Dawson Trail Dispatch May 2011

Toews Clobbers All Opponents

A re-elected Vic Toews celebrates as he watches other positive results come in for the Conservatives already assured of his victory.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis After maintaining his seat in a landslide election Provencher MP Vic Toews is thrilled to be returning to Ottawa as part of a Stephan Harper led majority

government for the first time in his political career.

Toews clobbered his opponents when he captured over seventy percent of the total votes cast despite the fact that only sixty-two percent of the 62,180 registered voters in

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Former La Broquerie Administrator Arrested in Saskatchewan

By Marianne Curtis Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested and charged former RM of La Broquerie Administrator Lori Wood for theft over $5,000.

According to Maidstone RCMP, the arrest was the result of a complaint by the Maidstone Arena Board, on which Wood participated as a volunteer board member.

The complaint accuses Wood of issuing cheques “without authorization” for which she was the beneficiary.

The total loss to the Arena board is alleged to be in excess of $15,000.

Wood was released from police custody, and has been ordered to appear in Saskatchewan Provincial Court in Lloydminster on June 28th.

Mayor Connie McCulloch confirmed that Wood has been employed by the Town of Maidstone as an Administrator since September 2010.

“I cannot comment on the case at this time because it is a legal matter,” McCulloch stated. “However, there were problems.”

A source from Maidstone alleges that Wood went on stress leave over a month ago, leaving residents to deal with snowfall and spring flooding without town employees available.

“I know that she went on stress leave about a month ago and somehow got most of the staff and some of the town workers to go along with it too,” stated the source.

“We went about five to seven days with no one working here. Some of the town residents were taking their own time to run things and make sure culverts were cleared and streets ploughed as we had a dump of snow and spring thaw was getting under way.”

This is not the first time that Wood has incited a coup.

Wood, along with several staffers, went on stress leave in the RM of La Broquerie. Then she briefly worked for

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May 2011

Arrested continued...

More Than Just News!

Toews Victorious continued...

Continued from page 1 several municipalities including the RM’s of Armstrong, Lynn Lake and Plum Coulee before relocating to Saskatchewan where problems within that council allegedly surfaced.

However, it was her employment history with the RM of La Broquerie which made Wood infamous. Last year she made numerous allegations against the municipal council at the time by alleging that the former reeve stole a historic firearm from the municipal vault, that certain councillors were bending the rules to suit their own agendas and that council was breaking their own municipal bylaws. She relentlessly pursued the matter with the Province, Ombudsman’s Office, RCMP and the Auditor General, until just before the fall election when she relocated to Maidstone, Saskatchewan.

When asked if Wood’s arrest could incite a financial audit in the RM of La Broquerie, Reeve Claude Lussier says that as far as he is concerned the matter is closed.

“We are a new council and I ran on the platform that the past is the past,” stated Lussier. “We are writing a new chapter for the municipality.”

He further confirmed that since the new council took office in the fall, any departments pertaining to the issues Wood had raised prior to the election have not contacted the municipality.

“We (council) do not know the status of any of the investigations,” Lussier added. “We have not heard anything from any of the departments that were investigated.”

Wood did not respond to any of the Dawson Trail Dispatch’s requests for an interview.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Continued from page 1 Provencher came out to cast their ballots.

“I was striving for seventy percent and I got it – now my campaign manager is going to tell me that I set my bar too low,” Toews joked when he heard the news. “For some it may have been a given that I’d get re-elected but I worked hard for each one of those votes.”

Toews strongly disagrees with the pre-election reference that this was a “Seinfeld election” and all “about nothing”.

“These last thirty-five days were perhaps the most important of the time I have spent in Ottawa,” Toews continued. “Going door-todoor and meeting people I got a real sense of what the people in Provencher want and that means something.”

Toews noted that what makes this win such a success is, while many people assume it is voters from Steinbach that help him win, it is the voice from throughout Provencher that matters.

“The last election four thousand people from Steinbach voted for me, the remaining twentythousand came from the rest of the riding,” he added. “Even though some areas were flooded we

knocked on every community and in many communities we knocked on every door.”

As election night events played out, Toews admits to being shocked as he watched the many upsets reported from across the country.

“I am surprised in two ways – first by the surge of support that came out for the NDP across the country and the strength of the majority that we were left with,” Toews stated. “But this is good for the country – we are finally going to be able to get things done.”

Toews is confident that a Harper majority means the government can finally get down to business.

“The first thing we are going to

do is get the budget put through and reintroduce our criminal law bills,” he continued. “And of course - get rid of the long gun registry.”

Eighty three year old NDP candidate Al Mackling put up a fight and captured 18% of the votes, 5% more then 2008. The Liberal party, represented by Terry Hayward, claimed 7%, down from last election’s 12.5%. Green Party Janine Gibson claimed 3% of the votes, down from 5.9% and CHP representative David Reimer lost ground with only 1.2%, less than half of last times 3.2%. The Pirate Party’s Ric Lim, a newcomer to the Provencher political race, captured .6% of the votes.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Flooding Frustrates Ste. Genevieve Residents

Rushing water though the Ste. Genevieve area this spring left several homes needing to be sandbagged.

By Marianne Curtis Ste. Genevieve residents are extremely frustrated with the RM of Tache and other departments after, once again, the community has fallen victim to floodwaters. On April 9th and 10th, an emergency call was made for sand baggers to come to the Ste. Genevieve area to help several homeowners protect their properties from overland flooding, including homeowner Christine Moldowan.

“As the snow melted we watched as the water crept up to the house,” explained Moldowan. “My husband called the neighbour after the water jumped two feet. Within minutes our home was surrounded with people, some strangers, throwing sand bags as if it was their own home.”

Moldowan is extremely grateful for all the help that they received from the community. However, she is extremely frustrated with the response from the municipality.

“My husband and I bought our home less than a year ago. We were so excited as it was our first home,” explained Moldowan.

“That excitement quickly faded. Less than a week of owning our first home our basement flooded and again in the weeks to come.”

Moldowan said that the incident kicked off a summer that seemed to punish area residents with more rain than they could handle.

“I called our councillor, who was of no help and insulting at times. He had no answers and did not direct me to someone who could help,” Moldowan continued. “I asked about Winnipeg’s sump pit program and if we had something like that that could be offered to us. I was told the ‘municipality was not going to pay for homeowners upgrades’”.

She adds that she is already not looking forward to the summer months and any rain that could hit the area.

“The drainage has to be

addressed. Homes are being flooded, farmlands washed away, along with roads,” Moldowan continued. “We are losing sleep, feeling helpless and literally scared when it rains – it’s a horrible gut wrenching feeling seeing rain in the summer.”

Carmen Allard has been meeting with the RM of Tache, Cooks Creek Conservation District and trying to meet with La Verendrye MLA Ron Lemieux, on behalf of community residents to appeal for help.

“I have contacted Ron Lemieux’s office to ask if he could put some pressure on Minister Steve Ashton’s office to clean out the ditches east of Highway #12 along Highway #501 to get rid of the lake at that corner of those two highways, and get rid of the bulrushes along Highway #501 down to Ross,” Allard said.

RM of Tache Mayor Bill Danylchuk said that he understands the frustration of area residents but some of the issues are not within the municipality’s jurisdiction.

“Unfortunately, this is for the most part a jurisdiction other than the municipality which will only be addressed when the others come aboard,” Danylchuk explained. “That’s mainly the Province of Manitoba along 501, and also the Cooks Creek Conservation District, which is a conservation district that looks at, and has been taking responsibility for, the work on drains that have been talked about in that area.”

Allard would also like to see consideration made towards communities such as Ste. Genevieve to be included in the recent sump pump program by the province. The sumppump subsidy program would pay up to 60 percent of the cost of installing a sewer/drainage backup system, to a maximum of $3,000 per household (up to $1,000 toward the installation of an approved in-line backwater valve and up to $2,000 toward the installation of a sump pump and pit drainage system).

“When we asked the RM if we could apply for this program we were told that

the program had already been set up for Lorette a couple of years ago, that it was being set up in Landmark but that it was not applicable to rural residents,” Allard said. “The rural residents have been asking their councillors about this program, want to apply but have been told no to yet another Provincial initiative to help with flooding.”

In 2003, the RM of Tache developed a sump pump and back-up valve program that provided funding for the installation of a sump pump and backup valve. The program later expanded to include Landmark.

May 2011

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More Than Just News!

May 2011

Dinosaurs are Again on the Endangered List Political turmoil is rampant worldwide and norms are non-existent. The only constant is change. This change runs the gamut from tragic to buffoonery.

Europe is flirting with right wing extremism identified by their xenophobic reaction to immigration. Of course, they have not seen self-inflicted wars for two generations and now find their democracies unprepared for peace or incapable of sharing their bounty. Their leaders are not being re-elected anywhere. The polls swing left to right or right to left, searching for a better economy and immigration restrictions.

The Middle East has, is, or will soon be revolting.

Hundreds have died for the rights to self-determination.

These autocratic regimes are committing genocide in futile efforts to survive and it would quickly become catastrophic for their populations if it were not for some heroic members of the world press keeping the stories alive, sometimes at the expense of their own lives. Even some of their own press has reported on the side of the rebels; some have died for those efforts. The Arab world has experienced a seismic shift. Historically it will be attributed to two things, a well-educated population and the speed and effectiveness of media to spread the good word. In some of those member countries, the education is still medieval but the excellent media of their neighbours will accelerate this discrepancy.

Asia is in a state of flux, but most states led by China and India are becoming giants on the world stage. The chase for jobs starts with education, which in turn will lead to individual freedom of expression followed by his wants in need of being met. In turn, he wants a say in his destiny and refuses to be denied. This genie will not get stuffed back in the bottle. There are two exceptions,

Pakistan and North Korea, both capable of plunging the world into darkness. Both countries lack liberal education and an unshackled press.

However, their general area will apply constant pressure to mend their ways.

Africa has some bright spots and some spots blighted by the Mugabes of that continent, but all too often watching paint dry would be more exciting and less demeaning. Still, let us not get too smug, the hangover of colonialism with its artificial boundaries and racism are hard devils to subdue.

In the western hemisphere, we have Venezuela and Cuba acting up but they will stay for a few years yet. Back at home, it is a comic tragedy. It looks like we will put a couple of dinosaurs to pasture, no shots fired, none of the member’s media will be sacrificed. A wee bit of history has been made and I dare say things will never be the same again. Who knew that a cane would be such an effective prop, a Bat Masterson replay. At this time it appears the voter turnout will improve (if the Arabs had it so easy they would drool). At least there will be no more negative ads. That is one dinosaur I’d wish to extinguish.

Now we have the summer to digest it all.

$21.3 Million for Child Care I am very pleased to announce that the Selinger government has recently announced a $21.3 million investment in our province’s future. We have committed to fund 2,100 more childcare spaces throughout the province, 337 of which are for the Southeast. The childcare system is critical for families to work and attend education or training programs and supports the well-being of children and the strength of our economy by creating more options for Manitoba families.

The five child-care capital projects in the Eastman region that have been approved to begin construction over the next two years will result in an increase of 337 child-care spaces: - Garderie Île-des-Chênes Daycare, 94 spaces ; - Kinder Korner Early Learning Centre, Steinbach, 67 spaces; - Steinbach High School, 74 spaces; - Garderie de Bambins Co-op, St. Malo, 45 spaces; and - Treasure Keeper’s Children’s Centre, La Broquerie, 57 spaces.

I am happy to report that the Garderie Île-des-Chênes Daycare has been provided with funds to build a new facility, which will contain 94 childcare spaces. This is to be housed within the new Community Centre being constructed in Île-des-Chênes. The province has also provided a total of $430,000 toward the geothermal unit that will heat and cool the community centre, fire hall and arena as well as $10,000 for the new kitchen, which will be used in the community centre.

Manitoba Family Choices Program

Manitoba’s Family Choices is supported by investments across the province that includes: - capital grants over the next two years for 25 new centers and 21 centre revitalizations; - more spaces including 2,100 funded spaces, and enhanced funding for 400 nursery school spaces in 2011-12; - funding for pensions including a new two percent incentive for workers who want to join the pension plan and funding for the employers’ share; and - a one percent increase to centres for rent and other operating costs.

This past fall, a groundbreaking pension plan for early-learning and child-care workers was introduced to encourage people to enter and stay in the field. Today’s announcement builds on this measure by providing new two-year funding to cover two percent of the employee’s share, which will encourage people to join this important plan. This means that workers have to contribute just two percent of their pay to get an eight percent pension contribution.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on these and other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail (rlemieuxmla@mts.net), by phone (878-4644), or by mail at 1011309 Dawson Road, Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 and together we can continue to keep La Verendrye and Manitoba on the right track and moving forward.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Why did the NDP wait to fund police?

Recently, the province announced that it would be hiring some additional rural police officers using $14.4 million in funding that had been provided to the province by the federal Conservative government for police recruitment.

While this was welcomed news to the many communities needing additional officer support, there are questions regarding why the officers were only announced last month. After all, the $14.4 million given to Manitoba for police by the federal government was made available in 2008. It was part of a national funding initiative where every province received funding for police.

In fact, in provinces like Ontario and Saskatchewan, new police officers were being hired just months after the 2008 announcement because of the federal funding initiative. But not in Manitoba.

Even though many police units desperately needed additional support and were suffering under ever-increasing call volumes the NDP decided to sit on the $14.4 million for three years.

Communities that did receive an officer as part of the announcement, like Ste. Anne, should not have had to wait an additional three years to receive the funding. Other communities that are in need of officer support, like Steinbach, may have been in line now for additional officers had there been an earlier use of the federal funding.

It seems clear that the NDP government in Manitoba decided to sit on this federal funding for police officers for three years simply so that they could make the announcement closer to the October 2011 provincial election date. While other provinces where hiring and training

police over the past two years with their share of the funding, the NDP government was holding the money for a pre-election announcement. So instead of new officers being in place in communities and on the streets protecting residents, the NDP put politics ahead of public safety.

Residents of Manitoba know all too well that crime is affecting all of our communities. There is an increase of violent crime in Manitoba and an increase in property crime in many communities.

The public safety of residents should be the number one consideration in any decision of the use of funding in the provincial Department of Justice. Instead, the NDP made it clear by holding back this funding for three years that it places its political interests ahead of the safety of residents. That should concern all residents of Manitoba.

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.

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

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

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More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Richer Volunteer Wins Award

Leon Tetreault (left) receives a Volunteer Service Award from Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Philip S. Lee.

By Marianne Curtis A Richer man was among 33 individuals and community groups from across Manitoba that were recently honored with Volunteer Service Awards.

On April 27, Leon Tetreault from Richer was among nearly three dozen volunteers recognized by the province for their dedication to improving their communities. He was presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s Make a Difference Award at a special gala celebrating the many volunteers’ achievements.

Seventy-year-old Tetreault was recognized for his involvement throughout the years in the community of Richer. He volunteered as a designated driver for Child and Family Services. He helped set up the breakfast program at Richer School, joined the parent advisory committee and was a member of the Community Education Committee. He’s worked with the Richer Local Métis Federation, helped with community hampers, is on the Young at Heart board to just name a few of the committees he sits on.

“I will continue to volunteer as long as I can, because it makes a difference,” stated Tetreault.

The annual awards are the Province’s way of acknowledging the tremendous contributions volunteers have made to help their communities become stronger and more vibrant.

“Manitoba is fortunate to have so many active volunteers and this event celebrates not only our honourees, but all Manitobans who give their time to worthy causes,” states Dennis Dyck, with Volunteer Manitoba.

The 2007 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating indicated that 54 percent of Manitobans over the age of 15 volunteer, contributing approximately 81.5 million hours annually. At minimum wage, this effort is valued at over $733 million.

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Chalet Committee Snags Development Award A committee from La Broquerie was one of four organizations from across the province that recently received an award at the 2011 Capturing Opportunities Awards.

The La Chalet de La Broquerie steering committee was recently presented with the Economic Development Innovation Award for community involvement by an organization or municipality.

The award was given to the group for their efforts in coordinating a 25-person fundraising team charged with the task of raising funds towards a new assisted living development in La Broquerie. The group successfully raised $1.1 million towards a $4.2 million, 24-unit assisted living development.

The award was presented at the Manitoba Hydro celebration banquet that is a traditional part of the Capturing Opportunities program held annually at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. It recognizes the leadership and community contributions of individuals, organizations and businesses in four categories.

As winners, the group received a commemorative glass award and $1,000 to contribute to a community organization of their choice.

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More Than Just News!

May 2011

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Eastman Girls Commit to University Hockey

By Marianne Curtis Two young athletes from the region are graduating and moving on to promising careers in women’s hockey after receiving scholarships to play university hockey.

Shelby Bram from Ste. Anne and Riki Krentz from La Broquerie will both be moving on to play women’s hockey at the university level. Both players have been members of the Eastman Selects MFMHL. Seventeen year old Bram has committed to play for the Mercyhurst College Lakers, one of the top teams in the NCAA located in Erie Pennsylvania, next season. Shelby will be following in her sister’s Bailey’s footsteps she is already one of the Lakers top forwards and one of the top forwards in NCAA Hockey.

Over the past 2 seasons Bram became one of the top offensive players to ever play in Eastman Selects program. She has also been named to Team Manitoba through the U18 Hockey Manitoba Program of Excellence each of the past 2 years.

Most recently, Bram was part of the roster for Manitoba’s Under 18 team that participated at the 2011 Canada Winter Games (women’s) tournament.

She also made the U18 Team Canada and represented Canada in a 3 game set vs. the USA as well as played in the U18 World Championship in Sweden in January 2011 where she was part of Team Canada’s Silver Medal performance.

Teammate seventeen year old Riki Krentz has given her commitment to play for the Mount Allison University Mounties in New Brunswick next season. Mount Allison is a CIS Program who competes in the Atlantic University Sport Conference.

Krentz, an alternate captain for the Selects is a very good skater with a solid defence but has contributed offensively in her three year career with the Selects has picked up 107 points (48 Goals and 59 assists) in 137 games played.

Although Krentz did not start playing hockey until age 12 she has earned 2 Provincial Bronze Medals with the Selects plus won 3 Provincial Championships prior to playing with the Selects along with a N.A.H.C. Gold Medal with Team Manitoba.

Krentz is also an outstanding student who carries a 92% University Entrance average in high school and is looking at getting her Bachelor of Science Degree at Mount Allison.

Left and Below: Ste. Anne native Shelby Bram is going to Pennsylvania to play college hockey with her sister Bailey.

Above and Right: Riki Krenz from La Broquerie is going to play hockey in New Brunswick.

Old Tyme Country Fair – Volunteer Opportunities!

Stuartburn Hires Administrator As of May 2, the RM of Stuartburn has found a new chief administrator.

At a recent meeting, council agreed to hire Jennifer Blatz as the municipality’s new acting chief administrator.

The RM of Stuartburn was forced to find a new administrator after long time CAO Judy Reimer retired effective June 1. Reimer has been the municipality’s administrator for 35 years.

That time of year is fast approaching. The Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair is coming on June 10 and 11.

Volunteers are invaluable to the success of The Fair each year! The Volunteer Fair Committee enlists the help of hundreds of volunteers to do a variety of tasks throughout the event. The aim is to acquire a couple hours of time from everyone so that nobody is overburdened with volunteer duties. As they say, “Many hands make light work.”

If you have a new friend or neighbor that may like to get involved, please forward them to www.nivervillefair.com to find out more. This is a great way to for new residents to meet the locals! NEW for 2011...Volunteer for two hours or more and you will be entered to win $250 cash!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Become a Season Ticket Holder It’s that time again! Reserve your seats NOW for the 2011-2012 season… another line up of new and exciting concerts. Makes great gifts for birthdays, retirements, and anniversaries. Call 346-1077.

Summer in the City We have expanded our space to invite more Visual Artists to participate in the ARTISTS IN THE CITY tent – painting, drawing, pottery, sculpture.

Calling all Crafters and Artisans – you have another week to apply as well.

Check out the website www.summerinthecity.ca and send in your application today.

KR Barkman Concert in the Park Look for the KR Barkman Concert in the Park 2011 Series schedule to be out in May on the Steinbach Arts Council website. Musicians, Bands, Singers will perform during May to July. These are free concerts open to the public, and are designed to promote local talent, so don’t delay!

Celebrate the Arts…in Mask-erade Style!

The premiere event of the year – to celebrate Creativity in our Community!

‘Celebrate the Arts…in Mask-erade Style!’ Fundraiser Gala 2011on Friday, May 13.

The evening will feature fine dining, good friends, ‘Who’s behind the Mask?’ entertainment, an art auction, a jewellery tombola, and dancing. Calls for tickets, tables are going fast.

Summer Art Day Camps – Have the best summer ever! 4 & 5-day camps for kids ages 5-12 years, running from July 11- August 26. Experience activities in music, dance, drama, visual arts and sports/recreation and physical arts. Camp themes: Blast from the Past, Topsy Turvy Holidays, A Pirates Life for Me!, Sporty Camp, Heritage Hunt, Year 3000.

Summer Stay in Shape Dance Camp July 18-22, by Sasha Smith for 7-12 years Learn new techniques, develop your personal dance style, and create your own choreography.

Pre-Registration for Fall Programs Wednesday, June 1, 3-8 p.m. at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre – 10% Discount on June 1st.

Come and check out all there is to do at our ARTS RECREATION CENTRE open House. It’s time to sign up for all fall programs at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre – dance, theatre, visual arts, music – get a 10% discount on most programs this day. Another 10% off if you bring a friend, a first-time registrant in a program.

Dance Classes include: Youth Pops, Creative Movement, Pre Ballet and Ballet, Urban Ballet, Dress Up Song and Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, Creative Tap and Hop ‘N Bop. Visual Arts: Photography, Pottery, Watercolour, Acrylics, Oils, Cartooning, Art Exploring, Art Adventure, Abstracts and Animation.

Backyard Theatre Company – acting, improv, Young Company Performing Troupe; Other Wellness Classes: Social Dance, Zumba, Belly Dance, Latin Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Language classes Spanish, French & High German; Healthy Cooking Classes, Kids Cooking Classes, Writer’s Group, Arts for Tots pre-school program.

XCOMPANY will hold their classes at our Centre in the upcoming season. For info: www.xcompanydsf@yahoo.ca

Hall Gallery Exhibits –Pixels VIII Featuring SRSS media students runs from May 4 – June 1.

Drop-in Drawing with Jack Tate Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 pm Ages: 17+ you can drop in and learn the art of drawing – or improve your drawing skills if you are a painter. Designed for students who have little or lots of drawing experience.

Arts for Tots Preschool Program - Early Registration for Fall 2011 Register today….Spaces are limited!

The most creative way to learn early child development through dance, theatre, music and visual arts – for ages 3-5. Instructors: Miss Carol & Miss Pam. Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday 9-11:30 am & 1-3:30 pm

Gardening is an art Looking for Seniors to participate in Grandma & Grandpa’s Green Thumbs – May to June 2011 Looking for seniors to share their gardening knowledge with local elementary students. Call Samantha @ 346-1077.

Looking for Board Nominees Serve on the Steinbach Arts Council Board of Directors for the 2011-2012 season.

A willingness to support community programs, an interest in the arts, and ability to give a little time to this policy making board is required. Call 346-1077 for more info, or send a letter of intent to director@steinbachartscouncil.ca

Steinbach Arts Council Clubs Photo Club with Dan Hewson – First Monday of the month Southeast Artists Group – Tuesday mornings 9:30 -11:30am – Welcoming new artists! Call Gary Holden 346-9623.

Southeast Daycares Get Funds As part of the provincial budget, four daycare centers in the region have been included in a recent provincial commitment to create additional daycare centers.

The four centers located in St. Malo, Ile Des Chênes and Steinbach are part of a $21.3 million investment into 46 capital projects over the next two years.

In Ile Des Chênes, the Garderie Ile Des Chênes Day Care is getting money to establish a new facility for 94 children to be located in the community center.

In Steinbach, two new centers have been approved within Hanover School Division Schools. Kinder Korner Early Learning will create a day care center in the Clearspring Middle School and a new center will be created in the new Steinbach High School.

Garderie de Bambins Coop is receiving funding to expand the daycare in St. Malo to better accommodate the 64 children utilizing the facility.

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Public Welcome to Attend Farewell Tea The public is invited to attend a farewell tea in honor of South Eastman Health’s retiring chief executive Monique Vielfaure Mackenzie.

The afternoon affair is taking place at Bethesda Place on May 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vielfaure Mackenzie has been the chief executive officer for South Eastman Health for the last six years.

Prior to taking on the role as head of the regional health authority, she served as the organization’s Vice President of Corporate Services and Planning.

Upon leaving South Eastman Health, Vielfaure Mackenzie will be stepping into the position of Executive Director with the Regional Health Authorities of Manitoba. She will assume that role June 1.

More Than Just News!

May 2011

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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, pay us a visit, and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information, call the center at 320-4600.

Special events coming up in May 2011 Annual Music Fest: Tuesday May 3rd 7:00.p.m. Hosted by Steinbach 55 Plus at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church, 360 MacKenzie Ave, Steinbach. Featuring Steinbach 55 Plus Choir, Winkler & District Seniors Choir, Altona Seniors Choir and joining us this year - the SRSS Chamber Choir. All are welcome. Please come early, as this event will soon fill up.

Free will offering.

Old Time Country Dance: Friday May 27, 8 p.m. Live Band After Eight.

Tickets in advance $8 member, $10 non member. $12 at the door for all.

Monthly Programs Single Ladies’ Night Out: The first Friday of the month at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy supper out at a local restaurant. Call the center for place to meet.

Foot Care: The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9:00-3:00 p.m.

Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost is $25. Bring your own towel.

Call the center to book an appointment.

Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Main dish and beverages are provided. Cost: is $5.00 per person. Bring along a casserole, salad or desert. Call the center to 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 $2.00. Entertainment provided.

Perogy Bee: The first Monday of every month.

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

Brain Injury Support Group: The last Monday of the month from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Weekly Programs Monday

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Fitness Class 1:00 p.m.

Canasta 1:00 p.m.

H.O. model railway project 7:00 p.m.

Wood Carving 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Tai Chi Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Adult Day Program Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Fitness Class 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi 10:00 a.m.

Choir practice 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cribbage 1:30 p.m.

Floor curling 7:00 p.m.

Old time country band practice Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Bridge and Whist Friday 8:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Adult Day Program Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5.50. Call 3204605 by 9:00 a.m. to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus are available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend.

Billiards: Monday to Friday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Computer Lab: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost $1.00. There are lessons with Alex Cupples on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Call the center for more information.

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

Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $20 per year. Memberships are 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.

For more information on our programs, activities or volunteer opportunities, drop by the Center Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., call 320-4600, or go to www.steinbach55plus.com.

Club Gets Money for Rocks The Lorette Curling Club is thrilled to be receiving some funding to refurbish its curling rocks. The club was recently informed that they will receive a $5,000 grant for the project from the Canadian Curling Association.

Club President Nancy Brommell is excited about the funding announcement.

“This summer our curling rocks will be refurbished,” said Brommell. “So combining quality ice and the improvements we will make to the curling rocks this summer, curlers will enjoy fantastic curling conditions next season.”

Last season the Lorette Curling Club worked diligently to improve the quality of the curling ice at the facility.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Nursing Home Residents Among Evacuees

By Marianne Curtis As floodwaters threatened to rise along the Red River, South Eastman Health chose to relocate the residents of the St. Adolphe Personal Care home as a precaution.

Forty-two residents of the St. Adolphe Nursing Home relocated to Grunthal in preparation for the rising Red River. The Red River, which is experiencing higher than normal water levels, is expected to crest the first weekend of May. Monique Vielfaure Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer for South Eastman Health, confirmed that residents and staff were temporarily transferred to Grunthal.

The swollen Red River in St. Adolphe forced a number of evacuations including 42 residents “There were some vacant units from the St. Adolphe Personal Care Home. for supportive housing in the facility and the residents have moved into that space,” Vielfaure Mackenzie stated. “We are very fortunate to have available space.”

It took two days to transfer all the residents and they are expected to stay in Grunthal for about three weeks.

Steve Neufeld, of the St. Adolphe Personal Care Home, said the evacuation of all 42 residents — along with their beds and personal belongings — went “seamlessly”.

“This area of the world is very accustomed to dropping everything and helping those in need,” he said. “It’s south-eastern Manitoba and it’s what we’re known for. As soon as there’s a need, it’s very quickly filled with people to help sandbag and protect the homes that are at risk.”

Neufeld said that staff at the home were notified in February that there was a good chance they would be evacuated due to flood concerns in the spring. This is the fourth time since 1997 that the facility has had to evacuate. He estimates the most recent evacuation cost about $150,000.

To date 181 residents from the RM of Ritchot have been evacuated including people that were evacuated from their homes for a few days because of losing road access.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

May 2011

3rd Annual Culturama a Hit Over 1,500 people came out to Culturama at the end of April making the one-day event another huge success.

The Eastman Immigrant Services hosted the one-day event to celebrate the vast array of cultures that have settled in southern Manitoba. It took place April 30 at the Steinbach 55 Plus.

Kyla Murray with the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce says that the event would not have been such a success without the hard work of the many volunteers.

“Hundreds of people enjoyed a full day of culture with fantastic cultural entertainment, food, vendors, and children’s activities,” stated Perkins.

“A special thank you goes out to all the volunteers as well as a number of Chamber members who sponsored and supported the event.”

The event showcased an array of cultural on-stage entertainment including dancing, storytelling and more from 14 different nationalities and 16 different countries. This year participants could even learn how to Irish Dance and drum. A variety of cultural artisans and crafters were present along with tons of great children’s activities and a sampling of cultural foods throughout the day from all over the globe. There were booths and activities from Scotland, Ireland, Philippines and Ukraine along with many more.

The Eastman Immigrant Services is a program offered by the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce.

The Romanetz Ukrainian Dancers were among the many performers that entertained about 1,200 that came out for this year’s Culturama.

The McConnell Irish Dancers spent time in the kid’s room teaching Irish Dance steps.

9

10

May 2011

Manitoba Budget and Your Income Taxes On April 12, the Government of Manitoba announced several changes to the 2011 tax year. On that day, I only caught some of the highlights on the news but now have had a chance to review it more detail.

I suppose it is good for those of us in the tax business that the federal and provincial governments keep making our personal income tax returns more and more complicated and harder for individuals to do it on their own. I won’t be short of work any time soon!

There is one new item that the province introduced: a new Children’s Arts and Cultural Activity Tax Credit. Here’s what the announcement said: “In order to foster enriching extra-curricular activities for children, a new credit is introduced in 2011 to recognize organized and supervised arts and cultural activities taking place in Manitoba and outside a school’s regular program, including: supervised lessons in music, dramatic arts, dance and visual arts; language instruction; natural environment and wilderness activities; private tutoring in school subjects; and the development of interpersonal skills. Children’s organizations, including Girl Guides, Scouts, 4-H and Cadets, will also qualify.”

Now before you get too excited, remember it is a 10.8 percent nonrefundable income tax credit. Eligible activities costs of up to $500 can be claimed annually for a child under the age of 16, providing a family up to $54 in income tax savings for each child. For a child with a disability under the age of 18 on whom at least $100 is spent on eligible activities, the family qualifies for an additional $54 in income tax savings.

Ok, if you are spending the money anyways it’s good to get an extra $54 in your pocket for the year to offset the costs. However, remember that those of you who do not have taxes payable (families with lower income) may not benefit because it is a “non-refundable credit”.

Start saving all those receipts for all the activities your children are in!

I’ll be asking for them next March and April while completing your 2011 tax returns!

There are a couple of other changes also announced.

First, the basic credit that all of us get is finally being increased. If you read my article last month, you know that it’s been something on my mind for many years. The current basic credit for Manitoba for 2010 is $8,134.

Remember it has not increased very much in the past 11 years. The federal amount is up to $10,382 because they have been indexing it to inflation in the past decade.

The Province announced it would be increasing it $1,000 over the next four years. Therefore, for 2011 it will be $8,384 and by 2014 it will be $9,134.

It’s a step in the right direction, but keep in mind the Feds will be increasing theirs too over the next four years, so the provincial basic credit will still be far behind the federal amount.

So the Province of Manitoba will still get more tax revenue out of all of us.

I still have my petition at my office, so please feel free to drop by if you haven’t signed it yet. I hope to deliver it to an appropriate person in May. Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk – you may be getting a visit from me soon!

There were a couple of other increases to note: The Primary Caregiver Tax Credit is increased by 25 percent from a maximum annual amount of $1,020 to $1,275 beginning in 2011.The tax credit was introduced in 2009 to provide recognition and financial supports to Manitobans who serve as volunteer primary caregivers to assist care recipients to live independently in their own homes.

If you provide care to a parent, family member, neighbour or anyone else and you want to find out more, give me a call. We can go back to 2009 and adjust your taxes for the past couple of years if you qualify.

The other change that affects most of us is the Education Credit that is increasing from $650 to $700 in 2011. Most of us that own property have it show up on our property tax bill when we get it later in the year. Those of you that are renting will claim it on your 2011 income taxes next Spring. As long as your rent is $395/month or more for the year, you should be entitled to the full $700 credit.

A final note on Personal Income Taxes, I’m pretty sure most of you have filed by now, but for those of you that haven’t, here’s a couple of pieces of information for you.

If you are expecting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late, but it’s in your best interest to get it done soon. Also those of you that receive GST credit and or child tax benefits, you definitely want to file soon.

If you owe CRA, you will face a late filing penalty now too, plus interest, so get it filed real soon to keep the amounts to a minimum.

Those of you that are self-employed like me; we have until June 15 to file. I normally file my own on June 14 once I have everyone else done. Of course, the interest starts accruing now, but at 5 percent interest, I’m not too concerned about the interest that has started adding up. I did send Canada Revenue Agency some money before April 30 just to keep the amount accruing interest down a bit.

It’s been a “taxing” couple of months for me and my assistant, Ruth, and I’m happy that the long days have come it an end. I’m open all year round, so if you have any questions about your taxes, whether I did them for you or someone else did or even if you did them yourself, feel free to give me a call or drop by.

Anni Markmann is a tax professional and an independent financial advisor working, living, and volunteering in our community. Contact Anni at annimarkmann@mts.net or 422-6631 or 107 Central Ave in Ste Anne.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Five Years of Education Celebrated in Steinbach

By Marianne Curtis Five years ago, the Eastman Education Centre opened its doors bringing an array of education opportunities to the region that were previously unavailable in one location. Since then 4,500 students have come through the centre’s doors to take at least once course.

On April 7th, in celebration of International Adult Learners’ Week (April 2-9) and five years of student learning and success, Eastman Education Centre hosted a celebratory event.

At the celebration, Eastman Education Centre Board Chair Clyde Loewen said that the facility was built after several people in the community saw a need to combine a number of post secondary institutions into one facility.

“The first five years have been very interesting and exciting at times and also challenging,” Loewen said.

“It has been interesting to watch so different education providers come together under one roof successfully and cooperatively.”

Eastman Education Centre created opportunities through education with partners including the Assiniboine Community College, Campus Manitoba, Providence College, Red River College, University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.

“We hope to continue to see student numbers increase and our education providers continue to be successful,” Loewen added.

On behalf of the University of Winnipeg, President Lloyd

Provencher MP Vic Toews was on hand to celebrate Eastman Education Centre’s fifth anniversary.

Axworthy added that offering courses in Steinbach fit well with the school’s philosophy of breaking down walls. The U of W has offered 20 courses over the years and plans to add three more in the next year.

“I’d like to see the day when the centre is actually being able to offer some courses for the rest of the province that are based upon the heritage, culture and religion of this area,” Axworthy told those in attendance.

The $3 million regional education campus along Loewen Boulevard in Steinbach opened five years ago

and was a community venture from the beginning. Mel Loewen donated the land on which it is located. The 18,000 square foot Eastman Education Campus Building was part of an extensive project expected to meet the growing education needs of the region.

The Eastman Education Centre is part of a 50-year vision of an entire campus that could house a residential college, a middle school for Hanover School division, division offices, a cultural centre, park and campus comparable to Brandon University.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

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

Steinbach There will be an Old Time Country Dance on May 27 starting at 8 p.m. Live entertainment is the band After Eight. Advanced tickets are for sale at Steinbach 55 Plus office and are $8 for members, $10 for non-members. Tickets are $12 at the door for all. All ages are welcome to come. Lunch will be served at 10 p.m.

Don’t miss the Relay For Life 2011! This will be taking place May 27 to 28! This fun, overnight event is your chance to join the fight against cancer. To register as team or as a cancer survivor - or for more information, please contact Cyndy Friesen at 320-1896 or email to cyndy@mts.net.

North American Safe Boating Awareness Week runs May 21-27. Be safe on the water; wear a lifejacket. Please don’t drink and boat. Take a Boating Course and be prepared. Also beware of cold water risks. Learn more at www.smartboater.ca or email: ian@smartboater.ca.

The Steinbach & Area Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale will take place on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 at the Clearspring Centre. Come and purchase local grown plants. There will be vegetables, annuals, perennials and shrubs at very reasonable prices! Hours are Friday, May 13 from 6:00 - 6:30 pm for members only. It will then be open to the public on Friday, May 13 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm and Saturday, May 14 from 9:00 - 11:00 am.

Every Saturday, from 9 am to 4 pm, beginning May 14th, members of the public will be able to bring their leaves, grass clippings, and any other garden cuttings to Steinbach’s Community Compost Depots. There are two depot locations, one at the Steinbach Junior High School track (77 Lumber Avenue) and one at Woodlawn School yard (411 Henry Street). This compost material is then taken to the landfill where it is composted and used in the City’s parks and gardens.

Finished compost is also available for the public to pick-up at no charge.

This Mother’s Day come join us for the Fourth annual Run for Mom. Run for Mom is a Steinbach and area community event providing an opportunity for individuals and families to participate in a 10km/5km/Kid’s run on Sunday, May 8. Our Mission is to promote an active lifestyle and raise funds for local charities.

A Free Compost Workshop & Info Session will take place Thursday May 5 from 7 pm to 8 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Are you interested in learning more about composting? Do you have some specific composting questions you would love to ask? This is your chance! Two of Steinbach’s Master Composters will be hosting this info session/workshop in the multipurpose room at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Get handouts and tips on how to create quality compost for your yard and garden. There is no cost to attend, but please call 346-6231 or e-mail areitsma@steinbach.ca to register.

Annual Music Festival will happen on Tuesday May 3 at 7 pm. It is hosted by Steinbach 55 Plus and will be at the Emanuel Evangelical Free Church, 360 McKenzie Ave, Steinbach. Performing are Winkler and District Seniors Choir, the Altona Seniors Choir, and the Steinbach 55 Plus Choir. Also joining us this year will be the SRSS Chamber Choir. Everyone is welcome to attend. There is a free-will offering instead of ticket cost.

Register today! Don’t miss out on the fun, fitness and fellowship. If you are age 55 or over, register now for the 2011 Manitoba Lotteries 55 Plus Games. Steinbach is hosting the Games from June 14 to 16, the only annual multi-sport event in Manitoba for adults age 55 and over. For information on events or registration, visit www.msos.mb.ca or contact the games coordinator at 942-3147, 1-800-561-6767 or email active@msos.mb.ca. The registration deadline is May 13.

Free monthly bus trips to the casinos of Winnipeg. Call your friends and neighbours and join us for a fun day at the Casinos. Pick up in Steinbach will be at 8:30 am and at Paradise Village approximately 9 am. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. There are prizes and cash for everyone. There will be bingo on the bus. For information on dates, and to reserve your seat on the bus please call Marilyn at 326-4939. The next scheduled trips are May 17 and June 14.

Rosa There will be a Spring Supper on Sunday, May 15. It will run from 4 pm to 6:30 pm at the Shevchenko Ukrainian Centre in Rosa. The Holy Eucharist Church of Rosa is sponsoring this supper. Cost is $12.50 for adults while children ages 6 - 12 are $6. Children under the age of 6 are free. Silent Auction tickets are 15 for $5.

Lorette Seine Singers Spring Luncheon/Dessert Concert will take place on Sunday May 15 at 5 p.m. at the Notre Dame de Lorette Parish Hall in Lorette. The concert features the Seine Singers (Lorette community women’s choir), Two for the Road (vocal duo), and Violin Trio (local award winning violinists). Kim Polton will be painting while choir sings. There will also be Poetry Reading to music (Kellie Winzinowich) and a Visual Arts Display of local artists. Tickets are $20. Tickets are not available at the door. For more information or to buy tickets, please call Arlene at 878-2016 or Iris at 878-3314. Tickets are also available from choir members.

Get Fit Without the Gym with Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant Stephanie Hnatiuk. Learn the fundamentals and techniques for a fun, challenging strength-based workout that you can do at home! Improve your fitness level, and increase your strength and endurance. Become more energetic while toning and shaping your body. This will run May 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the CLCC Community Centre Cost is $47 for men and women of all ages. All fitness levels are welcome to come. Things you will need are a Yoga mat, exercise ball, dumbbells/resistance bands, skipping rope, and water bottle. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Space is limited so please reserve your spot before May 7. For more information and to register contact Vicki Plaisier at Fab6@shaw.ca.

You are all welcome to attend the Sisters of the Holy Rock Concert - a fundraising event for Taché Library on Saturday, May 14 at 7 pm. It will take place in the Lorette Collegiate Gymnasium at 1082 Dawson Rd., Lorette. There is a silent auction at 6 pm. in the Library. Tickets are $ 15 and are available during library hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 pm. - 8:30 pm, and on Saturday 10 am to 2 pm. Please contact: Meghann at 878-9488. The Sisters of the Holy Rock are an inter-denominational entertainment group of 80 men and women who volunteer their musical talents to organizations. Dressed in their traditional black and white “nun-like” habits, they are described as Talented and Teasing, Serious and Silly, Faithful and Frolicking, Holy and Hilarious. Please come for an evening of entertainment and encourage your family members, friends and neighbours to join us.

Ste. Anne Seine River Services for Seniors is pleased to invite everyone to its Annual General Meeting which will be held at Le Club Jovial in Ste. Anne. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 19. Everyone is welcome. To register call Juliette Rowan at 424-5575 before May 13.

Prawda The Prawda Walk for ALS will take place on Thursday May 19. Registration is at 11 am. The walk will begin at 11:30 am, at the Reynolds Elementary School in Prawda. Come out and take part or just come and support the little school with the big heart.

Ste. Genevieve Ste. Genevieve Community Centre is having a Bike-A-Thon on Saturday May 28. Doors will open at 9 am for registration and pledge collections. Parade leaves from the Ste. Genevieve Community Centre at 10 am. Pedal power to the Ross Community Hall and return. Escorts provided by the Ste. Genevieve Fire Department.

There will be prizes for the best decorated bike, youngest entrant and most pledges. We will be having a cookout and refreshments to follow. This is fun for the whole family. “SAFETY HELMETS are RECOMMENDED”. Sponsor sheets are available at Ste. Genevieve’s DOMO Store. Please remember to bring your pledge sheets and monies. In case of bad weather, the event will be delayed to June 4. For more information please call Jeanette at 422-5439.

General The super start program, a healthy baby program run through south Eastman health/santé Sud-est inc. This is a program for pregnant women and families with infants up to one year of age. Each session includes a song and rhyme time, discussions, and games on topics related to healthy babies and healthy moms.

We offer a door prize and a nutritious snack. Also, we have milk coupons for expectant mothers and mothers who have babies up to six months of age who participate in the program. This month, our session will be held on…

Thursday, May 5 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Blumenort EMC Church.

Tuesday, May 10 from 10 am - 12 pm at the 4th Ave. Bible Church, Niverville.

Wednesday, May 11 from 10 am - 12 pm at Ste. Anne Dayspring Fellowship.

Thursday, May 12 from 10 am - 12 pm in the Kleefeld Recreation Center.

Tuesday, May 17 from 10 am - 12 pm at the East Borderland Primary Healthcare Centre, Sprague.

Thursday, May 19 from 10 am - 12 pm in the St. Pierre Health Corner, 354 Prefontaine Ave. Tuesday, May 24 from 10 am - 12 pm in the Ste. Agathe Hall.

Wednesday, May 25 from 10 am - 12 pm in the Lorette Community Health Office.

For more information please call Terry from Super Start at 346-7021 or just drop in.

May 2011

11

Lorette Splash Park Moves Forward

By Marianne Curtis Thanks to a generous donation from the Community Development Corporation to the Lorette Community Complex (CCLCC) of a construction of a spray Park in Lorette, children and youth in the RM of Tache will be on their way to making exciting summer memories this year.

Ross Deschambault, representative from the CDC, presented a $25,000 cheque to Graham Eason, President of the Lorette Community Complex, at a wine and cheese event at the Lorette Curling Club Lounge on April 11. The funds were received through the CDEM, the Conseil de Développemente Économique des Municipalités Bilingues du Manitoba, which works in partnership with CDC in bilingual municipalities to support community initiatives.

The Lorette Community Spray Park will be located on the east grounds of the CCLCC site and will feature a ground geyser, directional water jets, water tunnel, spray cannon and more.

Children of all ages, parents and grandparents are expected to enjoy this new attraction.

The CCLCC previously secured funds to develop the spray park in Lorette from the provincial government. The addition of this

Construction of the new water park in Lorette is expected to start this spring.

donation from the CDC will bring fundraising to over $65,000 to date for the $150,000 water park.

Graham Eason, President of the Lorette Community Complex, says that the project is ready for tender but more funding is needed to make it a reality.

“Individual, community group and business donations are required to make this a reality” according to Graham Eason. “Our community has a strong history of supporting worthwhile activities for children and youth as demonstrated by this CDC donation. The community is becoming aware and getting on board with making this a reality for kids for generations to come.”

The province has committed to one-third of the project costs, which are estimated at $350,000.

The splash park is expected to compliment the Lorette Community Complex which already features a hockey rink, three-sheet curling rink, meeting rooms and a large hall, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, a toboggan hill and walking path along the Seine River. The community also has tennis courts and a ninehole golf course.

12

More Than Just News!

May 2011

Lemiuex Seeks Re-Election

By Marianne Curtis La Verendrye MLA Ron Lemieux is hoping for another opportunity to represent constituents in the next provincial election after his nomination to be the first NDP candidate in the new Dawson Trail constituency.

Lemieux, who lives in Lorette with his wife of 35 years, was first elected as MLA of La Verendrye in 1999 and was immediately appointed to cabinet. He is currently serving as Minister of Local Government.

“One of the main reasons I first entered politics is that I grew frustrated with the lack of support our communities received under the Conservative government,” Lemieux said. “I am seeking re-election to ensure our hard work together since 1999 is not squandered by Hugh McFayden who doesn’t care about the things that families in our communities care about.”

Premier Greg Selinger looks forward to working with Lemieux for another term.

“Ron Lemieux gets things done and the communities he represents have made significant progress thanks to him, our regional partners and our NDP government,” said Selinger.

“Ron’s re-election is essential to ensuring we can keep Manitoba on the right track.”

Lemieux’s list of achievements over the past 12 years is countless. It includes completion of Phase one of the re-development of Ste. Anne Hospital, building the new section of the Villa Youville, supporting daycares in St. Adolphe, Richer and Tache and supporting upgrades to sport facilities and parks in Grand Pointe, St. Adolphe, Lorette, Ste. Anne, Landmark and Ile Des Chênes. He was successful is seeing Highway 59 twinned from the Perimeter to Mondor Road, east of Ile Des Chênes, re-development along the Trans Canada Highway and the reconstruction of the St. Adolphe Bridge.

To date, Lemieux’s only official challenger in the October provincial election is Larry Tetrault who will be representing the Progressive Conservatives.

Niverville Coach Receives Award At the beginning of April, a Niverville coach was honored for his contribution to sport, leadership, personal development and coaching effectiveness.

On April 10th, Adrian Bruce received the Dr. Jack Hunt Memorial Development Award.

Bruce is the head coach of the Niverville Wrestling Club, as well as the provincial coach and Manitoba’s head coach for the upcoming Western Canada Summer Games.

As president of the Manitoba Amateur Wrestling Association, Bruce was recognized for making a significant contribution to the revival of Amateur wrestling in Manitoba. He has involved himself in all levels of the sport, from a Grassroots level developing camps and the growth of participation to Coaching Development through delivering courses and travelling to remote communities to deliver intensive courses.

Bruce is known for his passion, commitment, skill, determination, and high performance in his role at the provincial team level, sport development and promotion.

The Coaching Manitoba Excellence Awards are an annual event established to celebrate Manitoba’s best coaches. The awards are designed to acknowledge the contribution coaches have made to their sport and athletes over a number of years.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Hometown Grants Announced

By Marianne Curtis Eighteen community projects from throughout the region have been approved for funding after the province recently announced this year’s Hometown grant recipients.

On April 29th, the province announced that 295 projects throughout Manitoba will receive a combined $568,000 in funding. The money is slated for outdoor upgrades, building renovations and street enhancements.

The Hometown Manitoba program provides annual funding in three categories including meeting places, main street enhancements and tree planting to help communities promote their own unique community themes.

This year’s projects include improvements to playgrounds, public seating, landscaping in public areas, tree planting and tree replacement, community club or museum enhancements, signage, painting and attractive awnings.

The Hometown Grants program was launched in 2004 and since then more than 1,440 projects have been approved province-wide for a total of almost $1.4 million.

Approved projects: De Salaberry Musee, St. Malo Museum - Museum restoration.

De Salaberry, St. Malo Chamber of Commerce - Install community sign.

Kleefeld, Kleefeld Recreation Association - Kleefeld Washroom & Sign.

Hanover, St. Peter St.Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Cementery - Tree planting.

La Broquerie, LUD of La Broquerie - Plant multiple rows of trees.

La Broquerie, RM of La Broquerie - Tree Planting.

Niverville, Town of Niverville - Welcome Sign.

Piney, Sprague & District Historical Museum Inc. - Building facelift and sidewalk.

Piney, Vassar Community Recreational Center - Main Street lighting and signage.

Piney, Vassar Community Recreational Center - Plant trees in the park and campground.

Piney, Woodridge Community Club Inc. - Community club revitalization.

Ritchot (East), Centre Recreatif Ile Des Chênes Community Centre Inc. - Parking lot for community center.

Ritchot (East), Grande Pointe Homeowners Association Inc. - Grande Pointe Park Development - Phase 4.

St. Pierre-Jolys, St-Pierre-Jolys in Bloom - Flower Planters for the Community Cemetery.

St. Pierre-Jolys, Village of St-Pierre-Jolys - Wrought iron archway and fence.

Rciher, Enfant-Jesus Heritage Site Corporation - Facade improvement.

Tache, Corporation du Site historique Monseigneur Tache - Replicate historic exterior on new building.

Tache, Playground Equipment for Landmark Committee Town Park 2010 - Phase 2.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Grafitti Mural Project a Success Over spring break, the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) hosted a Graffiti Mural project – Urban Arts ’11 open to teens, at no cost. They worked with Jillian from the Graffiti Gallery in Winnipeg.

With 20 teens taking part, SAC deemed it a great success since, for most of the participants it was their first time at the Arts Centre.

The teens snapped a picture of themselves, imposed it onto wood pieces, and then painted the mural. Jillian from Graffiti gallery spent two days teaching them about styles of graffiti art, and images, and incorporating them into murals. They were encouraged to create a subject and portray or communicate it to the community.

The creations will be displayed at the SAC program sponsors such as Fountain Tire, Janzens Paint and Decorating and Red River College, at Summer in the City, as well as other places around Steinbach.

May 2011

13

Graduating Apprentices Honoured for Top Marks

By Marianne Curtis A carpenter, a cabinetmaker and a landscape technician from Grunthal, Kleefeld and Steinbach were among 38 of Manitoba’s top journeymen recognized for graduating from apprentice programs with the best grades this year.

Travis Wieler, a cabinetmaker from Twin Creek Woodcraft Inc. in Kleefeld, and Andrew Fehr, a landscape technician with Sunshine Nursery and Greenhouse in Steinbach, were both recognized for their top achievements as graduating journeymen.

Wayne Lemay, a carpenter with WayneRight Building and Restorations in Grunthal, received the Ron Krishka Memorial Award.

The Ron Krishka award is given to the apprentice with the highest standing on the certification exam and the Internationally Experienced Tradesperson Award.

The three graduating apprentices were recognized at the 19th annual apprenticeship Highest Achievement Awards ceremony and reception, which took place at the Winnipeg Convention Center on April 29 to honor 38 of Manitoba’s top new journey-people and their employers.

Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister, Peter Bjornson hosted the event.

“The apprentices we’re honoring this year have achieved the best marks in the on-the-job skills needed to complete their apprenticeship training,” said Bjornson.

Designed to give people an opportunity to reach personal career goals, apprenticeship programs allow employers to build highly skilled workforces that meet their business needs.

In addition to recognizing this year’s top apprentices, the province announced a new online technical training program through a partnership with three colleges. Apprenticeship Manitoba through the E-Apprenticeship Design and Development Initiative (EADDI) offers the training.

Apprenticeship Manitoba will offer online technical training in 12 designated trades and common core subjects including Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMS), math/science and communication.

Hespeler Park Phase 2 Plans to Become a Reality The Niverville Recreation and Wellness Commission found out recently that their grant application to the Community Places Program for Phase 2 improvements to Hespeler Park was approved for the amount of $18,000. Phase 2 plans for Hespeler include a climbing structure for kids, an outdoor fitness circuit and asphalting the pathway that runs between the two parking lots.

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May 2011

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Adoptable of the Month To adopt this pet or one of the adorable pets currently living in foster care and looking for forever homes contact the Steinbach Humane Society at 3261274.

Hi, my name’s Buck. I’m a young adult male large breed blend. I’m a good guy who loves people and gets along well with other dogs. I’m good-natured and love to play outside. I’d love to join a forever family.

My adoption fee is $95 and includes my first vet health check, neuter surgery and tattoo, first vaccinations and first deworming. If you’d like to learn more about me you can email canines@steinbachhumanesociety.com.

Floodwaters Claim Niverville Man

By Marianne Curtis

My Spinning World It’s Almost Time!

By Peter R. Martens “Oh-my-gosh-I’m-so-excited, Ic a n hardly-believe-that-it’s-almosttime, I’ve-been-waiting-so-long!” This is just a small sample of the prattle that’s been going round and round in my brain for the last couple of weeks.

What could cause these almost ceaseless thoughts of near incomprehensibility? The approach of May 14th of course! For those of you who don’t realize the significance of that wonderful date, allow me to enlighten you. May 14th is the day that dreams can once again become reality. Where secrets that were once hidden beneath the waters may (Lord willing) come to light. May 14th is the day that fishing season opens! Yippee!

Personally, I’ve been waiting all winter for the chance to get out and toss my hook into the water and attempt to catch some fish, preferably big ones, but any fish is better than no fish.

While I did manage to attempt ice fishing twice this winter, both times ended with zero fish coming up through the hole. That’s okay, I’ll just wipe the icicles from my eyes and chalk it up to being a learning experience.

Next winter will be a different story.

One thing that is really cool is that my oldest son is now old enough to be having the urge to go fishing. With his own tackle box, lures and fishing rod he’s ready to go. It’s not uncommon for him to ask me if I want to sit down with him and look through our tackle boxes. I can’t remember ever saying no to such a great request.

Within Manitoba there is the Travel Manitoba Master Angler program where fish of a specific size per species can be registered. Certificates are awarded for all qualifying fish and pins are given out based on set milestones. If five “master” fish of a single species are caught and registered then a Specialist pin is awarded bearing the word Specialist and the name of the fish species. For example, last fall I caught a master Channel Catfish.

Now, if I can catch four more then I will be awarded the Channel Catfish Specialist pin. This is one of my goals for this summer.

Another great program that Travel Manitoba offers is the Travel Manitoba Li’l Angler Program. This program is where little kids (under 12) can send in a photo of themselves holding (or Mommy/Daddy holding) a fish that they have caught. The child will receive a certificate declaring his/her accomplishment and a Li’l Anglers patch. My son was super excited to receive his last summer.

For more information go to www.travelmanitoba.com and click on fishing on the left side of the screen.

A 61-year-old Niverville man is dead after the vehicle he was driving was swept away by floodwaters earlier in April.

On April 9th, St. Pierre RCMP and the RCMP Dive Team were called in to recover the body of Raymond Stott, who went missing Wednesday night.

Police report that Stott drowned after the vehicle he was in was swept away by floodwaters while he was trying to cross a portion of Allarie Road in the RM of De Salaberry.

Gary Stott, the victim’s brother, said that he lived in the area and used the road daily for work purposes, so he was stunned by the accident.

“There were no barricades on the road,” said his brother Gary Stott.

“He got caught up in the current that took his truck off the road and into 15 feet of water.”

Stott leaves behind one grandson and three children.

Nine days after the accident, on April 18th, RCMP, family members and experts gathered at the site to

demonstrate what happens when a vehicle falls victim to floodwaters.

As part of this demonstration, Gordon Giesbrecht met at the scene of the accident to give a visual demonstration while filming an instructional video on how dangerous it is for drivers to cross a flooded roadway.

Known as “Professor Popsicle”, he is a world expert on cold-water survival and safety, and has recently demonstrated lifesaving techniques on several television shows including the Rick Mercer Report and The Late Show with David Letterman. Giesbrecht, along with the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, filmed a demonstration video on the perils of driving onto a flooded road or highway.

The Allarie Road location had been chosen at the suggestion of the Stott family, who support any efforts to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again. Gary Stott, who was present at the demonstration, admitted that it was difficult to watch the scenario that depicted what had occurred over a week earlier.

“My brother was familiar with this area and the flood patterns,” Stott explained. “If it could happen to him, it could happen to anyone.”

“Few people realize that a vehicle can float in as little as 16 to 18 inches of water,” said Giesbrecht. “The problem is exasperated if the water is flowing – once the vehicle floats it can quickly be pushed off the road and over ditches where the water is deep enough to submerge it and drown its occupants.”

If ever in a vehicle that begins floating, Giesbrecht said to never reach for your cell phone.

“Unbuckle your seatbelt, then open your windows. Get any children unbuckled and then get out,” Giesbrecht said. “If you have to drive through water, make sure it is no more than 12 inches deep.

Undo your seatbelt and open your window before proceeding. If your vehicle floats, get out immediately.”

During the demonstration, it took only two minutes and twenty seconds for the vehicle to be swept into the current and completely submerged.

Lorette Curling Club Raises Funds for Cancer Care During their annual awards celebration the curlers from the Lorette Curling Club came together to raise money for Cancer Care Manitoba on behalf of a fellow curling enthusiast.

Nancy Brommell, President of the Lorette Curling Club said that the club recently came together to raise money to show support for fellow curler Joe Aiello, a morning DJ on 92 CitiFM. Aiello, who is an avid curler and supporter of the game, lost his wife to cancer last month.

“At our Awards Celebration, we passed the hat, and when I got it The Lorette Curling Club came together and raised $500 for Cancer Care Manitoba. back, there was over $500 in it,” said Brommell. “With all the proceeds affected by cancer in some way going to support cancer research are very generous.”

Brommel noted that nearly which encouraged the group to and programs in Manitoba, people like the Lorette Curling Club curlers everyone in the club has been support the cause.

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May 2011

Otterburne Project to Reduce Emissions

By Marianne Curtis In celebration of Earth Day, the province announced funding for three community-led projects expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including one in Otterburne.

On April 20, the province announced more than $295,000 in funding to support three communityled projects that will help to reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions in Manitoba by developing and implementing more energy efficient systems for heating and transportation.

The projects, which are being supported by the province’s Community Led Emissions Reduction (CLER) initiative Competitive Fund, include the installation of a new biomass heating unit for buildings on the Providence College and Seminary campus, located in Otterburne.

Providence College president Gus Konkel said that the college is a leader when it comes to energy efficient campuses.

“What we want to do is set the example for what an institution may do in terms of initiatives to live more friendly with our earth,” said Konkel.

“We have geothermal in our Reimer Centre and now we have the Biomass heating over here, so we’re very pleased for all those individuals that have helped make this possible.”

La Verendrye MLA Ron Lemieux made the funding announcement personally.

Providence College President Gus Konkel shows RM of De Salaberry reeve Ron Musick and La Verendrye MLA Ron Lemieux how the new biomass heating unit works.

“These initiatives make good environmental sense and they make good economic sense,” said Lemieux.

“That’s why we’re working with communities across the province to support these innovative approaches toward increasing energy efficiency and cutting the greenhouse-gas emissions.”

RM of De Salaberry Reeve Ron Musick is also pleased with the project.

“We have to be serious about the health of this planet,” said Musick. “One by one, I believe these types of initiatives can only have a positive effect.”

The heating unit will burn waste straw or other biomass by-products’ from local suppliers, largely

South Eastman Health Takes On Suicide Prevention

By Marianne Curtis The South Eastman Regional Suicide Prevention Committee was busy during the month of April addressing suicide prevention throughout the region by launching the “Out of the Blue Campaign”.

The committee, funded by Manitoba Health, was organized to address suicide prevention by providing education and skill development to the community and to service providers.

Chaired by the South Eastman Health’s Mental Health Promotion and Illness Prevention Coordinator, members of the committee include community agencies, public health as well as mental health organizations, youth, faith-based organizations and people affected by or concerned about suicide.

“With the participation of the schools, RHA, and their communities, we will become a model-region in mental health awareness,” explains Leona Doerksen, Mental Health Promotion and Illness Prevention with South Eastman Health. “Each person will know how to get help if they or someone they know is feeling suicidal. There is no problem too big and suicide is never the solution.”

The objective of the program is to increase awareness and develop broad-based support for positive mental health. It also stresses that suicide is preventable through a focus on education and positive mental health. It is expected to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and support community driven suicide awareness and prevention programs.

A variety of activities and programs have been launched throughout the region to bring awareness in suicide prevention where it is needed most. As part of the program five schools, representing five school divisions in five communities that stretch across the entire South Eastman region, will have an opportunity to participate in a mental health awareness/suicide prevention presentation.

Another facet is the Blue Awareness Activities that encourage communities and organizations to adopt a “blue” theme, which will eventually be judged. Awards will be given for the most successful campaigns.

replacing natural-gas heating units.

It is expected to heat upwards of 90 percent of the campus once the system is brought online at a cost savings of $50,000 per year in natural gas and reduce carbon emissions to just 180 tonnes per year.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

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May 2011

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

Landscape with Safety in Mind Many homeowners have a pad mount transformer located on their property (a green rectangular box that looks like a short filing cabinet on a cement slab with electrical equipment inside). In order to incorporate it into a landscaping plan, follow Manitoba Hydro’s guidelines to do so safely: - Keep the padlock side free of plantings - Don’t plant trees with invasive root systems near a pad mount transformer because the roots could lift the concrete pad Always keep in mind that a pad mount transformer indicates buried lines in the area, so be sure to call Manitoba Hydro before you dig for any project in your yard. Electrical wires, gas lines, telephone connections – the area underneath your yard can be a very busy place.

By calling in advance, you can prevent damage, save the cost of unnecessary repairs, and avoid possible injury or death.

Call Manitoba Hydro at 480-1212 in Winnipeg, or 1 888 MB HYDRO (1-888-624-9376) if you are outside of the city, to arrange for us to check your property to make sure that it’s safe to dig. A technician will visit your home, and locate and mark any underground electrical wires or natural gas lines on your property.

If you are planning to use trees for your landscaping project, look up, look way up before you start. Will the trees you plant today become tangled in a power line in the future? If you are thinking about planting a tree, think ahead. Think years ahead. A tree that comes into contact with a power line can become energized, which then creates a hazard for people on the ground.

Never line up your trees directly under the power line. Keep all plantings a minimum of two meters back from the centre line of the power line and plant taller growing trees such as willow, ash, maple or evergreen trees at least six meters back from the power line. If these trees are closer, they will ultimately require trimming and repeat maintenance. Instead, consider planting low-growing shrubs that will attract attention to your yard and away from overhead lines.

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

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Perennials are a gardener’s friend Gardening is often seen as an art form to men and women with a green thumb. Once the landscape is designed, homeowners may not want to change much from year to year. That is where perennial plants can be an advantage.

Designing a landscape and keeping the garden looking beautiful can take a keen eye. It also may require a lot of time and commitment. If home gardeners have to replant items year after year, gardening can become time-consuming and expensive. Turning to perennial plants and flowers to serve as the anchor for a home garden can make the process easier.

Perennials are plants that live indefinitely. In terms of flowering plants, perennials will bloom every year. In essence, they have the staying power of shrubbery but are more delicate in nature and often appealing to the eye.

There are perennials for every season, soil type and sun exposure. Perennials come in a wide variety of blooming flowers or attractive foliage. Chances are if a homeowner wants to add perennials to the garden, there is a variety available that will fit his or her needs.

Here are some perennials that can be added to the garden: * lavender * ornamental grasses * asters * chrysanthemums * irises * poppies * milkweed * goldentufts * anemones * columbines * daylilies * peonies * hostas

47 Things You Didn’t Think to Compost Garden compost can be a garden’s best friend. Compost promotes soil health and enables plants grow to their best ability.

Many home gardeners prefer to make their own compost. It is easily achieved with items that normally would be discarded, including many items that ardent gardeners may be unaware of.

Common Compost Materials

Items like eggshells, banana peels, apple cores, paper, leaves, and coffee grounds are often included in a home compost pile. These items break down by natural bacteria and produce a rich fertilizer for plants.

Lesser-Known Compost Materials There are many things that can be turned into compost. Here’s a list of common items that can be turned into compost and avoid the landfill.

1. pet hair 2. paper napkins 3. lint 4. pine needles 5. matches 6. chicken manure 7. old herbs 8. sawdust 9. weeds 10. hair clippings 11. tea bags 12. paper towels 13. bird cage cleanings 14. stale bread 15. leather 16. old pasta 17. pea vines 18. grapefruit rinds 19. newspaper 20. tissues 21. cotton swabs w/paper sticks 22. dried out bouquets 23. potato chips 24. yogurt 25. shrimp shells 26. toenail clippings 27. pie crust

28. toothpicks (wood) 29. tossed salad 30. old beer 31. feathers 32. fish bones 33. envelopes 34. cardboard 35. pencil shavings 36. grocery receipts 37. dead insects 38. wool socks 39. pickles 40. dust bunnies 41. toast 42. chocolate cookies 43. oatmeal 44. tofu 45. spoiled wine 46. straw 47. nut shells

Once perennials are in place, there is relatively minimal maintenance that is required. The tune-ups that may be needed are some deadheading to promote new and stronger growth and some cleaning up after winter before the new blooming season takes place.

Once the early spring season arrives and the ground is not too muddy or rain-soaked, clear out any leaves and debris that have gathered around where perennials are located.

Gardeners can also till the mulch or soil in these areas to aerate the planting beds.

Using shears, cut down any dead grasses, stems and stalks from spent perennials that overwintered. Remove any dead wood and broken branches. Be careful not to trim springblooming shrubs because some flowers bloom on year-old stems and this can cause the plant not to flower.

Perennials that aren’t flowering as well as they used to or have dead centers may need to be divided to promote stronger growth. This should be done in early spring before the plant blooms or late fall before the winter arrives. Dividing plants and replanting not only grows the garden, but also it is a healthy revitalization for the plant.

Gardeners who prefer to take a laid-back approach to gardening may appreciate the ease with which a beautiful and easy-to-maintain landscape can be created with perennials.

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May 2011

Richert Fastest in Italy

Niverville’s David Richert gets ready to take on Autodromo di Franciacorta in Italy.

In just his first day of testing this season, Niverville born racecar driver David Richert was able to post the fastest lap time of the day, while driving at Autodromo di Franciacorta in Italy.

Richert, sponsored by Silver Jeans Co, was one of six Formula Renault cars that took part on the test day in preparation for the upcoming races at Imola on May 1st.

Working with Team Torino Motorsport engineer Giacomo Notarrigo, who has 5 years experience with Ferrari F1, Richert was able to complete 110 laps during the day and consistently improve his time while gaining confidence with the racecar.

“It is very difficult to post fast lap times in this car when you don’t have the same budget as other drivers because the consequences are expensive if you make a mistake on track,” stated Richert. “But I am very happy to see that our hard work throughout the day paid off”.

On April 27th Richert headed to Austria to compete testing his skills at the famous Red Bull Ring, formerly known as the A1 Ring, which hosted the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. After Austria, the team headed to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola for Richert’s first two races of the season May 1.

After growing up on the family farm, close to the town of Niverville, Richert got his first big break in racing while driving for Volkswagen in 2008 and 2009. This season he is competing in a Formula Renault racecar with Team Torino Motorsport at famous Italian racetracks such as Imola and Monza.

Tache Approves $3.6 Million Municipal Office

By Marianne Curtis The RM of Tache is moving forward with the building of a new municipal office despite objections.

When the RM of Tache met to discuss their proposed budget for 2011, council laid out plans to construct a $3.6 million municipal office in Lorette. Those in attendance heard that the RM of Tache plans on taking $1.1 million out of their capital reserve fund and borrowing $2.5 million to complete the project.

Ste. Genevieve residents are irate with the RM of Tache for committing money towards a new municipal office despite the fact that the money could be used elsewhere.

“We would like to see the money spent on our crumbling roads and drainage problems,” stated Carman Allard, resident from Ste. Genevieve.

“I didn’t hear anyone say they want the municipal building the way that it was presented – we want a referendum.”

However, RM of Tache mayor Bill Danylchuk said that a referendum is not on the agenda.

“Council represents everyone – not one or two that speak up at a public meeting,” stated Danylchuk.

“Council takes into account what we hear from the general public outside the public hearing, not just one interest group.”

However, those attending the

meeting insisted that the new municipal building is not needed at this time. Dan Poersch, municipal administrator, told those in attendance that the project has been put off for over eight years and it is an investment “worth making at this point in time.”

The municipality is considering building the new municipal office either on the current site or on the Lorette Community Centre grounds. Construction is expected to start early in 2012 and open later that year.

The RM of Tache has yet to decide what to do with the old municipal building.

New Bothwell Bakes Golden Cookies A cookie maker from New Bothwell is one of three Manitobans who can now launch their recipes from their home kitchen into the commercial food market after winning the Great Manitoba Food Fight.

Natalie Dueck, from New Bothwell, won the gold medal and product development award of $15,000 for her creation called Rawdical Chocolate Hemp Cookies.

Dueck was one of eight people from six communities across Manitoba who participated in the event held at the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts at Assiniboine Community College. The competition included recipe development, product preparation and marketing plans for the finished product.

Product development awards support the cost of commercializing the winning products in a number of areas including research and development, package design and market testing.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

God is in Control Romans 11:33-36 – 33) Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34) “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? 35) Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” 36) For from him and through and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (NIV) We are well aware that the Apostle Paul wrote these verses under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Many of you folks who read this column told me that there are times in your own Christian walk when your heart over flows with praise for what God has done in your life. You could not find the words to express that inner feeling deep down in your soul. I believe that is what the Apostle Paul is saying here. We feel the love and adoration that flows from the very depth of His heart.

“Oh what a wonderful God we have!” Paul says. How great is His wisdom, knowledge and riches? How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and methods. Is there anyone so wise as to be a counselor and guide to God? Let alone know the mind of the Lord? Is there anybody in the world who could do that?

There is another question we must ask ourselves: Has anyone ever given anything to the Lord first as payment for something in return?

That is exactly what Paul is asking in verse 35. Now, if I think I have, I must remember that everything comes from God alone. All life lives by His power; everything is for God’s glory. It is an act of faith to believe that God made this world and that the things which have materialized from the things which are unseen. Perhaps some believe that God created the world out of existing matter, which somehow came into being on its own. If that was so, that would mean that the world and all that is in it was created from matter before there was a God. That is not what the Bible teaches. It teaches that God created the world from nothing. That it is God alone who created it by the word of His mouth.

Faith is necessary for us to get a hold of that fact. I/we must remember that everything in the world is God’s. We must try our best to use it as God would have us use it. I must admit, there are moments in life when things seem to be out of control. Again, it is an act of faith to declare that God is control. If we believe that this is God’s world, then into our life come a new sense of responsibility and a new power of acceptance, for everything belongs to God and all is in His hands. Tough as it may be, I have come to the conclusion that I am not able to understand everything; so the only thing I can be sure of is that in the heart of God there is love for all God’s creation.

If a person can say that all things come from God, that all things have their being through him, and that all things end in him; what more is left to say? We can agree that life is not always fair, and I/we do get a little undone from time to time. Nevertheless, God has given all of us a mind to think. My problem is that I do not always use that gift from God, and we are expected to use our talents to the very limit. I believe too, that it is true that there are times when that limit is reached, all that is left then is to accept and acknowledge that God is in control.

Having said all that: Let us remember, that when we battle with heartbreaking problems, to use every resource which our minds possess. We may not be able to say that we have solved the issue, but we can say that having done our best; we are content to leave it to the love and power of God. Many times in life there is nothing left but to say, “We cannot grasp all there is to know, but with my whole heart I will always trust in the love of Christ.” To him be the glory forever!

Amen. (NIV) Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart; forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honor Your Name.” Amen.

Steinbach Launches “Sales in the City” The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce has rebranded one of their most infamous events. Starting this June, the community’s annual sidewalk sales days will be renamed “Sales in the City”.

According to Kyla Murray, the Chamber of Commerce the first Sales in the City will coincide with the community’s third annual Summer in the City Festival.

“We are partnering with Summer in the City to make our campaign bigger and better than ever,” explained Murray. “We are excited to revitalize what has been a very successful campaign for many years and we hope that the rebranding will help to make it a more effective promotion for our business community.”

The name change is expected to achieve three goals: to give the campaign a new look, to include businesses that do not have a sidewalk and to show support for Summer in the City.

The first annual Sales in the City will take place from June 16 to 18.

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May 2011

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

Chamber Banquet Draws Crowds Many of Steinbach’s business community came out to celebrate another year of successful business in the region at a special evening.

On April 14, over 240 people attended the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Banquet at the Brass Lantern.

The crowd was treated to an evening of humor and reminiscence as Trev Schellenberg of Golden West Radio interviewed the evening’s Special Guest Dr. Don Reimer of Reimer World Corp. Reimer’s shared candid stories and warm memories of growing up in Steinbach were the perfect capstone to the evening’s theme “Made in Steinbach”.

The evening also saw longtime board member Bob Frey recognized for his years of dedication and contribution to the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce.

Special guest Dr. Don Reimer shared stores and memories of growing up win Steinbach as part of the spring banquet’s evening events.

Bob Frey with his wife Linda was honored for his dedication to the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce.

Park Completion to Be Celebrated

By Marianne Curtis In the middle of May, everyone is invited to help four schools and the community of Ste. Anne celebrate the completion and grand opening of the SPADE playground project.

The SPADE Foundation (School Partnership for Active Daily Enjoyment) was created in 2003 to develop a recreational park for the community of Ste. Anne. Thanks to support from countless volunteers, the community and the provincial and federal governments, the $1 million dream has been realized.

On May 19 at 1 p.m., a special program is taking

place behind the École Ste. Anne Immersion to celebrate the completion of the project.

Louise Hingley, with École Lorette Immersion, is excited about the completion of the project and subsequent celebration.

“At that time our playground area, which is shared by all four Ste. Anne schools and the soccer association was often covered in water and mud and not very conducive to playing.

Over the past seven years we have raised and invested over $650,000 to complete the project.”

Over the years, the money was spent in phases on levelling the grounds, adding drainage, planting trees, installing benches and various fitness stations. A walkway was built connecting the four schools in Ste. Anne along with two soccer fields, a baseball diamond, and beach volleyball court.

The $1 million project was completed through a partnership with the Town of Ste. Anne, Ste. Anne Soccer, École Pointe des Chênes, École Ste. Anne Immersion, Ste. Anne Elementary, Ste. Anne Collegiate and Garderie Petits Amis Daycare.

Boil Water Order Issued – Free Well Testing Available As of April 8, a boil water advisory has been issued to all residents in flooded areas that obtain their drinking water from wells, cisterns or unfiltered water sources.

If it is suspected that a private drinking water source has been affected by flooding, the water should be boiled for at least one minute or an alternative water source should be used.

Indicators that well water may be affected by flooding include a change in the taste, odor or appearance of the well water; laboratory tests bacteria in well or neighboring wells; water lying around the well head or collecting in the well pit or around other wells nearby.

The risk of contamination is higher for shallow wells or wells built in sand or gravel; wells located in pits or depressions where water can pool or wells with rusted, cracked or unsealed casings that do not extend at least 30 centimeters (12 inches) above ground. Wells near septic tanks or fields, barns, feedlots or other sources of contamination, and wells near unsealed abandoned wells, sink holes or quarries are also at high risk.

Once floodwaters recede, anyone connected to a private water supply is encouraged to get it tested before resuming usual consumption. The province normally subsidizes water testing but this year the cost has been waived.

Instructions, sample bottles and submission forms are available from either the laboratory or local Manitoba Water Stewardship or Manitoba Conservation offices.

Some municipalities also have a supply of testing kits.

Until June 30, private well testing will be done free of charge. To take advantage of this samples should be marked 2011 Flood and sent to ALS Canada Unit 12-1329 Niakwa Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2J 3T4 or Maxxam Analytics: Unit D, 675 Berry St., Winnipeg, MB R3H 1A7.

A Flooding and Well Water Safety fact sheet and other flood-related information is available at w w w. g o v. m b . c a / f l o o d i n g / factsheets.html.

Sprague Athlete Honoured A grade 12 basketball player from Ross L. Gray School in Sprague was named one of April’s tri-star athletes by the Manitoba High School Athletics Association.

On April 14 Andrew Brown was named as rural tri-star athlete of the week after he led his team to the Provincial “A” Basketball title.

Coach Jared Baines has coached Brown for the past three seasons.

“He’s a hard worker at practice and sets a great example for the younger kids on the team,” stated Baines. “His key three pointers and great leadership skills will be

greatly missed next season.”

Over the course of the season, Brown has averaged 15 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds per game. He also participates in track and field and cross-country, while maintaining a 92.5 percent academic average.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Legion Comes Through for Library

Bibliothèque Ste Anne Library was honored to recently receive a generous donation from the Ste. Anne Legion Branch #220. The donation of $1,000 dollars is greatly appreciated and will enable the library to add valuable items to its collection. With the help of donations from supporters like the Ste. Anne Legion Branch #220, the books will provide an important source of growth and enrichment for the library.

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The Reynolds Community Club in Hadashville will be improving access to the facility thanks to a recent community places grant. The club is one of 24 community projects throughout Eastman slated to receive community places grants totaling $536,256.

The province recently announced that 328 not-forprofit groups throughout the province would be receiving funding from $4.5 million allocated to improve and create safe recreational, wellness and cultural facilities.

This year ’s projects include museums, playgrounds, multi-use and recreation facilities, childcare centres, libraries, community halls and seniors’ facilities. The projects involve critical repairs, roof replacements, fresh air ventilation, fire safety upgrades, energy-efficiency improvements and disability access upgrades.

One of the Community Places grants recently approved within the area is $9,000 for the Reynolds Community Club in Hadashville, for accessibility upgrades. Other projects, ranging from $40,000 for the Steinbach Curling Club, $30,000 for the La Broquerie Arena, $25,000 to Kleefeld Recreation Center, $18,000 for park improvements in Niverville, and $12,500 to Vassar Community Club, will also receive funding.

Eligible projects receive up to 50 percent of the first $15,000 of total project costs and up to one-third of

The community of Landmark is one-step closer to seeing the end of their flooding woes after provincial funding for a dyke feasibility study was recently approved.

The province has set aside a total of $740,000 to conduct feasibility studies for permanent flood protection dikes in 11 municipalities, including the RM of Tache. The project was chosen out of a pool of seventy-eight applications.

Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick said that value of community ring dikes in the Red River Valley has been proven several times and these studies are the first step toward providing permanent flood protection for more communities.

“The funding for these studies is in addition to the funding available for construction of these dikes under the joint Canada-Manitoba Flood Mitigation Program,” stated Melnick.

It has been approximately thirteen years since work on constructing a real dike on the east side of Landmark was Ron Lemieux, MLA for La Verendrye accompanied by Minister of Justice first proposed. At the time costs associated to the project and Attorney General, Andrew Swan, Cst. Jon Goertzen, Chief of Police were estimated at $220,000, which included the construction Marc Robichaud and Mayor Bernie Vermette. They met recently announcing of a dyke along the east side of Landmark and improving the provincial funding for one new police officer for Ste. Anne. ditch along the west side where PR 206 and PR 210 meet, causing a “bottle neck”.

The actual construction of the dike will be funded under the Community Diking component of the Canada-Manitoba Flood Mitigation Program announced Aug. 27, 2010.

Construction will be cost-shared by the federal, provincial and municipal governments on a 45/45/10 basis.

Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2012, once the study is complete.

St. Malo’s annual Festival of Friends has been named as this year’s winner of the Aboriginal Tourism Award.

On April 12, St. Malo’s Festival of Friends won the Aboriginal Tourism Award from Travel Manitoba. The award recognizes the event as a showcase for Métis culture and history through the annual festival, which also highlights the value of bilingualism to the community.

The annual Festival of Friends, organized by local volunteers, takes place each year in the middle of February. The purpose of the St-Malo Festival of Friends is to spread the Joie de Vivre and re-live the culture of the era.

It is a way of promoting French/Bilingual artists and making the bilingual aspect of the Province a major economic force and an asset of the province.

The weekend event boasts a variety of winter related events that take place throughout the community, but the majority of events are scheduled within St. Malo Provincial Park. The event also serves as a trading post as part of the annual Festival du Voyageur venue.

Industry peers submit nominations for the Manitoba Tourism Awards and 27 finalists were chosen. An industry-based judging panel selected finalists and winners. Winners received a trophy and the right to use the Manitoba Tourism Award symbol for advertising and promotion, as well as promotion on Travel Manitoba’s website.

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Community Place Grants Announced

Ste. Anne to Increase Police Force Dike Study Underway for Landmark

St. Malo Festival Wins Award

May 2011

any costs over that amount, to a maximum of $50,000.

Non-profit organizations can apply for assistance for both facility development and improvement projects.

Fire Damages Grunthal Home An afternoon fire on April 28th caused extensive damage to a Grunthal home but no one was injured.

According to the Grunthal Fire Department, fire crews were fighting a grass fire near Sarto when a call came in that a house on Pine Street in Grunthal was on fire. Two people were home at the time of the fire but they managed to escape unharmed.

The fire caused extensive damage to the home but no damage estimates have been released.

Cause of the home blaze has yet to be determined.

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May 2011

National Garage Sale for Shelter in Support of Abused Women and Children On Saturday, May 14, Royal LePage Link Realty and Royal LePage offices across Canada will be transformed into an oasis for bargain hunters as they join together to host the National Garage Sale for Shelter in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

This annual event brings local residents together with Royal LePage Realtors to raise much-needed funds and awareness to help break the cycle of violence in their communities. One hundred percent of the revenue generated by Royal LePage Link Realty’s garage sale goes to support Steinbach’s local women’s shelter, Agape House and fund long-term solutions to end family violence.

Royal LePage Link Realty office is taking part in this national event as 51 percent of women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16 and 360,000 children are exposed to domestic violence each year.

The Steinbach event will take place on Saturday, May 14th at Unit B- 118 PTH 12N. Last year Royal LePagers raised over $315,000, more than double the previous year – literally a quarter at a time. The community is encouraged to take part again this year by donating gently used items to their office located at the Steinbach Superstore parking lot and helping them spread the word.

Steinbach RCMP and Ste. Anne PD Once Again Combine Resources The Steinbach RCMP and the Ste. Anne Police Department have wrapped up a second joint force project that concentrated on several criminal matters in Steinbach and surrounding communities.

The project, the second of its kind in the last year, entailed a team consisting of two Constables from the Steinbach RCMP and a Constable from the Ste. Anne Police. The team, commonly referred to as a General Investigation Section (GIS), concentrated their efforts on investigating complex crimes, including drug offences. The project ran from February 15th to April 19th.

The following is a summary of some of the investigations that the team was involved in: Armed Robbery at the Le Depanneur Store in La Broquerie (January 18, 2011) - one youth charged.

Break and Enter to the Le Depanneur Store in La Broquerie (February 15, 2011) - two youths charged.

A male attacked a female in Steinbach in her garage with a knife (October 9, 2011). Same residence had a break in on June 29, 2010 - one male charged for both incidents.

Two drug investigations that lead to the seizure of $40,000 of marihuana plants and over two pounds of packaged marihuana with a street value of around $7,000. Three people were charged because of these investigations.

A break, enter and theft and fraudulent use of a credit card - one male charged.

Three impaired drivers.

The team also worked on several sexual assault files and two other armed robbery files that are still under investigation.

Extraordinary Eastman Judged Art Exhibition!

The Eastman Judged Art Exhibition will be taking place at the Niverville Heritage Centre on Friday, June 10, noon to 8 pm and Saturday June 11, 9 am to 6 pm.

Amateur artists from all over Eastern Manitoba will be entering their original works in the Eastman Judged Art Exhibition that is being held in conjunction with the Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair (www.NivervilleFair.com). What a weekend of events!

In addition to taking in the Fair and all its wonders, you have the opportunity to see a collection of original art the likes of which you have never seen before. There will be hundreds of entries, representing every category possible – acrylics, watercolors, oils, pottery and porcelain, woodcarving, drawing in all forms, pastels, glass, fibre art, mixed media, photography and sculpture. You can also see ‘art in action’ or participate in the art workshops being offered by prominent Manitoba artist, Wendy Kroeker.

The setting for this incredible exhibition is the absolutely gorgeous timber frame atrium of the Niverville Heritage Centre, which has generously opened its doors to this event in a unique community partnership with the Niverville Arts and Culture Group, the hosting organization for the exhibition. Walking through the doors of this exhibition will literally take your breath away!

This event is FREE! We will even be running a free shuttle bus between the Fair grounds and the exhibition.

So plan to be in Niverville on the weekend of June 10 and 11, for all the fun of the Fair, and a magnificent Art extravaganza!

For more information, about registration or workshops visit www.nivervillestyle.ca and follow the Eastman Art Exhibition link.

More Than Just News!

Missing Runaway

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Eastman Tourism Promotes Local Assets

By Marianne Curtis

On April 18th the St. Pierre Jolys RCMP Detachment received a report of a runaway foster child. Police were advised that 17-year-old Austin Guiboche had left his foster home in Lorette on April 14th in the morning hours and had not returned home since. Guiboche had previously left his foster home in January but had returned after being away for several days.

Guiboche is described as being Métis, 6’2", 220 lbs with dark black hair and bushy eyebrows. He was last seen wearing a black hat with white letters “LA” on it, black pants, a black sweatshirt, and tan colored “lugs” shoes.

If anyone has information in regards to his whereabouts, you are asked to contact the St. Pierre Jolys RCMP Detachment at 204-433-7908.

Spray Park Fundraiser The Lorette Community Complex (CCLCC) is launching a major fundraiser for the proposed spray park. Get your golf tickets for this special event on May 27 and 28 at the Lorette Golf Course from Kristin Rose at 878-9053.

Fatal Semi Vs Auto Collision On April 14 just before 1:00 a.m. St Pierre RCMP, as well as local Fire and EMS, were dispatched to the scene of a fatal collision involving a semi and an auto on the Trans Canada Highway at the junction of Highway 207 in the RM of Tache at Dufresne.

Initial investigation indicates that a 2007 Hyundai Accent was northbound on Highway 207 when it collided with a westbound semitrailer on the Trans Canada Highway.

The driver of the Hyundai, a 21year-old man from the RM of Tache, was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The driver of the semi, a 42-yearold man from Montreal, was uninjured.

The intersection is reported to be controlled by a stop sign on Highway 207.

An RCMP traffic collision analyst attended to assist with the investigation.

There were no other vehicles or persons involved.

Eastman Tourism has revamped their website and tourism guide in order to improve the visibility of the region to visitors.

Formerly known as the Eastern Manitoba Tourism Association, Eastman Tourism recently published their 2011 regional tourism guide, developed a new log and revamped their organizational identity.

Lesley Gaudry, President of Eastman Tourism, explained the change at the April 27th annual general meeting.

“Our goal is to make Eastern Manitoba an all season destination where visitors can change their traveling moments to traveling memories,” says Gaudry. “It is about the traveling experience – we don’t just want people to buy products, we want them to remember us, and pass their extraordinary experiences they have in Eastern Manitoba on to their friends and Facebook fans.”

She added that the new logo incorporates local treasures such as the people, forests, waterways, attractions, and skyline along with agri-tourism opportunities.

The new revamped Regional Tourism Guide is more user friendly and highlights regional assets of outdoor treasures, such as Heritage Alive, Water Adventures, Winter Escapes, Community Spirit, and a top ten things to do in each of the communities.

The organization has also re-launched their new website at www.eastmantourism.ca.

La Broquerie Ready for New Administrator The RM of La Broquerie is finally ready to look for a new Administrator.

Reeve Claude Lussier said that council has decided what their requirements are, and the municipality is finally prepared to hire a new Municipal Administrator.

“We wanted to wait until after the spring flooding and we had worked on the budget,” explained Lussier. “Now that both these issues are dealt with we can work on staffing.”

The RM of La Broquerie council has opened up the hiring process locally, and hope they will find a suitable bilingual applicant.

“We are a bilingual municipality so the new CAO will have to speak both French and English,” Lussier said. If a suitable applicant cannot be located within the southeast, then the municipality will consider searching outside the region.

While the municipality is opening the door to applicants, Lussier stresses that council plans to take their time in order to find the right person for the job.

The RM of La Broquerie has been operating with the help of a new Assistant Administrator, Claude Moquin, and Municipal Consultant, Roger Bouvier, since February.

Goerzten Not Holding Breath for Bethesda ER Construction In response to questioning in the Manitoba Legislature recently by Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, the provincial NDP Minister of Health has issued a new assurance about the start of construction of the Bethesda Hospital Emergency Room.

“I can commit to the member that we’re going to be commencing with construction at Bethesda emergency this spring,” Health Minister Theresa Oswald said to Goertzen during the daily Question Period.

Goertzen pressed the government noting that they have given a number of different potential start times in the past and reminded the Minister that she also committed last year that construction would begin in the fall of 2010.

“I’m going to hold off on celebrating until I see cement being poured for the new Emergency Room. Until then, I will keep pressing as hard as I can to get this project off of the books and into reality for residents of our region,” said Goertzen.

Earlier this year, Goertzen set up a website (www.getbethesdabuilt.com) and encouraged residents to email the Premier directly to get the Emergency Room project started. To date, he says more than 700 emails have been sent and that it has caught the attention of the government.

“They have certainly heard the message and I appreciate residents joining in on this effort. I intend to hold the government to their commitment to have the construction start this Spring,” said Goertzen.

The Government originally announced the project on October 2, 2007.