Doll – Thursday, November 17 and Thursday, December 15… instruction, supplies, wine and appetizers included in this amazing price of $35. Bring your friends!

Call Jolene to register now.

Limited spaces.

Lights! Camera! Action!

NEW! Film Making Club – learn all the aspects, new skills, and new friends. Come and check it out. Meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 7:30 pm. Call 204-346-1077 to RSVP. Creative Wellness…because it’s good for you!

Zumba – with Eddie Miller.

Drop in on Thursday Nights at 7 pm. Get moving to fun, Latin beats! Great full-body workout. Bring a friend and join the fun.

Hall Gallery Exhibit - 13th Annual Expressions Exploring Recovery Through Arts.

In support of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Exhibit runs from to Monday, November 7.

Join the South East Artists The South East Artists meets together informally every Tuesday morning, 9:30 - 11:30 am at the Arts Centre. Enjoy a social environment and work alongside fellow visual artists, receiving feedback and support. Drop-in also welcome.

Share your artistic passion in the company of artists. Call Kim Gwozdz 204-326-6186.

Calling all Teachers!

Bring your classrooms to Out 2 Arts! Creative projects in dance, theatre and visual arts at the Arts Centre with our professional local artists.

Designed to fit within your curriculum, custom made for you, complete with snacks, hall gallery exhibit tour and more. The most creative way to learn. Call Jolene or Cassandra to book your workshop. All grades, all class curriculums.

Affordable space – for meetings and parties. Book the Arts Centre studios for your gatherings, birthday parties, meetings and more. Comes with meeting equipment, kitchen and tools for catering, and all you need for a fun party. Call Val for details.

Speaking of parties, check out the options to hold your next birthday party here. Lots of creative options for kids of all ages. Rent our chair covers, staging and other equipWinnipeg Symphony is back ment for your weddings and - Tickets on sale now! Tuesday, special occasions – best rates!

December 13 at 7:30 pm.

A local soulful vocalist and a visiting violinist with fingers of fire performed to the delight of a sold out crowd recently in Steinbach.

On October 6, the SRSS Theatre in Steinbach was filled with the sounds of bluegrass and old country gospel during the Sweet Sound Revival CD release fundraiser. The single evening concert featured local singer Jayme Giesbrecht and Plum Coulee native Rosemary Siemens.

The evening concert opened with the amazing vocal talent of Giesbrecht, who is better known as morning DJ at AM 1250 and a soloist. On stage, her soulful voice delivered an array of blues, soul and southern gospel tunes, which are all featured on her debut album, “To Keep You from Falling”.

After intermission, things kicked up a notch when Siemens took to the stage with tunes from her new album “Plum Coulee My Home”.

Known for her versatility, passion, musicianship and style, worldclass improve, Siemens mesmerized the audience with her sense of humour, bling covered high-top sneakers and genuine homegrown talent.

As a small-town farm girl addicted to bling and sparkle, she is currently dominating the worldstage while playing a 300-yearold violin that was played in King Louis XIV’s orchestra.

Siemens’ album has only been out for one month, but it is already making waves globally. A few days before the Steinbach show, the Global Music Awards, which

Steinbach’s Jayme Giesbrecht performed songs off her debut CD “To Keep You from Falling”.

Rosemary Siemens whips up musical magic during one of her violin solos at the CD release concert.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

recognize and promote international music talent, named Siemens a 2016 Gold Medal winner for bluegrass/ country.

“I’m really proud of the product and so I’m hoping we get a ton of awards,” she laughed. “That’s my goal. I just want to take it to the top, do the best I can with it to hopefully

reach a lot of people and touch a lot of people’s lives through it.”

One of the big prizes, though, is a chance for an exclusive feature in Billboard magazine.

The Sweet Sound Revival CD release fundraiser was hosted by the Steinbach Arts Council.

Lorette Author Releases Youth Adventure

By Marianne Curtis A twenty-five year old mother of two from Lorette is celebrating the release of her first book called Ankhara: Worlds Collide.

In her debut novel, Crystal Ricketts pulled the story of Ankhara from where it was stuck in her daydreams for many months while on maternity leave. “I could not shake it until I put it on paper.

In doing so I took an even bigger chance and published it,” said Ricketts. “In many ways this was both the easiest and the hardest thing I have ever done. It was easy in the way that the story flowed freely from my inner consciousness, but hard in the way as I am a first time author with no experience in the art. It was a risk I will never regret.”

An adventure geared towards youth, Ankhara:Worlds Collide tells story of Ankhara Whitmore.

Three years after her parents untimely death in a train accident, she goes to live with her uncle in Egypt. What she does not know is he has secrets and that his next archaeological find will send her through a mysterious portal to another world. Among the many dangers, Ankhara meets someone willing to risk everything to protect her. What they both do not

know is how much they will need each other to save his people and the human race.

Ricketts has already begun a sequel. “Ankhara’s story is but the first of a great adventure and one I wish to continue in many more books to Lorette author Crystal Ricketts recently released an adventure geared towards youth, Ankhara: Worlds Collide.

come,” Ricketts concluded.

Ankhara: Worlds Collide is now available online at the Xlibris bookstore (Xlibris.com), Amazon.com and online at Barnes and Noble.

It can be purchased in paperback, hardcover and e-book formats.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Grand Pointe Trucking Company Business Award Finalist

By Marianne Curtis On October 29, Keystone Western, a Grand Pointe trucking company was one of fifteen businesses recognized during the 33rd annual MBiz Awards Gala. Presented

by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, the MBiz Awards Gala is the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce premier business event.

Nominated as one of three Outstanding Medium Businesses Keystone Western Inc. was recognized for being a quality provider of asset based and 3PL supply-chain logistics services, enabling its clients to reduce their overall operating costs, improve internal and external customer service levels, and increase their global market share.

Keystone Western President and owner Norm Curtis is proud of the company that he has grown since he took over a decade ago.

Prior to his ownership in 2007, the company was known as GBT Trucking. “We are very excited to be nominated for this prestigious award,” said Curtis. “Our difference in the marketplace is out corporate culture, and customer dedication. Keystone is a very tight-knit family, from our management to shop workers, our dispatchers to our drivers. It’s our family attitude that inspires our staff to excel every day.”

Keystone Western operates a full service trucking company that is well known for hauling freight, such as ATVs, snowmobiles and golf carts on both sides of the border.

The success of Keystone Western over the years has directed them away from being a basic provider of trucks and rates to becoming a logistics consultant and business partner, bringing new ideas to the table and operating as an extension of our customer’s supply-chain management group. By combining, their strength in three key service groups (Logistics Auditing, Asset-Based Transportation, and 3PL Management), the company feels they provide their clients with the best chance to succeed in their business by providing a “strategic” competitive advantage.

The company continues to be a major contributor to the community by employing 155 people.

For the past 33 years, the MBiz Awards Gala has recognized and celebrated outstanding businesses and individual achievements by the Manitoba business community. At the event, seven awards are given out annually to businesses and/or individuals who contribute to Manitoba’s employment, have a successful employee relations department, have seen sustainable growth and been involved in the

Keystone Western President and owner Norm Curtis is proud of the company that he has built with the help of a dedicated team of employees.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

November 2016

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Sprague RCMP Search for Vehicle in RM of Piney Break Ins The Sprague RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the persons or owner of the vehicle in the attached photograph. It is believed that the information may be able to assist Sprague RCMP in solving several break and enters which have been occurring in the Rural Municipality of Piney, including Woodridge, South Junction and Sprague.

If anyone has any infor- asked to call the Sprague RCMP at 204-437-2222 or CrimeStopmation regarding the ve- pers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text hicle or persons, they are “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

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November 2016

Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch