EnRicher June 2022

Volume 24 Issue 12

June 2022

Firefighter Hit the Sandbox

Richer Daycare would like to send out a HUGE thank you to the Richer Fire Department. We reached out to the Richer daycare families asking if anyone was able to help us rip out some incredibly old, rotten wood around our outdoor sandbox. Ed Belisle reached out to the wonderful fire fighters in our community and they all volunteered their time to come on Sunday May 15 to take away all the old wood and stumps. The space is so much safer now for the children in our centre and we are so thankful to all of them for doing this for us. The staff, children and families at Richer Daycare are so thankful to have such amazing firefighter at the Richer Firehall for helping us out.

Richer Resident Brings Home GOLD from the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship!

Local Richer resident Ariana Wery has some new hardware to display after Team Manitoba finished golden at the 2022 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship held in Membertou, Nova Scotia.

Team Manitoba went undefeated in their preliminary rounds over 5 games and earned a bye to the it was a great experience to play During her time with the Sequarter finals where they took on against some of the top female lects, she was invited into Hockey Team Saskatchewan. players in the country,” says Ari- Manitoba’s Program of Excellence “The competition really picked ana. Richer has been Ariana’s only (POE) and selection camps. up,” says Ariana. “Saskatchewan home and she first started skating Moving into next season Ariana fought hard and really wanted it”. on Shawn Lenton’s field at 3 years will be attending the University of Team Manitoba would find moold which she credits for her start Manitoba and entering the Manimentum as the game went on and into the sport of hockey. toba Female Junior Hockey League after a big win against SaskatcheShe started playing organized draft but is also in communicawan, they would face a very strong hockey at 4 years old with Ste Anne tion with the University of Alberta Team Ontario in the championship Minor Hockey which then led her to attend and play hockey for the Ariana Wery from Richer final. to the Eastman Selects regional 2023/24 season. brings home gold from After intense game play, Team national tournament program at 13 years old.

Manitoba found themselves down 2-0 midway into the 3rd period while Team Ontario’s goaltender was having the game of her life.

This was the turning point in the game.

The Seine Rat Roseau Watershed will be assisting residents with private well water testing for the pres“We were feeling the pressure ence of E. coli and coliform bacteria. The provincially subsidized cost of private well water testing is and we had to find a way to get $25.00, including tax. Each legal location is eligible for one sample per well at the subsidized rate. on the board,” says Ariana. Team Regular rate is $30. Payment may be submitted by cash or cheque ONLY, with cheques made payable Manitoba’s first goal came with to Horizon Lab Ltd. Horizon Lab is also offering a new expedited service. Customers can pay an extra 9:06 left in the game followed by $10 to have their bacteria water test report sent by the following business day. the tying goal with 4:39 left to go.

Water sample bottles & application forms can be picked up in advance at your participating RM of“The girls were freaking out and fice. Water samples must be taken on the same day as the drop-off. Drop your water sample off at your we found an extra gear!” says Ariparticipating RM office prior to 10:00 am, along with your completed Chain of Custody and SRRWD ana. With 16.9 seconds left in the Application forms. game on a turn over Team ManiOnly those samples that are accompanied by correct payment and completed forms will be actoba finishes up with a perfect 7 cepted. game win streak over 10 days to RM Private Well Water Testing Days will take place on Thursday, June 16. Local residents can droff off secure the 2022 National Aborigiat the RM of Ste. Anne office, 395 Traverse Road. nal Championship Gold Medal.

Contact the SRRWD for more information at 204-326-1030 or 204-425-7877 or you can email “I am very proud of my team, we info@srrwd.ca or visit www.srrwd.ca. all worked hard to get there and

RM Private Well Water Testing Days 2022

Post Office Settling into New Home The Richer Post Office finally has new digs as it has completed its move from the “temporary” setup at the LUD Hall to its more permanent home at the Richer Esso.

According to a very happy Post Master, Gisele Nault, she is happy with the new location and would like to let all residents know the lobby will be open to access mailboxes until 8 pm for those who are unable to visit during her regular hours.

Discover Our Past.

Dawson Trail Museum Celebrating Our Past.

Thanks to all who attended the Open House on May 23rd, we had a great time, the music and food was great, and the weather cooperated as well. We had visitors from the surrounding area as well as Wpg, and as far as Ottawa. We discovered stories from long ago which will be shared soon. The Art Tour Exhibit was launched with success as we discover the gifts and talents of our area residents. Visitors were pleased to see the new addition of a gift shop where they could purchase T shirts promoting the Dawson Trail among other items.

In June, Abel Bourgouin Construction will give a much-needed facelift to the museum front steps.

How can you get involved in your community you asked? The museum board is looking for you. Could we interest you in selling books of 50/50 tickets, help organize displays, work at the gift shop, help at craft shops, if you think you can help, please do not hesitate to call Yvonne at 204-422-9369 or email at yfontaine52@ gmail.com , we would love to hear from you.

The museum has just launched a new web site, you may view it at www.dawsontrailmuseum.ca.

DON’T FORGET...

Monday Night Bingos are Back!

Crib News

The Richer Crib Club May crib tournament was well attended with four full tables, twice as many as in April. In first place was Joan Gauvin, a brand new player. Welcome, Joanie! Melody Olenick came in second, while Rick Betts took third place. Roger Chenier was fourth winning the dimes Pot, and the Booby Prize went to Tracy Bell. Mike Pelletier won the 50/50. Congratulations to all the winners.

Please note: the June tournament will be on WEDNESDAY, June 15th, instead of Tuesday, due to a possible conflict with the availability of the hall. Please mark your calendar accordingly so you don’t forget!

ADVERTISE in the

EnRicher

Display Business Ads cost per issue: 1” x 1 column - $12 2” x 1 column - $19 4” x 1 column - $32 2” x 2 column - $32 Front Banner 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

- $65 - $58 - $97 - $180

Multiple booking discounts: 6 issues (save 10%) OR 12 issues (save 20%) Birthdays! Special Days! Garage Sales!

Classified Ads are $5 each up to 25 words, extra words are 20 cents each.

For ads or news stories contact Dan at enricher@simplyconnected.ca

or (204) 355-8798.

The EnRicher is published as a service by the Richer Community Club Inc.

Summer Student Employment Opportunity Richer Dawson Trail Museum

Summer Student Employment Opportunity Richer Dawson Trail Museum

The Richer Dawson Trail Museum is seeking a self-motivated student between the ages of 15 and 30 years, to work as a full-time summer student.

The Richer Dawson Trail Museum is seeking a self-motivated student between the age 15-and 30 years, to work as a full-time summer student.

Student must be enrolled in a full-time secondary or post-secondary school program with intent to return to school on a full time basis in fall of 2022-2023. Student must be legally entitled to work in Canada. A valid Manitoba Drivers Licence is essential.

Student must be enrolled in a full-time secondary or post-secondary school program with the intent to return to school on a full time basis in fall 2022-2023. Student must be legally entitled to work in Canada. A valid Manitoba Drivers Licence is essential.

The summer student employment opportunity is in partnership with the MB. Green Team Program.

The summer student employment is in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation Program. Participants must be Métis, Non Status or Inuit students.

Starting July 5th to August 27th 2022, 40 hours per week and must be available to work some Saturdays.

- Salary is $11.95 per hour.

- Student would be working under the direction of the Dawson Trail Museum Committee.

Job description: - Readiness to learn the history of the museum - Greeting visitors and giving museum tours - Assist Museum Coordinator with artifacts - Catologuing of the artifacts/ knowledge of computer - Cleaning duties - Assist at fund raisers - Some outdoor maintenance ex: grass cutting/ trimming and ground level painting.

Starting July 5th, to August 27th, 2022, 40 hours a week and must be available to work some Saturdays.

- Salary is $ 11.95 per hour - Student would be working under the direction of the Dawson Trail Museum committee members Job description: - Readiness to learn the history of the museum - Greeting visitors and giving museum tours - Assist with catologuing of the artifacts/ good computer skills - Assist at fund raisers - Cleaning duties - Some outdoor maintenance ec. Grass cutting/trimming and ground level painting

For further information and a client application form contact: Yvonne Fontaine Godard President, Richer Dawson Trail Museum yfontaine52@gmail.com

For further information and a client application form contact: Yvonne Fontaine Godard, President, Richer Dawson Trail Museum yfontaine52@gmail.com.

Deadline for application extended to June 15th, 2022

Deadline for application is extended to June 15th, 2022

From The Pastor’s Desk...

Dormant To Life

By Pastor Ben Funk

Have you ever wondered if there could be a connection between spring and resurrection? You may not be that religious, but you may have entertained some thoughts about dormant and life. This spring has been a unique spring. In the resent past we had become accustomed to begin gardening in early May or even toward the end of April. Spring is when farmers are chomping at the bit to get going with early planting.

In anticipation of spring we saw the occasional farmer hauling seed in the back of a pick up truck. The bags were so big that most times only one bag would fit in the box. Now, these may have been small hobby farmers, but farmers just the same. All of us had been eager to see the snow disappear and new life to come from the plants and trees that have been dormant all winter. This new life speaks of a resurrection to a new life.

Life in nature has been dormant all winter just waiting for conditions to become ripe for revitalization or revival of new life.

This resurrection of life is reminiscent of Jesus’ resurrection so long ago. Jesus died and rose again on the third day to make available new life to those who ask for it. When we see new life in nature each spring it (by implication) speaks to that resurrection life. We see it in the trees, and all other vegetation. We also see it in the birds who build nests in preparation for the introduction of new life, new life being hatched. The invitation is open to all to receive freely this new life in Christ, become a new creation, receive a new nature. At Richer Fellowship we speak frequently about this life.

On an extended note – Adult Teen Challenge will be visiting Richer Park (under the dome) to share testimonies about this resurrection life from a personal experience. This event will begin at 10:30 AM, June 5,

2022. You are all invited to attend. A lunch will be served while quantities last. Come and learn, bring a friend.

Richer Fellowship continues to be live on YouTube each Sunday morning at 10:30am. You may also pick us up on 101.9 FM (local radio) at that same time. May God in Christ be your light of life.

Richer Fire Hall Getting Much Needed Renovations

By Angelique Forest The RM of Ste. Anne is looking into funding renovations at the Richer Fire Hall.

“The Richer Fire Department has been growing and to help improve efficiency and make room for bigger/additional vehicles at the hall, we are adding a third overhead door,” said Chris Wilkins, Richer Fire Chief.

The proposed plan is to add the door, a concrete skirting in front of the door, bollards on each side of the overhead doors including the existing doors and then add to the existing asphalt pad.

Currently there are two of the trucks that park beside each other inside the hall that must use the same overhead door to leave the hall.

“We’ve made it work, but it’s been a tight squeeze for one of the vehicles to get in and out,” explained Wilkins. “The new overhead door will help make better use of the space in the hall for parking vehicles and make leaving and returning to the hall a lot more efficient.”

The project is already in motion and mid-July will likely see the beginning of the renovations.

“We are currently waiting for the door itself to arrive, which will be around the beginning of July. I’m expecting the renovations to start not long after that,” said Wilkins.

Dawson Trail Museum Unveils A Lot During Open House

By Dan Guetre About 100 visitors took in a recent open house hosted by the Dawson Trail Museum in Richer to kick off a busy summer season.

The museum packed in a lot of activities and events during the day and tested the waters with some new ideas.

“It was joyful to hear The Country Star Band, which filled the museum as people came in,” said Yvonne Fontaine Godard, president of the Museum. “Métis cultural food was available along [and] cake and popcorn were served to visitors as they strolled around viewing the exhibits and listening to music.”

“Visitors were pleased to see that the renovations kept on going inside even though the museum was closed to the public for the past two years during the Covid19 pandemic,” added Fontaine Godard.

“The membership drive went well, very happy as we now have interac, makes it easier for everyone, [and] they were given an information bag to take home,” continued Fontaine Godard. “The gift shop was a plus as well as we are now promoting the Dawson Trail. Everyone was pleased to see t-shirts with the logo I travelled the Dawson Trail.”

Getting responses and ideas from the visitors was also important to Fontaine Godard.

“It was a pleasure to discuss the exhibits with the visitors,” said Fontaine Godard. “Some have ideas on programming in the future such as a meeting place for seniors to watch movies in the afternoon, quilting, tearoom, and story telling.”

An emotional element to the day occurred when Julie Carver was introduced as the great great grand daughter of Cashawa, a first

nations guide who had rescued a local family during a raging forest fire. Cashawa, who was leading to Belgians through the area, fearlessly tucked a baby under his arm and led the mother and other children to safety to a nearby lake.

The Godard family survived and prospered in the area do to this heroic feat. Julie Carver was able to meet with an emotional descendant, Roger Godard.

Another key feature at the museum open house was the official launch of the Dawson Trail Art Exhibit organized by the Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Committee.

“Our partnership with the Museum is growing stronger every year,” said Pierrette Sherwood, a spokeperson for the committee.

“The Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour enjoys a very synergistic relationship with the Dawson Trail Museum and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing collaboration and support.”

“We were welcomed into the ‘inner sanctum’ of the Museum building this year with dedicated space within the Museum’s exhibit walls to showcase the talent of our Art Tour,” added Sherwood. “We have several artist-members featuring a sample of their work here now and it allows us to promote the art tour event to visitors. It also complements the Museum’s role as the home of all Dawson Trail related ‘treasures’ and hub for community programming.”

“Most of the artists participating in the exhibit made an appearance and I think they are very pleased with the results,” Sherwood said.

“Again, it’s a first for us in terms of having an official art showcase within the Museum so this kind of a big deal. We are all hoping we can continue on this momentum and that arts and history program-

ming, including the Dawson Trail Art Tour exhibit, will become regular features of their annual programming.”

Sherwood is not shy expressing her feelings about the museum.

“The Museum is an asset to this community and the region as a whole,” she said. “Their leadership is strong and they work tirelessly to keep the Museum maintained and relevant as a home for the Dawson Trail history and culture to come alive for the benefit of the whole community.”

Julie Carver is the great great granddaughter of Cashawa, who was credited with saving the Godard family during a raging brush fire in 1897. She made a point of visiting the museum during their open house and had a chance meeting with Roger Godard, a descendant of those who were rescued by her ancestor.

Are We Out of the Woods Yet?

I remember the days when asking “How is the weather?” use to be a way to start a conversation. Now it has become the conversation. The Canadian Prairies are well known for its diverse weather but I think my thoughts of “we have had enough” are echoed by most.

We have gone from drought, to being pounded by snow storms, to never ending rain. All levels of government do their best to anticipate weather and use language such as 1 in 25-year rain falls or 1 in 100year floods when planning.

Anyone applying for building permits may become familiar with this language also depending on the area that they are hoping to develop.

Just as a home owner may need to put the footing for their home at a 1 in 100-year water level, the municipality tries to build its infrastructure up in the same way. Our roads and operations staff have definitely been put to the test over the last half a year. Some residents found navigating snow filled roads to be difficult only to find the same road

Dawson Trail to Sport New Features Along Route

By Dan Guetre While the historic Dawson Trail road system is not experiencing major construction such as gravel or paving, there is another project unfolding that will add culture, history, tourism and a sense of treasure hunting, including markers and signs in Richer.

The Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Committee has put together a regional concept aimed at re-discovering what and who the Dawson Trail represents.

“The Dawson Trail Commemorative Trail and Exhibits project is the last phase of a multi-phased initiative launched in 2019 and inter-regional in scope, serving the RM of Reynolds, RM of Ste. Anne, Town of Sainte-Anne, RM of Taché, RM of Springfield and St. Boniface,” explained Pierrette Sherwood, one of the founders of the organization. “It will see to the building or enhancement of key assets that celebrate traditional place names and the history of the old Dawson Trail.”

This part of the project will result in erecting fifteen new wayfinding markers which will highlight traditional place names and stories of the Dawson Trail.

Additionally, the group is partnering with service groups, municipalities and others along the route to development of ten interpretive/artistic exhibits at strategic locations along the historic trail.

Pierrette Sherwood leads a committee dedicated to bringing the history and culture of the Dawson Trail region into the mainstream, ready for discovery.

“These permanent landmarks will complement the rich historical inventory and tourism itineraries already promoted via our website at www.dawsontrailtreasures. ca,” explained Sherwood. “They are intended as pillars to tourism development and a permanent recognition of this region’s historical legacy, to serve our communities for generations to come.”

One of the “elements” to be unveiled is scheduled for the Town of Ste. Anne on Sunday, June 5 starting at 2 pm. The newly constructed “Pioneer” site will recognize the original habitants of the area, part of a larger re-discovery by community members to research and feature their roots, a growing local element that Sherwood predicted would happen.

Brent Wery Ward 3 Councilor, washed over this spring. ApproxiRM of Ste Anne mately 3,000 sandbags were given LUD of Richer out this spring to help mitigate floodCommittee

ing. It has been recognized in the last years that the municipal drainage is in need of some TLC. In the last few years, the cleaning up of ditches have begun and we are well on our way to better drainage.

New for this summer, we have entered into an agreement with the North East Water Shed District in a cost sharing endeavor to completely redo the drainage path along 45E which is a main thoroughfare for much of the water in the North Eastern side of the municipality. The drain way along 45E from Dawson Road to Rd 48N and beyond has an engineer survey and will be dug out to a proper profile with appropriate size culverts to ensure all water moves north in an efficient manner.

In other areas we have begun clean outs to remove settled material which may slow down drainage. Unfortunately last year we had to remove a stretch of beautiful mature trees which should have never had the opportunity to grow to what they had become.

Are we out of the woods yet? I think we are on our way and these recent weather events only affirm the need to be more proactive in the maintenance of municipal infrastructure and ensure that our operations staff has appropriate equipment to handle whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at us.

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR!

Ste. Anne Pioneer Ceremony...

You are all invited to attend the Saint-Anne Pioneer ceremony at the Ste Anne Park on June 5, from 2 to 4 pm on Central Blvd. as they celebrate the pioneer families from 1850 to 1890.

Richer Community Club meeting...

June 8, 7:30 pm at the Richer YAH Hall.

Dinner and Dance...

Young at Hearts Dinner & Dance on June 18 with a live performance by The Mosaics Doors open at 4:30 with dinner at 6 and dancing until 11. Tickets are $25 each. To reserve your tickets, or for more information, call Ron Vincent at 431-275-0874.

Dawson Trail Museum meeting...

The Dawson Trail Museum will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, June 13th, at 1pm at the museum.

EnRicher deadline:

Thursday, June 30 is the deadline for July 2022 submissions for the EnRicher.

Canada Day...

Canada Day in Richer! On July 1 come and celebrate Canada Day in Richer. Start off the day from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Dawson Trail Museum Canada Day Cake, drinks and popcorn. Then head over to the Dawson Trail Park after 4 pm for kids train rides, activity bags for kids, hotdogs, drinks, cake, balloon creations and face painting. Richer will cap off the night with lots of fireworks at dusk!