Operation Red Nose Southeast’s Remaining WWII Ready to Roll
Veterans Recognized
WWII Veteran John Owczar, from Sprague was one of nine local veterans recently recognized during a special ceremony earlier this month.
By Marianne Curtis Earlier in November, nine Second World War Veterans from Provencher were recognized for their service to this country during a special ceremony and award presentation. Provencher MP Ted Falk said he was, “humbled and honoured” to recognize veterans from the southeast. “As a grateful nation, it is our responsibility to remember all those who served our country during the Second World
War—including the more than 45,000 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for our shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” stated Falk. “Some veterans unfortunately were not been able to attend for health or other reasons, and although we have done our best to identify Second World War veterans living here in Provencher, there may be others that we could not locate.” The nine recipients included Melvin Edward Alexander,
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By Marianne Curtis On November 5, the President of the Comité scolaire de l’École Saint-Joachim, Gilbert Gauthier and the organizing committee officially began their second year of Operation Red Nose. Last year was the first time that Operation Red Nose was available to people in the Steinbach and La Broquerie areas. The program was organized and operated by the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) from l’École St-Joachim, in La Broquerie as a school fundraiser. The group then partnered with the City of Steinbach, RM of La Broquerie and Steinbach RCMP. l’École St-Joachim PAC Spokesperson Mariette Kirouac said the volunteers are lining up and the group is hoping for an even busier year. “A comfortable number of volunteers is fourteen per night with the exception of New Years Eve when we need about 16-18,” explained Mariette Kirouac. This year, in addition to individual volunteers, several businesses and organizations have stepped up to volunteer as drivers in a challenge called “Own the Night”. Businesses are encouraged to commit to providing at least a dozen drivers for a specific night. So far Golf View Electric, Century 21 and Le Bon Ami staff have signed up for specific nights. Don Normandeau, owner of Le Bon Ami Insurance Brokerage and Liquor Store said safe driving is very important to both him and his business. “My wife and I volunteered last year, and we enjoyed it a lot. This year we signed up for “Own the Night” and have committed to provide 12-14 drivers for an entire night,” Normandeau explained. “We are volunteering December 12 and encourage other businesses to do the same.” The mission of Operation Red Nose is to encourage responsible behaviour (in a non-judgmental manner) with regard to impaired driving by enabling communities to provide a free and confidential chauffeur service to their members, the financial benefits of which are redistributed to local organizations dedicated to youth. Operation Red Nose is a community-based volunteer program offering holiday partygoers a safe ride home during the holidays. The service is not exclusive to motorists who have been drinking; it is also available for those who do not feel fit to drive because of fatigue or medication as other examples. This year’s Operation Red Nose begins Friday, December 5. To book a ride call 204-424-9555. Rides can also be pre-booked for any Friday or Saturday in December, including New Year’s Eve.
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December 2014
More Than Just News!
Southern Health Seeks Volunteers The Southern Health Board is inviting the general public to the table to have a say in health care delivered in their communities. According to the board a number of Local Health Involvement Groups have been set up throughout the health region. Each group is made up of community members, a board member and some staff. “The purpose of these groups is to gather insights and perspectives from the public about their health and health services,” stated the board. Anyone older than sixteen is encouraged to apply to join their local community group. For more information and application, forms visit www.southernhealth.ca.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Locally Authored Book Speaks for Bullied Rehtaeh Parson’s Story Included in Chapter Submitted by Mother
Ile des Chenes author Marianne Curtis proudly displays her newest book Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors which has stories written by survivors of bullying from three countries.
On November 16, Marianne Curtis internationally released her third book titled “Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors.” Shining the spotlight on bullying, the locally penned collection of survival stories has been gaining attention across Canada. “I have been amazed with the response to this book,” stated author Marianne Curtis. “I knew people would be touched by it, but I was not prepared for the ripple effect.” Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors contains almost two dozen stories written by real survivors of bullying from Canada, the US and United Kingdom. It also includes a significant resource section that focuses on nearly every type of bullying imaginable. Jake Epp Library in Steinbach hosted the official local launch with about two dozen people in attendance. Several contributors bravely stood up and shared their stories for the first time. “It was a very emotional night; three of the writers stood up and there was not a dry eye in the room. It was amazing to see what was happening to people as other’s opened up and bravely spoke for the first time,” Curtis added. “It is a subject everyone seems to connect with in one way or another, unfortunately.” Some of the contributors are well known locally including Evan Wiens and Candace Maxymovich. There are even stories from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, including one by Leah Parsons, the mother of Rehtaeh Parsons. “Rehtaeh’s story was the hardest to tell but I was determined to include it because her story and name inspired this project,” Curtis explained. “However, a publication ban would not allow me to print her name in the book. Even though it was in her own words, I could not print Leah’s daughter’s name, and it made me sick to my stomach. I vow to print a new edition when and if the ban is ever lifted.” While the ramifications of releasing such a book are unpredictable, reaction across Canada has been felt. In Saskatchewan, Jenna Nickie, who shared her son’s story in the book, received a surprise phone call from the province’s Minister of Education. “The province saw Breck’s story in the local paper after the book came out, and they called me the next day to set up a meeting,” Nickie stated. “I have been trying to get someone to hear me, and finally they are paying attention.” Curtis is already working on future volumes and plans on tackling the subjects of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual violence. “People are already sending me their stories for upcoming books; now that people know it is okay to share, they want the world to know what they’ve experienced, especially if it can help save a life,” Curtis concluded. Rae of Hope: Stories from Survivors is available locally at several businesses and can be purchased online from the author’s website mariannecurtisauthor.wix.com/mariannecurtis or through Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, Kobo and other online bookstores. It is available both in paperback and as an eBook.
Lemiuex Receives New Portfolios The provincial legislature started the fall with a mutiny in ranks after a major contingent of the NDP leader’s caucus walked with five cabinet ministers handed in their resignation. On November 3, Finance Minister Jennifer Howard, Health Minister Erin Selby, Justice Minister Andrew Swan, Jobs and Economy Minister Theresa Oswald and Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers resigned from their key positions, forcing Premier Greg Selinger to revisit his cabinet. The five positions were quickly filled including the naming of Greg Dewar as Minister of Finance, Sharon Blady as Minister of Health, and James Allum as Minister of Justice. Dawson Trail MLA Ron Lemieux was also affected by the shuffle. While he maintains his position of Minister of Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection, he was given two additional portfolios. Lemiuex has been named Minister charged with the administration of the Liquor Control Act and Minister charged with the administration of the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
SuperSpiel Delivers Top Curling Action in Morris
December 2014
RCMP Respond to a Car Collision with Train On November 6 at approximately 1 pm, Steinbach RCMP responded to a train and car collision on
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Provincial Road 210 near La Broquerie. A CN train collided with a car on the tracks killing a 44-year-old female driver from La Broquerie. A RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist and the CN Police are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The cause of the collision is unknown at this time and alcohol is not considered a factor.
Vets Recognized Continued from page 1
Team Jennifer Jones was one of many curling teams who took to the ice during the prestigious DEKALB SuperSpiel, which took place in Morris in the middle of November.
Forty-eight men and women curling teams, along with family, friends and fans, converged upon the communities of Morris and Rosenort for the prestigious DEKALB SuperSpiel. The four-day SuperSpiel, which is presented by Meridian, Rocky Mountain Equipment and the Town of Morris, took place November 20 - 24. This year, due to overwhelming support for the spiel from the women’s teams and a lengthy waiting list the event was expanded to nearby Rosenort, allowing the event to accommodate 48 teams - 32 women and 16 men. The event is significant for the women because with thirty-two teams participating, the value of the Canadian Team Ranking System points increases for teams hoping to qualify for the 2018 Olympics. Out of sixteen teams from the men’s rink, Team Matt Dunston beat out Team Scott Ramsey for the $30,000 purse. The ladies rink was just as exciting with Team Tracy Horgan finishing first, beating out Team Jennifer Jones as the ladies battled it out for a $30,000 purse. Since 2009, The DEKALB Superspiel takes place at the Morris Curling Club. The event is on the World Curling Tour, the Manitoba Curling Tour and part of the Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS). It is usually held annually on the third weekend in November but is subject to change if there is a conflicting bonspiel.
Gordon Jacob Barkman, Ross S Davies, Henry Fehler, Peter Hiebert Friesen, Lloyd Ernest Lehman, W. Lawrence McAllister, John Owczar and Richard F Sellen. Recipients unable to attend were Walter S Jansson, Jan Michniewicz, Roy W Ormiston, Walter T. Wood, Alex Tarasenko and Burt Guenther. Falk added that although his office did their best to identify Second World War veterans living in Provencher, there might be others that were not located. “I ask for your help in identifying those other veterans, so that we can pay tribute to them as well, in a service at a later date,” Falk added. “We are certainly very proud of our veterans. It is due to their remarkable contributions that our great nation remains strong and free.” All the WWII veterans received a limited-edition commemorative lapel pin and a personalized certificate of recognition signed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This special tribute was launched as a symbol of the country’s enduring gratitude to all those who served during this conflict. The design of the commemorative pin and the illustration on the certificate are based on the original “Victory Nickel” which featured a flaming torch and a large ‘V’ standing for both victory and the coin’s denomination. The coin was originally in circulation from 1943 to 1945 and was re-issued in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
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More Than Just News!
December 2014
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Turmoil in the Oil Market Everybody must have noticed that a trip to the pumps is a lot more enjoyable these days than the same fuelling up trip in June. Since the 20th of June, the price per barrel of crude has dropped by 35%. It is now at slightly higher than $70 a barrel and dropping below $65 a barrel is quite possible. In the last couple years we have seen volatility in the oil market, all of it brought through the courtesy of OPEC (Organization of the Oil Exporting Countries), with the hope of course of enhancing their cash flow, at the usual high level. Five founding members, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran and Venezuela, organized this cartel in 1960. Many other countries have joined but some of them have subsequently left. For
a number of years this cartel was able produce enough oil to dictate the price per barrel putting just enough on the market to maintain their accustomed level of gouging. Lately this cartel is responsible for only 33% of the bpd (barrels per day) needed to keep the world economy well oiled (pun intended). The monopoly’s day is over. Not too many years ago the USA imported just about all their oil needs, but due to this new fracking technique in shale, not only have they become self sufficient they have become a net exporter of oil and liquefied natural gas. Russia has also developed its oil field and now produces 11% of the world market. The conclusion is that 1 to 1.5 bpd of production is excessively
produced every day by producers worldwide desperately trying to hang on to their perceived market share. The law of supply and demand is impossible to fake; prices will drop. The crunch will happen when storage capacity is no longer available. Lower prices than $65 per barrel may damage many economies but the game plan of OPEC and Russia is trying to lower the world prices in view of making it difficult for the USA to extract shale oil at a breakeven point. The Americans are an innovative bunch, with deeper pockets than the Russians who need around $100 per barrel to keep extracting in some their own oil fields. Plus, their economy has seriously slowed down courtesy of
American led sanctions applied because of the Crimea fiasco. Because of this, Russia’s supply of American dollars is quickly being eroding as oil is generally traded in American dollars on the world market, plus their ruble is losing ground against the same green back. I don’t think the Russians can win this game unless they unilaterally change the rules. This will mean upping the ante in Ukraine with more mischief, which seems to be President Putin’s strong point. This KGB thug in the Kremlin has never been known for his scruples. In Canada, we are going to get sideswiped by this turmoil but we can mitigate somewhat with a better delivery to our internal market with an oil pipeline connecting Montreal
and Moncton refineries to the Alberta patch. Our economy will take a hit but our manufacturers and exporters will experience a bump, which will please them. Car sales will improve. Every time we go to the pumps, it will be hard to suppress a grin. So let us enjoy the moment by embracing the benefits.
A Year in Review As we approach Christmas and the year’s end, I would like to reflect on this past year. 2014, was a good year for Canada and I am pleased with our Government’s performance on multiple fronts. Whether it’s creating jobs or lowering taxes, our Conservative Government has delivered real results for Canadians. Some of these include: Lower Taxes for Families: Since 2006, our Government’s low-tax plan has provided $3,400 a year in tax relief for the average Canadian family of four.
Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.
The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaper distributed free of charge to 50 Southeastern Manitoba communities. Published by: One One Consultants Inc. Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768 Dan Guetre, Managing Editor One One Consultants Inc., Publisher News Writers: Marianne Curtis and Dan Guetre Columnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann, Peter Martens, Dave Millar Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck, Monica Guetre and Wilma Priebe Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre
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Examples include: - Enhancing the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) to $1,920 a year for children under six. - Adding a benefit of $720 a year for children between six and seventeen. - The Family Tax Cut, allowing families with minor children to save up to $2,000 a year through income splitting. - Doubling the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and making it refundable, so it helps as many families as possible enroll their children in athletic activities. Creating Jobs: We delivered significant initiatives that are improving the quality of life for all Canadians. With the support of our Economic Action Plan, the Canadian economy has created over one million net new jobs— the best job creation record in the G7— and continues to create more.
Alzheimer Society Opens Regional Office
In fact, in October 2014, Canadians saw an increase of 43,100 jobs, with over 26,500 being full-time. This was far above market expectations of a job loss of 5,000. The unemployment rate lowered to 6.5% from 6.8%. Free Trade Our Conservative Government has pursued a number of trade agreements with countries around the world. The Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement The EU is the world’s largest integrated economy, with more than 500 million consumers and a GDP of $17 trillion. Out of more than 9,000 EU tariff lines, approximately 98 per cent will be duty-free for Canadian goods when the Canada-EU trade pact comes into force. A joint study concluded that the trade agreement with the European Union would be of significant benefit to Canada, resulting in a 20
per cent boost in bilateral trade and a $12-billion increase in Canada’s annual income (GDP), the equivalent to creating almost 80,000 new jobs or increasing the average Canadian household’s annual income by $1,000. The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement It strengthens our trade and investment ties across the Pacific and increases the prosperity of both countries resulting in job creation and enhanced opportunities for Canadian and Korean businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, as well as investors, workers, and consumers. These are some of the many measures that we have undertaken as a government. I want to take the opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. It is an honour to serve as your Member of Parliament, representing Provencher in Ottawa.
The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba now has office space in Steinbach. An official grand opening and ribbon cutting took place on November 13 at their new location. Leona Doerksen, South Eastman Regional Coordinator said she travels throughout the region to the various facilities providing services for the Alzhemier’s Society. “My job is to go to the various health care facilities in the region, and communities as a mobile service provider,” stated Doerksen. Some of the services offered by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba are support counselling, advocacy, support groups as well as programs like Minds in Motion, First Link and Medical Alert safety at home. Founded almost 30 years ago, the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba exists to alleviate the individual, family and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders while supporting the search for a cure. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s South Eastman Regional Office located at 9A-90 Brandt Street Steinbach (Raintree Financial Solutions building). For more information contact Leona at 204-326-771 or visit the website at alzheimer.mb.ca.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
December 2014
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Principles are Lacking It’s been an unprecedented time in Manitoba politics. Five senior cabinet ministers resigned from the provincial NDP cabinet last month saying that they could no longer work with their leader, Premier Greg Selinger. The cabinet ministers held a news conference and told Manitobans that their actions were based on principle. And, ever since then, Manitobans have been trying to figure out, without success, exactly what that principle was. At first, the five rebellious cabinet ministers said that they were upset with how the PST was increased from 7% to 8%. But, Manitobans rightly questioned why each had voted in favour of
the increase and defended it for months if they were really against it. And so after a few days, that story began to change. Soon they were saying how Premier Selinger didn’t really listen and that their priorities had been put to the side. Yet, when Mr. Selinger put forward a Throne Speech late in November, a document that outlines the government priorities for the coming year, the dissident former cabinet ministers all said that they would support it. Suddenly their priorities were right in step with those of Premier Selinger. So if it wasn’t principle, why did the five resign from cabinet? Simply, for self-interest. They had seen recent poll numbers that led
them to believe they may not win the next election and so they took the extraordinary action they did. Not because they were concerned about Manitobans, rather it was because they were concerned about their jobs. To be sure, there was little principle in Premier Selinger’s position either. Faced with the revolt, he called for a leadership convention, but said that he would stay on as Premier while he simultaneously campaigned to remain as leader. That was an unprecedented move and one that immediately called into question the integrity of the Premier’s office. It would be impossible for Mr. Selinger to run for leadership while holding the
office of Premier without people questioning whether he is using the office of Premier to influence the result. Yet, that is exactly what Mr. Selinger proposed. The actions of the NDP exposed clearly to Manitobans that the NDP government is really about selfinterest and self-preservation, not about putting the interests of Manitobans first. The signs have been there a long time, from broken election promises to the refusal to reverse decisions like Bi-Pole III, but it is now clear for all to see that the NDP is not governing based in the interests of Manitobans. The only interests that they are concerned about are their own.
I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1Y7, by phone at 204326-5763, by fax at (204) 3469913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Manitoba Drops to the Bottom While NDP Quarrel On November 3, five NDP cabinet ministers resigned from their cabinet positions. These people cited their inability to serve the Provincial Government with integrity, that the Provincial Government has become preoccupied with remaining in power rather than doing things that are in the best interest of Manitobans, and broken trust in the Provincial Government as excuses for their resignations. What is extremely disappointing is that these ministers chose to resign as their party’s popularity began to decline significantly. These dissidents chose to abandon ship when times got tough. These former cabinet ministers all took an oath of office and swore that they would serve
Manitobans. Doing so would require the practice of integrity and honesty. Where was their honesty when they told Manitobans that they would not raise the PST? Where was their integrity when they all voted in favour of the PST increase? Where was their integrity when they decided to resign from their cabinet positions, leaving the future of this province in the hands of junior ministers and backbenchers? While pointing fingers at the Premier, all of these former ministers have proven that they are more interested in themselves than Manitobans. While members of the NDP Government have been busy quarreling, Manitoba has taken hits in several areas. The province has been named the poverty capital of the Canada again,
emergency rooms wait times are the longest in the country, and according to the 2013 PanCanadian Assessment Programme, our students are in last place in reading, math, and science. Manitoba’s PCAP scores have declined between the 2010 and 2013 testing periods. While other provinces have improved, we have dropped to the bottom, demonstrating that the quality of education is falling under this NDP Government. These negative changes hurt all Manitobans, especially youth. How are we supposed to retain youth in Manitoba if other provinces are providing them with better job opportunities, lower costs of living, and higher quality social services? Last year, Manitoba
had a net decrease of nearly 4,900 people and a large number of them were youth. This NDP Government is too busy with their internal problems to make Manitoba home for our young people. On November 20, the newly formed NDP Government threw together a throne speech. The majority of the promises stated in the speech were recycled promises from previous years. Most importantly, the speech stated that the Government’s interests are rooted in the priorities of everyday Manitobans. How can the Government claim that it is interested in the priorities of Manitobans when its members are bickering, competing for leadership, and training new ministers? Since the 2011 election, the only thing that the NDP has provided for Manitobans is broken promises.
Since this will be my last article for the year, I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays. The holidays are important for family, and I hope that everyone has the time to be with their loved ones. I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at my constituency office at 204-424-5406, my legislative office at 204-945-4339, or at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.
Throne Speech Focused on Priorities of Manitoba Families Last week’s Throne Speech is about investing in education and infrastructure to grow the economy, create good jobs and provide more opportunities for young people. Education for the New Economy Every parent wants their child to have a clear path to a good job. Investment in education has been a cornerstone of our growth strategy since we first formed government. In today’s economy, advanced education and training is the best way to get on that path to a good career. We’re eliminating interest on student loans, expanding the existing apprenticeship model to certify new occupations outside the traditional trades; launching a new Credit Transfer Portal to help students move more easily between programs and institutions; and working with the Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils to bring more employers into classrooms and more students into workplaces. Good Jobs and a Stronger Economy Manitoba’s economy is steady and growing – and we want to
keep up that momentum. To do that requires not only a commitment to growing our workforce but also strategic investments in our infrastructure. We will continue to promote new and emerging industries, improve key trade routes and introduce new initiatives to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start their businesses right here in Manitoba. We’re increasing Manitoba’s municipal road budget, doubling funding for municipal bridges, creating a new streamlined portal for infrastructure program information and applications in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and applying innovative approaches to core infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance through a new Infrastructure Innovations Council in partnership with the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association. Protecting Front-Line Services We are taking new steps in the year ahead to protect and improve the front-line services that matter most to families. That includes helping families get the right care they need more quickly, building
on our best-in-Canada home care system and launching new programs to help Manitobans battling cancer. We’re hiring dozens of primary care professionals, including nurse practitioners into new MyHealth teams in every region of the province, replacing contract employees of Manitoba Child and Family Services with better-trained staff for emergency shelters and creating a new unit for young women with complex needs, and more clinical assessments. We’re working with First Nations to address the proposed elimination of the federal government’s band constable program to ensure affected communities have access to community policing and moving forward with plans to build 1,000 more social and affordable housing units. Reducing Government Costs and Protecting Consumers Our government’s balanced approach means we’re focused on making smart investments today to reduce costs tomorrow. We’re also finding more efficient
ways for government to do business. We’re renewing our commitment to keep the cost of living in Manitoba one of the lowest in Canada, while also bringing in new consumer protection standards that make life better for families. We’re ensuring homeowners are provided complete, upfront, guaranteed quotes and timelines for home improvements and creating a new independent energy efficiency agency to expand opportunities for all Manitobans to lower their energy bills.
Southern Health Maintains Surplus
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on these and other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail ron.lemieux@yourmanitoba.ca, by phone 204-878-4644, or by mail at Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0. Together we can continue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward.
After reaching the half way point in the fiscal year, the board of Southern Health is reporting a surplus. Ryan Green, Acting Chief Financial Officer confirmed the board recently took in a report showing the year-to-date operating fund has a surplus of $2,375,321. It was noted that while the surplus seems large, the reality is that with a $300 million annual budget, this surplus equates to keeping everything operating for a few days.
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December 2014
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Wildlife Haven Kicks Off Fundraising Campaign for New Centre By Marianne Curtis At the beginning of November, the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile-des-Chênes officially launched a $2.5 million fundraising campaign to build a new centre near the community. In recent weeks, several donations have come in, including $20,333 from Our Manitoba Heros for a total of about $150,000. Then on November 22, TransCanada Pipelines made their own announcement and presented the organization with a cheque for $500,000. Judy Robertson, Vice-President of Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre said the donation was a huge surprise. “Our staff, volunteers and donors have worked hard to deliver the best care possible for Canada’s injured and orphaned wildlife, often in temporary locations. We have dreamed about a state-of-the-art facility offering a hospital, species specific recovery enclosures and an education centre,” said Robertson. “This generous donation from TransCanada of $500,000 has kick started our Capital Campaign toward building that dream.” Gary Houston, Vice-President of TransCanada’s Energy East Pipeline Project said the donation was given in honour of former Mayor Bob Stefaniuk. “We are so proud of our over-60-year relationship with the RM of Ritchot and 20-year relationship with Wildlife Haven,” said Houston. “Our partnership with Wildlife Haven is an example of one of the numerous significant conservation efforts we support across North America as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship in the communities where we live and work.” Earlier this year, Wildlife Haven entered into a 50-year community landlease partnership with TransCanada Corporation for 18 acres of land to build new facilities north of TransCanada’s Station 41 compressor station in Ile-des-Chênes. With that land secured, on Wednesday, November 19, Wildlife Haven launched its new capital plan, including a permanent $2.5 million Hospital and Education Centre to care for injured wildlife and to educate the public and a variety of enclosures for recovering wildlife. “After recovering from the surprise of this announcement, we are realizing the reality of this incredible donation and show of support,” added Robertson. “This gift confirms that all the hard work that Wildlife Haven does is important.” For over 30 years, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre has been caring for injured and orphaned wildlife from all over Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. Its mandate is to receive and care for injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. They also provide and promote public education in wildlife preservation and conservation with our Education Ambassador program.
The staff and volunteers of Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre proudly display the $500,000 donation from TransCanada Pipeline towards a new centre and wild life hospital. Photo by Marianne Curtis
Ezra Levant Addresses Conservative Gathering On November 13 close to 200 Conservatives gathered at the annual fall fundraising banquet hosted by the Provencher Conservative Riding Association. At the event, Provencher MP Ted Falk took the stage to speak on the New Family Tax Cut and
improvements to the Universal Child Care benefit. “I’m very pleased to say that since 2006, we have cut taxes over 160 times,” said Falk. “In fact, we have saved the average family $3,400 per year. With these new cuts that we just introduced, that total will move up to a savings for families totalling $4,500 on average.” “As I’m sure you all have heard by now, our Conservative Government is on track to deliver a
budget surplus for the 2015-2016 fiscal year,” added Falk. “That is good news that we can all celebrate.” Sun News personality Ezra Levant was the special guest speaker for the evening. He touched on issues of freedom of speech, religious freedom and issues in the Middle East. This was the second time he has been invited to speak in Steinbach. The banquet was held at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum in Steinbach.
Sun News personality Ezra Levant and Provencher MP Ted Falk spend time chatting at a recent PC fundraiser.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
December 2014
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STARS Provides Door-to-Door Service in Ste. Anne By Marianne Curtis On November 25, the community of Ste. Anne celebrated the official grand opening of a new landing location for the STARS air ambulance. Last fall, it was determined that a dedicated landing spot close to the hospital would greatly benefit patients in an emergency. A site, owned by the local Catholic Church was determined to be an ideal landing spot for the STARS helicopter. STARS Manitoba Aviation Manager and Pilot Jason Graveline said the site was chosen last year because it met all the safety requirements and the church gave permission to use the land. However, they were unable to set up the landing spot until hospital construction was complete. Previously, the STARS air ambulance landed on a temporary site in the municipal yard, southeast of Ste. Anne. “STARS went back to the site on November 14 and testing it; we conducted a normal landing and it allowed our staff to enter the hospital with the stretcher and equipment,” Graveline explained. “After running the route several times they confirmed the spot was ideal.” Having the new onsite location for STARS in Ste Anne will greatly benefit patients in the region. According to Gravelin, the new location means that The STARS Air Ambulance tests out their new landing site outside the back door of the Ste. Anne Hospital. The new location should highly patients no longer need to be taken by ambulance and driven to another improve the delivery of emergency services in the area. location. STARS can also bring their own equipment into the hospital and make direct transfers. “This means we no longer have to worry about worst case scenarios like the ambulance being stuck waiting for a train,” Gravelin continued. “Door to door transfers can ultimately save lives and time. It also frees up ambulance crews that normally have to come pick us up and bring us back to the hospital.” Gravelin said Ste. Anne was an ideal choice because it was only a 13minute flight from Ste. Anne to the Health Sciences Centre. Ste. Anne Hospital is also the only facility between Kenora and Winnipeg, along the busy Trans-Canada Highway, which makes it a prime location. “Most vehicle accident patients along the highway are transported to Ste. Anne,” Gravelin added. An additional bonus to this arrangement to the area comes with the addition of another physician. STARS’ flights require that a doctor travel with a patient, which in some cases means an emergency room, may have to shut down because their only doctor has to leave to meet the flight. Under the new arrangement, the STARS physician will maintain control at all times, thus freeing up the local doctors.
ATV Group Helps Local Firefighters
Gary Gebhardt of Southeast ATV Association presents the cheque to Kim Duncan of Woodridge Fire Department.
On November 6, the Southeast ATV Association presented the Woodridge Fire Department with a cheque for $895. According to Gary Gebhardt, the club held a fundraising social last month with 50% of the net proceeds divided between their club and the Woodridge Fire Fighters Association. “We are proud to announce that we raised $895 for our local fire fighters association,” Gebhardt stated. “We are grateful to our many volunteers and supporters who helped make this possible.”
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Pat Porter Active Living Centre offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm, call 204-320-4600 or online patporteralc.com. Membership is only $25 per year due by January 15 of each year for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights and eligibility to serve on the board or committees. The fee after January 15, 2015 is $30.00. Join early and avoid the $5.00 late fee! The Centre will be closed on Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day, Friday, December 26 Boxing Day and Thursday, January 1 New Years Day.
Upcoming Events and Monthly Programs: Annual Christmas Banquet: On Thursday, December 11. Deadline Friday, December 5. Cost $15 for members, $18 for non-members. Tickets available at the Centre. Punch at 6 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm. Join us for a traditional turkey dinner with all of the trimmings. If you cannot make it to pick up your tickets, please call to reserve a ticket, or we can also accept Visa and MasterCard over the phone. Annual Fundraising Banquet: Save the date - Monday, January 26, 2015. Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Anyone interested in going to the ballet? RWB is offering subsidized tickets to seniors and groups. Senior groups of 10 or more are eligible to purchase tickets for $50 plus tax in section B. Please let us know if you are interested and we will organize a bus trip. Contact Kathy at 204-320-4603. Computer Lab: Need help with your computer skills? Call the centre and make an appointment. Labs are 1 hour long and available every Wednesday morning from 9 am – Noon. Please call the centre at 204-3204600. January Birthday Celebration: Wednesday, January 7 at 2 pm. Celebrate with us! Bring your friends! Guests pay $2 for coffee and cake. Foot Care: On the first Tuesday, first Wednesday and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 2 pm. Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost $30. Bring your own towel. Contact the centre to book an appointment. December dates: Tuesday, December 2, Wednesday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 16. Beltone Hearing: On the third Friday of each month. Contact 1-800-661-2653 for appointment. Monday 12 - 4:30 pm Drop-in Pool 1 - 4 pm Pickleball 1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains 1 pm Canasta 7 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 9 am -12 pm Pickleball 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1:30 - 4 pm Floor Curling and/or Shuffle 2:30 - 4:30 pm Family Search 7 - 10 pm Dance Lessons Wednesday 9 am -12 pm Computer classes - call to register 10 - 11:30 am Tai Chi 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Cribbage 1:30 - 4 pm Floor Curling and/or Shuffle 7 - 9 pm Old Time Country Band Practice Thursday 9 am - 12 pm Pickleball 9:30 - 10:30 am P.A.C.E. Program and Urban Poling 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool 1 - 4 pm Whist 1 - 4 pm Floor Curling and/or Shuffle 6 - 9 pm Pickleball Friday 9 am - 12 pm Floor Curling and/or Shuffle 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends 12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Contact 204-320-4605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend. Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters and receptionists.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Feds Announce Funds for Green Projects in Bilingual Municipalities On November 21, Provencher MP Ted Falk, along with Shelly Glover the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages met in Ile-des-Chênes to officially announce $960,000 in funding for Conseil développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (CDEM). According to Falk, the money will help official language minority communities in western Canada take advantage of new economic opportunities. The funds will assist in economic opportunities through an inventory of local greenhouse gas emissions, developing climate change local action plans (CCLAP), supporting municipalities with green technology commercialization opportunities, attracting foreign direct investments and training a skilled workforce. Some targeted projects will consist of composting, waste to energy, municipal infrastructure in waste water and transportation corridors. “Our Government’s top priority is creating jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity. This investment with CDEM will contribute to economic development in our communities in the Southeast and across Manitoba,” stated Falk. Louis Allain, Executive Director of CDEM was also at the press conference. “CDEM is pleased to be able to encourage Official Language Minority Communities in western Canada move toward greener solutions,” Allain added. “Through the Eco-West project, we will export the green economy expertise gained in Manitoba and help people to take advantage of environmental initiatives that generate sustainable grown and profit.” Funding for this project is under the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) of the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages. Partnered with Western Economic Diversification Canada, it is expected that this initiative will result in community economic growth by developing regionally-based plans that share best practices and knowledge with more than 40 rural communities in the four western provinces.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
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December 2014
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December 2014
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Major Flood Mitigation Announced for Morris Area In a recent announcement, the Manitoba government plans to raise two bridges and sections of PTH 75 near Morris over the next fiver years to help keep this critical commercial route to the U.S. open during major floods. Work will start soon on the engineering plans to build a new, higher bridge over the Morris River at the north end of the town and a new, higher Plum River Bridge south of Morris near St. Jean Baptiste. The bridge at Morris is the most prone to flooding and is the primary cause of closures to PTH 75. Mayor Gavin van der Linde, Town of Morris says that transportation is the key to the community’s economy. “PTH 75 is important not only for transportation and the economy of the region, but also brings tourist dollars to our community,” said van der Linde. “We will continue to work with the province on this important infrastructure project.” Ralph Groening, Reeve for the RM of Morris agreed. “We have seen the impacts of flood waters in the region many times and this plan will help reduce the stress of losing the use of a major highway during major spring floods,” added Groening. “This will be a major undertaking but the benefits will far outweigh any minor inconveniences during the construction period.” As part of the project, approximately 26 km of highway north and south of Morris will be raised to keep the road above flood levels. To minimize negative downstream consequences, the plan also calls for building new hydraulic openings in PTH 75, south of Aubigny, so water can flow from the west to the east in the event of a flood. The Red River Valley is protected by the floodway, the primary diking
Ritchot Chamber AGM Scheduled The Ritchot Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their second annual general meeting. Taking place on December 11 at the Howden Community Centre, the Chamber invites anyone interested in finding out more about the benefits of being chamber members. Roger Perron, Secretary for the Ritchot Chamber says anyone can attend. “There will be reports from the President, Derek Roth and other members as to what has been accomplished in our first year of operation and what is planned for the future,” stated Perron. “We will also be electing a new executive.” The public meeting is taking place 1078 Red River Drive, Howden starting at 7 pm. Membership to the Ritchot Chamber of Commerce is open to residents, non-profit organizations and businesses.
system, in addition to community and individual ring dikes. Upgrades to PTH 75 will allow area residents, tourists and the trucking industry to use the highway during most floods from the Emerson Port of Entry to Winnipeg. “Highway 75 is our major trade corridor south to the U.S. and beyond, carrying over $19 billion
worth of trade in a single year,” said Premier Selinger. The premier noted raising the roads and rebuilding the bridges would cost approximately $200 million and create an estimated 2,200 jobs. Last year, the province rebuilt the northbound lanes of PTH 75 from PR 205 near Aubigny to 1.8 km north of PR 305 near Ste. Agathe.
Season Tickets Make The Perfect Gift! There are still great seats available for the season package of 5 incredible shows! This is a time to call up your friends and have those regular ‘date nights’ or, give the package as a gift, that keeps on giving. Call the office and put it on your card – Christmas shopping is done! Manitoba Theatre Centre Armstrong’s War, Tuesday, February 17; Cadence – Unplugged, 4 voices, Monday, March 23; Messiah with Canzona, WSO players and a regional choir of local singers; and A community musical – Anne of Green Gables on Friday, May 1. Added Attractions include: (SAC members get 10% off these added attractions) Family show – Munsch Upon a Time by Prairie Theatre Exchange on Friday, January 16, at the SRSS Theatre. Piano Violin Fusion Fundraiser – Roy and Rosemary – on Wednesday, March 4. Season Ticket holders get 15% off The Roy & Rosemary event. Give the Gift of Creativity… 15% off for returning students, 10% for new students before Monday, December 15, 2014. Stocking Stuffer Stuck? The perfect gift for any age… a gift certificate for any class or concert! Get Active, Feel Great – NEW! Gentle Hatha Flow Yoga, Cardio Pilates, Pilates Core Basic, On the Ball Pilates, Belly Dancing Beginner & Advanced. Just try it! Adults – Digital Photography, Exploring Acrylics, Mixed Art for Adults, Intro to the Pottery Wheel, NEW! The Wonderful Wheel & Other Things; Teens – Digital Photography, Cartoon Illustration, Exploring Acrylics, Pottery Passion; Kids – Hand Building with Clay, intro to the Pottery Wheel, Cartoon Illustration, Art Adventures, Art X-Travaganza. Creative Cooking - Dessert Art – with culinary artist Cassandra Milcharek. Cake Xtravaganza, Kids in the Kitchen. Language classes – French and Spanish, Levels 1 & 2 with Kim Heidinger. Dance & Martial Arts with XCOMPANY – Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Broadway Stars, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Chinese and Filipino Martial Arts Music Lessons – Piano, Voice, Theory, Flute, Guitar, Accordion with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts, or the Southeastern Manitoba Teachers’ Association (SMMTA). Backyard Theatre Company - sign up now for the January to April session. 50 % off Acting classes for ages 5 - 8. Only $83! Calling All Violin Lovers! Join our Friday Night Violin group program workshops. SAC is inviting all violin players from the region, all ages and levels, to come and play together with other violinists. Faith Fehr, will be facilitating these programs on Friday nights from January – April. The 4 8 year olds will play together from 6:45 – 7:15 pm and the 9 - 14 year olds from 7:30 – 8 pm. Open recital for everyone on the Friday, December 5 evening – fun and food, too! The cost is $4 a session – call the Arts Centre to sign up today! Preschoolers will love Arts4Tots! Free Drop in Classes January 12 - 22 – call the office to book your time to check out the program. Ages 3 - 5 will thrive in our Arts focused preschool program… where Math and Science, and other concepts, are learned through Drama, Dance, Crafts, Music… and Culture! Hall gallery ‘Thriving Traditions’ by the Village Quilters. The Mennonite Heritage Quilters have partnered with The Steinbach Arts Council to display their beautiful quilts as a hall exhibit. Coming in January – Tapestries, Following the Thread by students of the Steinbach Christian High school. Backbeat School of Music – ages 12 - 17 for inspiring young artists! A play to play, encourage young artists to learn, grow and perform under the guidance of music mentors. Come check it out at their mini recital on Saturday, December 6 at 10 am. Tickets on Sale NOW! Coming up January 2014… Prairie Theatre Exchange brings the indelible characters of Robert Munsch to vibrant life on stage Friday, January 16 at the SRSS Theatre, 6:45 pm. This year’s show is Munsch Upon A Time! Come with the whole family for milk and cookies… and don’t forget to wear your pyjamas! Call now for tickets. Rent our Facility. We rent out our studios for meetings, recitals, receptions, showers, birthday parties and more. And we rent out chair covers, staging and wine glasses. Affordable prices and great creative space!
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
December 2014
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First Community NYE Party Planned for Niverville By Marianne Curtis A Niverville resident looking to start the new-year surrounded by community has taken it upon himself to make it happen by organizing the community’s first New Year’s Eve event.
For the past few weeks, Barry Piasta has been collecting volunteers and donations to make this event, a huge success. “Every year since we have moved out to Niverville I have heard people ask if there is anything in town or around here to
do for family’s on New Year’s Eve. Last year I spoke with my wife and daughter and we decided to do something for New Year’s Eve,” Piasta explained. “If you want something in your community sometimes you have to bite the bullet and make it happen.”
Geocaching Blackout For the past several years, I have been the driving force in my family in regards to geocaching. For those of you who don’t know what geocaching is, let me simplify it by calling it a worldwide game of treasure hunting that you play using a GPS. While the containers, or “caches”, that you find must be left where you find them, every container should have in it a paper or logbook for you to date and sign to record that you discovered it. You also use your computer to log the find on the Geocaching website (geocaching.com) and let other players know that you found it and your thoughts on the hunt. Some refer to geocaching as a hobby; some call it a passion, for others it could be a borderline obsession. For me, it fluctuates between the three. Some people are ‘fair weather cachers’, going out only when the weather is nice and beautiful. There are those of us, myself included that will go out and find a cache on some of the most terrible days and the coldest evenings. For quite awhile now I’ve been attempting to complete a very special and challenging, geocaching puzzle. This puzzle involves finding a geocache on every single day of the calendar year. Thankfully, they can be found over several years just so long as they are found on each day of the calendar. Now finding a geocache during the warmer months of April through August was not too difficult and I have completed that portion of my calendar a long time ago. Now, I am focussed on tackling the winter months. September wasn’t too bad as I had only to find caches on two days (the 28th & 29th). October wasn’t too bad either as I only needed to fill four days, which I did. The month of November had upped the difficulty level somewhat by throwing in a total of 13 days. Now throw in some snow and ice, drop the temperatures and increase the distance that I have to drive to reach these containers and I’m sure that you’ll see that it has begun to get a bit rougher for me to reach my goal of a complete Geocaching Blackout. Looking ahead to December I will need to fill 19 days, eight in January, three in February (hopefully they won’t all be buried in the snow!) and six in March. When I break it down to strictly the numbers it doesn’t look like it should be too hard to accomplish. Unfortunately, I still have other commitments to follow through on which does put a lot of pressure on how I use my time. There are also going to be days when I’m tired and sore from work, the sun has long set and the wind-chill has the potential to bite off exposed fingers. It is on these days that I will have to find a way to encourage myself, to push myself, to go and get that one geocache so that day can be crossed off my caching calendar. One day at a time. Don’t we all need a goal to aim for, a challenge to face? After all, if we aren’t tackling challenges then what is helping us to grow, to gain new insights? Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.
Piasta stresses that while the evening is taking place in Niverville, the family friendly event is open to everyone in the area who wants to bring out the kids for a relaxing fun time. “I want this to be for not just our community but for those around us to experience how great our community and the people in it are,” Piasta continued. “I want this to be for the community, by the community.” Piasta has already gained the support of several businesses, but he welcomes more to the table. “I have asked council to approve this, and they have, I have asked the youth ministry’s to be part of this, and they have agreed. I even asked the principal at the high school for the students to be involved and he is working on it and likes the idea,” Piasta noted.
We want all to come and have fun and to know you can do anything you want to do no matter of who you are or what your abilities are.” He also welcomes any volunteers willing to help with the actual event. “I will try to make this the best I am capable to do, but I need as much help as possible as I have problems that hinder me, Piasta concluded. “It only takes one person to make a difference in your community.” The first annual Niverville Family and Community New Year’s Eve Fun Night is taking place December 31 from 5 – 8 pm at the Niverville Arena and grounds. There will be games, pizza, bonfire, and fireworks. Anyone wishing to help or contribute in any fashion can call Barry at 204-510-4299.
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December 2014
Heritage Designation Wanted for Crow Wing Trail The Crow Wing Trail Association is hoping to gain the support of Heritage Resources in the naming of the Crow Wing Trail as a heritage trail. “At the advice of the board, I have contacted the Heritage Resources Branch for assistance in exploring the possibility of having the Crow Wing Trail designated as a heritage trail,” stated Murielle Bugera, President of the Crow Wing Trail Association. “This is to ensure longterm sustainability of the Crow Wing Trail, which has historical importance for the province and Canada.” Bugera says that initial feedback has been positive. “There is a pretty good possibility that we will be able to meet with representatives of the Heritage Resources Branch in December – early January,” added Bugera. “Having the Crow Wing Trail designated as a heritage trail would be quite significant to the area and to the trail itself.” Heritage trails are routes along which selected features of history
or natural history are explained for the general public. The earliest interpreted trails, some 60 years ago, dealt only with natural history and were called nature trails. Bugera is confident the Crow Wing Trail fits within the criteria needed to become designated as a heritage trail. The Crow Wing Trail is a historic trade route connecting the Red River settlement of Fort Garry (present-day Winnipeg), with St. Paul, Minnesota. For years the trail was tucked away in history but with the construction of the Trans Canada Trail it has enjoyed a revival in interest. Across Canada there are hundreds of trails coast-to-coast recognized and run by national and provincial parks, the Canadian Wildlife Service, tourism departments, conservation authorities, museums, universities, schools, and private agencies. In Manitoba, the only official heritage trails are established in Riding Mountain National Park. There are seven designated heritage trails within the park’s boundaries.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Spaghetti with Santa Fundraiser Hosted by Lorette Dragonboat Team Get ready for a special visit with Santa, when the Lorette Dragonettes host a fundraising Spaghetti Dinner with Santa. All proceeds from the event go towards the Children’s Hospital and CancerCare Manitoba. The Lorette Dragonettes are a team of twenty-one women from Lorette who gathered to raise money. This fall, they competed in the Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival for the first time. Colleen Lambert, a young mother from Lorette, who put together this year’s team explained, “Most of our team was comprised of moms who dedicated their efforts to do something important for children who really need our help.” She said the team did not have much practice time but had fun on race day and were excited about raising funds for a cause they cared about, “With only two water practices prior to the event, we came in tenth out of seventeen All Female Teams.”
Lambert said the team has a number of fundraising events planned in hopes to raise more than last year. In their inaugural year, the team raised over $4,500. “We have already signed up for next year and can’t wait to exceed our fundraising,” Lambert said. Their next fundraising event takes
place December 13 from 3 – 6 pm at the Lorette Parish Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, 2 and under are free. Cost includes dinner, cookie, a photo with Santa, crafts and a gift. Tickets are available at Opus Day Spa or by emailing gilg@mts.net.
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December 2014
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December 2014
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
In Christ We Find Real Change How often have you heard this statement, “Will he never change?” I think we have all either said or thought this about some people we have met along life’s journey. So, as we approach another Christmas season, is it really possible to change? In the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23 says, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots?” We have used this verse to prove people will never change. On our own, and in our own strength, it is impossible to change before God. God’s view of all our efforts is found in Isaiah 64:6. “But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness (good deeds) are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” This sounds pretty discouraging and depressing, but God did something that first Christmas 2000 years ago to give us hope, that change is possible. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world (people) that he gave his only begotten Son (Jesus Christ).” God the Father’s Son, Jesus Christ, willingly agreed to leave Heaven and come to earth. Christ, as the Prince of Peace, was adorned with all the majesty, honour and glory of His Father. But Philippians 2:7 says, “He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Christ changed from a heavenly Being to become a human Being. He was born in a humble stable and was raised by His lowly mother, Mary, and step-father, Joseph. At about thirty three years of age, Christ allowed Himself to be arrested, falsely accused and condemned to be crucified. He was the perfect sinless Son of God, but He changed. On that cross, Jesus Christ took all the sins of every human being onto Himself, and as He shed His blood and died, He paid the price of freedom from sin. Because of Calvary, if any human being wants to really change, Christ has now made that possible. II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” When a person trusts Christ as their personal Saviour, Christ forgives their sins, changes them from a child of the devil to a child of God, changes their destiny from hell to Heaven and changes their outlook on life, from despair to hope. You may think you can’t change. You’re right, you can’t!!! But Christ is quite capable of changing you, if you let Him. I Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The change Christ makes in a person’s life is real, and victory is possible, but as long as we still live in our human bodies, there will be struggles. But one day our change will be complete. No too far in the future the Bible promises that Christ will return to this earth for His own. I Corinthians 15:52 says, “In a moment, in a twinkling of and eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” This Christmas season, as we stop and reflect, have you let Christ change you yet? You’ll never know true peace on earth until you do. What a blessing and comfort to know you are God’s child. He will make you everything you ought to be, if you yield to Him. May God richly bless you and make Himself real to you this Christmas season, as you seek Him and His will for your life!
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
December 2014
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IDC Baseball Volunteer Recognized in PEI By Marianne Curtis The month of November was a big awards month for an Ile-des-Chênes family after Alex Grenier was recognized both provincially and nationally as a significant baseball volunteer. His son Nic was also recognized for his achievements in the sport locally. On November 9, Grenier, a volunteer with Seine River Minor Ball received the 2014 Baseball Canada Volunteer of the Year at the 50th Annual Baseball Canada Awards in Charlottetown, PEI. This award was created in 2001 to recognize the contribution of the most dedicated, enthusiastic person who has devoted at least ten years of volunteering within their provincial association. Grenier has been actively involved in the Seine River Minor Baseball Association for the last 10 years. From his duties as league president, serving on many committees in administrative roles to coaching several teams over the years, Alex’s impact on minor baseball has been felt across the entire local baseball community. This year was a tremendous example of Grenier’s passion and drive as he spearheaded an initiative to renovate local baseball diamonds from fundraising to laying down the
Home Invader Sentenced to 9 Years On November 24, twenty-one year old Colin Bernardin-Hebert of Blumenort was sentenced to nine years in jail after pleading guilty to several charges stemming from a January 2013 home invasion in New Bothwell. Bernardin-Hebert admitted to going to the victim’s home in the middle of the night while wearing a balaclava and armed with a gun. Two other masked gunmen joined him. They knocked on the door of the 38year-old female resident, and then demanded to know where her 19year-old son was. The teen was not home. According to police, the woman and her dog were both bear maced in the face for about an hour. The woman was then forced at gunpoint to the ground and threatened repeatedly. Her home was ransacked and property was stolen, mostly electronics. At one point, the culprits went into her six-year-old daughter’s bedroom and stole her IPad while the child slept. The court also heard that Bernardin-Hebert targeted the home because of an ongoing feud with the victim’s son. A co-accused pleaded guilty to his role early this year and was given an eight-year prison sentence. Twentyyear old Zach Carver of Winnipeg admitted holding the shotgun to the back of the woman’s head under orders from Bernardin-Hebert. A third person accused became the crown’s witness after cooperating with the police. Bernardin-Hebert will only have to serve six more years of his nine year sentence. He was given time and half credit for the two years he has already spent in custody.
sod himself. Later in the year Seine River’s Board of Directors named one of the diamonds ‘Grenier Field’ in Alex’s honour. On November 22, Grenier was recognized as Volunteer of the Year locally at the Baseball Manitoba Awards Gala. “I was behind a lot of this, but did not do all the work,” Grenier modestly stated. “I could not have done this alone, but I am honoured to be recognized in this manner.” Grenier has been credited with being instrumental to the recent facility improvements, which included the installation of three batting cages and the expansion of available green space to be used by the Rally Cap program. Nic Grenier, also from Ile-desChênes was named Midget Player of the Year at the Manitoba Gala, along with Branden Hatley of Morden. Nic has been an outstanding ballplayer for Carillon and Seine River for many years. At the local midget level, instead of
Alex Grenier (second from left) was named Volunteer of the Year by Baseball Canada on November 9 and by Baseball Manitoba later in the month.
playing for a stronger team in another community, Nic chose to recruit players to allow his home association to offer a midget program. Nic led this team to an unlikely Carillon championship.
Nic Grenier from Ile-des-Chênes was named Midget Player of the Year by Baseball Manitoba on November 22.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Chamber Hands out Prestigious Hardware By Marianne Curtis
outstanding companies and businesses in the area. Chamber members were On November 6, the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce handed out encouraged to nominate fellow a number of business awards to members or their own business in four categories. They include Young Entrepreneur Award, Customer Service Award, Community Involvement Award, and the coveted Business of the year. The Future Leader Award was given to Mike Burnard from Three Marketing. This award is given to a young entrepreneur under 35 years of age who has established or expanded a business in the past two years. This year, there were two Business of the Year Awards handed out. Business of the Year, Small Business category was presented to Earl’s Meat Market and Medium Business Mike Burnard of Three Marketing earned the category was presented to Derksen
Printers/The Carillon. These categories were open to all businesses that have been operating for at least three years as of 2009. The Community Involvement is awarded to the business that demonstrates exceptional performances in its support of recreation, amateur sports, arts and culture, charitable or non-profit volunteer groups. It was presented The winner of both the Community Involvement and Business of the Year in the Medium to Derksen Printers/The Carillon. The Customer Service award was Business Category was Derksen Printers/The Carillon. awarded to The LumberZone for consistently demonstrating excellence in service and/or hospitality. This award was chosen by the community, after voting was open to the public. The Awards were presented to recipients at the Steinbach Chamber’s annual meeting on November 6 at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre.
Future Leader Award.
Changes Announced for Run for Mom
The Lumberzone earned the coveted Customer Service Award.
By Marianne Curtis Organizers of the popular annual Run for Mom have made a few changes in preparation for the upcoming year. On November 27, organizer Greg Penner announced that the event, which is normally held on Mother’s Day would be moved to later in the month in addition to a name change. “Our annual running event in Earl’s Meat Market took home the Business of the Year, Small Business Category award. Steinbach called ‘Run For Mom’ will now be called ‘Let’s Run’ and will be held Saturday morning on May 23rd,” stated Penner. “Our name change will better reflect our purpose and the new date and time is more traditional for running events and easier on our team and participants.” For the past seven years, the event has drawn hundreds to Steinbach The community of La Broquerie will eventually see the benefit of a for the annual event. new arena expansion after the $2.7 million project received the green “Mother’s Day is a very busy and light by the municipal board. important day so the date change is The RM of La Broquerie has received Municipal Board approval to better for volunteers, participants, borrow funds for the expansion of the La Broquerie arena. teams and families,” Penner According to council, local lending agencies have been contacted continued. “We believe our changes for borrowing rates for the amount of $2 million over a 15-year period. will help grow our event and get more After considering three different institutions, the municipality decided people involved.” to borrow the money from the Royal Bank of Canada at 3.36% interest. The time of day that the race will Prior to the election, the RM of La Broquerie recently hired Pennstart has also changed to 9 am, which Co Construction to review the plans and provided final numbers to Penner notes is a traditional race start the municipality. Due to inflation, costs for the $2 million project rose time. to $2.7 million. The remaining amount will be raised through “Some races find an afternoon start community fundraising. more challenging from a nutrition When the municipality launched the project, the municipality was standpoint,” Penner added. sitting on firmer ground financially. However, other priorities, including Finally, the funding aspect of the a $6 million community lagoon project, could push the project towards event has changed. Historically, the the bottom of the municipality’s to-do list. The lagoon project will be event has served as a fundraiser for costly, but the municipality has been approved for federal the Steinbach Family Resource infrastructure funding. Centre (formerly known as Anna’s The current arena facility, which was built in 1978, can no longer House). This coming year, funds will accommodate the growing needs of the community. Over 200 children also go towards Steinbach Family use the facility for hockey, figure skating and the CanSkate program. Resource Centre, along with Another fundraising campaign is expected to take place over the KidSport and the Cancer Care Centre next year, and the RM of La Broquerie will be asking the community in Steinbach. to help fund the arena. The municipality will match the total amount In the last seven years, over of funds raised by the community. $35,000 has been raised through the event.
La Broquerie Arena Gains Approval
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December 2014
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Local Charities Receive Funds from St. Labre 200 Committee By Marianne Curtis Three not for profit organizations in the southeast were awarded cheques totalling $6,000 from the St. Labre 200 fundraising committee. During the sixth annual general meeting of the St. Labre 200, which took place November 19, the proceeds from this summer’s go-cart race was doled out to three organizations. Cheques of $2,000 each were presented to Southeast Habitat for Humanity, Steinbach Family Resource Centre and Sprague and District Historical Museum. According to Joel Grenier, VicePresident of St. Labre 200 Inc., the funds were collected through generous donations, raffles and the canteen at the annual event. The St. Labre 200 is a two-day event where 14 teams are invited to build their own go-karts with The Sprague and District Historical Museum was one of three groups who received a materials supplied to them. After cheque from the St. Labre 200 Inc. Go-Karts Giving back to the Community campaign. twenty-four hours of building, the teams then race 200 laps around a dirt track. What started as a competition between the Grenier brothers and friends has blown up into a provincial festival with 50 participants and 100 spectators in the first year, to 120 participants and 1.500 spectators 6 years later. Not only has the event become a staple for Manitoba summers, it has also become a way for the organization to give back to the community. Since its inception six years ago, the St. Labre 200 Go-Karts Giving back to the Community campaign has given out, over $36,000 in grants to various local organizations in our region. In a few short months, community non-profits will be invited to submit their request for funding when details of the 2015 campaign are released.
Three Hospitalized in Semi and Truck Collision On November 14, at approximately 1:45 pm, Morris and Emerson RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 75 and Provincial Road 7, about three kilometres south of Highway 201. A pickup truck and a semi-truck hauling large equipment collided in the southbound lane of Highway 75. Initial investigation shows the semi was travelling westbound on Provincial Road 7 North. The semi crossed the northbound lanes of Highway 75, stopped at the median and proceeded to turn left onto southbound Highway 75 when it collided with the southbound pickup truck. The three occupants of the pickup truck were injured in the collision. The driver and one passenger of the pickup were transported to local hospital and one passenger was transported to a Winnipeg hospital. The driver of the semi was uninjured.
The Steinbach Family Resource Centre gratefully accepted their contribution from the monies raised by the St. Labre 200 Go-Karts Giving back to the Community campaign.
Southeast Habitat for Humanity received funding from the generous time and support of the St. Labre 200 Go-Karts Giving back to the Community campaign.
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December 2014
More Than Just News!
God’s Special Moment Galatians 4: 4-7 ... 4) But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5) to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6) Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba Father”. 7) So, you are no longer a slave, but a son and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (NIV) Every Christmas we must come to terms with the birth and nature of Jesus Christ. Christians make some incredible, wonderful and miraculous claims about the birth of Jesus... and we should because in our text today we are told that when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son. Have you ever thought that there was a right time for Jesus to come? It is an incredible statement. Does this mean that there was only one time in all human history when everything was perfectly in line for the first coming of Jesus? That there was no other time when Christ could have come? We believe that is precisely what the Bible is saying. It tells us that Jesus Christ came at just the right time. Our celebration of Christmas highlights that perfect timing of His coming. As our text for this month says, when the right time came, the time that God had declared it would happen, Jesus was born of a Jewish woman by the name of Mary. We know the Christmas story so well, but how often does that understanding cause us not to remember or overlook what happened in the Land of Palestine before Christ was born? I know this is true of me. We get so excited with our own planning that we lose sight of all the preparations and activities behind the scene in Palestine before the birth of Christ. Just as we organize and plan, our Christmas activities there were preparations made for this special event. The Christ Child from heaven was about to be born in a manger. There were legislative preparations for His coming. Scripture teaches that God directed the crucial events so that all prophesy would be fulfilled. Little did Caesar Augustus know that when he was in power and called for a census, he was doing God’s will. That census required all the people to return to their place of birth to be counted. That meant that a pregnant woman and her husband had to make an historic journey to Bethlehem. Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, was guided by the Holy Spirit of God to the place prophesied in the Old Testament where Christ would be born. Can you see the hand of God at work here? God had planned how this was to happen long before this night in Bethlehem. He had a purpose for this event. You can feel the love and compassion in the heart of God as His plan of salvation is revealed to all peoples. By faith, we remember the first coming of Christ. At the right time, God sent His Son, and He... that is Jesus, can be faithful to do things in my life and your life at the right time as well. We are invited to become children of God, heirs together with Christ and He is leading us to reign with Him in eternity, to be victorious in this life. Christmas brought a new beginning, a reminder of that special event at just the right time. 11) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12) This will be a sign to you, “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12 (NIV) Thus when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law. Unable to contain heaven’s joy any longer, the angels would explode with the cry of jubilation, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men ... To God Be the glory. Merry Christmas ... Have a wonderful New Year. Would you pray this prayer with me, “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.
Woodridge Woman Wins VIP Treatment A Woodridge woman is one of the big winners of this year’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Home Lottery. Lisa Ross-Lebrun from Woodridge has won a pair of premium tickets to every concert event at MTS Centre in 2015. In addition to the ultimate concert experience, she won $5,000 cash. Proceeds raised will help fund Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine at HSC, one of Canada’s finest applied research facilities. The winner of the grand prize of either $1 million in cash or a dream cottage in Falcon Lake was Kelsey Friesen from Winnipeg.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
December 2014
19
Niverville Searches for Ice Maker The Town of Niverville is seeking contract proposals as an Ice Maintainer for its three sheets of natural ice at the Curling Rink. The curling rink opens for two months from January to February holding regularly scheduled evening ice time, special events that include a bonspiel, a playoff weekend and high school daytime curling slots. Contract proposals should be submitted to the Town of Niverville office no later than December 10 at 5 pm, along with your previous ice making experience, schedule of time commitment required for optimal ice conditions, a plan for special events or additional ice bookings, functions and rentals and the weekly cost. For further contract information visit the Town’s website whereyoubelong.ca, call the Town office or drop by at 86 Main Street in Niverville.
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More Than Just News!
December 2014
2014 Year End Tax Tips I’m sure no one thinks about taxes in December as I do. Here are a few items you need to take care of for your 2014 taxes that will be filed in a few months. Before I share some tax reminders, I promised to share some information with my readers about funeral costs. As many of you know, my mother passed away in July and I wasn’t happy with the funeral home’s fee for just the basic cremation service, $2,800. So, when my father passed away on November 23, I called another funeral home, Mosaic Funeral Centre on Nairn in Winnipeg. Their cost, $1,300. Yes, that is $1,500 less! For the exact same service! Birchwood Funeral Centre in Steinbach is also a reasonable price if you prefer a more local business. So, back to some tax tips that need attention before December 31. Medical expenses you can claim on your income taxes are normally for the calendar year, so if you already have lots to claim, maybe top up by filling prescriptions, eye exam and glasses, dental work, etc. Start organizing all your medical receipts. Instead of all those little prescription receipts, just go to your pharmacy in the new-year and ask for a printout that will have all of them listed. You ensure you have all of them and much easier for us tax preparers too! Keep that 2014 calendar! If it has all your medical appointments listed, this is the information you need to determine your medical travel. The appointment needs to be more than 40 km from your home and for a service you could not have received closer (mostly specialists in Winnipeg). If you are more than 80 km, then you can claim a $17 meal too and accommodations. Keep all the receipts for you children’s activities – sports and other activities are now a tax credit on your tax return (Children’s Fitness Credit and Children’s Arts Credit). And for Manitoba residents, the 16 to 24 year olds can claim a Manitoba Young Adult Fitness Credit. Keep your pay stub from the end of the year; compare it to the T4 you receive. It’s also good to keep for proof of payment: if you pay for some of your disability insurance and you go on claim for disability income, you can deduct what you paid (but only if you have the proof!). Charitable Donations need to be done by December 31 to count on your 2014 taxes. Remember you can donate shares or mutual funds to a charity and have the capital gains taxes waived. Check out Link Charity to make it easy (or call me and I can help with the paperwork). Remember the First Time Donor’s Super Credit. If you or your spouse has not donated in the past five years, you get extra credits for being generous on donations (up to $1,000). If you are in a low income year, or you are doing some tax planning (I meet with many clients now for 2014 tax estimates), you may want to take money out of an RRSP, if you are in a low tax bracket and it may be higher in the future or credits or benefits may be reduced because of future RRSP income. If you have been contributing to a spousal RRSP and you are 55+, you may want to start doing it in December instead of February. You need to wait two full calendar years before withdrawals can be made and taxed in your spouse’s hands. Check out my blog SteAnneTaxServiceBlog.com for more financial tips and information or if you missed a previous article, they are archived at annimarkmann.ca. Merry Christmas! Take pleasure in the company of family and friends. I wish you all a healthy and successful 2015. Anni Markmann is a Tax Professional, Certified Financial Planner, and a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact her at 204422-6631, Anni@SteAnneTaxService.ca or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne.
Crow Wing Trail Officially Connected By Marianne Curtis The award-winning Crow Wing Trail Association is very excited by the official connection of the trail to the St Norbert Heritage Trail with the help of some infrastructure funding. According to Crow Wing Trail Association President Murielle Bugera, the project includes the completion of the route with a safe seasonal crossing of an outside drain, creating a seasonal crossing through the floodway and improving the signage along the Crow Wing Trail on the floodway berm. “We are not building big bridges or crosswalks; this simple link is in line with the approach we have taken to our trail, in keeping it true to its original traits as a trading route,” stated Bugera. “That route was never easy, and our trail today has its challenges as well. We look forward to welcoming trail adventurers across the floodway and into our communities.” This project creates a significant connection in Manitoba’s Trans Canada Trail, offering safe access from the Red River North Trail through Winnipeg to Emerson and beyond. The project also connects the Trans Canada Trail to the Duff Roblin Parkway Trail. This unique segment of the Crow Wing Trail will give Trans Canada Trail users an expansive view of the floodway channel and control structure and bring trail users into the floodway basin to marvel at its size and capacity. The Crow Wing Trail is a historic 192 kilometre route stretching from the southern border of Winnipeg to Emerson, Manitoba. The route closely follows the red river cart trading route between Winnipeg and St. Paul, Minnesota. Coming into Winnipeg from the south the Crow Wing Trail crosses the Red River floodway and meets the St Norbert Heritage Trail on Couchaine Road.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
December 2014
21
Joint Funding Announced for Southern Infrastructure Projects
Provencher MP Ted Falk met with the RM of La Broquerie to inform council that they have been approved to receive much needed funding to expand the community’s lagoon.
By Marianne Curtis Six southeast Manitoba communities will benefit from the New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund after the federal government announced over $2 million in funding earlier this month. The six projects, including 5 in the southeast area benefiting, are for phase 1 of the underground water and wastewater infrastructure renewal in the City of Steinbach, upgrades to the drinking water infrastructure in the RM of Ritchot, recycling depots in the RM of Piney, lagoon expansion in the RM of La Broquerie, sewage lift station and force main upgrade in the RM of Springfield and a wastewater lift station in the Town of Ste. Anne. Provencher MP Ted Falk travelled throughout the region personally delivering the news to the four municipalities and two communities. “These projects will help these small southeast Manitoba communities improve their water, wastewater and solid waste management infrastructure,” stated Falk. “When completed, the systems will better meet the needs of their residents today and into the future.” Ritchot, Piney, La Broquerie, Springfield and Ste. Anne will all benefit from the $6,271,500 allocated from Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund that targets communities under 100,000. The six projects will be cost-shared by the three governments at $2,090,500 each. “The Small Communities Fund provides much-needed funding for communities in Manitoba. This announcement will allow municipalities to move forward in addressing their infrastructure needs,” said Doug Dobrowolski President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. The RM of La Broquerie will expand their existing lagoon to include two new aerated lagoon cells. The project will also include the construction of a building to house the associated aeration and chemical equipment as well as a UV disinfection unit. The total eligible cost of this project is $2.4 million. The Town of Ste. Anne will be installing a new lift station to re-direct existing sewers within the Town of Ste. Anne. The total eligible cost of this project is $714,000. In Ritchot, funding will be used to install a thousand meters of waterline along Arnould Road to provide service for Trans-Canada Pipelines and the proposed Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. The project is expected to cost a total of $120,000. Further south, the RM of Piney will receive funding towards their $150,000 project that will direct recycling materials from the dumps to a regional processing facility. In Steinbach, the underground Infrastructure Renewal, phase 1 consists of the update of approximately 400 metres of aging underground water and wastewater in the Elmdale Street area. The total eligible cost of this project is $975,000.
Ste. Anne Mayor Richard Pelletier meets with Provencher MP Ted Falk to discuss the new wastewater lift station for the community.
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December 2014
COMMUNITY EVENTS EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548
Falcon Lake Christmas Craft and Gift Bazaar – On Saturday, December 6 at the Whiteshell Community Club, from 10 am -3 pm. Over 25 vendors, free admission, cake walk, canteen, 50/50 draw. Contact community club or call Cheryl at 204426-5428. Friedensfeld New Years Eve Dance – On Wednesday, December 31 at the Community Centre. Cocktails at 6:30 pm, dinner at 7 pm, dance to follow with “Small Town Limits.” Advance tickets only $35/person. Call Irene for tickets at 204-326-1624. Hadashville Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or KSTA.academy@gmail.com. Ile-des-Chênes Community Pancake Breakfast with Santa – on Sunday, December 7 from 9 – 12:30 pm. Cost $5 per person (includes 3 pancakes, 2 sausages and a beverage). All monies raised for the Garderie Ile des Chênes Daycare’s program. Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email her at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register.
at Collège Lorette Collegiate, 1082 Dawson Road. Bibliothèque Taché Library offers a wide variety of books at affordable prices at our giant used book sale during the Christmas Market sale. Please donate gently used books. Drop them into specially marked crates at your child’s school. Contact 204-878-9488 or btl@srsd.ca. Community Christmas Market - On Saturday, December 6 in support of the Tache Christmas Hampers at the College Lorette Collegiate from 10 am to 4 pm. Local entertainment, silent auction and Tache Library’s first Book Sale. Community Christmas Concert – On Sunday, December 7 at 7 pm at the Notre Dame de Lorette. Featuring Seine Singers, Lorette Community Children’s Choir, Reimer Six, Youth Vocal Ensemble and sing along. Cost Adults $5, K-12 $3, Preschoolers free. Tickets at the door. Contact 204878-2016 or arlene.ams@gmail.com. Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) – Volunteer opportunities. If you go for walks, bike rides, jogs or even just drive around the community, please put on a COPP vest and show your support or help with administrative duties. Can you donate an hour per month? Contact Trevor, 204-9553434 Lorettecopp@gmail.com. New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble, Wii and more. Drop in Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 St.Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552. Marchand Christmas Craft and Bake Sale – On Saturday, December 6 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Community Hall. Contact 204-4245895.
Middlebro Kleefeld New Year’s Eve Pot Luck Supper and Dance Santa Claus & Christmas Tree Lighting – – On Wednesday, December 31 at the On Saturday December 6 at 5:30 – 7:30 community hall. pm at the Park & Recreation Centre. Mitchell Community Playgroup - for parents, Seniors Choir Annual Christmas Concert caregivers and children ages 0-5. Activities – On Thursday, December 4 starting at 7 include time for playing, stories, songs and pm in the Senior Centre, 130 Ash St. snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the Refreshments will be served. month at the Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013. Breakfast and Social - Every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9 am except the last La Broquerie Tuesday of the month when the social is Red River Exhibition Park Outing – On held instead. Lunch starts at noon at the Thursday, December 11, all Seniors Mitchell and Area Seniors Centre. Contact Welcome come and enjoy the light show. 204-326-6944. Deadline to register Monday, December 8. Non-refundable unless activity Morris cancelled. Supper at Aaltos will be paid Breakfast with Santa – On Saturday, by participants, transportation- Five Star December 6 from 9 - 11 am at the Multiplex Bus Lines, and pick up at 3 locations. in the Bison room. Contact 204-746Contact Juliette at 204-424-5285 or 2832, admin@morrismultiplex.ca. Nicole at 204-422-3008. Area Senior Services, Inc. -Helping Seniors Operation Red Nose – December 5 – 31 enjoy their independence for as long as designated driver program that operates possible. Serving Morris, Lowe Farm and free. We will pick up you, your passengers Rosenort. Contact Resource Coordinator and your car and take you to your Cheryl D. Waldner, 204-746-6336, destination. You can even call more than mass@mts.net. once during the same evening. Everyone gets home safely and your vehicle will be Niverville there waiting for you in the morning, all Community Christmas Tree Lighting – On free of charge, although donations are Friday, December, from 6 – 8 pm on Main accepted and all proceeds will go toward Street. supporting sports programs for Manitoba youth. Contact 1st Annual Family & Community New labroquerie@operationrednose.com, 204- Year’s Eve Fun Night - On Wednesday, 424-9555. December 31 at the arena and grounds, from 5 – 8 pm. Games, Bonfire, Fireworks, Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Sparklers, Pizza Bar, Party Hats and Centre/Centre de Santé from Monday - Sparkling Punch! Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Helping Women in Need during the Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, Holiday Season – On December 28 at 5 hair care, transportation, home pm with RSVP before Wednesday, maintenance, yard maintenance, December 24 for a shared meal at Gans Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and Kitchen Restaurant and sponsored by games. Contact Community Resource Steinbach Canadian Tire. Items needed Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204-424- for two of Inner City Women’s Ministry’s 5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. safe locations - one in South Eastman and Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall one in Winnipeg - range in price from every first Thursday of the month, leaving $1.99 to $299 and may be brought to the at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s meal. Contact Judy 1-204-955-4296. Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10. The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club –Meets every Monday at 7:30 pm at the Niverville Lorette Heritage Centre. If you want to become a Book Drive & Fundraising Event - On better speaker, run meetings that are more Saturday December 6 from 10 am – 4 pm effective or develop leadership skills, a
More Than Just News! Toastmasters Club is the place to start. St. Adolphe Church. Santa’s Store - Buy Contact Sheryl Berglund, and wrap gifts for family & friends. Poinsettias available for purchase at $7 Sberglund4@shaw.ca. each supplied by Ron Paul Garden Centre. GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one we New Year’s Eve Social – On Wednesday, wish to help, you get support and learn December 31, Pioneer Hall, 345 St. about the grieving process. Contact 204- Adolphe Road, from 8 pm – 1 am. Tickets 381-1155 to register or go to $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Silent Auction. For advance tickets call 204-883Nivervillegriefshare.com. 2885 or email curlstadolphe@gmail.com. Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with Presented by the St. Adolphe Curling children up to age six. Wednesday Club. mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible 50+ Fitness Classes - Every Monday & Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Free drop-in Friday at 9:30 – 10:30 am. Focus on program with coffee and snacks provided, strength, flexibility and range of motion along with a large open space for the kids movement on a variety of equipment, such to play while the moms visit. Contact Karen as weights, stretch tubing and stability balls. Wednesdays 1 - 2 pm workout is for at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com. slow flow yoga inspired strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation. Pre-purchase 10 Piney classes for $40, 5 classes for $20 or drop Bingo - Every 2nd Friday at 7 pm. in for $5 per workout. Special deal purchase 30 classes $120 get 8 free. Prawda Bingo - On Friday December 5, Doors open Instructor Janice Burnett, a certified fitness at 6:15, Bingo starts at 7 pm at the leader. Contact mjburn@shaw.ca. Reynolds Community Club. Join us for a prize bingo, bake sale, 50/50 raffle. Dust Fitness Classes –Mondays, Wednesdays off your bingo chips for a chance to win. and Thursdays 8 - 9 pm at the St. Adolphe Chips will also be available for use at the School Gym. Include cardio fitness, event, proceeds towards maintenance of resistance training, flexibility and balance the skating rink and for kitchen upgrades. training. Monthly schedule is provided. All fitness levels are welcome. Options are Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight $175 - 35 x $5 per class + 5 classes free, exercises, with cool down and stretch $120 - 20 x $6 per class or drop in $7 per exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean class. Certified fitness leader Janice runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost Burnett. mjburn@shaw.ca. $2/class, Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Ste. Agathe Bake Sale Fundraiser – On Sunday, Wendy 204-348-2433. December 7 from 10:30 am – 3 pm at the Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday Community Hall. Free Admission. Tons of from 9 - 11 am at the Reynolds School free street parking. A fundraiser for the Le Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks Studio Dance Team. They have been provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. invited to perform in the Holiday Bowl halftime show in San Diego, CA! Loads of baking, crafts, Christmas gifts, and even Richer Red River Exhibition Park Outing – On face painting! Want to be a vendor? Thursday, December 11, all Seniors Contact liz@markwart.ca or call 204Welcome come and enjoy the light show. 712-6840. Deadline to register Monday, December 8. Non-refundable unless activity AGM of Sainte-Agathe Community cancelled. Supper at Aaltos will be paid Development Inc. - On Monday, by participants, transportation- Five Star December 8, starts at 7:30 pm in the Bus Lines, and pick up at 3 locations. Community and Cultural Centre. Lunch Contact Juliette at 204-424-5285 or will be served. Nicole at 204-422-3008.
Dawson Trail Dispatch to skate program looks like; 90% movement, progressive learning, positive energy, and a safe and fun environment! Hosted by the Lorette Skating Club. To Register, contact the Lorette Skating Club by email loretteskatingclub@hotmail.com or check out our website loretteskatingclub.ca. All participants must wear a CSA approved helmet. Christmas Concert - On Sunday, December 7 begins at 2 pm at the Ste-Anne Catholic Parish church. There is no entrance fee. Donations are being accepted, monetary and non-perishable food items, for the Knights of Columbus Christmas hampers. Lions Club Christmas Craft Gift and Bake Sale Fundraiser - On Saturday, December 13 from 11 am to 4 pm at Club Jovial, 157 Centrale Ave. 50/50 draw. Silent auction. Please bring a tin or unwrapped toy for the Knights of Columbus Christmas hampers. Red River Exhibition Park Outing – On Thursday, December 11, all Seniors Welcome come and enjoy the light show. Deadline to register Monday, December 8. Non-refundable unless activity cancelled. Supper at Aaltos will be paid by participants, transportation- Five Star Bus Lines, pick up at 3 locations. Contact Juliette at 204-424-5285 or Nicole at 204422-3008. Computer Courses - Free at the bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library. For appointment, contact Harlee at 204-3920568. Paradise Village Squares Dance Club – On Tuesdays, at 7 pm at the Ste. Anne Elementary School, 177 St. Alphonse Avenue. Modern square dance lessons, casual dress, beginner dancers free, coffee & doughnuts. Contact Laura 204-4225873 or Henriette 204-422-6948. Toastmasters - The Carillon Toastmaster Club and past members are invited to join us to help celebrate the 35-year milestone on Saturday, September 20 at the Club Jovial in Ste. Anne at 4 pm. Contact Flora 204-792-7095 or Sheryl 204-326-7628. Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds to their weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdays from 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. These gatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discuss their craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204-422-9599 or email cccsa@mymts.net.
St. Malo Breakfast with Santa – On Saturday, December 6 from 9 am – 12 pm at the St. Malo Church – Iberville Hall. Pancake breakfast, visit Santa, crafts. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Christmas Hampers. Contact Lorraine @ 204-347-5624 or jones- Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite to all seniors interested in the Wii Bowling Seine River Services for Seniors - Program racine@hotmail.com. game to come, try it out and have fun. On Contact Juliette Rowan Community Resource Coordinator at 204-424-5575 Fundraiser for the Begalke Family - A Bud, Monday at 1 pm, at Le Club Jovial. for Richer services or email Spud & Steak Fundraiser on Saturday, Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285 December 6 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Lucky Community Resource Coordinator for labseinerss@gmail.com. services or e-mail Luc’s in St.Pierre- Jolys organized by local Richer Recovery AA - Group meets every St.Malo Parish. Anyone who would like to labseinerss@gmail.com. Thursday and Saturday from 7:30 - 8:30 donate a basket for silent auction can do pm at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Lee at so either at the Parish office or at St.Malo Ste. Geneviève Pharmacy. Let us make this event a Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library 204-451-0255. success. Cost $25 ea. tickets at St. Malo at the Community Centre on the 2nd and Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for church office & St. Malo Pharmacy, or call 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 - 8 Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. Monique Catellier 204-347-5619 to pm. Selection of books in both French and English, all ages. Over 21,000 books The foundation provides scholarships, reserve. including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must Christmas Gospel Sing-a-Long Fundraiser print books and magazines plus they can be accompanied by an adult to be on – On Sunday December 14, at Blue Steel import books from any library in Manitoba. premises and must play bingo. Doors Bar and Grill from 1:30 - 3 pm. Free will Special requests can be made to the Open at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart offering. All proceeds will go to the Begalke librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 9488, bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC License # family. BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at Steinbach St. Pierre-Jolys 422-5243 or doreen@spmf.ca. Fundraiser for the Begalke Family - A Bud, Annual December 6th Vigil – On Saturday, Spud & Steak Fundraiser on Saturday, December 6 from 7 – 8 pm at the Eastman Sprague Community Christmas Carol Concert – December 6 from 5:30 -8:30 pm at Lucky Education Centre. To commemorate On Saturday, December 7 at 3 pm. at the Luc’s organized by St.Malo Parish. Anyone Canada’s National Day of Remembrance Sprague Hall. Come help us get into the who would like to donate a basket for silent and Action on Violence Against Women. Spirit of Christmas. Lots of carol singing, auction can do so either at the Parish office All are welcome to attend the vigil service local talent and a choir, lunch to follow. or at St.Malo Pharmacy. Let us make this This year marks 25 years since 14 women No cost to attend. Contact Gloria at 204- event a success. Cost $25 ea. tickets at St. were murdered at École Polytechnique in Malo church office & St. Malo Pharmacy, Montreal. Contact Meghan 204-326437-2739. or call Monique Catellier 204-347-5619 6062. New Years Dance – On Wednesday, to reserve. Christmas Jewelry Making Event - On December 31. Contact community Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Monday, December 8 starts at 6:30 pm at organization for more information. – Depression support group meetings held the Jake Epp Library. Cost is Free. Make on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 pm. your Christmas Earrings, a spectacular DIY Bingo - Every 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry gift idea. Advanced Sign up is required as Hospital. Contact Judy Dunn 444-5228. there are only 15 spots available. St. Adolphe Sponsored by the Chrysalis Fund. Taught Pancake Breakfast & Skate with Santa – by our very own Loraine Trudeau. Contact On Sunday, December 7 at the Community Ste. Anne Club. Breakfast - 9:30 am -12:30 pm. Cost An on-ice Demo CanSkate session - On Madison Friesen, 204-326-6841 or $5 per adult, $3 per child. Skate with Santa Saturday, December 6 at 3:15 pm at the programs@jakeepplibrary.com. - 1 to 2 p.m. Pictures with Santa (Please Arena. All Participants will have a chance bring your own camera). Bake Sale & Silent to engage in a demo-CanSkate session. A A Gardner’s Christmas Steinbach & Area Auction with proceeds going to the Paroisse great opportunity to see what the best learn Garden Club - On Monday, December 8 Winter Solstice Christmas in the Park – On Saturday, December 20 starting at 2 pm at the Dawson Trail Park. Free hotdogs, hot chocolate, bonfire. Goodie bags for children from Santa, sleigh rides if enough snow. Everyone welcome. Sponsored by the Richer Community Club.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch starts at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village featuring a video tour of members’ gardens and a presentation highlighting the gardens of Vancouver and Victoria, recently visited by several club members. $5 non-member admission. Contact sagardenclub.com or 204-326-2396. Newcomer Christmas Potluck – On Friday, December 12, from 6:30 – 9 pm in the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church gym at 360 Mackenzie Ave. Learn about Canadian Christmas celebrations (music, games and food) and bring a Potluck Supper contribution. Contact 204-346-6609, lois@eastmanimmigrantservices.com.
MS Lunch Group- On fourth Thursday of every month, from 12 – 1 pm at the Village Green Restaurant. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator 204326-1434 or email nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder and other mental health/ emotional concerns. Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228. The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on the first Tuesday of every month except for the months of July and August at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyone interested in auxiliary work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 326-3028.
Healthy Eating Cooking Classes - Every other week on Thursdays at South East Helping Hands. No Charge, enjoy a meal with other community members and learn how to plan & prepare healthy meals on a budget. Contact and register 204-326- Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets 2599 or on the second and fourth Wednesdays of southeasthelpinghands@gmail.com. every month at the Magnolia Restaurant. Contact 204-326-2313. Adult Book Club - Tuesdays from 7 – 9 pm. Bring book suggestions or peruse our Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open book lists. Meet some other book lovers to adults who want to improve their too and bring a friend. At the Jake Epp leadership and communication skills. Library 255 Elmdale St. Contact Tracey Thursdays at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Pankratz 204-326-6841 Library 255 Elmdale Street, Contact Sheryl programming@jakeepplibrary.com. at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-4245737. Ladies Get Fit Classes - Sponsored by Eastman Immigrant Services, every Steinbach Al-Anon Program - Meetings Wednesday at 7:15 pm at the Woodlawn held on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Steinbach School gym. Aerobic, circuit training, United Church, 541 Main St. Ring the weights, mats and stretching exercises. front door bell. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Register contact Lois 204-346-6609. Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm at Steinbach Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main Contact 204-346-0413. St. Registration for girls 5-17. Develop personal values and well-being, self- Whiteshell respect and respect for others; promote fun, Precious Predators – Guided Hike – On friendship, adventure and challenges Saturday, December 6 from 2 – 4 pm at through new experiences; develop the Foresters Footsteps Self-guiding Trail. leadership and decision-making skills; give Wolves, lynx and weasel. Join a Park service to the community; value the natural Interpreter to explore the forest ecosystem environment. and uncover the variety of predators found in the Whiteshell. Be sure to wear sturdy Green Drinks South Eastman - South hiking shoes and dress for the weather on Eastman Transition Initiative presents this 4 km hike. Contact Park Interpreter Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd 2 0 4 - 3 6 9 - 3 1 5 7 , Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at LBees, ParkInterpretation@gov.mb.ca. 5-275 Main St. Grab a coffee and discuss sustainable living. Contact GPS Hibernator Hunt – Family Program – rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com. On Saturday, December 13 from 1 – 2 pm at the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary. Many The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every of our woodland friends have begun Monday at noon at the Pat Porter Centre sleeping the winter away, but it’s not as for active living. Contact Cornie at 326- simple as you think. Using our GPS 3155. devices, uncover the different ways animals hunker down for the winter on this highMental Health Information and Support tech scavenger hunt, win prizes. Contact sessions - for family and friends of people Park Interpreter 204-369-3157 with mental health issues are held the 2nd ParkInterpretation@gov.mb.ca. Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden East building, 21 Loewen Winter Adaptations - Guided Snowshoe Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email Hike – On Saturday, January 3 from 2 – 4 eastmanmss@mts.net pm at the Forester’s Footsteps Self-guiding Trail. We are lucky to have snowshoes, skis MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for and snowmobiles to get around in winter, people living with multiple sclerosis. The but what do the animals do? Strap on a group meets on the second Thursday evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Place apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
pair of snowshoes for this guided hike through the snowy boreal forest and see how animals survive a Manitoba winter. Dress warm for this 5 km hike. We provide the snowshoes, or bring your own. Contact Park Interpreter 204-369-3157 ParkInterpretation@gov.mb.ca. Woodridge New Year’s Eve Dance – On Wednesday, December 31. Contact local community organization for more information. Bingo - Every 2nd Sunday night at 7 pm. General Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, December 9, January 13, 2015 and February 17, 2015 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Join us for a great day of fun and friendship. In December all passengers will qualify for special X-mas draws, visit McPhillips Street Station in the morning and Club Regent in the afternoon. Starting at 8:30 am pickups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for those wishing to play. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 to reserve your seat.
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December 2014
Dawson Trail Dispatch
St. Adolphe History Book Released this Month By Marianne Curtis It has been over a year since the doors to the St. Adolphe Nursing Home closed down. The halls are now vacant, but once upon a time, the threestory building was a hub of activity. The St. Adolphe Heritage Committee has published a souvenir book on the St. Adolphe Convent and Nursing Home. The book reflects on the 108-year history of the building and its significance to the community. According to Lina Le Gal, the St. Adolphe Heritage Committee is thrilled to spearhead this project. “The building is now vacant and will be demolished sometimes in 2015,” explained Le Gal. “Because of this loss to the community, the committee decided to write the history of the convent/nursing home and its impact on the people of St. Adolphe.” The book captures the activities in the century old building that was once known as the Dubuc School for the local students and for many boarders from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. The building was also once a novitiate and served as Mother House for the Order of the Filles de la Croix; it even contained a ‘Miracle Room’ hidden between the 2nd and 3rd floors where a nun close to dying was once cured. In 1970, it was bought by the Brousseau family and transformed into a nursing home. It was sold again in 2009 to Heritage Holdings Inc. of Niverville. Residents of the nursing home have now been transferred to the new Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville. To commemorate the rich history of the community and this particular building the St. Adolphe Heritage Committee compiled an extensive history for the book. On December 16, there will be an official souvenir book release for the St. Adolphe Convent and Nursing Home. The event is taking place at Club Amical in St. Adolphe starting at 10 am. Books will be available for purchase at the event for $30.
Above: The Dubuc School later known as the St. Adolphe Nursing Home first opened in 1908. Right: Sisters from the Order of the Filles de la Croix in 1950 in front of the convent.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
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IDC Company Wins Business Awards By Marianne Curtis This month, the young owners of Bold Innovation Group in Ile-desChênes are celebrating after the company was recognized with business awards both nationally and locally. On November 15 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Stefan Maynard and Eric Boisjoli, two of the four owners at Bold Innovation Group accepted a national award for economic development and employability at a gala dinner event. The award is given annually by RDÉE Canada (Réseau de dévelopment économique et d’émployabilité Canada), the nation’s Francophone economic and employability network. The Lauriers de la PME entrepreneurial awards competition is open to all Francophone businesses outside Quebec. Bold won in the Young Entrepreneurs category. A few days later, the company was presented with the Young Enterprise category of the Entrepreneur Prizes handed out by the Saint-Boniface Chamber of Commerce, (PRIX de l’entrepreneur de la CCFSB) where all four owners including Jason Myers and Yvan Boisjoli, accepted the award on November 19. “It’s great, it looks like we’ll have to get a trophy case for the office, one that doesn’t just hold our remote controlled helicopter collection,” said Maynard. Two years ago, the team of four friends started BOLD in a Winnipeg basement, created and launched CommunityInfo.net, a social network of community sites. Now the company, located in Ile-des-Chênes employs thirty-two people. BOLD is an international company that conducts business in English, but the owners are proud of their francophone ties. “Three of the four owners are francophone, the company headquarters is in a francophone community and we have even created a network of bilingual social network community sites,” explained Maynard. This fall, the company launched a web application called Picticipate that Bold Innovation Group partners Stefan Maynard, Eric Boisjoli Jason Myers and Yvan Boisjoli accept the Young Entrepreneur award from the Saint-Boniface Chamber of Commerce. lets people share a high resolution photos with families and friends.
Prairie Grove Farm Earns Heritage Designation By Marianne Curtis On November 18, Bill and Diane Heather from Prairie Grove were honoured to have their family homestead HeatherDale Farms recognized as an official Heritage Farm. According to Diane, Samuel and Mary Ann Heather and their 11 year old son Gilham originally came to Canada to settle Nova Scotia from England in 1824. Gilham later got married and his son Willis moved to Manitoba in 1879. The family farmed in the Meadowvale area receiving their homestead patent in 1885. In 1889, S ½ NW 32-9-5E and SW 32-9-5E were purchased for the two oldest sons, Edgar and Wilbert. These 240 acres had been a Metis Grant in the name of Francois Thibeault. On November 10, 1897 Wilbert (Bill) married Sarah Jane Cooper of Prairie Grove and they moved to Wilberts farm. “We do not know if the house they started
out in was the bachelor establishment or if Wilbert had built a new home by then but we do know that when this original Heather home was dismantled in the 1980’s a small house of squared logs held together with square nails was found at its very core,” Diane explained. “The 1898 Tache tax roll states that there were now 3 horses, 5 cows, 2 livestock under 2 years of age and 2 pigs. At some point, according to existing pictures, there was also a large flock of sheep on the farm.” Starting with the first Wilbert, each generation of the Heather family added parcels of land to the farm holdings. Today Heatherdale Farms, as it became known in the purebred industry, encompasses 640 acres in the R.M.s of Tache and Springfield. Bill and Diane still reside on the original farmstead. They rent out some of their
“...when this original Heather home was dismantled in the 1980’s a small house of squared logs held together with square nails was found at its very core.”
Burke Heather, Wil Heather, Stewart Heather, Ron Lemieux, MLA for Dawson Trail, representing the Government of Manitoba, Diane Heather, and Bill Heather.
grain land, have given up their floodway forage leases, downsized their herd and no longer raise purebred cattle but they still do “a little farming”. They also take care of the Prairie Grove Cemetery where Bill’s parents, grandparents, great and
great, great grandparents are buried. Bill has become involved in municipal politics serving as a councillor for Ward 5, R.M. of Tache and Diane has been very involved in senior’s housing in Springfield and in writing a local history book about Prairie Grove.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Cancer Claims St. Adolphe Hockey Hero By Marianne Curtis The community of St. Adolphe was left reeling after the sudden passing of local hockey hopeful 21year-old Cole Hamblin. Hamblin, a former Western Hockey League player who laced up his skates with the Spokane Chiefs and Regina Pats, lost his incredibly short battle with cancer on November 5, less than two months after diagnosis. Hamblin, who also suited up in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League with the Selkirk Steelers, Winnipeg Blues, Portage Terriers and Virden Oil Capitals, was set to play hockey for the University of Guelph this season. Plans changed suddenly when on September 22, Hamblin was admitted to Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg after suffering from severe lower back pain and losing 30 pounds. He was diagnosed with stage four mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a rare cancer that spread to his lymph nodes, spine and other skeletal areas. Since the doctors were unsure of the origin, they could not start the treatment without learning more details first. This news came days after the Chiefs raised over $10,000 for Hamblin and his family in a silent auction at their recent home game vs. Red Deer to help in his fight against his disease. The Pats donated all of the proceeds from their recent Chuck-a-Puck contest in October. An online campaign also raised over $70,000 for Hamblin. Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz recalled Cole as a great team mate. “Cole got along with everyone and was always respectful and engaging with the people around him,” Speltz said. “The Spokane Chiefs are proud Cole had the opportunity to reach his goal to play Major Junior Hockey in Spokane. Cole had an infectious personality and a great sense of humour, which made him a lot of fun to be around. Cole will be dearly missed.” Cole leaves behind his parents Judy and Craig Hamblin and two sisters Jena and Samantha.
“Cole had an infectious personality and a great sense of humour, which made him a lot of fun to be around.”
St. Adolphe native Cole Hamblin loses life after brief battle with cancer.
Winter Festival Wins Tourism Award The organizers of the annual Actif Epica took home an award recently when they won the Manitoba Tourism Award for Event of the Year - under $5,000. Actif Epica is a self-organizing community festival, centred along
the checkpoints of a corresponding 130 km bike challenge spanning from St. Malo to St. Boniface. A majority of the challenge follows the historic Crow Wing Trail, which goes through the RM of De Saleberry,
Town of Niverville and RM of Ritchot. Actif Epica is also part of a 3legged race with competitors hoping to win the Order of the Hrimthurs by not only winning Actif Epica but also two other
races in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Anyone interested in participating in the upcoming race, which is taking place February 14, can contact Ian Hall and David Pensato at 204-960-6743.
Actif Epica organizers Ian Hall and David Pensato accept a Manitoba Tourism Award for Event of the Year.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
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Stefaniuk Honoured at Recent Gala By Marianne Curti s
RM of Ritchot re Bob Stefaniuk ca sidents, family and friends of former Mayor me out to attend a his honour. Prio r to the recent m special retirement function in unicipal elections mayor announce , the long time d of mayor after ni that he would not be returning to the position neteen years on coun RM of Tache C ouncillor Jacque cil. convinced Stef Trudeau recalle aniuk to make d how he the transition fr School Division om Seine River trustee to munic ipal politics back “Bob can blame in “We needed a ne me for his political career,” Trud 1995. w reeve, and B eau recalled. ob Public service is in this family an was thinking about running. d I could not th representative fo ink of a better r this area and I was right.” Stefaniuk accom plished a lot durin “When I look ba g his time on co ck over the last uncil. an d ho no ur ed ni ne teen years, I feel to ha ve se rv ed humbled as m ay or si nc e Stefaniuk. “I am 19 95 ,” st at ed also very proud of what we have together. It was a lo accomplished that we could w t of fun, a lot of hard work; but we did the best ith as little as w e have.” Stefaniuk noted seen throughout that it is impossible not to notic e th the municipality council. during his time e growth on Ritchot “All our comm and businesses,” unities have grown with new homes, condos Stefaniuk said. “My proudest ac hi ev em en t w as working with co levels of govern uncil and other men Drive and Ile-des t to pipe water into St. Adolp he -Chênes with ca pacity to expand , Red River municipality whe the rest of the n it’s needed.” He added that his time as may challenges. or did not com e without its “Through multip le floods, I watch as they battled ed residents lose the Red River,” their homes he stressful time fo r everyone, in th continued. “While this was a em was always certa in - this commun idst of devastation, one thing ity always comes time of need.” RM of Tache Councillor Jacques Trudeau wishes RM of Ritchot Mayor Bob Stefaniuk the best for his retirement. together in a Stefaniuk is also re Photo by Marianne Curtis cognized as bein the establishmen g the driving fo t of the Capital rce behind Region. The Ca created to coordi pital na between the City te land use policy and economic Region was of Winnipeg and development It includes 16 m unicipalities incl the surrounding municipalities. uding the RM’s and Springfield of Tache, Ritcho . t,
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Providence College Appoints New Board Chairperson By Marianne Curtis Providence College recently appointed Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht as the new Chairman of the Providence Board of Governors. Giesbrecht, who has been on the board for five years, brings twentythree years of experience to the table through his career as a Professor of Thermoregulation at the University of Manitoba. Giesbrecht’s expertise extends beyond his teaching career. He has
also served as the Chair of the Board at Horizon College and Seminary for one year, along with spending three years as the College’s President. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Giesbrecht plans to support President David Johnson and the rest of the Providence Staff and Faculty to strengthen Providence for years to come. “I believe in providing transparent, simple and clear messages to our board and our constituency,” says Giesbrecht. “As much as possible I
prefer any new directions to be supported by some level of evidence to support our decisions. I’m all for innovation and am happy to support initiatives that indeed are evidence-based, fitting within our mandate and supporting our values.” Giesbrecht’s research of human physiological responses to exercise in extreme environments has led to his authorship of over 100 publications, to go along with his active work educating the public
about safety in cold weather and cold water, as well as rewriting emergency response protocols for “vehicle in water” emergencies. His work has also caught mainstream attention, with his research being featured on Good Morning America, and being famously dubbed “Professor Popsicle” by Outside Magazine.
On top of his work in teaching and research, Giesbrecht is the faculty liaison for the construction of a new 100,000 square foot Active Living Centre at the University of Manitoba, and still finds the time to involve himself in short-term missions projects to places like Brazil, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Legislative Interns Visit Steinbach Manitoba’s six Legislative Interns spent the day in Steinbach recently hosted by local MLA, Kelvin Goertzen. The Interns visited the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, the Mennonite Heritage Museum and with representatives from the Regional Health Authority to learn about the City and region. Legislative Interns spend one year at the Manitoba Legislature working with elected representatives as part of an academic non-partisan program.
Interns Max Griffin-Rill, Gabriel Pelletier, Jessica Rebizant, Stephanie Rempel, Mike Juce, Neil Exell.
Sharing Our Story
Determining Your Type 2 Diabetes Risk More than 2.9 million Canadians are living with type 2 diabetes a condition that occurs when the body cannot make enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin it produces properly. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes, affecting about 90% of people diagnosed with the disease. In many cases, type 2 diabetes may be delayed or even prevented. Understanding your personal risk for type 2 diabetes is critical to reducing your chance of developing this disease. To determine your risk, take the Canadian diabetes risk test (CANRISK) developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and is accessible through the Canadian Diabetes Associations’ website diabetes.ca or at DontBeRisky.ca. The diabetes risk test takes only a few minutes to answer. At the end of the test, those with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes are encouraged to see their doctor or primary care provider for testing. At any rate, if you determine that you are at risk, there are simple things you can do to help prevent diabetes, like eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking and regular physical activity. The risk of developing diabetes can be cut in half through lifestyle changes, which is significant. The earlier you are diagnosed, the sooner you can take action to stay well now and in the future. The more you learn about diabetes, the healthier you will be. For more information, visit diabetes.ca. Submitted by Southern Regional Health Authority.
Providence College recently appointed Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht as the new Chairman of the Providence Board of Governors.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
December 2014
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Steinbach Mayor and Morris Reeve Share VP Spot By Marianne Curtis During the recent Association of Manitoba Municipalities convention, Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen was named as VicePresident. Goertzen, along with Morris Reeve Ralph Groening will share the responsibilities of the position. The joint position came as a result of a bylaw passed at the AMM. According to re-elected AMM President Doug Dobrowolski, the
delegates decided that a rural and urban separation was not required and instead have two vice presidents at large. “It was decided that all the issues that come to the table are municipal issues, and not necessarily urban or rural,” Dobrowolski explained. “We are one organization so I believe this will benefit everyone.” Previous to his election as vicepresident, Goertzen served on the Board as Eastern Urban Director. “We have a great organization that
works hard to make life better for our residents and municipalities,” Goertzen said. “I look forward to working in the coming years as we move to ask the province to make sure they are involved in a good partnership with us.” Groening was also on the Board of Directors as Central District Director prior to being elected vicepresident. “It’s a wonderful opportunity and I’ve developed a reasonable understanding of policy during my
time on the board as Director,” Groening added. “I look forward to the challenge of being able to bring policy forward and make comments on and try to change policy for the better, for towns, municipalities and cities as well.” The AMM Annual Convention is the annual general meeting of the entire AMM membership. This event is the largest of the year and brought together approximately 1,000 delegates from across the province from November 24 to 26.
Morris Reeve Ralph Groening (left) and Steinbach mayor Chris Goertzen (right) join re-elected President Doug Dobrowolski on the Board of Directors as VicePresidents at the recent AMM convention.
Morris Athlete Named Tri-Star A grade 12 student from Morris School recently became the second Tri-Star Athlete of the Week to be named from our area during the 2014-2015 school year. On November 26, the Manitoba High School Athletic Association announced that Kirsten VanderLinde of the Morris Mavericks Volleyball team was the Tire Recycle Rural High School Athlete of the Week. VanderLinde is a 5’8” setter, whose determination and play led the Mavericks to win the Zone 4 “AA” Volleyball Championships, stated her coach Laurie Edel. “Kirsten is a tremendous role model to her teammates. She leads by example, always encouraging and striving to help them be there very best,” praised her coach. “When she is not on the court as our starting setter, she is playing right side to our young, up and coming setter, encouraging her to be the best setter she can be. Kirsten is an exceptional all round athlete.” Despite a busy athletic schedule, VanderLinde maintains a 90% average, while participating in soccer, badminton and track and field.
Tri-star Athlete Kirsten VanderLinde.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Bothwell’s Marble Cheddar Wins First Place Manitoba’s Bothwell Cheese has once again claimed top spot in the Marbled Cheddar category at the 87th Annual British Empire Cheese Show, winning first place for the eighth time in the past nine years.
The company also took first place in the Mild Cheddar category and was awarded Highest Scoring Cheddar in the Small Plant category. “This recognition is a proud reflection of our dedicated team,” said Bothwell Cheese President Kevin Thomson. “Their hard work and perseverance enables our company to craft award winning artisanal cheese year after year.” “We are very proud of how well we placed in this year’s competition,” said Bothwell Cheese Director, Sales & Marketing Mike Raftis. “These awards are important for building our brand reputation and awareness as a premium natural cheese maker.” The British Empire Cheese Show has a long and distinguished history. Since 1928, cheese makers from around the world have entered the competition, hoping to win one of its highly coveted awards. Billed as Canada’s largest display of Canadian & International Cheese, the show is presented by the Central Ontario Cheese Makers Association.
Mennonite Heritage Village Publishes History Book By Marianne Curtis In celebration of their 50th anniversary, the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) is about to release a brand new book. On December 6, the Mennonite Heritage Village’s newest publication A Collected History will be officially released at McNally Robinson Bookstores in Winnipeg. Co-authored by Andrea M. Dyck, Curator at MHV and Roland M. Sawatzky, Curator of History at the Manitoba Museum A Collected History tells the story of the Russian Mennonites through the lens of material culture. Barry Dyck, Executive Director with the MHV was thrilled to announce the release of the new book. “This book provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the diverse collections, activities and
Just in time for Christmas, the Mennonite Heritage Village is releasing a new book called, A Collected History in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
architectural heritage that make the Mennonite Heritage Village unique,” stated Dyck. “In rich photographic detail, the book showcases the artifacts, buildings and living history serves as focal points for some of the major events that have shaped the history of this branch of Anabaptists over the last five centuries.” The Mennonite Heritage Village is hosting two launch events. The first is taking place December 6, 7 pm at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg, and December 9, 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Museum.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
December 2014
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Southern Health Board Member Nominations Open Serving on the Southern HealthSanté Sud Board of Directors (the Board) is a very rewarding experience, but it does require a significant time commitment. On average, a Board Member will: attend one Board meeting per month (generally the last Wednesday of the month); spend time reading and preparing for the monthly Board meeting; participate on a committee(s); attend two Board workshops per year as well as other educational events and community engagement activities. The Minister of Health is responsible for appointments to the Board and the deadline has been set for December 15. The Board has developed the following Board Member characteristics to assist individuals who may be interested in serving on the Board. Ideally, Board members: -Have a working knowledge of governance by policy or a commitment to learn and use this style of governance -Are team players and big picture thinkers -Are forward looking and future oriented -Are trusting and open to change -Are respectful of all cultures -Have the ability to commit the time required as a Board member including attendance of all Board, committee, and workshop meetings -See themselves as representing all people within the boundaries of Southern Health-Santé Sud Annually, the Call for Nominations is advertised throughout the Region. Information frequently requested by people considering completing nomination forms for the Southern Health-Santé Sud Board of Directors
RCMP Get in the Holiday Spirit RCMP “D” Division is assisting Santa’s workshop this year by sorting and delivering almost 1,000 toys to children throughout Manitoba as part of the Toys for the North project. There are many youth-oriented charitable groups that currently deal with toys for children during the holiday season. Toys for the North is the only major effort to do a similar toy drive for the thousands of children who live in Canada’s North. Many children living in remote Manitoba communities will receive toys through the Toys for the North project. The RCMP is honoured to be a part of the festive holiday season in these communities. “Being involved in Toys for the North is something I look forward to every year,” said Chief Superintendent Scott Kolody, Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for the RCMP in Manitoba. “To know that we are able to provide a child with a toy, with some holiday cheer, is a great feeling. So often we, as the police, are dealing with moments of crisis, so it is truly rewarding to be able to help put a smile on the face of a child.” RCMP “D” Division received toys shipped from Toronto to Winnipeg aboard an aircraft provided courtesy of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The toys will now be distributed throughout Manitoba by RCMP detachments, and in partnership with MKO and Perimeter Air in the North.
include the time commitment for RHA Board members includes, but is not limited to, attendance at: - Monthly Board meetings (with the exception of the months of July and August) - Committee meetings that are held as required to develop the meeting product. - Annual Public Meeting, once per annum in the fall - Board Workshops, semi-annually Provincial & National Conferences, including the
Provincial Health Forum usually held annually in October, and the National Healthcare Leadership Conference held annually in June. Newly appointed Board members are provided with a Regional and Provincial orientation. The Regional orientation is scheduled by consensus after the first April Board meeting; existing Board members, who would like a refresher, are also able to attend the Regional orientation. Board members are provided with
ongoing educational opportunities through the education session at each monthly Board meeting and attendance at various workshops and seminars. RHA Board members are paid an annual stipend as set by the Minister of Health. Board members receive expense reimbursement for all Board and Committee meetings attended and for any business conducted at the direction of the Board. Board members are reimbursed their mileage at the government approved
kilometer rate. Communication to the Board is done by e-mail with the exception of monthly Board packages, which are couriered or, where appropriate, delivered to an agreed location for the Board member to collect. Information regarding qualifications, general responsibilities of Board members, and nomination forms are available at the Southern Health-Santé Sud Regional Offices in La Broquerie at 204-424-5880.
December 2014
32
More Than Just News!
Petition Circulating to Save St. Malo Monument By Marianne Curtis Ian Kirby from the St. Malo and District Wildlife Association is hoping that the community will be able to save the famous deer statue that greets visitors. The deer monument was first installed in 1990. Since then it is one of the first things visitors see when they enter the community from the north. While the statue has stood several decades without issue, the RM of De Salaberry is now proposing to remove the monument to make room for a condo development adjacent to the Chalet Moulin. A petition circulating throughout the community suggests that the RM of De Salaberry establish a public green space in the condo development at the corner of Highway 218 and Highway 59, which would allow the deer statue to remain in place. It also suggests this could be done by reducing the proposed condos from 32 to 30. “The monument, that is a symbol of our community, should not be moved to accommodate additional financial profit for a private developer when the council has the power to save them,” Kirby says. “The deer statues are important to our community.” Respondents signing the petition have their own comments on the matter. “When I see the St. Malo deer statues on my way back from work, I know I am home,” said supporter Kate Asma. ‘I think they are a fixture in the community and should not be put at risk for two additional condos in an already large development.” Within days of St. Malo and District Wildlife Association’s petition launch, it has gained 190 signatures from local residents. Local residents helped put up the historical deer monument at the entrance of St. Malo in 1990.
Dawson Trail Dispatch