Dawson Trail Dispatch July 2012

Gravel Company Digs, Defies Order

St. Malo Students Plant for Seniors

On June 7, the RM of Ste. Anne council held an emergency meeting to discuss a cease and desist order served against a gravel company operating next to Wild Oaks Campground.

The municipality confirms that the municipal bylaw office issued the order on June 1 to the owner and operator of “an unauthorized gravel operation” located at PT SE 20-8-82. The order sited violations of conditions in Conditional Use order 03-2006.

“Council approves the municipal order issued on June 1,” stated the municipal minutes. After approving the order, the municipality amended the order to allow the storage of gravel extraction equipment and machinery on the property until the operator is able to find another location.

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Habitat Homes Underway in La Broquerie

Grade 5 to 8 students from the St. Malo School spent a day planting a community garden at the Chalet Malouin.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis The seniors living at the Chalet Malouin in St. Malo will enjoy the benefits of fresh produce after students from the Ecole St. Malo School spent a day planting a community garden at the facility.

On June 7, several grade 5 to 8 students in St. Malo School’s Humanities program spent the day sowing seeds in a garden for the Chalet residents. Students spent the day planting a variety of vegetable seeds, tomatoes, onions and potatoes in a community garden on the facility’s property. The Chalet Malouin is a seniors housing complex that houses over eighty residents 55 years and older.

Continued on page 3

Two families will soon have new homes after Habitat for Humanity officially started construction on a duplex in La Broquerie at the beginning of June.

On June 6, the Southeast chapter of Habitat For Humanity officially started construction of a duplex on Habs Bay for two deserving families.

Selection Committee Chair Sheri Bueckert said nine families attended an information session in late January.

“Several families were really interested and there were some families too that have been waiting for this to come back to the Southeast,” said Bueckert. She believed that some of the families had applied prior to the southeast chapter of Habitat for Humanity becoming inactive back in 2006.

After a lengthy screening process, two Steinbach families were chosen, including Veronica Banos and Maria Unrau.

“This is a big day for me because it’s a new life and a new house,” stated Banos. A single mother of three, her family is currently living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment in Steinbach. “We are very grateful.”

“We are very excited because our doctor thinks my kids are going to be healthier after we move out,” Unrau added. Also a single mom, Unrau lives in a house in Steinbach owned by Manitoba Housing.

While both families will receive a new home, the summer just got busier for them. As part of the commitment, each family must put in 300 hours working on their own home.

The new homes are expected to be complete in about ten months.

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July 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Vita Daycare Eyes Expansion

By Marianne Curtis Parents from Vita and area will soon have a few more daycare spaces now that a new building has been purchased for the community’s only childcare facility.

On July 1, a fundraising garage sale took place at the future home of the Vita Community Daycare Centre. Located right across the street from the Shevchenko School, the 2,500 square foot location is ideal for the facility which offers programs for children from infant to pre-teen.

Donna Osadchuk, president for the Vita Community Daycare Centre says the non-profit daycare is excited about their new location. They hope to move in before September and add an additional eight spaces.

“We have outgrown our current facility which is located in the Sumk Clubhouse,” explained Osadchuk.

“We bought this building but we need a lot more money before we can actually move in.”

Osadchuk says the road to purchasing a new facility for the daycare which currently has space for 28 children has presented a challenge. The group initially contemplated building a new daycare but after spending $80,000 on plans it became unfeasible.

“It would cost us $1.2 million to build a daycare according to the plans and that is not affordable for a community like Vita,” Osadchuk added. “So we bought a house and need to renovate it for our specifications.”

Osadchuk says she is grateful for all the help the daycare board has received to ensure the centre can related.

“We are grateful for all the donations and help from the many volunteers,” Osadchuk continued. “We especially want to thank Tom Shewera who has volunteered as project manager – his assistance has been invaluable.”

Renovations have been estimated to cost $350.000, funds the organization has been desperately trying to raise. So far they have collected $100,000 from the province, $40,000 from the RM of Stuartburn, $25,000 from the Community Credit Union; $15,000 from Hylife; $15,000 from the Thomas Sill Foundation and $50,000 from Community Places.

“We still have some fundraising to do before we can move in,” Osadchuk noted. However with 17 aboriginal children attending she is hopeful federal funding can be obtained.

The Vita Community Daycare Centre was established six years ago and is the only daycare facility in the community. It offers a before-andafter school program under the direction of a total of six fulltime staff and seven part time. With an annual budget of $250,000 the volunteer board works hard to raise funds to subsidize the programs offered at the centre.

Anyone wishing to help out are encouraged to contact Donna at 4253528, Christine at 427-2893 or Sandra at 425-3569.

No Gravel continued...

Continued from page 1 In a previous interview, RM of Ste. Anne Reeve Art Bergmann confirmed that an application to amend the initial conditional use permit has crossed his council’s table but it was denied.

“We understood the pit was nearly depleted so we turned down the permit,” Bergmann stated.

“Council was aware of an issue but they chose to drag their feet on the matter.”

Bergmann added that council was under the understanding that the gravel supply was gone and the company would move out. However, a new vein of gravel was located by the company, who allegedly started extracting the product despite council’s denying the permit.

Donna Osadchuk president of Vita Community Daycare Centre board and Christine Storoshuck, vice president, are eagerly awaiting the day they will complete renovations and move into their new daycare space located across the street from the Shevchenko School.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Garden continued...

Continued from page 1

Teacher Carmen Maynard said she is proud of her students for showing enthusiasm while planning and planting the community garden.

“This has been a great day for us,” Maynard explained. “We are teaching the students to do something for the community while they are also learning.” She added that several students participating had never planted a garden. For a few of the students, the planting was a learning experience as some of the students had never seen a seed before.

For the past few years, the St. Malo School has worked closely in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation in St. Malo in planting the community garden at the Chalet Malouin.

“This provides our students with the experience and skills needed to plant and tend to a garden,” Maynard continued. “The students always have a great time participating in this activity and they take pride in knowing that they took part in helping this garden grow.

Now that the planting is complete, the students have vowed to come back over the summer months to tend the garden and help with the harvesting. The produce grown in the community garden will be used to feed residents residing in the facility.

Shooter Turned Himself into RCMP On June 18 at approximately 5:48 pm, Sprague RCMP received a call of a firearm being discharged at a residence in Piney occupied by a lone male.

The male was able to walk away from the residence into nearby bush.

He was identified as 18-year-old Joey Anderson of Piney.

Shortly before noon the following day, Joey Anderson made contact with the Steinbach RCMP Detachment and he was arrested in the Community of Piney without incident. He is currently in police custody.

No charges have been laid as of yet and the investigation continues.

July 2012

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Pioneer Days Parade The 44th Annual Pioneer Days Parade is set for Friday, August 3. Entry forms are currently available on the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce website at SteinbachChamberOfCommerce.com or by visiting the Chamber Office at D4-284 Reimer Ave in Steinbach.

This year’s theme is “Steinbach… Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”. The Chamber is anticipating the biggest and best parade yet. Registrants are encouraged to enter soon and to decorate their entry.

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July 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Youth Could be Our Saving Grace June has quickly faded and just as quickly has morphed into “the summer holidays”.

This is a term, which, no matter our age, sticks to us and is part of our psyche, and has been since our school days.

Having attended a few graduation ceremonies this June, I wondered about all the changes this new crop of graduates will experience as responsibilities change from school to work or post secondary studies, then finding their niche in their communities.

A greater concern may be a dramatically changing economy since the upheaval of 2008, this economic malaise seems stuck with no way out. A greater emphasis on the service industry in the future economy may prove to be a bigger challenge to this coming generation but a greater diversity of new jobs will present themselves as options rather than in the past ages of assembly lines and paternalistic unions.

One wonders if today’s education has prepared them well enough for the needs of today and tomorrow. Educators are sure that they have produced the best possible product. Unfortunately only time will tell. A fast changing economy always shows some deficiencies in our education system after the fact and the remainder of society along with our education system is left to react, and sometimes not well.

I suspect that our egalitarian impulses are partly to blame for some of these shortcomings in our education system, not all are born equal. Ability should be pushed. Equality is appropriate for rights and responsibilities. Ability, on the other hand is the offspring of nature and only partly susceptible to modification by nurture.

This egalitarian thinking is not only a shortcoming of education but permeates pretty much all of our society.

The above is only part of the problem. Economics and the stewardship of it by our politicians are by far the greater impediment. It is ironic that democracy will have the greatest impact on young adults and this age demographic is the most reluctant to participate in it.

It is difficult to comprehend these ideals of youth with a future to build and enjoy.

Participatory government is off their radar and the consistent frightening reason is always

Niverville Home Based Businesses Must Have Permits

The Town of Niverville council has decided that all home based businesses located within a residential community will require a conditional use permit to operate.

This gives area residents an opportunity to voice concerns that All home based businesses in could affect the area such as traffic Niverville are now required to have flow or noise issues.

The new regulation is effective conditional use permits to operate immediately. within the community.

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.

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the same. “Voting? It won’t make any difference.” They could be right.

The governmental institutions have dramatically changed. The PMO (Prime Ministers Office) is more and more secretive and dictatorial. Party discipline is absolute and it bodes no questions or deviation. Individual MPs have not only lost the ability to vote according to their constituents wishes, but worse their own conscience is the first casualty.

Individual consciences become the currency of the Prime Minister or opposition party leaders. So would it make any difference if only 20 percent of the population participated in this ritual? Some of us would be extremely embarrassed, but maybe just maybe they, our youth, are too embarrassed to participate in this dictatorship by stealth. Stealth is probably the wrong word, not strong enough, obvious seems to fit the bill quite perfectly.

For Canada to experience a positive change, strong minds and leadership must be born and nurtured. Integrity must be cultivated. Education will have to play a large part. Do we have it in us? Of course we do. What are we waiting for? Dictatorially inclined fat cat politicians on pensionable time are already too numerous. Our collective integrity is painfully insulted; our collective intelligence is stuck in purgatory.

At the present, whether it is in Canada, the U.S.A. or much of Europe, all governments are struggling with massive economic problems and it seems that their first reaction is to bail out their banks and saddle us with austerity measures for our own good. Yes, of course, it could be the right medicine, but who got us here in the first place if not fat cat politicians and the banks.

Some of the kids I observed on different stages receiving awards for this or that looked impressive and very energetic. It makes you want to put a cape on them and turn them loose.

Can’t you just picture a youthful PM and young cabinet, and the only thing causing you a wee bit of discomfort is the fact they are all sporting high top red running shoes only because they want to.

The bankers would squirm, really squirm. Oh well. Many retiring politicians could write memoirs.

This is summer; I’ve started to dream already.

Fulfilling our Promises to Canadians Summer is upon us. As another session of Parliament comes to a close, I’m happy to be able to spend more time in the riding hearing from all of you on the issues that matter.

I try to make a concerted effort not to be caught up in the so-called Ottawa bubble. I keep my focus on the fact that you, the constituents of Provencher, have entrusted me to represent your voice and advance your views in the nation’s capital.

And something that I have heard consistently over the past 12 years is that we need a justice system that puts the safety and security of law-abiding citizens first, while criminals are held fully accountable for their actions.

To that end, I’m proud that our majority Government has finally been able to make headway on important reforms to our criminal justice system; reforms that have been stalled, obstructed and delayed by the opposition for far too long.

Specifically, four components of our Safe Streets and Communities Act will come into force over the next five months, including; Increasing penalties for sexual offences against children (August 9, 2012), protecting Canadians from violent, repeat young offenders (October 23, 2012), targeting serious drug crimes (November 6, 2012), and eliminating house arrest for serious and violent crimes (November 20, 2012).

We’re taking action to protect our most vulnerable, our children, by increasing penalties for sexual offences against children, as well as creating two new offences aimed at conduct that could facilitate or enable the commission of a sexual offence against a child.

We’re amending the Youth Criminal Justice Act to protect Canadians from violent and repeat young offenders and we’re ensuring the protection of society is a paramount consideration in the management of young offenders by the justice system.

Amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act target organized crime by imposing tougher sentences for the production and possession of illicit drugs for the purposes of trafficking.

And finally, we’re eliminating the use of so-called “house arrest,” or conditional sentences, for serious and violent crimes.

These are of course, only a few of the measures we’ve implemented over the last session of parliament. For more information on our efforts to rebalance the criminal justice system please visit justice.gc.ca and ps-sp.gc.ca We will continue to fight crime and protect Canadians so that our communities are a safe place for us to live in, raise our families and do business.

Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss.

You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at 204-345-9762. You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at 204-346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@parl.gc.ca. Twitter: @ToewsVic.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Legislative Session Ends June 14th ended a very exciting session in the Manitoba Legislature. I am proud to represent the people of the Emerson Constituency while we hold the NDP accountable for the mistakes they continually make. I want to take this opportunity to provide a summary of what happened in this legislative session.

The NDP kicked off the session by introducing their budget. This budget was chocked full of broken election promises, including raising the gas tax, broadening the base of the PST, and raising user fees on government services, such as criminal record checks. The impacts of their spending addiction are now felt every time you fill up your car, get a haircut, or volunteer. Raising the gas tax will also impact farmers, adding unneeded stress and cost to expenses, ultimately hurting the bottom line.

In this session, over 40 bills were passed in to law, including mandatory bike helmets for those under 18, increases to tuition for university students, and the merging of the 11 RHA’s in Manitoba in to five. My concern, and my colleagues concern, was that merging the RHA’s would heavily impact this health care system. Manitobans demand and deserve a great health care system, but with merged services, patients may have to

drive over an hour just to get medical help.

While this was done as a supposed cost cutting measure, it is hard to see where the savings are going to come from, without impacting services in any way.

In this last session, I introduced Bill 208, the Remembrance Day Awareness Act. My goal with this bill was to create a Remembrance Day Awareness Week, from November 8 to 11 every year. The bill also requires schools to have a Remembrance Day service on the last school day before Remembrance Day. I was proud to see this bill pass the legislature unanimously. I sincerely hope that this will lead to greater understanding of the sacrifices that were made for our freedom, so all Manitobans can understand the dangers of war.

Another issue that came to the fore was the issue of Lyme Disease. Patients across this constituency, and Manitoba, came forward with their concerns around testing and treatment for Lyme Disease. I had the opportunity to question the Minister of Health on several occasions, and I feel that this government needs to understand the seriousness of this disease.

With that, I hope to see you all at some point during the summer. I look forward to all the events that are planned this summer, and I applaud the organizers in advance. If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at my constituency office at (204)-324-9901, my legislative office at (204)-9455639, and on my cell phone at (204)-712-5482.

Donations Stolen from El’dad Ranch Big Summer Event On June 24 at approximately 3:30 pm organizers of the El’dad Ranch Big Summer Event noted that a donations box was stolen from the event. Inside the box were several cheques, coins and an unconfirmed amount of cash that was being donated to El’dad Ranch.

The donations were meant for El’dad Ranch program sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee of Manitoba. The program offers young men with intellectual disabilities or who have been in conflict with the law, a second chance.

It is located on eighteen wooded acres in southeastern Manitoba and participants live on-site in one of three facilities, with support provided by volunteers and staff.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for this crime. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrmestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Goertzen Seeks Local Views on Teacher Society Resolution Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen says he is getting a number of calls and emails from local residents concerned with a resolution that was recently passed by the Manitoba Teachers Society (MTS) that urges the provincial government to prevent parents from opting out of their children from any part of the Manitoba Curriculum, including human sexuality (sex education) classes.

“A number of local residents have contacted my office concerned that the rights of parents to determine whether their children attend certain classes in our schools may be removed,” said Goertzen. “I share those concerns. These are personal issues about values and it is important for families to have the final say about how and when their children learn about these topics.”

Goertzen noted that while a number of Manitoba teachers who attended the recent MTS convention opposed the resolution, it did pass and the NDP Minister of Education has indicated she will be meeting with the Manitoba Teachers Society to discuss the issue.

“We hope that the NDP government is not going to take the MTS’s lead on the issue because it would be a mistake for the government to step in and start dictating to families the ways these sensitive issues are handled,” said Goertzen.

Goertzen encouraged local residents to contact his office by email (kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca) or by phone at 204-326-5763 to express their views on this issue. He is committed to sharing the concerns of each resident with the Minister of Education.

Graffiti Vandal Targets Church

RCMP Investigate Fatal Single Vehicle Rollover On June 16 shortly after midnight, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP and local area EMS were dispatched to a single vehicle rollover on Gauthier Road in the Rural Municipality of De Salaberry.

Initial investigation indicates that the driver of the car lost control on the gravel road and rolled.

A 24-year-old female from St. Pierre-Jolys was transported to the hospital for treatment with non-life threatening injuries. The other occupant, a 17-year-old female from Winnipeg, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An RCMP Traffic Collision Analyst attended the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

Steinbach RCMP are investigating a mischief at the Gospel Fellowship Church at 860 Main Street in Steinbach, which occurred during the early hours of June 11. The unknown suspect spray-painted several antiChrist symbols on the exterior walls of the church. No other buildings in the surrounding area were targeted. No other damage was done to the church. Police are requesting assistance in identifying a possible suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at 326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

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Hydro Needs Time to Look and Listen NDP Premier Greg Selinger is fond of reminding Manitobans that the world economy has been facing challenging times over the past several years and, of course, that is true. However, at the same time that Mr. Selinger has been saying the world is changing, he has been ignoring that reality when it comes to Manitoba Hydro, the largest Crown Corporation in the province.

A recent report from Hydro itself shows that it is now projecting that export revenues from our hydro electricity will decline significantly over the next 20 years from previous projections. In fact, projected export revenues for the next 10 years from Manitoba Hydro are now down $1.1 billion over previous estimates. The projections are even worse over the next 20 years where export sales are expected to be $4 billion less than previously forecasted.

This is because, as Mr. Selinger says, the world is changing. The export market for hydro to the United States is down considerably because of the economic challenges they face and natural gas has become cheaper because of shale reserves. These factors have already had an impact on Manitobans as there have been significant increases to hydro rates recently and they are projected to continue for years to come.

Despite all of these changes that are negatively impacting the bottom line of Manitoba Hydro, it has not prompted the Crown Corporation or the NDP government to examine future spending. Currently, Manitoba Hydro has on the books plans to spend $22.5 billion to build new generating stations and transmission lines for hydro export sales.

The decrease in the projection of export revenues for at least the next two decades has resulted in several groups asking Manitoba Hydro to do an independent review of capital expenditures. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has gone so far as to take legal action against Manitoba Hydro because Hydro refuses to allow it to examine the export contracts it has to determine whether it is at financial risk from excessive capital spending without the needed export revenues.

What is clear is that the world that Manitoba Hydro is operating in is very different from the one that existed a decade ago. Yet, Manitoba Hydro remains a key economic engine for the province of Manitoba and its future. Those two facts should be reason enough for the NDP government to look and listen when it comes to Manitoba Hydro.

I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at (204) 326-5763, by fax at (204) 3469913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Province Names New RHA Board Members

By Marianne Curtis On June 27 the province officially named the new board of directors for Manitoba’s five newly, merged Regional Health Authorities (RHA).

Health Minister Theresa Oswald said naming the new boards is all part of the province’s commitment to move towards supporting five regional health authorities instead of eleven.

“The new boards have been selected to ensure an appropriate balance of skills, experience, diversity and geographic representation,” stated Oswald. “They will focus on ensuring a smooth transition by streamlining the merged corporate operations while avoiding disruptions to front-line care.”

Kathy McPhail the newly appointed CEO will report to the RHA board, led by Denise Harder, from Portage La Prairie, who has been named the new chairperson for the newly formed Southeastern RHA. Southeastern RHA encompasses the area formerly governed by South Eastman Health and Central Regional Health Authority.

The new board consists of fifteen members, eight of which are from the region.

Guy Levesque, from Ste. Anne, remains on the board as vicechairperson. He sat as chairperson for South Eastman Health prior to its dissolution. He is joined at the table by Jean Balcaen (Richer); Roy Enns (Steinbach); Line Leclerc (La Broquerie); Susan Hart-Kulbaba (Buffalo Point); Ron Tardiff (Lorette); Leo Van Den Bussche (St. Adolphe); and Guy Gagnon (Ste. Agathe).

The remaining seven members include Paul Generini (Notre Dame de Lourdes); Donna Harasymec (Morden); Don Kuhl (Winkler); Armande LeClair (Letellier); Cheryl McKitrick (Crystal City); Daren Van Den Bussche (Portage la Prairie).

All board members were selected from those who served on the previous two health boards.

The permanent boards will look for ways to streamline administration, focus on provincial priorities, such as ensuring all Manitobans have access to a family doctor and work to strengthen local community involvement in health care.

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More Than Just News!

July 2012

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ambulance Service is Not “Pizza Delivery”

By Marianne Curtis

SCU Land Deal Comes Together The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news that the City of Steinbach has approved a Memorandum of Understanding to sell several parcels of land to Steinbach Credit Union (SCU), a move that will ensure SCU has enough parking for a new downtown building.

“This is great news!” says Chamber Executive Director, Linda Peters.

“We are so pleased with the foresight of our Mayor and City Council, in being proactive to ensure that downtown Steinbach remains a vibrant core of our community.”

“We are delighted about SCU’s decision to continue working towards a new downtown location, a decision that reflects the wishes of the majority of area businesses. We also commend SCU for their continued commitment to our community in their generous donation towards a future multiplex facility here in Steinbach,” continued Peters. “We continue to see increasing diversity in our region, and the Chamber looks forward to a future multi-use facility that will embrace the many different cultural interests that are emerging in our community.”

Goertzen Not Impacted by Legislature Break-in Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen says his office did not fall victim of a mid-June break-in at the Manitoba Legislature, which resulted in the loss of several computers from various offices.

On June 14, the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Caucus arrived at work to discover that several offices within the provincial legislature had been burgled.

“The PC Caucus staff and MLAs discovered that a break-in occurred at some of our offices here at the Manitoba Legislature,” said a statement by Ralph Eichler, Chair of the Manitoba PC Caucus. “Obviously this event is very disturbing and we will be cooperating fully with the authorities in order to resolve this crime. We will also seek to review the circumstances surrounding this event, so our MLAs and our staff can have confidence that the Manitoba Legislature is secure.”

Goertzen confirmed the break-in but his office was not directly impacted by the incident.

“My Legislature office is in a different part of the building from where the break-in occurred,” Goertzen stated. “The Legislature is generally a secure building, but the night that this happened was somewhat unique in that at least one of the secured doors was open a good deal of time, to allow construction workers who were setting up scaffolding for an upcoming renovation easier access to bring in material.”

Goertzen says it was possible for someone to have gained access in this manner but there are also other ways as well including through the windows.

“Security continues its investigation and I understand will review in general, issues of security in the building as a result of the break-in,” Goertzen added. “Certainly those MLAs who were directly impacted feel as any other victim of a break-in feel, including a sense of personal violation.”

A former RM of Reynolds councillor is upset with the news that the RM of Reynolds has lost their only ambulance service.

Last month the Dawson Trail Dispatch reported that Northwest Health Association is no longer training new ambulance personnel nor will they hire anyone without paramedic training. As a result, the municipality was forced to shut down the RM of Reynolds Ambulance Service, which operates out of Hadashville, as it will no longer be able to operate.

At the time of the closure, North East Health Association promised the RM of Reynolds that service to residents in the municipality would not suffer as response time is well within the provincial standard of 30 minutes or less. The Province also committed to permanent Lifeflight helicopter service to transport patients in serious health situations.

However, a recent incident which occurred near Elma has former municipal councillor Andy Pelletier saying this promise is not being fulfilled.

“About two months ago my partner and I were working in our yard when we heard the sound of a siren screaming down the highway; my first thought was, who in Ste. Rita needs help,” Pelletier explained. “Twenty minutes later the ambulance pulled into our yard and the attendants asked for directions to Spruce Siding.”

Pelletier pointed out that Spruce Siding was accessed from Hwy 11 south of Elma and St. Rita is about 30 km west of Elma on Highway 15. “Their detour would have added an additional 30 minutes minimum to their response time to the call,” said Pelletier.

Pelletier said he does not fault the ambulance attendants, but he does blame the “pencil pushers” for their decision that an ambulance station in Prawda was not needed.

“During my term on council we had numerous discussions with NEHA and the 911 people from Brandon and were repeatedly assured that between their “geo-posting” and GPS tracking technology they would better serve the communities in the area along with the thousands who travel the Trans Canada highway daily,” Pelletier continued. “The southeast region is poorly served in comparison to other parts of the province when it comes to ambulance service.”

He added that he felt the staff of the ambulance stations is doing a tremendous job with the resources at hand, but the system needs to shake its head and look at helping them out more.

“This is not pizza delivery, this is a matter of life and death,” he concluded.

The Reynolds Ambulance Service was established shortly after the health authorities were formed. Prior to amalgamation, the area was served through the Ste. Anne Health District and service was provided through Ste. Anne Ambulance Service.

Niverville’s Community Recreation Plan Goes Public For the past year, members of the Niverville community recreation planning committee have been meeting with community groups, gathering information, sending out surveys and doing a lot of work to compile as much information as they can about recreation in Niverville. Some of the questions focused on what the community would like to see, what they participate in (inside and outside of Niverville) and facility use.

The final report was presented to the Town Council along with a gap analysis, goals and recommendations. Many of the respondents to the survey are adamant that taxes do not rise, but request that some existing funds should instead be earmarked for projects such as a library, arena upgrades, sportsplex facility and a public pool to keep pace with the community growth.

The report is available to the public at NivervilleRecreation.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

July 2012

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Groups Demand Rescue Recapture of Makoon Budget Cuts to Our Pocket The federal government recently announced some budget cuts, including eliminating the penny, cuts to the Employment Insurance program and the CBC, reduced services in federal parks, Old Age Security increase in age, and more. The Manitoba government recently announced some tax increases: a fuel tax, cigarette taxes, provincial sales tax on haircuts and other services, tax on some insurance (home and group health) and more.

I’m not going to provide an opinion on all of those, but how is your budget? The federal and provincial governments have deficits they need to get under control. Deficits occur when a government (federal, provincial, municipal) or any other organization (or family) spends more than the revenue they receive (the governments get it from us tax payers). Governments can only continue deficits for so long (the annual deficits accumulate and become the debt and then we are in real trouble: I’m sure you’ve heard about what’s happening in Greece and other European countries.

So what can you do about your own spending? I found some samples from the SunLife.ca website on how we can reduce our own spending. Here are some ideas and I added a couple of my own.

Do you grab a coffee every day on the way to work? If your morning trip to work involves a stop for that large double-double, your caffeine fix is costing you about $330 a year. Consider brewing your own (we found it cheaper to buy the expensive Tim Horton’s ground coffee and make our own).

How about lunch? If the majority of your lunchtime conversations include, “Would you like to make that a combo?” consider packing your own lunch from time to time. Grabbing lunch on the go, four times a week could be costing you $1,400 a year or more.

You CAN win if you don’t play! I admit to buying the lottery tickets occasionally when the jackpot gets really big, but if you are buying two tickets every week, you could pocket $416 a year by keeping the money in your own pocket.

Are you stopping at another bank’s (credit union, caisse) automated banking machine? The additional $1.50 to $2 in extra fees may seem small, but if you do this every week, it’s adding up to $100 in extra charges per year.

How many credit cards do you have? If you have enough credit cards in your wallet to deal out a hand or two of Texas Hold’em, it’s probably time to think about consolidating your debts. Cancel all but one of your credit cards and make sure you pay off the balance each month. Or look into debt consolidation to lower your interest payments further. If your bank won’t help you consolidate your debts, look into a local company called Credit Aid. 300 channels and still nothing on? Ask yourself whether your $800+ a year cable/satellite package is worth it. Re-visit your package and if you can get by with fewer channels, streamline your selections to make sure you’re getting better value for your money.

Taking the family for a night out at the movies? After ticket prices, drinks and snacks, you could easily be looking at spending $60 or more. Do that once a month over the year and you’ve spent $720.

Consider going to a matinee performance and grab a snack at home before heading out, or stay home and rent a movie.

If you find yourself buying two or three magazines a month from the store, it can cost you upwards of $200 a year. Consider purchasing subscriptions for the magazines you read most and you’ll realize savings of 50 or 70 percent or more. Now that’s a good story!

If you thought gas was expensive, just be thankful your car isn’t running on bottled water! At vending machine prices, you could be paying more than $2 a liter. Even if you buy just one bottle a day you’re still pouring over $300 a year away. Fill up at your tap instead or buy in bulk and bring your own water with you.

Charges for long-distance calls, cell phone usage, texting and system fees can all add up quickly. Look for more affordable alternatives: consider pay-as-you-go plans, call outside of peak hours, get a family plan, or whatever it takes to bring your costs down.

Saving fuel is always a good way to save money too. Just slow down. By reducing your speed by 10 percent (105 instead of 115 km/h) you do save money. Drive more conservatively. Be gentle on the accelerator.

What are your ideas for reducing expenses? Share your ideas. I’ll print them next month. Just call me, or email, or drop off a note at my office.

Anni Markmann is a professional tax preparer and a certified financial planner working, living, and volunteering in our community. Contact her at 422-6631 or annimarkmann@mymts.net or at her new location at 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne.

On June 19, conservation officials announced Makoon and another rescued cub had been flown to a remote location and released. They said the bears were healthy and large for their size and had plenty of food sources in the area to help them survive.

Now two groups are demanding Manitoba Conservation officials try to recapture the two bear cubs returned to the wild. But a government spokeswoman said the request is not being considered and may not even be possible. The bears weren’t tagged before they were released into a remote location last week and can’t be tracked, she said.

Even Rene Dubois, who first found one of the cubs and nicknamed him Makoon, said the request is ridiculous.

“They’ll never be able to catch him. It doesn’t make sense,” said Dubois.

The retired construction worker found the fiveweek-old cub starving in a ditch along a highway in March. When he phoned a conservation officer, he was told the cub would be destroyed so Dubois took him home to nurse him back to health.

The tiny ball of fur quickly became a national celebrity. Hundreds of visitors knocked on Dubois’s door and asked to see Makoon. Videos of him circulated on the Internet.

A week later conservation officers seized the department’s practice to take photos of wild animals while they are being bear and temporarily placed him at Winnipeg’s rehabilitated, she said.

Assiniboine Park Zoo. A heated debate ensued about what to do with him.

Animal advocates wanted him to go to a sanctuary in Ontario to grow more before being released late next year. But Manitoba The NDP’s decision to release Makoon, a rescued bear cub, into Conservation officials planned to release the the wild recently without heeding the warning of wildlife experts or cub at home within a couple of months. listening to concerns of many Manitobans demonstrates a lack of Thousands of people signed a petition asking regard and arrogance on the part of government, says Manitoba the province to reconsider.

Progressive Conservatives.

The Winnipeg Humane Society decided it was “The failure here can be spread to three parties: the Minister of going to go to court to try to get custody of the Conservation for failing to understand the science; the Premier, for bear, but it never got that far. The humane failing to worry about the animal’s well being, and to the Department society called the move a “death sentence” for of Conservation, for failing to heed the advice of experts in the field of the cubs. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs bear rehabilitation,” said PC MLA Cliff Graydon. joined the protest saying the province had “This NDP failed to consider alternatives and showed a complete shown a lack of respect for the animals and their lack of respect when it came to releasing this bear into the wild,” cultural significance in First Nations culture. Graydon noted.

Now the Humane Society and the Chiefs Many people from Manitoba and around the world, including Assembly have urged the province to get the several experts, had petitioned the government to consider an bears back. alternative to releasing the bear cub. Makoon was released without Dubois said he believes Makoon was killed any tracking device and experts say the cub will surely die if it meets by officials long ago. He asked several times if up with an adult male bear. he could see the cub while he was at the zoo but Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship defends their was always turned down. decision explaining that Makoon weighed more than 30 pounds when “Everything was top secret,” he said. “They’re released and showed a number of instinctive behaviours including hiding something. That’s for sure.” the ability to locate food on his own. Wildlife biologists who surveyed The government spokeswoman said the area before his release found a wide variety of plentiful food conservation officials have always wanted the sources including eggs, fish and berries. The area is very remote, best for the animals and the cubs were indeed which will reduce the chances of the bear encountering humans in released back into the woods, although there the future. are no photos to prove it. It is not the

Makoon’s Release Questioned

Historic Highway Gets Rebuilt Visitors to West Hawk Lake will soon be enjoying an easier ride to the beach.

Over the past month, construction crews have been tearing out and rebuilding Highway 44 through the community of West Hawk. The project includes widening the historic highway, grading and repaving the route. It is also expected to provide safer beach access and bicycle paths to area campgrounds and West Hawk Lake beach.

Highway 44, which runs from West Hawk Lake to Lockport, is otherwise known as the Historic Highway number 1, because it was part of the first national highway system in Canada.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

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More Than Just News!

July 2012

Priceless Princesses Make Grad Special

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Graffiti Vandals Deface Lorette Businesses St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in some mischief that occurred to local businesses in Lorette.

In the early morning hours of June 16, unknown person(s) vandalized local businesses by spray painting graffiti, offensive in nature on buildings located in Lorette.

Investigators are requesting anyone with information contact the St. Pierre- Jolys RCMP at (204) 433-7908. You can also call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

You can also submit online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

We are open over summer holidays – Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm July and August (closed for lunch 12 noon to1 pm). The public is welcome to continue to register for Summer Arts Day Camps and Fall classes.

Summer Arts Day Camps Brianna Seewald and friends show off some of the gorgeous grad dresses available for rent or by donation through Priceless Princesses.

By Marianne Curtis A young woman from La Broquerie took it upon herself to ensure that all young women graduating will feel like a princess for a least one night.

Brianna Seewald is behind an organization called Priceless Princesses. The group was started with the hopes that every girl feels like a princess on graduation night.

“I started this because every girl should get to feel like a princess!” Seewald explained. “Can you imagine its grad night and you don’t have a dress to wear? Well that’s the case for many girls because they just simply can’t afford their perfect prom dress.”

Seewald said she started a Facebook page to encourage people to either rent out or donate their dresses. The group also invites girls to browse some of the gorgeous dresses others have offered. “I have a fabulous grad dress that I will never wear again, but I know it would mean the world to another girl if she got to feel like a princess in it for one night just like I did,” Seewald continued. “So I rented out my dress and I hope many others will too.”

Anyone interested in either renting out formal wear or donating it, is encouraged to do so through the Priceless Princesses Facebook page.

Children ages 5-12 can have a creative blast this summer at our themed Summer Arts Day Camps! Spaces are still available for Barnyard Bash, A Bug’s Life, Let’s Play Ball and All Ball. Camps generally run 9 am - 4 pm daily. Let’s Play Ball runs four days only, for ages 57.

Loewen Green Art Scene

Come stop by the Loewen Green Art Scene at 306 Reimer Ave. It’s the hottest new scene in Steinbach! Watch artists painting on-site from 11:30 am - 2 pm. (Please check the website for dates.) Enjoy a cup of free coffee and browse this two-story gallery of local artwork available for lease or purchase. Hours are subject to change, so stay current by checking our website.

FREE art lessons for children and adults are being offered at the Loewen Green Art Scene, Wednesdays at 11:30 am - 2 pm, July 11, 18, 25 and August 15, 22, 29. Bring your brushes, canvas and paints – just try it! Colleen Watchorn will be there to offer encouragement and instruction.

Looking for volunteers: Come enjoy a cup of coffee and help greet the public at the Loewen Green Art Scene. This is a great opportunity to become involved with arts and culture in Steinbach.

Looking for artists: Free studio space for painters, potters and stained glass artists at this beautiful heritage home.

Looking for musicians: Come enhance Steinbach’s hottest new scene by playing music at the Loewen Green Art Scene.

Please contact Yvonne at 346-1077 or email visualarts@steinbachartscouncil.ca to become involved.

Become a season ticket holder

Reserve your seats now for our 2012-13 concert series. Receive discounted rates by purchasing tickets for all five shows including performances by pop/classical sensations Destino and the Mike Janzen Trio. Plus, ensure the seats YOU want for every show.

Arts4Tots Preschool Program

The most creative way to learn for ages 3-5 is our Arts4Tots Preschool Program. We are still accepting registrations for 2012-13. With the flexibility of choosing from 2, 3 or 4 days/ week, we’re sure to make a preschool schedule just right for you.

XCOMPANY

Welcome to XCOMPANY. They will oversee all dance and martial arts programs at the Centre this coming season! Checkout xcompany.net or call 470-5425 and talk to Nadine.

Lots of classes for guys and girls, from hip hop, to jazz, to ballet and wushu – all ages!

Fall Classes

Think Fall Classes and get ready to sign up at Registration Day Thursday, August 30 at 3 - 8 pm. Classes include: - Creative Wellness – Gentle Hatha Flow Yoga, Pilates, Sculpt & Tone, Triple Benefit 30-2010 - Zumba, Creative Cooking and Kids in the Kitchen - Adult Dance – Belly Dance and Social Dance - Languages – Spanish or French for beginners or more advanced - Visual Arts – Acrylics, Drawing, Photography and Pottery - Theatre for ages 5-15 with the Backyard Theatre Company - Dance and Martial Arts (Little Ballerinas, Broadway Stars, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Breakdance - Hawaiian Hula, Kidz Yoga and more) with XCOMPANY/Southeast School of Dance - Music and Theory (piano, voice, violin, guitar, accordion) with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts, Southeastern Manitoba Music Teachers Association or Art Rempel.

- Miss Rose from Kindermusik will also be taking registrations for early childhood music and movement classes for families with children ages 0-7.

Welcome to Kindermusik! Call Rose Funk at 370-8901 for more exciting information.

Opportunity to serve on the Board

We are looking for Board Nominees to serve on the Steinbach Arts Council Board of Directors for 2012-13. Nominees should show an interest in the arts and a willingness to support community programs. Please email a letter of intent to Cindi at director@steinbachartscouncil.ca.

KR Barkman Park Concerts

FREE Concerts at KR Barkman Park on Main Street. Bring your lawn chair and the whole family! Don’t miss our last few weeks of live shows by McKenzie Road, Corny ‘Elvis’ Rempel, African Drumming and Dance by Coffieman, Jordan St. Cyr and Trevor Johnson.

Check our website for dates and times. Thanks to Barkman Concrete Foundation for their support of these great concerts.

We are looking for visual artist to paint in the KR Park during our outdoor concert series this summer. Feel free to sell your works! Call Rosalita at 346-1077.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Steinbach Emergency Room Moves

Patients are advised that the Bethesda Hospital’s emergency rooms have been officially relocated temporarily to 365 Reimer Avenue.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Patients seeking urgent care at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach will no longer be going to the main hospital facility. As of June 18, the facility’s emergency department officially moved to 365 Reimer Avenue into the Community Services Building.

Now that the emergency room has temporarily relocated, reconstruction of the emergency room in Bethesda Hospital can move full steam ahead.

The $22 million project will see the completion of a new emergency room that will be 14,000 square feet and offer both urgent and non-urgent care.

There will also be an isolation area for infectious disease quarantine and a five-bed special care unit for cardiac patients that are not critical enough to need transfer to Winnipeg but require special attention.

Tough Day Being a Daddy Some days being, a Daddy is tough. Sure, there are those nights spent in sleeplessness because of teething or when they’re sick. Other times when the little ones ask those questions, such as why do baby cows drink milk, why is the sky blue and where do babies come from, being a Daddy means scrambling for an answer that is both honest and age appropriate. Not always an easy task, especially since a Daddy is rarely thinking along those lines when a child asks. Be that as it may, a Daddy’s duty is to do right by his children, to set a good example and to teach them what they need to know.

Let me tell you what brought on some of these thoughts.

I was fortunate enough to have a Friday off of work and with it dawning clear and beautiful, we decided to head out on the road and go fishing.

Nothing too special, just figured we would go out to the banks of the Red River and see what would bite. After arriving and setting up all the fishing gear for my son, my daughter, helping my wife and finally getting mine ready, I was ready to catch some fish. Barely, was my line in the water before Mommy pulled out a nice little freshwater drum, her first ever. Mere moments later my daughter stated that she felt her rod “wiggle”. Now she has never caught anything, not for lack of trying, but more so because she lets her line go slack and this allows whatever fish’s passing by to snack on her bait and swim off without her being the wiser. Thinking that this was another one of those times that would soon prove to be a false alarm, I slowly walked over and felt her rod. Much to my surprise, her rod was moving! She had a fish! So excited was she, that she didn’t even realize that she needed to reel. “Reel, reel!” my wife and I instructed as I helped her hold her rod and reel in a beautiful 18.5-inch catfish. After taking some photos, we released it back into the river.

Later my son, who had not caught anything, pulled in a 21-inch catfish and after that he managed to catch two fish at the same time on the same rig; a sauger on the bottom hook and a catfish on the top!

Now you’re probably saying, “But Peter, why is being a Daddy so tough?” I’ll tell you why! While I’m over here helping them unhook and hold their fish, untangling their lines, putting on bait and getting them ready to fish again, I know that I’m missing all the fish that must be biting on my hooks and swimming away. Must have been at least a hundred, no, maybe two hundred fish that I must have missed catching. While it was awesome that we caught so many and that my 3-year-old caught her first fish, sometimes its tough being a Daddy (and I wouldn’t want it any other way).

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

July 2012

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July 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Finding Gloria Touching Lives As she matured and had children of her own Marianne recognized her mother in her actions but was determined to break the cycle of abuse, determined that, she would be a good mother to her four children.

Writing her life-story has been therapeutic.

Since locating her birth mother, Marianne has discovered the circumstances, which led to her adoption. By learning that much of what she was told while growing up was not true, she has found love, peace and acceptance never experienced in the first 40 years of her life.

Finding Gloria is a moving story well worth the read.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward Wearing nail polish on your toes is a “pretty” touch to a gal’s summer look. However, did you know it is not good for your health? Nail enamel/gels/top coats/shellacs and removers are extremely toxic and absorbed into your body. I recommend that if you love painted toes only have it done for special occasions and remove the enamel as soon as you can. Toxins are not the most serious worry. The most serious of all is that if you happen to pick up any fungal spores on your feet, you will seal in the fungus beneath the toenail when you paint the nail. I am not saying to stop with pedicures. The health of your feet and the care you take of them is very important. Remember though, you should never share towels, washcloths, shoes, or pedicure tools.

The summer is time to expose those tootsies to fresh air and sunshine. Your toes have been hidden away during the cold months and can now have the opportunity to breathe. Don’t paint the nails, hide away the warm socks, throw out the runners that you have sweat in for far too long, and give your feet that fabulous foot care they desperately deserve.

Summer is also ‘pool time’. This is the perfect opportunity to absorb some vitamin D (about 30 minutes of sunshine a day will suffice) and get some fresh air in those lungs. Oh yeah!

Bring it on! Swimming can be such good exercise and lots of fun. But beware! Those evil little spores of fungus that spread from foot to foot when you walk on damp, wet, warm surfaces are lurking everywhere around pools. Always try to wear flipflops, crocks, sandals, water shoes, or swimming booties when you are around pools, locker rooms, showers, hot tubs and spas. Keep your toenails very clean by using a nailbrush to scrub away dirt, bacteria, dead fungus and nail tissue. Since fungus likes warm, damp environments, keep your feet dry!!

Vigorously dry between each toe and expose your feet to the air as much as possible. Keep your toenails cut short.

If you have been diligent, and still have picked up a foot fungus, please know it is very, very contagious and spreads at home too. If you catch it early, there are many products from the pharmacy, natural remedies from the Health Store and info on line. But you must catch it early, and be diligent every day for about 6 months to a year. Yes! There is no instant cure for fungus. In the meantime, do not paint your toes. If after a year of self treatment you are still experiencing pain, deformation, discoloration, and burning sensations, I recommend you make an appointment with a podiatrist.(You do not require a doctors referral) Some podiatrists offer laser treatments which are very, very effective at killing fungus.

Here are some tips for those tackling foot fungus: - Wear cotton socks and change them daily (during the cold months/summer should be open toes) - Dry your feet very well between toes (blow driers can be handy). Only use your towel once on your fungus area, and then put it in the hamper to wash.

- Use a ‘hot’ setting on the dryer to dry socks and towels to help kill spores (after you have put them through a hot wash) or use a paper towel to dry the affected area and throw it away.

- NEVER SHARE your towels or washcloths with others (make separate wash loads if you live with a partner or family). - Wear breathable shoes, or go open-toed if you can. Summer is great for this.

- Do not use nail enamel until the disease is gone. - File the infected nail thin on the top so that a local treatment can penetrate the nail bed more effectively.

- Throw away old shoes that have absorbed the sweat and fungus spores. Keep the inside of your shoes sprayed with antifungal spray and pull the tongue far back to get air inside the shoe. Some shoes can go in the washing machine and dryer. Be sure not to wear wet shoes!

- Reducing sugar in your diet will make your body less capable of hosting fungi.

- When at a nail salon, tell the spa owner you suspect you have a fungus.(She/He will probably notice.) Be aware of their sanitation and sterilization methods. Ask questions.

- Cut and trim your toe nails properly (Go to’ You Tube’ and watch videos on “How to Trim Toenails” and “How to Remove an Ingrown Toenail” Many of my clients often ask me why I prefer not to paint their toenails after I have performed an extensive foot care/ pedicure. Well, now you know. I hope this article is of help to all those people who need proper care for their tootsies. Your feet should be your best friend. You should always be “Putting Your Best Foot Forward!” Stay healthy!

Raylene Snow is the owner and operator of Raylene’s Wellness Spa on Hwy. 210 South, Ste. Anne, and Manitoba.

You can reach her at 204-422-6234.

Finding Gloria author Marianne Curtis signs some of her books at a book launch hosted by the Tache Library in Lorette.

A small but attentive audience gathered at Bibliothèque Taché Library on June 7 and listened while Marianne Curtis spoke of her life-long search for unconditional love and acceptance. Referring to the fact that her given name at birth was stripped away at the time of her adoption, Marianne began the evening by declaring, “My name is Gloria and this is my story.”

Marianne was given up at birth and adopted into a family, which settled in the Steinbach area. Instead of a warm, nurturing upbringing, Marianne lived a life of abuse at the hands of a mother clearly living with an undiagnosed mental illness who convinced her that she was “unlovable and useless”. Marianne talked about being hungry all the time and of living in the family van one summer since she was not allowed into her own home. Things at school were just as bad since she was picked on and bullied for being “different”.

RM of Salaberry Saves Money with Compost For the first time in rural Manitoba, an organic waste collection service will be offered to local residents. This joint initiative between the Village of St. PierreJolys and the Rural Municipality of De Salaberry, in partnership with CDEM and Compo-Stages Manitoba Services Co-op, promises to reduce the amount of waste transported to landfill sites, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents involved in composting by working together to make our communities a better place to live,” said Ron Musick, Reeve for the RM of De Salaberry. “We are looking forward to seeing the results and being able to save money and resources while, at the same time, protecting the environment.”

The Village of St. Pierre-Jolys’ solid waste collection vehicle will be collecting organic matter and will be disposing of the waste at the provincially certified composting site, located at the De Salaberry regional landfill.

Compo-Stages Manitoba Services Co-op will then transform the organic waste into high quality compost using its state-of-theart windrow turner.

This new initiative is the result of a 2008 study on greenhouse gas emissions and many community consultations. The program is funded in part by the province’s Community-Led Emissions Reduction program (CLER) and by Environment Canada.

“It is encouraging to see our municipalities taking steps to reduce organic waste with the establishment of this regional compost site,” said Ron Lemieux, Minister of Local Government.

“Our government is committed to helping communities divert waste destined for our landfills and I commend St. Pierre-Jolys and De Salaberry for participating in this proactive waste reduction initiative.”

The service began on June 26 in St.

Pierre-Jolys and will be extended to communities in De Salaberry in the following months.

Breakout Autobiography Hits Best Sellers List Finding Gloria, a memoir written by Dawson Trail Dispatch journalist Marianne Curtis, was named on Winnipeg Best Sellers’ List at McNally Robinson Bookstores for the week of June 17.

With sales of over 1,000 copies in less than a couple of weeks and book launch events from Landmark, Lorette, Steinbach and most recently McNally Robinson Book Stores, she is trying to deal with her author success and recognition. Recently she was spotlighted on the CJOB’s Book Club, CBC Radio One and was recently featured on CBC’s Manitoba Scene.

Finding Gloria has been released in paperback and e-book. It can be ordered online at mariannecurtis.wordpress.com, McNally Robinson Bookstores and Amazon.com. It is also available in select stores in communities throughout the southeast.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

July 2012

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More Than Just News!

July 2012

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Chalet’s Affordable Senior Housing Opens in La Broquerie

By Marianne Curtis

Provencher MP Vic Toews congratulates the community of La Broquerie on the recent opening of a 24-unit addition to the Chalet de

On June 26, the community of La Broquerie celebrated the long awaited opening of Le Chalet de La Broquerie, a 24-unit building that will enhance housing quality and accessibility for seniors in La Broquerie.

Provencher MP Vic Toews was on hand to officially congratulate the community for meeting the demand for seniors housing in the area.

“Funding projects like Le Chalet de La Broquerie will not only improve the overall housing conditions for seniors in La Broquerie, but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs,” stated Toews at the opening.

Armand Leclerc, Chairman for the Board for Le Chalet de La Broquerie, believes the new facility will help keep residents within the community.

“It will keep the elderly in our town,” Leclerc said. “Before, when residents needed more care, they would go to St. Anne, Steinbach or Niverville. Now we will be able to keep our seniors in our town.”

The assisted living apartment complex incorporates a geothermal

Steinbach 55 Plus 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 to 4 pm, call 320-4600 or online steinbach55plus.com.

Up and Coming Events for July:

Bus tour: Beausejour Daylily Gardens, Wednesday, July 11, depart Steinbach 55 Plus 8:45 am. Return approximately 4:15 pm. Registration deadline June 27. Cost: members $72, non-members $75. Minimum requirement of 30 people for a definite departure. Tour Includes: Start at Beausejour Daylily Display Gardens. Next stop is Train Whistle Park, see Lake Agassiz boulder and restored caboose. While eating lunch take in a history lesson of the Manitoba glass factory and cemetery. Visit St. Mary RC Church to view the Leo Mol paintings. Stroll around the Pioneer Village Museum and experience the live historical re-enactments. Stop at Dairy Queen for soft ice cream. Tour includes all admissions, lunch & live entertainment. PLEASE NOTE: Soft ice cream and snacks at your own expense.

Monthly Programs

Single Ladies’ Night Out: The first Friday of the month at 5 pm. Enjoy supper out at a local restaurant. Call the centre for the place to meet.

Foot Care: The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 3 pm. Run

by Val Fry, a professional foot care nurse. Cost $30. Bring your own towel.

Book an appointment.

Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6 pm. Meat and beverages are provided. Cost: $5 per person. Bring along a casserole, salad or desert. Reserve your seat.

Birthday Party: The first Wednesday of the month. All members with a birthday are invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are asked to pay $2. Entertainment provided.

Beltone Hearing: The third Friday of each month. Call 1-800-661-2653 for appointment.

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

Weekly Programs Monday

9:30 - 10:30 am Fitness Class with DVD 1 pm Canasta 7:30 - 8:45 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Circle of friends Wednesday 9 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 1 pm - 4 pm Cribbage 1:30 pm Floor curling 7 pm Old Time Country Band Practice Thursday 9:30 - 10:30 am Fitness Class with DVD 1 - 4 pm Bridge and Whist 1:30 pm Wii bowling Friday 8:30 - 3 pm Circle of friends Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5. Call 320-4605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend.

Monday to Friday - 1 - 4 pm – Billiards Monday to Friday - 9 am - 12 pm and 1 - 4 pm - Computer Lab. Cost $1.00 Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters, receptionists.

Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $20 per year and due in January of each year. Membership is for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights, and eligibility to serve on the board or committees.

heating/cooling system and mobility enhanced features. Twelve of the units are rented to tenants based on income. Tenants of the new building are connected to the existing senior complex of Le Chalet de La Broquerie via a covered walkway on the same site.

Residents in the facility have access to hospitality services such as meals, laundry, and housekeeping, as well as 24-hour supervision by a client care attendant. The hospitality packages are available to tenants at a break-even cost There will also be double occupancy units, which will include one bedroom, and single occupancy loft-like units. Other easy-toaccess services are available, such as a common room and a multipurpose dining room. Rents will be set at $590 and twelve of the units are rented to tenants based on income part of the ongoing rent subsidy provided by Manitoba Housing.

The significant expansion of the Chalet de La Broquerie Inc. consists of adding 24 new units to the existing 19. Twelve are specifically for frail elders. The apartments, located at 93 Principale Street in La Broquerie, received more than $4.9 million in federal and provincial investments and was developed by Le Chalet de La Broquerie Inc. A significant equity contribution from the community of $400,000 was made to improve the size and design of the common spaces as well as the outdoor space. La Chalet de La Broquerie steering committee co-coordinated a 25-person fundraising team that raised more than $1.1 million to support the initial estimated $4.2-million needed.

The La Broquerie sod turning occurred back in October 2010 along with the sod turning for a Sprague seniors housing complex. Construction began in January 2011 and final occupancy was obtained in March 2012.

Niverville’s Water Treatment Plant Upgrades Completed

By Marianne Curtis On June 9, the community of Niverville celebrated the completion of $2.5 million in improvements to the town’s water treatment plant.

To meet increasing demands the existing water reservoir was expanded to provide an additional 1.2 million liters of storage. As well, the water treatment system was upgraded with new technology that is more effective at filtering debris.

This work was critical to help ensure that Niverville residents have high quality potable water.

Niverville Mayor Greg Fehr said this is the first phase in a project that will prepare the Town of Niverville for further growth.

“As Manitoba’s fastest growing urban centre, it is critical that we have proper infrastructure in place to serve the continued needs of the community and prepare to bring the older portions of the community on par with the new standards of development,” stated Fehr. “This phase, along with the future water line systems, will also allow us to complete priorities of business development and recreational amenities in a responsible and prudent manner.”

With the capacity now in place for both potable water and fire suppression, the community plans to continue the project by bringing the water system plan for the entire community, he added.

“It is extremely critical to be able to supply the old part of town along with the new subdivisions. We’d even like a public swimming pool,” Fehr continued.

Morris MLA Mavis Taillieu was on hand to congratulate the Town of Niverville on the new water plant.

“This is the largest town in my constituency,” stated Taillieu. “This new water treatment plant will be the foundation to this community’s

Niverville councillor John Funk, Mayor Greg Fehr, MLA for Morris Mavis Taillieu and Provencher MP Vic Toews toast the completed upgrades to the Niverville Water Treatment Plant.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

continued growth and success,” “This is money well spent,” stated Provencher MP Vic Toews, who also attended the event. “Not only will these upgrades help the water plant meet future demands, but area residents will continue to enjoy clean, safe drinking water for years to come.”

The Town of Niverville provided $832,300 towards the total eligible project costs of $2,496,900. The governments of Canada and Manitoba each committed $832,300 under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which was announced in January 2009.

These projects were in addition to the $2.275 billion earmarked for the “Building Canada” fund. The criterion of the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund was that a project was to be ready to go and completed by

March 31, 2011. The Government of Canada extended the deadline for completion of Infrastructure Stimulus Fund projects by one full construction season, to October 31, 2011. (2009-2010 to 2011-2012).

Niverville’s wastewater treatment upgrades first started in March 2006 with a provincial announcement of a new lagoon at a cost of $2,400,000 million under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Programs. The lagoon was to be situated in the RM of Ritchot and was to be large enough to accommodate the needs of the residents in both Niverville and Ritchot.

The next phase of the project will be to improve and extend the piping throughout the entire Town of Niverville.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Jake Epp Library Celebrates Grand Re-opening

July 2012

13

Aged to Perfection

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen attended and accepting the award were Steinbach Councillor Susan Penner (holding son Mark), Sylvia Nilsson-Barkman, Chair of the Age Friendly Committee and Steinbach 55 Plus President Pat Porter. Steinbach was one of five Manitoba communities recognized.

Jake Epp Library’s head librarian, Loraine Trudeau, said the tree in the children’s reading section of the expanded facility is her favorite spot.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis Over 200 people showed up to celebrate, the grand reopening of the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach after it was closed for nearly six months for construction. In addition, a recordbreaking 4,000 books were signed out by excited attendees.

At the June 20, grand reopening patrons were invited to check out the addition of 590 square meters, for a total size of 1,390 square meters. The $1.6 million project kicked off last September and within a few months, the facility was closed entirely until the expansion was completed.

“We hated to do it but once the site became a construction zone we had to close the doors,” explained head librarian Loraine Trudeau. Patrons helped by taking home nearly every single book until doors reopened.

“We have dreamed of this moment for many years. The residents of Steinbach will be very proud of their new and expanded library,” Trudeau added. “We know that they will appreciate the updated new facility and all its amenities.”

New in the facility is a large multipurpose room that opens up to the main facility. Four laptop stations were added along with six additional computers for public use. Special attention was given to the children’s section, which includes a large artificial tree.

“When I was a little girl, I would sit and read under this big oak in our yard. I always said if I had a library, I would want children to have a tree to lie under,” Trudeau explained.

In addition, the library is improving the youth section by adding age friendly artwork, books and multimedia stations to encourage young adults to use the facility.

“We want to bring kids into a safe haven,” Trudeau noted.

“The young adult section needed a lot of work.”

Steinbach mayor Chris Goertzen conveyed excitement that the long awaited project is complete.

“The excitement for the reopening of the Jake Epp Library has been exceptional,” said Goertzen, “This indicates the extensive use of and appreciation for this regional facility.

This expansion will serve our community and the region for

many years to come.”

The contract was awarded to Boretta Construction 2002 Ltd. in August of last year for the bid of $1.9 million. The project was then scaled down to a budget of $1.6 million and approved

by City Council in December 2010. Funding for the project included a $600,000 provincial grant, $400,000 in city funds, with the remaining costs coming from debt creation.

The initial library was constructed in 1996 at a size of 800 square meters. The new expansion saw an addition of 590 square meters for a total size of 1,390 square meters. Restoration of the existing landscaping is almost complete and new plantings and mulching will be completed by City staff throughout the summer.

Students Spread Anti-Smoking Message Students from the Steinbach Junior High created what is rated the best anti-tobacco video based on votes as part of an anti-tobacco video contest.

At the beginning of May, the province announced the Create and Rate anti-tobacco video contest. It was the province’s first student-produced, anti-tobacco video program and gave students across the province the opportunity to develop videos to discourage other youth from using tobacco.

A video, created by Steinbach Junior High students, called “Birthday Cakes” received the highest overall votes of all the videos, 41,508 votes. Because of this win, the school will receive an Apple IPad.

The City of Steinbach was recently named among five communities honoured by the province for being an age-friendly community.

At the beginning of Age-Friendly Week, which ran from June 4-8, the City of Steinbach was presented with a Friendly Community Milestone Award.

The Steinbach’s Age-Friendly Community Council, which consists of ten community members including a city councillor, was recognized for making great strides in a short time by focusing on two of the World Health Organization’s eight age-friendly dimensions each year.

The group has successfully reviewed and addressed issues throughout the community including sidewalks, traffic lights, outdoor space needs, intergenerational opportunities, transportation options and seniors’ housing.

In order to be recognized as age-friendly, a community must have complied with a number of conditions. These conditions include establishing an advisory committee with the inclusion and engagement of older adults; obtain municipal support to promote and work towards becoming age-friendly; established a plan of action that includes a needs assessment developed with older adults; demonstrate a commitment to action, measuring activities, reviewing and reporting publicly on action plan outcomes.

The communities of Dunnottar, Pinawa, Springfield and The Pas were also recognized.

“Our goal was to give students a creative outlet to express their thoughts about smoking and making wise choices about tobacco use,” said Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau. “The first year of the contest has been a tremendous success with 24 thoughtprovoking anti-tobacco videos submitted by Manitoba schools.”

Ten finalists were selected and internet users were given an opportunity to vote for their favourite video.

Five were from middle school (junior high) students and five were put together by senior high students.

The ads were posted online and all Manitoba students in grades 5 to 12 could vote for the ad they like best.

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More Than Just News!

July 2012

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Former RM of Ste. Anne Councillor Passes

Blumenort Fair Full of Community Spirit

By Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis The committee of organizers behind this year’s Blumenort Fun and Fair days could not have asked for a better weekend to host the three-day festival. The event, which took place from June 22 to 24, drew crowds of attendees and even broke a record attendance for a community breakfast.

Event organizer Michael Dueck said the event was successful due to the nearly 70 volunteers who turned out to help set up and run the event.

“When I started planning I didn’t know we had this many volunteers in this community,” explained Dueck. “When it comes to a hard working group, Blumenort definitely has it; this is a community with a lot of spirit.”

Kicking off June 22 with karaoke, open mic talent, great music and a family movie at dusk the event drew in over a hundred locals on the first night.

Saturday morning started with a pancake, breakfast hosted by the Blumenort LUD and the RM of Hanover and saw over 600 people fed.

“The most people we have had in the past is about 300. This morning we served over 600 breakfasts. It was so busy we considered delaying the parade, but it all worked out,” added Dueck. “The weekend was a big success.”

Afterward there was a parade, entertainment with Lulu and the Tomcat, bouncers, mini-train rides, kiddie carnival, petting zoo, and a magician.

Local groups, including the Stony Brook dancers, X Company dancers and the Southeast Spark also showed off their talents. At 2 pm was a tug of war and at 4 pm more great music on the main stage. At dusk, there was fireworks.

On Sunday there was a community church service followed by a free Mexican Disco lunch. There was a vast array of entertainment including McKenzie Road on Friday, on Saturday, Liza Mae Johnson, an early contestant on this season’s Canada’s Got Talent; Jason Kirkness, Hurricane Jenny and the Jake Brakes also took the stage.

Several local musicians including Liza Mae Johnson, who was an early contender on this season’s Canada’s Got Talent, took to the stage during the festival.

Kids of all ages line the street to take in the mid-morning parade that included several vintage tractors.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

Hire a Home Inspector Home inspections: “Are they something I should have, or are they just false security?”

It seems that in the last year more homebuyers are opting to get a home inspection.

This is a good way to protect the buyer from a home purchase with problems not always visible from a simple viewing of a home.

However, the question you should ask yourself is, “How do I know if I have hired a good home inspector for the job that I require?”

Recently we sold a home in a rural area and a home inspection was requested. The vendor had no problem agreeing to the inspection and the buyer hired an inspector to do the job.

After the inspection the report came back and to everyone’s surprise the inspector reported that the well might be too close to the septic, the septic tank might not work because it looked full, and the water test had failed.

The reason we were alarmed is that we had done a previous water test and it passed. The owner never had any problems with the septic. The inspector couldn’t explain how the field should operate; only that it looked full. Also they couldn’t tell us exactly how far the well needed to be from the field.

After investigating these issues with a professional in each of these fields and taking a new water sample with the purchaser present, the water test passed and we found that there was no cause for concern and the purchaser was happy to buy the home.

Conclusion: First, hire a good inspector. There are plenty out there. Don’t let a bad inspection crush your dreams for your perfect home. Get a second opinion from a professional that works in the problem area.

How to find a good inspector: 1. Ask your realtor to recommend a couple.

2. Ask the inspector if they do a lot of inspections in the area and is familiar with the type of property being purchased? (Rural, Urban, Commercial etc.)

3. Don’t be fooled by the price charged. Prices range from $350-$700 and the most expensive isn’t always the best.

4. Ask questions that you are sure you know the answers to and see if they do.

5. When they are doing the inspection, be present.

6. After the inspection, ask the inspector in person for a verbal report. When they go through it, ask them about each problem in detail. E.g., Why is this a problem? How do I fix it? If I leave it what will happen?

If your daughter were buying this home what would your advice be?

Till next time, hope this helps. Travis Olifirowich and Eileen Lewis.

Piney Residents Approve Dump Plan The RM of Piney council has made a decision on how they will proceed with a project expected to assist the municipality’s improvements to garbage disposal throughout the region. In the middle of June, the RM of Piney council decided they would listen to their constituents and begin the process required to improve the municipality‘s waste management plan.

RM of Piney councilor Sian Barrow says council has listened to residents.

At a public open house in May, residents were presented with four different solutions to the municipality’s waste management facilities. Ninety-two percent of survey participants supported Option 3 as presented in a recent Waste Management Feasibility Study conducted by the municipality, Barrows noted.

Option 3 would establish three transfer stations at a construction cost of about $598,625 and the closure of the five existing municipal landfills. In addition, the supply of bins, haulage and tipping costs for all new transfer stations has been estimated at $71,000 per year for a private contractor. It was the cheapest option under consideration but costs may escalate because a garbage-hauling contract could change whenever the contract is renewed, noted Barrow.

A few years ago, Manitoba Environment told the RM of Piney they needed to reduce the number of sites within the municipality. Council hired a consultant to come up with solutions so that decisions could be made before the province steps in and forces the municipality into action.

Currently there are five landfills located in Piney, Sandilands, Menisino, Vassar and Sprague.

Hazardous Waste Collection Achieves Near Record The City of Steinbach’s 2012 Household Hazardous Waste Day saw the second largest participation since its beginning in 2006.

According to the City, 521 vehicles swung by the Steinbach Fire Hall to drop off hazardous waste during the one day event which took place on June 23. The total number came just short of the previous record number of 560 vehicles back in 2010.

The public is being reminded that used oil and tires can be recycled year round at the Steinbach Landfill’s Eco Centre and that old paint can now be recycled year round at EG Penner’s, Wiebe Painting, and Janzen Paint & Decorating in Steinbach.

The community of Greenland was in mourning recently after former municipal councillor and area farmer Abe Unger passed away on June 24 after a lengthy illness at the age of 84.

For 26 years, Unger served as a municipal councilor for the RM of Ste. Anne. A wellrespected councilor, he spent some of those years as Deputy Reeve. He was also a member of the Bethesda Hospital Board of Directors, a Hanover School Division Trustee and served on many other committees.

During his political career, Unger was only contested in an election once. When he finally walked away from politics in 2002, it was to retire and spend time with his family, not because he lost an election.

His son Gil Unger shared some of his father’s legacy.

“Family and community were important to him.

Throughout his entire life he worked hard for the community; in politics it is difficult to remain objective but he came out of there unscathed; he was honest and fair the entire time and I don’t know how he did that,” recalled Unger. “He had constituents, councillors and reeves calling him for advice long after he left council. He did things the smart way.”

Unger said one of his father’s biggest challenges as a councillor was to take on Water Stewardship to get better drainage in his ward.

“That could surely be figured in as one of his pet projects.

It was always more of a fight perhaps, but in the end they always worked together to get it done, which also makes it an accomplishment. That also to this day is still being taken care of better than it was before his days in council,” Unger continued. “He was a man of few words which made him more respected which made him good at what he did. He taught me to treat others fairly and with respect, be honest and fight to fix anything that can be fixed.”

Unger leaves behind Frances, his wife of 46 years, 6 children, 24 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

July 2012

15

Countdown to St. Labre 200

By Marianne Curtis Organizers are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting race weekend when the fourth annual St. Labre 200 takes place July 13 to 15.

The annual St. Labre 200 go-kart build-off competition is a challenge where 14 teams build their own go-karts within 24 hours. Each team is given basic materials along with their own basic framing materials. They are then challenged to build go-karts from scratch on the first day and race their new creations the next day in a fast-paced nail biting 200-lap race on a quarter mile dirt track. The winner earns the right to hoist the Best Sleep Centre Sparkplug Cup. Teams this year will not only be representing many areas of Manitoba, but there are also individuals participating from Saskatchewan, Alberta, United States and even from the Ukraine.

François Grenier, one of the organizers of the yearly event, is excitedly looking forward to the weekend,

which draws mechanically inclined individuals to the community.

“We are looking forward to another fun weekend,” stated Grenier. “Teams are all registered and we are ready to go.”

In the past three years the St. Labre 200 has been able to give over $15,000 to different local organizations including: Out of the Blue, Seine River Services for Seniors, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Le Chalet expansion project and Ecole Saint Joachim.

Profits from the community supper, concessions, merchandise, team auction, on-site donation jar and in the past, a big raffle is what makes it possible to give back to the community. This year funds are earmarked to support the East Borderland Community Housing in Sprague and two daycares in the area including Treasure Keepers Children’s Centre and Les P’tits Brisous.

The St. Labre 200 is free to the public and the main race takes place Saturday evening followed by two amazing local bands, Hoppin’ Hedges and Bottle Jaw. The evening is topped off with the biggest firework show in the Southeast sponsored by Red Bomb.

Steinbach Packs in Thousands with Big Names and Fun

By Marianne Curtis Temperatures soared during this year’s annual Summer in the City bringing thousands of people to Steinbach for two jam-packed days of sales and activities.

“We are going to have a hard time topping this one.”

Country sensations Doc Walker wowed the crowd Organizers were thrilled with the Friday night.

response to this year’s Summer in the City and Sales in the City, which took place on June 16, and 17.

Summer in the City committee chairperson Keith Unger said this year’s festival was the biggest one yet.

“We are going to have a hard time topping this one,” Unger stated.

“People were raving about the wide range of attractions available for all ages.”

New this year was Culture in the City where a special section of the fair was designed to feature cultural attractions, food and music and it was a huge hit, Unger added.

Unger said organizers are already looking towards next year’s event with the plan of making it even bigger and better.

“All around, this year’s event was a huge success,” Unger added.

Some of the highlights of the weekend included a massive midway, show and shine, a street market, games for all ages, street dancing and tons of live entertainment. On Friday night, crowds were entertained by Jason Petric, McKenzie Road, Jason Kirkness and Quinton Blair who opened for country sensation Doc Walker. The next night Dormant Ember, Corny “Elvis” Rempel, Mike Burnard, The Cracked Egg Shell and Jordan St. Cyr opened for former Guess Who front man Burton Cummings.

Culture in the City featured music, food and merchandise and celebrated the many different cultures in the community, was a huge hit.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

Dig up the Old Recipes or Dig up Dirt Chefs, Heavy Equipment operators and everyone else are excited to take part in the excavator rodeo and fish fry cook-off taking place at the St. Labre 200.

The Fish Fry Event for individuals, chefs, and companies alike are all invited to put their best local fish dish together to gain the most attention from the crowd and our two honorable Chefs. For the past two years, individuals have entered this competition trying different flavours for Ribs and Chili. This year’s competition will crown the best Fish Fry “Connoisseur” and deem them the King or Queen of the Fish Fry. The Excavator Rodeo Event will test individuals and companies to put their best excavator operators in a competition like no other. Participants have a chance to show off their skills in a one of a kind obstacle course while precisely operating an excavator. The goal being to complete this task with zero faults in the least amount of time. This event is sponsored by Manitoba Hydro “Call before you dig” program as well as Townline Backhoe Service.

Both of these events are free to participate in and do offer a unique challenge. The St. Labre 200 prides itself in offering free unique events that everyone loves to watch or participate. Whether you’ve never touched an excavator, never taken part in culinary schools, ran an excavator all your life or you are a veteran chef, both of these events are open for you for the fun of it.

Organizers ask that all participants of the Excavator Rodeo be 18 years old or older, participants from 10-18 must be accompanied by their parents.

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July 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Attitudes Lay the Groundwork for Actions Romans 7:21) So, I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22) For in my inner being I delight in God’s law, 23) but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24) What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25) Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! (NIV1984) Something deep within me can awaken my understanding to what is right and what is wrong. I sometimes do not understand why I do what I do. I try to do the right thing, but somehow I wind up doing just the opposite. What is wrong?

How come part of me wants to do that which is right and another part of me wants to do what I know is wrong? I am a Christian, and I believe I have an understanding of what the Bible teaches about right and wrong. Why can I not live my life doing the things that would always please God? The seventh chapter of Romans talks about this kind of struggle: The writer teaches us that the Commandments are good and they are righteous. The problem is not with the Commandments but with me, or with us. Due to our sinful nature, without Christ we find it hard to obey the Commandments. However, the author also recognizes that we want to do what is right.

There will be times when we do wrong and sin against God because our sinful nature inside us is so strong and we do things that are contrary to the will of God. However, having said that, the Commandments also show the right attitudes that we must desire, like when the Commandment says, “We shall not murder.” We know that murder is wrong, and we now know that if we keep from causing others to be harmed this is pleasing to God. Through the Commandments, we have discovered that we have a sinful nature; this discovery can be what causes us to feel guilty.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:21, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘you shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’” (NIV1984) It is apparent from Jesus’ clarification of this 6th commandment (Exodus 20:13,”You shall not murder.”) That we all may be guilty of violating the full scope of what this commandment seeks.

Jesus cuts through to the real issue. He reveals that our attitude can be as harmful as our actions. Indeed, attitudes precede actions. Attitudes usually lay the groundwork for actions to follow. Through our attitudes, we may be as guilty before God as if we had committed the very act. Jesus speaks of attitudes of anger, pride, ego, arrogance, and the like as He expounds on the 6th commandment. He imposes the same judgment on the one with these attitudes as on the one who commits murder. You see, there is more than one way to kill a person. These attitudes also kill. They destroy a person’s dignity. They destroy a person’s self-worth. They kill a person’s spirit.

I know perfectly well when I am doing things wrong, things that are contrary to the will of God. You see, there are folks who think that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour that all our problems and all our temptations are history. No more will we have to struggle trying to do good. But, it does not take long for us to realize that the sin struggle, far from being over, is just really getting stronger and tougher to deal with.

When we want to beat-up and fight ourselves our spiritual battles without Christ, we lose. When I look into the mirror and really see myself in the light of God’s laws, I feel so hopeless.

God wants us to come to Christ with our struggles. Why beat our heads against the wall. Why not do what the Apostle Paul did and ask, “Who can change me?” His answer is found in verse 25, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In other words, thank God! It has already been done through Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set us free. Jesus is the only one who not only knows what is wrong, but who can also right the wrong. He is not laying blame at our feet, He is bending down to pick us up and set things right.

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 fulfills 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

July 2012

17

Ste. Anne Racer Wins First Feature Race

By Marianne Curtis The month of June has been full of success for Ste. Anne’s Sabatini Racing Team. After a rough start to the season due to rain, 25-year-old Dylan Sabatini finally hit the dirt track and raced his way to his first Lightening Sprint Feature win at Red River Co-op Speedway.

Sabatini’s success started on June 24 when he took on Morden’s ALH Motor Speedway where he competed for the first time for points.

“With a race the next day at Red River Co-op Speedway our main goal was to bring the car home in one piece,” recalled Sabatini. “This goal was slightly compromised when I drew pole position for the heat race. With a great starting spot, my new goal was to win. During the heat, while leading with only a few laps to go, a yellow flag was thrown stacking the cars up. The single file restart would have the #31 of Frank Elais pass me (before the flag stand) giving him the win and myself 2nd place.”

After taking 2nd in the heat race, Sabatini found himself starting 6 out of 13 cars in the feature later in the day. After a rough battle on the track, he finally secured himself a solid second place position with only a few laps to go.

The next night Sabatini secured his first place standing by winning the Lightening Sprint Feature at Red River Co-op Speedway.

“After being robbed of a possible feature win on June 7 because of rain right before the official halfway point of the feature race, I found redemption and officially won my first ever feature race in an NLSA Lightning Sprint Car,” Sabatini stated. “Ever since I was a kid watching races at Victory Lane Speedway and Red River Co-op Speedway my imagination would run

On June 25 Dylan Sabatini, of Sabatini Racing in Ste. Anne, won his first feature race at Red River Co-op Speedway and earned himself a spot at the top of the points leader board.

Photo by Dave Girling of lethalcreations.com

wild picturing myself zooming past the checkered flag and then thanking my sponsors in front of a packed crowd.”

The combined two days of hard racing has put Sabatini at the top of 15 other drivers in points on the leader board.

Heritage Home Becomes a Free Artist Gallery

By Marianne Curtis Patrons of the arts have a new place to work and visit now that the Wilbert C. Loewen family recently opened their heritage home to artists. The heritage home located at the corner of Reimer Avenue and Elmdale Drive is now open to artists for use as a studio and a gallery to display their finished masterpieces.

Rick Loewen, landlord for the Loewen Green House, said The Loewen family has opened this heritage home as a free studio, gallery or the gallery has been very busy since it opened in the middle performance space for artists. of June. Arts can use the heritage space to paint, as a studio or performance space free of charge.

“Artists come in and paint and people can walk in and watch,” stated Loewen. “Artists can also display their artwork on the walls. Some can be purchased.”

Paintings have been selected from Steinbach Arts Council Buy or Lease Art Program and from members of the Southeast Artists’ group featuring a variety of art by local artists.

Artists can use the heritage space to paint, as a studio or performance space free of charge.

Local artist Colleen Watchorn will also be teaching free art lessons at the heritage gallery. Children and adults of all ages are invited to stop by on the last three Wednesdays of July and August in between 11:30 am and 2 pm. All perspective artists need to bring, is a canvas, brushes and paints, and Watchorn will be there to encourage and instruct.

The site also includes plenty of picnic tables to enjoy, then peruse the art and watch artists painting live on-site, or catch a performance by local musicians. The gallery is open from June until August.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Loewen Green Art Scene, please call Rosalita at 346-1077 or email Colleen Watchorn teaches a young artist how to paint at the newly opened Loewen Green House. events@steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Community Pasture Lands at Stake for Stuartburn The RM of Stuartburn is hoping the federal government will consider transferring the ownership of a community pasture to the municipality.

According to council, the federal

government has indicated they are closing all community pastures in Western Canada by 2018.

Council noted that one pasture within the RM of Stuartburn boundaries is at full capacity and it would be a great loss for it to close.

As a result, the municipality has requested from the federal and provincial governments to transfer the current community pastureland to the municipality so that it can remain in use for farmers.

There are 85 pastures covering around 360 thousand acres currently managed

by Ottawa. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) plans to begin divesting pastures on a yearly basis in 2013, handing off control of all of them by 2018.

Discussions have started between Ottawa and the Manitoba and Saskatchewan governments, which own 90 percent of the land managed through the program.

AAFC assured farmers they would receive as much notice as possible.

The program started with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act in1935 to rehabilitate land affected by drought and soil drifting. Its subsequent amendments added systems of sustainable farming practices, tree culture and water supply for national economic security and conservation of the ecology. The end date was extended indefinitely in 1937 and its scope expanded to included systems of land use and resettlement of farmers from stricken areas. The minister was given the authority to enter into agreements with provinces, municipalities, groups and individuals.

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July 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrate Summer Safely As you prepare for summer celebrations, it is important to keep well away from power lines when you choose your outdoor venue. Large tents with metal poles need to be situated in wide-open spaces.

When planning for children’s activities, locate trampolines, wading pools and sprinkler activities away from power lines and outdoor electrical outlets. Always monitor children’s activities to help prevent summer fun from becoming an electrical accident.

When planning and decorating for summer celebrations

Water and Electricity: Summer safety This summer, keep safety in mind when electricity and water are in close quarters. It is critical that electrical items be properly maintained and protected with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) plugs when used outdoors or near water. Aging electrical wiring, damaged cords, faulty underwater pool lighting and ungrounded electrical equipment all have the potential to cause a serious accident. If you are using electrical tools, appliances or cords this summer remember to keep them away from wet, damp areas.

If you are a pool owner and/or operator, whether residential or commercial, remember it is your responsibility to maintain the pool. Pool owners and operators should look into upgrading protection for lights, receptacles and switches, particularly those located in the vicinity of an outdoor pool.

Always be aware of children’s activities around electricity, especially if they have just come out of a pool or sprinkler. When children are wet from the pool, be sure there is nothing electrical that they can accidentally touch when they exit the pool. In a moment of fun, they may decide to switch on that old lamp with a frayed cord, that isn’t grounded, and it could prove to be deadly.

Outdoor equipment should only be used if there is a GFCI has been installed by a certified electrician. Sump pumps, power washers and wet/dry vacuums should only be used on grounded outlets. Outdoor lights, circuits and receptacles should be protected by GFCIs. Use lights and other equipment that is approved for outdoor use and discard anything with a damaged cord. Make electrical safety a top priority this summer.

remember to ensure metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that will prevent them from floating away. Unsecured balloons that float away can disrupt electric service to an entire neighbourhood and cause significant property damage as well. Keep the celebration going, by keeping the power flowing!

Never attempt to retrieve a balloon or kite that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone and call 1 888 MB HYDRO immediately to report the problem. Trying to retrieve your balloon or kite can result in electric shock and death. Enjoy your summer celebrations but use caution and avoid setting up your outdoor party below power lines! Always keep safety in mind.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

July 2012

19

Explore Your Manitoba Backyard this Summer A car rumbles down a side road, rounds a curve and starts down the valley towards Pembina Crossing amidst the “oohs and awes” from the family inside.

“Wow. Look at that river valley,” shouts one of the kids.

“Look, a wild turkey,” calls out another.

This family is part of a growing trend. Many people are opting to stay closer to home for family vacations and weekend getaways this summer.

Today this idea is growing in popularity partly because visitors combine their trip with wildlife watching and viewing rural scenery, which helps to lower travel and vacation costs.”

Pembina Crossing is a scenic, yet virtually unknown, spot located in the Pembina Valley south of Manitou. It is a place with an interesting human history and an abundance of wildlife and breath-taking panoramic views. Despite being, a terrific destination for a country drive this spot is not well known. As all the places described in the book “Manitoba Wild”, the drive to these places is more than half the fun as this book clearly focuses on spectacular scenic drives.

Rural areas are brimming with natural beauty and scenery, but you need help in finding many of them because they are local secrets. This new book helps change that. “Manitoba Wild” is a useful guide for anyone wanting to travel throughout rural Manitoba for wildlife viewing.

“Manitoba Wild” showcases many of Manitoba’s most scenic, yet largely unheralded places. It is filled with beautiful colour photographs, maps and directions to each location. As well, it lists many of the birds, animals, wildflowers and other plants that you may see along the way.

The book leads you to amazing places such as Tolstoi, Birch Falls, Silver Bend, Thunder Hill, Tobacco Creek, Cat Hills and Medicine Rock.

Some of these may be places you have heard about, but they are all new to most people.

Great Horned Owl from the book Manitoba Wild.

The road between Tolstoi and the Agassiz nature trail, located about 100 km southeast of Winnipeg, is a paradise for anyone interested in wildflowers, butterflies and birds. Many endangered species are found here and the variety of wildflowers is simply astounding, yet hardly anyone knows about it.

“There is something very special about this drive that takes you through one of the most biologically diverse natural regions on the planet and one that is on a scale only read about in books or magazines such as visit here is never enough. Each National Geographic. A single visit is different from the last, as wildflowers and other native plants quickly emerge throughout the growing season.” - an excerpt from Manitoba Wild.

Birch Falls is an amazing spot located east of Bissett near PTH 304. This is wilderness at its finest where you will hear the roar of turbulent water cascading down the chute at Birch Falls. While this place is easily overlooked, it is also one of spectacular scenery.

“Manitoba Wild” appeals to people who like to go for a country drive, families planning a vacation, photographers, hikers, bird watchers, as well as people who like to experience nature from the comfort of their armchair. It offers something for everyone from all walks of life. Whether you are a serious naturalist or just getting interested in nature, you will learn something new in these pages.

Here is another interesting twist to this new book. Author Bill Stilwell has put together a slide show and talk featuring the spectacular photographs from his new book. He is willing to make a presentation for your club or group at a very reasonable cost.

Manitoba Wild is available at bookstores and gift shops for $18.99 plus GST. Call (204) 4765210 or visit the website at manitobawild.com. Bill Stilwell is based out of Neepawa.

20

July 2012

Practice Heat and Sun Safety The Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer is reminding Manitobans to prepare for exposure to heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun this summer.

Heat affects the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. The body is always trying to keep a consistent temperature (about 37 C or 98.6 F) but if exposure to heat is prolonged, dehydration, exhaustion, other serious illnesses or, rarely, death may occur.

Symptoms of overexposure to sun and heat can include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness or tiredness, confusion, rapid breathing and rapid pulse.

Plan how you are going to cope with the heat.

Heat illnesses can be prevented by, drinking plenty of water before feeling thirsty, avoiding too much sun, preventing sunburn, planning energetic outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day, finding a cool place to go, taking a cool bath or shower, checking on older family members, neighbours and friends when it gets hot, checking on people with chronic conditions and limiting alcohol consumption. Dependents or pets should never be left alone in closed vehicles or direct sunlight.

If any of these symptoms are associated with heat or sun exposure, move to a cool or shaded place immediately. Lie down, sip water and sponge with cool water. Emergency medical attention may be required depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. For more information on heat, visit gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/ environmentalhealth/heat.html.

Protect Yourself from UV Rays Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other sources, like tanning beds, can be a health risk.

Overexposure, particularly in individuals who are fair-skinned or freckle easily, with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications, or in children, teenagers and young adults can lead to sunburns, premature skin aging, other skin changes and skin cancer. Eye conditions such as cataracts can also result from UV exposure.

Protection from exposure to UV rays can be done by, wearing clothing to reduce sun exposure such as a broad-brimmed hat during the hours of 11 am to 4 pm, using sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 for all exposed skin at regular intervals, especially if in the water or sweating, covering babies and keeping them in the shade and avoid using sunscreen on babies, wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, and avoiding the use of artificial UV tanning equipment.

The daily UV index forecast can help Manitobans decide how much protection is needed when planning outdoor activities. For more information, visit hcsc.gc.ca/hl-vs/sun-sol/protectprotegez/index-uv-indice-eng.php.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Niverville Considers Splash Park During the last month, the Niverville Recreation committee has been doing exhaustive research into what it would take to construct a Splash Park at Hespeler Park based on a proposed plan.

According to Donna Watts, Director for Niverville’s Recreation committee, the main concern is that there is no town water supply or drainage at the proposed location.

“We priced out the cost of running town water there and running a line to the sewer system for drainage. Using town water would also incur monthly water bill costs of approximately $8,000,” said Watts.

It could cost $240,000 to run water to the site, plus $181,000 for drainage.

In addition the estimate of $8,000 a month for water bills, although very unknown would depend entirely on usage, which could fluctuate greatly, Watts noted.

The committee also considered using well water but concerns were raised about water pressure, which could affect the flow to some of the special water features under consideration.

“We would hate to see the water just trickle out of those really cool features,” Watts added. There is also a concern that hard water could stain and damage some of the features. Another option under consideration is the installation of a recirculation tank where water is treated and reused until the end of the day. This could cost about $100,000.

“Usually the cost of a project like this is 1/3 components (approx $70,000) and 2/3 installation (approx $140,000) when you have water and drainage available on site,” Watts continued. “As you can see, we are working with a lot of other variables that at this point in time make this project a lot more challenging and costly.”

The Niverville Recreation Committee is investigating all options to ensure the community would have a facility without a hefty price tag attached.

“We want to assure everyone that we are still looking into different options and grants, and are definitely open to suggestions or ideas,” invites Watts.

RM of Salaberry Saves Money with Compost

By Marianne Curtis For the first time in rural Manitoba, an organic waste collection service will be offered to local residents. As of June 26, residents living in St. Pierre-Jolys will be able to put their compostable materials out on the curb for pickup where it will be taken to a centralized composing location for future use.

The Village of St. Pierre-Jolys and the RM of De Salaberry have partnered with Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (CDEM) and Compo-Stages Manitoba Services Co-op to reduce the amount of waste transported to landfill sites while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ron Musick, Reeve for the RM of De Salaberry, said this program would be great for the municipality.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents involved in composting by working together to make our communities a better place to live,” said Musick. “We are looking forward to seeing the results and being able to save money and resources while, at the same time, protecting the environment.”

The Village of St. Pierre-Jolys will be collecting organic matter and will be disposing of the waste in a specified composting site located at the De Salaberry regional landfill. The organic waste will then be turned into high quality compost using its state-of-the-art windrow turner.

The RM of De Saleberry and the Village of St. Pierre-Jolys created this initiative because of a study back in 2008 on greenhouse gas emissions and many community consultations. The program is funded in part by the province’s Community-Led Emissions Reduction program (CLER) and by Environment Canada.

The first collection service took place on June 26 in St. Pierre-Jolys and collection will be extended to communities in De Salaberry throughout the coming months.

RM of Ritchot Pre-empts Traffic Problems The RM of Ritchot is hoping to gain approval to turn a busy intersection on the west side of Ile Des Chênes into a 4-way stop.

According to council, a request has been made to Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation to install stop signs at all four corners of the intersection of the old Hwy 59 and Dumaine Road.

Council is anticipating this corner will become a high traffic area since Ritchot recently approved major residential development on both sides of the road.

A few months ago, the municipality gave the green light to a project that will see 60 townhouses and 60 multi-family condominiums on one side of the road. An additional 112 condominium units in seven – 2-story buildings containing 16 units each was approved for the other side of the highway.

More Than Just News!

July 2012

21

Landmark Celebrates Golden Years

By Marianne Curtis On June 29 and 30, Landmark Collegiate students from the past and present returned to their roots for two days to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.

Landmark Collegiate officially celebrated its 50th anniversary in October but a more public event on the last weekend of June drew hundreds of former students to the community.

Reunion committee chairperson Marilyn Plett said the weekend was an exciting time to meet friends and people that haven’t been seen for a long time.

“People change and a person at 14 or 15 years old is sometimes very different down the road,” stated Plett. “This event was an opportunity for former students to meet with their old teachers and classmates and touch base.”

Collegiate alumni were treated to a weekend of entertainment as students from each year gathered to share memories. A huge tent was set up in the Archie Plett Memorial Park and the school itself was a hub of activity as former students’ browsed memorabilia such as school rings, photos, report cards and other items.

Weekend events also included an open house and tour on Friday, musical entertainment by former students and a chance to catch up with old classmates. On Saturday,

Landmark School’s first principal, Albert Penner and Ron Plett, former Hanover School Division trustee, and a student eagerly open a time capsule that remained hidden in the brick lobby wall of the school since 1961.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

there was a pancake breakfast, meet the teachers (past and present), a slow pitch tournament and a hog supper followed by a show in the school gymnasium. The highlight of the day was the opening of a time capsule that was buried when the school first opened back in 1961.

Outgoing principal Cam Kelbert recalled how he taught in the school for 17 years and never knew the capsule existed.

“The capsule will be put back into the wall exactly in the same spot with a plaque stating this event took place, along with a current time

capsule put together by students attending Landmark Collegiate this past year,” Kelbert said.

In October 1961, Landmark Collegiate Institute first opened its doors as a four-room schoolhouse.

Within five years, students attending one-room classrooms in the area eventually moved into the building.

This included amalgamating schools in Linden, Shakespeare, and Willowridge. Until Landmark Elementary School opened 19 years ago, Landmark Collegiate housed students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Rain Doesn’t Dampen Fairgoer Spirits

By Marianne Curtis It may have rained on Niverville’s parade but the remainder of the community’s Olde Tyme Country Fair, which took place June 8 and 9, turned out to be perfect.

The Niverville Olde Tyme Fair spokesperson, Jeff Stott, said even though heavy rains presented a few challenges and cancelled the annual festival’s parade; the weekend was an overall success.

Stott said that it was a challenge with the rain that hit the community Friday night and Saturday morning, but thankfully it cleared up for the remainder of the event.

“The grass was a little wet but once the wind died down and we had a little bit of sunshine before the end of the day, things turned out well,” stated Stott. “We had an enormous crowd.”

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Wakeboard Rail Jam competition which made its first ever appearance in Canada at the fair.

Another treat was a performance by the winners of Canada’s Got Talent Sagkeeng’s Finest.

At the big concert on Saturday night was three time 2011 Canadian

Bringing the lake to the streets of Niverville, a unique wakeboarding event took place in the community.

Country star Dean Brody performed for thousands of fans dressed in red and white.

Country Music Association Award winner Dean Brody, who drew thousands of spectators dressed in red and white to show their Canadian spirit.

Chamber Hires First Membership Manager The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce has hired Heather Hiebert as its new Membership Development Coordinator.

The position is newly created as part of the Chamber’s strategy to support and work more closely with existing Chamber members said Chamber Executive Director Linda Peters.

Hiebert’s role with the Chamber will be to attract new members and other opportunities that will benefit the membership as a whole.

“I am so excited about this position and this community” stated Hiebert. “I’ve already met with some Chamber members, and it’s been so interesting to learn about their businesses, their successes and also the challenges they face.”

Hiebert will work on new and innovative ideas and initiatives on how the chamber can support existing businesses assist young entrepreneurs in starting a new business and helping those who want to expand their business.

22

July 2012

COMMUNITY EVENTS

More Than Just News!

Ste. Anne Bibliothèque Ste Anne Library Used Book Fundraiser – Sale of huge selection of used book proceeds will be used towards new library books. For further information call Mona at 422-9958 or drop in at the library at 16 Rue de l’Église. Cost of books $1$5.

EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548

Summer Reading Club - Bibliothèque Ste Anne Library presents this year’s program “Imagine”. Kids can improve their reading Dominion City skills and reduce summer learning loss while having fun. Ages 4 to 12, registrants receives a poster, stickers and an activity book SummerFest - at Roseau Crossing Heritage Park on July 7 - 8. Free activities and entertainment, slow pitch and horseshoe free. Prizes are awarded throughout the summer. Children can pick up their awesome reading kit when they register in person tournament, children’s carnival and events to raise funds for the park and the Dominion City pool. or call 422-9958.

Friedensfeld Fragger LAN - First ever large scale LAN event in Manitoba. To kick things off we are hosting a huge Call Of Duty: MW3 Tournament on August 11 at 2 pm. Massive prizes, lots of unhealthy food, tons of people, and loads of fun. Entrance fee $10 for participants. Spectators watch for free. Contact Brandyn Engbrecht, hello@fraggerlan.com, to register visit fraggerlan.com.

Ste. Geneviève Bibliothèque Taché Library - At the Community Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Large selection of books in both French and English, for children and adults. The library has over 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large print books and magazines plus they can import books from any library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 878 - 9488, bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. Come for coffee and a visit and see what we are all about.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Hopping Good Times Coming to St. Pierre-Jolys

By Marianne Curtis

Kleefeld Kleefeld Rec Association is hosting a inner & A Movie night at the Kleefeld Park on Friday, July 13 at 6 pm - 11 pm. Movie Steinbach The community of St. Pierre-Jolys is showings are Mirror Mirror and We Bought a Zoo. Contact Nicole Rempel, email cnrempel@mymts.net.

Fundraising Concert - On July 29 at the Mennonite Heritage Village with Eduard Klassen Paraguayan Harp, Contact 326-9661. ready to celebrate tradition, family and

community with the 43rd Frog Follies

Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children ages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and YFC Steinbach Fund Raising Golf Classic 2012 - On Thursday August 2 at 1 pm at the Links at Quarry Oaks. Contact and Agricultural Fair on July 12 to 15. snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 377-5013. yfcsteinbach@shaw.ca or 326-4366.

Kleefeld Farmer’s Market - If you are looking for bread, brownies, butter, buns, cakes, cookies, fruit, honey, jam, jelly, muffins, Pioneer Days - From August 3 -6 at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Begins with parade in Steinbach. Relive Mennonite past pickles, pie, preserves, vegetables just to name a few off the top or anything else we want you at the Kleefeld Farmers Market. through pioneer activities, steam powered threshing, horse show, auction, music and lots of good food. Contact 326-9661.

Started Tuesday, June 19 at 3 - 6:30 pm. Located at 76 Park Street.

Rock & Read – At Anna‘s House starting June 4 from 1 - 2:30 pm. Summer program at Anna’s House #11 Hwy 12 N. Free hands La Broquerie on learning experience teaching nursery rhymes, lullabies, finger-plays, book sharing and book making for parents and Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé from Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Offers services and children. Best enjoyed with children ages 3-5yrs. Contact Cathy Bailley 346-0413. programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, the E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Canadian Blood Services Steinbach Clinic - Thursday, July 5 from 2 pm - 8 pm in addition to the regular blood donor clinic on Rowan at 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping Trips: Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, July 19 to ensure an optimal blood supply over the summer season. New hours for July 5 at the Steinbach E.M.C. 422 Main St. leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 1 pm.

Cost $10.

Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. Drop in on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at the Lecoka 5-275 Main St to grab a coffee and discuss sustainable living. Contact email Lorette rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com.

The TD Summer Reading Program – Program begins July 1 at the Bibliothèque Taché Library. Register at the library, by phone 878-9488, or email: btl@srsd.ca. Bibliothèque Taché Library Summer Hours are July 1 to September 4, Tuesday, Wednesday, Seniors (60 +) Shinny Drop-in Hockey - every Monday from 10 -11 am at Centennial Arena. Contact Bob Barrow at 392-3596 Thursday, and Saturday, 10 am- 2 pm. Closed July 21- August 10. or email bob.r.barrow@gmail.com.

Marchand The Steinbach Rotary Club meets every Monday at noon at the Smitty’s Family Restaurant, 145 Park Road West. Contact Cornie Ranch Rodeo- Starts Saturday, July 28- 29. Both days the event begins at 1 pm at the Marchand Community Club. Supper and at 326-3155. dance on Saturday night with Quinton Blair performing. Sunday there is a church service in the park and rodeo to follow. Contact Tyler Wiens at 424-5685 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 pm - 8:30 pm at the Eden East building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email Mitchell eastmanmss@mts.net Mitchell Fun Day - Starts Friday night July 13, from 9 am - 4 pm at Stahn Field Park. Community slo-pitch, bon fire and wiener roast. Saturday July 14, starts with a free pancake breakfast, flea market, petting zoo, fooz ball, wagon rides, silent auction and MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting for people living with multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday evening more. Chicken BBQ supper, and free evening entertainment, ending with fireworks at 10:45 pm. of each month from 6 pm - 7 pm at Fernwood Place apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.

7th Annual Flea Market – on Saturday, July 14 from 9 am – 4 pm. Interested in setting up a table to sell your wares call 3261949 to register, email mitchellfleamarket@gmail.com. The cost is $20 a spot and $10 per additional spot, table rentals MS Lunch Group on fourth Thursday of every month, from 12 noon - 1 pm at the Village Green Restaurant. Contact Nadine Konyk, available for $5.

Rural Client Services Coordinator 326-1434 or email nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.

Breakfast and Social - every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9:00 am except the last Tuesday of the month when the social is held Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, biinstead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area Seniors Centre. Contact 326-6944. polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp Library from 7 pm - 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Niverville Niverville Summer Sports Camp - open to children ages 8-12. Variety of sports in an outdoor setting. Athletes will focus on Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open to adults who want to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursday specific sport skills in the morning and put their skills into practice in the afternoon with a round robin tournament. Sports will evenings starting at 7 pm at the Steinbach and Area Lions Club - meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays every month starts include - Flag Football, Flag Rugby, Volleyball, Basketball, Team Handball, Disc Golf, Soccer, and Outdoor Education Games. at 6:30 pm at the Magnolia Restaurant. Contact 326-2313.

Camp runs from July 2 – 6 and from July 9-13. at Hespeler Park. Contact Chris Chapman at 612-2416 or email chapper55@shaw.ca.

Meetup Group for Women Solo-Entreprenuer group helps you connect with other women who are passionate about growing their business, led by Doreen Penner and meets monthly for 1 hour. Free, except for food and beverage. Contact and to register Summer Family Fun Day - at Hespeler Park on Saturday, July 7 from 10 am - 4pm. Free events and activities are: geocaching Doreen at 392-2698. instruction, entomology presentations, bug safaris, sweep netting for kids, mosquito and pest proofing demonstrations, an atlatl range, a hand grinder station, bannock making, ultimate frisbee demonstrations, and disc golf instruction. Juggling workshop Steinbach AA 12 Step Recovery Program - Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. and show and a kite making workshop. MPI will have their fatal vision goggles demonstration; may have a special guest visiting Ring the front door bell. from the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre. Local music and entertainment. Bouncers for the kids.

Young moms to be - bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm at Anna’s House B-11 Hwy 12N. Contact 346-0413.

Richer Celebration Thibaultville – On Sunday, July 8 at the Enfant-Jésus Heritage Site, 67 Dawson Trail from 1 - 6 pm. Bands include Otterburne Michael Audette & Clint Dutiaume; Paradise Square Dancers. Guided tours of cemetery and church will be provided. Archives Your Community Has Secrets – On July 24, listen how the City of Thompson exposed theirs by developing the Spirit Way Master and artifact displays, silent auction, 50/50 draw, gate prize, hot food services by Classic-Car-B-Que craft sales and many Plan to promote tourism in their region at Providence University College from 10 am - 2 pm. Tickets are $35, lunch included. activities for children: clown, face painting, magician, supervised games.

Register 746-6180 or cftripler.ca.

Guided tours of the Enfant-Jésus Church Heritage Site - Call Yvonne at 422-9369 or Patricia at 422-6880. Summer displays this Whiteshell year: archival documents and photos; artifact themes: one-room schools, carpentry and sawmill tools, Saint-Joseph Sisters; Mammalian Marvels - Frolic with our furry friends to uncover their unique adaptations to survive in the boreal forest from July tribute to pioneer Richer women; restoration projects; religious artifacts. Also included is a tour of the historic Enfant-Jésus 2 - 8. Go to gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/act_interp/events/whiteshell.html for more info.

Cemetery and grounds including the grotto and leaning cross.

General Monday Night Bingos - to raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, 2012 Provincial Pasture Tour - July 25 and 26. Leaving at 10 am, the 8th annual Provincial Pasture Tour in Eastern Manitoba. bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be on Covering topics such as maximizing forage production with hog manure, growing beef on grass, grass fed beef genetics, bale premises and must play bingo. Doors Open at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club in Richer. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422- grazing research, minimizing reproduction issues on pasture, riparian area management and alternative watering systems etc.

5243 or email doreen@spmf.ca.

Also on the agenda will be low input rotational grazing, dealing with liver flukes, red water and lungworm and a tour of a state of the art robotic dairy. Register with Kathy Wintoniw at 346-6080.

St. Adolphe MudFest - A Family Messtival on July 27 – 29. Come prepared for a messy and fun filled weekend at the Old St. Adolphe Park. The Super Start Program, A Healthy Baby program run through South Eastman Health/Sante-Est Inc., will be holding a monthly Volunteers needed - please call 883-2656 or 883-2648. Activities Friday night Karoake Kick Off - St. Adolphe Hotel. On group session. This is a program for pregnant women and families with infants up to one year of age. Each session includes Saturday, tire planter painting, Mud Volley Ball, Mud Soccer, MudPits, Mudslides, Dry Kids Activities, Tug of War, Mud Sculpture song and rhyme time, discussions and games on topics related to healthy babies and healthy moms. Included are door prizes, Contests, Mini Golf, Mud “Foot and Facials”, Mud Run, Beer Gardens, and Community BBQ Supper, Canteen onsite. Sunday: nutritious snacks and milk coupons for all participating expectant moms or mothers who have babies up to six months of age.

Pic Nic Lunch and Pick Up Mud Soccer. Visit mudfest.mystadolphe.com.

Next month our session will be held at: Blumenort – Thursday, July 5 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Blumenort EMC Church St. Labre Niverville – Tuesday, July 10 from 10 am - 12 pm at the in the Niverville Community Fellowship on 3rd Ave. St. Labre 200 - July 13-15, at 9 am on Friday for racers. Free admission event with unique competitions, games/activities for Ste. Anne – Wednesday, July 11 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Ste. Anne Dayspring Fellowship Church youth and entertainment for all. The main event called the St. Labre 200 Race challenges teams to build a go-kart within 24 Kleefeld – Thursday, July 12 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Kleefeld Recreation Centre hours. Carts are timed individually in qualifying laps as they try to gain the coveted pole position. Excavator Rodeo, Rubber Boot Contact: Terry from Super Start at 346-7021 or just drop in.

Toss, Cook-off, music, fireworks and much more. Contact 429-3241 or 424-9068, email contactus@stlabre200.ca or stlabre200.ca.

St. Malo Furs, Floods and the French - Join St. Malo’s Interpreter to explore the history and mystery of this hamlet. Follow the trail made by fur traders, who also created the Crow Wing Trail. Experience the community created by French settlers who followed them.

St. Malo Bike Tour every Thursday in July and August at 11:30 am. Meet at the Amphitheatre. Contact 945-4375 or Morgan.Hallett@gov.mb.ca.

St. Pierre-Jolys St-Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies and Agricultural Fair – Thursday July 12 - Sunday, July 15. Celebrate tradition, family and community with the 43rd Frog Follies and Agricultural Fair. Many activities for the whole family including frog hunt, frog jumping, slo-pitch tournament, parade, pancake breakfast and more! For more info email info@frogfollies.com.

Ste. Agathe Cheyenee Day – on July 20-22. Featuring live performances by Nicolas Messner and Marc Labossiere. Weekend admission is $5 for adults, kids 12 and under are free. Baseball tournament, beer gardens, pancake breakfast, kids’ and family activities, talent show, fireworks and more.

Recycling to be Available in Provincial Parks A provincial recycling program currently piloted in Winnipeg is expected to be rolled out across the province over the next few years.

The provincial government is introducing an enhanced beverage containerrecycling program in government buildings, provincial parks and roadside stops.

The province is collaborating with the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA) to implement a pilot project of which a 75 percent recovery for beverage containers is expected. The program was launched successfully two years ago in Birds Hill Park. It will now be expanded to include Whiteshell and St. Malo Provincial Parks.

The non-profit event promises to bring together people from all over for a funfilled, action packed weekend.

Festivities kick off Friday night with the Great Canadian Frog hunt where people can participate in catching the frogs to be used for the Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship.

The committee is also hosting a “name the mascot” contest to name the event’s two mascots. Three lucky finalists will be chosen on July 1 and the winner will be announced during the Frog Follies.

Some of the featured activities include one of Manitoba’s premier agricultural exhibition displays and fair, numerous children’s activities, a slo-pitch tournament, a parade, fireworks, a Sunday night DJ social, and the Canadian National Frog Jumping Championship.

Last year, with great success, the St. Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies and Agricultural Fair featured a Studio 59 showcase during the Saturday events.

Building on that success the Frog Follies and Marc LaBossière will be working together in highlighting up and coming local artists of all ages. Performers include Lindsay Johnston, Ivan Reimer, Dustin Harder, Julian Austin, Cold Hard Cash, The Saint-Beach Boys and Steven Porter to name some of the local talent that will be showcased.

Volunteers are also still needed for various duties over the weekend to organize some of the events. Those interested can contact Sebastien at 2914630.

Hanover Names New Superintendent The Hanover School Division has named Randy Dueck as the division’s next Superintendent.

For the past five years, Dueck has served as Assistant Superintendent for the school division.

“I am very thankful for the confidence the board has placed in me; as assistant superintendent I gained great understanding of the current challenges and goals for the school division,” Dueck said. “I look forward to this new role.”

Next January Dueck, who started his teaching career in Blumenort, will take over the helm from outgoing superintendent Ken Klassen who retires as administrator at the end of December.

“It is an exciting time for growth in the division,” Dueck continued. “We are in very good shape. Our schools are strong. We are a division that is doing very well and moving forward in the right direction.”

Klassen served as superintendent of Hanover School Division for five years.

Under his guidance, Hanover School Division has experienced significant growth that led to the construction of two new schools in Steinbach. After he retires, he will be joining the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents as Executive Director.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Pinkin’ up Canada Day

July 2012

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Sound Advice from Local Emergency Response Control Group

By Marc Lavergne Our homes, families and personal safety are what are important to us all during the times that Mother Nature or man-made disasters occur. The team of the Local Emergency Response Control Group (LERCG) for the RM of Reynolds, train and prepare a response to help those in need during such emergencies or disasters.

Before the LERCG get involved, it is the residents’ responsibility to be prepared for the first 72 hours of an emergency or disaster.

As the often-used phrase: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, so our take on this is “An ounce of preparation is worth a pound of regret.”

The LERCG strongly recommends you refer to the booklet “72 hours, The Emergency Preparedness Guide” available on line at GetPepared.ca.

This is the time of year where we can have severe storms, as in windstorms, rainstorms and tornadoes. As referenced in the “72 Hour” booklet: Tornadoes are rotating columns of high winds.

Canada gets more tornadoes than any other country with the exception of the United States, averaging about 50 tornadoes per year”. Tornadoes move quickly and can cause extreme high winds and extensive damage to vegetation, buildings and life.

The LERCG believes forewarned is forearmed in an emergency or disaster; so to have an emergency plan in place that you as a family prepare and practice, is your “ounce of prevention”. This practice could be done on a monthly or annual basis. Training will help you become comfortable with what has to be done if or when the emergency or disaster occurs. Regular training sessions will help your family stay calm and to pull together as a family to successfully overcome an emergency.

William with the group of Helping Hooves riders, ready to join the parade.

Photo by Linda Hazelwood, Horse Country Magazine

The Ste. Anne Canada Day parade turned pink as Helping Hooves Manitoba, an organization with a goal to raise funds to battle breast cancer, showed up with multiple riders.

Nine riders attended - and PINKED UP! - for the event. The star of the event of the event was William, a Gypsy Horse owned by Karl and Cora Hohenberg of Cyclone Gypsy Horses, La Broquerie.

In the name of the charity, William had been “divided into segments” and each segment had been available for sale to raise money for Helping Hooves of Manitoba. Sponsors could buy a segment, and William was “pinked” in the donor’s name.

A unique concept! And one that raised more than $300 in just one week! Sponsors could buy a mane, a tail, a leg. Even a kiss on the nose!

When William was all pinked up and took his place at the head of the Helping Hooves contingent at the parade, he certainly raised the attention of the people lining the streets.

La Broquerie Receives Grant The La Broquerie Community Development Corporation (CDC) originally set up to serve the communities of La Broquerie and Marchand will be able to work on some community projects after recently receiving a grant from the l’Association des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba.

The La Broquerie CDC was recently approved for an $8,500 grant for the community.

The RM of La Broquerie has agreed to match the grant for a combined total of at least $17,000. The money will be used for projects undertaken by the La Broquerie Community Development Corporation that is registered with the Economic Development Council of Manitoba’s Bilingual Municipalities.

Vita Knows Canada Day!

Above: Three year old ShaeLynn Greenwood, Michelle Gawronsky’s granddaughter, was all smiles during Vita’s Canada Day Celebrations.

Right: Manitoba Ranch Rodeo was a hit during Canada Day celebrations despite the soaring temperatures.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

Niverville Job Centre in Full Swing

By Marianne Curtis A month and a half after opening its doors, Niverville Youth Employment Center has had students from the west side of the region checking out the employment offerings.

The program is sponsored by Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth in partnership with the Niverville Town Office. This summer Katelyn Goertzen is running the program, which is designed to help students and youth aged 12 to 29 with their employment needs, as well as assisting employers fill vacant positions.

“Quite a few kids are coming through. We’ve helped some BBQs and a carwash and we are looking for new odd job events that haven’t been done before such as a kids’ carnival, but that is still in the planning stages,” stated Goertzen. “Based on previous stats it has been an average year.”

On average, about 75 students use the service each summer, and many continued their jobs into the following year. As well, each year, at least 50 employers are looking to fill numerous positions, including servers, cashiers, child caretakers, and mechanics.

“We are still inviting students and perspective employers to contact us,” added Goertzen.

The MYJC also runs the Odd Job Squad, which hosts summer events such as BBQs, strawberry picks, perogy sales, labour lotteries and carwashes, which are held by youth with the office manager’s supervision. This gives youth under the age of 16 a chance to make money and gain work experience.

The Niverville Manitoba Youth Job Centre offers services to the communities of Glenlea, Grande Pointe, Ile-des-Chênes, Landmark, Lorette, New Bothwell, Niverville, and St. Adolphe.

The MYJC in Niverville operates out of Niverville and is open daily from 9-5 and will remain open until August 10. Students or employers can contact Katelyn Goertzen at 388-6793.

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July 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch