Dawson Trail Dispatch September 2014

Zombie Camp Teaches Survival Skills Annexation Hearing Held in Niverville

Twenty ‘survivors’ gathered outside of Steinbach in the middle of August to learn how to survive in the event of a zombie apocalypse or for any other disaster situation.

By Marianne Curtis If you have ever wondered if you have the skills or the gumption to survive a zombie apocalypse this August, the country’s largest zombie survival camping came to Steinbach and challenged those with a will to survive.

From August 15 to 17, twenty ‘survivors’ camped out at CD Trees, south of Steinbach for a weekend that was both fun and educational. A group of zombie survival experts spent the weekend teaching dedicated survivors how to endure a zombie apocalypse.

“The great thing about preparing for the zombie apocalypse is that once you’ve trained for the zombie apocalypse, its blanket training for anything, a flood, power outage no problem,” said Deidter Stadnyk, one of the five leaders of the Zombie Survival Camp. “No one can prepare themselves for what’s going to happen here.”

Campers learned how to use archery, improvised weapons and zom-jitsu an original martial art used to kill zombies along

Continued on page 2

On August 26, the Niverville Council’s chamber was standing room only for a public hearing to discuss a proposed public hearing for a land annexation from the RM of Hanover.

The proposal discussed was for the annexation of 1,100 acres of land located on the east boundary of the Town of Niverville, in the RM of Hanover. According to Councillor Myron Dyck, Niverville wants the land for potential business development.

“We have a large portion of land on the east side of town for residential, but businesses prefer to be on the east,” Dyck explained. “When we looked at traffic, most of it goes east, not west.”

Initially the town looked at a piecemeal process, and decided against it because sections of the RM of Hanover would have been landlocked by Niverville.

“We want to take our Hanville Industrial park and make it within town boundaries,” Dyck continued. “To get access to the industrial park, half a mile of 6th avenue would be in Niverville and the other half would be in Hanover.”

Keeping this plan would have required an intermunicipal agreement for maintenance so the decision for annexation was made to keep things simple.

“We wanted to give residents an opportunity to voice their opinions on the process,” Dyck noted. “If there are any, the matter could go to the municipal board. We don’t know if that will happen but it could.”

This is not the first time that Niverville and Hanover have worked out a land deal in the last year. Last winter, the Town of Niverville and RM of Hanover announced the purchase by the Niverville Community Development Corporation of Hanover’s fifty percent share of the Hanville Agri Industrial Park. The property in question is a 180 acre industrial park located just outside of the boundaries of the Town of Niverville.

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September 2014

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Zombies continued...

Continued from page 1 with their wits to survive.

Gerry McMahom was one of the twenty people who paid $250 to participate in the weekend camp.

“It’s just like out of a horror movie,” stated McMahom. “When we were eating breakfast Saturday morning, they had the zombies rush in on everyone and we scattered from the dining hall, it was amazing.”

Campers learned essential skills and knowledge needed to make it in the wilderness, whether there are zombies on your tail or not. The survivors learned how to build a shelter without any tools, collect wild edibles and just what to pack if camping in zombie territory. Survivors were also taught paramilitary field tactics to escape and evade zombie hordes.

After over a year of operation, Zombie Survival Camp has held four camps in the spring, summer and fall seasons. The cooperative’s founding members plan to set up a permanent zombie survival training facility outside of the Toronto area sometime in 2015.

Organizers hope to be back to host another camp next year.

Mudfest Returning to St. Adolphe After taking a year off, the annual MudFest a Family Messtival is returning to the community of St. Adolphe on September 5 and 6.

Four years ago, the community came together to build community pride and raise ‘green’ awareness by organizing a two day program that includes fun, entertainment and the natural assets of river gumbo.

After two successful years, the group cancelled last year’s event to focus on park cleanup and improvements.

On September 5, the 3rd annual Mudfest will begin with community fireworks.

The next morning a full day of activities are slated, including a Mud Cake Breakfast with pancakes with treats starting at 9 am, followed by a mudslide, two mud-pits with activities for all ages, tug of war, minigolf, kids tent, sand play hill and a mud sculpture contest. There will also be a Geocache treasure hunt, recreation baseball games, horseshoes and Bocce.

In the evening, families can also participate in the Mudfest Apocalypse Run. This year there will be three options including the family run that is either a 1 mile obstacle course, individual 5 km run or10 km run plus the 1 mile obstacle course. This will be followed by live entertainment and beer gardens.

All details and locations are found at mudfest.mystadolphe.com or Lesley at 883-2656. Participants are encouraged to bring towels and coffee mugs.

Volunteers are also still needed for various areas including supervising the pits and admissions. Anyone interested in helping out can contact mudfestmb@gmail.com or kirstenquiring@gmail.com.

Kleefeld Honey Festival is all About Family Fun

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen and his son Malachi were among the many judges who helped judge the 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off.

By Marianne Curtis For three days in August, the community of Kleefeld was transformed into a children’s paradise when the 44th annual Honey Festival took place.

After kicking off Friday, August 8 with a family movie night, Saturday delivered a jam packed day full of events geared for the entire family. The day started with a community pancake breakfast followed by a parade.

The highlight of the afternoon had everyone judging the lunch menu during the 2nd annual Chili Cook-off. The kids section called, ‘Playland of Milk and Honey’, included a carnival, bouncy park for all ages, toys and crafts. Supper consisted of the community’s famous chicken barbeque followed by a concert with Jay Bernes and Cracked Egg Shells. A fireworks show capped off the evening’s celebration.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

September 2014

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West Hawk Inn Destroyed in Blaze

By Marianne Curtis The community of West Hawk was left reeling after an early morning fire leveled the West Hawk Inn Bar and Grill on August 29.

The West Hawk Fire Department was called to the blaze around 8:30 am after a passerby spotted smoke rising from the roof, not soon after, the building was fully engulfed.

Falcon Beach RCMP says there was no one in the hotel at the time of the blaze, however, two employees were sleeping in a building nearby including the owner of the restaurant.

RCMP say the fire started near the bar, but an exact cause is not known at this time.

Whiteshell Fire Chief Bruce Morrison said the blaze was a hard fire to tackle because it spread quickly throughout the old structure and got into the attic.

“It was up in the attic before we knew it and it was a defensive mode after that,” says Morrison. Fire crews were called in from Falcon Lake and Ontario to assist with the blaze and emergency crews remained on scene most of the day.

Morrison added that the blaze appeared to have started in the back of the hotel, near the offices or the kitchen area, but that will not be confirmed until the fire commissioner’s office completes their investigation.

The West Hawk Campground was evacuated as a precaution due to the direction of the wind by Manitoba Conservation. One camper was

Fire crews work to contain a blaze which destroyed the West Hawk Inn at the beginning of the September long weekend.

treated for smoke inhalation. There were no other injuries.

Steven Dare owner of the West Wok restaurant, located within the Inn is devastated by the loss. He opened the community’s first

Chinese restaurant within the building about five years ago. He says he was woken up by someone banging on his door, telling him to get out.

“I only had time to put on pants,”

As students return to classes for another school year, the halls of Reynolds School in Prawda will remain empty and silent. In August, the Minister of Education officially approved the closure of Reynolds School despite a mandate to not close any more rural schools.

According to Sunrise School Division Superintendent Wayne Leckie, the division will now be providing Reynolds students with “quality educational programming” at Whitemouth School. The tough decision to close the school was made after the division projected enrolment of only 4.5 full time students from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Last year, the school had nine children enrolled at the beginning of the year, then that number decreased to seven. In the late 1900’s, the school had a population of 84 students.

Leckie noted that the division tried to fill the space by inviting a faithbased independent school in the

the last few years have been tough for me,” Damages have been estimated at about $1 million.

The West Hawk Inn first opening in the 1930’s as the Trans-Canada Inn.

Province Clears Lake After Drowning Death

Reynolds School Officially Closes

By Marianne Curtis

Dare explained. “There was a propane tank beside my room and it could [create] a big kaboom.”

“This is really hard,” Dare responded with sadness. “It took me five years to build a business and it was just starting to get good;

By Marianne Curtis

The province has given Sunrise School Division the go ahead to officially close Reynolds School.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

building, but it was refused due to concerns about students mingling with classmates outside of their faith.

Sunrise School Division will be providing bus services to Whitemouth School to students from the Reynolds area. Frontier School Division will continue to transport children to Falcon Beach School also.

Leckie added that while the doors to the school will be closed for classes, the division has committed to working with the community on optimizing the community use of the Reynolds School facility.

The province has not closed any schools since 2008, when Frontier School Division was allowed to close Pine Dock School after only three students enrolled for classes.

Richert Represents Canada in Czech Republic

Niverville race car driver David Richert spent the September long weekend being the lone Canadian representative with Team Inter Europol at the Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup (NEC) race event in Most, Czech Republic.

With a confirmed field of 29 drivers from 18 different nations, David Richert was Canada’s only representative at the long weekend’s Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup (NEC) race.

Earlier this month, the province sprung into action and performed an emergency cleanup of sea-weed after the drowning death of a 19 year old Rosenort man.

On August 9, Calvin Goertzen died after being found in distress while swimming at the St. Malo Provincial Park beach.

“The male was removed from the water and was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” an RCMP news release stated.

Goertzen, who was the son of RM of Morris Councillor Merv Dueck was a prospect in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

According to his father, Dueck was swimming at the beach when he

became tangled in seaweed and drowned.

“His feet got entangled in that and as a result, he couldn’t swim properly,” said Dueck. “A certain amount of panic sets in and he ended up drowning.”

“I’m looking forward to being back in the race car this weekend and the extra day of testing is really going to help as I’ve never been to this race circuit before,” said Richert. “I was very happy with our progress at SpaFrancorchamps and if we can take another step forward this weekend I will be incredibly happy.”

Last year, over 80,000 spectators took in the action at the Autodrom in Most which is situated approximately 80 km northwest of

Prague. Competitors normally have the maximum opportunity to learn the challenging circuit since the weekend’s schedule features not only an extra full day of practice on Thursday, but also the addition of a third race. However due to heavy rain and too much spray on the track, the second Sunday morning race of the Formula Renault 2.0 NEC in Most was postponed to the afternoon. The third race, consequently, had to be cancelled.

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September 2014

Putting Consumers First Canadians make countless purchases that involve measurement of the goods they’re buying – whether it’s gas for our cars or food for our families. We should be able to depend on the accuracy of those measurements, so we get what we pay for. Consumers should always be able to have confidence that what they pay reflects the advertised price and the actual quantity they purchase.

That’s why our Conservative Government introduced and passed the Fairness at the Pumps Act, which came into force on August 1.

Our legislation imposes fines for those who, through carelessness or ill intent, sell inaccurately measured goods. To deter this behaviour and give consumer’s confidence, these fines are significant – up to $10,000 for minor offences, up to $25,000 for major offences and up to $50,000 for repeat offences.

The Act also establishes regular inspections of gas pumps, retail food scales and other devices to promote accountability. Measurement Canada will maintain oversight of inspections, undertaking follow-up inspections, on-site audits and enforcement when necessary.

This addresses a potentially serious situation. Government studies found that, up to 6% of the time, gas pumps do not accurately reflect the advertised price – and the retailer benefits two thirds of the time. By holding retailers accountable, careless behaviour and malicious intent will both be deterred.

Whether you’re driving to work or setting out on a family vacation, fairness at the pumps will help make it a little more affordable and fair measurements in the store will help with grocery bills and everyday living.

Our Conservative Government will continue to stand up for hard-working Canadian families and for all consumers. Fairness, at the pump, the deli counter and anywhere we spend our hardearned money, is not too much to ask. We’re delivering on our commitment to put consumers first.

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

Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.

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

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

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

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

Sociological or Crime A recalcitrant PM insists that the death of Tina Fontaine is just a crime and not part of a sociological phenomenon. Abnormalities in crime statistics are sociological, period. The crime is a by-product of this sociological phenomenon.

I suppose Prime Minister Harper wanted to continue his tired line of tough on crime but this is a classic case of much needed crime prevention which has seen this particular problem explode since the 1980’s.

At that time, murdered native women comprised of 8 percent of the Canadian population, now that percentage of murdered native women has risen to 23 percent of murdered Canadian women. The tough on crime line is not going to cut it anymore; this is a sociological question which urgently needs to be answered.

Now the 1996 ‘Royal Commission on Aboriginal People’ and the 1999 ‘Aboriginal Justice Inquiry’ has in all likelihood given us the answers to too many of these questions as far as political correctness was allowed in the day. The will to implement these recommendations was lacking then and it is likely that another inquiry would not infuse us to attack this sociological disaster with any greater haste or determination. These two inquiries identified this cycle of violence as a product of alcoholism, drug, gas sniffing and poverty fuelled by high levels of unemployment and over- crowded substandard housing. Furthermore, 80 percent of native women were victims of family violence; you can read here continuous sexual assaults.

The vast majority of these girls and these women are murdered by people they know. Couple this with female poverty and ill health which in turn leads to educational failure, the cycle repeats to the next generation of aboriginal children in CFS care. In Manitoba the amount of Aboriginal children in foster care is epidemic in nature and jailed male aboriginals have reached phenomenal percentages. The cost of these two statistics alone should motivate society to a more cost effective solution.

If another inquiry is called regardless of cost there are a few things that should be added to the agenda. The question of ‘the reserve’ in today’s world economy and the corresponding need of continuous training, can it still be viable? Because of the high amount of aboriginal children in CFS care, what can be done to improve their life’s quality and break the cycle of becoming the mirror image of their parents? Can the reserve be effective without democratic principles? A quarter of a million to the chief but only a gas soaked rag for kid’s diversion is inadequate to say the least.

But, above all it should be guided by integrity and not politically correct expediency. If the political will has not bought into the necessary needed action on the conclusion of a new report it will be a massive waste of money, effort, time and further this sociological problem to impossible numbers.

If an enquiry does take place then I suggest that the cost of yet another useless waste of effort in every aspect should be borne by the Federal, Provincial and Chiefs across the land.

If there is a criminal problem, it’s the political inaction then and now.

In the Streets of Dawson Trail This has been a great summer for my team to be out in your neighbourhood to talk with as many of you about what matters most. We have been door knocking and meeting up at local coffee shops in Dawson Trail to discuss the issues that are important to our communities. This open dialogue and input is critical for me, as MLA, to be aware of how the public is feeling, to help make changes and improvements wherever necessary and to take the message back to government.

Have Your Say – Local Health Involvement Groups An issue that remains a top priority for the constituents of Dawson Trail is Health care. Health care is vitally important to all Manitobans. Having quality health care is the bedrock of our society. The Manitoba government believes people should have a say in the decisions that affect them. By talking about ideas, we can make health services better for everyone.

This week, Health Minister Erin Selby announced that recent changes to the Regional Health Authorities Act require each of Manitoba’s five health authorities to establish Local Health Involvement Groups (LHIG).

These groups will give people from our region an opportunity to explore and discuss a variety of health topics and to provide local input and insights to the Board of Directors. Effective September 2, each region will be responsible for developing at least four Local Health Involvement Groups (LHIG).

The health authority for our region, the Southern Health-Santé Sud Authority, is looking for people who care about health services in our communities. The region will choose at least ten members to be a part of its LHIG for one to three years.

Groups will be required to meet four times per year in person, by phone, online or by Tele-Health and will provide reports back to the regional board. The findings will be shared annually with the minister.

The Manitoba government is committed to giving patients and communities a say, so that their health care needs are met, not only right now, but also for years to come.

As your MLA for Dawson Trail, I strongly urge you to consider being a part of this opportunity to serve our community. Your knowledge and advice will be beneficial to health-care providers in our region.

For more information about the health involvement groups, please visit manitoba.ca/health/lhig. If you are interested in being a part of this initiative, or want to share other feedback, please contact southernhealth.ca.

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 phone 204-878-4644, or by mail at Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 and together we can continue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Province’s Debt Rating Gets Downgraded At the end of August, Moody’s Investor Service changed the outlook for Manitoba’s debt ratings from stable to negative.

This is the first decrease in Manitoba’s credit rating outlook by the independent credit rating agency, which has been analyzing Manitoba since 2003. This is the second downgrade in the province’s history and the first one since 1985. The change will increase the amount the province has to pay to borrow money in the future.

The NDP’s irresponsible management of the province’s debt negatively affects Manitobans because more of your tax dollars are being used to pay interest on borrowed money. The money that is used to manage our growing debt could be used to provide and protect essential services.

With a closed emergency room in Vita and no doctor at the clinic in Whitemouth this money could be better spent to recruit medical professionals. It’s also money that could be used to repair highways and support victims of the flood. Manitobans deserve to keep their hard-earned money as opposed to allowing the NDP to use it to finance their spending addiction.

Considering that the NDP promised not to increase the PST, which they did, there is no guarantee our taxes will not increase again. The Government has failed to be accountable to Manitobans and prioritize responsible spending.

I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or concerns you may have and can be reached at my constituency office at 204-424-5406, my legislative office at 204-9454339, or at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.

September 2014

Piney Firefighter Speaks Out About Cell Service

By Marianne Curtis For over a decade, the RM of Piney has been begging for government intervention when it comes to providing cell phone coverage throughout the entire province. The concern became extremely prevalent when the lack of coverage affected how emergency departments have been dealing with a number of forest fires, snow storms and other disasters in recent years.

According to Sprague Fire Department Deputy Chief Amanda Ruttle, the issue really hit home after she experienced a house fire in her own house recently.

“My smoke alarms woke me up and the house was full of smoke,” Ruttle recalled. “I couldn’t get to my house phone, so I grabbed my cell. Unfortunately, it

Should You Care About Your Credit?

Should you care about your credit rating? The answer of course is yes because it impacts you very directly. Banks and credit card companies report, based on their experience with you as a customer, your credit worthiness and it results in a credit score.

That credit score can impact your ability to get a loan in the future and the interest rate that you pay on that loan.

The same principle applies to government.

Governments also have a credit rating and that rating determines the amount they have to pay to borrow money. That directly impacts every Manitoban because ultimately, the interest that is paid by government comes from residents in the form of higher taxes or reduced services.

So both your personal credit rating and the credit rating of your government matter to you and your family. And that is why it was so concerning this past month when the credit rating agency Moody’s downgraded Manitoba’s credit rating from a stable outlook to a negative outlook. This downgrade can result in higher borrowing costs for the province both in the short run and the long run. That means there will be less money available for things like health care or education or the NDP might increase taxes yet again. After two consecutive years of record NDP tax increases, Manitobans aren’t in a position to pay any more.

The reason that Moody’s downgraded the province’s credit rating isn’t because Manitoba lacks financial ability. In fact they have noted that our province has a diversified economy.

The reason that they issued the downgrade is because they don’t believe that the NDP government will be able to manage the finances efficiently and in a way that will ensure the province’s books are brought back into balance.

Premier Greg Selinger and the NDP have repeatedly promised to bring the province’s budget back into balance and have continued to break that promise by instead running massive annual deficits. In fact, the annual deficits have been in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Many Manitobans have long ago stopped believing the NDP when they say that they can control their spending and manage the province’s finances efficiently. Now it appears that the international credit rating agencies have stopped believing them as well.

Just as you are concerned about your own personal credit rating, you should also be concerned about the provincial credit rating. The fact is that both can end up costing you and your family money. That is something that the NDP needs to remember, their mismanagement is impacting all of us.

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

Steinbach Safeway to Close in December

John Graham, Director of Public Relations for Sobeys in Manitoba stated that the Steinbach outlet was, “Not viable.”

The store’s closure will put fifty full-time and part-time employees out of work. Graham said they will be given an opportunity to obtain jobs at other Safeway locations or to accept departure terms based on their collective agreement.

Initially the gas bar was going to be kept open, but the decision has been made to close it as well.

This will be the second major grocery outlet to close in It is official… Sobeys Inc has Steinbach in recent years. Extra Foods was closed in announced that they will be closing the February of 2013. The closure of Safeway will leave Steinbach Safeway location in early Steinbach with three major grocery outlets; Sobeys, December.

Superstore and Walmart.

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Sprague Deputy Fire Chief Amanda Ruttle wants to see cell service improvements within the RM of Piney soon.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

was useless because I have an American provider so my 911 call went to the states and they could not call Brandon 911.”

Unlike most residents, as a fire fighter, Ruttle had direct access to the department through her radio, but it was useless. The fire separated her from the equipment and her house phone, so she was unable to call for help.

“I had no choice but to run across the street and get my mother to call 911, then get to the fire hall and get the trucks rolling,” Amanda continued. “Imagine what that would be like if you’re a parent with small children, twenty miles out of town. You would be totally helpless.”

RM of Piney Fire Chief Ina Thomson Ruttle, who’s been with the department since its inception, said it’s frustrating that while Piney no longer relies on a ‘phone tree’ for emergency dispatches, the department would be useless without their Fleet net radios.

“These are our lifelines,” Ina stated. “Thirty years ago, if there was a fire, we had a list. One person called the next and so on; this should not still be like this.”

The RM of Piney Council continues to be optimistic that government will eventually improve cellular services to customers in what remains the most technologically disconnected corner of Manitoba.

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September 2014

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Richer Rough Stock Rodeo Exceeds Expectations Pat Porter Active Living Centre offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm, call 204320-4600 or online patporteralc.com.

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

Up and Coming Events and Monthly Programs: Pick and Preserve Workshops: On Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 pm, we are making Apple Pies and Apple Crisp. Cost is $5.

Matt Falk Comedy/World Vision present: POOF! On September 26 at 7:30 pm. Hilarious new play, co-written by award-winning comedian Matt Falk. The story of a dysfunctional family of magicians filled with heart, laughter and unforgettable magic tricks. Cost $15 available at the Centre or at Hull’s Family Bookstore.

Yard Sale & BBQ: On Saturday, September 28 from 10 am – 4pm. Indoor yard sale! Tables are $10. Contact 204-320-4600 to reserve a table. Set up 8 -10am - Clean up by 4:30pm. Baked goods are welcome and due to upcoming renovations - a large amount of our office furniture will be for sale.

September Potluck: Thursday, September 11 at 6 pm. Cost is $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.

Pickle Ball: On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. It’s a raquet 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. The sport shares features and layout of a Badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis with a few modifications. Wear comfortable clothing and lace up, rubber soled shoes.

Cost is $2 for each session.

Floor Curling or Floor Shuffle: From Mondays to Fridays in our auditorium. Cost is $2 for each session.

Fitness - Exercise Classes: On Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 10:30 am. We offer fitness for older adults with a qualified instructor. 2 different session prices available. Contact 204-320-4600.

FLK TAI CHI: On Monday evenings from 7 - 8 pm for beginners and 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm for continuing; Wednesday mornings from 9 -10 am for beginners and from 10 - 11:30 am for continuing. Contact 204-326-1713 for more information.

Computer Classes: Every Wednesday for 1 hour from 9 am - noon.

Contact 204-320-4600 to make an appointment.

September and October Birthday Celebrations: Wednesday September 3 and October 1 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 Wednesday, September 3. 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.

Beltone Hearing: On the third Friday of each month. Contact 1-800-6612653 for appointment.

Parkinson’s Support Group: Meets the last Friday of the month at 1 pm.

Brain Injury Support Group: Meet the last Monday of the month at 7 pm.

Monday 9:30 Fitness 12 - 4:30 pm Drop-in Pool 1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains 1 pm Canasta 7 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool Wednesday 10 am Choir 10 – 11 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage 1:30 – 4 pm Floor Curling 7 – 9 pm Old Time Band Thursday 9:30 am Fitness 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Whist Friday 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. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend.

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

For three days, cowboys and cowgirls competed for money, bragging rights and one-of-a-kind buckles.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis Several thousand spectators attended this year’s Richer Roughstock Rodeo, which took place in Richer from August 8 to 10.

Organizers of the second annual Richer Roughstock Rodeo are saying that the weekend event exceeded their expectations once again. According to Pat Stolwyk, this year’s rodeo was even bigger and better than last year’s event, which was named Rodeo of the Year by the Heartland Rodeo Association.

“We had an amazing group of volunteers who worked tirelessly at turning the Richer park into a rodeo site, from the bleachers which were donated, to the trading post, and other improvements, this could not have happened without the hard work of the entire community,” Stolwyk stated. “We had about 6,000 people pass through the gate over the weekend!”

This year’s addition of the Friday night Bull-nanza brought in an additional 40 bull riders who competed for money and one-of-a-kind specially designed buckles. In addition, more than 200 competitors took part in events such as bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and saddle bronco.

The new permanent trading post brought a wide variety of vendors for an open air market and the kidzone was a huge hit with the little ones.

Local businesses including campgrounds were overflowing as spectators and participants from all over Manitoba came out.

“The surrounding area did a great job in supporting this event and we are very grateful for that,” Stolwyk added. “Hopefully we can do them proud again next year.”

Heartland Rodeo Association confirmed that the event in Richer has quickly become the most successful rodeo of all their events throughout the years.

“Last year they came out here not knowing what to expect and they are one-hundred percent impressed,” Stolwyk continued. “Once again they said it was one of the best organized ones they’ve been to; we are very proud of the community for helping us doing Richer proud.”

The weekend was not complete without an outdoor dance with live music by Quinton Blair.

Proceeds from the weekend will be used to make improvements to the community park.

Marchand Logging Days Well Attended

On August 23 and 24, the annual Marchand Logging Days drew crowds to the community for a weekend of fun.

activities set up throughout the Marchand Community Park. Some of highlights of the weekend included lawn mower races and the Mud Bog. According to organizer Tyler Wiens, the festival is important to the community.

“It’s an opportunity for the people of the community to pull together. The family atmosphere and the way everyone does their part to make the festival come together is amazing,” stated Wiens. “It was an afternoon of mud bogging, lawn mower races, cow pie bingo and lots of redneck fun at the Marchand Park.”

The day ended with a spectacular fireworks display, Photo by Marianne Curtis which was held over from Canada Day when the community was Festivities began with a slow forced to cancel the event due to pitch tournament that drew teams rain. in from throughout the area and there was also tons of children’s

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Grunthal Man Part of Rescue Fundraiser

Grunthal Lion’s Club member Brad Lemay will be dropped on an island as part of a fundraiser for STARS.

By Marianne Curtis For the second year in a row, a member of Grunthal’s Lions Club will be one of six individuals deliberately stranded on a remote island in the Whiteshell Provincial Park with nothing but a cell phone.

On September 10, Brad Lemay along with a handful of other individuals will be dropped off on an island somewhere in Manitoba as part of a unique fundraiser called Rescue on the Island for STARS. The goal of the event is to raise significant funds for the organization before they can be rescued.

“A group of Manitobans, including myself, are being flown by STARS helicopter out into the wilderness, only to be rescued when we raise a significant dollar amount for STARS,” Lemay explained. “Only after I have accomplished this will I be returned to civilization.”

STARS currently averages 6 missions per day across western Canada operating as a charitable organization that cares for and transports critically ill and injured patients, Lemay added.

Each member of the group was challenged to raise $100,000 by collecting pledges through phone calls from the island to family and friends.

Part of a group of 8, Lemay who is also the business owner of LeMazing Mechanical will be joined by another local supporter Fred Hiebert Owner of United Transportation Driver Training.

“To keep their helicopters flying, they have resorted to drastic measures,” Lemay continued. “If you cannot help me beforehand, you may receive a desperate phone call from me, when I am in the middle of an island, begging you to help with my rescue.”

When the group is not trying to raise funds to get off the island, they will be kept busy with various challenges including shelter building and medical challenges including CPR. Last year, fellow Lion’s member Doug Wiens took on the challenge. By the end of the day he’d managed to raise $48,000.

Money raised from the event will go towards building a hanger for the province’s STARS helicopter. Anyone can contribute to the fundraiser, by visiting Lemay’s page rescueontheisland.ca or go to foundation.stars.ca event page.

Correction The Southern Health Board of Directors has scheduled their next annual general meeting on Thursday, October 9 at the Niverville Heritage Centre in Niverville. There will be several displays showcasing various health care related services that are available throughout the region.

The theme and guest speaker for the evening will be announced at a later date.

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Rural Rec Centres Get Life Saving AED’s Three rural recreation centres will now be equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) after a recent funding announcement.

Provencher MP Ted Falk announced that recreational centres will now be equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), thanks to a partnership between the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF).

“I am pleased to announce that community recreation centres in Marchand, Vita and Vassar have been approved to receive AED’s,” stated Falk.

This is in addition to the thousands of other AEDs being installed in recreational facilities across the country. Additional announcements for Provencher are expected as the program continues through 2014-15.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, access to early CPR and defibrillation could potentially save the lives of thousands of Canadian adults and children every year.

Defibrillators are electronic devices used to restart a person’s heart that has stopped beating. They are safe, easy-to-use, and while they can be operated effectively by the public, training equips people with the knowledge and skills to confidently use these devices and to deliver quick CPR.

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September 2014

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Southeast Residents Support Ice Bucket Challenge

On August 28, 110 employees of Hylife Foods gathered in La Broquerie to participate in the #IceBucketChallenge, then challenged their counterparts in China and France to follow suit.

By Marianne Curtis Over the past few weeks, social media news feeds have been swamped with people dumping ice water over their heads to raise both awareness and funding for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS. Residents and businesses throughout the region eagerly jumped on board and produced some of the most creative Ice Bucket Challenges.

Ranging from having front end loaders dump water on their heads, to tubing out of the back of a truck, the videos have been a financial boom for ALS Manitoba and the cause as a whole.

Since the fundraiser went viral in the middle of August, over $100 million has been raised as a result of the #IceBucketChallenge to date and the amount keeps rising. Participants are challenged by someone else, to either donate $10 to ALS and pour cold water and ice on their heads, or donate $100 instead. The purpose of the ice water and ice is to signify the most common symptom of ALS. Leela Dance, with ALS Manitoba says the organization is excited with all the attention they are getting.

“This event is changing the way people look at ALS; they are asking questions and educating themselves about the disease and its treatment,” stated Dance. She says millions of dollars goes into research every year and Canada is a leader in the field.

Dance also pointed out that Manitoba has the only ALS House in North America. The Brummitt-Feasby ALS house was a gift to the ALS Society of Manitoba from a family who lost a loved one to the disease. In 2001 it was renovated with donated funds and specifically designed for ALS patients and staff who specialize in the disease.

While some people have speculated if the funds will go towards research or towards administrative costs, Dance assures participants that all money raised through this specific fundraiser will go towards research, client services and advocacy.

The challenge has also been subject to some debate recently among anti-abortionists because one research project listed on the Association’s website states that the project used embryonic stem cells (ESC) from a stem cell line that was established many years ago under ethical guidelines set by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

This research is funded by one specific donor, who is committed to this area of research. The ALS Association primarily funds adult stem cell research projects.

Donations can also be restricted from being used on any type of research that is not agree with, like testing on animals and/or embryonic stem cell research or directed for local chapter use only.

For more information on ALS or to donate to the cause visit Manitoba’s ALS site at alsmb.ca.

Sprague Supportive Housing Group Host Book Sale Starting Wednesday, September 17 to Saturday, September 20, the East Borderland and Community Housing Committee is hosting a used book sale at the Clearspring Centre Mall in Steinbach.

Elsie Laing, Chairperson for the East Borderland Community Housing project, said proceeds from the book sale will be added to the funds already raised by the group.

The four day event is part of ongoing fundraising activities being undertaken to raise money for a twenty-unit personal care home and supportive housing unit.

To ensure the success of the sale, gently used books can be donated by dropping them off at the East Borderland Community Healthcare Centre during regular hours or by contacting Elsie at 204-437-2843.

Volunteers are also needed for the event.

Wheelchair Access at Bethesda Too Steep

By Marianne Curtis Patients using the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach won a small victory when it came to the new hospital entrance.

Last month, the alarm was raised that the newly opened wheelchair ramp leading into the community’s largest medical facility was dangerously steep and difficult to navigate.

Patients trying to access the front entrance of the hospital are finding the ramp too narrow and too steep.

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen said that people have been contacting him about the ramp, saying that patients and visitors with mobility issues were having a hard time getting into the hospital because it was a second floor entrance.

As a result, he personally met with Jennifer Howard Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Disabilities to discuss the urgent situation.

“She indicated that the provincial government has heard the complaints and understands that this needs to be fixed,”

Patients using the new wheelchair ramp at Bethesda Regional Health Centre say that too much money was spent on aesthetics and not enough on creating a practical entrance to the hospital after the brand new ramp turned out to be too steep and difficult to navigate.

stated Goertzen. “I indicated to her I believe there needs to be a ground level entrance, perhaps with an elevator to the 2nd floor, but that people need to be able to enter from the ground level and not have to take the stairs or a narrow ramp. It’s too important a facility to have these problems.

You can’t have a hospital where sick people can not enter; it defeats the purpose.”

Goertzen added that the Health Minister had also contacted him to indicate that discussions were taking place with Southern Health to address the province.

“In short, we have their attention; they acknowledge there is a problem, they acknowledge there needs to be a solution and discussions are taking place to find those solutions,” Goertzen promised. “I can’t promise a quick solution, but I will keep pressing.”

Dawson Trail Dispatch

My Mother’s Funeral As many of you know from reading my articles, I’ve been encouraging everyone to preplan their own funeral.

Fortunately I had been discussing this with my parents for many years, so I knew what they wanted.

Well, my funeral planning skills were tested this summer. My mother died on July 11. Like many of you who have already lost a parent, although it’s expected (my mother was 90), we really are never ready.

The service was exactly as we had discussed: A Celebration of Life at the Scandinavian Cultural Centre followed by a Danish lunch with full bar service (beer and akvavit like a shot of tequila are a must with a Danish lunch).

I fully admit, that the week leading up to the day of the service, with all the planning, organizing, following up, and getting ready, was very cathartic (therapeutic) for me. I had a sister in town visiting when Mom passed away, so I was very fortunate to have one of my closest siblings with me the whole time. But for me, who is an ‘A-Type personality’ (need to be in charge of everything), it was great that I was indeed organizing everything. I wouldn’t have felt good leaving it all to a funeral home to look after, but that’s just me.

Don’t get me wrong. Funeral homes provide excellent service for families who do not know what to do, or don’t have any plans or ideas of what the family member wanted. And there is nothing wrong with a more traditional service at a funeral home. We just knew that for Mom she wanted a personalized Celebration of Life at the Scandinavian Centre.

After quickly arranging for cremation (we knew which funeral home to use as they were friends of the family), the next step was the obituary. I had a quick one in the next day to let everyone know, but before all the dates and times were confirmed. Four days prior to the service, the longer obituary notice was in the paper.

I hope I start a new trend. In the obituary, we asked for confirmations (via voice mail on my parent’s home phone). I wanted to know exactly how many people would be there. Only fair to the caterer to ensure enough food and only fair to our family paying for it to not have too much either. It was a full lunch with alcohol.

Why would we not want confirmations like any other celebration like a birthday party or anniversary? It worked great! The attendance was exactly what we had received confirmations from.

We had some great additions to the service that were not preplanned. Instead these came about during the week prior to the service. We quickly found pictures (fortunately, many were already in digital format). My siblings and I have been scanning and sharing pictures of our parents during the past several years as we prepared for birthdays and anniversaries.

I went to iTunes to look for some music – guess what – they actually have albums of instrumental funeral music! Perfect! I selected several to play at the service (although I didn’t hear many of them since everyone was quite talkative and socializing as they gathered – it wasn’t a sombre event, it was truly a celebration of life – just as my mother wanted).

We had a ‘Memories’ board at the service and encouraged those in attendance to write a short note if they wanted to, a memory of our mother. We had requested some from family in Denmark and I was able to translate them (Google translate is wonderful!). There were some great stories from family and friends that were there (and others later by email).

For that week, as I walked with the dogs every morning, I would think about what I would say for the Eulogy. Many stories and memories came to mind. The day before the service, I finally put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

I’m glad I asked for additional presenters: it was a nice addition for the grandchildren to get up as a group and share some wonderful memories of their grandmother and yes, made us laugh a couple of times.

Following the service at the Scandinavian Centre, my entire family and some close family friends (Were we almost 35 adults and children?) came back to our home for the rest of the weekend (Saturday evening and most stayed till Sunday noonish, overnight camping in our yard). It was wonderful to stay together as a family for another 24 hours and continue to enjoy each other’s company reminiscing about our mother. We kept the Memories board up and different family members had time to read them at their own leisure.

I had found some special liqueur last winter, a rice pudding flavour. So during Sunday breakfast we had a special toast to our mother who made Danish Rice Pudding for Christmas Eve too many times to count.

My siblings headed back to BC in a day or two and then I think it reality hit me.

Back to the office and back to routines, except now without my mom.

I kept her picture and many sympathy cards at my office and it was good for me to hear from clients as they came into the office and gave condolences. It was good for me to talk about my mom (and her passing) every day: part of the grieving and healing.

Were there a few surprises? Yes, I was a bit surprised by the cost of the cremation only service provided by the funeral home. I will be shopping around now for an estimated cost for my father’s service (he is 93 and in declining health in a personal care home). I will share with you what my findings are.

But overall, it was great (if a funeral service can be great). It went as well or better than expected and we received many great comments from friends that were there, “I felt like I was meeting your Mom,” or “It was great that every word of the service was about your Mom.” There were a few of my friends there that had never met my mother, but came away feeling like they knew her quite well.

That’s what made it a great funeral. Everything went well. And a lovely lady was remembered for the great life she had and shared.

Thanks Mom, for making me the caring person that I am. I hope they say nice things about me too (hopefully in 40+ years!)

Anni Markmann is a tax professional working, living and volunteering in our community. Contact Anni at 204-422-6631 or anni@SteAnneTaxService.ca or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne.

More Than Just News!

Stefaniuk Steps Aside to Spend Time with Family After nineteen years at the helm of the RM of Ritchot council, Mayor Bob Stefaniuk has announced that he will not be running in the upcoming municipal elections.

“After talking it over with my wife and family, I have decided that it is time for me to step aside,” Stefaniuk confirmed.

Stefaniuk is proud of the legacy he leaves with the

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municipality. During his time as Mayor, he dealt with the Flood of ‘97 and several floods afterwards, saw a municipal water system installed, the construction and expansion of the St. Adolphe Dike, twinning of Highway 59 and significant growth within the municipality.

This is not the first time that Stefaniuk has stepped down from the council.

Eight years ago, he stepped down and made a bid for provincial politics. After losing the 2007 provincial election, he returned to the council by acclamation when the election was over, during a by-election to fill the vacancy.

“At this point, I am going to consider my options. I have not committed to anything,” said Stefaniuk. “I am going to take a few months off and then see what happens.”

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More Than Just News!

September 2014

Wildlife Haven Competes for Funding

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Roseau’s Music Festival a Sold Out Event

By Marianne Curtis The online polls are open for Canadians to vote for one of five non-profit wildlife and wilderness organizations, including the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chenes.

The contest called ‘Call for the Wild’ is an annual people’s choice donation program, created by Jamieson Laboratories. The company awards $100,000 to community groups that protect, conserve and rehabilitate iconic habitats and species.

For the past five years, five organizations are selected to participate in a public voting campaign on Facebook. At the close of each campaign, Jamieson Laboratories awards a donation to each organization based on their percentage of votes cast.

“The more votes we get, the more money we stand to receive which will help us continue to help educate Manitobans to peacefully coexist with our precious wildlife,” stated a spokesperson from the Wildlife Haven. “Public votes have already helped us raise $7,000! Please continue to help us vote and share and we may be able to get more money to go towards building our new centre. That’s some terrific money for us, but we can do a bit better!”

The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre was founded in 1984 and is located in Ile des Chênes. Run by volunteers, the Centre is a nonprofit facility which takes in certain types of injured or abandoned wild animals and rehabilitates them for

Keeping cool by floating along the Roseau River during this year’s Rainbow Trout Music Festival.

By Marianne Curtis

The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre encourages people to cast their votes daily and help them raise much needed funding for the facility.

release back into the wild. Animals unable to be released are then sent to sanctuaries. Approximately 1,700 different animals are brought to the centre per year.

The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre is primarily funded through individual and corporate donations.

In June, the organization announced a partnership with TransCanada Pipeline for a parcel of land and now fundraising is underway to construct a new facility.

The competition would allow the organization to gain a large amount of money in a short time, but they need the public’s help. The ‘Call for the Wild’ voting campaign runs until Sunday, September 14 on Facebook and every daily vote counts towards the total sum each organization will receive from the $100,000 fund.

Visit facebook.com/jamiesonvitamins until midnight on Sunday, September 14 to cast your vote.

Hiking the Trails For the last couple of years, my family and I have spent most of our summers working on our house and yard. Actually, it was my wife and I that were doing most of the work while the kids did the playing, but I digress. This year things are different. This year we are doing a little bit of work on the house but we are spending much more of our time camping.

One of our most favourite things to do while camping (if you exclude playing in the water at the beach) is to hike the many trails in and around the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

The Falcon Creek Trail was a nice beginner introduction into trail hiking. The first time I hiked this trail alone but I thought that it was so much fun that we came back and did it again as a family; my six year old daughter really liked it. There was a huge rock that myself and the kids really liked, it was very climbable.

We made the drive up to Pinawa and hiked the Pinawa Dam Trail as a family. This trail was pretty good but we did end up wandering off-trail and that was okay since we were able to see some amazingly huge rocks that had gorges cut in between them. The trail did have some informative signs that explained the history of the dam and methods of its operation.

The Hunt Lake Trail I did alone because it was listed as a more aggressive hike with several rocky slopes to climb and the sheer length of the trail. Not recommended for the legs of a three year old. The views along this trail were quite beautiful.

The next trail we hiked was the McGillivray Falls Trail. Although the falls weren’t very impressive due to low water levels (might have to come back in spring and see what they look like then) we did enjoy the gentle climb up some steeper slopes and the amazing views that we saw of McGillivray Lake. While my wife and three year old son took the short loop (a short two-hour hike), my nine year old son, my six year old daughter and I took the additional long loop and added an hour to our hike. The extra distance allowed us to get right to the shore of McGillivray Lake and have a lovely view of the water. We even had a few light showers fall on us which, much to my surprise, the kids did not seem to mind. I think they just might be enjoying this hiking as much as I am! Go figure!

Even though many of these trails are marked and with at least a little care, a person should not lose themselves too much. I found it very helpful to have carried with me a map of the trail route but realized early on not to count on any being available at the trailheads.

Instead, go to a park office (or the fish hatchery like I did) and browse their selection of brochures and maps which are free for the taking. They not only show the route but often have helpful and interesting information about the area.

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

On August 15 - 17, the tiny community of Roseau River was filled with the sounds of laughter, good times and even better music for the 6th annual Rainbow Trout Music Festival.

Taking place in the Roseau River Park, a few miles south of St. Malo, the Rainbow Trout Music Festival (RTMF) was bigger and better than previous years. Tickets for this year’s event were already sold out in July.

The annual event is held to promote local music and bring together like minded people for dancing, celebrating, swimming and fishing along the beautiful Roseau River.

The RTMF promotes and celebrates diversity in local music by hosting the annual festival along with smaller events throughout the year. By including all genres of music the festival offers the opportunity to experience an unmatched cross section of styles available at any single event currently held in Manitoba.

This year’s event included performances by twenty-four artists including JD and the Sunshine Band, the Minglers, SMRT, Sibyl, Slow Spirit, Figure, Demetra, ATLAAS, Surprise Party, Sweet Alibi, the Psychics, Wizards, Smoky Tider, TJ Bear, Not Animals and many more.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

September 2014

11

Niverville Deals with Flash Flooding

By Marianne Curtis The September long weekend got off to a wet start in some areas after communities throughout the region were hit by unprecedented rain fall.

The Town of Niverville and the City of Steinbach were among the hardest hit communities seeing several inches of rainfall filling streets within a matter of minutes.

The downpour ultimately caused a number of drainage issues both inside and outside of homes, which left residents scrambling as the town sewer systems failed to keep up. In Niverville, water levels were so high that it was running into manholes and buildings. Car engines were stalling due to water levels, bringing the community to a temporary standstill.

Niverville resident Elmer Hiebert was one of the many drivers forced to leave their vehicles in the middle of an intersection.

“My car was swamped on Hampton South and another was there too,” Hiebert recalled. “My car actually was floating for a while it was so deep.

Some Niverville residents found travelling by canoe more reliable than attempting to navigate the streets with their vehicles.

The water was past my knees when I got out.”

Councillor Myron Dyck confirmed that the sewer system was compromised and warnings were sent out to residents to make sure sump pumps were running.

Town crews hit the streets fairly quickly to sandbag manholes and pump water.

“For many of our residents this day’s rain event is something for the memory books, a story to tell our grandchildren,” stated Dyck. “The Town has been informed that some residents have already been contacting the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization.”

Dyck noted that the council was appreciative of how area residents reached out to assist each other, along with staff members who acted quickly to minimize flood damage and manned pumps until things returned to normal.

To help with cleanup efforts the Town of Niverville brought several large waste collection bins into the community. The bins have been placed at three strategic locations, including the Word of Life Church east parking lot, Maranatha Church parking lot and the Centennial Arena parking lot (Arena Road).

Flash floods in Steinbach turned streets and parking lots into lakes.

Southern Health Sharing Our Stories of Resiliency We’ve all heard the saying that, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

So many of us have faced or know of people who have faced a difficult situation in a moment when life throws you an unexpected curve ball. Many times we are left feeling helpless and powerless.

Resiliency is the ability to spring back into shape after being bent, stretched or compressed. Much like rebuilding material matter, resiliency can be learned and practiced to strengthen our health status.

Three things you can do to increase your resiliency are: - Don’t take everything personally. We often misinterpret a situation by taking things personally when they have nothing to do with us.

Double check your interpretations of the situation and you may discover you are worrying about a problem that doesn’t exist.

- Learn to self analyze. Analyzing ourselves can help us manage our emotional response and gain insight into our behaviour. How we deal with adversity or the difficult things in our life are influenced by our beliefs about the adversity. These beliefs will determine the emotional response to the adversity. We need to look at the beliefs we hold in our head and change them to create less emotional stress.

- Make changes to the structure of your brain. You can create positive pathways in your brain that lead to greater happiness by holding onto a positive experience for 20 seconds longer than normal. Do this 6 or more times a day and the pathways to your brain become hard wired. These simple positive small moments will be internalized into your memory.

Every day, people face difficult situations, fighting hard to manage and to stay positive. Some individuals come by these abilities naturally, with personality traits that help them remain unflappable in the face of challenge. However, these behaviours are not simply an inborn trait found in a select few individuals. According to many experts, resilience is actually quite common and people are very capable of learning the skills that it takes to become more resilient.

If you need support, remember to call on family, friends and professionals. Working together on changing a mindset makes the job easier, making our lives happier and healthier.

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September 2014

Check it out! It’s NEW! Backbeat School of Music – for aspiring new students ages 12 - 17 who want a place to play or sing music – we provide a place to play and encourage young artists to learn, grow and perform under the guidance of music mentors – Coordinated by Trev Schellenberg from Golden West Radio.

Register by Friday, September 12 – call 204-346-1077 for an application. All artists will be interviewed and placed with other artists appropriately. Saturday workshops, monthly from 9 - 2 pm. Cost $39.99 for fall session of 4 workshops and a final show in December.

Wine Tasting Festival - Friday, September 26 at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Try over 80 wines, with appetizers sponsored by Country Meats & Deli and Raffle prizes from R Bistro.

Concert Season tickets make a great gift – plus the best seats in the house all year round. Five shows – great rates! Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert, Tuesday, December 2; Manitoba Theatre Centre Armstrong’s War, 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) Young Artist in Concert – Luke Reimer, country artist, Friday, October 17 at the Steinbach Cultural Centre. Tix on sale now!

Family show – Munsch Upon a Time by Prairie Theatre Exchange, Friday, January 16, SRSS. Piano Violin Fusion Fundraiser – Roy and Rosemary – Wednesday, March 4.

Season Ticket holders get 15% off The Roy & Rosemary event.

Register NOW for Fall!

Reduce stress and increase flexibility with Pilates, Zumba and Yoga… or experience the physical benefits of Belly Dance. Come with friends, family or co-workers. The Steinbach Arts Centre has something for every night of the week. New! AcroYoga™ - acrobatic yoga using a partner.

Tons of Visual Arts classes – Kids! Try Kid’s Art Adventure, Art X-Travaganza, Cartoon Illustration, Clay Hand Building…

Teens and Adults! Check out Exploring Acrylics, Realism/ Impressionism/Abstraction painting, Pottery Passion, Clay Intro to the Wheel or Digital Photography, including a Photography class just for moms! Learn how to photograph your child in using the best techniques.

Mixed Art for Adults is starting soon. It’s a taste of everything!

Perfect for teachers… Dabble in several mediums and bring that knowledge back to your classrooms.

French and Spanish are back, including Beginner 1 & 2 classes.

Build confidence and ignite your creativity with the Backyard Theatre Company. Practice voice projection, memorization and story writing, plus improvisation and fun exercises. You’ll love our props room full of costumes. We are pleased to welcome back Jeremy Plett and his new assistant Cora Fast.

Cooking – Kids will love our Kids in the Kitchen classes.

Adults – make six tantalizing recipes with Creative Cooking. It’s not just cooking – it’s a social experience.

Back by popular demand… the Arts Centre is kicking up our FUSION Musical Theatre program once again! Leave your name with us, and we’ll let you know all about our upcoming workshops.

Dance and Martial Arts for ages 3 to adult with XCOMPANY Physical Arts Training School. Try Hip Hop, Breakdance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Broadway Stars, Musical Theatre, Kickboxing, Chinese or Filipino Martial Arts and more! A family values based program, XCOMPANY costumes and choreography are 100% parentapproved.

To register call 204-371-8007 or steinbach@xcompany.net.

Steinbach Social Dancers – call Lorna Warkentin, 204-3262617.

The Arts4Tots Preschool Program is family values-based with a huge focus on exploration and discovery in music, theatre, dance and visual arts. We hire professional clinicians to teach special workshops geared towards our tots, to help them learn and grow in the most hands-on way possible. A few spaces left.

ARTISTS! Join the Southeast Artists Group on Tuesday mornings at the Cultural Arts Centre. Call Gary 204-346-9623.

Also – let us know if you’re interested in an evening slot.

On Now in the Hall Gallery - An Abstract Mind by Colleen Watchorn runs from Wednesday, September 3- Friday, September 26. Public is invited, no admission.

Calling all musicians! SAC is a partner with the Steinbach Pistons supplying all Anthem Artists – looking for singers, instrumentalists, groups and performers to perform the National Anthem at games. The arts and sports together!

View all events on steinbachartscouncil.ca.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

East Braintree Hosts Centennial Celebration

Above: This 100 year old steam truck, transformed into a commemorative plaque was unveiled during the celebration.

Right: Visitors enjoyed horse-drawn guided tours through the community as part of the event.

By Marianne Curtis For one day, the community of East Braintree and the Midwinter Heritage School was the site for a special celebration as the communities of East Braintree, McMunn and Glenn celebrated their centennial anniversary.

The event took place at the Midwinter Heritage School on August 23 in East Braintree beginning with a blueberry pancake breakfast at the new picnic site, followed by a community farmers market.

Margaret Feilberg President of the Midwinter Heritage Association says the event was a huge success.

“We have been planning this for a number of years,” said Feilberg. “We had people come home from all over the country and everyone had a great time.”

During the day, visitors enjoyed a guided

tour in a horse drawn wagon of all three neighbourhoods including stops at the old quarry, the Enchanted Forest, the remarkable 100 year old grounds of the White House originally built for the family of W.R. Davis, the engineer in charge of constructing the aqueduct from Mile 69 for the Greater Winnipeg Water District Railway in 1914-1915 and the historic East Braintree Cemetery that was founded in 1922.

Then visitors could take a wildflower tour with the Orchid Society. After lunch, the Scottish Country Dancers from Winnipeg and Ukranian Dancers from Anola performed for the crowd.

The unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the form of a 100 year old trunk took place before supper. Live evening entertainment was provided

by Band Dynasty and JipRock.

Hogs Perish in Barn Fire About 1,100 pigs were killed in a hog barn fire in the RM of Hanover on August 21.

Around 6 pm, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP got a call about a hog barn fire near Grunthal.

By the time officers arrived, the barn was engulfed in flames and three local fire crews were trying to keep the fire under control.

Grunthal Fire Chief Paul Wiebe said that it took fire crews from Grunthal, Kleefeld and New Bothwell six hours to put the fire out, but all of the 1,100 pigs inside were killed.

“The fire had obviously been burning inside before anyone noticed it,” stated Wiebe. “By the time we got there, it was fully involved.”

No people were hurt in the fire, but the barn is completely destroyed.

Damage estimates for the building and livestock is estimated at about $1.2 million.

RCMP and the office of the Fire Commissioner Investigated yet but the cause of the fire remains unknown.

1,100 hogs died during the evening blaze on August 21.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

September 2014

13

Hanover Ag Fair Delivers Thrills Ukrainian Programming Wanted at Shevchenko School

By Marianne Curtis

Dust was flying during the demolition derby which got this year’s Hanover Ag Fair off to a roaring start.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis For three days, the community of Grunthal was bustling with activity when the 69th Annual Hanover Agriculture Fair took place. Taking place August 14 - 17 the festival delivered on its promise to be bigger and better than other years.

President of the Hanover Agriculture Society Curtis Dawydiuk says the main attractions were the bullarama and the return of the demolition derby.

“We had amazing entertainment this year and everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Dawydiuk.

“Once again we could never have pulled this off without our hundreds of volunteers; without them, this event would not be what it is today.”

For the second year in a row, the big draw of the weekend came Thursday night with the flying mud, roaring engines and crunching metal of a good old-fashioned demolition derby.

Friday kicked off with a pancake breakfast, followed by a light horse show, tons of children’s activities take place during the day, and RC Race car demo. On Friday night the toughest riders took on even tougher bulls in the Bullarama. Rodeo action kicked off again on Saturday and Sunday with the MRCA/CCA Rodeo in the central arena. In the evening the Gymkhana was open to all ages and all skill levels for events such as barrels, poles, Big T, Rescue and Boot races.

On Sunday, a community worship service took place, followed by more rodeo action including an ATV rodeo. At the end of the day, rodeo awards were handed out, followed by fireworks.

There was live entertainment over the course of the weekend, including performances by The Bros. Landreth with guests The Jake Brakes and Snakebite, Quinton Blair, Jess Moskaluke with special guests Luke Reimer and Jordan St. Cyr. The Critter Corner, pony Rides, AGucation Centre and Family Fun Zone were hits with the kids.

Ste. Agathe Role Model Carry’s on the War Amps Legacy Kyle Nordick, of Ste. Agathe, who is 13 and was born a left arm amputee, was a Junior Counsellor and role model at The War Amps 2014 Western Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar from August 15 to 17 in Winnipeg.

He attended CHAMP seminars while growing up to see the latest developments in artificial limbs, attend informative sessions on dealing with amputation and shared concerns with other young amputees. Kyle applied to be a Junior Counsellor so that he could give back by answering questions and offering advice to younger Champs on subjects like dealing with teasing and staring, body image, learning to drive and employment.

“As amputees themselves and through their involvement with CHAMP, Junior Counsellors carry on The War Amps legacy of ‘amputees helping amputees’ by acting as peer counsellors,” said Danita Chisholm, Executive Director of the CHAMP Program. “They are wonderful role models and younger Champs look up to them.”

The Association is funded through public support of the Key Tag and Address Label Service and receives no government grants. For more information on the program call toll-free 1-800- 250-3030 or visit waramps.ca.

The 2014-2015 school year just started, but parents in Vita are still hopeful that there is still time to have a Ukrainian program reinstated within the school by the end of the year.

Just before the end of the last school year, a group of local parents requested that Borderland School Division reinstate the Ukrainian language program at Shevchenko School.

Jarvis Bially, Chairperson for the Ukrainian Language Program Advisory Council, said the request was presented to the board of trustees in late spring.

“Right now, we want a program that would allow students to start at various ages from Grade 4 and up and would be several years in length. Classroom instruction would occur regularly, every day or every second day, depending upon the structure of the school year, it would be based upon a provincial curriculum and in grades 9 to 12; would be worth a credit toward graduation,” Bially suggested. “From a preliminary survey at the end of last year, we learned there was considerable interest in a Ukrainian language program.”

“At this time, the program would not take the format of an immersion program,” Bially added. Bially said research shows that the earlier foreign language instruction begins, the more likely students will be able to achieve near native pronunciation, intonation and proficiency. Offering Ukrainian programming in the area also seems natural because the area was one of the first Ukrainian settlements in Canada and the area is still predominantly Ukrainian.

“We do not want our native culture to be lost,” Bially continued. “We would like to plan the program for several years because research also shows that a well articulated sequence of learning over several years is required for students to achieve this proficiency and for them to reap the overall cognitive benefits associated with foreign language learning.”

Bially said their organization already has a Department of Education approved curriculum, but it’s new to the province and the country.

“We are not sure who else is using this model for education in the Ukrainian language,” he admitted.

Having a Ukrainian program at Shevchenko School is not a new initiative. Until 1991, certain classes were offered to students in both English and Ukrainian similar to how other school divisions in the area offer French or German.

City Tackles Parking Crunch

Kyle Nordick of Ste. Agathe who was a Junior Counsellor and role model at The War Amps 2014 Western Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar attends a CHAMP Seminar.

As fall approaches, the City of Steinbach is gearing up for another busy season at the T.G. Smith Centre.

In preparation, council is addressing a parking issue that could become a growing problem as the season progresses.

According to council, the construction of the new Steinbach Credit Union and the new curling club has limited the number of parking spaces available for arena patrons. As a result, the city has requested that parking at the T.G. Smith Centre be limited to patrons and user groups of the arenas only. Anyone else should refrain from parking at the lot at the T.G. Smith Centre, the city council said.

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More Than Just News!

September 2014

Ritchot Signs Dyke Agreement with Homeowners

By Marianne Curtis

A new plan is currently being drafted for the east side of St. Adolphe. The subject area shown on the map will coincide with the new dike system east of St. Adolphe.

The RM of Ritchot and a group of homeowners have finally come to an agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that expresses both group’s commitments toward completion of the east side dike expansion in St. Adolphe.

To ensure public input, responsible development and a commitment to Canada Manitoba Infrastructure funding requirements, Ritchot Council and representatives of St. Adolphe Land Co Ltd. have outlined general understandings that will guide the effort to see expanded flood protection for the community.

According to Ritchot Council, the additional flood protection, known as the east side dike expansion, will see the community more than double in size when the dike is completed in 2016. It is anticipated that the dike expansion will facilitate the creation of over 1,000 residential units, space for commercial development, an expansion of recreation space and increase overall protection from a 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 year flood event.

A Technical Advisory Committee consisting of community members, professional planners, provincial representatives and Municipality of Ritchot staff has been appointed by Ritchot Council to ensure an inclusive planning process for the expansion is achieved. The Committee will present their recommendations, guided by community feedback, to the Ritchot Council in early October. Council will consider these recommendations and if found reasonable undertake the various steps, guided by the Municipality’s Development Plan, for construction of the dike to begin in 2015.

The Technical Advisory Committee will be meeting with various stakeholder groups throughout September and hosting an informal drop-in open house on Monday, September 8 from 4 – 8 pm at the St. Adolphe Arena Pioneer Hall to receive public feedback on the dike expansion plans. The comments deadline is Monday, September 15. More information on the east side dike expansion can be found on the municipal website at ritchot.com.

Construction Begins on Grunthal Homes

Two deserving families in Grunthal will have new homes now that the sod has been turned on their Habitat for Humanity projects.

By Marianne Curtis On August 27, construction of two new Habitat for Humanity homes in Grunthal kicked off with an official sod turning ceremony and celebration.

Sheri Bueckert, Selection Committee Chairperson for the Southeast Chapter said the organization is thrilled to be starting their next pair of homes within the region. The new houses located on Pine Street and Froese Road will be just under 1,000 square feet each and designed as bi-levels.

“Both families are feeling overwhelmed right now,” Bueckert explained. “Initially, when they were selected there were a lot of emotions and now they are feeling very blessed and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

She noted that both of the selected homeowners are considered hard working low income families. To qualify as a Habitat for Humanity homeowner a family must demonstrate a need, be able to pay a mortgage based on income and be willing to work alongside Habitat on the project. Single parent families are required to put in 350 hours of sweat equity while a couple would have to put in 500 hours.

Both homes are expected to be complete by the fall of 2015.

The Grunthal project is the third project undertaken by the Southeast Chapter of Habitat for Humanity in the last three years. In June, two families moved into homes in Richer and last year, two families took up residence in a duplex in La Broquerie.

Now that this project is ready to proceed, the Habitat for Humanity Southeast is looking towards their next building, which will consist of two new homes in Ste. Anne.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Niverville Looks at Renegotiating Garbage Pickup

By Marianne Curtis The Town of Niverville has until the beginning of the year to come up with a workable solution to dealing with residential garbage pickup.

Earlier this year, MidCanada Environment Services Ltd. advised the Town of Niverville that effective March the solid waste tipping fee to take garbage to the RM of Ritchot landfill would increase from $33 per metric tonne to $49 per metric tonne. This fee increase would have added approximately $17,300 to the cost of the removal of solid waste from the community.

“As a result the current special levy rate of $80 per residential unit, which is found on the residential property tax statement, is woefully short of covering service costs,” said Councillor Myron Dyck. “Council decided to decrease the amount of garbage allowed from each home instead of imposing these costs onto residents.”

Three options were considered including subsidizing residential waste collection; increasing residential waste collection rates and reducing the number of garbage per residential unit. After a lengthy discussion, the council decided to limit the number of trash containers to 1 per residence.

The new policy implemented in April, unfortunately backfired.

“We hoped that people would be more responsible through their recycling and composting,” explained Dyck. “Instead of reducing their waste, residents increased their personal trips to the dump.”

As a result, MidCanada Environmental told council, they preferred garbage to come from contractors and not have residents bringing their own trash to the dump. The company suggested that council reconsider limiting garbage or a setting up a transfer station.

“A transfer station would be an interim place for the refuse to go,” stated Dyck. “Residents would drop garbage off there and refuse would be taken by to the landfill by a commercial hauler.”

Initially the Town of Niverville was given an August 1 deadline to make a decision on the matter. However, due to negotiations between MidCanada and the RM of Ritchot, the deadline has been extended to January 1.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

September 2014

15

Pet Walk in Steinbach Shines Communities Partner to Create Opportunities Light on Animal Abuse

By Marianne Curtis

About fifty people and their dogs took to the walking trail through Steinbach in support of Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue.

By Marianne Curtis About fifty people, along with their dogs (and one cat) took to the trail through Steinbach on August 23 as part of the third annual Walk to Stop Animal Abuse. While this was the third consecutive event, organized by dogadoption.ca, this was the first time the walk was held within the region.

Barry Piasta, founder and organizer of the walk, explains that he started the walk three years ago at the urging of his daughter B’Elanna after several stories about abused dogs and cats hit media at the time.

“She was very upset and wanted to do something about the situation, so we held the first walk in Winnipeg,” explained Piasta. “The

reason we decided to do it in Steinbach this year was we need a shelter in the area and people need to be more aware that there are other options to dealing with unwanted pets, starting with spaying and neutering.”

The change of venue from Winnipeg was also brought on by several incidents that occurred locally over recent months. These included the alleged discovery of a dog with its throat cut, a pregnant dog left behind by owners and another abandoned in the ditch with a broken leg.

Piasta hopes that bringing the walk to the local community, the public will become more aware of what a problem this really is in this area.

After the walk, the group gathered at A.D. Penner Park where a number of guest speakers shared their stories, including Manitoba Search and Rescue trainer Judy Peters; Josh Muyal, founder of Dogs Need a Home; Michelle Gerhardt Neufeld, Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue; Regan Giesbrecht, who owns a pitbull, Amanda Neufeld, a rescuer and Dallas Gerbrandt, founder of Steinbach Needs a Dog Park.

Also in attendance was Liberal candidate Terry Hayward shared his own story about rescuing animals.

“Our family has a soft spot for rescuing stray cats,” said Hayward.

Funds raised at the event will be used in support of Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue and Steinbach Needs a Dog Park.

Ritchot to Hold Hearing on Land Purchase The RM of Ritchot is holding a public hearing that could allow the municipality to purchase a property adjacent to the municipal office in St. Adolphe.

According to council, the municipality is planning to purchase the former Brodeur Frere Ltd. property along Main Street in St. Adolphe. The hearing must be held because the purchase funding has not been approved as part of the municipal budget and plans to transfer $600,000 from the general budget for the purchase.

However, it can not be done without a public hearing. A public hearing will be held in the municipal chambers on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30 pm. Anyone wishing to speak on the matter can do so at that time.

Six communities within our region have partnered in the province’s Partner 4 Growth grant program which is providing approximately $260,000 in support over two years for 32 provincial economic development initiatives.

The program encourages communities to explore new and unique opportunities by looking at the bigger picture in a manner that will benefit everyone in the region.

Doug Dobrowolski, President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities said the grants provide much needed strategic development support to municipalities.

“Partner 4 Growth grants help to provide meaningful economic development support to municipalities,” said Dobrowolski. “Along with contributions from our members, these resources will fund some exciting and diverse regional projects.”

Three projects within the region have been approved for funding under the program.

The La Broquerie Community Development Corporation (CDC) will create a business database for the RM of Piney and La Broquerie and host a business forum for all businesses to identify strategic partnerships for economic development. The forum would also include speakers on economic development strategies. The data base will be used for communications throughout the year to share training opportunities, business related information and to encourage trade partnerships.

In Niverville, the Chamber of Commerce plans to participate in a First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE) program with another community in Manitoba. FICE assists communities to get an outside perspective on signage, entrances, businesses, housing and amenities to assist the communities with planning and identifying new opportunities for each community.

In the third project, the Municipality of Ritchot and the Town of Niverville plan to create a regional community promotional video and print campaign.

This year the Partner 4 Growth program through Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD) will distribute fourteen grants of up to $8,000 to help communities identify regional development projects and undertake feasibility studies. Another eighteen grants of up to $15,000 will be distributed for projects that are intended to implement activities that pursue strategic economic opportunities.

To be eligible, all projects had to be regionally focused and involve more than one local government. The grants are cost-shared with the community and government funding can not exceed 50 percent of the total project costs. The province has promised to leverage nearly $670,000 in support for these projects from other sources.

Regional Marketing Initiative for Community Facilities

By Marianne Curtis The RM of Ritchot and the Town of Niverville have partnered in a joint venture that will see the creation of a video and print campaign that will promote the number of recreation facilities available throughout the area.

Lesley Gaudry, RM of Ritchot Community Economic Development Officer says the joint project is expected to showcase the many recreation facilities in an effort to boost rentals and help with marketing.

Throughout the area there is a variety of community facilities operated by volunteers and volunteer boards of directors who work to ensure that the facilities are open, inviting and connected community spaces for their residents to utilize, explained Gaudry.

“Community facilities are extremely valuable for adding to the quality of life for local residents as it is in these spaces that special events, programs and services are delivered,” stated Gaudry. “The vitality and viability of community facilities are often reliant on their capacity to rent out their facilities. One of the challenges of this is that the facilities are not utilized to their full rental capacity. In addition, marketing efforts are also limited.”

To address this issue, a regional community promotional video and print campaign is being launched. The Community Development Corporation (CDC) has hired Ryan Cheale, from Tryan Productions to create the video.

Cheale currently works at CBC and has extensive experience doing videography and community based projects.

“We have about 20 sites that we would like to showcase in this video,” Gaudry continued. “The video would showcase our region’s ability to cater to any and all types of special events, family or corporate events and programming options by featuring our assortment of facility rental options.”

The campaign is expected to promote each centre’s character, location versatility and unique local events such as concerts in the park, festivals and sporting events.

The 50% cost sharing project was made possible through funding from the Ritchot CDC and a Partners 4 Growth Grant from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (MAFRD).

Organizations wishing to be featured or who already have footage to contribute are encouraged to contact Lesley at Lesley Gaudry, 204-8032871.

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September 2014

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

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More Than Just News!

September 2014

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September 2014

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More Than Just News!

September 2014

19

Newest Section of Trail Opens in Falcon Lake

By Marianne Curtis On August 31, Trails Manitoba and South Whiteshell Trail Association officially opened a new section of the Border to Beaches Trail in the Whiteshell.

As the newest section of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba, this 13 kilometre trail offers a scenic stroll through beautiful forest, offering wildlife watching and berry picking opportunities in season.

Maureen Barchyn, President of South Whiteshell Trail Association, says the Falcon South Shore Trail will have a strong impact on the local economy.

“This Trail was built using local contractors and materials and creates an exceptional venue for year round recreational activity in the South Whiteshell area,” says Barchyn.

Ian Hughes, president of Trails Manitoba says that the opening of this section of Trail represents another milestone for the Border to Beaches Trail.

“The South Shore Trail at Falcon Lake is a feature segment of the Border to Beaches Trail,” Hughes added. “All trails encourage exploration and this one provides access to Manitoba’s picturesque wilderness and natural wonders.”

This multi-use trail will be enjoyed by seasonal and permanent residents of all ages and will continue to attract visitors to the region. The new section of Trail is designed for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.

The Border to Beaches Trail project is a $4.6 million initiative jointly funded by the federal government, the Province of Manitoba, and Trails Manitoba.

The Trans Canada Trail also provided $950,000 towards the project. The newly opened trail is expected to enhance the lives of local residents living in the South Whiteshell area, but will also bring the project closer to the connection of the national Trail by 2017, the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

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September 2014

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

Racing and Dancing Highlight ‘Corks and Canvas’ Friendship Festival A Wine Tasting

By Marianne Curtis This year’s Friendship Festival in Landmark drew huge crowds over the course of the three day event which took place from August 8 to 10.

The inaugural ‘Redneck Nite’, which took place on Friday kicked off the year ’s festival with lawnmower races, and a RoadKill themed, in names only, dinner. Those who attended got into the spirit of things by dressing the part.

The next morning, the community gathered for a pancake breakfast hosted by the Landmark Kinsmen, Friday night’s lawnmower races were a huge hit with the community. followed by a parade, hot dog lunch sponsored by Niverville Credit Union followed by a show and shine and farmers market. An inflatable village took up most of the park, which kept kids of all ages busy throughout the day.

The highlights of the afternoon were performances by dancers from Folklorama including the Minchanzaman Folk Ensemble (Peru), Fubuki Daiko (Japan) and McConnell School of Dance (Ireland). Comedian Matt Falk performed afterwards.

A community pork barbeque started the evening followed by a dance with music by the Darryl Marsh Band and fireworks finished off the day.

On Sunday, all the churches in Dancers from Folklorama’s Irish Pavilion kicked things up a few notches on Saturday.

Landmark gathered for a community Photos by Marianne Curtis worship service and a picnic lunch.

Event The SAC is holding its first annual wine tasting event on Friday, September 26 beginning at 7 pm. The event called ‘Corks and Canvas’ is a fundraiser for the Steinbach Arts Council with all proceeds going directly back into arts centre programming with the goal of enhancing quality of life in our community through the arts.

Along with tasting over 70 wines from 18 different vendors, the evening will also be filled with delicious food, live entertainment and of course art.

Wine samples and food will be available between 7 - 9: 30 pm. In addition, we will also feature a raffle basket fundraiser sponsored by ‘R’ Bistro that consists of ‘date night’ baskets including assorted wines and cheeses, ‘R’ Bistro restaurant gift certificates and tickets to a SAC concert.` A wonderful array of scrumptious appetizers will be available that have been custom made for this event, sponsored by Country Meat Deli.

Art from talented local artist Colleen Watchhorn will be on display in the Hall Gallery and Colleen will be on site creating her artwork.

Ken Trudel, another local artist will also be featured this evening.

Local musicians will provide delightful entertainment.

The Steinbach Arts Council is thrilled to bring this one of a kind event to Steinbach. Come out to experience and be educated on the wine and wine making process of some the finest vineyards alongside fabulous food, art and entertainment.

Tickets are $25 and available at the Steinbach Arts Council office, Steinbach Liquor Mart or by calling 204-346-1077. SAC accepts MasterCard, Visa, cash or cheque as payment.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

COMMUNITY EVENTS

More Than Just News!

Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548 at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 Lorette East Braintree Community Potluck – On Saturday, October 7 from 5 – 7 pm Annual Pancake Breakfast - On Saturday, September 6, from or doreen@spmf.ca. at the Midwinter Heritage Museum. Bring your favourite dish 8 – 11 am at the Lorette Fire Hall #1 on the corner of Dawson Rd and Hwy 207. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, Rosa and share with neighbours. sausages, juice and coffee served by local firefighters. The Fall Supper & Dance – On Sunday, October 4 at the Shevchenko event is a free though all donations will be gratefully accepted Ukrainian Hall. Contact 204-427-3102 Elma Fall Supper - Advance Tickets Required – On Saturday and appreciated. Meet with members of the Lorette Fire, September 6 at the Community Club. Contact 204-348-7734. Landmark and Ste. Genevieve Fire Departments. Also, silent Roseau River auction, 50/50 draw and fire truck and equipment displays. All Fall Supper – On Sunday, October 26 at the Roseau River Bible Camp Contact 204-427-2445. proceeds go towards new equipment and upgrades.

Falcon Lake The Swamp Donkey Adventure Race – On Friday, September 19 - Saturday, September 20. Racers meet at the Falcon Lake Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities. Sprague Nest Café beginning Friday, September 19 at 4:30 pm.; Race If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around Bingo - Every 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm. begins on Saturday at 6 am. Pre-registered Teams of three the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your navigate through the wilds of Falcon Lake by mountain bike, support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an St. Adolphe canoe and on foot in Canada’s largest adventure race on an hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-955-3434 50+ Fitness Classes - Fall Session on Monday, September 8 – Friday, December 12 (14 weeks, 38 classes in total) with unmarked course using a map and compass (no GPS). Team Lorettecopp@gmail.com.

Ritchot Senior Services at 457 Main Street. Every Monday & Cost $399.00 + GST ($133 each per team of 3). Registration closes on Wednesday, September 10 at 9 pm. Contact John New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more. Friday at 9:30 – 10:30 am. Focus on strength, flexibility, and Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 range of motion movement on a variety of equipment, such as Ford 204-228-1138 or Rick Shone 204-793-1314. weights, stretch tubing and stability balls. Wednesdays 1 - 2 St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552. pm workout is for slow flow yoga inspired strength, flexibility, Friedensfeld balance and relaxation. Pre-purchase 10 classes for $40, 5 Fall Banquet – On Sunday, September 28, 12 noon - 2 pm. Mitchell At the Friedensfeld Community Centre. Cost Adults - $13, 6-12 Breakfast and Social - Every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9 am classes for $20 or drop in for $5 per workout. Special deal years - $6, under 6 – free. Contact Irene at 204-326-1624. except the last Tuesday of the month when the social is held purchase 30 classes $120, get 8 free. Classes are instructed by instead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area Seniors Janice Burnett, a Certified fitness leader since 1991. Contact mjburn@shaw.ca.

Oktoberfest – On Saturday, October 4 from 6:30 - 11:59 pm Centre. Contact 204-326-6944. at the Friedensfeld Hall. Oktoberfest Live Band ‘Small Town Fitness Classes – Monday, September 8 – Thursday, December Limits’ $17 per person, includes hot supper and night lunch. Moose Lake Happy Hour at 6:30 pm, Supper 7 - 8:30 pm. Contact June Fall Fishing Derby at Moose Lake - On Saturday 6 and Sunday 11, 14 weeks (40 classes in total). Mondays, Wednesdays and September 7 hosted by the Rivière Seine River Wildlife Thursdays 8 - 9 pm at the St. Adolphe School Gym. A variety of Holme 204-326-2633 or Janice Beckman 204-326-3013.

Association. Register at Campground. Pickeral, Pike and Perch classes are offered to include cardio fitness, resistance training, in both Adult and Junior categories. A members-only string of flexibility and balance training. Monthly schedule is provided.

Grunthal Family Fun Day – On Sunday, September 14 at the Centennial geocaches has been placed on the RSRWA property. lt is a 7- All fitness levels are welcome. Options are $175 - 35 x $5 per Park. Fun for all ages. Slow pitch tournament, beach volleyball stage multicache with a $20 Tim Horton’s gift card for the first class + 5 classes free, $120 - 20 x $6 per class or drop in $7 tournament, swimming, chicken BBQ at 5:30 pm and grand finder. Each cache when found will contain the coordinates per class. Certified fitness leader since 1991, Janice Burnett. opening of play structure and much more. Canteen opens at and clue for the next cache in the sequence. Each cache mjburn@shaw.ca.

12:00. Contact Carol Hiebert 204-392-4512, contains an object – keep track of what these are.

Mud Fest- From Friday, September 5 – Saturday September carol@emergencyvehicles.ca.

6. Tug of War, pancake breakfast, music and much more. Cost Niverville Niverville Chamber Golf Tournament – On Friday, September Family Weekend Rate +18 includes beer garden $15, Hadashville Fall Supper & Dance – On Sunday, October 26 at the Reynold’s 5, from 12 – 7 pm Quarry Oaks on the #311e municipal road Individual Weekend Rate (includes Beer Garden admission Seniors Club at 6 pm. Cost $20 for dinner and dinner and Steinbach. 12th Annual Chamber Fundraiser Golf Tournament. 18+) $5, Kids 2 and under free. dance is $25. Contact Maureen 204-426-5261, Donna 204- Contact Cara Dowse 204-388-4600, chamber@niverville.com.

St. Adolphe Curling Leagues and AGM - On Wednesday Saturday, 27 September 426-5448, Linda 204-426-5422, Diane 204-426-5297.

September 24 registration for 2014/2015. Please see website Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Imagine Run – On Saturday, September 27 from 5 – 10 pm for further information stadolphecurls.ci-site.net.

Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years at Hespeler Park, a Half Marathon to support mental health.

Fall Supper – On Sunday, October 19 from 4 – 7 pm at the old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the Pioneer Hall in the Arena, 345 Hebert Street. Contact 204time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn 883-2563. about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register St. Malo or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

KSTA.academy@gmail.com.

Fall Supper - On Sunday, November 02 from 4 - 6:30 pm at the Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six. Chalet Malouin Seniors Home 14 St. Hilaire Street. Cost Adults Ile-des-Chênes Angels Anomynous Connection - On Saturday, September 13 Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the $13, 6 – 12 yrs $6, 5 & under free. Contact Louise Maynard from 8 pm -1 am at the Trans Canada Centre. Auction items, lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) 204-347-5753.

Ticket Sales $15 or donations in memory of Steve Maryniuk Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along are welcomed. Fund Raiser Donations of $20 or more will with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms St. Pierre-Jolys Parish Fall Supper – On Sunday, October 26 from 3:30 - 6:30 receive a charitable donation tax receipt. Registration visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com. pm at the Recreation Centre and Arena. Cost Adults $13, Children #858632045.

The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club - Meets every Monday at $6. Contact Rolly 204-792-6149.

Fall Supper – On Sunday, October 19 at the Transcanada 7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to become a better speaker, run more effective meetings or develop Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression support Centre, 1 Rivard Street. Contact 204-878-4765. group meetings held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place to start. pm. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. Contact Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday Judy Dunn 444-5228. of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about Pansy Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Fall Supper - On Sunday, September 7 at the Pansy Hall.

Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s Supper served from 3 - 6 pm. Ukrainian Smorgasbord! Everyone Sainte-Agathe place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her Welcome. Leanne Germain at 204-427-2996 or Olga Bezditny Fall Supper – On Sunday, October 5 at 4 – 7 pm at the Ste. Agathe Cultural & Community Centre, Cost Adult $13 and 5 – at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register. at 204-434-6660 or the Hall at 204-434-6080.

12 yrs $6. Contact Guy Gagnon 204-882-2493.

Piney Kleefeld Ste. Anne Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children Bingo - Every 2nd Friday at 7 pm.

Paradise Village Squares Dance Club – Begins Tuesday, ages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and September 9 at 7 pm with a Start-Up Dance at the Ste. Anne snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Prawda Fall Supper - (Advance Tickets Required) On Sunday, October Elementary School, 177 St. Alphonse Avenue. Modern Square Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013.

5 at the Community Hall. Cost $15 Adults, 6-12 yrs $8, 5 and Dancing is fun and a great social activity. Start-Up Dance is open to all and free, couples & singles welcome. Coffee and under free. Contact 204-426-2180.

La Broquerie doughnuts served. Contact Laura 204-422-5873 or Henriette Fall Supper – On Sunday, September 7, from 4 – 7 pm at the arena 35 Normandeau Bay. Cost 13 and over - $12, 5-12 yrs Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool 204-422-6948. down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean - $5, 4 and under are free. Contact 204-424-5332. runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays Calling all Toastmasters - The Carillon Toastmaster Club and Chicken Hunt and BBQ – On Saturday 27 at the Rivière Seine and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact past members are invited to join us to help celebrate the 35year milestone on Saturday, September 20 at the Club Jovial River Wildlife Association Ltd. Contact Steve Krasnianski 204- Wendy 204-348-2433. in Ste. Anne at 4 pm. Contact Flora 204-792-7095 or Sheryl 326-6264 or Marc Gagnon 204-381-4007.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at 204-326-7628.

Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks Turkey Fall Supper - Paroisse Ste. Anne Parish on Sunday, from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290.

October 5 from 4 – 7 pm at Ste. Anne Collegiate. Turkey, for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, meatballs, cabbage rolls, perogies, homemade bread and foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard Richer maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Fall Supper - On Sunday, September 14 from 4 - 7 pm hosted pies will be served! Tickets available at door. Adults $12, Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204- by the Enfant-Jesus Heritage Site committee at the Richer children (6-12) $6, 5 and under free.

424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips to Young at Heart Hall. Adults $14, 12 yrs and under $7 and Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, under 5 yrs free. Tickets at the door. If you wish to make a Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring donation towards this activity please call Yvonne at 204-422- their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. 9369 or mail to Enfant-Jesus Heritage Site, Box 216 Richer, from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These MB R0E 1S0. Official receipts will be issued for donations of gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss Cost $10. their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204$20 and up.

422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net.

Landmark Shoebox Waffle Breakfast Fundraiser – On Saturday, Seine River Services for Seniors - Program Contact Juliette September 6, from 8:30 - 11am at the Landmark Christian Rowan Community Resource Coordinator at 204-424-5575 for Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out and have fun. On Fellowship Church. Come out and enjoy a Waffle breakfast Richer services or email labseinerss@gmail.com.

Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowan at with strawberries or blueberry syrup and white sauce. Donations gratefully appreciated. The Landmark Shoebox Store will open Richer Recovery AA - Group meets every Thursday and Saturday 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local near the end of October, held at the LCF Church on Main Street. from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Lee at 204- services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Contact Lori Plett 204-355-4272, lori_plett42@hotmail.com. 451-0255.

September 2014

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

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

Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Information and Support Sessions Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 - 8 pm. Selection of books in both French and English, all The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on the ages. Over 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, first Tuesday of every month except for the months of July and large print books and magazines plus they can import books August at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyone from any library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to interested in auxiliary work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 326the librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488, 3028. bibliotachelibrary.com or in person.

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

Steinbach Steinbach & Area Garden Club meeting - On Monday, Contact 204-326-2313.

September 8, at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village.

‘Walks and Pathways’ with Andrew Fehr, Prairie Horticulturist. Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open to adults who want Incorporate important design feature in your garden. Join our to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursdays popular fall plant exchange. Bring a plant, take a plant! at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street, Transplant now so the plants can develop feeder roots before Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-424-5737. the ground freezes. Not sure how to divide perennials? Come view our mini plant dividing video. Refreshments! Door prizes! Steinbach Al-Anon Program - Meetings held on Wednesdays Free Admission this night only. Contact sagardenclub or 204- at 7:30 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. Ring the front door bell.

326-2396.

Ste. Geneviève Fall Supper – On Sunday, September 28 from 4 -7 pm at the Community Hall. Cost Adults - $12.50, Children (5 - 12) - $5, Children 4 and under Free. Contact 204-422-8449.

Steinbach Tree Days – From Sunday, September 14 at 10am and Monday, September 15 at 12 am at the Steinbach Landfill Site. Volunteers welcome. Contribute to a greener community by planting trees and getting involved in this family event open to everyone. Contact Marni Cisternino, Marni.Cisternino@td.com.

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

Annual Sports Cards and Collectables Show – On Saturday, October 4 from 10 am – 5 pm at Clearspring Centre Mall for the Stonybrook Middle School Sports Card Club. With former Winnipeg Jets legend goaltender Joe Daley and former Boston and Providence Bruins forward Jeff Penner who will be signing autographs from 11 - am to noon for a donation. All funds raised from the autograph signing will go to support ProVision of Hope in Liberia, West Africa. We are in need of sellers of sports cards, Collectables, and sports memorabilia. Cost for each six foot table is $20. Contact Don Dewey 204-380-4435.

Vita Annual Fundraising Supper (Hog Roast) – On Saturday, September 6 from 5 - 8 pm at the Ukrainian Home of Vita Hall for the Vita Community Child Care Centre Inc. Cost Adults $12, Children $6 and under 6 years old Free. Entertainment at 8 pm, Marc Battle Children’s Entertainer and Susydka Dance Club.

Woodridge Bingo - Every 2nd Sunday night at 7 pm.

Vita Fundraiser – On Saturday, September 13 from 11 am – 6 pm an outdoor Flea Market at 4 pm through the evening, 4 pm Perogie & Sausage Dinner. Cost $8 ea, 5 and under $4 ea, International Cooking Class – Every second Tuesday, from 6 bar opens 8 pm. Dance Featuring Quinton Blair! Join us for the – 8 pm. Eastman Immigrant Services has invited immigrant Best Fireworks in the south with CanFire. Contact Michelle newcomers to teach a cooking class. Cook a delicious meal. Gawronsky 204-391-0287.

Hands on opportunity to prepare new and delicious foods, go home with recipes, know how & insider secrets along with General having the chance to enjoy new friends in our community. Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, Contact Lois Loewen Epp 204.346.6609 or September 9, October 7, and November 4 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Join us for a great day of fun and friendship. Visit McPhillips lois@eastmanimmigrantservices.com.

Street Station in the morning and Club Regent in the afternoon.

Book Sale - Bethesda Healthcare Auxiliary – On Tuesdays Starting at 8:30 am pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and (gently and not-so gently) used book sale at Clearspring Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and Centre. Book donations accepted year round at Clearspring cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for those wishing to play. Contact Marilyn at 204Centre from 9:30 am – 4 pm.

326-4939 to reserve your seat.

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

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

School of Music to Give Young Musical Artists a Helping Hand

Ladies Get Fit Classes - Sponsored by Eastman Immigrant Services, every Wednesday at 7:15 pm at the Woodlawn School The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) gym. Aerobic, circuit training, weights, mats and stretching is introducing a new program to help exercises. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Register young musicians, soloists and band contact Lois 204-346-6609.

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

Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at LBees, 5-275 Main St. Grab a coffee and discuss sustainable living. Contact rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com.

The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon at the Pat Porter Centre for active living. Contact Cornie at 3263155.

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

MS Lunch Group- On fourth Thursday of every month, from 12 – 1 pm at the Village Green Restaurant. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator 204-326-1434 or email nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.

members in their efforts to catch a break.

Trevor Scellenberg, who has plenty of experience in the media and broadcasting industry has been brought on as the mentor coordinator and advisor for the new program.

“The Backbeat School of Music will be a great opportunity for singers, guitarists, drummers and more to get a little3 boost as they start out on their musical journey,” says Schellenberg. “There are so many talented performers. These seasoned mentors are willing to pour into young musicians who will benefit immensely from this experience.”

The program is open to those from the ages of 12 to 17 and who love to sing or play music. Artists will need to bring their own instrument to each workshop.

Application deadline is September 12 and the cost is $39.99 per session.

The first session runs from September 20 to December once a month on a Saturday. There will also be a winter session starting in January. Applications are available at the SAC office, schools and online.

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September 2014

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Two Opposing Forces Galatians 5:16-17... 16) I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to 17) For we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us and our wishes are never free from their pressures (Living Bible).

Out for a walk one cannot help but marvel at the beauty of nature. There are the birds busy catching worms to feed their young. You look up at the sky, “Wow,” you say. Then I hear and see young drivers speeding by spinning their tires and I think, “Why would they do that to their cars?” Then I remember what we did when we were that young and so I say to myself, “I know why they make the tires scream like that.”

Reliving the past can be a good thing. We might even think that we are lucky to enjoy all these kinds of bits and pieces from the past.

Now I do not know if you are like me, but when I get into this kind of mood my mind takes off in every which way. I think how peaceful everything seems to be; would it not be great if life was like this all the time? However, we are grown up, I am an older person, I must think like an older person, I must lay aside my youthful thinking and take an honest look at myself.

I really do not want to cloud my thinking or become so serious that would take the joy out of everyday life.

Those of us, who have trust in Jesus Christ, have within our heart two forces that want control of our emotions, our thoughts on life and the choices we make. If that is not enough, every pressure known to us moulds our personality and our temperament. We are literally a human battle ground.

Raging inside us is a war between our sinful nature and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible teaches that the old self behaviour sets its needs and wants against the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit against the desires of our earthly nature... these are in total opposition to each other. Justification does not kill or rationalize or decrease our wickedness; it merely sets us free from the penalty of our fallen condition.

Once we are saved, we enter a war we never struggled or came to terms with as unbelievers. As Christians we become embroiled in a fierce battle between the Spirit and that old sinful nature. Until we die or Christ physically removes us from this earth, we will continue to experience this turbulent warfare. We will be challenged on every front, the battle will be fierce, but victory is ours because Christ loves us and our struggle becomes his struggle.

There are times when you and I seem to be at the mercy of our own sinful nature. Nothing seems to go our way, somehow we go from bad to worse and we feel so beat-up. Paul, however; reassures us that our walk can be filled with internal peace if we will only let the Holy Spirit help us.

Somehow it seems normal for us to love doing evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has His way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting one another to win control over us and our wishes are never free from their pressures.

When we are guided by the Holy Spirit we need no longer force ourselves to obey issues that are contrary to the will of God. But when we follow our own wrong inclinations our lives will produce evil results like impure thoughts or eagerness for lustful pleasures. But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce fruit in us that is revealed in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness and many other good desires.

Those who belong with Christ have nailed their evil desires to His Cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit’s power, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

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.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

The Source of Your Power Is there anything wrong playing with Ouija boards, having your fortune told, checking your horoscope, putting up a dream catcher or a multitude of similar activities?

Many of us have dabbled in one or more of these activities and we considered them harmless. I am not saying that every time you involve yourself with one of these activities, you will get in trouble, but you do make yourself more susceptible to problems. I will attempt to show you how this could be possible. This article is the result of many years of demonic counseling, prayer, Bible study and a desire to help people with their problems, knowing God always has an answer.

The results of involvement in such activities like those listed above are often para-normal, supernatural or beyond the natural scope of normal. There are only two sources of supernatural power and information in the universe; the God of Heaven and the god of this world (Satan).

God’s source of information and power is found in His Word, the Bible and is made available to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. When a person repents of his sin and trusts Christ to forgive him and save him, God forgives his sin, gives him eternal life and gives him access to, “The exceeding greatness of his power to us ward who believe according to the working of his (God’s) mighty power,” Ephesians 1:19. Man can use this power of God to live our lives down here or we can search for other sources of power which do not originate from the God of Heaven.

Satan, also has much power and he would much rather you seek his power, than go to God. Satan’s power can be accessed and is made available to man, through involvement in activities like those mentioned at the start of this article.

When people dabble in these things, there is a power and authority beyond human ability that they are submitting to, whether they know it or not. The problem with these seemingly harmless activities is that you don’t often see the results immediately. They may not show until years later.

When you touch a hot stove, it burns you now, so you learn not to touch it again. But when you don’t get in trouble right away, you think it’s harmless.

Romans 6:16 says, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.” Therefore God has given you a choice and a free will to make that choice. But remember, choices have consequences and my prayer for you is that you choose wisely and let the God of Heaven help you.

If you have further questions, feel free to contact me at dmillar@nlis.ca. God Bless.

List Your Church Services Send us an email at editor@dawsontrail.ca

September 2014

23

Record Number of Worshippers Attend Pilgrimage

Over a thousand people attended this year’s annual pilgrimage in St. Malo.

This year’s annual Diocesan Pilgrimage which took place August 20, at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in St. Malo saw a record breaking crowd.

Organizers say that the English mass boasted one of the highest attendances ever, with approximately 1,000 people attending both the French and English masses.

As part of the pilgrimage, three seminarians were instituted into the Ministry of Acolyte by Roman Catholic Archbishop of the St. Boniface Archdiocese, Albert LeGatt.

The local chapter of the Knights of Columbus prepared breakfast and lunch following the English and French masses respectively. In addition, the local youth ministry did face painting and provided balloons for the younger attendees.

The first pilgrimage at the Grotto took place on the feast of Mary’s Nativity back in 1896. For the inauguration and first annual pilgrimage, a procession wound its way from St. Malo to the little sanctuary.

Positioning Women for Economic Success Organizations across Provencher are invited to propose new projects that will promote the economic prosperity of women in Canada by advancing equality for women.

The Government of Canada will be supporting projects selected through this new Call for Proposals by Status of Women Canada entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women.

These projects must engage women and others in addressing the unique challenges facing women in today’s economy and remove barriers that prevent them from contributing fully to the growth of the economy in their communities.

Eligible recipients include Notfor-profit, post-secondary educational institutions, religious institutions for profit organizations, if the nature and intent of the funded activity is non-commercial and not intended to generate profit, Aboriginal governments (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities and their agencies in rural and remote areas where there is a lack of capacity among non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Available funding at the local or regional level is up to $300,000 and project completion

must be in 36 months.

The deadline for applications is October 17 and applications for funding are accepted only online at women.gc.ca.

Cancer Navigation Program Now Available At the beginning of September, the Steinbach Regional Cancer Navigation team began accepting referrals and working together with patients, families and health care professional to provide quality, timely care to cancer patients and their families.

The goal of the program is to help overcome health care system barriers and facilitate timely access to quality medical and psychosocial care from pre-diagnosis through all phases of the cancer journey.

Irene Maendel, a Psychosocial Oncology Clinician stresses that the new Cancer Navigation service is an enhancement of the current Community Cancer Program.

“Not only do we help get patients into treatment early, we are also there to help patients and families cope with cancer,” Maendel explained.

“This includes crisis prevention, counselling and community support.”

The new program is expected to enhance the exceptional treatment already available in Southern Health.

Cancer Navigation is not new to the province; however it is new to the region. Over 90 percent out of 300 referrals through the program resulted in positive cancer diagnosis.

24

More Than Just News!

September 2014

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Carrick Days a Hit For two days in August, the community of Carrick swelled by several hundred when the 22nd annual festival took place earlier this month.

On August 9, gates opened with a community parade, followed by a horseshoe tournament, kid’s entertainment, live bands, silent auction and dinner. The evening ended with a spectacular firework’s show by Canfire Fireworks.

The community gathered again the next morning, for a pancake breakfast followed by a Bluegrass Gospel service. An old fashioned fiddling contest after a picnic lunch was the highlight of the afternoon.

Live bands took the stage throughout the weekend to entertain while visitors enjoyed the event’s spectacular food.

Multicultural Festival Draws Folks to St. Malo

By Marianne Curtis A new name and several new activities drew many spectators to St. Malo on for four days over the September long weekend for the St. Malo Multicultural Festival.

Aline Pilotte, one of the festival’s organizers said the revamped festival was a success.

“When we started this 16 years ago, there were lots of people and thirty cars for the soap box races, last year we had five cars, so we decided to do something different,” Pilotte explained.

Doors opened Thursday evening with a community bingo night. Then on Friday, the Taste of the Southeast took place at the arena. For the price of admission, visitors sampled a variety of different foods from local businesses and sponsors.

“This is the first time we tried it and it went very well,” Pilotte said.

There was also be a community photo contest and fireworks. Saturday began with a parade, and the highlight of the day was the lawnmower races. While the adults watched the races there were children’s activities including a performance by Mr. Ken. Supper consisted of a community perogy dinner, followed by live entertainment at Blue Steel Bar and Grill.

On Sunday, a baseball tournament continued, along with Hot Wheels Races and a show and shine. The weekend ended with a social with music by DJ Russ Beaudette.

Children’s entertainer Mr. Ken was a huge hit with the kids during the St. Malo Multicultural Festival which took place in St. Malo.