Fly Like an Eagle
La Broquerie Reeve Wins after “Sneaking” onto the Ballot
Newly elected La Broquerie Reeve Lewis Weiss says his municipal council will be proactive and work with the people. Photo by Marianne Curtis
By Marianne Curtis
Provencher MP Ted Falk and retired RM of Ritchot Mayor Bob Stefaniuk release a young bald eagle back to the wild just north of Ile des Chênes.
By Marianne Curtis On October 24, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chênes released its second rehabilitated bald eagle back into the wild this year with the help of retired Ritchot Mayor Bob Stefaniuk and Provencher MP Ted Falk. The young male eagle, which was found unable to fly in Riverton, Manitoba, was admitted by Manitoba Conservation on August 2. Wildlife Haven’s staff assessed and rehabilitated the eagle back to health. The eagle was brought up to a normal weight and flight conditioned over the last few weeks for release in time for the fall migration. Provencher MP Ted Falk and Bob Stefaniuk, retired Mayor of the RM of Ritchot were on hand for the official release ceremony, which occurred on the 18-acre parcel of land that will one day house Wildlife Haven’s Wildlife Hospital and Education Centre.
For over 30 years, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre has been caring for injured and orphaned wildlife from all over Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre is a registered non-profit volunteer based organization operating under license with Manitoba Conservation and Environment Canada. Its mandate is to receive and care for injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. The organization also provides and promotes public education in wildlife preservation and conservation with its Education Ambassador program. Wildlife, that either sustained injuries or suffered circumstances that preclude their release back to the wild, are used in Wildlife Haven’s Education Ambassador Program. Wildlife Haven operates strictly on donations and receives no government funding.
The newly elected RM of La Broquerie Reeve is looking forward to moving the municipality forward after sneaking in his nomination papers at the last minute, then beating out two seasoned opponents at the polls. Lewis Weiss, who has never held office before was confident from the start that he would be elected from the moment he turned in his papers an hour before nomination deadlines. His last minute bid pitted him against veteran Councillor Cornie Goertzen and former administrator Larry Tetrault. “I believed that I would win, but you don’t know until the day of the election,” Weiss said. “There has been some issues and that is why people voted the way they did. Residents want to move forward.” While Weiss was confident, he did not leave anything to chance. “I went door to door; I talked to people,” Weiss continued. “Our council wants to do what the ratepayers want and treat them with respect. One of our goals is to be proactive and sharing information with the community.”
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November 2014
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Granny’s Poultry Charged in Workplace Accident By Marianne Curtis Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) is reminding employers to ensure workplaces are safe and employees are provided the proper procedures to perform their duties, after several businesses were prosecuted for workplace incidents and fatalities. On October 23, WSH announced that a dozen companies across the province, including Granny’s Poultry, have been charged under the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act. The charges stemmed from a February 23 accident when a worker Granny’s Poultry Cooperative (Manitoba) Ltd. was involved in a workplace incident. According to WSH, the worker was attempting to remove turkeys that had become lodged between a spin-chill tumbler and a conveyor belt. While reaching to dislodge one of the turkeys, the worker’s arm was caught by a paddle of the rotating tumbler and drawn into the machine. The worker sustained significant contusions and abrasions to his left arm. On August 25, Granny’s pleaded guilty under section 4(2) (b) of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act to the charge of failing to provide a worker with information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities, respecting the safe operation of a spin-chill tumbler, and section 2.1.1(a) of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act Regulation, M.R. 217/ 2006 by failing to develop and implement safe work procedures for the operation of the spin-chill tumbler. The company was ordered to pay $31,300 in fines and surcharges. When a workplace incident occurs, Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health investigates and can recommend prosecution if it is determined the employer did not have appropriate safeguards in place or did not implement legislated requirements, or that employees had not been properly trained. Employers are reminded that when a serious incident occurs, they are required to notify WSH immediately, by the fastest means available and ensure the scene remains undisturbed until otherwise directed.
Weiss
continued... Continued from page 1 The two biggest issues on the council’s table at the moment are the La Broquerie Arena expansion project and the need to expand the Town of La Broquerie’s lagoon. “Growth is currently being held back until the lagoon is done,” Weiss said. “As for the arena, since we took office, the price has already dropped significantly.” However, he was unable to clarify this, saying he had not reviewed all the information yet. Weiss noted that while he beat Goertzen in the election, the RM of La Broquerie council has agreed to let him remain as their liaison with the Seine-Rat River Conservation District. Goertzen has been involved with the district since its inception and council felt that he was still a valuable member of the team.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
November 2014
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RM of Ritchot Welcomes First Female Mayor By Marianne Curtis History was made when RM of Ritchot residents when they marked their ballots to vote for a new mayor. Once the ballots were counted, Jackie Hunt officially became the first woman to sit as mayor or reeve within the municipality. “I didn’t really even think about the fact that I would be the first woman Mayor in Ritchot,” said Hunt. “We have had women on council for decades and I hope that
trend continues, regardless of the role they play.” Hunt first joined the RM of Ritchot four years ago as a councillor, then served as Deputy Mayor. She decided to run as mayor after Bob Stefaniuk retired from politics instead of seeking reelection. Now that the job is hers, Hunt is excited to take the reins of the growing municipality and make improvements for the betterment of the entire area. “I love this municipality and I am
Chamber Gala to Honour Former Ritchot Mayor The Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to be hosting their first Chamber gala event at the end of November. According to Roger Perron, Chamber of Commerce Secretary, the organization is thrilled to be hosting their first formal function. “This is the first large event that our Chamber has hosted,” explained Perron. “We will be honouring Bob Stefaniuk for his nineteen years of service with the Municipality of Ritchot, the majority being the Mayor.” Proceeds from the event will be going to the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. The local organization recently launched a capital fundraising plan that will see a new wildlife hospital, rehabilitation and education centre built on the north side of Ile des Chênes. The event is taking place on Saturday, November 22, in the TransCanada Centre in Ile des Chênes. Tickets are available in Ste Agathe at the Ste Agathe Service Centre, in St. Adolphe at the Municipality of Ritchot office and in Ile des Chênes, at the TransCanada Centre office in the afternoon Monday - Friday. Tickets are $75 each or a table of 10 for $750. Contact Roger Perron at info@ritchotchamber.ca or call 204-899-0035 for more information.
Getting Flu Shots Easier this Year By Marianne Curtis Getting your flu shot will be easier this year in Manitoba. The Manitoba government recently announced a new flu campaign, offering more locations and pharmacies where you can get immunized, along with at the doctors’ office. Only 20 to 25 per cent of Manitobans get their flu shot each year. Dr. Michael Routledge, the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, hopes that all groups at risk of infection will be vaccinated. “We used to really focus on high risk and we still do, but now with this universal program we’re trying to really make it available for everybody,” he said. More than 530 pharmacists are certified to administer the vaccine in Manitoba and it will be available at 240 pharmacies across the province. There are five new ACCESS centres and four QuickCare clinics that will be open for service. Details on locations are available online. “The flu can spread easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, or by touching objects contaminated with the flu virus,” added Routledge. The flu vaccine is free of charge to all Manitobans older than six months. The groups most at risk of the flu are seniors age 65 and older, residents of long-term care and personal care facilities, health care workers, first responders, children under five, aboriginal people, people with chronic illness, overweight and obese people and pregnant women. This year, Manitoba children and adolescents two to 17 years of age are eligible to receive publicly funded live attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist), provided they do not have any contraindications. The nasal spray is as effective as the injection. Manitobans over the age of 65 should also get a pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as the seasonal flu vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal disease, including a serious type of pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis. Most adults only need one pneumococcal vaccine in their lifetime. Anyone wishing to be immunized by their pharmacist should call in advance to make an appointment. Pharmacists can administer vaccines to patients seven years of age and older.
working hard to ensure that we continue to grow and prosper. Do we get it right every time? No, but I can assure you we always are thoughtful in our decisions,” Hunt continued. “This is a job that you can’t learn in school or by reading a book. It’s trial and error. I love when we get it right and hope we learn our lessons when we don’t.” “Over the past four years we have seen our population grow at a rapid pace and as a result, we have increased our response to the needs of our residents,” Hunt noted. This includes making recreation and economic development a priority, engaging in long-term planning, addressing infrastructure requirements, such as lagoon upgrades, road reconstruction, recreation amenities and providing funding to our volunteer boards to help maintain our arenas and Newly elected RM of Ritchot Mayor Jackie Hunt made history by becoming the first female mayor in the municipality. community clubs,” she added. Photo by Marianne Curtis
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More Than Just News!
November 2014
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Lest We Forget In the past couple of weeks Canada as suffered the ignominy of two terrorist attacks. The shocks of these sad murderous acts have wrenched us out of our naive Canadian complacency into a shocked and angry mood. As an ex-military person, I and others like myself are definitely the ones in an ugly foul mood. But, all democrats should share our wound and pain. As we attend the Remembrance Day parades and reflect on those who died for our values and gave us our rights to lofty ambitions, we may try to square this with the latest acts of terrorism, yet know it will not square easily. We, the Canadian communities are the ones who should have assumed the privilege of standing guard; however, this has become an indelible stain of shame on us all. We have a right to be in a foul mood. We also have been told lately that 80 or 90 ‘Jihadists’ are at large in Canadian communities and known to Canadian authorities. After hearing the RCMP confess that the second terrorist at the Parliament Hill was not on their radar, 80 or 90 potential terrorist is likely a very conservative number. It definitely should be a prerequisite that the Imams instructing these future terrorist be made accountable now. Should we Canadians lose some collective temporary liberty for the greater good of rounding up the garbage, if need be, so be it. It’s a small price to pay.
The question on everybody’s mind is why aren’t these fanatics in custody for conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, conspiracy to murder and numerous other criminal code violations. The next question that I find inexplicable is the anti terrorist laws enacted after 9-11 was allowed for a time to elapse put back in force, but not used. Why? Are we not still at war with terrorism? How many of us remember when a certain Prime Minister invoked the ‘War Measures Act’ and the famous line, “Well, just watch me.” It was a time when leadership was necessary and that mantle was accepted. Compared to the present we have closet hiding and cringing, as our only foot forward. This is an unforgivable let down. The biggest impediment to definitive action seems to be the fear of being labelled politically incorrect. We keep hearing that Islam is a religion of peace. Well since 2001, there have been over 2,000 terrorist acts by Islamic people in the world. This is making the meaning of peaceful very hard to digest. To say that Christianity or Judaism has not always been religions of peace is accurate and not considered politically incorrect, it is reality. There are many times history has recorded their shame. Not all were bad apples but enough to embarrass the rest. So, why when we take in, the on goings in Syria, Iraq, Lybia, Yeman, Somalia, Nigeria, Mali ect.,
Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.
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ect., couple this with terrorist acts by the same ilk in America, England, France, Australia Canada, I could go on and on with geography in every continent. Do these cowardly facts become unacceptable to mention out loud? This worldwide murderous activity should not leave any niggling doubts about these supposedly peaceful intensions. Honest questions and answers on this reality should be the only acceptable course of action. Not all Muslim are bad apples, still to say none are, is an unacceptable and dangerous lie. Within two years of the Arabian Spring with the exception of Tunisian and Indonesia all other middle-east Muslim countries
that had a glimpse of enlightenment has since adumbrated the unbelievable sectarian violence. This is millions of people resorting to violence. Is it politically incorrect to point out the truth? Would it not instead be dangerous to be ‘politically correct’ and then be in part responsible for the subsequent casualties? In our country all should be subservient to democracy this includes all religions and all ideologies. This is our birthright. We have had two recent casualties both in uniform and unarmed as is our armed forces custom when on ‘civvy streets’ in Canada that comes from a well earned and long peaceful tradition. They were murdered by two home-
grown, recent Islam converts. So, why is it we not removing these terrorists off our street and neighbourhoods again? If anybody is offended by this, so be it. Lest we forget, this is the time for decisive action. We should not apologize for our traditions, nor should we let anybody change them. Immigration, yes absolutely, within the best rules in the world.
Celebrating 15 Years as MLA I recently celebrated 15 years as an NDP MLA at the Trans Canada Centre in Île-des-Chênes, alongside family, friends and colleagues. I want to thank everyone for coming out and for making this celebration a special one. Your support over the past 15 years means a lot to me. I have learned at least one thing as MLA over the last 15 years and that’s the importance of family and community. Together, we have built and strengthened our communities and I am proud of that. But, there is always more we can do. To do that, though, cooperation is key. Working for families in Dawson Trail isn’t a one-man job. It takes families and community leaders cooperating to get the work done. That’s what we’ve done and that’s what we will continue to do. I continue to enjoy serving as the MLA for Dawson Trail, keeping active and connected, to build even better places to live, to strengthen our infrastructure and a growing economy, to deliver services as efficiently as possible and to provide better opportunities for our kids and grandchildren – and all that for a brighter future for all Manitobans, for Dawson Trail families.
Dawson Trail Families Stand with All Canadians. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of soldier Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, tragically killed in Ottawa on October 22, 2014. As our flags flew at half-mast in our communities, families in Dawson Trail joined all Canadians to commend and thank the first responders, police officers and security personnel who put themselves in harm’s way. As we struggle to make sense of these
tragic events at the heart of our nation’s democracy, families in Dawson Trail stand with all Canadians, united in our sadness, strength and resilience.
Calling All Beer Lovers In my role as Minister of Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection, responsible for Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, I had the pleasure to launch in-store Growler Bars at five Liquor Marts and two beer vendor locations. Commonly found at breweries and brewpubs across North America, growlers are becoming an increasingly popular way to enjoy craft beer. It’s no secret that Manitobans are beer enthusiasts. Our government is a strong supporter of our local brewers and the introduction of Growler Bars to the marketplace provides Manitobans with a new way to enjoy some fantastic craft beers. What is a growler? A growler is a refillable 1.89L/64oz container often sold by breweries or brewpubs so customers can enjoy freshly bottled craft beer at home. For the duration of the six-month pilot, Growler Bars will offer both core and seasonal listings from local brewers, Fort Garry and Half Pints. Currently on tap at Growler Bars are Fort Garry’s Das Munchen Oktoberfest and Fort Gilbraltar and Half Pints’ Punk’n’Fest (Winnipeg), Bull Dog Amber Ale (Brandon) and Little Scrapper IPA. To see what’s on tap at local Growler Bars, Manitobans are encouraged to visit liquormarts.ca.
hear what Manitobans have to say about the next provincial budget. What do you think are the challenges and opportunities facing Manitoba families? Families in Dawson Trail can share their ideas at the Lorette Parish Hall, 1282 Dawson Road (7 - 8:30 pm) on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. Please pre-register by calling the Minister of Finance’s office at 204945-3952. For more information, please call 1-866-Manitoba (1-866626-4862).
2014 Municipal Elections
I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to all newly elected mayors, councillors, and school trustees in the Dawson Trail area and I wish them the best of success in carrying out their duties and responsibilities. I would also like to extend my sincerest appreciation to all previous council members and school board trustees for their community service over the years. Together, always moving forward, we have built even better places to live, work, and play. As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on these and other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail, ron.lemieux@yourmanitoba.ca, by Help Us Plan the Next phone 204-878-4644 or by mail at Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0. Provincial Budget Together we can continue to move Our government is hosting a series Dawson Trail and Manitoba of meetings across the province to forward.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
How Do You Spin It? Dear Editor: I read with amazement, Ron Lemieux’s October column ‘Report from the Legislature’. In it, he claims that for a mere $3 million that he was able to create 50 new jobs, replace or repair in excess of 96 km’s of municipal roads in the eastern area. I will assume this also includes the cost of the materials and paying contractors to perform the work. I tried to wrap my head around this piece of financial wizardry. Pinching myself to make sure it was still 2014 and not 1950. I got to thinking that using your math, Mr. Lemieux, Manitoba should be able to pave the Trans-Canada highway to the Ontario border, a distance of about 150 kms times two because it is a twinned highway, for a total of 300 km’s for $9 million and the creation of 150 new jobs. Then I realized that I had the makings of a migraine headache on the way. I then thought of the $1.5 billion Bipole III project, which increased to $2 billion, which has now increased to $4.6 billion, mainly because more expensive old technology is being used we are told. I suspect when this project is completed that the costs may range up to $19 billion and the line will terminate in Puerto Rico. Then I pulled together the painful memories of the floodway expansion project. It was way over budget six months into the work, a new bridge was demolished, support piers and all, only to build a new, new bridge, although this may have been the fault of Gary Filmon’s great- great grandparents, according to the NDP. A planned twinned bridge on Highway 15 disappeared, only to reappear as a three-lane bridge when money miraculously was found to fund it. The pièce de résistance was when the floodway expansion was completed; the NDP declared that it was done on budget. In recent good news, as told by Ron Lemieux, $115 million from the $300 million PST hike somehow became $844 million, which increased the economy and exports to the tune of $1.7 billion. If your head is, spinning it could be because of the excess spin-doctors employed by the province, well over 115 at last count, or is it 844, or 1,700... I suppose that this is a lesson in NDP tax accounting 101. Now if you excuse me, I have created a new job, oops, I mean a new task to do. Where is the aspirin? David A Sutherland Landmark, MB
More Than Just News!
November 2014
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A Sad Day in Our Nation’s Capital On Wednesday October 22, Canadians were shocked by the events that shook the foundation of our nation’s capital. With the unfortunate shooting of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and having a gunman storm the halls of Parliament Hill, it was unfolding to be a frightening day in Ottawa. At the moment of the attack, I was in the Conservative Party’s caucus meeting as the Prime Minister was speaking. I heard five or six loud popping sounds from the other side of the caucus room door. It took everyone in the room several seconds to realize what we had heard; however, there was no mistaking the sound of gunfire. The original burst was followed by an additional forty or fifty rounds. It was a surreal scene that unfolded in front of us as a gunman exchanged gunfire with security officers in Parliament’s Centre Block. Fortunately, a number of our Conservative MPs were former police officers and were able to act quickly to secure the room. MPs were directed to help stack chairs against the doors. It was very interesting to see the instincts of these former officers kick in immediately. At that point, we still had no idea what was happening. Thoughts raced through my mind, how many shooters were there? The Prime Minister is in the room with us, is he the target? Is this a coordinated attack and if so, what other attacks were simultaneously occurring across the country? Waiting in the caucus room, not knowing the scope of the attack was most unsettling. Since MPs were instructed not to communicate using their electronic devices, I made no attempts to comment on social media until much later in the day, when it was safe to do so. This security measure was in place so we would not divulge our location within centre block. I did however contact my family and staff to let them know that I was safe. After approximately fifteen minutes, the Prime Minister was moved to an undisclosed location and the Sergeant-at-Arms, Kevin Vickers, entered the room to notify MPs what had transpired in the hallway. He stated that he had taken down the gunman in front of the Library of Parliament. However, it was still unclear if there were other gunmen.
We spent the following 10 hours gathered together in the caucus room awaiting further instructions. Finally, at approximately 8 pm, we were whisked away to another location where the Prime Minister briefed us on the situation. We decided as a caucus that our government would not be intimidated by this act of violence and terrorism and decided to open the House at 10 am the next day us usual. Upon returning to work in the morning, bullet holes could be seen in the Hall of Honour. It was a sober reminder of what had happened and a reminder that Parliament will forever be changed. As the Member of Parliament for Provencher, I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the family of our fallen soldier, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was shot and killed by the gunman while standing on guard at the National War Memorial. Let us never forget the sacrifice that many of our Military personnel make in service of our great country. I am incredibly thankful for the security and police personnel who responded so quickly and effectively to this situation. Their brave actions likely saved countless lives. Through this tragedy, we can all truly appreciate what these men and women do for our communities and our country. While the peace we often take for granted in our nation may have been temporarily shaken, we will persevere. Canada will not be intimidated and this will only strengthen our resolve. We will come out of this stronger and united. May God keep our land, glorious and free. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-3269889. You may also write my office at 8-227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, e-mail me at ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.
The Sinking Ship
ministers have been self-absorbed in blame placing, they have not been focused on the needs of Manitobans. They have not been working to make health care better. The Vita ER has been closed for over two years. The Whitemouth Clinic does not have a doctor. Time and time again, the Health Minister has made promises to fix these problems, but the Health Minister is too busy blaming the Premier for all their failures. Will the Health Minister stand up, take the blame for her department, and put Manitobans first? We all know that a team cannot be a winning team if they don’t play as one. It is not just the leader; it is every NDP team member that shares the responsibility for the failures of this NDP government. While the NDP squabble, Manitobans suffer. It is time the NDP pulled the plug on itself and call an election, and let Manitobans decide who should lead this province. It time for a change. I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at my constituency office at 204-424-5406, at my Legislative office at 204-945-4339, and at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.
It was all the NDP MLAs who went door to door in the 2011 Election and Promised “No Tax Increases.” It was all the NDP MLAs who voted for the 2012 Budget that had record tax increases, and for expanding the PST to include home insurance and even haircuts. In the 2013 Budget, it was all the NDP MLAs who voted to increase the PST from 7% to 8%. In the last week of October 2014 immediately after municipal elections, there have been several NDP cabinet ministers who have come out and tried to unload all the blame for the PST tax increases on the Premier. Several ministers have come out and questioned whether the current Premier is capable of leading this province. The NDP government has fostered a culture of blame placing. Blaming the Federal Government, blaming Mother Nature and even blaming the Filmon Government from the 1990’s for their own NDP failures. We now have a dysfunctional NDP team that’s blaming its leader. It is not just the leader; it is every NDP team member that shares the responsibility for the failures of this NDP government. While NDP cabinet
Who’s Howling Now? It was one of the most telling and perhaps memorable moments of the debate over the NDP’s increase of the PST from 7% to 8%. Following a committee meeting where Manitobans came to voice their displeasure with the increase, Dawson Trail MLA, Ron Lemieux, referred to those who were opposed to the PST increase as “howling coyotes.” The comment was telling because it reflected much of what NDP MLAs felt about the opposition to the sales tax increase. Despite the fact that they had broken an election promise not to raise taxes and were stripping away a legal right to a public referendum on the PST increase, NDP members of the Legislature showed little respect for members of the public who opposed the move.
Thank You for Helping to Spread the Word Dear Editor: On behalf of The War Amps, I would like to thank you for your article on Ste. Agathe resident Kyle Nordick (September 31), a Junior Counsellor at our recent Western Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar. The War Amps philosophy is “amputees helping amputees”. Junior Counsellors, who have gone through our programs, speak to the younger amputees on subjects such as keeping active, positive body image, driving, employment and how to handle teasing and staring. Through CHAMP, young amputees are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards their amputation and live to their full potential. Coverage like yours certainly helps to inform the public of the resources and programs available to child amputees. The War Amps receives no government grants and its programs are possible through public support of our Key Tag and Address Label Service. Your coverage will go a long way in helping to spread the word. Sincerely, Danita Chisholm, Executive Director, CHAMP Program Ottawa, ON
At various times during the debate, NDP MLAs said that those who were concerned were just Conservative supporters. Other NDP members said that within a few months everyone would forget about the increase and the fact the government had lied to them in the election. It was much ado about nothing NDP members felt. Since the PST increase, which came into effect last summer, NDP Minister’s and MLAs have continued to defend the increase. After all, each of them voted in favour of it, despite having months to hear the concerns from their own constituents. Not a single NDP MLA stood up for their constituents and voted against the PST increase. All of that made it strange to see the NDP Cabinet mutiny against their leader Greg Selinger last month. One after another, NDP MLAs started appearing to say that it was Mr. Selinger who was really responsible for the PST increase and he should quit. Again, this is despite the fact that every NDP MLA, under their own strength and using their own legs, stood to vote in favour of the PST increase. And, now they want to blame it all on Mr. Selinger? The fact is each NDP MLA has to take responsibility for their individual actions. If they believe that Mr. Selinger has lost the faith of the public because he voted for the PST increase then each NDP MLA has lost that faith as well. Of course it’s obvious to anyone watching that the only thing that has caused this sudden change of position by NDP members is they are down in the polls and they are worried about losing their jobs. It’s not about Manitobans. It never has been. So, they have decided to fight each other, as Manitobans ask, who’s howling now? I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at 204-326-5763, by fax at 204-3469913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
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More Than Just News!
November 2014
Dawson Trail Dispatch
La Broquerie Artist Creates Team Jennifer Jones Expected to Play in Masterpiece Using Local Models Morris SuperSpiel By Marianne Curtis
By Marianne Curtis Forty-eight men and women curling teams will converge upon the communities of Morris and Rosenort near the end of November for the prestigious DEKALB SuperSpiel. For the past six years, the DEKALB SuperSpiel has hosted 16 top calibre women and men’s curling teams in Morris. The four day SuperSpiel which is presented by Meridian, Rocky Mountain Equipment and the Town of Morris, is taking place November 20 - 24. This year, due to overwhelming support for the spiel from the women’s teams and a lengthy waiting list, the event was expanded to nearby Rosenort, allowing the event to accommodate 48 teams - 32 women and 16 men. The event will now be held at the Morris Curling Club November 20 - 24 and at the Rosenort Arena on November 21 and 22. Reeve Ralph Groening of the RM of Morris is thrilled with the events continued success and the expansion to Rosenort. “This is exciting news for the municipality and gives us the opportunity to showcase the RM, the Rosenort arena and the sport of curling to the world,” said Groening. Thirty-two women’s teams also increases the value of the CTRS Points for teams hoping to qualify for the 2018 Olympics. Team Jennifer Jones, Canada’s 2014 Olympic Gold Medalist and many other award winning curlers are expected to participate in the event. World Class Ice maker Greg Ewasko will provide 4 sheets of Olympic quality ice for the teams. The prize money, subject to full entry will increase to $40,000 for the women and $30,000 for the men, bringing the total DEKALB SuperSpiel purse to $70,000.
Ste. Anne Water Crossing Gets Funded The Town of Ste. Anne has been granted approval for funding from the Municipal Bridge Program to replace the historical bridge along Finnegan Road. According to a provincial announcement made at the end of October, the Manitoba government has granted $70,738 for preliminary engineering and replacement of the existing Piney Bridge with culverts on Finnegan Road. The Piney Bridge, which was built in 1921, was torn down a year ago and the road remains closed. Prior to the historic bridge’s removal, it was closed to traffic for three years after sustaining significant damage during previous year’s flooding. It would have cost the Town of Ste. Anne $1 million to repair the structure, or $300,000 to install culverts. They chose the least costly option.
Piney Hires Animal Control The RM of Piney would like to warn residents that they have hired an Animal Control Officer to help curtail any dog issues within the municipality on a fee for service basis. A procedure has been put in place in regards to use and guidelines when sending out the Officer on a call. Complaints are to be issued to the RM Office by phone, letter, fax, or email. All complaints being made in the evenings, weekends or holidays are to be issued to any one of the Council members or Reeve by telephone. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this matter, please give the municipal office a call at 204-437-2284 or 204-437-2060.
Thirteen projects will share a combined $1.14 million for municipal bridge replacement or improvement. The Municipal Bridge Program provides 50 percent cost-shared funding for major municipal bridge renewal and rehabilitation projects, including the cost of preliminary and detailed design, and preengineering studies. This program is delivered in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and provincial funding is provided through the Building Manitoba Fund.
A La Broquerie photographer and painter has gone back in time and with the help of local animals and residents re-imagined a Nativity scene painted in the style of Rembrandt. Last winter, Lynda Toews and her husband Gary were brainstorming for ideas on what she could put to canvas when the idea came to take advantage of her love for painting farm animals and celebrate her faith. “I grew up in the city and when we moved here four years ago, I noticed an abundance of farm animals so I started to photograph them,” Toews explained. “Animals are fascinating to photograph and to paint. I prefer to paint from photos that I took myself and sometimes I use several photographs to complete a painting.” Wanting to try something different, Toews decided to pay tribute to the most celebrated story in the Bible, the birth of Jesus. “We started to research conventional Nativity art and together we arrived at a new vision. We decided to focus attention on the very humble and usually invisible Joseph,” Toews continued. With an idea in mind, Toews spent three months recreating the scene, including purchasing sheets from the thrift store and creating period costumes for her models. “Since I paint my own photographs, we invited several people from our church to come pose for a photo wearing these costumes and set a lamp in the middle of our living room to achieve all the desired lighting effects,” Toews continued. “I also visited nearby hobby farms to get some of the animal photos I needed.” The actual painting took several weeks to complete. The finished piece, titled The Commitment, focuses on Joseph’s commitment to raise a child that was not his own. It also shows the commitments between husband and wife, grandfather and grandson,
La Broquerie artist Lynda Toews painted this beautiful piece, called The Commitment, which pays tribute to Joseph. Photo by Marianne Curtis
Toews invited several church members to pose for a photograph, which then became the basis for the masterpiece, including former Hanover School Division Superintendent John Peters who posed as Joseph.
shepherd and flock, and the ewe and lamb. Toews points out other details such as the dorsal stripe on the donkey’s back that forms the shape of a cross, pointing to the baby Jesus, foreshadowing his ride on a donkey into Jerusalem. Toews will be displaying the original piece, along with other pieces at the Mennonite Heritage Village Christmas Craft Sale on
Saturday, November 15, the Southeast Artist Group show at Clearspring Centre on Saturday, November 29 and the Steinbach Arts Council WSO Christmas concert on Tuesday, December 2. A limited edition of prints and cards featuring The Commitment are available for purchase at these events and several locations throughout Steinbach.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
November 2014
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Wellness Retreat Offers Recovery in St. Adolphe
Kelburn Estates Health and Wellness Retreat founder Josephine D’Andrea (centre) gives a tour of the newly opened facility to a pair of supporters. Photo by Marianne Curtis
By Marianne Curtis From the moment, you pass through the front gates of the newly opened Kelburn Estates Health and Wellness Retreat, one feels like they have been transported into a peaceful paradise. This is exactly why founder Josephine D’Andrea chose this location to realize her dream - to provide a top-notch treatment centre for people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. Located near St. Adolphe, Kelburn Estates Health & Wellness Retreat provides a unique intensive 28, 45 and 60-day residential recovery program for first responders and professional male and female adults. Kelburn programs focus on the nature of substance abuse and addictive behaviours as well as the effects on the brain, brain trauma, occurring disorders and their management such as posttraumatic stress syndrome. “From the minute you walk through our doors, we want you to be at home. We want you to participate, we never want you to disconnect,” explained D’Andrea. “We offer a recovery program that takes you from the front door forward.” D’Andrea said the facility has been a dream of hers for a number of years. After watching her son struggle with addictions, she realized there was no one size fits all treatment programs for people struggling with mental health issues. “When you are trying to help someone you love, you see what the needs are and where services are lacking. I knew as a mother what needed to be done and since I could not find it, I created it,” D’Andrea said. “The addiction is only twenty-percent of the issue; we are here to treat all the problems.” D’Andrea explained that she handpicked her staff to match that vision also. “I had a vision on what’s needed and looked for people that had those strengths; they fit together like a jigsaw puzzle,” she added. “We put together all the components that will take you into the future.” Kelburn Retreat consists of a 10,000 square foot former private residence that has been furnished and prepared for ten guests at a time. Added amenities include an Olympic-size Indoor swimming pool, sauna and a games room. The site even boasts a 9 and 18-hole executive golf course. The facility is expected to be a place where employers, insurers and Employee Assistance Programs can send clients. A 30-day stay costs $16,200, which can be covered through a variety of methods, including special financing rates through specific credit cards.
Regional Cancer Hub Open As October 21, all thirteen rural cancer hubs, including the one in Steinbach are open and operational. The official opening of the Steinbach cancer hub is expected to bring faster access to cancer treatment closer to home for families. Southern Health CEO Kathy McPhail said the opening of the Steinbach hub would have a tremendous impact on the region. “This second hub in our region will have a tremendous impact,” said McPhail. “Transforming the patient’s journey aligns with our mandate to enhance the patient experience and to attain standards of excellence.” Community and regional cancer hubs offer enhanced co-ordinated care. The Cancer Navigation Services team provides services in the Steinbach and surrounding communities that is based on the Bethesda Campus in Steinbach. Services include a fulltime nurse navigator, a psychosocial oncology clinician and a family physician with a specialty in oncology, a community liaison and a clerk. This supports enhanced access to CancerCare Manitoba expertise for patients and healthcare providers across the region. “The opening of the Steinbach hub is bringing faster access to cancer treatment closer to home for families,” said Health Minister Erin Selby. “This new hub fulfils our commitment to expand rural chemotherapy sites into cancer hubs across the province. These hubs are making a real difference for Manitoba families.” All front-line staff will receive training from CancerCare Manitoba and will support patients at critical points throughout their treatment. The experts who staff cancer hubs will work with local healthcare providers and patient navigators to co-ordinate quick diagnosis, treatment and follow up for patients.
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November 2014
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Locally Authored Book Spotlights Survivors of Bullying committed suicide in Nova Scotia, Evan Wiens, who fought successfully for a gay-straight alliance in the Steinbach Regional high School (SRSS) and Candace Maxymowich, who was subjected to social media bullying at an international level during the recent civic election. Gina Dickason, founder of Families Impacted by Bullying (FIBB) in Calgary shares her daughter Jade’s story publicly for the first time in this unique volume. “Working on Jade’s story was emotionally draining, lots of tears and stirring up lots of feelings. I know to some degree this is therapeutic, but our girl is still living with the aftermath of what happened to her,” explained Dickason. “Her story, like other victims of bullying needs to be told and heard. As difficult as it is, we are truly grateful to Marianne for giving us this opportunity, in the hope that it will prevent tragedies happening to others.” Along with real stories, Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors includes vital information that could help readers identify and stop bullying in their home or Ile-des-Chênes author Marianne Curtis’s community. personal bullying survival story, along with An official book launch is taking place at Jake Epp those of almost two dozen other survivors from three different countries are featured in Library in Steinbach on November 18, 2014 at 7 pm. There will be a number of special guests, including some of Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors. the contributors. The author is encouraging attendees On November 18, Marianne Curtis to wear blue in support of the Stop Bullying message. Amazon bestselling author and head writer for the Dawson Trail Dispatch will officially launch her third full-length book called Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors at the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach. Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors is a collection of real stories, written by real people who have suffered at the hands of bullies. In each story, contributors dug deep into their own painful memories and vulnerably exposed their horrors with the hope that their survival will inspire others to fight. “When the province proposed Bill 18 last year, I considered sharing my bullying story publicly for the first time. As I pondered going public, I received hundreds of letters of support from people thanking me for being courageous and giving them a voice,” stated Curtis. “That was when I realized that I needed to help those silenced by their abusers, and help others share their stories. By sharing our stories, we take back our power and are no longer victims.” Rae of Hope includes contributions from across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. There are stories by Leah Parsons, whose daughter “Heather”
RCMP Investigate Pedestrian Killed by Car On October 21 at approximately 9:30 pm, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP received a report of a motor vehicle that had struck a pedestrian on Highway #59 just north of the intersection of Highway 23 in the RM of De Salaberry. A black 2009 Chevrolet Malibu travelling southbound on Highway 59, struck a pedestrian standing in the middle of the road, just north of Highway 23. The pedestrian, a 30-year-old male from St. Malo, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two occupants of the Chevrolet Malibu, a 32-year-old female and a 16-year-old female, both from St. Pierre-Jolys, were not injured.
Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors will be released worldwide on Amazon, Kobo and Barnes and Noble at the start of Bullying Awareness Week, which runs from November 16 - 22. To order your signed copy directly from the author visit emeraldpublications.wordpress.com or call Marianne at 204-794-1207.
Halloween Humour Near the end of last month, I happened to see some of that white stuff that falls from the sky and occasionally blows around. Since I’m still in denial that our summer may be over and I really don’t want to discuss the white rain-like stuff that I saw, I figured that there would be no better time than now to pass on a few Halloween themed jokes. Enjoy! Why didn’t the little skeleton go to see the scary movie? He didn’t have the guts! Why did the skeleton cross the road? To go to the body shop! What can’t you give the headless horseman? A headache! Where do ghosts go to have fun? To the boo-vies! Why do ghosts shiver and moan? It’s drafty under that sheet! What’s it called when a vampire has trouble with his house? A grave problem! How does a girl vampire flirt? She bats her eyes! Why did the handsome vampire need mouthwash? Because he had bat breath! Why was the mummy so tense? Because he was all wound up! Here are a few jokes for all those zombie lovers out there. What is a zombie’s favourite game? Chase! What did the zombie say to his date? I just love a woman with BRAAAINS! What did one zombie say to the other zombie while they were eating a comedian? This tastes funny! What is black, white and dead all over? A zombie in a tuxedo! It wouldn’t be Halloween without a werewolf or two. What happens if you cross a werewolf with a sheep? You have to get a new sheep! When a werewolf goes to the movies where does he sit? Anywhere he wants to! What does it mean if there’s a werewolf in your fridge in the morning? You had some party last night! I hope everyone had a safe, fun-filled Halloween with plenty of treats and only a few tricks. Remember, if anyone asks, just tell them that I used to be a werewolf but I’m alright noooooooooow! Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Holiday Pops Concert! On Tuesday, December 2, one of the five featured concerts in our season ticket package is The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra! An annual holiday favourite – classical and contemporary music that the whole family will enjoy! Adults $24 and Students $12. SPECIALS! 4 for $54, $6 Music students. Business owners – treat 5 or more staff members, for the $15 corporate special! Call now. Grades 5 & 6 ‘Who wants to Conduct the Symphony?’ contest! In a short paragraph of a few lines, let the Steinbach Arts Council know why YOU would like to conduct the Symphony and be entered to win the opportunity to conduct the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra! The winner will also receive tickets for their whole family to attend the show.
Season Tix Make The Perfect Gift! There are still great seats available for the season package of 5 incredible shows! This is a time to call up your friends and have those regular ‘date nights’, or, give the package as a gift, that keeps on giving. Call the office and put it on your card – Christmas shopping is done! Manitoba Theatre Centre - Armstrong’s War, on Tuesday, February 17; Cadence – Unplugged, 4 voices, Monday, March 23; Messiah with Canzona, WSO players and a regional choir of local singers and a community musical – Anne of Green Gables on Friday, May 1. Added Attractions include (SAC members get 10% off these added attractions) Family show – Munsch Upon a Time by Prairie Theatre Exchange, on Friday January 16 at the SRSS. Piano Violin Fusion Fundraiser – Roy and Rosemary – on Wednesday, March 4. Season Ticket holders get 15% off The Roy & Rosemary event. Calling All Violin Lovers! Join our Friday Night Violin group program workshops. SAC is inviting all violin players from the region, all ages and levels, to come and play together with other violinists. Faith Fehr will be facilitating these programs on Fridays: November 7, November 24 & December 5. The 4 - 8 year olds will play together from 6:45 – 7:15pm and the 9 - 14 year olds from 7:30 – 8 pm. Open recital for everyone on the December 5 evening – fun and food, too! The cost is $16 for the workshops - $4 a session – call the Arts Centre to sign up today!
Still some spots available….Try a drop in class! Theatre - Backyard Theatre Company for ages 5 – 15. For ages 5 - 8 – register your child and receive 50% off their registration fee! FUSION Musical Theatre workshops Visual Arts –Cartoon Illustration, Clay Creators (Hand Building) – Digital Photography, Clay Creators (Intro to the Wheel), Mixed Media painting, Digital Photography, Pottery Passion. Creative Wellness - Gentle Flow Yoga, Pilates (On the Ball, Basic Core and NEW! Cardio Pilates), Belly Dance (Beginner & Advanced), NEW! AcroYoga Languages –Adults – French Level 1 & 2, Spanish Level 1 & 2. NEW! BACKBEAT SCHOOL OF MUSIC – Join other 12 - 17 year old music artists to create music together under the guidance of a music mentor! Get involved today! Dance & Martial Arts with XCOMPANY – Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Broadway Stars, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Chinese and Filipino Martial Arts. Music Lessons – Piano, Voice, Theory, Flute, Guitar, Accordion with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts, or the Southeastern Manitoba Teachers’ Association (SMMTA). Workshops! Photography for Moms – On Saturday, November 22 – Learn to photograph your children’s creatively! Capture these unforgettable moments in your child’s life…priceless. Introduction to Aromatherapy – On Saturday, December 6 – Learn the basics of aromatherapy techniques, soap making, recipes and blending. AFT Bring a Friend Days! Join ArtsforTots – On Wednesday, November 12 - Thursday, November 13 from 1 – 3:30 pm for their Bring a Friend Days! Some spaces left….Ages 3 - 5 will love learning early childhood development through the Arts – Music, Dance, Drama, Crafts… and Culture.
Rent our Facility We rent out our studios for meetings, recitals, receptions, showers, birthday parties and more. We also rent out chair covers, staging and wine glasses. Affordable prices and great creative space!
Hall gallery ‘Thriving Traditions’ by the Village Quilters The Mennonite Heritage Quilters have partnered with The Steinbach Arts Council to display their beautiful quilts as a hall exhibit. On Wednesday, November 5 – Friday, December 19 – Exhibit Opens – On Wednesday, November 5 at 7 pm at 304 Second Street – Corner of Reimer and Second Street.
More Than Just News!
November 2014
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November 2014
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Life Lease Project Announced at Heritage Event We offer programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm, call 204-320-4600 or online patporteralc.com. Membership is only $25 per year 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.
Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: The centre is closed for Remembrance Day on Tuesday, November 11. November Potluck: On Thursday, November 13 at 6 pm. Cost $5 per person and we ask you to bring a dish large enough to share. We require salad, casserole or a dessert. Please call ahead to let us know you are coming, how many people and what you will be bringing. Contact 204320-4600 to register. Afternoon Jam: On Thursday, November 20 from 1:30 - 4 pm, join us for our monthly Old Time Band Afternoon Jam. Come out for some coffee, dessert and some great music. Cost $2 in advance for members, $3 in advance for non-members and $4 at the door for all. Old Time Country Dance: With live Band - Small Town Limits - On Friday, November 28 at 8 pm. Tickets available at the centre. Advanced tickets are $10 for members, $12 for non-members and $14 at the door. Lunch is served at 10 pm. Annual Christmas Banquet: On Thursday, December 11. Deadline Friday, December 5. Cost $15 for members, $18 for non-members. Tickets available at the Centre. Punch at 6 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm. Traditional turkey dinner with all of the trimmings. Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Anyone interested in going to the ballet? RWB is offering subsidized tickets to seniors and groups. Senior groups of 10 or more are eligible to purchase tickets for $50 plus tax in section B. Please let us know if you are interested and we will organize a bus trip. Contact Kathy at 204-320-4603. Pickle Ball: On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. A racquet sport for all ages and all athletic ability levels in which two to four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a polymer perforated ball over a net. Wear comfortable clothing and lace up, rubbersoled shoes. Cost $2 for each session. Floor Curling and Shuffle: Wednesdays and Tuesdays in our auditorium. Cost is $2 for each session. Computer Classes: Every Wednesday for 1 hour from 9 am - noon. Contact 204-320-4600 to make an appointment. December Birthday Celebration: Wednesday, December 3 at 2 pm. Celebrate with us! Bring your friends! Guests pay $2 for coffee and cake. Old Time Country and Pattern Dance Lessons: Weekly from 7 – 10 pm. Cost per couple for 15 lessons: $125 members and $145 non-members. Dance instructors are Jerry and Sandy Dion from Winnipeg. The Old Time Country Band - On Wednesdays at 7 pm. Cost is $1. Model Trains: Meet from Noon - 4:30 pm. Cost $1 for the afternoon. Pool: Drop in on Monday to Friday from Noon - 4 pm. Regular pool and snooker available. Cost $1 for the afternoon. Foot Care: On the first Tuesday, first Wednesday and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 2 pm. Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost $30. Bring your own towel. Contact the centre to book an appointment for Tuesday, November 18. Beltone Hearing: On the third Friday of each month. Contact 1-800-6612653 for appointment. Parkinson’s Support Group: Meets at the centre on Tuesday, November 25 from 1 - 4 pm. Brain Injury Support Group: Meets on Monday, November 24 from 7am - 8:30 pm. Monday 12 - 4:30 pm Drop-in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball 1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains 1 pm Canasta 7 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 9 am -12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1:30 - 4 pm Floor Curling and/or Shuffle 2:30 - 4:30 pm Family Search 7 - 10 pm Dance Lessons Wednesday 9 am -12 pm Computer classes - call to register 10 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage 1:30 - 4 pm Floor Curling and/or Shuffle 7 - 9 pm Old Time Country Band Practice Thursday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 - 10:30 am P.A.C.E. Program and Urban Poling 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Whist 1 - 4 pm Floor Curling and/or Shuffle 6 - 9 pm Pickleball Friday 9 am - 12 pm Floor Curling and/or Shuffle 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Contact 204320-4605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Bring a friend.
Niverville Heritage Life Lease Project, the final stage of Niverville’s aging in place concept was launched during the Heritage Centre’s annual Gala on November 1.
By Marianne Curtis On November 1, three hundred people gathered at the Niverville Heritage Centre for their 8th annual Gala. Guests were treated to a formal dinner followed by keynote speaker Alvin Law. The highlight of the night was the announcement that the final phase of the Heritage Centre, a new life lease project is underway. The Niverville Heritage Life Lease Project will complete the aging in place vision by providing the Independent Living Component to the vision. Construction is expected to begin in the spring and the Gala marked the beginning of the marketing campaign for suites. The Life Lease facility will be connected to the Niverville Heritage Centre and offer several suite size options. Gord Damon, spokesperson for Niverville Heritage Holdings said the Niverville Heritage Life Lease Project completes the aging in place vision by providing the Independent Living Component. “Heritage Life Retirement Living will include a 46 unit life lease project that will be fully integrated into the Heritage Centre and allow those over 65 the opportunity to take advantage of all the services offered within our community gathering place,” explained Damon. “When completed the Life Lease project will result in the Heritage Centre being a fully integrated independent, assisted living, supportive and personal care housing project that includes medical services, personal services, commercial services and social gathering point all under one roof consisting of over a quarter million square feet.” The Niverville Heritage Lifelease project will cater mainly to senior adults. It will particularly provide older homeowners with an opportunity to move into smaller, more manageable housing options than their existing homes. The $12 million project will be funded through funds raised by the occupants of the 46 suites. Damon said about half the suites are already spoken for. Residents will be able to choose from a variety of support services such as housekeeping, laundry and a la carte food service option. The Life Lease facility will also provide convenient access to all the health care services already provided at the Heritage Centre. “Prior to 2007 our community did not have these housing options and as a result, many
community members were forced to move away,” Damon added. Proceeds from the this year’s Gala go towards enhancing green space for the enrichment of residents, staff and the community at large whenever they visit the
gardens. The Niverville Heritage Centre Project is a collective community partnership established to address those housing needs, achieving many of the goals since the official launch to the Project in 2003.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
November 2014
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Community Festivals Receive Federal Funding Deer Collision Ranks Highest in Eastern Region By Marianne Curtis
Drivers are being urged to be extra cautious during November, one of the two worst months for deer-vehicle crashes in Manitoba. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) recently released the Top 5 locations in the province for collisions with deer, noting the Eastman Region ranks as No. 1. The Eastman Region, which includes Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, Anola, Birds Hill Park area and Falcon Lake has an annual collision rate of 1,600, based on statistics collected by MPI from 2007 to 2013. The top five deer-vehicle collision regions based on annual numbers were Eastman (1,600), Westman (1,500), Interlake (1,100), Pembina Valley (600) and Winnipeg (600). November is the worst month for wildlife-vehicle collisions (1,600), followed by October (1,400), according to MPI. Last year in Manitoba, 300 people were injured in wildlife-related collisions. In the past ten years, seven people in Manitoba have been killed in crashes caused by an animal on a road.
Four significant community festivals within the region were pleased to receive festival funding from the federal government. On October 14, Provencher MP Ted Falk visited the communities of St. Pierre-Jolys, St. Malo, Niverville and Steinbach to make individual funding announcements totalling $50,300. The funding was provided under Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program. “I am pleased that our Government is supporting festivals that bring visitors to the region and get residents involved in their communities,” said Falk. “I applaud the hard work of these organizations and the many volunteers that help ensure the success of these events year after year for all to enjoy!” Roland Gagné, President of the St. Pierre-Jolys Museum is grateful to receive $14,300 in funding towards next year’s Cabane Sucre, which takes place in April. “The Sugaring Off Festival shares and celebrates Métis and French-Canadian history, the evolution of French education in Manitoba and the craft of maple syrup and it is important to our community,” explained Gagné. “We are especially glad to get the funds now because it gives us an opportunity to plan forward.” The Friends of the St. Malo Provincial Park received $11,400 to host the annual Festival of Friends, which takes place in February on Louis Riel Day. Activities include presentations of music, dance and local historical Francophone and Métis heritage such as traditional Métis jigging and an interpretive historical photograph presentation. “St. Malo is a very busy park and our ultimate goal is to build an all season shelter at the park,” said Ralph Collette, with the Festival of Friends. “We are extremely grateful for any financial help we can get to keep us going.” The Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair, which is held in June, received $13,800 to help with their twentieth consecutive event. The Steinbach Arts Council’s Summer in the City Festival of Arts & Culture that also takes place in June, received $10,800.
Above: Roland Gagné, President of the St. Pierre-Jolys Museum, Jacqueline Dotremont, Vice-President of the Museum, Denis Fillion, Mayor of the Village of St-Pierre-Jolys, Ted Falk, Provencher MP, Cliff Graydon, Emerson MLA were all on hand for the announcement. Below: Festival of Friends President Leo Roch thanks Provencher MP Ted Falk for the festival support funding that was recently received.
Federal Book Fund Supports Production of French Teaching Materials By Marianne Curtis On October 31, the Federal Government announced that Apprentissage Illimité Inc., a publisher located in St. Adolphe would receive $70,530 in funding from the Canada Book Fund. The funding is expected to help Apprentissage Illimité publish a series of books focused on learning French as a second language for children across the country. Raymond Poirier, President of Apprentissage Illimité said that his company is grateful for the support of the government. “This contribution from the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund will allow us to continue publishing books by Canadian Francophone authors,” stated Poirier.
Apprentissage Illimité publishes a modern program that was developed especially for the learning of French as a second language. Provencher MP Ted Falk was on hand to personally make the announcement. “Through the funding announced today, we are pleased to support Apprentissage Illimité in its publishing activities,” said Falk. “Thanks to its efforts, children from across the country will continue to have access to quality educational material dedicated to learning French as a second language.” The main product of Apprentissage Illimité is Paul et Suzanne, a French-language development book and CD-Rom collection for children from pre-school to grade 3, is used in schools across Canada. It is being used successfully in French Immersion and French Schools, as well as with French and English preschool groups. The Paul et Suzanne program is approved by the departments of education in most of the Canadian provinces and used as curriculum support material. In addition, the company has also used these two characters in a 78-part DVD series for children up to 10 years. The Canada Book Fund, which is administered by Canadian Heritage, offers about $39.1 million in support to 300 Canadian book publishers and organizations every year. Canadian publishers generate more than $2 billion in revenue each year and employ about 9,000 across Canada.
Provencher MP Ted Falk and Raymond Poirier, President of Apprentissage Illimité Inc., look over Canadian-authored French language books in St. Adolphe.
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November 2014
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Provencher MP Recalls Terror in Ottawa By Marianne Curtis On October 22, the country collectively held its breath as an unknown gunman stormed Parliament Hill and reports of gunfire emerged. When the dust settled, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed by the gunman while standing on guard at the National War Memorial. By the end of the day Sergeant-at-Arms, Kevin Vickers was elevated to hero status for shooting the gunman in front of the Library of Parliament. Provencher MP Ted Falk found himself caught in the chaos as MPs barricaded themselves in the caucus room by stacking chairs against the doors. “It was a surreal scene that unfolded in front of us as a gunman exchanged gunfire with security officers in Parliament’s Centre Block,” recalled Falk. “At the moment of the attack, I was listening to the Prime Minister address our Conservative national caucus meeting when I heard five or six loud popping sounds from the other side of the caucus room door.” Falk said it took everyone in the room several seconds to realize what they had heard; however, there was no mistaking the sound of gunfire. “At that point, we still had no idea how many shooters there were, if our room holding the Prime Minister was the target, if it was a coordinated attack, and if so, if other attacks have simultaneously occurred across the country,” Falk continued. “Without a doubt, not knowing the scope of the attack was the most unnerving aspect for everyone in the room. MPs were instructed not to communicate using their electronic devices other than to notify their families and offices that they were safe.” Falk said the MPs were forced to stay sequestered for another ten hours before they were whisked away to another location where they met with the Prime Minister. “We decided as a caucus that our government would not be intimidated by this act of violence and terrorism and decided to open the House at 10am the next day as usual,” Falk continued. Bullet holes in the walls of the Hall of Honour give testament to a terrifying day in Ottawa for Provencher MP Ted Falk and the rest of the “Upon returning to work in the morning, bullet holes could be seen in country. Photo submitted by Provencher MP Ted Falk the Hall of Honour. It was a sober reminder of what had happened and a reminder that Parliament will forever be changed.” Falk said that he is extremely grateful for the security and police who responded to the incident so quickly, and bravely. “While the peace we often take for granted in our nation may have been temporarily shaken, we will persevere. Canada will not be intimidated and this will only strengthen our resolve. We will come out of this stronger I normally find it easy to come up with a and united,” Falk concluded. topic to write about each month and had This is the second time that Falk has found himself in the middle of a gun been pondering this November article for a battle. At the beginning of July, Falk travelled to Israel on a Parliamentary week and then just the day before my Mission Trip. Shortly after arriving, he was forced to take shelter when his deadline, the Federal Government group experienced the threat of rocket fire. Four days later, he witnessed announces some interesting tax cuts that attacks on Israel while returning from a briefing with the Minister of Defence. affect every family with children under age 18. So now, my topic is an easy choice! The announcement that is not getting as much attention, but will affect virtually every family is the increases made to the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). Until now, families with children under age six received $100 per month (taxable income). Now the amount is increased to $160 per month for children under six and they have created a new benefit for children six to 17, $60 per month. The math works out to $1,920/year for children up to age 5 and $720/year for children to age 17. This isn’t completely new money; they have removed the Children’s Tax Credit that was a non-refundable credit worth $338 per child under 18. Nevertheless, the change puts more money in families’ pockets. $2.6 Billion is the estimated net cost to the government; but that’s $2.6 Billion in the hands of families (and I’m sure 99% will put the cash back into the economy; rather than save it!) Although the new UCCB is effective January 1 2015, it will be paid retroactive in July 2015 (up to six month of benefits will be received in the July payment). The other positive for some families with this announcement is that lower income families and single parents often didn’t benefit from the Children’s Tax Credit because it was a ‘non-refundable tax credit’. If you didn’t pay taxes, it didn’t help you. Now some lower income families really will benefit with more monthly cash through the UCCB. The second big announcement that will affect some families (but not all) is the Family Income Splitting for couples with children under 18 (sharing up to $50,000 of income). This tax cut will be available for the 2014 tax year, so I’m sure many income tax software producers are scrambling, as soon as they get the fine print from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). That was the reason for putting a cap of $2,000 on it. I did some, “What ifs,” with some real families. The first family: one spouse earns $27,500 and the other earns $70,500. Ok, decent income, but they likely don’t consider themselves ‘wealthy’. By being able to split $16,500 of the income, they may be saving over $1,100 per year. Here’s another family: one spouse earns $67,000, the other about $5,000; by splitting $23,000 of income, the tax savings could be $1,600. That’s real tax savings for families that will likely spend their extra cash flow in our communities. If both spouses earn income under $44,000 then there are no savings as both are in the lowest federal tax bracket. A couple of months ago, the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit was increased to $1,000 from $500. This is a good break for those families with kids in some of the more expensive activities like hockey and dance (but remember it only increases the actual tax break to $150 from $75; not exactly a windfall.) The really good news was changing it to a refundable tax credit to the lower income families or single parents that may pay no taxes and have received no benefit in the past. As the government continues to tweak our personal income tax system, it ensures that I will be in business for a while: since fewer and fewer taxpayers want to complete and file their own taxes (in case they miss something!). If our government ever introduced a flat tax, I would be out of business! See you at tax time! CRA opens E-Filing on February 9 2015; my team and I will be ready when you are! Anni Markmann is a tax professional working, living, and volunteering in our community. Contact Anni at 204-422-6631, Anni@SteAnneTaxService.ca or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne.
Family Tax Cuts
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
Fourth Generation Quilter Keeps Tradition Alive
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Health Meeting Reflects on Accomplishments in First Two Years On October 9, Southern Health board of directors presented their second annual board meeting since amalgamation at the Niverville Heritage Centre. The topic of the night was Moving Forward Together with guest speaker Dr. Michael Rachlis. Southern Health CEO Kathy McPhail says the board is familiar with moving forward as that is what they have been working on for the last two years.
By Marianne Curtis Nine years ago, thirty-two year old Sherri Parent, decided to pick up her great-grandmother’s passion for quilting. Since then she has become a master quilter who constantly challenges herself with complicated designs and colourful fabrics. “I had never tried it, until a friend of mine was scrapbooking one day and the way she designed the page stood out and I liked it,” Parent recalled. “I decided right then and there that I wanted to learn to do what my greatgrandmother loved.” For her first project, Parent chose a nine-patch block, which is an excellent beginner block with tons of design potential according to Parent. Sewing nine patches together to form a larger block, then these larger ones are pieced together into whatever final size the designer wishes. “I made a queen sized quilt for my mother’s bed,” she admits. “I was very ambitious, but I discovered that I really enjoyed the challenge. I have been quilting ever since.” Traditional quilting involves hand sewing the patches together, then placing the material onto a long arm where the layers are hand stitched together, then finished on a sewing machine or serger. She uses an electronic long arm, which allows her to sew the layers together using a unique stitching pattern, which she designs herself. In one case, a custom quilt created out of Ford material, has the word
November 2014
“...we made important strides in shaping a regional network of health professionals who strive to work seamlessly together...”
Thirty-two year old Sherri Parent finishes a customer’s quilt surrounded by a number of amazing pieces including the only quilt she worked with alongside her mother (far left). The quilt beside it was created over fifty years ago by her great-grandmother Elodie Harrison. The ribbon quilt was created from of a friend’s Relay for Life t-shirts. Photo by Marianne Curtis
‘Ford’ hidden within the stitching. “This gives each quilt I create a unique look,” added Parent. “It’s my way of creating art.” Parent is confident that her great-grand mother Elodie Harrison would be very proud of her for revitalizing a craft she once loved. Years ago, Elodie was known as a quilting queen who at 84 could still produce a queen sized quilt in three weeks. She would gift them to her children and grandchildren. She once made forty-two quilts in one year. “It was something that she loved to do. My grandmother didn’t do as much and neither did my mother,” Parent explained.
“As for me, I can’t make enough.” She admits that it is unusual for a woman her age to take up such a traditional craft. “I find it challenging and I love creating my own quilts and designs,” said Parent. “Now, though, it’s not just a hobby, it has become a business,” Parent continued. A year ago, she opened Drive 2 Sew Quilt and Craft Shop in Brookdale Mall in Steinbach. With the recent closure of two quilt shops in other communities, she is confident that her business will continue to thrive and grow. She also teaches classes for all skill levels.
“As the first full fiscal year of operations, it will be remembered as a pivotal year of forward momentum in consolidating programs and services across the region,” stated McPhail. “It has been a large-scale undertaking and we made important strides in shaping a regional network of health professionals who strive to work seamlessly together to provide quality health care.” “This required a common vision, shared values and a collective regional approach to make our system stronger for the future,” she added. “When we think of the many great things that take place in just one single day in Southern Health-Santé Sud, it’s impossible not to be energized about the progress being made,” McPhail continued. “Although change does not always present itself in a spectacular fashion, it’s important to take each of those daily success stories and add them up, to appreciate the big differences that do impact on care and improve what we do.” “We continue to experience growing demand for services and we anticipate that we will be called upon to do more within existing resources,” said McPhail. “By making good stewardship a part of daily work and by being efficient and effective in our planning and in everyday operations, we are once again able to end the year in a strong financial position.” Financially, Southern Health ended the year with a surplus of $1.49 million.
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November 2014
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Residents Line Up for Compost COPPS Needs Volunteers
The large pile of finished compost at the City’s Landfill was loaded up in record time this year. Eldon Wallman, Solid Waste Department Head said the high quality compost is very popular for local yard and gardening projects and that it is was amazing to see how quickly the material was collected by area residents. “This year the compost pile was very popular and disappeared in only a few days,” said Wallman. “People were lined up to load their compost.” The compost pile is the result of considerable use of the community compost depots. Residents of Steinbach and area have been diligently bringing their
compostable kitchen, yard and garden waste to one of three depots in the City during the spring and summer months over the past few years. The material is then composted, screened at the Steinbach Landfill every year and used in the City’s parks and gardens, as well as made available to the public at no charge in the fall. “We encourage residents to continue to bring their organic waste to the Landfill’s compost pile year round,” added Wallman. “Also watch for composting programs starting up again in the spring.” He added that the City was grateful to the public for their composting efforts and assisting with keeping compostable waste materials out of the landfill.
La Broquerie Makes Lagoon Land Deal At the beginning of October, the RM of La Broquerie decided to enter into an agreement to purchase land needed to expand the community’s lagoon. The municipality had been negotiating with the owner of NW31-6-8e, adjacent to the existing municipal lagoon with “some urgency” due to capacity issues with the existing lagoon. Council gave the administration the authority to enter into an agreement to purchase approximately 8.1 acres of property for the existing lagoon expansion. RM of La Broquerie Reeve Lewis Weiss said this is long awaited good news for La Broquerie. “We are currently being held back from further growth because our lagoon is at capacity,” Weiss explained. “We are looking at doing the project properly with an aeration system so that we never have to expand it again.” Weiss confirmed that he knew that an agreement for the land had been made before the election, but he was not sure on of the purchase price. The RM of La Broquerie is already looking at funding assistance from Manitoba Infrastructure.
The City of Steinbach is looking for volunteers for the Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP). COPP is a crime prevention program where community members act as extra eyes and ears for a community and the RCMP. The organization’s goal is to improve safety in the community through deterrence, education and awareness. The City is looking for individuals
who are interested in making a difference in the community, although you do not have to be a resident to volunteer. Volunteers who have been looking for a way to get involved in the community or have an interest in the safety of the community are invited to signup. Interested individuals will be required to complete a Volunteer Application and pass a criminal check. Both documents are available online or can be picked up at City Hall, 225 Reimer Avenue in Steinbach. COPP members will receive training and all scheduled patrol shifts are extremely flexible to fit volunteers’ availability. For further information, contact Bernice McMullan at 204-326-3487 or Mary Giesbrecht at 204-346-2561.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
November 2014
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Farm Credit’s Drive Away Hunger Hugely Successful By Marianne Curtis For the eleventh year in a row, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) with the help of a record number of partners raised more than five million pounds of food for food banks nationwide through this year’s Drive Away Hunger. Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO said the company is grateful for the generous support of communities and customers who make the annual event a success. “FCC Drive Away Hunger demonstrates our long-term commitment to the industry by bringing the agriculture community together to share the food it produces with those who need it most,” said Hoffort. “We are grateful for the generous support of our customers and partners and for their commitment to helping fight hunger across Canada. I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support – we couldn’t do this without them.” FCC Drive Away Hunger is the largest employee led food drive in Canada. It At the end of the first day, 37,188 pounds of food was collected from involves driving a tractor various businesses, communities and schools throughout the region. and trailer through various communities to collect food and cash donations for food banks across the country. This took place in the southeast on October 13. At the end of the tractor tour, 116,713 pounds of food was collected in Manitoba including 37,188 pounds collected in Steinbach. “FCC’s Drive Away Hunger campaign is an important food drive in our province, providing support directly to our food banks and to the over 60,000 individuals who access them each month in Manitoba,” added Graham Starmer, Executive Director, Manitoba Association of Food Banks. “Each year FCC employees lead the way to help those in need of essential food and we are excited to begin the 11th year!” One hundred percent of donations go to Canadian food banks. In Manitoba, over 60,000 people are assisted by food banks every month. Of those assisted, 45 percent are children. Since 2004, FCC employees and community partners have raised over 22 million pounds of food.
Ile Des Chene father and Son to be Recognized By Marianne Curtis Now that the 2014 baseball season is over, Baseball Manitoba is gearing up to recognize the accomplishments of everyone involved throughout the season. At a gala evening planned towards the end of November, a volunteer, a coach and a young ball player are among those slated to be recognized for their achievements in the sport. Ile Des Chene resident Alex Grenier, and his son Nic will both be honoured at the gala. Alex who is very active with the Carillon Minor League says he was surprised to be named Volunteer of the Year. “I guess that locally our club thought that I had gone over and above this season,” Grenier says. “We applied for the AAA Pee Wee qualifier and were awarded them and we really impressed those that attended.” Grenier says he was the “motivator” behind sodding the diamond, putting up batting cages, sodding the tennis court for small kids, bringing in water and electricity to all the diamonds and bringing infield material
This past summer, a diamond at the Optimist Park in Ile des Chenes was named after Alex Grenier, who has dedicated a decade to baseball in the region. He celebrated with his wife Evelyne, and sons Noah and Nicholas.
to all the diamonds. “I was behind a lot of this, but surely didn’t do all of the work,” Grenier added. “Nonetheless, I am honoured that my board decided to award me with naming a diamond after me. His son Nic, who plays in the Seine River “AA”/ Carillon “AAA” league, has been named Midget Player of the year. “He had a fantastic year, hitting eight home runs as well as pitching many games,” Alex praised. “He played on our local Seine River AA midget team that went to provincials, as well as played on the AAA midget Carillon Team as well as the junior Seine River team and the junior Carillon team.” Curt Brandt, from Blumenort is being named Grassroots Coach. A total of seventeen awards will be presented at the November 22 gala, which is taking place at the Holiday Inn Airport West.
November 2014
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A Very Special Room Colossians 3:1-2... (1)Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Let heaven fill your thoughts: (NIV) We probable all agree that the mind does strange things. Perhaps I need to do a reality check while I am at it. You might be right; but let us read our text again... let heaven fill your thoughts. Sounds kind of satisfying and it has that calming affect about it, not like the hurried stuff we see in the world today. So, we read it again! Sit back and let heaven fill our thoughts; watch the stars on a clear night. Allow our thoughts to run among the stars and imagine for a moment we could be up there, beholding the wondrous beauty of God’s creative power. “Wow!” But, wait a minute, we are still here living on planet earth and in a physical world at that. However, I do think that God has given us enough information in the Bible allowing us some liberty to stretch our minds and do some thinking outside this world in which we live. Christians sometimes forget the fact that Jesus said He was preparing a special room in a special home in heaven for us, “That mansion in the sky.” Yes! It is natural for you and me to think about things down here on earth because this is where we build our homes, raise and nourish our families... this is where we have our forty winks. Still, I think we have the right to think about heavenly things as well. I think Christ has given us a special insight into that powerful creative work of God and that place which is still waiting for us. As we search the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit, God continues to reveal heavenly thoughts, intensifying our understanding of that which is yet to come. The Bible is always the place to go when we want to grow in Christ. It teaches us that we are identified with Christ when we accept Jesus Christ into our heart. We believe that He died as our substitute. When Christ rose from the dead, we can say that we have been raised to a new life, a life that has been set free from the penalty of sin and the power to have the victory over sin. Yes! I realize that I still have a sin nature and it gives me a whole lot of trouble. There are times I find myself committing sin, I do not wish to commit sin, but I do. The answer for my problem is my identification with Christ. Christ is more than just my associate and partner; He is the one who walks alongside me, like the footprints in the sand story. Someday soon, and I really believe it is soon, you and I will hear the sound of the trumpet blast. It will happen in a flash. The Bible teaches (1 Corinthians 15:51-54) that it will happen in a moment, in the twinkle of an eye. There will be a trumpet call from the sky and all the Christians who have died will suddenly become alive with new bodies that will never ever again die. But then, those who are still alive shall suddenly be changed, and they too shall have new bodies. These earthly bodies of ours, these bodies that grow old and sick and die must be exchanged for new heavenly bodies that can never die, but will live forever... Do you want to be part of this group? But, for now, it means we set our mind and heart on the things, which are above, on heavenly things, and not so much on the things of this world. We also take special care to remember what Christ has done for us. That means we judge everything in the light of the Cross never forgetting that Christ died for us to set us free from the judgment to come. Because of our new life in Christ, we now look at this world’s wealth, ambitions, and activities for what they are. Yes! Many of the things we do are necessary; however, we can now look beyond our tiny world and see what is waiting for us in heaven. We are part of God’s family, we identify with him and He identifies with us. One more thing that He does is He includes us in His life and we shall take part in His final victory. He loves us so much. He has made a place for us, and our victory is sure. To God be the glory great things He has done. Would you pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Dawson Trail Dispatch
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The Blame Game “Pastor, it’s not my fault! It happened because ….” There are many scenarios that could be used to finish the above statement. These they can be summed up in one little phrase, the Blame Game. People try to justify their actions by blaming them on something or someone else. All of us, including myself, have been guilty of playing this game. We don’t have to learn how to do it. It comes natural because of our sinful nature that we inherited from our original parents, Adam and Eve. In Genesis 3, in the Bible, when God asked Adam if he had eaten fruit from the forbidden tree, his immediate response was to blame Eve and even God Himself. Verse 12 says, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” Then when God approached Eve, she blamed her actions on the serpent. “The serpent beguiled me and I did eat.” Another example from the Bible is found in I Samuel 13. King Saul disobeyed God and offered a sacrifice that should only have been performed by Samuel, the prophet. When confronted, Saul blamed Samuel for being late and the people who were getting afraid and leaving him. He even blamed the opposing army, the Philistines. The prophet’s response to Saul and to all of us who insist on playing the Blame Game is, “Thou hast done foolishly.” (I Samuel 13:13) The reason we blame others is that we don’t want to accept personal responsibility for our actions. The only positive way out of our troubled circumstances that we caused, is to learn to blame yourself. People who refuse to blame themselves establish a life pattern of accusing and blaming others over and over again and never realize real victory or joy. In II Samuel 12, King David had done wrong by taking another man’s wife and then having her husband killed in battle, making it appear as an accident. But when confronted by the prophet, Nathan, the king humbly acknowledged his actions and took full responsibility for them. He said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (Verse 13) The king acknowledged his sin before God and openly took the blame and went to God for forgiveness. God forgave him and restored his joy. In Luke 18, the publican in the temple cried out, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” God is still looking for people today like this publican who are honest enough to admit their sin and take the blame and responsibility for it. A clean heart requires an honest admission of our personal guilt. Friend, if you are still playing the Blame Game, isn’t it time to be honest with yourself and also before God and go to Him like King David did acknowledging and confessing your sin to God and let Him bring true forgiveness and joy? God bless you as you honestly seek Him!
November 2014
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Providence’s Soccer Program Gets a Big Boost
The Providence College soccer facilities will receive a major upgrade thanks to a large donation from TransCanada Corporation.
There was a buzz of excitement amongst Providence Pilots athletes on October 22 as they gathered in the gymnasium to hear the announcement of a $60,000 upgrade to their soccer facilities. Thanks to the donation from TransCanada Corporation, the soccer facilities in Otterburne will be equipped with a new parking lot, sound system, video tower and an electronic scoreboard. The upgrades, which would not be possible without the donation, will not only impact the multi-time MCAC champion Providence Pilots, but also community teams from Otterburne and Grunthal who share the facility with the varsity teams throughout the year. Bryce Lord, TransCanada Pipeline Vice President said the decision to support came after the company met with Providence College over the winter. The relationship occurred as a result of a gas line blowout just outside of the campus. “While we worked here for several months last winter, we got to know the campus and to see the value of the college,” Lord stated. “We also learned about the soccer pitch, how it’s not just used by the college, and decided this would be a great opportunity to impact a lot of people.” Providence College’s Athletic Director Scott Masterson said the upgrades are yet another stamp of legitimacy to a program that has proven for years now to be one of the finest in the Manitoba soccer community. “This is a big boost not just for the reputation of our varsity teams, but also for the soccer community here as well,” stated Masterson. “Our athletes know that we have an exceptional soccer program here with the success we’ve had over the years, but now other teams and programs that come out to play will get a better glimpse of a soccer community that is really thriving in Otterburne.” The wheels are already in motion with these upgrades, as some projects are either well on their way to be completed, or are already finished. Providence hoped to have most, if not all of these upgrades completed before they host the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference Final Fours last weekend.
Pansy Pastor Honoured
Current and former attendees of Pansy Chapel gathered at the church recently for a dinner and program in honour of longtime Pastor Leonard Barkman and his wife Betty. Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen (who attended Pansy Chapel as a young boy) and his wife Kim were on hand to present the Barkmans with a gift and offer them thanks for their years of pastoral service. Barkman now serves as a Support Pastor in the recently expanded church.
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November 2014
By Joan Airey Two country brothers from Coulter in southwestern Manitoba found themselves fighting for the same cause in World War II. Because Jack Bennett was over in Bishopthorpe, England helping, his uncle and aunts run their hotel for a few weeks he ended up being drafted into the British army on October 17, 1940. His brother William Henry was also called to action joining the Canadian army. “My training consisted of three months at Rhyl Kinmill Park Camp in North Wales. I trained as a MT and Technical Engineer as an operator and driver. There was very little training on firing guns, etc. I was one of four who passed as a driver mechanic. On February 24, 1941, I married Jennie Gair, who I met in 1939 when I arrived in England,” said Bennett.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Right after they married Jack Bennett a soldier in the 5th Searchlight Company of the Royal Army left to serve in the Singapore area. On February 15, 1942 the outfit, he was serving with capitulated to the overwhelming Japanese forces. “When Jack was taken prisoner of war I didn’t know for six months if he was alive. The only correspondence allowed was a postcard. I was only allowed 16 words on the postcards I sent Jack and I had to be careful what I wrote or they would destroy his mail. When the war was
“When we buried a prisoner, we wrote his name and where he was buried on a piece of paper. These were stored in a quinine bottle by the cross. When the bottle was full of names we buried it by the cross hoping someday the war would be over and our comrades’ graves would be marked.” over, piles of undelivered mail were found in the POW camps,” recalled Jennie Bennett. Jack Bennett was one of thousands of men who built the bridge over the River Kwai, which is now a grim relic that inspired a celebrated novel and motion picture. Seeking a strategic railway link between Thailand and Burma in World War II, the Japanese forced Allied prisoners of war, Asian soldiers and workers to lay more than 250 miles of track through malaria-infested jungle. Thousands died of malnutrition, disease and in Allied bombings that destroyed part of the bridge. “We carved a cross which we erected in the middle of the graveyard. When we buried a prisoner, we wrote his name and where he was buried on a piece of paper. These were stored in a quinine bottle by the cross. When the bottle was full of names we buried it by the cross hoping someday the war would be over and our comrades’ graves would be marked. Prisoners who died were buried in a rice sack made of rice straw. Now the graves are marked and the Thai people care for the graveyard,” explained Bennett. Today the railway line carries tourists from Bangkok to
Kanchanaburi near the bridge across the River Kwai, where neat rows of gravestones mark the graves of about half of the 16,500 prisoners of war that died building the bridge of death. Over 100,000 Asian soldiers and workers also lost their lives while working on the bridge. “Treatment in the POW camps was inhuman; we were given one scoop of rice to eat three times a day. On very rare occasions, we shared half a pig amongst six hundred men or we were fed marrow or cucumbers. If you had ten cents you could sometimes buy a duck egg,” said Bennett. Prisoners’ clothing was a loincloth and wooden thongs. Suffering from malnutrition, these men toiled long hours building the bridge across the River Kwai. Even prisoners who were ill with malaria were expected to work by catching twenty flies a day or they would get their face slapped. Bennett was one of those prisoners who eventually contracted and suffered from malaria. “Prisoners caught stealing food were put into ‘hot boxes’ made of bamboo. They couldn’t sit up, stand-up or lay down properly and a hole was dug in one end for a toilet. Others were sent to the guardroom to be kicked until they fell down and then kicked until they got up again. Prisoners were forced to salute all Japanese soldiers. Anyone trying to escape was shot immediately,” explained Bennett bluntly. Then in August 1945, two American soldiers and a Thai soldier freed the final prisoner of war campsite. The POWs next traveled by truck to Bangkok, flew to Rangoon and from there they sailed on the Cynthia to Southampton, England. Bennett returned home weighing only 89 pounds. For his courage and heroism, he received the Kings Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Pacific Medal, Burma Bar and the Star Medal 1939-45. Jack and Jennie Bennett eventually returned to Canada in 1946 and continued farming in the Coulter area. Jack Bennett was my Dad. He never missed observing Remembrance Day and he took time to sell poppies in memory of his comrades who lost their lives to give us freedom until he passed away. I am reminded weekly, that when I sit at my computer to write, 69 years ago my Dad secretly borrowed a pencil from an officer in order to keep track of what life was like in his journal as a prisoner struggling for survival in a POW camp while helping build the bridge across the River Kwai. If he was caught writing, he would have been severely punished. Remember. Wear your poppies with pride.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
2014 Poppy Campaign Underway The 2014 Poppy Campaign of the Royal Canadian Legion is underway in Steinbach. Steinbach Branch #190 has begun the distribution of thousands of Poppies to local businesses, schools and other venues during this campaign. Members of the Steinbach Branch #190 will conduct the distribution of poppy boxes throughout Steinbach and boxes will be delivered to a number of communities in the southeast. “Due to a number of dedicated volunteers, we are able to deliver poppy boxes to communities such as Niverville, Grunthal, Vita and Sprague,” commented Poppy Chairman Christie Borkowsky. Members of the community will also have the opportunity to pick up a Poppy from members of the Air Cadets, Scouts and Guides at local businesses on Friday, November 7 or Saturday, November 8. Donations received during the Poppy Campaign are deposited in a separate account and may only be used for specific purposes as outlined by the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Manual. “We are able to assist our Veterans, their families and our communities, so long as we follow the rules as outlined by Dominion Command and have approval from our local Branch membership,” stated Borkowsky. “When the Steinbach Branch #190 decided to make a donation to the Bethesda Hospital for the purchase of a specialized air mattress for the palliative care program, the $4,000 came from the Poppy Fund; however, approval also had to come from Provincial Command as this was considered a special use of Poppy funds for a community medical device.” The Poppy has been a symbol of Remembrance since 1921 and known internationally as a symbol of collective reminiscence that honours those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Poppy Campaign is the foundation of the Legion’s Remembrance Program, which provides Poppies to members of the community as well as the opportunity to participate in Remembrance Day services. The Steinbach Legion Branch #190 will be holding the 2014 Remembrance Day service at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church on Tuesday, November 11.
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Steinbach Legion Community Hall Remains Ready for Community Functions The Steinbach Legion Community Hall, owned by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #190, will remain available for rent for special functions well into the coming year. At a recent meeting of the Executive Committee, it was decided to make the facility available for community and family events until at least September 1, 2015. This decision was also presented to the membership at the October general meeting. Following the decision to sell the building, the Legion will begin the process of determining what type of facility will best suit its future needs. At this time, no steps have been taken to place the current building up for sale and no formal offers to purchase have been made. Membership is not a requirement to rent the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, which is open to any individual or group, and it has hosted many family functions from weddings and anniversaries to birthday and retirement parties as well as many fundraisers, business meetings, and receptions. Membership in the Royal Canadian Legion is opened to any Canadian citizen over the age of 18 years; military service is not a requirement. The Steinbach Legion would like to thank all of its past, current and future user groups for their past and ongoing support.
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November 2014
Fall Book Sale Nets $10,200 The volunteers from the Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary are quickly moving towards being able to finish their current fundraising project thanks to the success of a recent fall book sale. The annual event that took place from October 16 -18 raised $10,200, the second highest amount ever collected during the fall event. Bethesda Hospital Health Care Auxiliary Vice-President Verna Thiessen reported the organizations’ fall book sale successfully raised a significant portion of funds needed towards finishing their current project. The group is currently raising funds to renovate and furnish a family room in Bethesda Hospital. “We are redoing a room at the hospital, that will be called the Chrysalis Room, which will be used by families faced with a terminal diagnosis,” said Thiessen. “This will be a room where a family can go to deal with a terminal diagnosis in private, either to talk to make crucial decisions.” Thiessen explained that the room is being called the Chrysalis Room because the chrysalis, or hard shell that a caterpillar encases itself in before becoming a butterfly, symbolizes rebirth. “Many families are faced with making tough decisions when it comes from going from one stage of life to the next,” Thiessen continued. “It is important they can do this in a place where they can find peace.” The Bethesda Hospital Health Care Auxiliary expects to spend about $30,000 for furnishings and other fixtures that will make the room suitable for this use. Work has already started on the room but she does not know when it will be ready for use.
Calling all Violin Lovers The Steinbach Arts Council, (SAC) is inviting all violin players from the region of all ages and levels, to come and play together with other violinists. Their goal is to build the Violin Community in the Steinbach and surrounding area with an invitation to join the Friday Night Violin group program workshops. The call-out is for every violinist, no matter where students take their training and teachers are encouraged to send their students even if it is to observe. “The violin is such a solo instrument experience, so it’s nice to come together and play together. There are many benefits to playing with others, sharing your love of music with others, meeting other violinists, and making great music together,” stated the SAC. There will be an open recital for everyone during the evening, on Friday, December 5 with fun and food. To sign up or for more information contact the SAC at 204-346-1077.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Acclaimed Mayor Ready for Business in St. Pierre-Jolys By Marianne Curtis The Village of St. Pierre-Jolys’ Council felt good about their new positions when they returned to chambers after the election as an acclaimed council, including their new Mayor Mona Fallis. Fallis was first elected to council in 2009 and now that she is mayor, she hopes to move St. Pierre-Jolys positively into the future. “I have a really good team around the table, and I anticipate that we will work well together for the betterment of St. Pierre-Jolys,” stated Fallis. Joining her in council are seasoned councillors Luc Nadeau, Brian Martel, Raymond Maynard and Paul Gauthier who is new to the table. Fallis stated that council is already working on a number of projects. “We’ve had a three year moratorium on construction so not a lot has happened in recent years; we need to expand our lagoon,” explained Fallis. “Once this is done, we expect people to move back to St. Pierre-Jolys and we want to make sure they feel at home and want to stay and raise their kids here.” Plans include facilities for family
St. Pierre-Jolys’ new Mayor Mona Fallis is ready for business. Photo by Marianne Curtis
activities and more focus on culture. “My vision is to make sure young families have stuff that they will want, to stay here and things to keep the seniors here at home while respecting our rich past,” Fallis said. This includes installing a splash park at the Carillon Park, the construction of an amphitheatre and put more focus on culture.”
Fallis added that she is looking forward to working with the new RM of De Salaberry Council. “It is very important that we work well together for the common good for all our residents,” Fallis continued. “A healthy St. PierreJolys is good for the municipality and a healthy municipality is good for St. Pierre-Jolys.”
Publishing Boot Camp Helps Local Authors On October 4, fifteen authors from the southeast gathered at Providence College for the first ever self-publishing boot camp. Hosted by Marianne Curtis, author of Finding Gloria and Al Bayne, author of Wilderness Wanderings - 40 Nature Devotions, the one-day seminar introduced new authors to the business of selfpublishing. Topics included editing, publishing houses, e-books and marketing. “I want to encourage writers to write and help guide them through the publishing process,” stated Bayne. “My hope is that every writer came away from this seminar equipped to get published.” Those who attended the seminar walked out with a solid grasp on traditional and self publishing options, the importance of proofreading, editing and layout, marketing, how to use social media, paperback and e-book options, how to work with consignment, publishing scams and other valuable information. Laura Reeve, from Prairie Shore
Published authors Casia Schreyer, Violet Moore and Robert Stermscheg joined the panel to share their varied experiences and expertise.
Botanicals in Gardenton attended in hopes to find information so she could publish a book called Laura’s Guide to Useful Plants. “There was lots of useful information and shared experiences and encouragement,” stated Reeves.
“It is good to know what options are available for publishing and where to look for more information.” In addition to the exchange of information, a few already published authors were among the group and shared their expertise.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Operation Red Nose Gears up for Second Year On November 5, the President of the Comité scolaire de l’École Saint-Joachim, Mr. Gilbert Gauthier and the organizing committee will be officially launching the second year of Operation Red Nose. Last year was the first time that Operation Red Nose was available to people in the Steinbach and La Broquerie areas. The program was organized and operated by the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) from Ecole St-Joachim, in La Broquerie as a school fundraiser along with partners from the community including the City of Steinbach, RM of La Broquerie and Steinbach RCMP. Ecole St-Joachim PAC Spokesperson Mariette Kirouac reported that last year, the program got off to a slow start, but by the end of the season, it was well utilized. In the first weekend, 18 rides were given and the numbers jumped to 30 the next weekend. The remaining two weekends saw 42 rides and 36 rides given respectively. The mission of Operation Red Nose is to encourage responsible behaviour in a non-judgmental manner with regard to impaired driving by enabling communities to provide a free and confidential chauffeur service to their members, the financial benefits of which are redistributed to local organizations dedicated to youth. 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.
Falk Adopts Piece of Liberal Playbook Provencher Liberal Candidate Terry Hayward applauds Provencher MP Ted Falk for adopting the Liberal Party position on credit union taxation. “During the 2013 by-election I campaigned to reverse this unfair tax, which has cost credit union members $700 million to date,” said Hayward. “I am pleased that Provencher MP Ted Falk finally agrees with the Liberal Party position on this issue.” Hayward adds it is unfortunate that the Conservative Party saw the need to increase the tax burden on credit unions. In many communities across Canada credit unions and caisses populaires are the only financial institutions available to residents, especially in rural and remote areas. “Credit unions are important organizations that support Canadians from coast to coast. This unfair tax increase on credit unions has hurt families, small businesses, and local economies by taking money out of the pockets of credit union members,” stated Hayward who promises to continue to urge the Conservative government to reverse their agenda of higher taxes on credit unions.
More Than Just News!
November 2014
Long Live The Rockettes
Executive Team members (L-R) Nancy Barychuck, Marilyn Johnston, Chuck Chateau, Betty Smith and Dianne Delorme. Photo courtesy of Cheryl Kennedy Courcelles, President of the St. Adolphe Rockettes
On Monday night October 20 at the St. Adolphe curling rink, The Rockettes celebrated 40 years of curling! Big smiles, hugs and laughter could be heard from the packed house as the Rockettes fondly reminisced over their four decades of friendship and love of the wonderful sport of curling for all ages.
Niverville Athlete Named Tri-Star A grade 12 student from Niverville Collegiate has become the first local athlete in our area to be declared Tri-Star Athlete of the Week during the 2014-2015 school year. On October 1, The the Manitoba High School Athletic Association announced that Lauren Wiebe of the Niverville Panthers soccer team was the Tire Recycle Rural High School Athlete of the Week. Wiebe, a 5’7” striker has helped lead the Panthers to three victories and a tie in their last four games. In those four games she has scored 11 goals and was named Player of the Game twice. “Lauren believes in community and teamwork in all she does,” said her coach Coach Gerald Negrave. “Throughout her athletics or in her role as Student
Lauren Wiebe
Council President, Lauren gives of her time and works to bring out the best in those around her. A true team player.” Despite a busy athletic schedule, Wiebe maintains a 93% average, while also participating in volleyball and badminton.
Steinbach RCMP Investigate Marihuana Trafficking On October 3 at approximately 10:45 pm, Steinbach RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of Walnut Street in Steinbach. During the search, the RCMP arrested two individuals and seized marihuana and methamphetamine from the residence. Robert McCauley, 30, of the RM of Ste. Anne was arrested and charged for Possession of Marihuana for the purpose of trafficking and trafficking marihuana. His next court date is set for December 4, in Steinbach. The name of the second individual arrested will not be release at this time. A warrant for the arrest of Eric Schinkel, 27, of Steinbach was also issued for charges related to this investigation. The RCMP stated, “Those who traffic in illicit drugs
destroy lives, homes and communities. The RCMP remains fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent.” Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking is asked to call their local police agency or RCMP detachment. If you have any information on the whereabouts of this individual, you can contact Steinbach RCMP in person or by phone at 204-326-4452 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by texting “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
Steinbach Millers to be Inducted The Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum recently announced its 2015 inductees. The inductees include outstanding players, builders and teams who have left their legacy, both on and off the baseball field. This year’s roster includes eight individuals and four teams, including the Steinbach Millers (1964-1969) team. The Steinbach Millers won the La Verendrye League championship three times together. The Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame will hold its 19th annual induction banquet on Saturday, June 6, 2015 beginning at 5 pm, at the Morden Event Access Centre where the Hall of Fame is located.
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Provincial Budget Meeting to be Held in Lorette Manitobans have the opportunity to attend pre-budget public consultations across the province to share their vision for the upcoming budget in community meetings and online. Over the next month, Finance Minister Jennifer Howard will be meeting with citizens across the province to discuss next year’s provincial budget. “We will be listening to people across the province to hear their views on how we keep our economy growing, keep life affordable and provide those opportunities that will keep our kids at home,” stated Howard. “Manitobans have told us that they want good jobs and opportunities for our young people and still want us to protect the services they count on the most.” Pre-budget consultations began when the minister met with key economic advisors on October 20. The next step will be participating in town hall meetings across the province, including Lorette on November 12 at the Lorette Parish Hall. The province will also conduct an online survey and an interactive telephone town hall to reach a larger number of people. The telephone format provides an update from the minister, as well as allowing people on the line to vote on budget priorities, ask questions about the upcoming budget and share their ideas. To register for the telephone town hall, contact 204-878-4644.
Quilting Exhibit Takes over Gallery Anyone with an interest in quilting is encouraged to attend the ‘Thriving Traditions by the Village Quilters’ exhibit at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. The exhibit, which runs from November 5 to December 19 features pieces created by a group of volunteers from the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) called the Village Quilters. Quilting at the Mennonite Heritage Village started out as a demonstration in the Chortitz Housebarn during event days, much like spinning and picking today. The simple demonstration showed itself to be a lucrative opportunity when an ambitious special order to create quilts for a ski resort located in Whistler, BC. was received. This project called Crazy quilts evolved into professionalquality designs and the Village Quilters became an entity of its own within the MHV Auxiliary. “It’s a way for this group of skilled volunteers to do what they love and spread the joy and warmth of this brilliant textile art form,” stated Shannon Neufeld, with the Steinbach Arts Council. The Village Quilters create about five to six quilts a year, including some made to order, some for sale and one for a raffle. Designers, piecers, sewers and quilters work together in this group to create stunning masterpieces ordered from all over the world.
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More Than Just News!
November 2014
COMMUNITY EVENTS EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548
Blumenort Shoebox Packing – Begins Tuesday, November 4 -Thursday, November 6 at the EMC Church. Come pack your Operation Christmas Child shoebox with everything you need in one location. We have done the shopping for you, all you do is come pack your box, give a donation, and have some coffee with your family and friends. This is an easy project for people of all ages. Contact Debbie de Klein 204-424-5838. East Braintree Annual Holiday Artisan & Craft Sale – On Saturday November 29 from 11 am - 3 pm at South Moon Studio, Lot 2 Wye Road. $2 entrance fee. Shop local for the holidays this year and celebrate our local talent. This year we will also have a kid’s craft table, live music, hot delicious food, display of local art and a live art event. Falcon Lake Whiteshell Community Club is holding a Christmas Craft and Gift Bazaar on December 6 from 10 am – 3 pm. For more information please call Cheryl 204-426-5428. Grand Pointe Annual Grande Pointe Bingo Bowl – On Friday, November 7 from 9:30 pm - 12:00 am at the Dakota Bowling Lanes. Grunthal Firefighters Fall Supper – On Friday, November 7 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm at the Firehall 339 Main St. Contact Paul Wiebe 204-346-2384, gfd@hanovermb.ca. Hadashville Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or KSTA.academy@gmail.com. Ile-des-Chênes Annual General Meeting Cultural Committee – On Friday, November 7 at 6 pm, followed at 6:30 by music and dance with The Official Voyageurs from the Festival du Voyageur. Come meet them and have a good time. Craft Sale & Trade show - On Saturday, November 29 at the Transcanada Centre Doors from 10 am - 4 pm. Presented by Kang’s Taekowndo. Cost is a non-perishable food item or $2 admission - door prizes, canteen available. Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register.
Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities. If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 Lorettecopp@gmail.com.
Sprague Community Christmas Carol Concert – On Saturday, December 7 at 3 pm. at the Sprague Hall. Come help us get into the Spirit of Christmas. Lots of carol singing, local talent and a choir, lunch to follow. No cost to attend. Contact Gloria at 204-4372739. Bingo - Every 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm.
St. Adolphe 50+ Fitness Classes - Every Monday & Friday at 9:30 – 10:30 am. Focus on strength, flexibility and range of motion movement on a variety of equipment, such as weights, stretch New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more. tubing and stability balls. Wednesdays 1 - 2 pm workout is for Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 slow flow yoga inspired strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation. Pre-purchase 10 classes for $40, 5 classes for $20 St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552. or drop in for $5 per workout. Special deal purchase 30 classes $120 get 8 free. Instructor Janice Burnett, a certified fitness Mitchell Breakfast and Social - Every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9 am leader. Contact mjburn@shaw.ca. except the last Tuesday of the month when the social is held instead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area Seniors Fitness Classes –Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 8 - 9 pm at the St. Adolphe School Gym. Include cardio fitness, Centre. Contact 204-326-6944. resistance training, flexibility and balance training. Monthly schedule is provided. All fitness levels are welcome. Options Morris Murder on the Menu Dinner Theatre & Chamber of Commerce are $175 - 35 x $5 per class + 5 classes free, $120 - 20 x $6 Awards Ceremony - On Friday, November 14 at the Morris per class or drop in $7 per class. Certified fitness leader Janice Multiplex Assembly Hall, 380 Stampede Grounds. Doors open Burnett. mjburn@shaw.ca. at 6 pm, show begins at 6:45 pm. Tickets $45 each or $340 per table of eight. Cash Bar, specialty Wine Bar, 3-course meal St. Pierre-Jolys served in between acts. Reserve your table today. Contact 204- Craft Sale - On Saturday, November 8 from 10 am - 3 pm at the ICSP Gym. Rainbow Auction - Turkey Shoot, 50 tables of crafts, 746-2832, admin@morrismultiplex.ca. baked goods and products. Admission $2, Children 12 and Breakfast with Santa – On Saturday, December 6 at 9 - 11 am under Free. Contact Cecile at 204-433-3202 or Val 204-433at the Multiplex in the Bison room. Contact 204-746-2832, 3967. admin@morrismultiplex.ca. Remembrance Day – On Tuesday, November 11 at 10:45 am Area Senior Services, Inc. -Helping Seniors enjoy their at the St. Pierre Recreational Centre. independence for as long as possible. Serving Morris, Lowe Farm and Rosenort. Contact Resource Coordinator Cheryl D. Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression support group meetings held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 Waldner, 204-746-6336, mass@mts.net. pm. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. Contact Judy Dunn 444-5228. New Bothwell Winter Craft Show – On Thursday, November 6 at the Community Ste. Anne Club. The Provencher Federal Liberal Association - Invitation to a Crib Night – On Friday, November 7 from 7 – 9 pm at the fundraising dinner in support of Terry Hayward’s preparation for the 2015 General Election. On Sunday, November 9, at 5 Community Club. pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 132 Centrale Ave. Tickets $35 for regular admission and $25 for Victory Fund and Youth Niverville Remembrance Day - On November 11 at the Heritage Centre, Members aged 25 and under. Payment by cheque made out at 10 am. Following the Ceremony, there will be coffee and to the Provencher Federal Liberal Association, or online at events.liberal.ca/Event/fundraising-dinner-with-terrylunch served. All are welcome. hayward. Contact 204-272-4214. The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club –Meets every Monday at 7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become Remembrance Day Ceremony - On Tuesday, November 11 at a better speaker, run meetings that are more effective or 10:30 am at Ste. Anne Catholic Church. develop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to Christmas Craft Workshop – On Monday, November 17 from start. Contact Sheryl Berglund, Sberglund4@shaw.ca. 6 - 8:30 pm at the Ste. Anne Elementary/Collegiate Canteen. GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the Learn how to make a beautifully glittered and painted Christmas loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn ornament for yourself and that someone special. For anyone, about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register Ages 12 and over. Cost 2 for $30. Register at 204-422-6577 or recservices@steannemb.ca. or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.
Kleefeld Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six. Santa Claus & Christmas Tree Lighting – On Saturday December Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the 6 at 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Park & Recreation Centre. lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms ages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com. snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013. Piney Bingo - Every 2nd Friday at 7 pm. La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé Prawda from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204- Wendy 204-348-2433. 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. Cost $10. Richer Landmark Seine River Services for Seniors - Program Contact Juliette Holiday Home Party Vendor & Craft Sale - On Saturday, Rowan Community Resource Coordinator at 204-424-5575 for November 22 from 10 am - 3 pm at the Kinsmen Community Richer services or email labseinerss@gmail.com. Centre by the arena, 191 Robert Koop Rd. Cash & carry items from all of our vendors & crafters! Gifts for everyone on your list Richer Recovery AA - Group meets every Thursday and Saturday including your pets! Contact hostesshub.com. from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Lee at 204451-0255. Lorette Book Drive & Fundraising Event - On Saturday December 6 Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek from 10 am – 4 pm at Collège Lorette Collegiate, 1082 Dawson Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides Road. Bibliothèque Taché Library offers a wide variety of books scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating at affordable prices at our giant used book sale during the grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by Christmas Market sale. Please donate gently used books. Drop an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open them into specially marked crates at your child’s school. Contact at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC 204-878-9488 or btl@srsd.ca. License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or doreen@spmf.ca. Community Christmas Market - On Saturday, December 6 in support of the Tache Christmas Hampers at the College Lorette Rosenort Collegiate from 10 am to 4 pm. Local entertainment, silent Community Fun Curling Bonspiel – On Sunday, November 23, auction and Tache Library’s first Book Sale. at the Arena. Register at Rosenort School: 204-746-8355. Cost $80/team Includes random prizes, Turkey draw event, Draw to Community Christmas Concert – On Sunday, December 7 at 7 the Button event, 3 ends per game, Stick or traditional curling pm at the Notre Dame de Lorette. Featuring Seine Singers, (instruction available. Limited Entries – 32 Team limit – Fun Lorette Community Children’s Choir, Reimer Six, Youth Vocal event for all ages. All proceeds go towards the Rosenort School Ensemble and sing along. Cost Adults $5, K-12 $3, Preschoolers Eastern Canada Trip Fund. free. Tickets at the door. Contact 204- 878-2016 or arlene.ams@gmail.com.
International Cooking Class - On Wednesday, November 19 from 6 - 8:30 pm at the Home Ec room at the Ste. Anne Collegiate. Join us in learning to cook authentic and original foods from Columbia, India, Bolivia, and the Philippians. Space is limited. Register at 204-422-6577 or recservices@steannemb.ca. In honor of Bibliotheque Ste. Anne Library’s 20th anniversary, we would like to announce the reopening of the library with special thanks to invited guests and to the members of Legion Branch 220. This event will be held at 16, rue de l’Eglise on Saturday November8 at 1 p.m. followed by coffee. Everyone is welcome.
Dawson Trail Dispatch the librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488, The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on the first Tuesday of every month except for the months of July and bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. August at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyone interested in auxiliary work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 326Steinbach NaNoWriMo Write-in – On Saturday, November 8 from 9 am 3028. – 12 pm and Thursday, November 13 from 6 – 9 pm, Saturday, November 15 from 10 am – 3 pm, Friday, November 21 from Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets on the second and 6 – 9 pm, Saturday and November 29 from 9 am – 12 pm at fourth Wednesdays of every month at the Magnolia Restaurant. the Jake Epp Library. National Novel Writing Month - a ‘Write- Contact 204-326-2313. in’ is a 3 hour session during which writers (both new and professional) can come to the library to write in a quiet Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open to adults who want environment. The goal for NaNoWriMo is to write a novel (50,000 to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursdays words) in a month. Sign-up at the circulation desk in order to at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street, receive a goody bag at Kick-off. Contact Madison Friesen Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-424-5737. Program Coordinator 204-326-6841, Steinbach Al-Anon Program - Meetings held on Wednesdays programs@jakeepplibrary.com. at 7:30 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. Ring the Beyond Weddings Expo – On Saturday, November 8 from 10 front door bell. – 11 am at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, Chrysler Gate. Features wedding professionals in the southeastern and almost Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm 40 local vendors. Contact Brenton Thompson 204-392-5659, at Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 204-346-0413. contact@summerbounce.net. 15th Anniversary Celebration Steinbach & Area Garden Club On Monday, November 10 at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village featuring the award winning movie ‘DIRT’. What is it? What’s in it? Member appreciation prizes, free cake and coffee. $5 non-member admission. Contact sagardenclub.com or 204326-2396.
Woodridge Bingo - Every 2nd Sunday night at 7 pm. General Seine River Services for Seniors - Looking to hire a youth for the Community Access Program in the La Broquerie, Ste. Anne and Richer regions. Includes teaching and assisting seniors with computers. Pay $12/hr, Term position from November - March. Approx. 18-24 hrs per week (weekdays and/or evenings, can be flexible). Program is funded by a youth initiative. Applicants must be between the ages of 18-28. For more information or to apply for the position, email labseinerss@gmail.com or call Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285.
Lunch and Learn Women’s Business Network – On Wednesday, November 12 from 11:30 am – 1 pm at 90 Brandt St. Nancy McNaughton, Director at Opening Doors and Sue Fitzgerald, Entrepreneur at Southeast Flower Beds will be speaking to us about the rewards of finding work that aligns with your natural gifts and talents. Bring your lunch along, enjoy networking with other members and guests, and become inspired. RSVP Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, to Mandy Atiyolil at mandy@steinbachmassage.com. December 9 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Join us for a great day Clearspring Fall Home & Leisure Show – On Thursday, of fun and friendship. Visit McPhillips Street Station in the November 13 - Saturday, Nov 15 Various products and services morning and Club Regent in the afternoon. Starting at 8:30 am from local, provincial, and national companies and home based pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must businesses. Thursdays and Fridays 9:30 am - 9pm and Saturday be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every 9:30 am - 6 pm. Contact Glen Bogovics 204-470-4729, trip. Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for those wishing to play. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 to reserve stbon2009@gmail.com. your seat. Christmas Craft Sale & Trade Show – On Saturday, November 15 at the Steinbach Mennonite Heritage Museum. Visit 30+ vendors gathered to share/sell their products, toys, jewelry, health products, crafts, hand-made items, baking and more. Cost is free entry. Contact Candace Bueckert 204-434-9695, candacebueckert@yahoo.ca
Community Rallies Around Little Girl
Healthy Eating Cooking Classes - Every other week on Thursdays at South East Helping Hands. No Charge, enjoy a meal with other community members and learn how to plan & prepare healthy meals on a budget. Contact and register The community of St. Pierre-Jolys 204-326-2599 or southeasthelpinghands@gmail.com. and the surrounding area are rallying
around a five-year-old girl who lives
Adult Book Club - Tuesdays from 7 – 9 pm. Bring book suggestions or peruse our book lists. Meet some other book in the community. On September 4, Sara Chubey, the lovers too and bring a friend. At the Jake Epp Library 255 Elmdale St. Contact Tracey Pankratz 204-326-6841 daughter of Derek and Carolle was programming@jakeepplibrary.com. diagnosed with Endocarditis, an Ladies Get Fit Classes - Sponsored by Eastman Immigrant Services, every Wednesday at 7:15 pm at the Woodlawn School gym. Aerobic, circuit training, weights, mats and stretching exercises. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Register contact Lois 204-346-6609. Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main St. Registration for girls 5-17. Develop personal values and well-being, self-respect and respect for others; promote fun, friendship, adventure and challenges through new experiences; develop leadership and decisionmaking skills; give service to the community; value the natural environment.
Computer Courses - Free at the bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library. For appointment, contact Harlee at 204-392-0568. Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd Paradise Village Squares Dance Club – On Tuesdays, at 7 pm Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at LBees, 5-275 Main St. Grab at the Ste. Anne Elementary School, 177 St. Alphonse Avenue. a coffee and discuss sustainable living. Contact Modern square dance lessons, casual dress, beginner dancers rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com. free, coffee & doughnuts. Contact Laura 204-422-5873 or Henriette 204-422-6948. The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon at the Pat Porter Centre for active living. Contact Cornie at 326Toastmasters - The Carillon Toastmaster Club and past 3155. members are invited to join us to help celebrate the 35-year milestone on Saturday, September 20 at the Club Jovial in Ste. Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family Anne at 4 pm. Contact Flora 204-792-7095 or Sheryl 204- and friends of people with mental health issues are held the 326-7628. 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 Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to eastmanmss@mts.net their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living with gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204- evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Place 422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net. apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. On Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan at MS Lunch Group- On fourth Thursday of every month, from 12 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local – 1 pm at the Village Green Restaurant. Contact Nadine Konyk, services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com. Rural Client Services Coordinator 204-326-1434 or email nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. Ste. Geneviève Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, - 8 pm. Selection of books in both French and English, all bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. ages. Over 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp large print books and magazines plus they can import books Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228. from any library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to Information and Support Sessions
extremely rare heart bacteria infection. The infection damaged a heart valve, which required a flight to Edmonton for emergency openheart surgery. Corinne Peloquin and her husband Luc stepped forward to help the family financially by hosting a fundraiser so the family could focus on taking care of their daughter. “Sara’s heart condition has placed a huge amount of financial strain on her family,” explained Peloquin. “Her recovery is expected to take 2-3 months, during which time her family will not be able to maintain an income.” The October 18 fundraiser raised $13,000 for the family, to go towards expenses incurred during the emergency surgery. “We cannot express the overwhelming gratitude we feel for our community and local business,” said the Chubeys in a statement. “We are happy to be home and continue to take Sara to the St. Pierre Hospital three times a day for an hour and a half for an antibiotic treatment.” The family is optimistic that after six weeks of treatment Sara will test free of the bacteria that caused her illness. Once she recovers, the Chubeys hope to resume their new business venture. The two couples are the new owners of the St. Pierre Bigway. They had just taken over the business and were working on the official grand-opening plan when Sara was diagnosed.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
St. Malo Honours Dedicated Volunteers
More Than Just News!
November 2014
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St. Malo Fire Department Receive Jaws of Life
Volunteers honoured during the evening include, front row, l to r: Irène Comeault, Janine Lambert, Lucille Preteau-Roy, Thérèse Morin, Dominike Courcelles and Irène Catellier. Back row, l to r: Maurice Comeault, Germaine LaPalme, Lynne Goulet, Julien Remillard and Erwin Froese. Missing award recipients are Jeanne Dubois and William Kuryk.
The fourth annual St. Malo Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Recognition Award night was huge success. On October 25, the St. Malo Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual ‘Making a Difference’ award night. As part of the evening, thirteen local volunteers were recognized by the Chamber for their hard work and dedication to the community. The evening also included live entertainment including a performance by Corny Rempel who entertained the crowd with his tributes to Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Local singers René Robidoux, Lucille Preteau-Roy and Karen Preteau capped off the night with renditions of their favourite songs.
Pipeline Supports St. Pierre-Jolys Arena
The St. Pierre-Jolys Recreation Board was recently presented with a cheque for $5,000 from Trans-Canada Pipeline to be in the community. The cheque was presented to St. Pierre-Jolys Recreation Board President Alain Robidoux, Vice President Blair Fallis and Secretary Brian Roy by Trans-Canada Pipeline representative Steve Loney. Trans-Canada Pipeline also donated two overhead projectors for the hall in the spring.
Joyce Dearborn, customer service representative at BSI Insurance St. Malo, presents a cheque of $3,000 to the St. Malo Volunteer Fire Department.
On October 11, the St. Malo Volunteer Fire Department held an open house. During the open house, attendees were able to view a demonstration of the set of, Jaws of Life equipment the department recently purchased from a recent loan from the RM of De Salaberry. BSI Insurance was also on hand to give a donation of $3,000 to the department for the equipment from their Because We Care initiative. The volunteer Fire Department is now looking to raise money to help pay for the remainder of the purchase.
Test Drive the Arts 4 Tots Preschool Program The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) has created ‘Bring a Friend Days’ for their Arts 4 Tots (AFT) Preschool Program. The program is open to children ages 3 - 5 and from Wednesday, November 12 – Thursday, November 13 SAC is encouraging parents to bring their child and their child’s friend in to check out the program for free. Sessions will run from 1 - 3:30 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre, 304 Second Street in Steinbach. The program is unique because it teaches early childhood development through the arts with dance, theatre, music, culture and visual arts. Professional dancers, actors, visual artists and music teachers
come in regularly to infuse and inspire learning concepts using their mediums. They welcome cultural diversity. Parents love their art’s focus, indoor and outdoor lesson environments, and creative field trips. AFT Preschool also offers new themes each week, like ‘Four Seasons,’ ‘Celebrate Culture’ and ‘All About Me.’ There are also special days like ‘Hat Day,’ Pyjama Day’ and ‘Teddy Bear Picnic.’ Festivities include a Christmas show and ‘Moving Up & Graduation’ party. Their experienced teachers bring out the best in AFT children. Qualified staff will be in attendance at all times to encourage and assist children in their creativity and
development. Their program also accepts parent volunteers to participate in the preschool and help craft a creative, safe and positive environment. Tots kick off the day with circle time where they participate in today’s weather, singing, ABC, 123, calendar and story time. Daily, toddlers will participate in dress up drama, art discovery, music and movement, dance, storytelling, snack time and more. Biannual progress reports let you know how your child is doing. Spaces are available in the ArtsForTots Preschool Program. Call now to register, check our website for ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ and more information about Arts4Tots – the most creative way to learn.
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November 2014
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch