Dawson Trail Dispatch May 2012

Online Auction for Hospital Raises $30,000

By Marianne Curtis

Landmark Tot Celebrates Last Chemo Treatment

The numbers are in and the Ste. Anne Hospital Foundation is pleased with the success of their recent online auction. The online auction, which took place in April, was held to raise money towards the expansion of the emergency room at Ste. Anne Hospital.

Cécile Dumesnil, with the Ste. Anne Hospital Foundation is thrilled with the success of this year’s online auction.

“Thirty-nine businesses in the region offered 49 products and services of a total retail value of $47,704,” stated Dumesnil.

“We would like to thank all the sponsors and donors who have given so generously to make this auction possible.”

The items and services which were listed and sold on eBay consisted of goods and services needed for construction, renovation or landscaping. Twenty-four bidders purchased all the items and raised a total of $30,000. The money will be added to the 10 percent community contribution needed as part of the construction costs of the Ste. Anne Hospital’s new surgical suite currently under construction. The money is also being spent on a new patients’ lounge which will be dedicated to Dr. Patrick Doyle.

The total cost for the project is estimated at $15 million and the foundation has committed to fundraising $1.5 million. The Town of Ste. Anne, the surrounding municipalities and the private sector have been invited to contribute generously to the project.

Once the surgical suite is complete, the Ste. Anne Hospital will be able to offer full time operating services and alleviate some of the pressure on Bethesda Hospital’s surgical department.

Suspicious Motorist at Local School Four-year-old Sophia Penner is the picture of health and happiness as she cuddles with mom Jodi and big sister Alexis.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis Two years ago the Dawson Trail Dispatch introduced readers to two year old Sophia Penner. At the time she was a bubbly toddler facing several years of chemotherapy. Today she is four years old and a picture of health as she prepares for her final treatment later this month.

Sophia, known as Bia to her family, is the youngest daughter of Jodi and Jordan Penner of Landmark. Two years ago she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic

Leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a fastgrowing cancer of the white blood cells. On May 25 the spunky pre-schooler will receive her final treatment and she is very excited.

“I feel good,” Sophia replied when asked how she feels.

Watching her roughhouse with big sister Alexis, it is hard to believe Sophia was once gravely ill. Jodi recalled some of the child’s struggles during treatment. Milestones, like re-learning to walk or simply playing with a toy, were

Continued on page 3

At approximately 8:15 pm on April 4, Steinbach RCMP responded to a suspicious vehicle near Woodlawn School on Barkman Avenue in Steinbach.

Police were notified that an older male had driven past Woodlawn School a number of times and made inappropriate comments to two girls (ages 10 and 12) that were at the school playground.

The male is believed to have been driving a smaller dark blue four door car with “round” shaped headlights. No further description or information is available at this time.

Police are interested in speaking with the driver of the vehicle. There is no reason for the public to be alarmed.

Anyone with any information regarding this matter is asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at 326-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

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May 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

May 2012

3

South Eastman Health Merges with Central District

By Marianne Curtis As of May 18 South Eastman Health will cease to exist after the board recently voted unanimously to merge with Central Region. The decision was made as a result of the province’s recent decision to reduce the number of regional health authorities from eleven to five.

South Eastman Health CEO John Stinson made the announcement April 20 after the board of directors met for a special meeting. The new regional health authority will be

known as the Southern Health Authority, but that could change once a new board is put into place.

“I think this is a positive step,” Stinson told media. While he assures staff there will be no changes at the ground level, he anticipates several executive positions to be eliminated in the new few weeks.

Contrary to belief, Stinson said the merger will not have a negative impact on services in the area.

“We are going to have the opportunity to collaborate with

Dumaine Back in Court On May 16, RM of Ritchot councillor Ernie Dumaine will once again face a judge after being charged for uttering threats against a municipal employee.

In early January, Dumaine was charged with uttering threats stemmed from a volatile conversation with fellow councillor Jackie Schwark about a year ago.

Schwark alleges that Dumaine threatened the life of the RM of Ritchot Public Works foreman Louis Rouire. She also accused Dumaine of using threatening language towards Rouire during a public works meeting in November.

Schwark contacted the St. Pierre RCMP and charges were laid against Dumaine as a result.

RM of Ritchot Bob Stefaniuk could not comment on the case because it is still before the courts. However, he did confirm the pending case has caused some problems for council. As councillor, Dumaine cannot be in the same room as Rouire, a municipal employee.

“It is a little inconvenient but we have managed to work things out as a council,” Stefaniuk stated. “We hope this gets resolved soon so things can go back to normal.”

Dumaine is slated to appear before a judge in the St. Boniface Courthouse on May 16. Two previous court appearances were remanded.

In the meantime, Dumaine remains councillor for the RM of Ritchot. If found guilty for charges in a court of law, under the municipal act a municipal council can vote to remove a councillor from council and a byelection could be called to fill the vacancy.

Chemo Done continued...

Continued from page 1 significant signs of improvement.

“It was quite an adjustment, she was so sick and it was frightening,” admitted the busy mom. “I also had to learn how to take care of her, even giving her injections. It was difficult but it was saving her life.”

On the home stretch, the family is eagerly looking towards the future.

“For the last two years we have been on an incredible journey. There have been some crushing lows and some soaring highs,” said Jordan.

“We look back on the time since Sophia’s diagnosis and admit that is has been a difficult time in our family’s life, but we also realize how incredibly blessed we are.”

The family has a lot to celebrate.

Sophia is doing well and already registered to start school with her older siblings.

“We realize how lucky we are to live in a country that has the doctors and medical means to fight cancer,” Jordan continued. “As we near the end of Sophia’s chemotherapy treatments we don’t want to dwell

on the tough times but rather celebrate the incredible courage and strength of our little girl.”

As the Penner family ends this journey and looks toward the future, they want to thank their families and the many people in the community that attended fundraisers, brought the family meals, babysat, or just offered kind words along the way.

“We are forever grateful,” Penner concluded.

other facilities in Central,” explained Stinson. For example, surgical programs in Bethesda, Portage la Prairie, Ste. Anne and Boundary Trails Hospitals can now work together to attract surgeons, doctors and nurses.

“That is pretty exciting for us,” he added. “The more opportunities we offer to our staff, it makes their job more interesting, it attracts them and it keeps them here.”

While the amalgamation is expected to be a boon to health care in the region, Stinson is not sure how secure his job as chief executive officer is at this point.

“It’s still up in the air right now,” he continued. “I should find out in the next couple of weeks.”

The new amalgamated regional health authority will become the second largest region population wise but it has the smallest geographical area. Central District is based in Portage la Prairie and

includes Carman, Morden Winkler and Altona.

Not only did the province reduce the number of health authorities, they also made some changes to the act governing health authorities.

Local health improvement groups are to be established and RHA’s will be required to consult with patients to identify local needs. Tighter

controls on executive compensation and requirements that expense accounts be posted and made available for public review will also be implemented.

The province is also placing restrictions on rehiring former senior executives and keeping an eye on how publicly funded surpluses are used.

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May 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

New Support for Victims of Crime

A Tale of Two Provinces

As someone who has spent the majority of my career focusing on issues around law and justice, I was proud to mark the seventh annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week with my colleagues Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Senator Pierre-Hughes Boisvenu.

Bringing the interests of victims to the forefront of the justice and correctional systems has been my priority. Over the years, I have had the great privilege of meeting many victims and survivors personally.

Their stories are emotional and heart-wrenching. But they also strengthen my resolve — and our government’s resolve — to make changes.

Since taking office, we have sought to restore balance between the rights of victims and those of criminals.

We have listened to victims and brought in tougher sentences for perpetrators of the most serious crimes. For example, we eliminated the faint-hope clause and brought in mandatory minimum sentencing for sex offenders who prey on our children.

We’ve also more accurately termed “pardons” as “record suspensions,” so that the law will no longer imply that a pardon means forgiveness, but rather that the record has been sealed but has not disappeared. We’ve added measures to ensure that those who commit violent crimes, including sexual offences against a child, will lose the ability to ever apply for a record suspension. And we’ve extended the ineligibility periods for applications.

We established the position of Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, created the Federal Victims Strategy (with a recent additional investment of $7 million on top of the initial $52 million), set up Child Advocacy Centres and enhanced the Victim Assistance Fund, to name just a few of our initiatives.

These concrete measures make a difference in the lives of victims and their families. But there is still more to be done.

Prime Minister Harper recently announced a new income support program for parents who take time off work as they cope with the death or disappearance of a child which occurred as a result of a crime.

The financial assistance will not give them justice. But it will help to give them the chance to regain control of their lives after a horrific, traumatic experience that most of us cannot even fathom.

Changes are also being proposed to the Canadian Labour Code to ensure that employees of federally regulated companies can preserve their job security while they are on an extended leave.

We will continue to build on our record of putting victims and law-abiding Canadians first. I encourage you to learn more about all of these initiatives, including our Safe Streets and Communities Act, which became law last month, by visiting ps-sp.gc.ca and justice.gc.ca.

Together, we can raise awareness about victims of crime and make important changes that ensure there is justice and dignity for those who have been harmed.

Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at 204-345-9762. You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at 204-346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@parl.gc.ca.

In Manitoba we have just learned that our economy is still puttering on three cylinders. It seems now for a number of years that the wait for a brighter future was only a dream. Waiting for an improved economy has become a way of life in Manitoba. To make matters worse there was a promise last election that there would be no new taxes.

Well, the last budget has brought the lack of credibility of campaign promises to the fore, and unfortunately we accept way too easily.

Increases in excise tax on fuel, cigarettes and increase in licensing fees, to name a few are definitely tax increases. The situation would be tolerable if our economy would be growing at an acceptable rate, but stagnant or next to stagnant seems to be the best this government can do. We are and have been too dependant on a large civil service and the ongoing pension liabilities leaves us with fewer options.

They have managed a bit of a distraction of late. They, the provincial team, showed dismay at the federal government because the Feds are taking back the immigration portfolio. The Feds were miffed because the province took credit for a successful immigration program. They sent four MPs, Shelly Glover, Candice Hoeppner, Joy Smith and James Bazin to the Manitoba Legislature to correct what they perceived as an affront. Good Canadian manners dictate that no government be subjected to embarrassment in Parliament or in Provincial Legislatures, especially by other elected officials.

Political bullying is frowned upon by the Canadian public. True, the Feds put about $36 million dollars versus the provinces $1.2 million, and at first blush the math appears to belittle the Feds contributions, but if one adds the $20 million the province anted up for education, health and social services, the equation seems to break down for an all too obvious and different purpose. The Feds claim that the success is due to the “Conservative Canadian Government”, and the province claims that success is due to the “Provincial NDP Government”. All the while, once a government is elected the only labels we should be subjected to are, is the “Canadian Government and the Manitoba Government”. Advertising political labels after an election demeans what Canada is all about. We have had in the past some high ideals which were patiently acquired and became our typical Canadian political maturity, at least a damned good effort was made. Now we are breaking down our Canadian political integrity for the American way where continuous crass politicking is the name of the game.

Now let’s slide over to Alberta. A week ago according to pundits, history was being made after 41 years of PC government electoral successes.

According to said “experts” the upstart Wildrose Party was going to turn Alberta to the extreme right. Well, the polls always give us a disclaimer, 19 times out of 20 we predict. Well this 1 time out of 20 was the result. But perhaps there was some timely help to shorten those long odds. Disturbing far right comments about getting the Feds to turn the money taps off when it comes to Quebec and their subsidized day care were but a few bad mannered moments with very little basis in the truth.

By the way, Quebec has 9 percent of the HST to pay for a variety of social services which they as a province choose for themselves. Rather, this particular comment sounded much like revisiting the building of a firewall around themselves against the hordes of progressive Canadians from the east. Furthermore, a couple of comments from a some of the candidates scared the daylights out of a lot of Alberta voters. One saying that because he was “white” it gave him an advantage as a potential elected leader and another one saying gays would burn in a lake of fire. Danielle Smith, the leader of the Wildrose party, reacted in a very anemic fashion to what most of us see as a fearful embarrassment; instead of hard nose necessary leadership, waffling was the name of the game. The resulting consequence was being elected in 17 seats for the Wildrose out of the potential 81 seats that were up for grabs. This dynamic last minute shift was caused undoubtedly by many Albertans voting strategically. It seems we have seen this movie before. Social conservativism works wonders in Texas but Albertans apparently still view themselves as Canadian.

By the way, Alberta has a deficit, not the Manitoba type, but nevertheless, one can’t help but wonder where they would be with a Quebec style 9 percent sales tax. I would venture to guess no deficit and perhaps affordable daycare.

By the way, Alberta’s political dynasty is still only the third longest in Canada; one more election will do it.

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, Herman Unrau, Raylene Snow, Lorena Mitchell, Eileen Lewis, Travis Olifirowich Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck, Monica Guetre and Wilma Priebe Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre

For Advertising Call: Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768 Email: sales@dawsontrail.ca Subscriptions: $29.95 annually plus GST for Canadian Subscriptions. $52.95 annually for International Subscriptions

Canada Post Agreement Number 42079020

Summer Employment Opportunities for Students The Town of Niverville is seeking qualified candidates to fill seasonal positions in Parks Maintenance and Public Works Maintenance for the summer of 2012.

In order to be eligible for summer employment opportunities with the Town, you must be legally entitled to work in Canada, must be a registered full-time post secondary student returning to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year, must be able to work weekends and must have a valid driver’s license.

Interested applicants are invited to forward their resume in confidence to the Town of Niverville, Box 267, Niverville, Manitoba, R0A 1E0 or email reception@whereyoubelong.ca.

Only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Things That Matter Most to Families Budget 2012 is a plan to keep Manitoba moving forward through uncertain times, by focusing on the things that matter most to families and by finding responsible ways to reduce spending.

We have introduced a number of new initiatives and legislation. I would like to highlight a few here.

In this budget, we’ve frozen or reduced spending in 10 departments to make sure more money is going directly into our schools, hospitals and roads, the things Manitobans rely on.

We are decreasing core government spending by 3.9 per cent this year. More than half of the government’s departments will see a freeze or reduction in their budgets. The provincial government will also save by: - reducing the number of regional health authorities to five from 11; - cutting the number of Crown corporations by merging the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and Manitoba Lotteries Corporation; - reducing the number of government-appointed agencies, boards and commissions by 20 percent; and - continuing a 20 percent roll-back on salaries for ministers and freezing wage increases for MLAs. Province will provide free cancer drugs for all patients.

Our government will help support cancer patients and their families by making oral cancer drugs free for Manitobans, eliminating deductibles and covering the cost of necessary support drugs that patients may need during their treatment. This will allow patients to take their medication in the comfort of their own home, no matter where they live in the province.

In addition to approved oral cancer treatment medications, the province will also fully cover the cost of appropriate cancer support drugs, which include anti-nausea medications to counter the difficult sideeffects of chemotherapy treatments.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are now the only two provinces in Canada to fully cover the cost of both oral treatments and support drugs no matter where they are taken.

To enroll in the new Home Cancer Drug Program, which covers 100 per cent of eligible oral cancer treatment and support medications starting today, patients should contact CancerCare Manitoba Pharmacy at 204-787-4591. More information is available at cancercare.mb.ca/.

New cell phone legislation to protect consumers.

This targets excessive cancellation fees and contractual disclosure and will come into effect September 15th. It will promote greater transparency in cell phone contracts and create fair practices for cell phone services in Manitoba.

Allowing municipalities control over speed limits in school zones.

Every community wants to do everything it can to ensure the safety of young people as they travel to and from school. That’s why we have introduced amendments to the Highway Traffic Act that will provide local governments control over speed limits in school zones.

The province will hold consultations with local governments and other stakeholders to help determine the regulations on the type, size and position of appropriate notifications and signage, and how high-speed roads would be treated.

Province makes it easier to be an organ and tissue donor with new online registry.

Lastly, I would like to let everyone know about SignUpForLife.ca, the province’s new online organ and tissue donation registry. Here, Manitobans can register their intent to donate their organs and/or tissues.

We all have the ability to make a difference and this new registry is a simple and secure way for Manitobans to quickly indicate their organ and tissue donation decisions.

Any Manitoba resident, 18 years of age and over, can register online. Individuals’ donation wishes will be stored in a secure Manitoba eHealth database, where they will be readily accessible to authorized health professionals should the information ever be required.

Your decision to register your intent to be a donor is truly the gift of life because one donor can save up to eight lives through the use of their bones or tissues.

Sharing your decision with your loved ones remains the most important step so they are aware of your wishes.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on these and other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail (rlemieuxmla@mts.net), by phone (878-4644), or by mail at 101-1309 Dawson Road, Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 and together we can continue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward.

Burton Cummings Headlines Summer in the City Stage and Production committee chair, Cindi Rempel-Patrick made the announcement on April 19.

She said the committee chose Cummings when they realized how big he really was after a performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

“There were people from every country in the crowd that night, and they all knew the words to every song,” recalled RempelPatrick. “We often don’t appreciate the talent we have in our own backyard but it was humbling to see the fans in Vancouver so in love with his music.”

Tickets were made available online at summerinthecity.ca beginning April 23. Tickets are priced at only $40 each or $65 for

By Marianne Curtis VIP and were expected to sell The Summer in the City Festival committee has announced that former quickly.

Burton and the Burton lead singer of the Guess Who, Burton Cummings, is set to play the Cummings Band follow on the Prudential Main Stage on Saturday, June 16 at Steinbach’s Annual Summer heels of other Canadian greats: in the City Festival.

May 2012

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What Happened To Your Promise?

If you are represented by an NDP Member of the Legislature you need to ask them one question: What happened to your promise not to raise taxes?

It was only last September that NDP candidates across the province were echoing the commitment of their Party leader, Greg Selinger, that they would be able to balance the Manitoba budget by 2014 without raising taxes. Only a few months later, after the election, the NDP brought in a budget that raises taxes collectively by nearly $200 million per year coming from a whole host of goods and services.

Manitobans will be paying an additional 2.5 cents per liter on gas beginning on May 1 as a result of the NDP budget. PST will be extended to many new things such as insurance products and certain personal services such as haircuts and manicures. There will be an additional charge of $35 for registering your vehicle in Manitoba as well. In fact, the tax increase is the largest new tax grab in Manitoba in the past 25 years!

And despite all of the new taxes that Manitobans will be paying, the NDP is still expecting to run a deficit of more than half a billion dollars.

It is clear they have a spending problem, not a revenue problem.

When Mr. Selinger was asked after the budget why he broke his promise, he pointed to two things. First he said that it was because of the global financial meltdown that happened. Of course, he failed to mention that happened in 2008, three years before he made his promise.

Then he said it was because of the 2011 spring flood. To be sure, that was a massive flood, but that also happened months before he made his promise.

It all adds up to the fact that Mr. Selinger made a promise to Manitobans during the 2011 provincial election that he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep. He said he would be able to balance the books without raising taxes and the first part of that promise has now clearly been broken.

And obviously, it brings into question the second part of the promise and whether there is any reason to believe him when he says the province’s books will be balanced in 2014.

But for you as a voter, what you are left with is a question and it is a question you should pose to any NDP MLA you see. Why did you make me a promise during the election that you knew you weren’t going to be able to keep?

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

Tom Cochrane, Loverboy and Trooper. Back in December the committee announced Doc Walker as the Friday night headliner. Details on ticket outlet locations for both concerts will be released soon.

Steinbach welcomes all of Southeastern Manitoba to join the fun of the 4th Annual Summer in the City Festival in Steinbach, June 15-16. This year, dozens of food vendors, artists and crafters are expected to line Main Street, opening for business on Friday at noon. The entertainment hits the big stage Friday following the opening ceremonies at noon.

Entertainment is free on both Friday and Saturday until 5 pm.

The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce and businesses throughout Steinbach are also hosting the second annual Sales in the City, Thursday through Saturday. There will be multicultural performers and food, the Wonder Shows midway, and entertainment for the children.

The first ever Summer in the City Festival was hosted in June 2009. The highlight was Tom Cochrane closing the show on Saturday night. In 2010 a midway was added, a Friday country night in partnership with the Steinbach Fire Association and fireworks to wrap up the concert on Saturday.

Exhibit Showcases Steinbach High School Students For one month, the Steinbach Cultural Art Centre in Steinbach will showcase the talents of local high school students from the Steinbach Regional High School (SRSS).

The exhibit entitled “Pixels IX”, which opens May 9 and runs until June 1, will focus on digital photography, graphic design and web courses put together by students from the SRSS Information Science Department.

This is the ninth year in a row that the Steinbach Arts Council has hosted the event. The exhibit opening coincides with the conclusion of National Youth Arts Week, which runs May 1 to 7. National Youth Arts Week is a youth led celebration of creative expression in communities across the country.

The exhibit officially opens May 9 at 7 pm with an official kickoff ceremony at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.

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More Than Just News!

May 2012

Hovercraft Team Wins Third

Dawson Trail Dispatch

What’s New in Renewable Energy We are hard at work gearing up for our season here at Evolve Green. I wanted to share some very cool information about some of our ongoing testing.

We have figured out how to test how much power the Power Saver Unit saves in power. With the TED Energy Monitor on our homes we can turn the unit on and off under different household loads and it is a little different depending on the home. In my home I save 200 watts per hour 24 hours a day 365 days per year. I was very excited to show clients how this really works. So that means I save a whopping 1,752 Kw hours per year with this unit on my house. In my house that means I saved $126.14 this year. This is 20 percent for me 8 months of the year. Retail cost of the unit is $299.00 and it has a 5 year warranty. It seems in homes with longer wire runs and larger loads more savings are gleaned.

We are going to be testing solar thermal air conditioning in August and will keep you updated on how that works. We will also be starting to test a new product by Apple called I-Energy. It is a micro-inverter on steroids!

This little inverter goes on the solar panels and makes AC power up to 240 watt. AC comes out and goes right to the grid, no batteries and quiet clean energy. We will have 1kw units ready to install this month and the units will include… four Canadian made solar panels, four I-energy micro-inverters, racking, and one I-monitor, This will produce 960 Watt AC or 1kw DC of clean Energy and you will be able to monitor this system and its production on line from your computer. The is Canadian MADE!!! and 25 yr warranties on the inverters and Solar panels!

This is amazing and it is Modular. You can add more 1kw units to your home whenever you want to upgrade. The average home can be Net Zero 9 months of the year with 10 Kw or 10 modules on their roof or ground mounted. The great thing is that because we have created a module unit we have been able to keep the cost much lower. The first unit is a little more as you need a meter and extra electrical. After that is it easy. This is a Plug and Play system that goes together in simple connections.

For more information on products we are testing please visit our blog greening-my-world.blogspot.ca.

The Landmark Collegiate Hovercraft team came home with a 3rd place finish, a first for the school after a recent hovercraft competition at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

By Marianne Curtis Nine students from Landmark Collegiate were recently awarded with certificates of excellence after they finished in the top three at a hovercraft competition at the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters’ Manufacturing and Trade Conference in March.

Over the winter months the team of students, under the direction of teacher Ricki Tenhove, created a radio controlled hovercraft out of a box of parts supplied to them. In January the craft was put to the test at the University of Manitoba when over a 100 students raced their completed crafts. Despite some technical difficulties, the Landmark group finished in the top ten.

“We had some issues with our steering,” recalled Grade 12 student Connery Friesen. “Over all we did really well and it was a lot of fun.”

The top ten teams then competed in the finals at the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters’ Manufacturing and Trade Conference at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. The final top three teams received Certificates of Excellence as well as Bursaries and Scholarships promoting continued learning. This was the first time that a team from Landmark has made it this far in the competition.

Tenhove noted the group did exceptionally well because the entire project was completed with the help of local sponsorship which became part of the learning process.

“We do not get funding for things like this so the students went to local businesses and collected sponsors, donations and created a business plan,” Tenhove stated.

“The group even made a presentation to the Hanover School Division on the benefits of funding for programs like this for the smaller schools.”

While creating their hovercrafts students must use essential skills for work, learning, and life. They had to create a business plan and demonstrate the radiocontrolled hovercraft they had designed and built for lift, load and propulsion to a panel of five judges. The Landmark team designed their hovercraft as a service craft that would deliver drinks to guests at an exclusive resort.

The annual hovercraft competition is sponsored by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Advanced Manufacturing Discovery Program. The program was developed to introduce high school students to manufacturing sectors. Working in teams, the students design a radio controlled hovercraft.

St. Malo to Honour Volunteers In the middle of May the community of St. Malo will gather for one evening to honour several dedicated volunteers in the community.

This year’s Making a Difference St. Malo Volunteer Appreciation evening is taking place May 12 at 7 pm in St. Malo at the Iberville Hall. The wine and cheese evening will be highlighted by the naming of the community’s Volunteer of the Year.

“Come out and enjoy another evening of recognition for those who do so much for our communities,” welcomes St. Malo Chamber of Commerce President, Lorraine Jones-Racine. “It will be another wonderful evening in St. Malo.”

Entertainment will be provided by local singers Noël Joyal, Carmen Tétrault and René Robidoux.

This year the organization plans to present twelve individuals with an award to recognize their efforts. In addition, two awards will be given to two youth volunteers under the age of 25 who have made contributions to school, organizations or community through volunteer work.

Piney Pays Out Recreation Funds Six months after establishing the first recreation commission in the RM of Piney, facilities from throughout the municipality are reaping the benefits.

At a recent RM of Piney council meeting, council approved $52,500 in grants split evenly between the three recreation districts.

Last fall the RM of Piney council agreed to discard the municipality’s former recreation grants and establish three distinct districts, which is expected to help groups decide and develop plans specifically for their areas.

“The districts cross ward boundaries

and allow communities the ability to work together and communicate with each other in an open forum,” stated council.

The municipality is giving each of three recreation districts $17,500 to split between all recreation facilities within each district for a total of $52,500.

District 1 funding will be split between the Middlebro Community Club, Middleboro Parks and Recreation, Sprague Arena, Sprague Community Hall, Sprague Historical Museum, and South Junction Pine Grove Seniors and South Junction Community Club.

In District 2 funding is slated for Badger Community Association, Piney Community Centre, Wampum Community Club, Vassar Pool, Vassar Community Centre and Vassar Pine Needle and Cones.

In District 3 funding has been split between the Woodridge Community Club, Sandilands Community Club, Carrick Community Club and St. Labre 200.

The RM of Piney council has committed to maintaining this plan as well as the grant program for the length of the current term of council.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

May 2012

7

RCMP and STARS to the Rescue in the Stuartburn Swamps Fourteen people, including two young children, had to be rescued April 15 after getting lost in the bush while riding ATVs in southeastern Manitoba.

A group of ATV riders were rescued Sunday after becoming lost in the RM of Stuartburn. RCMP said a teenager and two children contacted authorities shortly before 6 pm when they couldn’t find their way out of some bush. The STARS helicopter was dispatched to their location after GPS coordinates were obtained through cell phone triangulation and a group of 11 people were eventually located, according to the RCMP..

RCMP spent six hours trying to locate the group when they got lost in the RM of Stuartburn after a cell phone caller reported they were lost and some people were thought to be suffering from hypothermia.

The STARS air ambulance helicopter was sent and an RCMP member was lowered to the group. Among them was a “very cold” teenager and two children, aged 5 and 6. Those three were airlifted to another location where emergency crews were waiting. The officer lowered into the bush escorted the remaining members of the group out to safety.

However, while that was happening three people mounted a ground search and rescue operation without realizing the RCMP had already reached the group. The second group got hung up in a swampy area on the way out and due to darkness, air support was no longer available. An RCMP floating off-road vehicle, called an Argo, was used to track the group down.

Hike for Hospice Kicks Off in May On May 6, the St. Malo Provincial Park will be the site of the annual Hike for Hospice Palliative Care.

Registration starts at 1 pm and 2 pm.

Participants will take part in a 6-

kilometer walk through the park to raise money for the region’s palliative care program.

The purpose of the Hike for Hospice Palliative Care is to help South Eastman Health raise much needed funds for the region’s local hospice palliative care program. It is also held to raise awareness of hospice palliative care programs and services within the community, and awareness of the phenomenal professional, family and informal caregivers who care for those at the end of life.

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association reports that 80 percent of Canadians say they want quality hospice palliative care at the end of their life, yet currently less than 15 percent of Canadians have

access to this type of care.

Pre-registration can be done by downloading the registration form from the South Eastman Health website or at the event. Registration fees range from $10 for students to $25 for adults.

All money raised will remain in the region and used locally. Money raised during this year’s event is slated to purchase reclining chairs with comfortable easy cleaning leather for hospital rooms. There are also a number of items on the wish list for the newly renovated family room such as night lights, baby monitor, nesting tables, bedding, DVD player, clock, table lamps, stacking stools and an X-Box console and games.

Diamonds or Stones Have you ever had such a sad time that your heart felt as if it really was being torn apart by two bulldozers pulling it in opposite directions?

Have you been so sad that your tears just well up out of the blue? Have you ever been so deeply upset that your stomach feels like it is pressed and squeezed by a vice-grip? Yes, some days are really stones.

Being human means we will at times experience the true emotion and physical effects of sadness. Most sadness will slowly pass with time, compassion, empathy from others, and kindness to yourself. However, some people, whether from medical reasons or the inability to move on, stay sad. Of course, this affects everyone around you and can alter your life path. If your depression has medical sources, please see your physician. Today depression is accepted as a common ailment and is very treatable.

If you find life events have created sadness and you are not medically depressed, then you must try to do things that bring happiness. Many people actually give life, so to speak, to sad days. This sadness comes from allowing time to dwell on the negative and create a depressed mood. Often this negative outlook is fed when one has too much time alone to think about all the “bad” stuff. Some start to avoid your company (giving you more alone time) and you will spiral downwards to depression. I have noticed some of our youth are depressed and have a lot of time to dwell on their woes. I see elderly seniors whose bodies are failing and it forces them to do less and they become lonely and “moody”. The ones in between those ages whose lives are so busy there is no down time to reflect, no play time, no joyous moments with friends and family, begin to feel alone and find little happiness in their life. What happened to the diamonds? Why so many stones?

If we think too much about trying to be happy we begin to forget the charity of a kiss or smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment and countless infinitesimals of pleasurable and genial feelings. We look inside the darkness instead of outward towards life itself. We stay home too much and dwell on the sadness. This frame of mind fosters aches, pains, and poor health at every age. So, how do we change our days to Diamonds?

There are many, so many sayings, books, lectures and exercises to “find happiness” but only YOU can fuel the wisdom. One secret to being happy is not “doing what you like” but in “liking what you do.” And the happiest of people are the ones DOING for someone else. The happiest people seem to be those who are producing something.

Bored people are consuming much and producing nothing. Hmmm.

Are you ready to be happy? Do you want a way to see mostly diamond days? Well, here it is. GIVE, GIVE and GIVE some more. And I don’t mean donate money (although that can make you feel good and is certainly needed). I mean to get actively moving and donate time. Get helping any way you can think of. Find and create ways to give to friends, and strangers. If someone you know isn’t doing well, go see them. Bring them a cake or take them for a drive.

You can join or start a fund raiser. You can find a group that helps the less fortunate, and add your energy. If you are immobile, find ways to work on a computer that helps others: write letters, raise awareness of an injustice, be the ‘phoner’ on a committee. Give!! Give your heart and time to make this world a better place. Make someone else happy, and guess what!! you forget about your own sadness and depression.

You begin to feel the joy that only kindness, compassion and love for others can deliver to your own heart. Your days become one diamond after another and there are only thoughts of the joy you have brought to everyone. This is how to end sadness.

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know, The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” -Albert Schweitzer, 1875-1965, French Medical Missionary.

Throw away the stones and enjoy your diamonds!

Raylene Snow is the owner/operator of Raylene’s Wellness Spa.

RCMP used an Argo to rescue several people in the RM of Stuartburn after a group of ATV riders became lost on Sunday, April 15.

In all, from both rescue events, four people (the two children, one teenager and one adult) were transported to hospital for treatment. Others were examined on scene and released.

RCMP are stressing the importance of being properly prepared and equipped when traveling in remote regions.

“Folks were out with children who were very young in age, ill-prepared.

No one had a GPS. This raises the hazard levels and can have some devastating circumstances,” said RCMP spokeswoman Sgt. Line Karpish.

Civilians should never attempt search and rescue activities without notifying the RCMP in the jurisdiction, she added.

“No one should be venturing out there. These are the types of things that we have members that train and exercise for,” she said. “They’re appropriately trained to rescue people.”

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May 2012

Stuartburn Approves Grants The RM of Stuartburn recently approved its financial plan and a number of local organizations will be receiving funding.

At a recent council meeting, council approved seven grant requests to organizations within the community for a total of $22,300.

Approved grants went to the Vita Arena ($5,800), Vita Curling Club ($4,000), Vita Canada Day ($4,000), Susydka Dance Club ($2,000), Vita Hall ($4,000), Vita Friendship Centre ($2,000) and Service to Seniors ($500).

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Steinbach Sets Disposal Standards, Honoured by AMM

By Marianne Curtis The City of Steinbach’s Class 1 Disposal ground was recently recognized as an example of environmental responsibility by the Association of Manitoba Municipalities when it helped earn the city the coveted Municipal Excellence Award.

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) presented the 8th Annual Municipal Excellence Award during the Municipal Officials Seminar (MOS) on April 12 in Brandon. A panel of three judges examined six submissions using criteria including creativity, cost effectiveness, sustainability, and overall benefit to the municipality.

The award recognizes municipal best practices and provides a venue for AMM members to share their ideas with other municipalities.

AMM President Doug Dobrowolski said the submissions are judged on a variety of factors including creativity, costeffectiveness, and sustainability. And while the award recipient is publicly recognized, other communities benefit as well.

“What we find year after year is the winning projects often go on to become a model for other municipalities who can look at the projects as a template to achieve success without reinventing the wheel,” stated Dobrowolski. “This facility is much more than a waste disposal ground, it’s a state-of-the-art operation that provides the community with a place to dispose of their waste materials in an environmentally responsible manner.”

Mayor Chris Goertzen was on hand to receive the award.

“This project has given us another 22 years of life in our landfill, not just for our municipality but for a number of others who use this facility,” he said. “We do want to build a city of excellence and this project is an incredibly important piece of the puzzle.”

The community has embraced the city’s mandate to encourage waste reduction, along with its message to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Refuse”. As a result, even though Steinbach and area is one of the fastest growing areas in Manitoba, there continues to be a drop in tonnage entering the facility five years in a row.

“Statistics show Steinbach and area to consistently be one of the best recycling areas in Manitoba,” said Dobrowolski. “This is a municipality that is working hard to achieve environmental sustainability over the long-term, which has a very direct benefit on the people who live there. That is true leadership.”

AMM President Doug Dobrowolski presenting the Municipal Excellence Award to Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen.

Thieves Target Quarry Oaks Golf

alcohol from the business before fleeing the area.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect(s) responsible for this A break and enter occurred at the break and enter.

If you have any information you Quarry Oaks Golf Course on April are asked to contact the Steinbach 20 at 2:51 am. The suspect(s) gained entry to the golf course by RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 smashing out glass in the front (TIPS) or door. Once inside the suspect(s) manitobacrmestoppers.com or text gained entry to the office and “TIPMAN” plus your message to supply room and proceeded to Crimes (274637). steal an undisclosed amount of

Well, well, well...

I guess it was bound to happen.

After all, we’ve lived in our home for the last thirteen years without it happening, so I guess that after that much time has passed by, this is as good as a time as any for it to happen. It all started when we realized that we weren’t getting the water pressure that we used to.

My first thought was to replace the pressure switch, a quick simple fix that brought no change in our pressure.

Next step, the pressure tank. After checking it out, it appeared that the inner bladder had ruptured and the tank was now waterlogged.

Another quick fix that involved disconnecting the old tank, lugging it outside (water and all) and installing a new tank. Sadly, there was once again no change in our water pressure.

My father-in-law mentioned that maybe it was our breaker that was at fault. Being a double breaker he thought that maybe it was worn out but not quite so far gone that it didn’t flip over on its own. Figuring that it was worth a shot, we had the breaker changed and once again, no change.

Running out of simple fixes, I finally had to face what I’d been dreading from the start. We’d need a new well. Wait! There’s one more thing!

We could pull the old well pump out and replace it. Thankfully, I didn’t attempt this on my own. Getting a buddy’s brother-in-law (an expert in these matters) to come and lead this mission, we attempted to remove the well pump.

Sadly, this too was not meant to be the cure for our woes. Being an older well with a four-inch opening and a well-pump that is three and three-quarters wide, there was not a lot of room left over. We did manage to get the old pump about 35 feet closer to the surface before it became solidly lodged within the pipe.

To make an even longer story a little shorter, after a week of not having any running water, we now have a new well and a new well pump. While it was quite a challenge getting by without running water, we adapted and lived to write this tale. Happily, our water pressure feels stronger than ever before and the water is colder and maybe even tastes a little sweeter.

Life is good with running water.

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

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

La Broquerie Resident Wants Reduction in Packaging

By Marianne Curtis A RM of La Broquerie resident is requesting that the province step up and enforce existing regulations that would ultimately reduce the volume of waste packaging consumers are forced to accept.

In a letter addressed to Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship, La Broquerie resident Wade Wiebe points out the province

needs to be more proactive with forcing companies to reduce the amount of packaging of their goods instead of relying on residents to recycle the excess waste.

“As a consumer of packaged goods I’m frustrated at the lack of control I have in reducing my waste,” stated Wiebe. “When I shop I have little choice but to accept products in the packaging they are supplied with. I’m not alone in having purchased a product despite

the exorbitant, wasteful packaging it comes in only to have to deal with it when I get home.”

He added that many items are not recyclable and what is left is used to make downgraded plastic or paper before it reaches the landfill.

“It may be seen as cynicism, but the reality is that nearly all the plastic ever created still exists, including the Slurpee cup and straw I bought when I was nine,” Wiebe stressed.

“It hasn’t gone on to bigger and

May 2012 better things. It’s in the garbage.”

“My question is, if the Packaging and Printed Paper Stewardship Regulation exists to enforce stewardship on the distributors of packaging materials, why am I the steward of their wastes,” Wade asked.

He added that a regulation that states a province-wide, convenient collection system for waste packaging and printed paper without user fees at the point of collection is confusing.

“Recyclable materials are indeed accepted in my municipality without charge, but I am charged for disposal of non-recyclable materials,” Wiebe continued. “This would seem to be

9

in contravention of the regulation which does not make a distinction between the two.”

Wiebe noted that while the regulations state that stores should have a point of sale information program for the purpose of the waste reduction and prevention. He has never seen such a program other than the installation of “bring a bag” displays in some larger stores.

“We are forced to accept the garbage that wraps our products or do without the goods,” Wiebe stressed. “We are willing to recycle, especially very recyclable materials like aluminum, paper and glass, we simply want less of it.”

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May 2012

My Sister’s New Home Psalm 145:18-19 ... 18) The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. 19) He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; he hears their cry and saves them. (NIV1984) When a family member suddenly becomes sick and within a few short weeks passes away a variety of emotions and feelings surface. The years the family member lived are counted. We are reminded to be thankful that he/she lived a good many years and those they lived to see their family thrive. We can be thankful that he/she had the opportunity to share life with their family, relatives and friends. We can be thankful that he/she shared many of their life experiences as he/she saw them, both the good and bad. We can be thankful that they had the opportunity to live and to be reconciled with family and friends, and for those of use whose lives they touched, we have been enriched by knowing them.

Moments like this remind us that life is limited for all people. However long we live, death inevitably comes to all of us. Despite all the powers of humankind and the steady advance of medical technology, we have never succeeded in defeating death. We all will die in due course.

But death is just a transition. Although the body ceases to function as we know it, the spirit lives on. Death, according to the Bible, is merely a change of status. That which perishes is exchanged for that which is imperishable. Death ushers us into the presence of the Living God and transports us into eternity.

We all agree that we must face death sometime. “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 (NIV1984) In light of this, we should all take great care to live in such a way that when it comes our time to die, we are ready to face God. I believe with all that there is within me that my sister, who on the 23rd of March passed away, was ready for that moment in time. God called her home to heaven and she responded to His invitation.

Perhaps we would do well to undertake or try to understand our struggle with the thought of death. I say that because, I believe, death is not death if we know the Lord. Death is merely a change of place, a change of state, a transferal from one realm of existence to another. Death is not death, by that I mean it kills no part of us, except that which hinders us from perfect life. Surely death is not death if it raises us in a moment from darkness into light, from weakness into strength, from sinfulness into holiness. Death is not death if it perfects our faith by sight and lets us set our eyes on Him in whom we have believed. Death is not death if it rids us of doubt and fear, of sickness and disease, of sorrow and sadness. No, death is not death if it unites us with those whom we have loved and lost for whom we longed to live with again. Finely, death is not death for Christ has conquered death for Himself and for those who trust in Him. The reality of death is that all must die. And death puts us face to face with God. This we cannot change, but we can do something about eternity. If we do not, let me say that again, if we do not commit our life to Christ then to die is an eternal loss, no doubt about it. The realities of heaven and hell confront us as we consider death. But the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can be forgiven for our sins and enjoy God’s presence forever. We do not have to fear death, for death is not death if it transports us to eternal life in heaven with Christ.

I believe with all my heart that my sister is with her Lord in heaven. And if that be the situation then we do not want to mourn as those who have no hope.

Yes, we are saddened by her absence, but we are gladdened by the hope that is within us to know that she is in a place where all tears are wiped from every eye, where there is no sickness or pain, but only joy forevermore. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart.

Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that fulfills my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name. Amen.”

Vendors Line up for Spring Craft Sale Ring in Spring with an opportunity to shop in Steinbach’s first ever Spring Craft Sale and Trade Show.

The first ever Spring Craft and Trade Show will be held at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum on May 26th from 9 am to 4 pm.

The show will feature over 45 exciting vendors featuring their unique products which include hand crafted items such as soaps, jewelry, clothing, crocheted gifts, quilts, pet coats and furniture.

“Visitors will see lots of crafts at the show,” says organizer Pat McPherson.

“Presenters are bringing a wide variety of products and many items are ‘the must haves’ for shoppers looking for something different.”

Home style food products will also be available including perogies and a multitude of baked desserts.

Party Light, Epicure Selections, Arbonne, Organo Gold Coffee, Daring Diva Purses, Scentsy, Stella & Dot, BC Charmed, Jockey, Pampered Chef, Blue Star Studios, Herbalife, Stamping up, It Works, Lia Sophia, Chicks that Stitch, Funky Fleece, Body by Vi, Close to my Heart, Playful Peanut, Beauty Control, Tupperware, Oh Lollipop, Laurie Anne’s, Gold Canyon, Sunset Gourmet, Avon, and Discovery Toys are just some of the vendors who have also reserved space at the event.

McPherson believes the success of this event could eventually lead to other seasonal craft and trade shows hosted in Steinbach.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

May 2012

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Sawatsky Inducted into Hall of Fame

By Marianne Curtis On April 21 the Manitoba High School Athletic Association inducted Michelle Sawatsky-Koop, along with five other athletes, three builders and one team into the High School Hall of Fame. The inductees were honored during a special reception at the Holiday Inn South.

“I think the greatest honour is to see who is all on the list, and go whoa, who am I to be among these people,” recalled Sawatsky-Koop. “I am grateful to my coach, Shannon Kehler. She was the one that told me to go out and try out. She told me it doesn’t matter where you are from; you can do this.”

Sawatsky grew up in Steinbach and started her career as an elite member of Steinbach Regional Secondary School Sabres (SRSS). She led the SRSS Volleyball team to the 1987 Provincial AA Championship and was also setter on the 1989 Canada Summer Games Bronze Medalist team.

“I remember that win and it was the biggest win I had ever tasted to that point. It was as big as any Olympic win,” recalled Sawatsky-Koop of winning the Provincial Championship.

She was also the starting setter at the University of Manitoba when they won National Championships in 1990, 1991 and 1992 and was named CIAU/CIS Player of the Year in 1991, 1992,

On April 21 Steinbach’s Michelle Sawatsky-Koop was inducted into the Manitoba High School Athletic Hall of Fame by MHSAA President Scott Kwasnitza.

and in 1993 was named University of Manitoba Female Athlete of the Year.

Sawatsky also participated on two World Student Volleyball Games teams in 1991 and 1992 and on the Senior National Team in 1995. She participated in the Bronze Medal Game in the Pan American Games in Argentina in 1996 and also was a member of the team that finished 9th in the Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Vita Teen Honoured by Lieutenant Governor

By Marianne Curtis A young volunteer from the community of Vita is this year’s recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s “Make a Difference” Community Award for the Eastman region, On April 17 eighteen-year-old Candace Maxymowich was presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Make a Difference Community Award at the 29th Annual Volunteer Award Dinner at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

Miss Maxymowich was recognized as a true leader who exhibits courage and dedication. Her courage is balanced appropriately with professionalism, strong values, and humility. She is interested in politics and is passionate about issues that affect communities in the Eastman region, throughout the province, and across Canada.

“I am very honoured to be receiving this award. I am passionate about positive change and have wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” Maxymowich said. “There’s so much I hope to accomplish.”

Maxymowich serves on the Manitoba Youth Advisory Council (selected by the Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors) to provide feedback to the province on a range of issues affecting young people.

When presented with her award, Maxymowich was recognized for contributing a significant amount of time volunteering in numerous organizations both locally and nationally. She is also passionate about raising awareness of mental health and other health issues. She has also started her own campaign, “Respect and Dignity for All”, which strives to improve the lives of those suffering with a mental health issue.

The annual Lieutenant Governor’s “Make a Difference” Community Award was launched during the International Year of Volunteers in

Vita teen Candace Maxymowich receives the Lieutenant Governor’s “Make a Difference” Community Award for the Eastman region from Lieutenant Governor Philip S. Lee.

2001 to recognize individuals for their contributions to the community through voluntary service. It is presented to individuals who have embodied the spirit of volunteerism and have made a lasting impact and meaningful contribution through their volunteer activities.

Piney Residents to Decide Waste Disposal Option

Marchand Bush Fire Deliberately Set The La Broquerie fire department says that a bush fire that burned out of control south of Marchand on April 26 was deliberately set.

Fire crews were called to the site of the fire eight miles south of Marchand around 1:00 pm, stated Fire Chief Al Nadeau.

“It was set deliberately in two different spots,” said La Broquerie Fire Chief Al Nadeau. “It got away quite quickly before crews could get there.”

He added that it appeared that someone deliberately set the fires in two separate spots and then left.

Three water bombers were called in by the Department of Natural Resources to help fight the blaze. The bombers managed to contain the fire to one section.

“It took them four to five hours to fight the fire and that is very expensive,” Nadeau added. He estimates it will cost the province about $70,000.

The Department of Natural Resources is investigating the blaze further.

By Marianne Curtis The RM of Piney encourages residents from throughout the municipality to attend an upcoming public open house to discuss the future of the municipality’s solid waste facilities.

A public open house is taking place May 24 at the Vassar Community Hall. Members of council will present four different solutions to the municipality’s waste management facilities. Currently there are five landfills located in Piney, Sandilands, Menisino, Vassar and Sprague.

RM of Piney Reeve Duane Boutang said that ratepayers are encouraged to come express their opinions on this significant project.

“This is an information meeting. We as a council have to make a decision on our dumps before the province has a chance to step in and make the decision for us,” explained Boutang. “We want a shovel ready project so we can apply for infrastructure funding.”

A few years ago Manitoba Environment told the RM of Piney they needed to reduce the number of sites within the municipality. Council hired a consultant who has now come up with solutions.

According to councilor Sian Barrow, the municipality has received four different options for consideration

but it will be up to the ratepayers to influence council’s final decision.

Option one would make all five sites compliant to provincial regulations including pit improvements and construction of a lechate pit which would cost an estimated at $1.1 million. The municipality would continue to have five dump locations and hire attendants.

Option number two consists of constructing one Class 2 facility at a cost of about $1.2 million. Overall waste management costs would be greatly decreased, however ratepayers would have to travel long distances to dispose of their trash once a location was decided, Barrows noted.

“The landfill would do for about 25 years, which means we can control things such as costs and materials,” explained Barrow. “With transfer stations there will be costs associated that we cannot predict, such as hauling contracts.”

The third option for consideration would establish five transfer stations at a cost of about $600,000.

It is the cheapest option under consideration but costs could escalate because a garbage hauling contract would be required to haul waste to facilities outside the municipality, which could change whenever the contract is renewed.

The fourth option under consideration is the construction of a regional transfer station at about $164,000. The municipality would then consider curbside pickup. All these proposals are based on preliminary estimates and are not the final prices. The option estimates also do not include decommissioning of the existing five facilities.

RM of Piney residents can have their say by attending a public open house May 24 at the Vassar Community Hall from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6:30 pm to 9 pm.

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May 2012

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Summer Arts Day Camps - Sign up before May 15 to receive 15 percent off! Fun, art, sports and adventure this summer at S.A.C. for ages 5 -12. Camps run July 9 - Aug 24, 9 am -4 pm daily. This year’s themes are Amazing Race, Island of Imagination, Barnyard Bash, A Bug’s Life, Let’s Play Ball, All Ball and Hollywood! Children will have the opportunity to get creative with music, drama, visual arts, sports, water games and more. Registration is on now!

Arts for Tots Preschool Program - is taking Registrations for 2012 -13. The most creative way to learn! Our preschool offers a creative, safe and positive environment for children ages 3 - 5. Children have access to our professional studios where dance, music, theatres and visual arts are taught by trained clinicians. Creative learning is stimulated in our classroom with learning stations like science, reading and fine motor skills. Weekly/daily themes keep things fun and creative.

The Loewen Green Artists Scene - Check out the latest on the corner of Elmdale and Reimer Ave! There will be artists working and artwork to view or purchase during the months of May to September, Monday to Friday 11:30 am - 1:30 pm and Saturday 11 am - 4 pm. No admission. Just come and support your local artists. Fine artists are invited to use free studio space and display artworks at the Loewen House this summer. Call for info.

Power Pilates/Pilates Bootcamp - The first week is a free trial for part of our Creative Wellness sessions for spring! Runs May 7 - June 25, Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 -6:30 pm at Steinbach Arts Council. Professional instruction by Christel Flaming and improve cardiovascular fitness, balance and overall health. Register now. We’re offering seven weeks for the price of six! If you would like to try out the class, the first week is free, but please register, spaces are limited.

SRSS Pixels IX Art Exhibit Opening -You are invited on Wednesday, May 9 at 7 pm at Steinbach Arts Council Hall Gallery. Come see digital art by students from SRSS. Runs to June 1.

May 1 - 7 is National Youth Arts Week, a youth-led celebration of creative expression in communities across Canada. See nationwide events listed on youthartsweek.ca, including our Human Artist Workshop with Daylon Brown, May 5 and 12!

Fall Pre-Registration Day- On June 7, receive 10 percent off many of our classes or programs for fall! It’s a party! Bring the whole family to enjoy hot dogs, balloons, face painting and a bouncer, and sign up for the classes and programs of your choice. This will also be the last day to receive 10 percent off on Summer Arts Day Camps Registration. So come on down to SAC and enjoy the festivities, our hall gallery exhibit, and Buy or Lease Art set up around the Centre from 9 am -3 pm. Xcompany will also be taking registrations for their physical arts training school.

Fall class line up - Southeast School of Dance Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Dress Up Song & Dance, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Urban Ballet. Theatre classes for ages 5 -18 with the Backyard Theatre Company. Visual Arts classes include painting, drawing, pottery and photography. Wellness classes include zumba, pilates, yoga, belly dancing, social dance, cooking, French, and Spanish. Clubs: Southeast Artist’s Group and Photo Club.

Summer in the City Festival – We’re a part of it! We’ll be transforming downtown Steinbach into a carnival of fun on the weekend of June 15 - 16! Be on the lookout for tons of activities and local artists and craftsmen displaying incredible painting, pottery and photography!

Ritchot to Grow with Approval of Major Residential Developments

By Marianne Curtis

including the construction of a water distribution center, was completed The community of Ile-Des-Chênes will see a major several years ago. construction boom over the next two years now that the RM of Ritchot has approved three major apartment projects and a strip mall on the west side of town.

At a recent council meeting, the RM of Ritchot council rezoned a total of seven pieces of property between the old Hwy 59 and the newer twinned section on the west side of Ile-Des-Chênes.

According to RM of Ritchot Mayor, now that approvals have been given, construction is expected to move quickly.

“These apartments are going to be developed in a fairly quick form and then they’re going to probably have room for about 400 families over the course of the whole project,” On April 21 shortly after 10 am notes Stefaniuk. “We are going to experience a lot of growth RCMP St-Pierre Jolys Detachment in Ile-Des-Chênes.”

Council got the ball rolling by re-zoning lots 11 to 14, just was called by the parent of an 11north of Le Claire Road, from commercial highway to general year-old girl who disclosed that she residential. Once the zoning changes were approved the was walking home from school on municipality approved the conditional use permits that will April 19 at about 4 pm in Ile-desallow the construction of 60 townhouses on two of the lots Chênes when she was approached and 60 multi-family condominiums on the second set of lots. by a male driving a blue van.

Ritchot council also re-zoned lots 9 and 10 to commercial RCMP learned that the male began general so that a two-story strip mall can be constructed as asking questions and asked the 11a buffer between several commercial businesses already in year-old girl to get in his vehicle and to show him how to get out of place.

On the south side of Le Claire Road an additional parcel of town. The child declined his offer land was re-zoned from agricultural restricted to general and fled.

The male is described as being residential. Josh Friesen was then granted a conditional use permit to construct 112 condominium units in 7 – 2-story Caucasian, in his mid-20’s and with short dark hair. buildings. Each building will contain 16 units.

Last month construction began on a new $5 million project Anyone with information relating that will see 23 – 1,200 square foot 2-story condominiums to this incident is asked to contact constructed along Main Street in Ile-Des-Chênes. the RCMP St-Pierre Jolys The RM of Ritchot council is optimistic that with its Detachment at 1-204-433-7433 or if proximity to Winnipeg commuters will see the appeal to you wish to remain anonymous call moving to Ile-Des-Chênes.

Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800Despite all the projected growth in the community, which 222-8477 (TIPS) or SUBMIT a boasts a population of about 900, the RM of Ritchot is secure tip online at confident that the municipality’s water and sewer manitobacrimestoppers.com or text infrastructure will meet the demands.

TIPMAN plus your message to The municipality is currently working on expanding the CRIMES (274637). community’s sewage lagoon. Water system upgrades,

Young Girl Approached

by Stranger

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Public Outraged Over Fate of Rescued Cub

May 2012

13

Bargains Galore During Niverville Garage Sale

By Marianne Curtis A decision by the Department of Natural Resources to release a four week old bear cub rescued last month in St. Malo back into the wild within a few weeks is creating public outrage.

On April 13, the Manitoba government decided that a rescued bear cub, nicknamed Makoon, will be released back into the wild in June.

James Duncan, with the province’s wildlife branch, said officials discussed the fate of the black bear with animal experts and determined he could be rehabilitated and released. He said the animal will remain at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg for another seven or eight weeks.

Officials will then release the cub in a remote location of the province to boost its chances of survival since adult male bears tend to prey on cubs.

Mike McIntosh, who runs Bear With Us Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre for bears in Sprucedale, Ontario, says the cub is far too young to fend for itself. The organization stepped forward and offered to take the cub.

“It’s almost certainly a death sentence for a five-month-old bear cub,” stated McIntosh. “He would have a very slight chance of surviving in the wild.”

Bear cubs normally stay with their mother for about 18 months during which time she teaches them how to survive, eat and protect themselves.

An online petition, set up on a popular social networking site has

Photo by Marianne Curtis This little guy is currently under observation at the province’s only zoo where he will stay until the government returns him into the wild in June.

Over 70 homes throughout Niverville participated in a community wide garage sale on April 28.

The community wide garage sale also kicked off a number of cleanup events taking place. On May 5 residents are encouraged to put freebee items on their curb for a community-wide “FreeCycle” event.

The following week, the Niverville Public Works Department will be collecting any large items normally refused such as mattresses, broken furniture and appliances. Items such as paint, used oil and other hazardous materials will not be picked up. Residents can place their items on the curb children,” joked Dubois.

He admitted it was sad to see the from May 7 to 9 for free pickup. cub go, but it was the right thing to From May 2 to May 5, the East Borderland and do.

Community Housing Committee are hosting a used Meanwhile, the Department of book sale at the Clearspring Centre in Steinbach Conservation does not recommend to help raise money for the senior’s housing people take in lost or orphaned project under construction in Sprague. wildlife. Each year the department Elsie Laing, chairperson for the East Borderland receives thousands of phone calls Community Housing project, said proceeds from from people who have found infant the book sale will be added to the funds already wild animals that they believe are raised by the group. orphans. On average 500 injured or This is the fourth book sale the group has orphaned baby animals are admitted organized over the past four years. Since the to the center, of which 80 percent beginning of the annual fundraiser over $10,000 are “unnecessary orphans.” has been raised for the East Borderland and Community Housing Committee.

“He would have a very slight chance of surviving in the wild.” been set up asking the province to “do the right thing” and not release the cub at such a young age. Over 5,100 people have signed the petition located at ipetitions.com/petition/ makoon/.

Makoon’s controversial story began on March 25 when Rene Dubois found the newborn black bear cub struggling to survive in a ditch south of St. Malo. During the cub’s brief stay with the family he became quite the attraction.

“We had more people come visit the cub than we had after we had our

May Book Sale Helps Senior’s Housing Project

14

May 2012

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

apartment Fire Victims in Ste. Anne on Friday, May 11 from 4 East Braintree Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Honour of Queen Elizabeth II - 8 pm followed by a dance featuring the Biivver Band at the Seine River Banquet Centre on Arena Rd. Tickets are available – on May 18. Contact 426-5510 or visit rmofreynolds.com from the Petro-Canada in Ste. Anne call 422-8454, or Deanna at 422-5116.

Kleefeld Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children ages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and Bud, Spud, Steak or Chicken Kiev Fundraiser- for Bibliothèque snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Ste. Anne Library - at the Seine River Banquet Centre on Arena Rd on Friday, May 25 from 4 – 7 pm. Tickets are available from Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough at 377-5013. the Library at 16, rue de l’Eglise, the Petro-Can Amber Auto, Dawson Trail Café on Central Ave or contact Deanna at 422La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors - Annual General Meeting at 5116, or Melissa at 422-8976. Cost is $20 per ticket.

Le Centre d’Amitié, 97 Principale St. Doors open at 9:30 am on Thursday, May 24. Everyone is welcome. To register, you are The Knights of Columbus Concert in the Park fundraiser- the Ste. Anne Catholic Church (repairs to the roof and cladding of asked to call Juliette Rowan at 424-5285 before May 15. church foundation). Saturday, June 9 from 2 - 8 pm at Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre from Monday Rédemptoristes Park. Entertainment: several bands, singers to Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Offers services and programs for and music for all tastes. Food will be served all day, a 50/50 seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot draw and a silent auction, face painting for the children and care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard many more fun activities. Contact Ray Connelly at 422- 8650. maintenance, Telecheck, the E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Bibliothèque Ste Anne Library Used Book Fundraiser – Sale Rowan at 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Shopping of huge selection of used book proceeds will be used towards Trips: Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, new library books. For further information call Mona at 422leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring 9958 or drop in at the library at 16 Rue de l’Église. Cost of Centre every last Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 1 books $1-$5. pm. Cost $10.

Southeast Manitoba Family Support Network - meets with other families/caregivers supporting individuals living with Mitchell Breakfast and Social - every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9:00 am children with special needs. Focus on caregiver health and except the last Tuesday of the month when the social is held wellness. Free instruction to relaxation and gentle exercise instead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area Seniors through Pilates with instructor, Kim Koop. Invite your respite worker or extended family members who share the Centre. Contact 326-6944. responsibility. Refreshments available. Monday, May 28 starts at 7 pm at 32057 Greenland Road, Ste. Anne.

Niverville Dog Adoption Fair – Saturday May 12 from 12 – 4 pm at the southend Niverville Arena grounds. Featuring, dogs looking Steinbach ‘fur’ their forever homes. On site Q&A with a vet, groomer, East Borderland Community Housing Senior Housing Book Fair - Fundraiser for Seniors complex in Sprague. During hours photography and displays. of the Clearspring Centre. From Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, Pennies for Providence Weigh In - Bring in your pennies to May 5. Contact email suezque@mts.net Bigway. 9 am – 12 pm on Saturday, May 26. All donations will go to support scholarships and bursaries. A prize will be awarded Spring Craft Fair & Gift Show on Saturday May 5 at Steinbach for the heaviest individual weigh-in and the heaviest overall 55 Plus from 10 am – 4 pm. The event includes handmade, weigh-in. Contact Melissa at 433-7488 ext 254 for more info. homemade, and unique gift items and products, live music, a tea and dessert canteen, tons of free door prizes, and much Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair - Events begin Friday, June more. Support Agape House and do some shopping at the 8 to Saturday, June 9. Parade, Food, Entertainment, Music, same time and just in time for Mother’s Day. Contact email agapehouse@hotmail.com or call 392-4650.

Motor Cross and Wakeboard, Midway and Vendors.

Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six.

Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am located in the lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62 4th Avenue S.). Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms visit.

Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Richer Richer Young at Hearts Community Centre - Supper & Dance on May 19 with live entertainment: Denis Nykoliation’s Band, Cash bar open at 5 pm, supper 6 pm, dance ends 11 pm.

Tickets $17.50. Contact Pauline at 422-6422, Julienne at 4225662 or Ralph or Irene at 422-5932.

Monday Night Bingos to raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open at 5:30 pm at the Richer Young at Heart Club. MGCC License # BI/BO4164. Contact: Doreen Pchajek at 204-422-5243 or email doreen@spmf.ca.

St. Pierre-Jolys Pennies for Providence Weigh In - Bring in your pennies to the Bigway on Saturday, May 5 from 9 am – 12 pm. All donations will go to support scholarships and bursaries. A prize will be awarded for the heaviest individual weigh-in and the heaviest overall weigh-in. Contact Melissa at 433-7488 ext 254.

All-Over-Town Garage Sale - Residents set up their garage sale on Saturday, June 2 all day. A map showing the locations will be prepared and distributed at Chateau des sages B & B. Contact Rachelle Edmunds, 433-7002 or email ryedmunds@hotmail.com.

Football Registration - Eastman Raiders Football Club will be accepting registrations in front of Reitman’s store at Clearspring Centre on Saturday May 5 from 10 am – 2pm.

Community Garage Sale - On Saturday, May 5 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm at the T.G. Smith Centre. Recovered bikes will be sold. Contact 346-6217 to register.

MHV Auxiliary Faspa - Enjoy a traditional Sunday afternoon lunch and entertainment featuring the Reimer6 and presentations from the Blumenhof dig. Visit with friends, listen to music, delicious faspa, and check out the findings from the C Plett homestead dig at the Mennonite Heritage Village Auditorium from 2:30 – 5 pm on Sunday, May 6.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club – Annual Plant Sale on Friday, May 11 from 6:30pm – 9 pm and Saturday, May 12 from 9 – 11 am at the Clearspring Centre. Hundreds of plants will be on sale at unbeatable prices – including feature plant – Amber Jubilee Ninebark and 10 Varieties of Hostas. Also Free Composting Workshops on Friday 7 pm and Saturday 9:30 am.

Contact 326-2396 or visit SAGC website at sagardenclub.com Mother’s Day Tea- Advanced Tickets $4 for member, $5 for non member or $6 at the door for all. Coffee and dessert will be served. Entertainment: The Kitchen Band at the Steinbach 55 Plus Centre from 1:30 – 4 pm.

Pennies for Providence Weigh In - Bring in your pennies to Canadian Tire. 9 am – 1 pm on Saturday, May 12. All donations will go to support scholarships and bursaries. A prize will be awarded for the heaviest individual weigh-in and the heaviest overall weigh-in. Contact Melissa at 433-7488 ext 254 for more info.

World Fair Trade Day - Sample Fair Trade coffee and chocolate Weigh To Go – a weight loss support group that meets every and enjoy music from around the world on Saturday, May 12 Monday starting February 6 to end of June at 6:15 pm, at the from 9:30 am – 4 pm at Ten Thousand Villages, 355 Main Street. Remember to enter a draw for a Mother’s Day Gift Basket.

Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Support group meetings held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 pm.

Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. Contact Judy Dunn 444-5228.

St. Malo Hike for Hospice Palliative Care - Residents from region are invited to participate in the 10th annual fundraiser hosted by the South Eastman Health/Sante Sud-Est Palliative Care team.

Hike in the beauty of St. Malo Provincial Park with wheel chairs, strollers, rollerblades and bikes to join the 6 km hike.

Registration is at 1 pm followed by the Hike kickoff at 2 pm.

A barbecue, Rainbow auction and prizes will wrap up the day.

Mother’s Day Run For Mom 2012 - A high quality running event in Manitoba to build and support the running community, promote individuals and family’s healthy lifestyle choices, and support local charities. Register for either the 5km Run/Walk, 10km Run, Team Race, or Kids Run. Meet at T.G. Smith Arena, Sunday, May 13 from 3 – 4:30 pm.

Trees for Tomorrow Program - Free Tree Giveaway. Province of Manitoba partnered with the Manitoba Forestry Association (MFA) a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to public education about trees and forests. Applications on-line at thinktrees.org. Tree pickup on Monday, May 7 from 12 – 7 pm at 284 Reimer Ave. or at Birds Hill Nursery every Friday in May and June from 9 am -4 pm. Contact Manitoba Conservation - Forestry Branch Birds Hill Office 945-7159 or email Ste. Anne A Bud, Spud, Steak or Chicken Kiev Fundraiser - for the Francine.Pym@gov.mb.ca.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Spring on the Farm & Tractor Show- Mennonite Heritage August at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyone Manitoba Credit Unions - travel-log style videos can show Village celebrate with parade, games and demonstrations on interested in auxiliary work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 326- community knitting club to hockey teams; you define Tuesday, May 22 from 10 am - 5 pm.

3028. community in this contest. Two $100 early-bird prizes are up for grabs. To be eligible for early-bird prize, entries must be Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open to adults who want received by May 31. Due date is midnight of July 31, upload Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. Drop in on the to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursday your video to YouTube. Producers of the top three videos will 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at the Lecoka 5-275 Main evenings starting at 7 pm at the Steinbach and Area Lions Club receive iPads. Contact cuinfo@cucm.org. Contest Rules onSt to grab a coffee and discuss sustainable living. Contact - meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays every month line creditunion.mb.ca/news. email rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com. starts at 6:30 pm at the Magnolia Restaurant. Contact 3262313.

The Super Start Program, A Healthy Baby program run through Seniors (60 +) Shinny Drop-in Hockey - every Monday from South Eastman Health/Sante-Est Inc., will be holding a 10 -11 am at Centennial Arena. Contact Bob Barrow at 392- Canadian Blood Services - is asking Steinbach and area monthly group session. This is a program for pregnant women 3596 or email bob.r.barrow@gmail.com. residents to support patients in need by donating at the Thursday and families with infants up to one year of age. Each session blood donor clinic from 12:30 – 3:30 pm and 5 -8 pm. To includes song and rhyme time, discussions and games on The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon at schedule an appointment or for further information. Contact 1 topics related to healthy babies and healthy moms. Included the Smitty’s Family Restaurant, 145 Park Road West. Contact 888 DONATE (1 888 236 6283). Located at Steinbach are door prizes, nutritious snacks and milk coupons for all Cornie at 326-3155.

Evangelical Mennonite Church Gymnasium, 422 Main Street. participating expectant moms or mothers who have babies up to six months of age. Next month our session will be held at: Mental health information and support sessions - for family Meetup Group for Women Solo-Entreprenuer group helps you Grunthal – Tuesday, May 1 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Family and friends of people with mental health issues are held the connect with other women who are passionate about growing Hut in South Oaks School 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden East their business, lead by Doreen Penner and meets monthly for Blumenort – Thursday, May 3 from 10 am - 12 pm at the building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email 1 hour. Free, except for food and beverage. Contact and to Blumenort EMC Church eastmanmss@mts.net register Doreen at 392-2698.

Ste. Anne – Wednesday, May 9 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Ste. Anne Dayspring Fellowship Church MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living with Steinbach AA 12 Step Recovery Program - Meetings are held Kleefeld – Thursday, May 10 from 10 am - 12 pm at the multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main Kleefeld Recreation Centre evening of each month from 6 - 7:00 pm at Fernwood Place St. Ring the front door bell.

St. Pierre-Jolys – Thursday, May 17 from 10 am - 12 pm in the apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services St. Pierre Health Corner, 354 Prefontaine Ave. Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email Young moms to be - bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm Ste. Agathe- Tuesday, May 22 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Ste. nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. at Anna’s House B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 346-0413.

Agathe Hall Lorette – Wednesday, May 23 from 10 am – 12 pm at the MS Lunch Group- on fourth Thursday of every month, from 12 Whitemouth Community Services Building – 1 pm at the Village Green Restaurant. Contact Nadine Konyk, Whitemouth Walk for ALS - On Friday, May 25. Registration 10 Contact: Terry from Super Start at 346-7021 or just drop in.

Rural Client Services Coordinator 326-1434 or email am. Walk begins at 10:30 am from the Whitemouth School. nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Free monthly bus trips to the casinos of Winnipeg for a fun day disease, a fatal, rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease at the Casinos. Pick up in Steinbach at 8:30 am and at Paradise Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support that affects between 2,500 and 3,000 Canadians, more than Village at approximately 9 am. Must be 18 years of age or groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, 250 live here in Manitoba. Money raised in the Walk for ALS older. Prizes and $10 cash for everyone. There will be bingo on bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. goes towards research to find a cure for ALS and provides the bus. Call Marilyn at 326-4939 for date information and to Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake Epp support services to families affected by ALS. reserve your bus seat. The next scheduled trips are May 15 and Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

June 12. Plans are also being made for overnight trips. Rates Whiteshell $35 (double occupancy) $70 (single) staying at the Canad Inn South Eastman Transition Initiative - presents Green Drinks International Migratory Bird Day Celebration - from May 19 – Club Regent Hotel and enjoy giveaways and bingo on the bus South Eastman. Drop in on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 21 in the Whiteshell Provincial Park at the Alfred Hole Goose trip. Call for further details.

7 pm at Lecoka 5-275 Main Street and grab a coffee and Sanctuary. Contact 369-3157. discuss sustainable living. Contact email rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com.

General My Manitoba Community” video contest – Sponsored by The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on the Manitoba’s Credit Unions- to celebrate United Nations first Tuesday of every month except for the months of July and International Year of Co-operatives and 75th Anniversary of

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

May 2012

Routine Ditch Steinbach Gearing Up for Digging to “Sales in the City” Become Easier The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce is once again encouraging Rural municipalities throughout the province are celebrating a recent decision by the Harper government to introduce changes to the Fisheries Act that could make things significantly easier when it comes to drainage projects.

Provencher MP Vic Toews said his government has introduced changes to the Fisheries Act that is expected to continue to protect species. However, these changes are also expected to make it easier for municipalities to conduct simple drainage projects that until now have been frustrating.

“There is no doubt that existing policies have gone beyond what is necessary to protect fish and fish habitat,” said Toews. “Focusing protection rules on real and significant threats to these fisheries and the habitat that supports them, while setting clear standards and guidelines for other routine projects, is an important step forward in addressing many of the concerns that have been raised by my constituents.”

Under the Fisheries Act there is no line drawn between waterways, lakes and rivers that support fish and smaller bodies of water that may not be home to fish.

RM of Hanover Reeve Stan Toews said this is very good news for municipalities and farmers.

“Drainage has always been a major concern for farmers in southeastern Manitoba,” Toews said. “For landowners and municipalities the proposed new measures will provide clarity with regard to how the fisheries provisions apply to them.”

For over a decade municipalities throughout the region have voiced frustration over unreasonable delays to even the smallest water projects. The province will not issue water rights licenses for even minor ditch cleanings until the project is reviewed by the Department of Fisheries (DFO).

Municipalities have often voiced their frustration with the department by suggesting that if DFO had its way they wouldn’t even allow road reconstruction because a fish might be growing in a pothole. A subsequent backlog at that level has delayed some projects for years.

Over the next few months discussions will take place with provinces, aboriginal groups and other stakeholders to develop a policy to support the new changes.

Piney Increases Revenue with Recycling The RM of Piney council is making it easier for residents to recycle by deciding to place recycling sheds within communities throughout the municipality.

“We hope this makes recycling easier and more convenient for those wanting to improve our environment and increase revenue for the municipality,” stated council.

Last year the RM of Piney earned $25,500 from recycling.

“This is $12,000 more than the previous year,” council added. “This is an extra $12,000 in revenue that the municipality did not have to generate through taxes.”

businesses to get behind the Summer in the City Festival by taking part in the Sales in the City promotion.

This year participating businesses will be easily identified by a bright red banner that will be flying across the city.

Community Development Committee Chair Joel Hartung is looking forward to this year’s event.

“This is a great way for the business community to get behind the festival and to show our support for the community of Steinbach,” stated Hartung. “Festival goers will also be able to find several of these participating businesses on the street during the city’s ever growing festival on June 15 and 16.”

Last years’ “Sales in the City” proved to be a huge success. The promotion, formerly known as “Sidewalk Sale Days”, went through a rebranding process last spring to breathe new life into a long standing community tradition. A total of 45 businesses participated in the event, more than double the number of merchants that participated in sidewalk sale days the year before.

Sales in the City will run one day longer than the festival from June 14-16 and will include businesses from all across Steinbach. Businesses wishing to get involved with the promotion should contact the Steinbach Chamber Community Development Committee Members from Left to Right: Keith Unger, Joel of Commerce by calling 326-9566.

Hartung, and Kyla Murray are getting ready for the second annual Sales in the City.

15

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May 2012

More Than Just News!

Steinbach 55 Plus offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, call 320-4600 or online steinbach55plus.com.

Up and Coming Events for May Old Time Country Dance: Friday, May 25, 8 pm to Midnight. Live band: By Request. Advanced tickets: $8 member, $10 non-member. $12 at the door for all. Lunch served.

Mothers Day Tea: Friday, May 11, 1:30 pm. Advanced tickets $4 member, $5 non-member. $6 at the door for all.

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

Foot Care: The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 3 pm. Run by Val Fry, a professional foot care nurse. Cost: $30. Bring your own towel. Book an appointment.

Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6 pm. Meat and beverages are provided.

Cost: $5 per person. Bring along a casserole, salad or desert. Reserve your seat.

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

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

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

Parkinson Support Group: Wednesday, May 30 at 1:30 pm. Final meeting until fall.

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

Monday to Friday 1 - 4 pm – Billiards 9 am - 12 pm and 1 - 4 pm - Computer Lab. Cost $1.00 9 am - 12 pm - Computer lessons with Alex Couples take place on Wednesdays. Book your appointment.

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

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

Bethesda ER Project Tender Awarded Construction on the Bethesda Hospital emergency room project can now proceed after the board of South Eastman Health awarded the contract.

On April 20 South Eastman Health announced that Penn-Co Construction from Steinbach has been awarded the tender for the building of the new emergency ward at Bethesda Hospital.

South Eastman Health chief executive officer John Stinson is pleased the $22 million project can now commence.

“Penn-Co believes they can be in the ground by June,” Stinson stated. It is anticipated the project will take about two years. “We will have a brand new emergency room in June 2014.”

Stinson noted the new emergency room will benefit the patients by not only bringing the facility into the 21st century but also help recruit and retain nurses, technicians and doctors.

“We are going to have a state-of-theart emergency department,” Stinson noted.

Before construction can begin on the new emergency room, a temporary emergency room is being set up in the Community Services Building.

“It is going to be disruptive for patients and staff,” Stinson admitted.

“Our community wants this project to happen and in the end we are going to have a fabulous facility.”

Once complete the new emergency room will be a significant improvement. The current facility occupies about 2,200 square feet in the Bethesda Hospital. The new emergency room will be 14,000 square feet and offer both urgent and non-urgent care.

“There will be one stream for less urgent care where people can come in and be seen,” Stinson added. “There will also be a high acute area where people will be directed when they come in by ambulance.” In that area the staff will be able to better deal with cardiac issues and situations at a higher level than in the past.

There will also be an isolation area for infectious disease quarantine and a 5-bed special care unit for cardiac patients that are not critical enough to need transfer to Winnipeg but require special attention.

Minor Road Improvements Slated As part of budget 2012, the provincial government approved a number of infrastructure projects throughout the province.

With more than 80 bridges and 200 roads the focus will be on post flooding repairs. However some of the $598 million infrastructure budget will come into the east for at least four projects.

While the list of projects and improvements is lengthy throughout the province, so far only three projects from within the southeast made the list.

These projects include paving 16 km of Hwy 207 from Hwy 206 north of Landmark to Deacons Corner, through Lorette. Also making the list is the completion of paving along Hwy 210 from Ste. Anne to Lorette. Paving two kilometers between New Bothwell and Hwy 311 is also on the agenda.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Cigarette Suspected in Piney Grassfire A carelessly tossed cigarette is the likely cause of a grass fire south of Piney on April 20. Piney fire crews were called out to the fire on Friday evening and spent the entire night trying to regain control.

RM of Piney Councillor Don Winnicky lives and farms adjacent to where the fire started.

“The road allowance is mowed and it was short like a lawn with water in the bottom,” Winnicky explained. “A quarter section burned up.”

Winnicky said he was out helping fight the fire until midnight and even helped assist by discing fire guards to keep the fire from spreading.

Sprague fire chief Bill Ross said that the cause of the fire was not determined. His department was called in to assist with the fire after wind pushed it westward. Eventually it was contained before it caused any further damage. No one was injured.

Stuartburn Loses Councillor The RM of Stuartburn council has called for an August bi-election after the recent resignation of long time councillor Dan Bodz.

As of March 26 Bodz stepped down from his position as councillor for the RM of Stuartburn after serving several consecutive terms. Not only was he an active member of council but was also a dedicated volunteer actively involved throughout the community. Some of these activities included volunteering for the Vita Fire Department, Gardenton

Museam, Vita Canada Day, the Gardenton Mud Bog and Demo Derby to name just a few.

Bodz stepped down from the position after his wife Larissa was recently named as the new chief administrator for Lynn Lake. The community of Vita is feeling the loss of the couple as they were both active volunteers for a number of groups and organizations.

A bi-election to fill the now vacant position will take place in Vita on August 29.

Bibliothèque Taché Library

including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large print books and magazines plus they can import books from any library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 878 9488, www.bibliotachelibrary.com or in person.

The next ‘Library Night’ will be on Tuesday, May.8 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Come for coffee and a visit and see what we are all about.

The Bibliothèque Taché Library visits the Ste. Geneviève C.C. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month bringing a large selection of books in both French and English, for children and adults.

The library has over 21,000 books

Burn Bans in Place Throughout Region A burn ban remains in effect throughout several municipalities in the region despite recent precipitation.

In the RM of Stuartburn all open fires remain banned in rural areas of the municipality. The ban on open fires within generally developed areas has been lifted.

The RMs of De Salaberry, Piney, La Broquerie and Hanover have also prohibited open fires until further notice.

Fires in enclosed fire pits are permitted, however, residents are reminded to use caution.

In preparation for what could be one of the busiest years for wildfires, the municipalities are all attending a Wildfires Preparedness Seminar hosted

by Emergency Measures Organization on May 3 at Steinbach Quarry Oaks.

May 2012

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More Than Just News!

May 2012

Chrysalis Fund Ready for Grant Requests

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Niverville Job Centre Opens this Month

The Niverville MTYC operates out for business as of May 7. Students or of the Town of Niverville office and is employers can contact Katelyn open daily from 9-5 and will be open Goertzen at 388-6793.

Students on the west side of the region are being encouraged to check out the youth job centre that recently opening

By Marianne Curtis in Niverville for the summer.

On May 7 the doors of Manitoba Groups and organizations looking for a little extra funding are encouraged to Youth Job Centre (MYJC) in Niverville send an application to the Chrysalis Fund. will open with Katelyn Goertzen as the The fund has approximately $5,000 in grant money and the group is now new office manager. accepting applications for the 2011 grant funds to be disbursed.

The program is sponsored by Simone Penner, with the fund, said the group has been doing well since it started Manitoba Education and Citizenship three years ago. and Youth and is in partnership with “The Chrysalis Fund is still going as strong as ever and we are now ready to the Niverville Town Office. accept grant applications for this year,” stated Penner. “This women’s giving Goertzen will be running the program circle was established in spring of 2009 with 11 members and now, three years which is designed to help students and later, has 30 members.” youth aged 12 to 29 with their Organizations eligible for grants are not-for-profit groups that focus on promoting employment needs, as well as assisting growth and positive change in children and youth in the Steinbach area. Grant employers fill vacant positions. applications can be picked up at the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce. The deadline On average, about 75 students use the for application is June 15, 2012. service each summer, and many continue The last couple weeks have been pretty interesting in the real estate business.

Established back in 2009, the Chrysalis Fund started as a group of a dozen their jobs into the following year. As We have been working with different clients and found that there seems to be women who gathered together in a new philanthropic venture through a nonwell, each year at least 50 employers more buyers than houses, especially in Winnipeg and surrounding areas. profit giving circle. The members combined their money into a shared fund with are looking to fill numerous positions, Unable to find what they were looking for on MLS without going through a each member contributing $1,000. Grants are then given out to various organizations including waitresses, cashiers, child bidding war, competing with ten to twelve other offers, and paying 50-80k over from the earned interest. asking. Our clients asked us to look at some ComFrees and ‘For Sale By caretakers, and mechanics.

Local organizations looking for some support from the Chrysalis Fund can pick The MYJC also runs the Odd Job Owners’ to see if we could avoid all the bidding wars and just buy something at up an application from the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce office. Anyone Squad which hosts summer events such a more reasonable price. What we found was totally contrary to what they had women interesting joining can make contact by emailing as barbeques, strawberry picks, perogy expected. thechrysalisfund@gmail.com. sales, labour lotteries and car washes When we approached the sellers they were more than happy to work with us held by the youth with the office and were very co-operative, however, when it came to putting in an offer it was manager’s supervision. This gives youth more like an auction than a bidding war. under the age of 16 a chance to make What we mean is that when you are dealing with a realtor that is selling your money and gain work experience. home a bidding war is arranged in a way to get maximum value for the seller The Niverville centre offers services however it is also fair for the buyers, there is no favouritism or unfair to the communities of Glenlea, Grande advantage.

Pointe, Ile-des-Chenes, Landmark, The offers date is known ahead of time.

Lorette, New Bothwell, Niverville, and Every offer if submitted is in a sealed envelope.

St. Adolphe.

Before the envelopes are opened the listing agent calls each realtor to inform them how many offers are submitted and asks if there is anything they would On April 11 the Steinbach RCMP received like to change before opening the offer. a report that a residence on road 43E in the The offers are opened at the time of presentation with the seller clients and RM of Ste. Anne had been broken into. they sign that this process was followed.

Missing from the residence was a MTD Comm Free: lawn tractor and a Bissell carpet cleaner. No one we talked to had a definite offers date, they all said around this day?

Police are asking for the public’s assistance They told me what the other offers were. Eg: We have offers ranging from in locating the individuals responsible for 270-290k. So I knew if we wanted the house I’d have to be higher. The problem is if they told me the other buyer’s number, even if we went higher, they would the theft.

If you have any information you are asked probably tell the other buyers my number. to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) You may or may not get a second chance to change your bid.

326-4452 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222- In the end we didn’t go with offering on a private for sale by owner. We did, 8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrimestoppers.com however, find the right property for them and everything worked out. or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to We would also like to point out that if you are looking at buying or selling a home there are many other facets to be aware of besides the price, whether they Crimes (274637). be legal, moral, or ethical. For your best protection we feel you should always use a realtor. Realtors are trained professionals and know what questions to ask and where to find answers to all your questions.

By Marianne Curtis

ComFree vs. Realtor

Thieves Steal Mower and Carpet Cleaner

Until next time hope this helps and if you have any questions or you would like more information contact Travis 371-7223 or Eileen 3710255.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

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May 2012

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Landscape with Safety in Mind Many homeowners have a padmount transformer located on their property (a green rectangular box that looks like a short filing cabinet on a cement slab with electrical equipment inside). In order to incorporate it into a landscaping plan, follow Manitoba Hydro’s guidelines to do so safely: - Keep the padlock side free of plantings - Don’t plant trees with invasive root systems near a padmount transformer because the roots could lift the concrete pad Always keep in mind that a padmount transformer indicates buried lines in the area, so be sure to call Manitoba Hydro before you dig for any project in your yard. Electrical wires, gas lines, telephone connections - the area underneath your yard can be a very busy place. Call in advance, to prevent damage, save the cost of unnecessary repairs, and avoid possible injury or death. A technician will visit your home, and locate and mark any underground electrical wires or natural gas lines on your property.

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

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

Did you know?

Ecoscaping is a growing trend among homeowners who want to take care of their lawns and landscapes but want to do so in a way that’s environmentally friendly. Integrating both landscape architecture and spatial planning with environmental science, ecoscaping is meant to help homeowners create a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape design. It’s natural to assume that ecoscaping includes looking for ways to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, but there are many additional ways homeowners can embrace ecoscaping.

This includes removing or refusing to plant invasive plants that are difficult to control because they are from different ecosystems and can threaten local wildlife and existing plants. Instead of choosing exotic plants that aren’t native to the area, choose native plants that are accustomed to the local climate. Another way to embrace ecoscaping is to develop a planting strategy wherein plants are planted in beneficial growing conditions that can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and excessive watering.

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May 2012

Protect Your Garden from Hungry Animals Homes full of garden beds with blooming flowers and foliage can seem warm and inviting. Planting flowers is one of the easiest ways to transform the appearance of a home with minimal effort and expense. Too often homeowners plant annuals and perennials only to find their hard work has been damaged by hungry animals, like deer, rabbits and underground pests. There are ways to keep animals away from plants — many of which are humane and environmentally safe.

Keeping furry marauders away from the garden is something individuals who live in rural or suburban areas have to consider when planting. Many communities are growing and encroaching on the natural habitats of wild animals. With some of their natural food sources diminishing, animals may decide to partake of the easy pickings that come from residential home gardens.

If you understand how these animals feed, you can take precautions to restrict access to planting beds.

Rabbits tend to munch on vegetables and ornamental plants. Small in stature and not able to scale fences very easily, rabbits might be deterred by a low fence surrounding plants.

Consider digging some chicken wire below the fence a few inches to discourage digging under the fence.

The fence should be 18 inches high, and you should keep the openings no more than one inch because rabbits can squeeze through small openings.

In terms of gophers, moles, voles, and other burrowing animals, the key is preventing underground access.

Chicken wire or another abrasive material put under the garden soil can help keep underground animals from burrowing under and then up into the heart of the garden.

Deer are another story altogether.

They are tall animals capable of rising up on hind legs to stretch out and reach branches of trees and bushes.

Therefore, taller fences may be needed to protect the garden. But these can sometimes be unsightly, especially in a front yard. Therefore, look for natural barriers that can keep them out. They may be deterred by thorny bushes or plants. Daisies,

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Deer and rabbits can eat many garden plants down to the ground.

papaver (poppies), narcissus, rudbeckia, achillea, agastache, aster, lupine, coreopsis, verbascum, centaurea, and echinacea are available in many varieties and are not attractive to deer or rabbits.

Here are some additional strategies that you can try. * Create narrow pathways between raised beds. Rabbits will feel like they are in prime locations for predators to get at them in this type of situation and may be less likely to venture in. Deer may not be able to navigate narrow paths. * Use mulch. In addition to benefitting the plants, keeping soil moist and fertilizing the areas, mulch also deters many animals. * Interplant different species of plants. Some animals don’t want to bother picking tasty plants out among other varieties they don’t like. So mix plants with ones that animals find unpleasant. * Use other natural deterrents. Animals may be kept away by scents of their predators. Urine from coyote, foxes, dogs, and cats may help. You can also try human hair, cat litter and soap flakes. * Create an animal-friendly area elsewhere. Feed the deer and rabbits the foods they love somewhere away from your garden. They may fill up with favorites and stay away from your flowers and vegetables. * Traps may work. As a last resort, use humane traps to collect animals and release them elsewhere.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

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May 2012

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Tips when Creating an Outdoor Living Space Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular over the last several years. The home improvement boom has shown many homeowners just how easy it can be to transform a home into a private sanctuary that caters to the personalities of the home’s residents.

Outdoor living areas have become an extension of the home’s interior, with many homeowners creating outdoor living rooms and dining areas so they can relax and eat meals outside just as they do indoors. But homeowners thinking of creating outdoor living spaces should consider a few tricks of the trade before beginning their projects. * Strategically place the space. Property often dictates where the outdoor living space will go, but it helps to keep in mind that the outdoor space is more likely to be used if it’s easily accessible from the inside of the home. For instance, if residents need to walk out the front door to access an outdoor living space in the backyard, then residents might find the area is too inconveniently located and they won’t make the most of the space. Whenever possible, plan the outdoor living space so it’s easily accessible from the home’s interior, preferably from the kitchen so it will be easier to carry meals outdoors when dining outside. * Emphasize comfort. Many homeowners look at their outdoor living

A few tricks of the trade can help homeowners create the outdoor living space of their dreams.

areas as places to kick their feet up and relax, so comfort should take precedence when planning the space. Forgo the plastic patio chairs of yesteryear for furniture that’s more sturdy and roomy so you won’t feel cramped or sweaty on warm summer evenings and afternoons. In addition, don’t forget to shade the area. Some homeowners choose to build pergolas, but oftentimes an umbrella or two can do the trick at a fraction of the cost. If the outdoor living area is near trees, they might provide sufficient shade from the often blistering summer sun. But keep a few umbrellas in the garage just in case. * Illuminate the area. Summer nights spent relaxing in the outdoor living area make for great memories. But such nights are nearly impossible if the area doesn’t have some lighting. Tiki torches might do the trick for some, while others who want to avoid giving their outdoor area a luau feel might prefer solarpowered accent lights, which won’t require any wiring. If your backyard attracts its fair share of insects, look for insect-repelling lights or lamps. Whatever your preference, don’t forget to have some lighting so those summer evenings spent under the sky don’t have to end when the sun goes down. * Keep the design consistent with your home. In addition to providing an outdoor respite from the daily grind, an outdoor living space can also increase a home’s resale value. However, homeowners who have one eye on R&R and the other on resale value should keep the design of their outdoor living space consistent with their home. One of the goals when designing an outdoor living space should be to create a seamless transition from the home’s interior to its exterior. The best way to do that is to keep the designs of both living spaces consistent. * Don’t forget the fire pit. A fire pit provides a great focal point for an outdoor living area. Instead of sitting at the dinner table, families and friends can gather around the fire pit and relax with some s’mores and share stories. But even when guests aren’t coming over, a fire pit makes for a great place to relax and let the time go by.With more and more homeowners transforming their homes into their own private sanctuaries, outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity. By employing a few simple tricks of the trade, homeowners can create the outdoor areas of their dreams.

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May 2012

Lorette Trailer Park Still in Limbo Residents living in the Lorette Trailer park are still waiting for the municipality to make a decision pertaining to a subdivision proposal that could force them out of their homes and out of the community.

For the past two months, the RM of Tache has been considering a subdivision application that could see the current Mobile Home Park in Lorette divided into a 25 mobile home condominium development along with 2 separate Common Areas.

The matter was first brought to the table on February 15 at a public hearing and more than a dozen families stepped

forward to request the municipality step in and prevent a numbered company from driving them out of their homes.

If the project is approved as proposed, all the residents in the Lorette Trailer park would be forced to relocate their mobile homes, along with the infrastructure connections so they conform to the new lot boundaries.

Residents would then have the option of purchasing the lot but details on costs and fees have yet to be disclosed.

Paul Grossman is one of many residents opposed to the project.

“This would cost us thousands of dollars and we don’t even know how

Pallister Hits Southeast for Support

By Marianne Curtis On April 11 Brian Pallister announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba, a position to be vacated by Hugh McFayden after the party’s disappointing fall election showing.

Five days later he was in Steinbach for a meet and greet that drew a surprising hundred and forty supporters at the Mennonite Heritage Museum. Pallister said he was pleasantly surprised with the local support at the impromptu meet and greet.

“We didn’t expect to see so many people out,” stated Pallister. “I heard a lot of frustration. A lot of people were naturally frustrated at the end of the last election but now their frustrations have moved away from disappointment to actually fighting for the changes they want.”

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen is the first member within the southeast region to throw his support towards Pallister.

“Brian brings a lot of very good attributes to the position of leadership,” said Goertzen. “Number one, his experience; I think anyone who meets Brian will tell you he speaks passionately about the issues. That is important.”

Pallister is confident voters are moving quickly towards wanting a significant change in government, especially after the recent provincial budget release.

“I am about building our province up and my aim is to build a stronger safer Manitoba where young people do not have to leave to be successful,” Pallister said. “When our government misses the point about keeping taxes low, encouraging small business and encouraging farmers, it isn’t exemplary and it should be.”

Pallister will be back in the region on May 14 to meet with party supporters. He will be in Sprague at noon, in Vita at 3:00 p.m. and in Grunthal at the New Horizons at 6:30 p.m. Exact locations for the Sprague and Vita meetings are still pending.

“The smart thing to do would be to work with me and we will rebuild the provincial Progressive Conservative party,” Pallister concluded. “Let’s be the leaders in encouraging others to offer help to others.”

Pallister is a former high school teacher, businessman and a former provincial cabinet member. Currently he resides in Winnipeg with his wife and two daughters.

much the condo fees will be,” Grossman continued. “This project would require everyone to move their trailers and if we have to move them they become worthless or in some cases, fall apart.”

At the close of the hearing the RM of Tache decided to send the proposal back to the LUD of Lorette to see if they would come up with a different solution.

One idea initially proposed would have allowed the property owners to apply for variation orders to bring residents up to compliance without requiring them to actually disconnect their homes.

On March 6 the LUD of Lorette reviewed the proposal and comments made by residents. Despite the numerous objections, the LUD recommended the municipality approve the plan as presented instead of reverting to the less intrusive suggestion.

Instead of making a decision on the matter, the RM of Tache closed the hearing and decided to bring the matter back to the table at a later date.

St-Pierre-Jolys Council Wants Feds to Save Youth Program The Village of St-Pierre-Jolys is hoping the federal government will reconsider after it was decided last month to axe funding to Katimavik.

On April 4 the Village of St. Pierre council passed a resolution of council in support of the program. The resolution also requests that the federal government reconsider terminating the program.

For the past number of years, Katimavik, a six month cross-country youth program, has operated consistently from a house in St-PierreJolys. From that location participants have volunteered throughout the community for organizations including the St-Pierre Manor, Heritage Immersion School, Real Berard School, Centre de petite enfance et de la famille (CPEF), Repos Jolys, SMILE of St. Malo, St-Pierre In Bloom, Youth for Christ and Precision Produce.

The program was designed to support youth in an intensive six-month period of volunteer service through themed programs such as ‘Cultural Discovery and Civic Engagement’, ‘Ecocitizenship and Active Living’, ‘Second Language and Cultural Identity’, ‘Ecointernship’ (Éco-stage), and ‘Katimavik Horizon’ Since Katimavik’s inception more than 31,000 youth have taken part in the program and youth volunteers have been staged from more than 2000 communities.

The Katimavik program was eliminated in the 2012 federal government.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Four Charged in Steinbach with Trafficking Four people, including two 16-year-old male teenagers, are all facing a drug related charge after Steinbach RCMP executed a warrant to arrest earlier this week at a home in the community.

On April 25, Steinbach RCMP attended the residence to execute a search warrant when they noted a strong smell of marihuana. Upon further investigation officers located about 50 grams of marihuana packaged in a manner consistent with trafficking.

Two adult males, Shaun Sass and Trenton Sass, both of Steinbach are in custody and will appear at Provincial Court in Winnipeg to face charges of one count each of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. They have also been charged with Failing to Comply under the Criminal Code.

Two youths have also been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking as well as Failing to Comply under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. One was remanded to the Manitoba Youth Centre while the other was released from custody.

Break and Enter at Cottonwood Golf Course On April 13 at around 1:15 am the Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break and enter at the Cottonwood Golf Course. The culprits gained access through a rear door and made off with an undisclosed amount of liquor. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the individuals responsible for the theft.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Hanover Hires New Administrator As of the middle of May, the RM of Hanover will have a new chief administrator.

RM of Hanover Reeve Stan Toews confirmed that Luc Lahaie will take over as chief administrative officer for the municipality commencing May 14.

“We received a number of good applications but there were a few things that gave Luc the edge,” stated Toews. “He has a history in economic development and he is already familiar with the area.”

Lahaie has been the chief administrative officer for the RM of De Salaberry for the past ten years. Toews noted his council has worked with the RM of De Salaberry in the past and was quite pleased with the way they handled businesses under the guidance of Lahaie. This also helped council decide on the recent hire.

While the RM of Hanover gained an administrator, the RM of De Salaberry must now find a replacement, confirmed Reeve Ron Musick.

“We are surprised to see Luc go, but it is a good opportunity for him,” stated Musick. “We have hired the same consultant as the RM of Hanover to help us with the search for his replacement.”

Incidentally, Lahaie replaced Musick a decade ago when he retired from the position of chief administrative officer after almost 25 years.

Spend Mother’s Day Running for Mom On May 13, the 5th annual Run for Mom is taking place in Steinbach. Over the past five years the annual event has established itself as one of the province’s highest quality running events in Manitoba.

The purpose of the event is to build and support the running community in the southeast, promote healthy lifestyle choices for individuals and families, and support local charities, specifically Anna’s House in Steinbach. Last year over 500 people participated in the event.

Event organizer Greg Penner stresses that while the event is a fundraiser, actual fundraising is not required.

“Runners do not have to fundraise as their registration fee is donated completely to the facility,” explained Penner.

Proceeds from the entry fees will be given to Anna’s House. Anna’s House is a family resource center that is located in Steinbach, and is dedicated to serving expectant mothers and families with children up to the age of 5.

To date over $16,000 has been raised by the Run for Mom and donated to this cause.

Cost for participation ranges from $15 for youth to $30 for an adult dependant on the length of the run and date of registration. Family rates are available also. To register or find more information visit the event’s website at runformom.ca.

Tacoma Driver Sought in Hit and Run

Just days after announcing his bid of provincial PC Leadership, Brian Pallister was in Steinbach at the Mennonite Heritage Museum greeting supporters.

On March 31 around 3 pm Steinbach RCMP received a report of a hit and run at the intersection of road 34 North and Road 40 East in the RM of La Broquerie. It was reported that an eastbound vehicle was rear ended by a late model dark blue Toyota Tacoma, no plate number was obtained.

Witnesses indicated that the Tacoma would have damage to the passenger front bumper area. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle and driver that fled the scene.

If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1800-222-8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrmestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

Judo Club Hosts Successful Tournament in La Broquerie

The Steinbach Judo Club captured nine medals during a one day tournament recently hosted in La Broquerie.

Members who participated in the event include: (from front to back and left to right) Ivan Plett, Logan Friesen, Kelden Christ-Bonnell, Kadin Christ-Bonnell, Zachary Wareham, Joshua Birta, Cassedy Reddekopp, William McKenzie (Sensei), Lauren Thompson, Vincent Blais-Shiokawa, Justin Slywchuk, Wyatt Lajoie, Matthew Dick, Rayburn Sonier-McDonald.

By Marianne Curtis The Steinbach Judo club is celebrating after successfully hosting a judo competition in La Broquerie which drew competitors all the way from Ontario.

On April 14 the Eastern Manitoba Open Judo competition took place at the St. Joachim School in La Broquerie. The event was open to all classes, yellow belt and up. For the beginner’s levels, this is the final tournament of the season.

Jacinthe Blais, with the Steinbach Judo Club, is very pleased with the overall participation and results in the first tournament the club has hosted in the region. The event was such a success that 91 people from Ontario and Manitoba came out to participate.

“Our tournament went very well,” stated Blais. “Thirteen athletes from our club won a combined nine medals.”

Blais added the clubs appreciation for William Mckenzie, who acted as tournament director.

“William did an excellent job and we had excellent help with the younger fighters,” she noted.

This year’s Judo season will end May 5 with a tournament in Portage La Prairie. While the majority of the club will take a break until the fall, one member has one more significant competition on the horizon. Vincent Blais-Shiokawa will be representing the club at the Canadian Judo Championships taking place July 5 to 8 in Toronto.

Well Water Testing Made Easy The Seine-Rat River Conservation District is assisting residents in eight municipalities with having their well water tested for the presence of E.coli and Coliform bacteria.

Over the summer months the SeineRat River Conservation District has prescheduled water collection dates so residents can plan ahead for their sample collection despite a busy summer season. Water testing through this program is available to all residents living within the conservation districts boundaries. It will cost $8.03 per sample.

Water bottles can be picked up in advance, however, samples must be taken on the day of the drop-off and submitted with a completed form prior to 11 am on the collection date.

Collection dates are slated for May 17, June 21, July 19 and August 16.

Bottles can be picked up and dropped off at a number of locations including the Seine-Rat River Conservation Office in La Broquerie, the Rural Municipalities of Ste. Anne, Hanover, De Salaberry, Tache, Ritchot, Stuartburn and Piney offices, along with the Town of Niverville office.

May 2012

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Fire Fighters Injured in Grass Fire A RM of La Broquerie fire fighter was taken to hospital and a second treated in ambulance. They were injured while attempting to extinguish a grass fire.

On Friday, April 28, fire crews battled a grass fire along Loewen Boulevard, two miles from La Broquerie. The fire, which started in a backyard fire pit, moved quickly towards a residential area but fire crews were able to contain it.

“It was pretty busy for awhile but we managed to put it out before losing any buildings,” stated Fire chief Alain Nadeau.

Fire fighters were onsite for about five hours before the fire was contained. No buildings were lost but one fire fighter

was taken to hospital and another was treated in the ambulance onsite. Both fire fighters that received the medical attention were treated for smoke inhalation and exhaustion.

He added that the municipality has a fire ban in place and while a backyard fire pit is allowed after dark, burning of garbage or in larger pits is banned.

Anyone found burning outside of the permitted regulations could result in receiving a bill to recover fire fighting costs and fined for noncompliance.

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May 2012

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