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2 H2O Summer 2008
1 ON MAP, PAGE 17
Kathy Marks
Bev Stevens
kmarks4@mts.net
stevensb@mts.net
John Wishnowski
Cyndi Johnson
Chris Neufeld
Lisa McLean
David Humniski
Darlene Hargreaves
Ingrid Bennett
iwish@interlake.mb.ca
alyce@mts.net
chrisneufeld@mts.net
lmclean@mts.net
daretodream@mts.net
ber234@mts.net
bennets@mts.net
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H2O Summer 2008 3
17 ON MAP, PAGE 21
4 H2O Summer 2008
the seventh wave! THE 7th WAVE Artists Studio Tour June 14 and 15, 10 am - 6 pm August 30 and 31, 10 am - 6 pm 2008 marks Winnipeg Beach Arts + Culture/WINNBAC Co-op’s seventh Artists’ Studio Tour. Recognizing the term “Seventh Wave” as the largest, most powerful wave, the tour is transformed this year into an even greater, more exciting and diverse arts event. No same old, same old for The WAVE. Organizers have planned a launch in Winnipeg before the seventh wave reaches its crest. Opening on Friday, May 16, at 7 pm in the Cre8ery Gallery, 125 Adelaide Street, Winnipeg, a showcase of participating artists work is meant to lure art lovers to motor into the Interlake and tour The 7th WAVE circuit, map/brochure in hand. There are 11 new artists’ studios, plus all your old favorites. Teresa Carey, artist/owner of the eclectic, new Aradia Art Gallery in Gimli, joins the tour. A ceramic artist, Teresa also offers aromatherapy. The gallery carries unusual and fascinating creations by prairie artists from throughout Manitoba. The latest artists to join The Wave Tour this year are, Tim Schouten, with encaustic paintings, landscapes and equine themes. Mark Roberton describes his most recent paintings as
funny faces and cottage art. A Beet Root Garden, an eco-art site, was designed by Cheryl Cohan, a horticultural therapist who also makes objects of art from reclaimed silver. Also on the tour is Jean Hunter (ceramics), and daughter, Heidi Hunter (fibre artist plus) at the Runs with Scissors Gallery. What? Clay Art & Curios showcases Ev Richter’s work which is “far out” and very mysterious. Sam Falk is a painter who works in her studio gallery, Bridge of the Gods, where a cacophony of colour vibrates. The highly original Koni is back on the tour, so expect some surprises! Cathy Sutton of Nepthane Studio makes exquisite paintings and whimsical jewellery. Joanne Gullachson’s paintings focus on the parental homestead but, she also creates batik and reproduces images inspired by Greek mythology. Last but not least, Steina Bessason, of Steina’s Studio, paints, draws, works with glass and transforms beach stones into precious pendants with her fine ink drawings which evoke intricate celtic designs. Icon writer Ted Rebenchuk will display his inspired creations at the St. Volodymyr Chapel/Sanctuary of Grace, at Ukrainian Park, where weary travellers will find tranquility and a moments rest in the hectic tour program. Please visit at www.watchthewave.ca
The 8th Annual
JULY
25-29
WWW.GIMLIFILM.COM PHONE: (204) 642-8846
7
th
WAVE Artist StudioTour JUNE 14 & 15 and AUGUST 30 & 31 SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10:00am - 6:00pm
WINNIPEG BEACH ART & CULTURE CO-OP INC is bracing for the
This self-guided tour of artists’ studios features over 30 creative souls eager to invite you in for a glimpse of their world. Wind along Lake Winnipeg’s western shore through an art experience, up close and personal ... & perhaps take home a work of art inspired by the Interlake.
Paintings • Sculpture • Jewellery Photography • Batik • Glassware Fibre Art • Carving • Pottery Heritage Sites ...and so much more!! Participating artists will be flying the blue & white “WAVE” flag!! Tour Brochure with Map Available: IN WINNIPEG: - CBC Radio, Front Desk, Portage Ave - Travel Manitoba Info. Centres: Wpg. Int. Airport & The Forks & Provincial Borders - The Wpg. Art Gallery - ARTSPACE, Exchange District - Stoneware Gallery, Corydon Ave. - Lacosse Gallery, Lilac Ave. - Wayne Arthur Gallery, Provencher Blvd, St. Boniface
Don’t miss one of Canada’s most unique film experiences with nightly screenings on our 35 foot outdoor screen on the shore of Lake Winnipeg. The festival includes over 80 features, documentaries and short films.
IN GIMLI:
- Mermaid’s Kiss Gallery - Lakeview Resort - Russin Insurance - Interlake Real Estate & Insurance - Gimli Art Club
6 ON MAP, PAGE 21
IN WINNIPEG BEACH:
- Fishfly Gallery - Town Office - H. RogueRaiders Studio - Russin Insurance - the Breakwater Ice Cream & Coffee Bar ...and at all participating artists’ studios
Premier Sponsor
For more information on the WAVE Artists’ Studio Tour: 204.389.5633 / 204.389.4813 hroggere@mts.net/beachwes@mts.net • Manitoba Cooperative Achievement Award 2005 or download Maps and Tour Information at • ABOVE & BEYOND AWARDS FOR THE ARTS
www.watchthewave.ca
For Travel Information: www.travelmanitoba.com
Manitoba Foundation for the Arts Inc. Nominee • NEICOM Community Economic Development Award Nominee 2006
Presenting Sponsors
GOLD Sponsors
Supporting Festival Sponsor
For a full listing of the 2008 Gimli Film Festival Sponsors, visit our website at www.gimlifilm.com
H2O Summer 2008 5
E
ship will continue its lake research for the forseeable future. As well, the local founveryone can do something. That was the philosophy of eleven dation has committed an additional $5,000 to sponsor a summer student who will Dunnottar residents and cottagers who banded together in the summer assist scientists on the ship. of 2005 to launch a non-profit, charitable foundation to help restore the "The Lake Winnipeg Foundation is a citizen group whose members came health of Lake Winnipeg. together because they wanted to do something positive about an issue," says Al Almost three years later, this sentiment still drives the work of the Lake Kristofferson, managing director of the research consortium. Winnipeg Foundation (LWF) which today, has more than 300 members spread "They serve as a model and good example to others." around the lake and beyond. The Eastern Interlake Conservation District also appreciates the LWF which is Since inception, the foundation has staged a variety of events and raised thouproviding $15,000 so that the district can study bugs and insects in eight watersands of dollars to meet its goals of funding lake research while simultaneously ways, including the Icelandic and Fisher Rivers and the Willow, Netley and Wavey creating public awareness of the problems facing the world's 10th largest body of Creeks. The study, entering its third and final year, assesses the health of a waterway fresh water. It has made a name for itself with education, advocacy and action by finding out what worms, leeches and insects are in the mud and water. based on the belief that everyone has a role to play in stemming contaminants run"If certain species sensitive to pollution are gone, we know that something is ning into the lake from a huge watershed covering four provinces and four U.S. wrong," says Stephen Carlyle, district manager for the conservation district. "We states. already have preliminary results, although the data is still raw. Initially, it seems our "The solution to the lake's problems is individual behaviour," says Robin waterways are in reasonable condition, but pollution definitely increases downMather, the LWF's immediate past president. " Ten years from now, I'd like to stream towards the lake." look back and say that our foundation worked to make something happen and Carlyle said the LWF's three-year commitment has brought stability and contimade a difference." nuity to the district's planning. As one initiative, the foundation has "The foundation's contribution has been compiled a list of things that residents and valuable and we hope to keep working with cottagers can do to help the lake. For starters, them," he said. " They are bringing an awarehouseholders can use phosphate-free dishwa“The solution to the lake’s problems is ness to issues we have in common." ter detergents, household cleaners and lawn The LWF and the Conservation District individual behaviour. Ten years from now, fertilizers to reduce the growth of algae are two of four partners in a pilot project at blooms. People can also remove litter and the Village of Dunnottar's sewage lagoon on I’d like to look back and say that our garbage from beaches, leave shorelines in their Whytewold Rd. They are joining forces with natural state, pick up after pets and keep farm foundation made a difference.” Dillon Engineering and the Tembec Paper livestock out of the water. Equally important, Company to help the village install a passive they should report pollution incidents to filtration system to remove nutrients from authorities, lobby governments for proper effluent leaving the lagoon. If everything sewage systems and express concern about the lake to elected representatives. works out as planned, the new filter will likely serve as a model for similar installaMather said sacrifices will be required to preserve Manitoba's freshwater parations across the country. dise enjoyed by succeeding generations for more than a century. These could Besides funding outside projects, the foundation has mounted a significant include higher food costs stemming from less fertilizer use, plus turning off waterpublic education program of its own. Speakers such as Mather and fellow director guzzling appliances like automatic dishwashers. Lyle Lockhart, a retired scientist, regularly visit Manitoba schools to talk about the "Apprised of the facts, people will have to make some tough personal choices," watershed's problems and potential solutions. After Mather visited the Winnipeg he said. "They may decide that they no longer have to keep up with the Joneses." Beach School, the students sold $1,000 worth of LWF wrist bands with the proOf course, the foundation has been doing much more than making up lists. ceeds being shared by the foundation and the school. One of its major fundraisers for the past three summers has been a "Live Lake" Other educational activities include extensive information on the foundation's concert headlined by musicians such as the Wyrd Sisters and Jesse Havey. There website (www.lakewinnipegfoundation.org) plus a regular newsletter edited by will be a fourth concert this August, as well as the Second Annual Lake Winnipeg director Joy MacLean. Mather said presentations to political parties are another Foundation Walkathon which raised $30,000 last year when 150 sponsored walkimportant activity. "There are huge jurisdictional issues when you discuss water," he ers hit the pavement. said. "Three different levels of government - Ottawa, the provinces and municipalities - set three levels of regulations." "Altogether, we raised about $50,000 in the past 12 months," says Dunnottar The LWF has the manpower to make it’s voice heard. Anne Doherty is the curMayor, Rick Gamble, a founding LWF director. "We have done well, but we have rent president supported by directors Mather, MacLean, Gamble, Lockhart, Don a lot more still to do." Winstone, Bruce Smith, Art Chipman, Barb Oberding, Bill Percy, Eugene Kostyra Besides its high profile public events, the foundation obtains other revenue and Janet Sampson. Most come from Dunnottar, but Kostyra, a former provincial from donations and the sale of memberships, T-shirts and bracelets. Its funds are cabinet minister, is from Bifrost and Sampson summers at Victoria Beach. allocated to support the projects of organizations ranging from the Lake Winnipeg Meanwhile, cottagers in Grindstone Provincial Park further north are doing Research Consortium and its Gimli-based ship "Namao" to the Eastern Interlake their bit to reclaim Lake Winnipeg. Two summers ago, they formed the Save Our Conservation District. Lake (SOUL) group to raise awareness and funds to help cure the lake's pollution In the case of the Namao, the LWF was one of nine western Canadian community foundations that recently pledged $82,000 to ensure that the consortium's problems.
6
H2O Summer 2008
continued from previous page "We love the lake, but have seen the algae blooms grow over the past decade," says Mo Tipples, chair of SOUL. "That's why a few of us started our group. The lake needs our help and we believe individuals working together can make a difference." Tipples said SOUL was born after the need for positive action was voiced at the 2006 annual meeting of the Grindstone Cottagers Association. She subsequently became chair of the small group whose other main workers are Amanda Le Rougetel and Linda Grayston. Besides raising funds, SOUL's other main mission is to disseminate educational material that will prompt individuals and groups to support the clean-up cause and protect the lake with good environmental practices. The group has hung posters in public areas, produced an information sheet on ecofriendly products and sent education packages to municipal councils, tourist bureaus and community organizations. "We obtained four big boxes full of Provincial Conservation Water Handbooks and delivered copies to all Grindstone cottage owners," Tipples said, adding that this publication ideally should be distributed to every Manitoba household. Le Rougetel said the group's educational efforts have had a good response. "Our experience shows that people are interested in learning about the state of Lake Winnipeg," she said. "
They are keen to know what they can individually do to make change for the better." She said SOUL is also challenging all Lake Winnipeg cottage associations, municipalities and businesses to make contributions to lake reclamation. Anybody interested in forming a support group or joining SOUL can e-mail the group at saveourlake@mts.net "Positive action is required all around the lake," Le Rougetel said. "Please contact us if you're interested in contributing, time, effort or funds." As a new season looms, Tipples said SOUL will add a new project to its continuing focus of raising lake research funds and educating the public about sound ecological practices. "We're going to undertake a survey of water sources and uses in Grindstone Provincial Park,"she said. "The results will be passed on to officials of provincial water stewarship and related departments.This is a first in our park and we hope it will contribute to the proper use of water." Fat Lake: How too much of a good thing is hurting Lake Winnipeg, a film documentary that focuses on the environment issues related to Lake Winnipeg, was first screened in early May in Winnipeg. Live music and a Q&A session followed. To help support the cause you may purchase a DVD of the documentary by calling Lynsay Perkins at (204) 480-3447. All proceeds will go to groups such as the Lake Winnipeg Foundation who are working to find long-term solutions to the current issues. Heather Hinam’s stunning photo collections can be viewed on the Flickr photo-sharing site (Flickr ID: Dr. Hoo) at http://flickr.com/photos/22058583@N05/
P REMIER
OF
M ANITOBA
L EGISLATIVE BUILDING W INNIPEG , M ANITOBA , CANADA R3C 0V8
Welcome to the Interlake. If you are just visiting for the day, looking to charge through the waves at Winnipeg Beach, or maybe have some ice-cream and stroll down Gimli’s boardwalk, or if you are a camper, a cottager, or a long-time resident looking to explore the history, adventure and beauty in your midst, the Interlake offers an ideal place to relax, to play, and to experience first-hand the rich culture of our province. On behalf of the Province of Manitoba, I would like to thank the staff at H2O Gimli & Beaches Adventure Guide for publishing this guide to the Interlake. Packed with places to see and stories of travel, wildlife and history, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this amazing part of our province.
Gary Doer
M ON MAP, PAGE 21
Gimli Gim Gi im mli ml li The Hear rt t Of Of N e w Ic e l a nd
2008 SUMMER EVENTS EVENTS The Wave Artist Tour June 14th & 15th Crusin’ Manitoba for MS June 28th Canada Day Fireworks June 30th Canada Day July 1st Craft Sale/Tradeshow July 5th & 6th Kid’s Fishing Derby July 12th Gimli Film Festival July 25th - 29th Icelandic Festival August 1st - 4th Manitoba Elvis Fest August 16th Gimli Model Fest August 15th - 17th The Wave Artist Tour August 30th & 31st Farmers Market Saturdays 9:30 am - 2:00 pm Mid June - Mid September
Check C heck w www.gimli.ca w w.gimli.c a ffor or ccurrent u r re nt e event ve n t d dates ate s & w webcam. ebcam.
* Event dates subject to change without notice
VISIT V ISIT T THE HE H HARBOUR ARBOUR S STAGE TA G E F FOR OR S SATURDAY AT U R D AY N NIGHT IGHT E ENTERTAINMENT N T E R TA I N M E N T L LISTING! ISTING! H2O Summer 2008 7
by erika goodman
ilm, like a film festival, is forever evolving, encompassing society’s thoughts, feelings, stories and ideas and presenting them in a symphony of images and sounds to enrapture our senses. Ingrid Bergman said about film, “No form of art goes beyond ordinary consciousness as film does, straight to our emotions, deep into the twilight room of the soul.” The Gimli Film Festival “goes beyond ordinary consciousness,” captivating its audience with choice screenings of films from Canada, circumpolar regions and around the world. Audiences unwind in the “twilight room(s) of the soul” to osmose these feature films, documentaries and shorts, some of which are presented outside, on a movie screen that seems to hover above the water. The Gimli Film Festival (GFF) projects its stories, bleak, educational, offbeat, tragic, wacky and entertaining slices of video and audio-stream, to entice one’s creativity and expand one’s awareness. This combination of sensory experience in an outdoor viewing atmosphere is a mystical, sought-out delight. Mayor Tammy Axelsson recalls watching a 2007 Leonard Cohen biography on the beach, “It was a surreal experience,” she said. The 35-foot movie screen, mounted on industrial scaffolding, sits on the sandy bottom of Lake Winnipeg for the five-day festival. Nightly showings are free at this location. Appearance of spaceships is not guaranteed, but sometimes the stars do come out. Star-gazers take note: internationally renowned directors Guy Maddin, Jon Gustafsson, Agust Gudmundsson and Sturla Gunnarsson have attended the beach screenings in previous years to intro-
F
8 H2O Summer 2008
Gimli Film Fesival Beach Venue Advice arrive at dusk before the film begins bring a chair, low lawn chair or a cusion to sit on smoke and insect repellant should be kept away from the crowd bring your own munchies/drinks or visit the consession on the beach. but, remember to keep the beach clean stay warm. it can get very nippy beside the lake at night. bring a sweater just in case
give your opinion use your audience favourite award ballot to vote for your favourite film bring your friends and/or family and enjoy free viewing in a unique outdoor theatre that beats all others
duce their films to the audience. Inspired by a makeshift movie screen (white sheet) at Guy Maddin’s lakeside cabin years ago, the GFF idea was germinated by a small group with a love for both film and the Gimli area. Senator Janis Johnson, who spent her childhood in Gimli, has been with the Gimli FF since its inception, in 2001. For the first few years, while gaining momentum, Gimli FF coincided with the Icelandic Festival Weekend in August. The response was fantastic and the film fest took hold. 2007 saw a change in the festival’s date, showing organizers that the popularity of the festival was growing quickly, increasing its audience by 150%. This year the growth is expected to continue with the addition of another venue aside from the beach and Lady of the Lake Theatres - the Gimli Theatre. Funding has increased three-fold, allowing Kristine Sigurdson, Executive Director of Gimli Film Festival to expand the spectrum and timeframe of GFF activities. A solid focus has been decided in a three-year plan, developed by the board for the non-profit organization’s future. What is on the agenda? The Gimli Film Festival is becoming more interactive, encouraging filmmakers and interested audiences to hone their movie making skills. As a resource for the industry, GFF will develop partnerships with the Red River CreCom course and Gimli High School, year-round activities, workshops, and seminars. “Unlike previous seasons,” Kristine explains, “GFF is working on becoming a springboard for aspiring filmmakers. We are providing an unbiased forum and networking opportunities for industry professionals and a continued dedication to pro-
vide quality entertainment, creating enthusiasm for a world of new and exceptional films.” The plan culminates in 2010, its tenth year anniversary. Kristine Sigurdson was hired as the Executive Director of GFF in 2004. She has the “challenging, but fun” task of organizing the activities of GFF, and this year will include exciting panel discussions to “support and inspire filmmakers” and interested audiences. A Saturday afternoon discussion will involve distributors, broadcasters, and film representatives, and will focus on “Financing and Marketing your Film.” Veteran producer and board member, Phyllis Laing will likely moderate this event. merging, new filmmakers already have a foothold on the festival. A Youth Short Film Camp screened their production at GFF in 2004, its first annual contribution to the festival. In the 6th year, the CanWest Best Manitoba Short Film Award became a welcome addition to the GFF family. Thanks to Winnipeg Film Group and CanWest Global, respectively, the Manitoba Emerging Filmmaker Award and CanWest Best Manitoba Short Film Award have given Manitoba film short-makers a competitive edge. Award-winning shorts, like Darryl Nepinak’s Good Morning Native America (CanWest Best/2006) are presented at Gimli Film Festival while broadcasters, distributors, and other potential contacts watch from the audience. A question and answer period following these events provides an opportunity for feedback and learning.
E
Visual artist Robert Pasternak is thankful GFF exists as an outlet for experimental films, especially in the film short genre. “It’s fantastic to see my film on a big screen and to have so many people watch it.” Pasternak describes the film short, that is, a film which is under 30 minutes in length, as the “candy bar of the future.” Thanks to increasing availability, such as on YouTube, ipods and mp4’s, and the special features option on DVD’s, film shorts are an effective and widely used ‘quick fix’ of entertainment. You can find your own fix in the GFF programs, or on-line after the July long weekend on their website at www.gimlifilmfestival.com Also on the website are the dates, times and venues of more than 80 features, shorts and documentaries, carefully chosen by the Programming Committee. Together, they select a mélange of celluloid, sometimes odd, heart-warming, wicked, or controversial but always thought-provoking, with the intent and purpose of entertaining while educating their audiences. The Board of Directors and an Advisory Board who bring their educated and creative flair to the festival include: Phyllis Laing, Caelum Vatnsdal, Ruth Asper, MLA for Gimli–Peter Bjornson, Harold Bjarnason, Ph.D., Sen. Janis Johnson, Atli Asmundsson, Sturla Gunnarsson, Jon Gustafsson and Guy Maddin. They sit on four committees: Programming, Finance, Hospitality/
Promotion, and Operations. Rounding off the people-power in the Festival is a core of 30-50 volunteers. As a member of the community, the Gimli Film Festival has been a welcomed partner. Local businesses thrive during the film fest, which runs this year from July 25-29. Sigurdson expresses the patronage of GFF to the community, vowing to “grow with the Gimli community as it continues to grow.” Also needing mention are the sponsors, without whom this festival would not be possible: Landsbanki, The Government of Iceland, Rentcash Inc., CanWest Global, Casinos of Winnipeg, Liquor Marts of Manitoba, the R.M. of Gimli, Telefilm Canada, Rogers Communications, National Leasing, the Government of Manitoba, Iceland Naturally, Manitoba Hydro and Gimli Credit Union. Tickets can be purchased for $5 each. Or, for $25 a Friends of the Gimli Film Festival Pass will grant an individual access to all films and which also includes an invitation to the opening night reception. Information about Gimli Film Festival events, movies or volunteering opportunities are available from the Box Office at the Waterfront Centre, or by phoning Kristine Sigurdson at her Waterfront Centre office at 642-8846. Programs will be available at every Manitoba Tourism Centre, some locations in Winnipeg, Gimli businesses and the Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre in early July.
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H2O Summer 2008 9
W
e are blessed. We are truly blessed. And when I say we, I am referring to all those residents, both permanent and summer that live in the Gimli and Beaches area from Matlock in the south, to Hnausa in the north. For, in this confined area, during the right time of year and under the right conditions, one can observe all eight woodpeckers which are native to Manitoba. We can also see a ninth from time to time, which seems to be expanding its range into this province. Five are year-round residents. They are the Downy, Hairy, Three-toed, Black-backed and the spectacular Pileated, with its flaming red crest. The Pileated was the inspiration for the renowned cartoon character with the singular laugh, Woody Woodpecker. The three summer residents include the common Northern Flicker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and the uncommon Red-headed Woodpecker. The ninth species expanding its range north is the Redbellied and a tenth species, Lewis’, has been identified in the province, but would be considered accidental should it appear in our area. The balance of this article will focus on the Red-headed Woodpecker, or as it is more commonly referred to in the birding community, as simply, “the Redhead.” I’ve chosen to focus on
10 H2O Summer 2008
the Redhead, firstly, because it is one of our most beautiful summer residents and secondly, because it is currently in “trouble” as a species. Often times, when I mention the Redheaded Woodpecker to people in the area, they tell me that they have seen it, too. However, upon further investigation it turns out they have observed the more common Downy or Hairy, as the males of these species do have a red patch on their noggin’s. The Northern Flicker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker also show red on the head. However, the Redhead, as its name implies, has a solid head, neck and throat of red feathers. With a solid black back, white rump and a large square white patch on its otherwise all black wings, the Redhead is unmistakable in the field. It truly is one of our most stunning avian friends. Moreover, these birds are sexually monomorphic, which means males and females are identical in colour.
Both images of the colourful Redheaded Woodpecker on this page were taken in Maineville, Ohio by Jason Husband. He notes that they are an uncommon sight and seldom spotted in Ohio. However, a breeding pair has taken up residence nearby and visit his family’s backyard feeders regularly. Jason’s collection of incredible nature photos can be seen on his Flickr photostream at: http://flickr.com/photos/95665987@N00/ Jason’s Flickr ID is ucb411
To see a courting pair, bobbing and weaving, is a remarkable sight, indeed. The Redhead’s range extends over all of southern Manitoba, which roughly corresponds to the prairie grassland and aspen/oak parkland eco-zones of Manitoba, including the Whitemouth area in the southeast and the diagonal line northwest to Swan River. Redheads arrive about mid-May in Manitoba. The Birds of Manitoba describe their preferred nesting habitat as open woodland with numerous dead or sickly trees, especially where the under storey has been removed by grazing cattle. This is not unlike the habitat created on a golf course or in a park campground. The Gimli and Beaches area has an abundance of parks, campgrounds, golf courses and grazed land, which are ideal zones for Redheads to nest and raise a family. This would explain why we are so fortunate, in this area, to catch glimpses of this stunning bird, perhaps on a more regular basis than others across the province. I have seen them on the Netley Creek and Links at the Lake golf courses, at the Winnipeg Beach, Camp Morton and Gimli parks and have watched them nest on our cottage property adjacent to the Sandy Hook golf course. Once a suitable tree, or on occasion, a utility pole, has been selected, the Redhead excavates a cavity 2-8 meters above the ground. This typically occurs in late May–early June. Four to seven, usually five, pure white eggs are laid in the bottom of the cavity at a depth of ...continued on next page
20-60 cm. Both parents work equally to defend the nest, brood the eggs and feed the young. The young spend about four weeks in the nest and in Manitoba, begin to fly in mid–to late July. At this time and throughout August, the adults and grayish brown-headed young are most commonly seen. This is especially true of the Sandy Hook golf course where I believe anywhere from one to three pairs may be found occupying various territories around the course. At this time, one can also watch their aerial acrobatics as they swoop, flycatcher-like, from their perch in a dead aspen tree to catch insects on the wing. This mannerism, sometimes referred to as “hawking” is a trait practiced only by this species of woodpecker. They remain together in close-knit family groups until fall migration. The Redhead is also one of only four of the 198 woodpecker species worldwide that commonly stores food. This means they can be enticed to bird feeders with sunflower seeds, acorns and orange slices. To have a Redhead or two sharing your feeder with an oriole, goldfinch, or perhaps a blue jay, is an exquisite sight to behold. Unfortunately, the Redhead is in trouble. Loss of habitat and the use of insecticides have contributed
to its steady decline. In April 2007, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) upgraded the Redhead’s status from a “species of special concern” in Canada to one of “threatened.” This means the Redhead is likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. In Manitoba, the Redhead is listed as “uncommon” and is currently being assessed. So what can you do to help? I asked James Duncan, Manager of the Biodiversity Conservation Section with the Manitoba Department of Conservation, “If there was one thing the average person like myself could do to help these birds, what would it be?” Without hesitation, he responded, “Don’t cut down old, large dead trees if at all possible and maintain large ones, and avoid using insecticides in occupied ranges.” His colleague, Ken De Smet, Species at Risk Biologist and author of the field guide Manitoba Birds added, “Report all sightings of nesting birds to authorities so they can be identified, mapped and protected.” Sound advice. Please do your part to help protect this magnificent species. The wood-lot, park and golf courses would hardly seem fully genuine without the resident Redhead.
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H2O Summer 2008 11
by Ken Campbell
A
t 76 years of age Walter Sinclair Sr. is still plying his trade as a Lake Winnipeg commercial fisherman. The grandson of a fisherman, the Fisher River resident was recruited into the family fishing operation at the tender age of 12 years. Since that time he has searched the length and breadth of Lake Winnipeg for pickerel, sauger, whitefish, pike, perch, tulibee and any other species of fish that would provide him with the income he required to support his family. Today he has three sons and six grandsons who are involved in the commercial fishery. “The boys have been after me to retire,” said Walter, but, like his father before him who fished into his 78th year, Walter is determined to stay Spring fishing (top). Ken Campbell actively involved in the fishery for as long as his (above) takes a break during last winter’s successful fishing season. health permits. “The fishery has been our family’s Lake Winnipeg fish being processed bread and butter for as long as we can remember. It at the FFMC. (below). means everything to us.” Walter’s story could be retold in any of the Cree and Ojibway communities located along the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Their forefathers fished Lake Winnipeg for centuries, long before the commercial fishery that we know today existed. The present-day ancestors of these original fishers still make up 80% of those actively employed in the Lake Winnipeg commercial fishery. Marvin Magnusson also comes from a long line of commercial fishermen. Like many Lake Winnipeg fishers his family emigrated from Iceland in the late 1800’s, and involved themselves immediately in the fishing industry. Both his grandfather and father fished and operated fish stations at Frog Bay, Two Rivers, Split Rock and Montreal Point. Today, Marvin’s sons, Shawn and Aaron, have taken over the operation of the Frog Bay station from their uncle Harold, and are keeping the family tradition alive. Marvin, who is also a farmer and a councilor for the R.M. of Bifrost says, “the Lake Winnipeg fishery has meant everything to our family, without it we wouldn’t have survived.” Both Walter and Marvin are typical of the many men and women who have fished Lake Winnipeg for over a century. From a kaleidoscope of ethnic backgrounds, these fishers have made an enormous contribution to the economies of their local communities, as well as to the Province of Manitoba. Like their brothers in the farming, forestry and trapping sectors, they have struggled to establish their industry in the face of much adversity. Challenged by droughts, floods, late freeze-ups, brutal winters, violent spring and fall storms and unpredictable markets, fishers have persisted to the present day, and now enjoy a strong and viable commercial fishing industry on Lake Winnipeg.
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H2O Summer 2008
photo: Linda Vermeulen
There have been two key changes that have been instrumental in fashioning the present day fishery. The first of these was the formation of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC), a crown corporation that was established in 1969 to provide for the orderly marketing of freshwater fish in Western Canada. The creation of the FFMC removed marketing from the hands of the existing fish companies. These companies competed amongst themselves for fish, resulting in wildly fluctuating fish prices. Fishers never knew at the start of the season what they would be paid for their fish. The companies leased equipment, provided room and board, and sent them out on the lake to fish. At seasons end fishers often found themselves in hoc to the company. As part of its mandate, FFMC was required to guarantee fishers an initial price and a final payment, if profits so warranted, which put the fishery on a completely different footing. It freed fishers from the tyranny of the fish companies, directed profits from fish sales their way, and in time allowed them to acquire their own fishing enterprises. Today the FFMC operates a large processing facility in Transcona. The plant purchases fish caught in the Western Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Northwestern Ontario. It is the sole exporter of fish from this area, although it can grant export licenses to others with approval from it’s fisher dominated Board of Directors. In 2004 the FFMC purchased almost 20 million kgs. of fish worth close to 50 million dollars. It had almost 50 full time, and 350 seasonal employees. Lake Winnipeg production for the 2007/2008 fishing year was 4.6 million kgs. marketed weight, of which 3.4 million kgs. was pickerel. Sauger, whitefish, pike, perch, white bass, mullets and carp made up the balance. Fishers produced this fish in three seasons, with the spring season running from late May until mid July, the fall season running from September 1st to October 30th. The winter season runs from first ice to March 31st. The FFMC operates 11 agencies with 14 delivery points around Lake Winnipeg providing direct contact with fishermen in their communities. These agencies may be owned and operated by the FFMC, as is the Selkirk plant, or may be privately owned by contracted agents of the FFMC, like the Magnusson's at Frog Bay. Other stations are owned/operated by fishing co-ops under contract to the FFMC, like Matheson Island Co-op. FFMC, in operation for close to 40 years, exports the bulk of the fish to markets in the United States, Europe and Asia. Recently, the FFMC has looked at expanding sales within Canada to counter some of the negative impact of the high Canadian dollar. Pickerel is the species of most abundance and value and Lake Winnipeg is the premier producer of this species. Dave Bergunder, FFMC zone manager for Lake Winnipeg, is very positive about the future of the corporation. “In spite of some of the challenges we have faced, I feel that the board has performed quite well. We have to continue evolving to meet the needs of fishers, and if we can do that the future is bright.” Before the establishment of individual quotas in 1970, the Lake Winnipeg fishery was managed through lake or area quotas. Individual quotas meant fishers could fish when they wanted, without concerns about the quota being taken before he got
REPRESENTING GIMLI, WINNIPEG BEACH, DUNNOTTAR, ST. ANDREWS, and WEST ST. PAUL 12 ON MAP, PAGE 21
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE Rm 105, 94-1st Avenue Gimli, MB, Canada, R0C 1B1
Phone 204-642-4977 Toll Free 1-866-253-0255 Fax 204-642-8991 email: gimlimla@mts.net
Harvey Benson in his early fishing career.
his share. In the mid 1980’s the province introduced the Quota Entitlement System (QE) which attached an ownership right to individual quotas. Prior to this, quotas belonged to the province, and when a fisher left the industry the quota reverted to the crown. The quota was then re-allocated to another fisher according to an inefficient “point system. The new QE system had an imme-
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elcome to the Interlake and enjoy your stay!
Our communities along the west shore of Lake Winnipeg are exciting and diverse. A history rich in culture has helped to shape the Interlake area into the fascinating place it has become. We welcome you and hope that your discoveries and journeys are filled with adventure. My wife, Joanne, and I look forward to seeing many of you as we enjoy the upcoming events and celebrations throughout our diverse communities.
diate impact on the fishery and allowed fishers to transfer or sell their quota to another fisher and it meant that fishermen had a valuable asset they could sell at the end of their careers. Fishers could now more easily acquire additional quota thereby reducing increases to the overall lake quota. Because of guaranteed prices and quota ownership, the Lake Winnipeg fishery is thriving. Fish stocks, especially pickerel, are at an all time high. That is not to say that the fishery is without challenges. Accelerating prices for crude oil means increased fuel and equipment costs and the value of the Canadian dollar threatens to reduce the export value of fish. Environmental changes and water quality issues are worrisome. Young fishermen are facing a major investment if they wish to join the fishery. In spite of that, there is a feeling of optimism present in the fishery, and a belief that, with a little luck and good management, we just might be able to sustain the fishery for another 100 years!
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Lake Winnipeg has always exerted a strong pull on those who live, work, and play along its shores. Those whose lives have been touched by the commercial fishing experience seldom forget their days on the lake, and often return later in their lives. A case in point is Harvey Benson. The 80’s something former Gimli High School principal headed straight for the lake when he retired, and still sets a net every season. “ Fishing is in the blood of the Icelander,” said Harvey, “I fished with my father when I was 16, and I loved it,” he said. “You’re your own boss and you have freedom. How can you beat that?” Author, Ken Campbell’s previous career was spent working on Lake Winnipeg as the resident Biologist. His “retirement” from Conservation Canada meant that he could fulfill his desire to become a commercial fisherman, a vocation he says he thoroughly enjoys.
140 slips, seasonal and daily moorage, gas, boat launch, licensed restaurant, picnic area, close walk to town. Call 389-3584.
Boundary Creek Marina,
275 slips (to be increased this season), seasonal and daily moorage, Yacht Club, water, diesel and gas, pump-out facility, boat launch, picnic & BBQ area, historic site. Call 642-7517.
Gimli Harbor Marina,
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Silver Harbor Marina, 110 slips, seasonal and daily moorage, showers,
picnic area, boat launch, boat storage. Call 642-7245.
H2O Summer 2008 13
hree excited, but friendly canines announce my arrival at Janet Cruse's horse farm on Highway No. 8. They escort me as I walk the well-worn path to the rear of her property to meet the artist for the first time. Passing between two large barns and paddocks, I come upon her studio, a smaller, converted building with a sliding door that opens in welcome as I approach. The rich, earthy smell of cut wood lingers and the sweet perfume of oil pervades my nose as I step into the woodcarving studio. Janet's studio is incredibly clean and organized. Her current piece - a simple but impressive horse, carved in dark walnut, damp with its first coat of varnish, is drying in a vice. Janet explains that this carving is a commission piece that she is currently working on. Her hand-drawn plans and sketches sit on a nearby work table. She is creating what she calls "generational companion pieces" which will become heirlooms for the family who commissioned the piece. The rocking horse, when completed, is destined to go to the grandchild in the family. The companion piece is designed for the grandmother and will include a female figure standing and watching the child atop an identical rocking horse (table-top sized) to the one that is currently in the works. The two pieces, according to Jane are, "a metaphor for life and growth." As the grandmother lovingly watches, the child, who represents the next generation, rides off into the distance and into her future. Having been an English teacher for 25 years, Janet's love of art and literature fuels her insightful work. Her exposure to horses on a daily basis began with the start-up of her horse farm on Highway #8 at the age of thirty-two. Janet continued to teach in the city for another ten years while living out at the farm, and after retiring from teaching, she continued working at the
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by Kerri Taverner thriving farm up until very recently. This vivacious woman took up woodcarving as a hobby in her retirement only 5 or 6 years ago. Janet's need to keep active was the driving force and having lived on the farm for so many years, it only seemed natural for her to try her hand at wood carving–her subject of choice–a horse…of course! As a self-taught wood-carver, Janet’s initial attempts were rudimentary. But, start she did, and with a brand new set of shiny chisels, she worked on creating what she knew best–the basic shapes of horses. As with any new craft, the fundamentals had to be learned a n d the
requisite skill required to wield the tools, developed and honed. Janet chuckled as she recounted a past conversation she had with another carver early in her endeavors. The professional advice he offered that resonated the most and helped her on her creative path was, "Lady, get empowered – chisels, forget it!" She empowered herself and now nothing stands in her creative way.
Janet Cruse in her rural studio, just south of Gimli. Her vast experience working with horses is evident in the fine details and her intiutive approach to her equine carvings. Carving photos top, left and opposite page: Sandy Driscoll. Photo of Janet in her studio (above): Linda Goodman.
Cruse sold her chisels and learned to master the power tools that work for her, including a miniature chain saw. Says Janet, "I prefer to work with black walnut or cherry wood. I laminate the planks of wood together, giving the pieces strength and allowing for less breakage from wear and tear. Larger blocks of wood tend to ‘check’ over time, meaning crack.” Janet's choice to laminate reduces the possibility of this common problem, and offers a longer lifetime for Continued on next page...
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the finished pieces. Cruse's familiarity with horses translates into graceful and fluid movements in her figures. The laminating method of woodcarving allows her to be more intricate in her designs as there is less worry concerning breakage when incorporating the finer details. It has not taken Janet long to develop her remarkable talent at rendering striking equine figures in wood. She now looks beyond the simple figure itself and goes deeper, to include layers of meaning, exemplified in the rocking horse and generational companion pieces. Janet doesn't merely render an image. She captures the essence of her subject, its natural rhythm and grace, and creates a fluid movement that animates her equine subjects. Each piece is unique
and, as such, comes with a certificate verifying its originality, signed by the artist. As a self-described hobbyist and wood-carver, Janet creates pieces either for commission or, for sale at exceedingly reasonable prices, generating just enough revenue to resupply herself with wood and tools for her next project. "I am happy to do pieces on commission, and to incorporate the client's vision to create a piece that is meaningful to him or her," says Cruse. Her commissions can be found all over Canada and even into the U.S. She has been featured in articles in prestigious magazines such as Style Manitoba, Western Horse Review, and Horse Country Magazine. Janet Cruse is a four year member of the Interlake's successful Wave Artist Tour; however, she will not be opening her studio on this year's tour as she is currently in transition. Cruse has sold her farm and is currently working on building her new wood-carving studio. While she is in this exciting transition period, her work can be seen by appointment only but, Janet welcomes inquires about commission work. She can be reached at 204-886-3058.
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H2O Summer 2008 15
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Match the number or letter listed below (to the left of the businesses, attraction or service) with the corresponding number or letter in the Red or Blue Circle on the map. Example: S Outdoor Stage
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TUBES & WATERSKIS AVAILABLE NO BOATERS LICENSE REQUIRED
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Advertisers Helma RogueRaiders Studio Gallery At Boundary Creek Blue Rooster GrafficWear; Russin Insurance Fishfly Gallery Gimli Credit Union Niakwa Restaurant & Lounge
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Attractions & Services Boardwalk & Walking Trail Children’s Park Winnipeg Beach Legion Boundary Creek Marina Public Parking Outdoor Stage Tennis Courts Peter Toth Totem Pole Washrooms / Change Rooms Winnipeg Beach Town Office
ON GIMLI BEACH!
FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! open daily - weather permitting 5 ON MAP, PAGE 21
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for more information call 642-9788 or 642-8772
THERE’S ACTION EVERY WEEKEND AT ‘THE BEACH’
June 14
Show and Shine Annual Car Show
June 29
Bands on the Boardwalk Scottish Festival
July 1
Canada Day / Family Fun Picnic
THE BEACH Enjoy our beautiful sandy beaches, great for water sports, including the best windsurfing on the west shore of the Lake Winnipeg.
July 12
T.B.A. - Please Call Us.
July 19
Salsa at the Beach - Dancers & Instruction!
THE PARK
July 25-27
Boardwalk Days
Aug 23
Fubuki Daiko - Japanese Drumming
June, July, Aug
LIVE BANDS - EVERY WEEKEND
Please call our Events Line at 389-5126 or check our Website at www.winnipegbeach.ca for dates & times of upcoming attractions.
Come experience our impressive provincial park and HISTORIC BOARDWALK nestled on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Great for a picnic or family reunion.
SKATEBOARD PARK For the young and the young at heart, our skateboard park will keep you fit all summer long!
CHECK OUR WEBSITE OR CALL OUR EVENTS LINE FOR MORE DATES AND TIMES. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR LIVE BANDSAND ENTERTAINMENT, SEE PG’S 18 -19 OF THE H2O GUIDE.
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Match the number or letter listed below (to the left of the businesses, attraction or service) with the corresponding number or letter in the Red or Blue Circle on the map. Examples:
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Gimli & Beaches
Recycling
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Aluminum Cans, Tin Cans, Newspaper, Glass, Milk Jugs, Pop Bottles, Cardboard & Boxboard Clean, dry materials can be dropped off at any of the recycling locations.
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Advertisers 1 Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort 2 Interlake Heating & Ventilation Ltd. Smitty’s Furniture & Appliances 3 Elektrus Communications 4 Spruce Sands R.V. Resort 5 North Gimli Estates 6 The Golden Circle Luxury Lakefront Condos 7 Misty Lake Lodge & Conference Centre 8 Chudd’s Esso; Chudd’s Chrysler 9 Tumbleweeds Ranch 10 Cornerstone Enterprises 11 Skydive Manitoba 12 Steina’s Studio - Paintings & Jewellery 13 Estates West Real Estate - Odin Green 14 V. Arnason Construction 15 Siglavik & Miklavik 16 Sandy Hook Cooking Classes 17 Solmundson’s Greenhouse 18 Interlake Garden Centre 19 Whytewold Emporium 20 Premier Gary Doer Brushfire Signs; Canadian Cancer Society Gerry Gordon Mazda Johanna Brierley - Jewellery Design Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre Poulin’s Pest Control Winnipeg Humane Society Attractions & Services Gimli & District Health Centre Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre Marina Public Park Gimli & District Recreation Centre Gimli Sports Park, Youth Centre, Skateboard Park, Lawn Bowling Club, New Horizons 55+ Centre W Willow Creek Paddling Route
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Cornerstone Enterprises
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642-5028
RE/MAX Real Estate Service 61 Centre Street GIMLI, Manitoba
204 642-4888 Toll Free 1-866-642-4888
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Large selection of Basket Stuffers Annuals - Perennials - Herbs - Shrubs Hanging Baskets - Planters 17 ON MAP
3 1/2 miles west of Wpg, Beach, on hwy #229
389-3016 H2O Summer 2008 17
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - GIMLI & Arts, Crafts & History June - Sept - Ponemah Beach Central Art Centre & Dunnottar CPR Beach Station Museum - Painting Group each Tue & Wed 1-4 pm. Quilters’ Group Thur 1-4 pm with Elaine Twanow. Station Museum Open weekends 10am - 5pm. Weekend art shows, Textile Show, The Wave Tour, Fibre Fest Show, Group Artists Show, Annual Quilt Show. Corner of Railway St. & Central Ave., Ponemah. Call Betty Jackson 389-5682, or 641-0234 / rbsbjj2@mts.net for info & registration. June 10 - Aug 15 - The Vikings: Master Mariners, Traders, Colonists and Artisans - a temporary exhibit from the Manitoba Museum at the New Iceland Heritage Museum. This exhibit explores the alterimage of the Viking who was more than just a horned, blood-thirsty barbarian. Admission includes permanent & travelling exhibits, plus film. Call 642-4001. www.nihm.ca June 14 - 15 - Catch the 7th WAVE! Self-guided Artists’ Studio Tour–west shore of Lake Winnipeg. 10-6 pm. Free. 3895633. www.watchthewave.ca June 29 - Gallery Open House Paintings, pottery and photos. H. RogueRaiders Studio/Fine Art Gallery at Boundary Creek, Wpg Beach, 2-4 pm - For more info please call 389-5633. July 5 - 6 - Summer Craft Show Centennial Rd- Gimli Rec Centre. Free. Silent Auction - 642-6670. July 19 - 28 - “The Sky’s The Limit” Group Show at Mermaid’s Kiss Gallery at 85-4th Ave., Gimli. Artist Reception at 7:30 pm on July 19th. 10% of sales from show to go to The Gimli Band Boosters. 642-7453 www.mermaidskissgallery.com Aug 23 - Sept 6 - “Images Through Reflection” - by Antoinette Beck Reception & Meet the Artist - Aug 23 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Mermaid’s Kiss Gallery at 85-4th Ave., Gimli. 642-7453 www.mermaidskissgallery.com
Aug 30 - 31 - Catch the 7th WAVE! Self-guided Artists’ Studio Tour - west shore of Lake Winnipeg. 10 am-6 pm. Free. 389-5633. www.watchthewave.ca Sept 27 - 28 - Fall Craft Show at the Gimli Rec Centre, Centennial Road, Gimli. Free Admission. Silent Auction. For information call 642-6670. Oct 5 - In recognition of Women’s History Month - Ryan Eyford, U of M History Ph.D. candidate, speaks on the life and career of suffragist and womens’ emancipation activitst Margrét Jónsdóttir Benedictsson in Iceland, Canada and the U.S. New Iceland Heritage Museum, 94-1st Ave., Gimli. Call 642-4001. Oct 18-21 A Tribute to Lake Winnipeg New Iceland Heritage Museum. Gala fundraising dinner on Oct 18 - Johnson Hall. Three days of themed activities exploring the natural history of our great lake and fishing industry through written word, film, music and art that will culminate with the annual walk to the White Rock - historic site of arrival of first Icelandic settlers in MB. on Oct. 21. In cooperation with Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society & the Consulate of Iceland. 642-4001 or www.nihm.ca Oct 21- Walk to the Rock - 134th Anniversary of Icelandic immigrants arrival. Sponsor: Gimli Chapter INL. Oct 25 - Nov 16 - Story of the Battle of Hong Kong - from Hong Kong Veterans Assoc. of Canada. Local connection: Neil Bardal’s grandfather was a POW in the battle. Neil and others will be available to speak to school groups that tour the New Iceland Heritage Museum. 94-1st Ave., Gimli. 642-4001 www.nihm.ca
Festivals & Entertainment June 7 - “High Profile Band” - Outdoor Stage, Wpg. Beach - 389-5126 June 14 - “Wailen Jailers” - Outdoor Stage, Wpg. Beach - 389-5126
June 14 - Annual Car Show and Shine event: “Tune Raiders” in afternoon. Winnipeg Beach, 389-5126. June 21 - “Scott Wazney & The Blue Steel Band” Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach - 389-5126. June 28 - “Standard Time Trio” on the Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach. June 29 - Hecla Community Church Regular services begin at 11 am Sundays and are non-denominational (casual dress). Hecla Island. Maxine/John Ingalls 2792061 or jingalls@mts.net June 29 – “Scottish Festival” - Bands on the Boardwalk - Solo Piping & Drumming events, Pipe Band competitions, Highland & Counry Dancing demos, “Wee” Heavy Games, The Popular Beach Event Massed Bands at end of the day. Winnipeg Beach. June 30 - Canada Day Fireworks - A magnificent fireworks display at the Gimli Harbour, plus entertainment at Gimli’s Pier to kick off the Canada Day festivities! 6427220. July 1 - Canada Day Celebrations Gimli Pier: Pancake Breakfast, parade, Fish Fry, ceremony, birthday cake, entertainment. Gimli Park: Family games, entertainment, drinks and hot dogs. Free shuttle service from Pier to Gimli Park. Call 642-7220. July 1 - Canada Day Celebrations - Elvis Impersonator - Daylin James on the Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach. July 1 - New Iceland Heritage Museum Canada Day Celebrations - Free Admission on this day 10 am - 4 pm! July 1 - Ponemah Canada Day Parade. 10 am - best seen at Central Ave. & Railway St. Community floats, hot dogs & birthday cake at noon at grounds near Selkirk & Railway Ave. Prizes & Gifts. All Welcome! July 1 - Winnipeg Beach Day Camp 10 am - 3pm daily/weekdays - Park & Prospect. Calling all 3 -11yr old KIDS! Crafts, sports, penny carnival, field trips, drama & bandstand talent show - until Aug 8. Come for a day, a week, or the whole summer! Call Andrea at 204-338-2932. www.winnipegbeachdaycamp.org July 5 - 6 - Viking Life & Open House Interactive & hands-on demonstrations of Authentic Viking Life. Reenacted by Manitoba Living History Society. Sat 10am 5pm, Sun 11am - 3 pm. A perfect opportunity to explore the Odin Green Development - so come on out! July 5 - “Walle Larson” on the Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach. July 12 – Children’s Fishing Derby Gimli Harbour. Limited to first 100 kids. Same day registration at Harbour - 9 am. Derby runs from 10 am - 1 pm. Call Vicki: 642-7929 or 641-4000. July 13 – Cruisin’ Gimli Beach Car Show - Get up close to see awesome vintage, classic and modern specimens of car perfection on Centre St. Call Bob Forzley at 642-9481 or John Hykawy at 642-7554. July 19 – Salsa At The Beach Salsa dancers and dance instruction! Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach.
July 20-22 “The Dining Room”- by the Shoestring Players at the (air-conditioned) ASpire Theatre - 2nd Ave., Gimli. Fri & Sat at 8 pm; Sun Matinée 2:30 pm. 642-8785. July 20 - Gospel Concert - (tentatively booked) at Hecla Community Hall - 2 pm. Silver collection and all welcome! Maxine/John Ingalls 279-2061, or jingalls@mts.net July 25-27 “Sketches”- by Tumbleweed of Virden at the (air-conditioned) A-Spire Theatre - 2nd Ave., Gimli. Fri & Sat at 8 pm; Sun Matinée 2:30 pm. Five short plays. Tickets: Tergesen’s or at the door. Call 6428785 for reservations. July 25, 26, 27 - Boardwalk Days at Winnipeg Beach. Parade on July 27. July 25 - 29 - 8th Annual Gimli Film Festival Enjoy over 80 new feature length films, documentaries & innovative shorts from Canada and worldwide! The Canwest Global Best Manitoba Short Film Award & Audience Favourite Awards. At Gimli Beach, Lady of the Lake Theatre. Tickets on sale July 19. All Access Pass gives you unlimited screenings and invite to Opening Night Party. Box 1225, Gimli, MB. R0C 1B0 www.gimlifilmfestival.com Call 642-8846 for more info. July 27 - Boardwalk Days Parade. Winnipeg Beach, 389-5126. Aug 1 - 4 119th Icelandic Festival “Íslendingadagurinn,” one of Canada’s largest ethnic celebrations with authentic costumes & cooking. Parade, fireworks, concerts, fine art show & more. Souvenir program available everywhere with all events listed. Call 642-7417. Aug 1 - 4 Costumed Viking Village - at the harbour “hill.” A spirited group of professional costumed Vikings & artisans will show you “The Viking Way”- authentic costumes, cooking, battle & lifestyle reenactments. Jewellery reproductions & unique items for sale. Presented by the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba - 642-7417. Aug 2 – “Incentives” Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach, 389-5126. Aug 3 – “Little Boy Boom” Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach, 389-5126. Aug 4 – “Jimmy G & the Doo Wops” Outdoor Stage, Wpg. Beach, 389-5126. Aug 8 - 10 - “High Infidelity Relaively Speaking” and “The Sicilian Wine Test” - 2 plays in one program, written by Dale Watts & New Stage Productions at the (airconditioned) A-Spire Theatre - 2nd Ave., Gimli. Fri & Sat at 8 pm; Sun Matinée 2:30 pm. Tickets: Tergesen’s or at the door. Call 642-8785 for reservations. Aug 9 – “Loaded” Outdoor Stage, Wpg Beach, 389-5126. Aug 15-17 Gimli Model Air Fest -5th Anniversay! Sat am: static display at Gimli Harbour. Sat pm: enjoy the “Fun Fly.” On Sunday capture the excitement of the model air show! Don’t miss it! For info call Randy Bohemier 642-7850 or www.gimlimodelfest.com Aug 16 – “Dust Rhinos” Outdoor Stage, Wpg Beach, 389-5126.
June 30 - Canada Day FIREWORKS & Monday Entertainment at GIMLI Pier July 1 - Canada Day CELEBRATIONS Tuesday Pier: Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Fish Fry, Ceremony Birthday Cake, Entertainment GIMLI Park: Family Games, Entertainment FREE Drinks & Hot Dogs.
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Free Shuttle Service from Pier to Gimli Park
Contact: 642-7220
BEACHES - 2008 Aug 16 – “Live at The Hamlet” A groovin’ summer concert starting at 2pm. 172 Kernstead Rd., Wpg. Beach. Must be 18+ yrs. old. Tickets: hamlet1@mts.net or 204-389-5086 or 204-999-5625. www.myspace.com/the_hamlet. Aug 22 - 24 “Over The River & Through The Woods”- by Seven Ages Productions of Brandon at the (air-conditioned) A-Spire Theatre - 2nd Ave., Gimli. Fri & Sat at 8 pm; Sun Matinée 2:30 pm. Tickets: Tergesen’s or at the door. Call 642-8785 for reservations. August 23 -Fubuki Daiko (Blizzard Drums) Catapults Japanese drumming into the 21st Century! Jazz, Funk, Modern & Ancient fuse to create a truly eclectic experience that is part martial arts athleticism, part dance and ALL RHYTHM! Outdoor Stage. Wpg Beach. August 24 -"Blessing of the Fleet" 11 am - Fisherman’s Sunday Service commemorating fishers, past & present. Fishing & historical displays, refreshments. Everyone Velkomin! Hecla Community Church, Hecla Island. Maxine/John Ingalls 2792061, or jingalls@mts.net August 29-31 - Repeat of live a theatre show from last season at the (air-conditioned) A-Spire Theatre - 2nd Ave., Gimli. Fri & Sat at 8 pm; Sun Matinée 2:30 pm. Tickets: Tergesen’s or at the door. Call 6428785 for reservations. Aug 30 – “Bonnie & Clyde” Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach, 389-5126. Aug 31 – “440” Outdoor Stage, Wpg. Beach. Aug 31 – Old Timers Dance Gimli Park Pavilion. Bands - “The Canadian Rhythm Masters” & “Female Beat.” 642-6670. Sept 6 – “Wood Nots” Outdoor Stage, Winnipeg Beach, 389-5126. Sept 7 - Last regular Church Service Hecla Community Curch, Hecla Island. Maxine/John Ingalls 279-2061, or email jingalls@mts.net Oct 25 - Peter’s Pumpkin Party MLA for Gimli, Peter Bjornson hosts the 5th annual event. Pumpkin carving, decorating & costume contests! Face painting, reading tent, Bounceroo, men’s baked goods, silent auction & entertainment. Gimli Park Pavilion. 1pm - 5pm. Proceeds to the Healing Garden, Gimli Community Health Centre. 642-4977 or 1-866-253-0255.
visit the viking village
Fundraisers June 13 - 14 - Relay For Life - A celebration of cancer survivors & a tribute to those lost. Teams of 10 take turns walking, running or strolling for 12 hours - 7pm - 7 am. Gimli Park Pavilion. Luminary Bags available to honour a loved one. Call 1-888532-6982, or relayforlife@mb.cancer.ca. June 20 - 5th Annual Viking Open Golf Tournament & Dinner. Proceeds to the New Iceland Heritage Museum. At Links at the Lake, 1 mile north of Gimli. Texas Scramble format. Register early by calling 642-4001 or www.nihm.ca Teams & individuals welcome! Fee: $90. Early bird (June 1) fee $85. Cart, golf & dinner included. Sept 8- Annual Westshore Community Foundation & Lakeview Resort Charity Golf Tournament - Links at the Lake Golf Course: scramble format. Golf, power cart, dinner & prizes. $110/player, $400/team. Call 642-9870 or 642-8565 for info. Sept 14 - Terry Fox Run Fundraiser for Cancer Research. Noon at Gimli Park. Call 642-6670. Sept 13 or 14 – Parkinson's SuperWalk in memory of Leo Kristjanson - Register 9am; walk begins 10 am at Gimli Public School, 2nd Avenue. Pledge forms everywhere & at www.superwalk.com Oct 18-21 A Tribute to Lake Winnipeg New Iceland Heritage Museum. Gala fundraising dinner on Oct 18 - Johnson Hall. Three days of themed activities exploring the natural history of our great lake and fishing industry through written word, film, music and art that will culminate with the annual walk to the White Rock - historic site of arrival of first Icelandic settlers in MB. on Oct. 21. In cooperation with Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society and the Consulate of Iceland. 642-4001 or www.nihm.ca Oct 25 - Peter’s Pumpkin Party MLA for Gimli, Peter Bjornson hosts the 5th annual event. Pumpkin carving, decorating & costume contests! Face painting, reading tent, Bounceroo, men’s baked goods, silent auction & entertainment. Gimli Park Pavilion. 1pm -5pm. Proceeds to the Healing Garden, Gimli Community Health Centre. 642-4977 or 1-866-253-0255.
Viking heroes. The Although Brad naive viewer, out of Arnason was widely earshot, might see the known as an intelliloser innocently gent, accomplished scrambling back up individual, capable the ladder against the of quickly solving dock; those who could any practical probalso hear the battle and lem, he will be commentary knew the remembered more vanquished warrior for his simple goodwas borne up to ness as a human Valhalla on his shield. being. In this way, Brad could However, it by Cam Arnason transform the ordinary would be an overinto the spectacular. sight not to acknowledge his boundless energy, Brad's impact on curling in the Interlake is legenthusiasm for life, and the positive impact he endary. He participated in bonspeils throughout had on others. School projects like the light the district where he competed intensely and suchouses which stand sentinel throughout cessfully. When his opponents had the upper Gimli, or the ancient trebochet (that devastathand and things looked glum for his team, Brad ing, medieval weapon of war) or the finely would often offer condolences to the opposition crafted shuffleboard at the Gimli Curling Rink, for having come so close only to lose it in the last were all built by Gimli High School's woodend. This tactic often worked to undermine the shop students under Brad's creative superviother team's confidence, allowing Brad to put up sion. He always encouraged and challenged his enough numbers to win. Those of us who kwew students. The insurmountable for Brad did not Brad saw this not as vanity but, rather, as his funexist, it just took a little longer. loving spirit. When the lakeside properties in the Gimli As a curling coach and mentor to young area were threatherned by water a few years curlers, Brad gave a good deal of his time. Many ago, Brad designed and built seawalls for many who curl in the Gimli square-draw credit Brad of the locals, to resist the angry waves. After a with encouraging their interest in the game. particularly powerful east wind undermined But the most important aspect of Brad was many of his fortifications, Brad modified his his genuine goodness as a person. He felt it was design and worked night and day to rebuild his his job to entertain people and to make them walls, at his own expense, so they might withhappy. He would go to great lenghts to help peostand any storm. And they did. Shortly thereple, even total strangers. Perhaps, especially after Lake Winnipeg unleashed another temstrangers, because he felt they might not have pest and the dykes held. Such was his ingenuanyone to assist them. He was a loyal friend, genity. Such was his integrity. erous and warm hearted. He loved his family and The “Islendingadunk” challenge at the was a devoted husband and father. annual Islendingadagurinn was made possible Brad died a young man but, his zest for life by Brad. He designed and erected the fighting and his indominatable spirit lives on in the hearts pole upon which the combatants precariously of his family and friends. So, when you drive perched, awaiting a pounding from their oppodown Highway #9 and see the lighthouse just nent's 'thumper'. A casual obsever might think south of Gimli, wave and say "Hi Brad", because this event to be a playful contest of balance and if you listen carefully you might just hear him brawn. But, with Brad's colorful commentatanswer, "Keep the Spirit." ing it became a battle to the death between
A Tribute To Brad Arnason
Sports Events July 14 - Peter Bjornson, MLA for Gimli, presents the 4th annual Tee Off “Fore” KidSport Golf Tournament at Links at the Lake. Registration at 10:30 am. Texas Scramble - Shotgun start at Noon. Info: Sport Manitoba, Interlake Reg. - 6426015 or 1-866-774-2220 Ext 2, or Peter Bjornson’s Constituency Office - 204-6424977 or Toll Free 1-866-253-0255.
August 16 - Jerry Johnson Memorial Lawnbowling Tournament. Gimli & District Lawnbowling Club. Please call 642-7117 or 642-9332. Aug 23 - 24 - Rona MS Bike Tour “Biking to the Viking” - then party on the beach after! www.mssociety.ca
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website: www.icelandicfestival.com email: icefest@mts.net
Aug 11 & 18 - Gimli Minor Hockey Week-Long Camps for girls & boys. Gimli Rec Centre, 642-7862.
For more information please call (204) 642-7417
at one of our locations: Icelandic Festival VisittwousGimli Next to the In the Waterfront Visitor Centre Centre at 94-1st Ave.Gift Shops
3 Centre St., Harbourfront
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Gimli Townsite
MAP LEGEND Match the number or letter listed below with the corresponding number or letter in the Red or Blue Circle on the map. Examples: 8
Whitecaps Restaurant A-Spire Theatre 13 New Iceland Heritage Museum A
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ADVERTISERS
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Icelandic Festival Gift Shop Comodo Chinese Restaurant Lakeview Resort / Seagull’s Restaurant Diamond Beach/Gimli Florist, Sandstone Gift & Home Viking Rentals Gimli Film Festival (July 25-29) Brennivin’s Restaurant Whitecaps Restaurant & Lounge Kris’ Fish Restaurant Deals For Dollars H.P. Tergesen & Sons Waterfront Centre, Peter Bjornson - MLA for Gimli, New Iceland Heritage Museum, Icelandic Festival Gift Shop Koma Heim Trading Central Bakery, Chicken Chef Gimli Credit Union Isaac & Denchuk, P. Crystal Taylor/Scotia McLeod Aradia Art & Massage Gallery Aurora, Lakeshore Family Chiropractic Lighthouse Mall - Quarry Physiotherapy, Royal LePage/JMB Associates Paco’s Pizza / G& C Grocery Mermaid’s Kiss Gallery Taylor Pharmacy, Gimli Liquor Mart Interlake Real Estate / Insurance Gimli Super A Foods Gimli Bowling Centre Remax Realty, Russin Insurance Cocoa Bella Chocolatier, Gimli Veterinary Services Johnson’s Department Store Red River Co-op - Mac’s Beachcomber Family Hair Design Gimli Physiotherapy Clinic The Home Store, Sveinson Construction Autumnwood Motel & RV Resort Sobeys Viking Inn / Gordon Lee’s Restaurant Chudd’s Corner Esso / Chudd’s Chrysler DIAGEO Canada / Crown Royal Elektrus Communications
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New Iceland Heritage Museum Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre A-Spire Theatre Gimli Beach & Boardwalk Beach Concession/Change Rooms Gimli Park Pavilion & Cairn Evergreen Public Library Fishers’ Wharf Gimli Harbour & Pier Gimli Art Club Gimli & District Health Centre Gimli & District Lawn Bowling Club Rural Municipality of Gimli Office Gimli New Horizons 55+ Centre Gimli Public School (1915), Home of the “Huldufolk” - Snorri & Snaebjorn Public Parking Gimli & District Recreation Centre Gimli Sports park Gimli Art Club Seawall Paintings Tennis Courts (Gimli High School) Viking Statue Gimli Yacht Club Youth Centre, Skateboard Park Public Washrooms
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Gourmet Style Pizza - By the slice! “Wingos” Chicken Wings Garlic Cheese Bread & Sauce CHECKERS Country Fried Chicken
TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY Delivery Time: 5 pm to Close
642-4151
FREE
or
642-8742
IN-TOWN DELIVERY!
98 - 3rd Ave GIMLI, MB Home of G&C Grocery & Roger’s Video
Hours Sun-Thur 11 am - 11 pm Fri - Sat 11 am - 12 am
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I
t's as easy as riding a bike! Do you remember the days when you were a kid, and the idea of riding through the fresh air, backpack in tow, seemed like the perfect way to seek adventure on a sunny, summer afternoon at the cottage? It's still a great way to spend an afternoon and now that the warmer months are here, it's the perfect time to rekindle that love of the outdoors, physical activity and get that wind-in-the-hair feeling. It goes without saying that cycling is a great cardiovascular exercise and can have the aerobic benefit comparable to jogging while being kind to your joints. Other health benefits include a reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Bicycling also whips those leg muscles into shape along with engaging your abdominal and back (core) muscles to keep the bike upright. Increasing your balance and muscle strength both help with functional strength; your daily tasks seem easier and it is central to your good health and enjoyment of life. If you decide to get back on your bike along with your own kids, you’ll feel like a kid again! You will be able to
help your children learn about the importance of physical activity and increase their activity levels. Tanya Kozera, Owner and Physiotherapist at Gimli Physiotherapy Clinic, conducted a study as part of her recently completed Masters Thesis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the fitness levels and body composition of children in rural Manitoba. Her initial data was gathered using pedometers, fitness testing and body composition measures. The results demonstrated that these children would not likely have adequate strength for later in life. 50 to 60 percent of the kids had a higher percentage of body fat that would eventually put them at greater risk for disease as the their age increased. Those findings are consistent with trends in the province and across the country that include more and more kids accumulating screen time (computer and television) and passive play, with less time being active in school and at home. However, Tanya believes these habits can be turned around and that parents play a key role. "Revisit how you played as a child and teach your children. Enjoy spending time
together and being active. Priorize physical activity in your life and in your child's life." Apart from the bicycle itself and a helmet, no other special equipment is needed to get your kids started. When looking for a helmet you can access the "Protect Your Noggin" low-cost bike helmet program offered by the Province of Manitoba and the Department of Healthy Living. In addition to modeling physical activity for your children and biking with them, you could also enroll them in the learn-to-ride and learn-to-race program called "Kids of Mud", administered by the Manitoba Cycling Association. To help remove the barriers to participation in physical activity, Sport Manitoba provides KidSport funding assistance for programs with recognized provincial sport organizations, "so all kids can play." You may also want to consider the goal this summer of participating in a cycling event with your family and see the sites the Interlake has to offer from the vantage point of your bike. With a planned event there is the support of volunteers along the route, rest stops
and support vehicles. Planning is already well underway for the MS Bike Tour - "Biking to the Viking" that will be held on August 23 & 24. For the past eight years cyclists have been starting out at Stonewall and winding their way across to Gimli for dinner and entertainment along the shores of Lake Winnipeg before heading back to Stonewall the next day. In addition to doing something great for your family's health you would also be raising money for a great cause: the fight against multiple sclerosis. To participate, children need to be 10 years of age or older by the tour date. Children between the ages of 10 and 17 must participate along with an adult. Whether you choose the adventure of exploring the west shore close to your summer home or whether you plan to take your family across the Interlake, increasing physical activity can be as easy as riding a bike! Jan Keryluk is a certified fitness professional with the Manitoba Fitness Council and is currently the coordinator of the Gimli Wellness Club for the RM of Gimli.
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Camp Morton FAMILY VACATION CABINS
Memorial Park
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CAMP MORTON ROAD
STEEPLE VIEW TRAIL 2.1 KM
BIRCH TRAIL 2.8 KM
WILDERNESS TENT CAMPING
Provincial Low Cost Bike Helmet Program http://www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving/bikehelmet.html Manitoba Cycling Association & Kids of Mud http://www.cycling.mb.ca/
RAVINE TRAIL 1.3 KM
MS Bike Tour - Manitoba http://www.mssociety.ca/manitoba/biketour.htm Tips on Physical Activity & More http://www.manitobainmotion.ca/youth/ Health Canada Family-Friendly Physical Activity Guides for Children & Youth http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/paguide/child_youth/index.html Childrens Fitness Tax Credit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/fitness/ Sport Manitoba http://www.sportmanitoba.ca/ KidSport Funding Assistance http://www.sportmanitoba.ca/programs/kidsport.php
TRAILS
MOONSHINE TRAIL 1.5 KM
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by Heather Hinam, Ph.D.
T
he explorers emerge into the clearing. Pausing, they carefully check their coordinates, and scan the area for anything that might be out of place. With a quick glance to be sure they are not being watched, the adventurers head for a small pile of rocks that look suspicious. Carefully, they slide a loose stone to one side, revealing the treasure they had been seeking. This scene may seem like something lifted from Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider. However, it is undoubtedly a moment that plays out everyday, all over the world, starring ordinary people.
It’s geocaching. Geocaching is an adventure game that’s a dream come true for anyone who ever fantasized as a child about searching for hidden treasure. “Geocaching is like participating in a secret, world-wide scavenger hunt for adults,” explains Jacques Bourgeois, a member of the Manitoba Geocaching Association (MBGA). It is easy to learn and accessible to anyone with a GPS. GPS (Global Positioning Systems) are increasingly common devices that record your location on the globe, usually as latitude and longitude. They are like a hightech version of the sextants used by mariners of old. Instead of using the
stars, they use satellites to calculate your location coordinates. A GPS can also guide you to a location that was entered into the device in advance. It is this feature that makes geocaching possible, essentially making the device a high-tech treasure map. The object of the game is simple. The players consist of cachers (hiders) and seekers, and any one player can take on both roles. Cachers hide a cache, which usually consists of a waterproof container that holds a log book and sometimes tradable trinkets. Once hidden, the cacher records the coordinates of the cache and posts them on a central website at www.geocaching.com for players to find. Seekers visit the website and download the location of caches hidden in the area they plan to visit. Along with the coordinates, seekers can get clues to the location from the cache’s name or other hints left on the site by the cacher. Once they have the coordinates, the game truly begins. So what’s the big deal? If you have the exact coordinates of something, shouldn’t it be simple to find? Actually, it’s harder than it looks. Knowing where something is located is one thing. Actually finding it is another altogether. Cachers are a
tricky breed and take great pride in hiding their treasures in the most creative way possible. Seekers need to always be on the lookout for the unexpected. A cache could be a container hidden in a hollow tree, or a metal box stuck under a bridge. It could be a rock on the beach, hollowed out to contain the logbook or stashed in an old wasp nest hung up on a branch. Once found, the seeker records their find in the logbook and takes a trinket from the cache, leaving one of their own behind. For many geocachers, like Bourgeois, searching is the best part. “I like to see the creativity used by other geocachers to hide their geocache.” The fun is in the find and the enthusiasm is catching. Geocaching started as essentially an experiment in 2000 with the first cache placed in Oregon to test the accuracy of the GPS system. It has since exploded into a world-wide phenomenon. Geocaching.com lists over half a million caches all over the world, just waiting to be discovered. For the initiated, the hunt can become very addictive. As Bourgeois explains “Some people are even planning their vacation or road trip routes carefully, according to where they can find the most geocaches,” he said.
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A GPS unit (above) and a small scale “cache” unearthed on a geocache exploration. Containers need to be weather resistant so the information and treasures inside are well protected. Below, a winter-friendly cache, hidden beneath a rock, awaits discovery by an intrepid geocacher.
With about 200 caches in the region, the Interlake offers a treasure trove that will keep even ambitious geocachers busy for days. It offers a wide variety of caches in both wilderness and urban settings. Newcomers can start out with simple walk-up caches or challenge themselves with ones that require solving a puzzle to discover the coordinates. Getting started is easy. Just take it from Jacques. “Geocaching is available to everyone regardless of age, gender or fitness level. There are no monthly fees or high costs associated with the activity other than buying a GPS unit (approximately $100).” After familiarizing yourself with the unit, visit geo-
caching.com and become a member for free. There, you can search for cache locations in your area and transfer them to your GPS. After that, the hunt is on and the possibilities are endless. For even more help and geocaching information in Manitoba, visit the MBGA at www.mbgeocaching.ca. Geocaching is a great activity for the whole family, promoting discovery, creativity, healthy lifestyles and respect for the environment. It is also a fun way to discover new and interesting locations. “It’s always great to see new, good quality caches appear in areas that are often forgotten in the traditional tourist guides,” says Jacques. So, get out there and join the geocache adventure!
Siglavik
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Heather Hinam, Ph.D., is the Director of Ecotourism at the new Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort, Gull Harbour. Information on tour schedules and details are available at 1-800-267-6700. Also, check our website at www.h2oguide.ca for updates. Above photos courtesy of Heather Hinam.
5 km to Gimli
WILLOW CREEK
Paddling Map
SIGLAVIK
WILLOW ISLAND Lagoon
Wetlands channel
creek
MIKLAVIK II
MIKLAVIK
CROW Island Picnic Spot
W ill ow Cr
HIG HWAY # 9
Willow Creek Wetlands
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ee
WILLOW
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CREEK ROAD
SKUNK Island
Great birdwatching ---!
Start Here WILLOW CREEK
LAKE WINNIPEG
Centennial Park
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The Gimli & Beaches area boast a virtual international array of culinary delights. Whether you dine-in or do the casual, summer take-out thing – sitting in the shade or, on one of our many beaches, it’s easy to simply enjoy the good food and the summer air. It’s all good!
Brennivins Pizza Hus 70 First Ave., Gimli / 642-5555 Featuring “Wing Nights” on Mondays & Wednesdays. All You Can Eat Buffet on Thursdays 4 pm - 9 pm. Tons of tasty appetizers & daily drink specials. We offer a great wine selection that goes treat with our specialty pizzas! Licensed Dine-In & Patio, Take-Out and Delivery service. Central Bakery 30 Centre St., Gimli / 642-5544 A Gimli tradition. Scrumptious breakfasts and delicious homemade soups and sandwiches. Next door, you’ll find fresh baked breads, cinnamon buns, bagels, cookies, pies, and Icelandic specialties. No smoking. Open daily. Bakery: 9am- 6pm. Coffee shop open from 6 am-4 pm.
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Chicken Chef / 642-8588 Centre St. and 2nd Ave, Gimli Now Open for Breakfast! Come check out our newly renovated dining area and enjoy one of our new Specialty Coffee’s with your break-
fast. We are under new management, and the food is fantastic! A family style restaurant, with lots of parking. Dine-In, Take-Out, Catering and Delivery service. Comodo Chinese Restaurant 81-1st Ave., Gimli / 642-1888 Gimli’s only Harbourfront Chinese restaurant, located across from the Lakeview Hotel. Featuring a Head Chef with over 30 years experience, mastering every dish to perfection! Daily Lunch and Dinner buffets. Extended summer hours and Moonlight hours on weekends. Special Moonlight (evening) menu offering lighter portions for “dining under the moon.” Outdoor patio with fireplace. Dine-In & Take-Out. Fully Licensed. Gordon Lee’s Chinese Dining Centre & Hwy 9, Gimli / 642-5170 Located in the Viking Inn. Our Chinese Chefs prepare every dish to your liking. Licensed. Dinner Reservations are recommended. Dine-in or take-out. Seasonal delivery coming soon! Kris’s Fish & Chips 78A - First Ave., Gimli / 642-8848 A harbourside restaurant featuring fresh pickerel, halibut, cod, haddock and shrimp. We also have excellent burgers, chicken, and our famous soft and hard ice cream treats! Fully Licensed. Dine-In or Take-Out. Sidewalk Patio for diners.
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Mirage Dining Room / Misty Lake Lodge & Conference Centre 3 mi north of Gimli / 642-8407 Exquisite cuisine in an elegant setting unequalled in the Interlake. Parties large & small. Friday night wood-fire baked pizza! Fireside Lounge with fireplace.
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Niakwa Restaurant / 389-2299 Hwy 9 / Kernstead Rd, Wpg. Beach Now those are home-cooked meals! Niakwa is renowned for its homebaked pies and irresistible tortes. Licensed. Air-conditioned patio.
Paco’s Pizza & Checkers Country Fried Chicken - 98-3rd Ave., Gimli 642-4151 / 642-8742 Take Out & Delivery. Gourmet style pizza, chicken, chicken wings, garlic cheese bread, sauce & more! Home of G & C Grocery & Amazing Video. Open Sun-Thur 11 am -11 pm; Fri-Sat 11am -12 am. Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort 45 mins north of Gimli Follow Hwy No. 8 to PR234 1-800-267-6700 for reservations. Join us in L’Enoteca Fine Dining & Steakhouse or our casual ROK Restaurant and Lounge for delectable eats masterminded by Executive Chef Stephane Thierry from France, along with his culinary team. Enjoy our stunning views of Lake Winnipeg and the golf course from the restaurant and terraces. A private dining room is also available as are outdoor BBQ’s. Our Spa Café is opening soon as well. Sandy Hook Cooking Classes www.sandyhookcookingclasses.ca Sandy Hook / 642-1341 Group and private cooking classes with your hosts Cathie & Fokke Hoekstra. Enjoy an entertaining and educational evening and experience a delicious sit down dinner in our lake-front home. An exceptional culinary experience.
Seagull’s / Lakeview Resort 10 Centre St., Gimli / 642-4145 The menu here includes fresh, local fish, steaks, pastas, chicken, fresh salads and more. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Outdoor patio overlooks Gimli Harbour on beautiful Lake Winnipeg. Full service lounge.
musicians on weekends while you eat or while browsing through our great selection of silver jewellery, annual and perennial bedding plants, plus
our Country Jenny Antiques. Please see www.wwemporium.com for our seasonal hours and entertainment events calendar.
The Sands Beach Café Spruce Sands RV Resort Arnes / 642-5671 Delicious homemade breads, buns, pies and desserts – made fresh, daily. Try one of our special coffee’s, cappuccino’s or latte’s. Plus, enjoy the hard ice cream. Video rentals. Open 9am-9pm daily. Whitecaps Restaurant / Lounge 72-1st Avenue, Gimli / 642-9735 “A great restaurant at the end of your journey” (Ciao!) Succulent seafood, chicken, veal, pasta, ribs and juicy charbroiled steaks. “Chef’s selections” nightly & delicious desserts. Open 11 am-10 pm. 15 ON MAP
Whytewold Emporium (204) 389-4567 - Reservations 190 Gimli Rd., Whytewold, MB. Experience the old world flavor of thin crust pizza, baked to perfection in our wood-fired oven. Our traditional crepes are prepared on cast-iron grills by artisans that truly enjoy creating great food. Enjoy listening to live, local
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Aradia’s Art & Massage Gallery 5-40 Centre St., Gimli / 642-9697 (3rd Ave. Entrance) Art & Fine Craft from across the Prairies: over 50 artists. Pottery, Jewellery, Fibre Art, Metal Sculpture, Glassware, Carvings, Oil, Acrylic, & Watercolor Paintings & Photography. On-site massage room, and a wide selection of natural products: herbs & teas, aromatherapy, natural personal care, cosmetic, and cleaners, for the environmentally aware shopper. Open year-round; Daily in Summer. http://aradia.netfirms.com
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Aurora Boutique 3-40 Centre St., Gimli / 642-5258 Clothing. Handbags. Jewellery. There are many things to do in our beautiful lakeside town. Whether you swim, sail, sun or stroll, you’ll love SHOPPING at Aurora. We light up your summer 7 days a week. www.aurora-gimli.com
Fishfly Gallery / 389-5661 18 Main St., Winnipeg Beach Come visit Fishfly on the Boardwalk showcasing works by prairie artists & artisans in fibre, jewellery, pottery, glass, metal framed art & contemporary willow furniture.
Blue Rooster GrafficWear Plaza Mall, Wpg Beach / 389-5086 Funky comfort-wear for all ages. Hats, t-shirts, bathing suits, sarongs, activewear. Gifts, cards and custom printed clothing.
H. RogueRaiders Studio Gallery 247 Laurel Ave, Wpg Beach / 389-5633 This gallery features a collection of original artwork by talented local artists. Functional pottery, glassworks, photography, paintings, including gallery owner Helma Rogge Rehder’s acrylic landscapes and bird paintings.
Cocoa Bella Chocolatier 68A Centre Plaza, Gimli / 642-7940 Bringing old world chocolates to a new age world! Fresh fudge, nuts/brittles, chocolate dipped fruit & frozen delights. A chocolate lovers dream! Caribou Hair Sculptures & Carvings also available. cocabell@mts.net Deals For Dollars 16 Centre Street, Gimli / 642-9183 Stop in and meet the friendly staff and browse through one of the Interlake’s best dollar stores. Housewares, beauty, giftware, stationery, toys, fishing gear and beach accessory departments. Join their 55+ club. Open every day. Diamond Beach/Gimli Florist 77-E First Avenue, Gimli / 642-8001 An attractive boutique featuring unique jewellery, diamonds, quality giftware and fresh flowers. In the Lakeview Resort.
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H.P. Tergesen & Sons 82-1st Avenue, Gimli / 642-5958 A Gimli landmark since 1899. An eclectic collection of clothing, footwear, books and gifts in a turn-of-the-century family store. Huge selection of the most fashionable mens’ and womens' apparel, shoes, beachwear, swimwear, plus great accessories, fabulous gifts, and a large book section. Open 7 days a week. Icelandic Festival Gift Shops 3 Centre Street, Gimli / 642-7305 & Waterfront Centre, Gimli / 642-7417 Great gifts & souvenirs. Viking helmets and headbands, plastic swords, Icelandic flags & windsocks, adult and kids’ Icelandic Festival clothing, plus hats, mugs, and so much more. Prices from $1–$175. Open daily 10 am-4 pm (July/August). Call ahead for September thru June for store hours. Interlake Garden Centre Hwy#9 Winnipeg Beach / 389-3200 Come see what you’ve been missing! Annuals, perennials, shrubs, herbs, Barkman concrete products, hanging
Family Hair Design Pam Natalie Carol Walk-Ins Welcome!
Quantum Hair Products 3 ON MAP, PAGE 16
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84-6th Avenue - Gimli
642-HAIR (4247)
and garden accessories. Come and explore. Summer hours: Sunday Wednesday 10 am-6 pm; Thursday Saturday 10 am - 8 pm.
Johnson’s 76 Centre Street, Gimli / 642-4010 Easy lifestyle clothing & footwear for men, women and children. Largest selection of NAOT footwear at this Cottage Country Department Store. Newly-expanded accessories department featuring Foxy & White Lotus. Indulge with our new bath and body products: Cake, Beauty, Principessa & Trillium. Bedding, linens, housewares & gifts make this a complete Gimli shopping experience...
Solmundson’s Greenhouse Hwy #229, Wpg Beach / 389-3016 Large selection of basket stuffers, annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs, hanging baskets, planters. 3 1/2 miles west of Winnipeg Beach on Hwy 229.
Koma Heim Trading / 642-8725 77 1/2 Second Avenue, Gimli Adventure on 2nd Avenue…Exotic or rustic, elegant or fun – home furnishings and accents that will enhance your home and reflect your unique style. From armoires to antique benches, masks to mirrors and beautiful hand-crafted items from the Interlake to India. Sometimes Surprising. Always Inspiring.
Taylor Pharmacy 50 Centre Street, Gimli / 642-7470 For all your health needs this summer. Allergy relief, first aid, sun care, cosmetics, beach toys, magazines & greeting cards. Friendly service.
Mermaid’s Kiss Gallery 85-4th Avenue, Gimli / 642-7453 Fine art including pottery, raku, fibre, glass & paintings by well-known Manitoba artists. Handmade lampwork glass jewellery by Gallery owner Linda Vermeulen. Custom picture framing & photo restoration available. Open Thurthru Mon. & Tue & Wed by appointment. www.mermaidskissgallery.com Sandstone Gift & Home Lakeview Resort, Gimli / 642-9020 They have a reputation for quality and superb service. Fabulous clothes, unique gifts, art, contemporary kitchenware
Steina's Studio / 642-8445 80 South Colonization Road, Gimli Visit Steina’s Studio by appointment. Featuring original paintings and one of a kind jewellery and sometimes other flights of fancy.
TIC ART B HEN YM T A AU
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The Viking’s Purse, New Iceland Heritage Museum Gift Shop Waterfront Centre / 642-4001 Imported giftware, clothing, music and books from Iceland. Crafts and fine art by local artisans and an array of unique souvenirs. Open daily.
A ARTIST COL LE OB T C NI
DER NE M US MO E VE TI
baskets, planters, topsoil, gardening supplies & giftware. Plus, lawn & garden services. www.interlakegardencenter.ca
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Whytewold Emporium 190 Gimli Rd., Whytewold/389-4567 We have the healthiest, most-loved bedding plants in the Interlake and awesome planted containers & hanging baskets. Sterling silver jewellery from Mexico, Arizona, Dominican Republic & Italy. Come and browse Country Jenny’s Antiques (& off-site display). Also, wild bird feeders and food. Visit our website www.wwemporium.com for seasonal hours & events calendar.
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DEAL$ FOR DOLLAR$ 16 Centre Street, Gimli - 642-9183
Souvenirs, Gifts, Toys, Housewares Fishing Supplies, Fireworks, Novelties Great Beach Supplies
** NEWLY EXPANDED **
DOLLAR STORE
Mon - Fri 9:30 am - 8 pm Sat 9:30 am - 6 pm Sun 12 noon - 5 pm
open 7 days a week
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July & August Mon - Sat 9:30 am - 9 pm Sun 12 noon - 5 pm 10 ON MAP, PAGE 21
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Autumnwood Motel & RV Resort Gimli Park Road, Gimli / Call 642-8835. (Formerly Gimli Trailer Park). A short walk to town and Gimli Beach. 18 guest rooms, with in-room coffee, fridge & microwave. Cable TV & AC. Some units with freshwater jet tubs. Full service RV sites. 30 new fully serviced overnight R.V. sites & seasonal R.V sites. Shower house and laundromat. Daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal sites. Owners of the new 8-lane, licensed Gimli Bowling Centre, 93-6th Avenue, Gimli. Enjoy your stay. Lakeview Resort - 10 Centre Street, Gimli / Call 642-8565 or 1-877-355-3500. Beachfront Resort and Conference Centre offering suites and luxury vacation suites with fabulous views of Lake Winnipeg and the harbourfront, indoor & outdoor pools, sauna & whirlpool, fitness room. Enjoy a meal at Seagull’s Restaurant then relax in our new Lounge. Video games room, free movies, cable TV and DVDs, banquet/meeting space, plus easy access to shops and boutiques offering thousands of unique and interesting items. Misty Court Park - NEW ACCOMMODATIONS Call 642-8407 or 1-888-647-8955 Owned and operated by Misty Lake Lodge & Conference Centre. Completely renovated, adjacent to golf course with tennis courts nearby! Wireless Internet, Satellite T.V.A.C., Picnic & B.B.Q. Area, Access to Misty Lake Lodge Olympic sized Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Fitness Room, Coin-Operated Laundry Facilities.
Misty Lake Lodge & Conference Centre 3 mi north of Gimli on Hwy 9 / Call 642-8407 or 1-888-647-8955 The jewel of the Interlake - on beautiful Lake Winnipeg. Your place for conferences up to 300. Executive rooms & condos available. Weddings for up to 300; Honeymoon Suite. Ask about our Women's Wellness Weekends and Romantic Getaways. Mirage Dining Room, Lounge, amenities, outdoor deck and spacious lawns. Ask about: The Golden Circle - an Icelandic Village - Luxury Lakefront Condo Development. Just 5 km north of Gimli. Call Rob at 204-793-3484 www.thegoldencircle.ca Also ask about: North Gimli Estates - Gimli's newest Subdivision. Call Rob at 204-793-3484 www.ccres.ca R. V. Camping Sites at Misty Lake Lodge 3 mi north of Gimli on Hwy 9 Call 642-8407 or 1-888-647-8955 Full Service. All hotel amenities (listed at Misty Lake Lodge above) are available to R.V. guests at all times. Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort Spa • Conference • Golf 45 mins. north of Gimli - Follow Hwy 8 to PR 234 Call 1-800-267-6700 Email info@heclaoasis.com Luxury, health and relaxation are yours to experience. Enjoy our 90 guest rooms, 3 restaurants, deluxe vacation villas, indoor and outdoor water park, full service day spa, conference and special event facilities. 18-hole championship golf course, Biologist-lead eco/adventure tours, learning & wellness centre, deluxe vacation villas (coming soon) and pet spa (coming soon). Family or single day passes available water park visitors. All this, set on the tranquil shores of Lake Winnipeg. Spruce Sands R.V. Resort Spruce Bay Road, Arnes / Call 642-5671 or 1-866-642-5671 315 full-service RV–5th whee l sites right next to Lake Winnipeg with a half mile of sandy beach. Firewood available. Washroom/shower building. Laundry facilities. Coffee shop, bakeshop and convenience store. Children’s play area. Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates.
Viking Inn - Hwy 9 & Centre Street, Gimli / Call 642-5168
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A short walk to Gimli shops and our great beaches. 21 air-conditioned rooms, with colour TV, fridge, coffee maker & microwave. Free wireless internet throughout the building! Gordon Lee’s Chinese Dining and Take-out. Visit “The Viking Bar” with VLT’s, dance floor, pool tables and deck. Entertainment, Karaoke, Dancers, Meat Draws, Bingo, and more. Music – Live Bands & DJ’s on weekends! Open Sundays. Vendor. Meeting facilities. ATM cash machine. 3 ON MAP, PAGE 21
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SURVEYORS
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BUYING PROPERTY? HAVE IT SURVEYED FIRST. Why do I need a survey? To determine the extent of the land that you are buying and to protect yourself from inheriting problems related to building encroachments and zoning violations.
Do I get survey pins with my survey? Upon request. There is a financial saving to be gained by
having pins installed when the buildings are located. Consult a Land Surveyor before your lawyer orders your survey. Do I need title insurance to insure my title? No. By law, the Winnipeg Land Titles Office must assure that your title is valid. Furthermore, title insurance will not tell you where your boundaries are. Should I accept a copy of an old survey? No. Buildings, zoning laws & survey standards are subject to change. Unauthorized copies may have been illegally altered. Copyright violation can result in financial penalty. Who can prepare a “survey”? Under the Land Surveyor’s Act, only a Qualified Manitoba Land Surveyor is authorized to conduct a land survey.
ISAAC & DENCHUK MANITOBA LAND SURVEYORS THE INTERLAKE, THE LAKE WINNIPEG Gimli Office: 642-5341 SERVING BEACHES AND THE TRIPLE “S” REGION
Open Wednesdays, May 1 - Oct 31)
Selkirk Office: 785-2924
(SELKIRK - ST. ANDREWS - ST. CLEMENTS).
Toll Free: 1-800-325-5963
The Sands Beach Cafe and Bake Shop Visit us beachside for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy a picnic on the beach or relax in our air-conditioned lakefront cafe. Join us for a meal, a snack, or try one of our freshly baked pastries. If ice cream is your passion, we have more than 16 flavours of hard ice cream.
It’s great between the lakes where life is always a beach! Phone (204) 4 ON MAP, PAGE 17
642-5671 www.sprucesands.ca
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Corner of 4th Ave. & Centre St., Gimli Phone 642-6540 23 ON MAP, PAGE 20
Summer Hours (until September 1/08) Mon thru Thurs: 10 am - 6 pm, Fri: 10 am - 9 pm Sat: 10 am - 8 pm, Sun: 12 noon - 6 pm
Mastercard, VISA, American Express & Interac Accepted ® Trademark of AIR MILES International Holdings B.V. Used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada Inc. and the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission.
Please Drink Responsibly ... Moderation Tastes So Much Better
32 H2O Summer 2008
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I nsurance B rokers A ssociation M anitoba
of
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SUPER FRESH SUPER SERVICE
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642-8591
389-4883
61 A Centre St. GIMLI
Brennivins Pizza Hus 70-1st Avenue, Gimli / 642-5555 Tons of tasty appetizers & daily drink specials. Licensed Dine-In & Patio, Take-Out & Delivery. Comodo Chinese Restaurant 81-1st Avenue, Gimli / 642-1888 Moonlight menu on weekends, offering lighter portions for dining under the moon. Outdoor patio with fireplace, with a view of Lake Winnipeg. Fireside Lounge - Misty Lake Lodge Hwy 9 - 3 mi north of Gimli 642-8407 or 1-888-647-8955 Open 7 days a week. VLT’s, ice cold beer vendor. Comfortable lounge with tyndal stone fireplace. Drop in after an excellent dinner in our Mirage Dining Room - you will be amongst friends. Radisson Hecla Oasis Resort 45 mins. north of Gimli Call 1-800-267-6700 After a day on the links or on the trails, come in for a nightcap in our ROK Lounge or dinner in any of our 2 restaurants. There are special musical events throughout the year coming
54 Main St., WINNIPEG BEACH
soon. Don’t miss our happy hour and daily appetizers! Rollercoaster Lounge at Niakwa Family Restaurant Hwy. 9, Wpg Beach / 389-2295 We have a big screen T.V., pool table and VLTs. Seagull’s Sports Lounge, Lakeview Resort 10 Centre St., Gimli / 642-4145 Enjoy our full service Lounge, VLT’s, & satellite TV. We have the best view in town - sit outside with your friends on our licensed deck overlooking Gimli’s picturesque Harbour. The Viking Bar - Viking Inn Hwy 9 & Centre St., Gimli / 642-5168 Dance floor, pool tables and deck. Entertainment, Karaoke, Dancers, Meat Draws, Bingo. Music with Live Bands & DJ’s on weekends! Open Sundays. Vendor. ATM. Whitecaps Lounge 72-1st Avenue, Gimli / 642-9735 Food service, VLT’s satellite TV. A friendly place to meet.
H2O Summer 2008 33
by Erika Goodman
Vicki Burns in front of the new Winnipeg Humane Society headquarters at 45 Hurst Way.
A
ll her life, Vicki Burns has been an ambassador for the underdog. Her progressive ideas and determination as Executive Director of the Winnipeg Humane Society has brought her to the forefront of urgent issues regarding the care and treatment of all types of animals. This compassionate woman
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inspired an awareness which changed outdated attitudes regarding animal rights in the province. Through public awareness and countless hours of persistent campaigning, a devoted Vicki Burns has helped focus public awareness on a simplistic principle: the Golden Rule, this time applying to our noble, four-legged friends.
Vicki Burns led the WHS in numerous campaigns to protect, not only animals as pets, but also animals as food (farm) and as entertainers (circus). The Quit Stalling campaign urges Manitoba’s pork producers to replace confining gestation stalls with straw-based, loose housing. “It is time for us to make sure that the necessary changes occur to ensure that animals raised for food are not subjected to the institutionalized cruelty inherent in intensive confinement systems,” Burns states. She is confident in the progress of Quit Stalling. “The biggest pork producers in Canada and the U.S. have recently announced their plans to phase out these systems and I think that the group in Manitoba were part of making it happen.” Vicki continues to promote WHS Certified meat and eggs in conjunction with a steadily
increasing demand in Manitoba for certified, cruelty-free products. New Executive Director, Bill McDonald says Vicki “championed (the) humane education” element during her term, while adhering to the WHS mandate of keeping animals safe from people. Creating a community of caring individuals may seem idealistic to some, but Vicki led the way to ensure that animals receive the quality of humane care that we are all capable of. She arranged 317 classroom visits by WHS to educate grade four students on responsible pet ownership, and at the opposite end of the scale, neglect and abuse. When learning about the care and treatment of animals, one can become more compassionate. In this way, the next generation is taught humanitarianism. Other WHS learning resources offered: on-going obedi-
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ence training classes and a YELP line (988-8809) for advice on pets. Vicki’s egress culminates with a new eco-friendly WHS building, L.E.E.D. (Leading in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, located at 45 Hurst Ave. “The new building,” says a beaming Vicki, “has a wonderful multi-purpose classroom, and large windows that give it a friendly-feel, walking trails throughout its beautiful grounds, a pond, and the ‘Tips to Tails’ boutique” that sells gifts for pets and for animal lovers.” Vicki saw the construction through from the conception to finished product while mentoring her self-chosen replacement. “Our offices became one during the construction,” said Bill McDonald, “I learned a lot from her. Vicki Burns put the ‘humane’ in the Winnipeg Humane Society.” As for filling her shoes, “Vicki set the bar pretty high,” admits McDonald, but he is excited about the challenges he will be facing as Executive Director in the new location. The advice proffered from Vicki to Bill as he takes control of the helm: “Always be honest and let your love and compas-
•
sion for animals show through to the public.” And Vicki’s hopes for the future: “…that WHS will continue to flourish in terms of the educational programs offered and the pet overpopulation strategies that are in place.” After 14 years of service, Vicki’s commitment to animal welfare isn’t waning. She intends to “remain active in advocating for improved conditions for all animals,” as well as to “promote sustainable practices to help us protect the earth that all of life is dependent upon.” Named in honor of her achievements, the Vicki Burns Animal Welfare Fund accepts donations toward any initiative that will help improve animal welfare. As you think about a donation, keep the Golden Rule in mind: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” …and that includes animals. For more information on donating, volunteering, or about opportunities and services of the Winnipeg Humane Society call (204) 982-2021 or visit www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca or,
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lp He
♥ ♥ ♥
! ing You Keep Your Lov ed O n e s H e a l t h y
Lisa Taylor, DVM Kristine Torske, DVM, DVSc Wendy Slezak, DVM
70 Centre St. GIMLI
642-8398 28 ON MAP, PAGE 20
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Complete Physical Exams Vaccinations Microchip Implants Heartworm Testing Orthopedics Complete In-House Laboratory Diagnostic Imaging (X-Ray & Ultrasound) ECG & Blood Pressure Monitoring Pet Dentals Cancer Consultations House Calls Large Animal Farm Calls Laser Surgery Available
8 Lanes Automatic Scoring • Leagues & Open Bowling • Glow Bowling • Group Bookings • Licensed Premises 26 ON MAP • Bingo Bowl PAGE 20
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642-8787 93-6th Avenue, GIMLI Next to Rotary Towers Adrian & Debbie Zelenitsky
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H2O Summer 2008 35
by David Arnason
O
din Green began its story as a farm named Espiholi. It was homesteaded by a man named Jakob Espolin and was one of the choicest farmsteads in early New Iceland. Espolin was disappointed in New Iceland, and abandoned the homestead to move to North Dakota. He fared no better there and returned to Iceland. My great-grandfather, Johann Arnason, arrived in 1883. Then in 1886 he purchased the abandoned farm, and it has been in the family ever since. I remember as a child spending a lot of time there. The fences around the area were pretty porous, and my brother Gerry and I were paid a dollar a day to keep an eye on the cows, and to see that they stayed where they belonged. It was a boring job, but an ideal one for young boys. We picked berries in the bushes, chased gophers and made whips out of fishermen’s sideline and attempted to whip dragonflies out of the air. We were on the edge of the marshes, and the bird life was incredible, as it is now. Ducks and pelicans and gulls were everywhere. Today, Odin Green is a housing development started by my brothers Gerry and
Bruce. They named it Odin Green because they wanted to make a connection between the place and the history of New Iceland. Bruce’s wife, Olivia is a member of the Manitoba Living History Society, an organization founded twenty-
five years ago by Barry and Judy McPherson to do historical reenactments of Manitoba history. She suggested that Odin Green should support a reenactment of the ordinary life of Vikings, not a splashy show of Vikings in horned helmets battering each other with swords, but an authentic reconstruction of the everyday life of the ancient culture. The Manitoba Living History Society is serious about studying and recreating the tools, costumes, food and practices of earlier cultures. When Olivia first approached members about going back a thousand years and recreating Viking culture, they were initially skeptical, but once they had begun, they became enthusiastic. The results of their enthusiasm were on display on July 14, 2007. A Viking village came into existence at Odin Green. A number of tents surrounded a fire, and Vikings, dressed as authentically as the members of the group could discover, engaged in the arts and crafts of a thousand years ago. Barry McPherson played
Olivia Arnason (above), a member of the Manitoba Living History Society, has created authentic period costumes for many years. She and her daughter Freyja (above) take part in the first Viking Life event. Kerri Taverner (l) creates hand-cast pewter jewellery from authentic Viking designs. Janet LaFrance practices intricate needlework and a Viking family keep the home fires burning. Top (l) photo: Judy McPherson weaves wool at a weighted loom and Pedro Bedard, a Viking warrior (top r) demonstrates the tools of his trade.
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the part of a Viking merchant, displaying his goods, and Judy McPherson gave a demonstration of weaving wool, using a weighted standing loom made from driftwood and birch poles. Janet LaFrance showed how to make cords on a lap loom, and a lucet fork, an old Viking instrument that produced a strong thick cord. Carol James, who is well known as a sash weaver, making Metis sashes, gave a demonstration of naal binding, an ancient sort of knitting, and braid weaving using bone cards. Fran Howard demonstrated the use of a drop spindle, an ancestor of the spinning wheel. Kerri Taverner, a local artist, stood at the coals of an open fire doing pewter casting. She had made relief molds out of soapstone, and she dropped the melted pewter into the molds and made jewellery in the old Viking pattern. There were two blacksmiths there with an open forge, Bill Fernie and Pedro Bedard. One of them took a piece of metal, heated it in his forge, hammered it into a hook and gave it to me as a gift. The various stations were clearly marked, and the re-enactors stayed in character, explaining their techniques and speaking in the voice of the character they had created. Lucas Sparling showed how to make chain mail, so that if I were ever to be in a sword fight, I would know how to prepare. His brother Adrien played the role of a carpenter, showing how Vikings had carved from wood. And in case you were thirsty, Jean-Marc Lafond was making mead, and offering samples to onlookers, who all seemed anxious to try it. Two cooks, or I should say chefs, Erle Einarson and Alex Borger made Icelandic flatbread and Icelandic skyr and roasted venison on a spit over an open fire. ...continued on page 38
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H2O Summer 2008 37
...continued from page 36
Most of the images of Viking life that we have concentrate on battles, and swords, but swords were expensive and most Viking fought with axes and spears. They usually wore leather or metal helmets without horns. Chris Black showed ancient navigation tools and demonstrated what life on a Viking ship might have been like. Pedro Bedard and his family taught visitors the games Vikings played to while away their time while Olivia’s daughters Freyja and Lara welcomed all visitors into the encampment and read runes to tell the fortunes of visitors. The Viking village this year will appear on Saturday, July 5 (10 am - 5 pm) and Sunday, July 6 (11 am - 3pm), also the rain date. Most of the same actors will participate. There will be three new skills and occupations demonstrated: Viking leather tooling, the making of grain flour and meal using a Norse quern (as simple hand mill for grinding grain) and the making of wooden bowls on a wood lathe. This year, all of the exhibits will be well
marked, and the times for demonstrations will be scheduled. Visitors will be permitted to do hands-on participation at some of the sites. The Living History Society is planning a run of at least five years, so the Viking village is set to become a regular Gimli event. There was a great turnout last year, and the society is expecting an even greater turnout this year. The demonstrations of everyday ordinary life among the Vikings is an educational experience. It will change the way you think about history. And it’s a great chance to play Viking. Odin Green plans to signal its relationship to the historical Icelandic culture through a statue of Odin, the one-eyed chief god in the Icelandic pantheon, riding his eight-legged horse Sleipnir. The statue will overlook the sunken park within the development. The statue isn’t there yet, but Odin Green is easy to find, one mile south of Gimli. Look for the smoke rising from the fires of a Viking village.
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94 - 7th Avenue | Gimli, Manitoba | R0C C 1B0 0 | Phone: (204) 642-5326 642--5326 orr (204) 642-5995 6 642-5 642- 995 Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:30 AM - 9:00 Sundays Holidays 6:00 PM Store H Ho 9:00 PM, Sunda ys & Ho olidays 10:00 AM M-6
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H2O Summer 2008
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500 RIVER ROAD, ARBORG, MB
204-376-5034
Cut out the UV Index™ Guide and keep it as a handy summer reference.
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H2O Summer 2008 39
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The H2O Guide is a tabloid sized paper that folds (here) into a magazine size for convenience.
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