Dawson Trail Dispatch October 2021

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Premier of Manitoba Finds Balance in Leading the Province

MLA for Steinbach Kelvin Goertzen chose not to run for party leadership, but accepted the position of Interim Premier. Goertzen is also the only Premier from southeast Manitoba.

Submitted photo

By Dan Guetre A recent update in Wikipedia shows Kelvin Goertzen’s page totally up-to-date as the 23rd and current Premier of Manitoba. While this may seem unimportant to a few, most others if you really think about it, would considered this quite the accomplishment as only 22 previous Manitobans have attained this accolade in the history of the province. Goertzen is also the only Premier from southeast Manitoba.

First elected in 2003, Goertzen has worked his way up in politics and earned the respect of his peers, enough so, he was chosen to lead the province until October 30 or so when a new leader will be chosen by the Progressive Conservative Party following the resignation and departure of Brian Pallister.

Goertzen’s past is not without controversy though.

According to Wikipedia, in 2003, Goertzen

participated in a public protest against the legalization of same-sex marriage.

More recently, in May 2018, Goertzen was strongly criticized by the NDP opposition for speaking at an anti-abortion rally in Steinbach, and for constant deferral of questions related to women’s reproductive matters, including abortion, to Rochelle Squires, Minister of the Status of Women.

In September 2020, Goertzen made a personal Facebook post emphasizing the right to refuse vaccination. This received condemnation considering his position as former Health Minister and his portfolio at the time as Education Minister.

“It is a challenging position to be in when you are the Premier, but also knowing a new leader is soon to be elected. Every day as Premier, especially during these times of COVContinued on page 5...

October 2021

Manitobans Reminded That Fire Prevention Week Runs to October 9 The focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is ensuring everyone learn the distinct sounds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make.

“When an alarm makes a sound, whether it’s a beeping or chirping sound, we need to know what to do,” said Municipal Relations Minister Derek Johnson, minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner. “In some cases there isn’t much time to get out safely, so you don’t want to waste time wondering what that sound is or what you should do.”

Knowing the difference can save you, your home and your family. The simple act of testing alarms and making sure everyone in the home is involved can make the difference between safety and tragedy. To learn the sounds of specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.

Other safety tips to keep everyone safe and learn the sounds of the alarms in your home include: • a continuous set of three loud beeps –beep, beep, beep – means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out; • a single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed; • all smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years; • chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced; and • make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all your family members including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Focus on Southeast as Pandemic Level Response Moves to Orange The Manitoba government has taking additional steps to protect Manitobans and maintain health services, including non-COVID19 care, during a fourth wave of the pandemic.

“Rising case counts and COVID-19 transmission in the province means we need[ed] to introduce new measures now to reduce the impact of a fourth wave of COVID-19 on our hospitals,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon.

“Case counts and hospitalizations are rising everywhere in Canada, and Manitoba is not immune. That is why we must be proactive now.”

The minister noted Manitoba’s progress on vaccination remains one of the best in the country with 80.4 per cent of eligible Manitobans fully vaccinated and 84.9 per cent who have received at least one dose as of Wednesday. But case numbers and hospitalizations are now increasing, noted Gordon, especially among the nearly 400,000 unvaccinated Manitobans, which will place the province’s medical care system at risk if the rise continues unabated. People who are not fully vaccinated accounted for 75 per cent of new COVID-19 cases, 79 per cent of those admitted to hospital and 100 per cent of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.

Data also shows that hospital admissions related to COVID19 have increased by 26 per cent recently with COVID-19 related admissions to ICU increasing by 17 per cent during that same period. Should this continue, Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, cautioned access to other medical care in hospitals will have to be reduced or halted to ensure sufficient ICU capacity for COVID-19 care is available.

To increase COVID-19 preparedness and address the fourth wave, the province took three new steps to help reduce COVID-19 transmission by moving to the restricted (orange) level on the Pandemic Response System; introducing additional public health orders that expand requirements for proof of immunization and reduce gathering sizes when unvaccinated individuals are present; and implementing new patient protocols to ensure additional health system capacity when needed.

The COVID-19 response level on the province’s Pandemic Response System was raised to restricted (orange) from caution (yellow) to reflect the increased severity of risk. Roussin noted the move to the restricted (orange) level will not affect schools. Schools will remain

at the caution (yellow) level at this time to ensure youth can remain in school as much as possible. At this time, public health officials continue to recommend a school-specific approach when risk is identified.

New public health orders will allow fully vaccinated Manitobans to continue to enjoy as much freedom and as few restrictions as possible.

Unvaccinated individuals who are eligible to be vaccinated will now be more restricted in their activities.

This includes limiting private indoor gatherings for households to guests from one other household when any unvaccinated person who is eligible to be vaccinated is present on the property (even if the unvaccinated person lives at that location); limiting private outdoor gatherings for households to 10 guests when any unvaccinated person who is eligible to be vaccinated is present on the property (even if the unvaccinated person lives at that location); reducing indoor public gathering group sizes to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated, including weddings and funerals; and setting indoor group sizes for faith-based gatherings to 25 people or 33 per cent capacity, whichever is greater, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated.

Fully immunized Manitobans and those under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine may gather without capacity limits in each of these areas. Household gatherings, weddings, funerals and faith-based gatherings can occur for fully vaccinated individuals and those under 12 without any restrictions. For example, faith-based gatherings may take place with a choice of services at their discretion for fully immunized worshippers (no restrictions) or unvaccinated worshippers (restricted capacity as set out above).

In addition, gated or controlled events and gatherings where proof of vaccination is required will continue to be permitted.

The public health orders will also reduce all outdoor public gathering sizes to 50 people and move retail capacity to 50 per cent in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in this region.

The new orders came into effect on October 5, with an additional oneweek grace period for weddings and funerals already scheduled to minimize disruption.

Roussin noted that fully vaccinated Manitobans and Manitobans who are not eligible for vaccination will be largely unaffected by these new orders.

“Our data shows that vaccination works, as the vast majority of hospitalizations and ICU admissions are in people who are unvaccinated,” said Roussin. “But nearly 400,000

Manitobans are either unable or unwilling to get vaccinated and our health-care system remains at risk from the delta variant of COVID-19 with case numbers and hospitalizations rising. [The] announcements are the consequences of that reality.”

Future changes may include requiring all those eligible to be vaccinated to provide proof of vaccination to participate in indoor recreational activities and allowing partially vaccinated youth aged 12 to 17 (with one vaccine dose) to participate. Conversations will continue with sports organizations and other stakeholders to seek feedback.

“More than 80 per cent of eligible Manitobans have gotten vaccinated to protect their own health and those around them, and we thank you for that,” said Gordon. “But right now, there are nearly 400,000 people who are not immunized in Manitoba and they are at a high risk of infection. If you want to keep children in schools and ensure medical procedures people need are not postponed, please get vaccinated now.”

Gordon noted the province’s critical care capacity must remain protected for patients. New protocols will be put in place to protect capacity at sites that support patients in intensive care units, as well as those in need of surgery. Patients admitted to a hospital or health-care facility for care will be assessed for their individual care requirements and may be transferred to the most appropriate facility in Manitoba with the capacity to meet their needs in order to maintain vital ICU capacity. This may mean patients are medically transferred at no cost to another Manitoba facility located outside their home community. This includes patients who live in Winnipeg.

Staffing complements for ICUs have been intensified. The minister noted additional nurses trained to support patients in need of critical care have been made ready in recent months. This includes more than 137 nurses who completed a two-week general ICU orientation course offered between April and July 2021, as well as 67 nurses who have completed or are currently enrolled in a 12-week critical care orientation program. Further opportunities for nurses to complete this specialized training will be rolled out.

“Vaccines have been shown to reduce the serious effects of COVID19 and lessen the need for hospital care. With unvaccinated people requiring care in our hospitals and ICUs, these steps are necessary to maintain critical care capacity for all other patients in our hospitals,” said Gordon. “COVID-19 has created a heartbreaking backlog of surgeries and other medical procedures right across the country. Every new COVID-19 patient that requires hospital or ICU care can delay needed care for someone else.”

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

October 2021

Bethesda Hospital Expansion to Benefit South East Community Premier Kelvin Goertzen said during the announcement. “The expansion and renovation at Bethesda Regional Health Centre will significantly reduce the need for those living in Steinbach and in the surrounding communities to travel elsewhere for care while providing the facility the capacity to continue to grow in the coming years to continue to meet the community’s needs.”

Additional acute care in-patient beds and expanded medical capacity, including a new renal dialysis unit, are part of a significant expansion and renovation that will reflect Bethesda Regional Health Centre’s importance as a district hub in Manitoba’s healthcare system and provide care that is closer to home for many residents in southern Manitoba.

“The COVID-19 pandemic remains the challenge of our time and our government’s bold vision to provide better health care, with improved access and services closer to home, for all Manitobans remains our top priority,” said Premier Kelvin Goertzen, during the announcement. “The expansion and renovation at Bethesda Regional Health Centre will significantly reduce the need for those living in Steinbach and in the surrounding communities to travel elsewhere for care while providing the facility the capacity to continue to grow in the coming years to continue to meet the community’s needs.”

“Our population is aging and our government’s investment at Bethesda Regional Health Centre is an investment in the improvement of patient care for people living in the community and the health region, both now and into the future,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon.

“By improving services at Bethesda, we are supporting the delivery of more healthcare services that are more convenient for patients living in or near Manitoba’s third largest city to access.”

The nearly $32-million investment will include an addition and renovations to the facility that provides space for 23 additional acute care medicine beds and enables the site to support additional surgical capacity in targeted areas.

Part of the plan includes an investment in the treatment of patients for a wide variety of needs at the site including palliative and end of life care, chronic and cardiopulmonary disease and women’s health.

The project will see upgrades to the pharmacy that supports the delivery of chemotherapy services and establish Bethesda as a regional hub for cancer services; and the expansion allows for the construction of six dialysis stations to establish renal services in the community.

“Bethesda Regional Health Centre provides essential medical services to the grow-

ing population in Steinbach and surrounding communities,” said Jane Curtis, CEO, Southern Health. “This new investment in expanded acute care inpatient capacity and renal services will strengthen the network of resources that makes Bethesda an important hub of medical services for meeting the long-term needs of this growing area with access to high-quality, specialized care that is closer to home.”

The new renal services unit at Bethesda, first announced in last year’s throne speech, follows a feasibility study and review that looked at the number and frequency of patients travelling for dialysis with anticipated operational costing to determine community need.

Schematic designs for the new unit are already well underway, with tendering to occur in early 2022 and construction to immediately follow in the spring, the premier noted.

“Establishing kidney dialysis services at Bethesda Regional Health Centre will improve patient outcomes and quality of life,” said Dr. Mauro Verrelli, medical director, Manitoba Renal Program and provincial medical specialty lead, renal health. “For patients living in or near Steinbach who are used to making multiple trips per week to other cities to receive dialysis, providing these services within the community will save them time while keeping them close to the network of family and friends they rely upon for support.”

As first announced in budget 2021, Manitoba is making a historic $812-million capital investment in building, expanding and renovating health-care facilities across the province in support of the Clinical and Preventive Services Plan. The plan, led by clinicians, establishes a geographic network of care that will improve access to care for all Manitobans and identifies improvements in Steinbach as being significant to efforts that support better care sooner and as close to home as possible.

“We are excited to support a meaningful project that will improve patient services in Steinbach and the communities that access care here,” said Garth Reimer, board chair, Bethesda Foundation. “By further strengthening the role of Bethesda Regional Health Centre, this investment will help create a healthier community for generations to come.”

October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Why Would You Expect a Different Result?

Well the federal election is history.

Many of us are still wondering why the Prime Minister called for a new mandate.

Calling an election from a minority position, and during a pandemic the future was pretty well ordained that the Liberals would be punished for this audacity.

Needless to say we all knew what the outcome would be and it has historically been the norm that the party which caused this faux pas either loses some seats or doesn’t form a majority government.

Yes, we are left wondering, why? If priority one was to get rid of COVID we should not be in this self-inflicted position of waiting for a month to see a new cabinet in action.

Action is what is needed now. We are now in the fourth wave and with all due respect, even the Provincial Premiers are still stuck doing the same thing over-and-over like hamsters on a wheel and expecting a different result. Why would you even expect a new result? Because of this deadly variant and provincial leaders ignoring reality we are getting hammered.

Due diligence and leadership is required and long overdue. I would strongly recommend that the Federal government lead like they have a plurality of seats; nobody is going to cause a new election any time soon, especially if they’ve read their history books on how not to-win an election or look back over the past few months.

Maybe one of the requirements as a leader is to do a bit more reading of our history? It would certainly help, with a multitude of issues we face. That would be a novel concept to not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Once COVID is checked and no new variants have murderously popped up we will collectively exhale, made even do a little dance and definitely be more amenable to feeling grateful and casting our democratic vote.

As we wait for winter, those dark months sheltered out of the cold, will only benefit the virus more as we move indoors. We may all need a booster shot to get us through the winter further complicating matters over the next few months we are all facing together.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Thank You, Provencher I was very pleased to be re-elected to a fourth term as Member of Parliament for Provencher.

I’d like to thank my team and all our wonderful volunteers for all their hard work, and my family, for always being there for me.

Thank you to my opponents for letting their names stand and to all those who voted, for participating in our democracy.

All Canadians can now give a collective sigh of relief that election 2021 is over.

This was an especially divisive election.

It was an unnecessary election—it’s only purpose to

satisfy the bruised ego of Justin Trudeau and quench his thirst for more power over the lives of Canadians.

It was disappointing to see Justin Trudeau returned to power, but it is with another minority government.

Conservatives will hold him accountable to Canadians.

Now that the election is over, we must work together to put aside any lingering bitterness and learn to live as a community, again. To look for common ground (where possible) and engage one another— including those with whom we disagree—not with hostility, but with honesty, civility and compassion.

That’s what I’ve strived to do in my career and what I will continue to do as your MP.

It is an honour to serve the people of this riding and I am excited to get back to work, representing Provencher views and values in Ottawa.

For more information on this or any issue please feel free to contact my office toll free at 1-866-3331933 or at 204-326-9889. Visit me on Facebook at Facebook.com/TedFalkMP. You may also write my office at 9A-90 Brandt St, Steinbach MB, R5G 0T3 or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

Strategy and Supports Available for Mental Health As students return to the classroom, we are making the necessary investments to support mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Our government recently announced a $1 million investment for mental health supports for staff and students in Manitoba. This is in addition to the $2.5 million announced last year dedicated to supporting students’ mental health and wellness.

The new Manitoba Mental Health in Schools Strategy will be implemented in partnership with school divisions and stakeholders to support school-wide mental health strategies. These plans include training for teachers and school staff, teaching supports for mental health, ensuring appropriate tools and supports are available for all students, teachers, and school staff, and having an open conversation about mental health.

Our lives have been impacted by COVID-19 in many ways, including significantly

impacting the mental health of Manitobans. I’m proud to be part of a government that values and prioritizes the importance of investing in mental health supports.

Our government also recently announced the recipients of the Manitoba Trails grant funding, and I am pleased to highlight that both the communities of Richer and Monominto have been selected as recipients. Richer will receive $7,000 to undertake upgrades to the current walking path. Additionally, Monominto will receive $15,000 to implement a new trail system in their community. This funding will help provide Manitobans with safe and accessible ways to enjoy all the beautiful sights our province has to offer.

This year, Rail Safety Awareness Week took place from September 20 – 26 across our province. In 2018, the Legislative Assembly passed my private member’s bill to establish the Rail Safety Awareness Week Act – legislation creating an annual Rail Safety Awareness week in late September, making our province the first one in Canada to put such an event into law, in an effort

to reduce railway-related accidents, injuries, and deaths. It is important that Manitobans are educated on proper rail safety, and that it is practiced at all times.

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to attend Le Rendezvous festival in Richer. It was a lovely event full of lots of activities, live music, and even featured a delicious fall supper. I had a wonderful time chatting with constituents and being out and about in the community; it was great to regain that sense of normalcy. I would like to thank the organizers and volunteers who made this event possible.

For more updates and information, visit my website at boblagasse. com. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my constituency office at ca.lagasse@ outlook.com or 204-807-4663.

Lorette Métis Local to Host Virtual Meeting The Lorette Métis Local are hosting an online Zoom meeting on Wednesday, October 13 at 6:30 to 7:30 pm where they plan to update their members

about what they have been up to since their last meeting, news about their winners of the “What it means to me to be Métis” contest and upcoming Fall workshops.

They invite you to come and share your ideas with them. Please RSVP to lorettemetislocal@gmail. com for a link to the Zoom meeting.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Premier of Manitoba Finds Balance in Leading the Province ID-19, decisions have to be made. So in that sense, no day in the Premier’s chair is truly place holder as day-today decisions need to be made,” said Goertzen when asked about his definition of ‘interim’ and how he is handling the position. “But longer-term policy decisions also need to have the input of a new leader as they will be expected to manage them. Which means that those longer-term legislative decisions need to be held off on until a new leader is in place. So it is a little of both. There are daily decisions that have to be made and I am making them. But on longer term policy matters it is important that they be held over for the next Premier’s input.”

Goertzen said his family is taking this all in stride as they have always been by his side throughout his political career. Goertzen is no stranger to extremes in responsibility having held, what most consider, two of the most politically charged portfolios in cabinet.

“My family is used to being in the spotlight having spent a good deal of their lives in it through my role in elected life,” explained Goertzen.

“As the former Minister for the two largest departments in government (Health and Education) and then Deputy Premier, they are fairly resilient to these things.”

“But being sworn in as Premier was special. Only 22 people before me have taken that oath of office so they [family] were proud of the accomplishment,” added Goertzen. “I was sworn in at Government House by her Honour Janice Filmon, the Lieutenant Governor, and it was the memory of a lifetime.”

“Since then, my son also has been coming to the office a fair bit on weekends and eating pizza in the Premier’s office. So that’s pretty

cool too!” said he said.

Goertzen does have a personable and sometimes humorous streak, especially if you are a follower of his social media accounts which can be disarming at times when things get politically complicated (Editor’s note: He’s too young compared to my age but I always thought of him like the crazy fun uncle at a family reunion).

“As for social media and my sense of humor, I think I’m too old to change my ways now on that front,” admitted Goertzen. “My friends and family treat me exactly the same, as they know me for all of my imperfections and quirks.”

If you follow Goertzen’s life you come to realize that he bleeds the colour blue, and while he may be a staunch Progressive Conservative, this shade is actually Winnipeg Blue Bombers blue.

When asked about choosing a highlight of being Premier so far, those who know him could have guessed one of the answers.

“Being able to invest the 2019 Winnipeg Blue Bombers into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt for winning the Grey Cup was special to me as a really avid Bomber fan and having attended the Grey Cup that year in Calgary,” he stated but added, “Also, representing the province at the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 at the International Peace Garden was also very meaningful and moving.” He explained that one event represented a great time of joy in Manitoba, and the other, a time of tragedy in North America. He believes both were meaningful and special in their own way.

Goertzen took his seat in the Premier’s chair in the midst of a highly controversial proposed education bill that sought to rewrite how edu-

Continued from page 1...

cation is served up in Manitoba. In his opinion, a balance needs to be found.

“There is a lot in Bill 64 that was positive. Improving education outcomes and providing better education opportunity for all Manitobans no matter where they live is something I think everyone agrees on.

And that is work that needs to continue,” said Goertzen. “However, the Bill did drift too far away from the K-12 Commission report, particularly when it comes to the governance piece. I do believe in local input on education matters. How that happens can be a matter of debate and discussion, but those local voices need to be heard on education matters and Bill 64 didn’t accommodate those enough.”

Goertzen’s role as Premier may be short, but it was something he did think about with his family.

“I look at this as something I can do to serve the province as Premier and help the PC Party as Leader. So I’m really focused on it as an act of public service and when that service is over, I hope to simply continue to serve in some other way in the Legislature,” said Goertzen. “My time in office has never been about the position, but rather the ability to serve. And that can happen in many different ways, not just as Premier…

I don’t think I will be relieved or disappointed [when the term ends].” “…I have found that throughout Manitoba there is significant respect for the office of Premier, which is likely true regardless of who is in it,” he concluded. “I view the role and the office of Premier as really being owned by Manitobans so I try to treat it that way. I’m the steward of the position and office at this moment, but in the end it truly belongs to Manitobans, not me.”

Autumn is in the Air The leaves are changing colour, the days are getting cooler, and our kids are back in school. That’s right, autumn has officially arrived. While we may be sad to think that summer and all the activities that are associated with these warm months are coming to an end, there is still much to look forward to before our cold Manitoba winter takes over. In fact, autumn in Manitoba is one of the most beautiful times of the year.

The first thing that many Manitobans think of when autumn arrives is Thanksgiving, which has always been a special time for me and my family.

As challenging as this year has been, Thanksgiving is a time when we can remember and acknowledge the goodness in our own lives and the lives of our friends and family.

Underneath the stream of hardship, frustration and fatigue associated with the ongoing restrictions runs a deeper current of blessings that can

easily be taken for granted, and I pray that we get through this incredibly tough time together.

While every person may have their favourite dish, the centre of any traditional Thanksgiving dinner is an oven-roasted turkey. Fortunately, Manitoba has a thriving turkey industry that can provide every good Thanksgiving dinner with a locally raised turkey. Manitoba has 52 turkey farms that raise approximately 1.4 million turkeys annually. Like many Manitobans, I believe every meal is better when it’s made with locally sourced products.

Another Thanksgiving staple in my home is pumpkin pie. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a homemade pumpkin pie with a hearty scoop of whipped cream on top. Thankfully, the constituency of Springfield-Ritchot has many roadside markets, farms and grocery stores that can provide you with locally sourced pumpkins to make your own delicious pumpkin pie. Or, you could support one of our local caterers or restaurants for a complete take-home Thanksgiving meal.

This autumn, the gardeners and farmers who are experiencing below average crop yields are thankful for

the produce that managed to grow and survive, despite one of Manitoba’s driest years on record. Nonetheless, Springfield Area Farmers Aiding Relief Internationally (S.A.F.A.R.I.) and other Manitoba farmers are donating a portion of their crops in partnership with the Canada Foodgrains Bank, who keep an eye on world events to help those in need.

Weather experts are saying that, thanks to our hot summer, Manitoba’s warmer-than-normal autumn weather may linger into October, giving us even more chances to enjoy the outdoor activities that we love. Whether it’s a walk, a jog, or a bike ride, be sure to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall colours in our Manitoba landscape.

Once again, I wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving, and as always, I am privileged to serve you and your family as your MLA. I welcome your questions, comments and concerns by email at Ron@RonSchuler.com or by mail at Box 150, Oakbank, MB R0E 1J0.

By emailing or writing me with your views, you are helping to keep our government informed on what our citizens are thinking and feeling, and I sincerely thank you for that.

October 2021

Niverville’s Town Clean Up Day Brings Community Together

By Angelique Forest Niverville hosted another successful annual clean up day near the end of September where both residents and businesses joined in the Fall clean up.

The day was created to encourage tidying of yards and to promote a sense of community by coming together to beautify the town as the seasons change from summer to fall.

Residents had the opportunity to dispose of larger items not normally picked up by the weekly waste collection. The larger items simply needed to be brought to a central site in the community.

In conjunction with the Fall Clean Up Day, the Town of Niverville also announced that free shredding had returned.

Residents were able to bring their documents for shredding,

sponsored by Niverville Credit Union to their parking lot.

Composting was also available providing residents with all the access needed to really deep clean their yards.

Led by the Town, Niverville residents and businesses joined in recently for a Fall clean up of the community.

Photo by Angelique Forest

October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

ROC Distributes Free Recreation Equipment to Families During Tour

By Dan Guetre

With an abundance of sports and recreation equipment in hand, Recreational Opportunities for Children (ROC) Eastman has loaded up a trailer and are visiting eastern Manitoba communities distributing various sports equipment for free to families that need it.

ROC Eastman provides services that reduce barriers to recreation participation for children living in the Eastman area.

Just completing stopovers in Sprague, Vita, Dominion City, St. Adolphe and Steinbach in early October, ROC is now preparing for visits on October 16 to Beausejour, Powerview/Pine-Falls, Lac Du Bonnet, Whitemouth and finishing in Richer.

According to Steph McLean with ROC, she hopes that any family that has a barrier towards acquiring recreation equipment such as financial, meet with them at a scheduled event and get set up, or reach out to them to get the support they offer.

“We have an abundance of equipment and this is a way to get it out to families,” explained McLean. While ROC has lots to give away, she wants those who need special equipment to inquire so that it is not with them in the trailer. Many times they can accommodate these requests she said. The trailer has a large selection but definitely not all they have, ready to distribute.

With the small community rural tour, McLean hopes it will be more convenient for residents to take in the opportunity.

ROC also invites anyone with equipment they are not using anymore to drop it off with them. They will ensure it finds a new home with an appreciative family.

To drop off equipment or make a donation contact ROC at 204-371-2887, email info@ roceastman.ca, visit their website roceastman.ca or connect on facebook.com/ROCEastman.

Recreational Opportunities for Children (ROC) Eastman has loaded up a trailer and are visiting eastern Manitoba communities distributing various sports equipment for Submitted photo free to families that need it.

MHV Receives Special Support for Canada 150 The Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) has received funds courtesy of the Province of Manitoba and the Manitoba 150 Host Committee.

MHV is recognized as a Signature Museum, doing its part in capturing and preserving the province’s history.

“Museums help to provide us with a deeper understanding of the past. Museums provide us the opportunity to gather and

STARS Dispatched to Bull Riding Mishap

On October 2, the Richer Fire Department was dispatched to assist STARS Air Ambulance with landing at the Dawson Trail Park in Richer. A group of bull riders created a “practice pen” to keep their skills sharp and during their last round of rides, a bull rider was thrown and stepped on by a bull. Organizers immediately called 911 and stabilized the participant until STARS arrived. Although the participant was knocked unconscious for about a minute and was awake when STARS arrived, he was transported into Winnipeg as a precaution to undergo tests. According to organizers, he was released and home later that evening.

Photo RFD Facebook page

celebrate, and more importantly to learn and to reflect,” said Premier Kelvin Goertzen.

The MHV is one of seven designated signature museums to receive $23,800 as a grant that could be used for school and youth programming, exhibits, improving visitor experience or other improvements to these facilities that would support the mandate of conserving and promoting Manitoba’s history.

Trails Manitoba Delivers Funds for Local Trails Trails Manitoba has selected the first projects approved under the program, which has been funded by the Manitoba government through the Manitoba Trails Improvement Endowment Fund and the Manitoba Trails Improvement Fund - Rural.

These funds are part of an overall $10million investment by the province in trails during the past year in partnership with Trails Manitoba and the Winnipeg Foun-

dation, and they will generate revenue year after year to support the creation, maintenance and enhancement of recreational trails across Manitoba.

Local projects approved to receive funding include the RM of Ste. Anne - LUD of Richer for a walking path betterment project at $7,000 and the RM of Tache for the Monominto hiking and walking trail at $15,000.

Read the Dispatch online at dawsontrail.ca

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Government Responds to Silica Sand Mine as RMs Form Advisory Committee

The public, scientists, researchers and the Federal government have all responded to CanWhite Sands Corp (CWS), proposal to extract silica sand by drilling in Manitoba’s aquifer.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jonathan Wilkinson said in a public letter responding to the re-proposal by CWS on September 8 that the, “Request to Designate the Vivian Sand Extraction Project was based on missing and misleading information in the Vivian Sand Extraction EAP and the Hydrogeology and Geochemistry Assessment Report prepared by AECOM Canada Ltd.” He further added, “The missing and misleading new information pertains to significant effects from the project that would be within federal jurisdiction.”

A critique report submitted to the Federal Minister from D.M. LeNeveu, M.Sc. (biophysics) January, 2021 also looked at what happens when a slurry line leaks.

In his letter, Minister Wilkinson, summarized, “A spill from the CWS slurry lines that would carry selenium, arsenic, other toxic heavy metals, and harmful microbes could drain into fish bearing water bodies such as the Brokenhead River and Cook’s Creek,” said the Minister’s letter. “The slurry line would be expected to carry the extremely toxic acrylamide monomer from the clarifier tank. The contaminants will be ever increasing in the slurry lines as water is recycled and fresh extracted sand and flocculent is added to the slurry line and recycled water loop.”

A study submitted to the Minister’s office on the groundwater flow, said, “It moves quickly in the carbonate aquifer eventually discharging into the Red River, a major fish bearing water body. The contaminants including selenium introduced and formed in the aquifer by the re-injected aerated water will eventually discharge into the Red River. Selenium is toxic to 6 aquatic organisms above two parts per billion.”

Responding further the Minister Wilkinson said, “The carbonate and sandstone aquifers would be exposed to contamination from agricultural chemicals animal fecal matter, septic tank seepage and surface run off into the subsided depression and sinkholes.”

The letter went on to state that these contaminates would migrate in the carbonate aquifer, eventually discharging into the Red River contaminating all the wells along the flow path, due to hydrogeological connections between the aquifers and Cook’s Creek and the Brokenhead River.

This means that all the water wells along the flow path would be contaminated which is in addition to the increased salinity, the release of contaminated water back into surface and ground water and creating exposure to oxidization with sul-

phide in pyrite that will, mobilize heavy metals such as arsenic within the aquifer.

Any waste material would also contain concretions and oolite nodules that would likely be acid generating and would require specialized disposal and storage on site.

Currently CWS has not cleaned existing test hole sites.

Now, seven southeastern municipalities have formed a Municipal Silica Sand Advisory Committee.

The rural municipalities of Tache, Ste. Anne, La Broquerie, Hanover, Brokenhead, and Reynolds along with the City of Steinbach, form the committee.

The Committee was formed to serve as an advisory body to the municipal council of each participating Municipality regarding independent review and obtaining of information to better understand the effects that may arise as a result of CanWhite Sands silica sand extraction and processing operations in southeast Manitoba.

The Committee is concerned about the silica sand mining extraction as proposed by CWS. CanWhite has submitted Environment Act Proposals for a silica sand processing facility and separately for silica sand extraction.

The member municipalities are interested in any impacts to water quality and quantity of the aquifers, surface water, any land use issues including undue contamination, and impact on municipal infrastructure and services.

The Committee will provide recommendations to the Council of each member Municipality regarding the best solutions for mitigating any impacts of silica sand mining, which could include regulation or restriction of silica sand mining through municipal by-laws.

Membership of the Committee is comprised of one elected official and one administrative official of each member Municipality.

The Chair of the Committee is the Mayor of the Rural Municipality of Tache. The Chief Administrative Officer of the Rural Municipality of Tache will provide direct administrative support to the Committee and chair a committee of administrators of the member Municipalities. The Committee held its first meeting recently on September 27.

For further information, the committee invites you to contact your local Municipality.

As proposed, CWS wants to produce over 1.3 million tonnes of silica sand annually. The project would include the construction of a wet plant, a dry plant and a rail load out, to receive trains on a weekly basis.

According to the CWS, “Extraction would involve temporary water well drill holes into which air would be injected to flow water and sand to the surface as a slurry. The slurry would be transported to the processing facility using a moveable slurry line, which would be relocated alongside the drilling rigs.”

October 2021

October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Le Rendezvous a Resounding Success

By Myriam Dyck Richer, known for its active volunteer base and community spirit, rose to the occasion yet again. After two years of being unable to host the annual rodeo due to the pandemic, local residents were more than ready for a community event.

Multiple service groups came together to create “Le Rendezvous”, a cultural experience to celebrate Manitoba 150, the 150th anniversary of the Dawson Trail and the Indigenous, Métis and Francophone cultures.Music and activities were front and center in the Dawson Trail Park, the Dawson Trail Museum and the Richer Young at Heart Club.

“Approximately 1,400 people attended the three venues throughout the weekend,” reported Dan Guetre, a member of the Le Rendezvous

committee. “We could not have asked for better weather. It came together almost perfectly with the help of all the groups involved, sponsors and of course, the volunteers.”

Guetre estimates that just over 2,500 people visited the three different sites over the weekend. Due to Provincial Health Orders in place, organizers were limited to 500 people per day at the outside venues and a much smaller number for the indoor settings.

“The entertainment was very diverse with all the cultures we wanted to represent,” continued Guetre.

“Add that to the tasty custom created food and the weekend is one to remember.”

“In addition to the entertainment, Le Rendezvous was the perfect opportunity for the kickoff of the Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour, a

wonderful Fall Supper, a trail ride down the Dawson with Red River Carts, wagons and outriders, and to show off our community and

our historical culture,” said Guetre. “Now we are getting questions about turning this into an annual event… all the service groups will

have to get together and discuss the possibility… right now we are celebrating a successful weekend and taking a breather.”

Photo by Myriam Dyck

The beautiful warm sunny weather over the weekend days was complemented by crisp clear evenings and an almost-full moon throughout the whole celebration weekend. Attendees enjoying a bonfire by the tee-pees.

Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour

Dawson Trail Museum

Photo by Myriam Dyck

The Dawson Trail Museum Committee held an extended version of their weekly outdoor Farmer’s Market outside on the museum grounds, which was well attended throughout Saturday afternoon and tied in well with the Art Tour displays inside the museum building itself..

Photo by Myriam Dyck

The Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage committee held the 2021 Dawson Trail Art Tour in the Dawson Trail Museum where local artists and artisans showcased their work. Many mediums were represented from metalwork, beading and jewelry to wood carving and hand sewn items as well as displays by local painters and writers.

Photo by Kevin Jourdain

A special cake honored the 150th anniversary of the Dawson Trail.

The Dawson Trail Historic Map Mural.

Photo by Myriam Dyck

Photo by Myriam Dyck

Horse-drawn wagons shuttled attendees between the Dawson Trail Park and the Dawson Trail Museum throughout the weekend and were a highlight for many people who had never had wagon rides.

Photo by Arley MacKinnon

In addition, the committee held a ceremony unveiling interpretive board which will be permanently situated on the Enfant Jesus Heritage Site (Dawson Trail Museum) grounds and serve as a roadmap for visitors following the historical Dawson Trail Tour featured on their website dawsontrailtreasures.ca.

Richer Young at Hearts Club A delicious take-out Fall Supper was organized by the Young at Hearts Club, as well as a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday Morning.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

October 2021

Dawson Trail Park Interpretive Historical Site This was the perfect occasion to showcase recent improvements to the Dawson Trail Park.

In 2020 the Richer Community Club received a grant from the Coop Community Spaces program to create an Interpretive Historical Site including a “trading post”, tee-pees, general store, and a pergola featuring a bronze plaque dedicated to community founders and builders. They also improved lighting and some natural landscaping. This whole project was Photo by Myriam Dyck designated to explain how the First The Richer Community Club which was used by the Métis peo- including bison meat, to and from Nations, Métis and Francophone people came together to create a also commissioned the building ple on the plains through most of hunting and camping, and later, at of their very own Red River cart, the 19th century to carry goods, farming sites. community over 150 years ago.

Red River Expedition Ride Photo by Myriam Dyck

Photo by Eldon Zigarlick

Selkirk area resident Armand Jerome has become one of the few people in Canada to build replica Red River carts. A regular on the “Back to Batoche” rides and veteran of many long-distance histor-

ical re-enactment events, Armand and his wife Kelly decided to put on their own historical ride and recreate the original Red River Expedition of 1870 as accurately as possible. Starting from Kenora by

dogsled in February of 2020, their ride was unfortunately interrupted by the pandemic and postponed.

As part of Le Rendezvous, Armand and Kelly arranged to ride from the current east end of the

Dawson Trail into Richer on Friday morning. They were joined by other wagons and teamsters, as well as local area horseback riders, for a 15-kilometre ride. Spectators were waiting eagerly for their ar-

rival into the Dawson Trail Park.

Both of the Red River Carts and one of the historical rebuilt wagons was on display in the park during the rest of the weekend.

The Red River Cart commissioned by the Richer Community Club was presented to the Dawson Trail Museum for display on the Museum grounds in future, as the committee felt that was the rightful location for it to be displayed for visitors attending the museum and a feature on the Dawson Trail Heritage Tour.

Live Entertainment at the Premier Tech Multiplex The stage at the Premier Tech MultiPlex kept the spectators engaged throughout the weekend with talent.

Indigenous drumming and dancing, Francophone songs and square dancers, and Metis fiddlers and jiggers all got their chance to connect with the audience.

Photo by Kevin Jourdain

Replica Red River Cart was presented to the Dawson Trail Museum.

Photo by Myriam Dyck

The large open well-ventilated space of the MultiPlex was perfect as tables were spaced far apart and households could remain physically distanced.

Photo by Myriam Dyck

Award-winning Indigenous performer Winston Wuttunee was a crowd favourite, encouraging the young people in attendance to dance and participate in hoop dances and sing along with him.

Photo by Myriam Dyck Photo by Myriam Dyck Francophone band “Ca Claque” performing on Friday night. Their “#1 fan” Dante Whiteman danced and skated during their whole performance with a huge grin The Trading Post was open to purchase event memorabilia and local artist’s work. and infectious energy that got the crowd going.

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October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

“Pop-Up” Harvest Festival Coming to Ste. Anne

By Dan Guetre

to a small business, Ste. Anne will along the banks of the Seine River.

Celebrating a Fall harvest is an play host for a celebration on SatHosted by Farm Dog, they are in annual tradition in many small com- urday, October 9 from noon to 7 pm the final touches of putting together munities across Canada. And thanks at their Redemptoriste Park Pavilion a day of food, music, family fun, raffles and a market.

Farm Dog is Manitoba’s Farm-toTable food cart.

“Several years ago, when our eldest daughter had moved for university, and our son had graduated and moved out, we quit our corporate jobs, sold everything we had, and got on a train with our youngest daughter to Quebec to learn to be organic farmers,” recounted Jamie Trudeau, one of the creators of Farm Dog. “Once we returned to Manitoba we settled in Ste. Anne, where Luc grew up and set out to build our own homestead. We enjoyed our own products so much that we started selling not only to family and friends, but to restaurants as well, and then it blossomed into our own business! We are big fans of festival food, and wanted to elevate it with Settling back in the area where Jamie Trudeau’s husband and in-laws were raised inspired our own Manitoba-grown products them to get involved and create an event in the community. and our penchant for quality foods with big flavours!”

“We’ve been looking to host a musical event in Ste. Anne since we returned to the area in 2019, as there are a lot of phenomenally talented residents here!” explained Jamie. “We are very passionate about supporting local businesses, and now that we are one, we would like to be able to bring the community together to enjoy the warm, waning summer days, the incredible music of our local cultures, great food, and to celebrate the families of Ste. Anne.”

Hosted by Farm Dog, they are in the final touches of putting together a day of food, music, family fun, raffles and a market.

Submitted photos

“We are hoping for a variety of very local acoustic acts, of which we have a few but are definitely looking for more!” continued Ja-

mie. “We’ll also have face-painting, games, and additional activities for the kids, as well as a small market of local maker.”

Summer in the City Revamped for 2021

Summer in the City this year was a huge hit as Steinbach Arts Council partnered with the Mennonite Heritage Village. Hundreds of people were Submitted photos able to watch live artists, make artwork of their own, and even get their hands messy with some pottery demos.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Temporary Homeless Shelters Project at a Standstill

By Angelique Forest A temporary homeless shelter project is a standstill unless help from community and donations comes in time to take this idea from concept to reality.

The temporary shelters are the brainstorm of Josh Griffin, a 30-year old from Winnipeg, who has set a mission for himself, to reduce the struggle involved with homelessness. He plans to do this by helping create temporary homeless shelters made of recycled plastic blocks.

He said that this would also help the environment by using up plastics that may otherwise end up in the landfill.

According to Rachelle Young in her blog Canada’s Plastic Problem: Sorting Facts From Fiction, Canadians alone produce an average of 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste per year, 2.8 million tonnes ending up in landfills. One third of plastics produced here are single-use products or packaging. Griffin says he can help reduce those numbers in an environmentally friendly way and create bricks from the plastics.

In a recent report, Resource Assistance for Youth, Inc. (RaY) highlights the findings that Homelessness is on the rise and the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the challenges for the people involved.

“We need emergency services and emergency shelters. We also need a wide variety of housing options,” said Breda Vosters. “We also need 10-year, 20-year investments into these sort of things that will help people in the long run.”

The recycled bricks and other building materials have many more benefits than using wood, metal or concrete such as being resistant to water, chemicals, fire, UV rays, insects, mold, rot, corrosion, splits and cracks, as well as paint resistant (graffiti).

Griffin had a lot to say about the project. “A local farmer reached out to me saying that if I could figure out how to recycle the silage bags that they are constantly going throwing out then I would

really be on to something. These silage bags can also be recycled!”

When asked about the impact on the industry he plans to enter, he had only positives to say. “I definitely want to provide builders with completely eco-friendly materials!” said Griffin. “This would also help them with skyrocketing lumber costs. I will be able to produce everything from walkway tiles/ bricks, decking board, fencing, siding, roof shingles, shop flooring, 3D printer filament, etc. I have so many ideas! This is all I have thought about for the last 2 years!”

He seems to know exactly what he’s doing and what is needed. “HDPE#2 is a thermoplastic and has very good insulation properties as well. It is lighter and more flexible than wood, concrete or metal. It’s

also easy to clean and will last much longer than other building materials,” explained Griffin. “Finally, it can be recycled again in the end into new materials.”

He said that once his goals are accomplished, he plans to join the private sector, supplying building materials to stores/businesses across Canada. His short term goal through Kickstarter is to gain start-up funding to allow him to purchase the equipment necessary to build the plastics blocks.

“My biggest hurdle right now is finding a workspace so this can be taken from concept to production,” he said.

To help Griffin on his journey to build these temporary homeless shelters, find him on Facebook, or visit his kickstarter by the name “Recycled Plastic Bricks“.

Plastic bricks that Josh Griffin plans to make for temporary homeless shelters. Photo courtesy of Josh Griffin

RM of Piney Council Offers Hunting Words of Wisdom It’s that time of the year again and the RM of Piney would like to remind all hunters to be smart and safe this season.

The region is home to an abundance of hunting land and they invite hunters to get a copy of the municipal map to become familiar with the land you wish to hunt.

They are asking hunters to please respect the landowners by ensuring per-

mission is in place with landowners, follow any restrictions landowners may impose on when and where you can hunt, treat livestock and crops as your own, leave gates the way you find them and avoid entering private land where permission was not granted.

Further, they are asking hunters to respect fellow hunters, follow safe firearm

handling practices, avoid consuming alcohol and be generous by sharing knowledge and skills with others.

Lastly, they are asking hunters to also respect non-hunters. This can be done by ensuring you transport animals discreetly, keeping firearms out of sight and maintaining a presentable appearance while out in the community.

Lorette Curling Club Ready to Throw Rocks The Lorette Curling Club offers women, men, mixed, doubles and junior’s curling leagues. In addition, there is a drop-in option for those who would like to try out the sport of curling or cannot commit to a

seasonal league. For more information see their website lorettecurling.ca.

Further, the Lorette Curling Club Executive Board is currently looking for some executive positions to be filled in order to

ensure continued success. Positions available are President, Vice-president, Mixed League Rep and Double League Rep. For more information contact lorettecurlingclub@lorettecurling.ca.

October 2021

11

Revamped Louis Riel Bridge Edges Closer to Decision The Manitoba government has released feedback from the public engagement on EngageMB for improvements to the Louis Riel Bridge on Provincial Road (PR) 305 in Ste. Agathe.

“The existing bridge was built in 1959 and serves as a vital link to Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 75 that helps connect people, businesses and agricultural land on both sides of the Red River,” said Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler.

Two design alternatives and traffic management strategies were presented, along with the online public engagements for public feedback regarding the two alternatives.

The first alternative presented would require a bridge closure and would see the replacement of the entire bridge deck and railings, wider lanes and sidewalks, and an increase in the load carrying capacity of the bridge. This option would require single-lane closures and approximately 16 weeks of full bridge closure over the one–and-a-half-year construction period.

The second alternative proposed would require the replacement of the entire bridge deck, girders and railings, and an increase in the load-carrying capacity of the bridge, a wider total roadway width and a new separated sidewalk. This proposed alternative would require approximately two years of construction work, with a minimum of one lane open at all times.

Over 200 responses were received, of which 75 per cent live in or near Ste. Agathe. Of the respondents, 51 per cent indicated the first alternative would have more of a negative impact on their travel patterns than the second alternative and 68 per cent indicated the wider roadway and separated sidewalk in the second alternative would have a positive impact on pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The results of the public and stakeholder engagement will be considered to determine the preferred design alternative. A final decision on the bridge design is anticipated to be released winter 2021-22.

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October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Senior Group Partners with Meal Service Tache Senior Resources is excited about partnering with Heart to Home Meals to offer their community a delicious food option with over 200 food items to choose from.

Order by Friday October 8 to have

meals ready for pick up or delivery on Wednesday October 13. Pickups will be from the Club des Blés D’Or, who have generously offered their location for easy pick up, at 1254 Dawson Road.

Heart to Home is offering two free chocolate ice creams to new customers. Returning customers will receive one free meal. For more information reach out to Tache Senior Resources on Facebook.

Ordering is easy. Flip through the catalogue, make a list of what you would like at hearttohomemeals.ca/meals, call toll free 1-888-216-1067 and let them know you are with Tache Senior Resources, place your order.

There are no contracts or subscriptions. Simply order what you want, when you want, with no obligation to place a regular order. Heart to Home does not charge tax on meals or soups; desserts are subject to tax.

There is Hope in Sharing In The Moment

By Arlene Derksen

The snow crunched happily under our feet as the almost 0° temperatures and the warmer mid-February south winds, made this winter walk more inviting.

Only acquaintances at best through work, our connections went deep with intermittent moments of greetings and smiling eyes no mask could prevent.

Today, as we enjoyed a lovely winter walk, along with some students, to our favourite local coffee shop, our conversation easily moved to something deeper as we both cradled are steaming coffee shop treats.

The conversation; stories, were filled with times of experienced uncertainty as the shared stories included the diagnosis of a stage 4 brain cancer for a 1-year old beautiful baby sister, and my story of a season of paralysis. GBS, my husband endured about 10 years ago now. Both amazingly in the same seasons.

Our sharing of our stories continued as we talked about the dark valley walked for all involved during those difficult moments.

As our walk was nearing its end, both our stories came to a brilliant conclusion as we both shared unexplained miracles that had been declared by doctors in both our stories, and how God had gotten the glory for all that had happened and all that could not be explained.

We had only walked a short time that day, but our hearts were blessed and uplifted in the sharing of the hope we had found in each of our lives in the midst of some very dark moments we had both experienced many years ago.

We may not all have stories that go to these depths, but I would venture to say we all have everyday moments in our lives in which we can share, to give hope to others on their Journey.

Hope to take just one more step, one more day. And then another. We all need Hope. Today, take some time to reflect on moments in your life where hope of any kind was experience from the heart of God, and dare to share with someone. Anyone along your journey.

Because the world needs our stories of hope and there is Hope in sharing.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

St. Adolphe and Surrounding Communities Come Together

October 2021

Niverville Cancels 2022 Manitoba Games Due to Pandemic

By Angelique Forest

Ritchot Senior Services hosted a successful outdoor show.

By Lina Le Gal Ritchot Senior Services partnered with Le Comité culturel de Saint-Adolphe to provide a day of music, friends and food for the community of St. Adolphe on Friday, September 17.

Thanks to a grant from l’Association Culturelle de la Francophonie Manitobaine and Patrimoine Canadien, live music was provided by Yvette Audette and Alexandre Tétrault that had every-

one’s toes tapping. It was so wonderful to see everyone out and enjoying themselves. The Ritchot Senior Services provided a home-made lunch that included a choice of chili, borscht, pea soup or potato soup as well as a choice of desserts including cupcakes, brownies, date slice and peanut butter marshmallow slice.

As the day was winding down, door prizes were drawn. Prizes were provid-

Live music was provided by Yvette Audette and Alexandre Tétrault that had everyone’s toes tapping.

Photos courtesy of Lina Le Gal

ed by Club Amical, Caisse Financial, St. Adolphe Pharmacy, Jules & Raymonde Manaigre and Ritchot Senior Services.

Additionally, amazing raffle prizes winner were chosen. Those prizes were provided by Source for Sports on Pembina, Tupper Terry, Denise Aubin Reflexology and the Club Amical. These prizes were valued at over $200 each.

In addition one lucky winner took home $108 from the 50/50 draw.

The 2022 Manitoba Games scheduled to take place in Niverville from February 27 - March 5, 2022 has been cancelled due to the fluctuating health orders as a result of the pandemic.

To prevent the potential spread and to keep the public safe, Sport Manitoba and the Niverville host society in collaboration with the Town of Niverville, provincial sport organizations, Hanover School Division, public health, and Games partners were responsible for the decision. Supporting the decision is the title sponsor, Manitoba Hydro, as well as the presenting sponsors, Credit Unions of Manitoba, Calm Air, Konica Minolta, Travel Manitoba, and the Manitoba Dental Association.

“While I am disappointed by the decision to postpone the Manitoba Winter Games, I support the Niverville Winter Games committee and understand the reasoning behind their decision,” said Myron Dyck, Mayor for the town of Niverville. “I know this was not an easy decision to make but I now set my sight forward to 2026 and welcoming everyone to our community then.”

The list of reasons not to host the games continues to grow as questions involving access to training opportunities, inconsistencies with competition and even overtraining have been mentioned as causes.

Even though the event is cancelled, Sport Manitoba is guaranteeing $150,000 for capital projects to the town of Niverville to give them an opportunity to follow through on some of the benefits of hosting a Manitoba Games. Some projects, like the cross country ski trails at Hespeler Park, have already benefited from this investment.

The funds that remain will be allocated within the community to enhance sport infrastructure and equipment. In addition, Niverville has been offered the first right of refusal to host the 2026 Manitoba Games in the winter of 2026.

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October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Trees Planted in Celebration of National Treaty Day

By Angelique Forest The RMs of Piney, Springfield and Stuartburn are benefitting from 250,000 trees planted in celebration of National Tree Day. A crew of 14 professional First Nation tree planters were out for 7 days beginning on September 27 to plant 250,000 trees in the Sandilands, Vita, and Anola areas. Trees were planted at the Vita transfer station and at the Edie Creek Drainage Improvement Water Retention Project.

This initiative is put together by Tree Canada.

Tree Canada is Canada’s leading non-profit tree planting agency, and Ken Fosty is the Manitoba community advisor. “Trees will provide shade, shelter, wind reduction, wildlife habitat, watershed protection and clean air.

Tree Canada is always looking for large areas of open land for future plantings,” said Fosty.

The trees will help to provide

wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, beautify the community of Sandilands and replenish some open areas as well as replace the older declining trees. Trees will also be planted to provide site screening as well as noise/dust reduction from the railway.

Throughout the spring of 2021, fierce wildfires raged destroying old and new trees throughout the Sandilands Provincial Park and many other areas. A drought that lasted most of the summer followed and kept residents on high alert for fires across Manitoba, with what experts have called extreme drought conditions. Fire bans were issued across many municipalities in southern Manitoba.

For the latter part of September and beginning of October the temperatures were again rising above seasonal temperatures, highlighting the need to plant trees to replace the many lost this year.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Landmark Shoe Box Drive Returns

By Angelique Forest The Landmark Shoebox Committee will once again be collecting donations in order to help send out “shoe boxes” to those in need.

The official drop-off location for donations is 172 Main Street in Landmark at the Landmark Christian Fellowship on Tuesdays between 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm and Saturdays between 10:30 am - 2:30 pm. The location is wheelchair accessible and is following all health orders in effect.

Each box is packed with items approved by the Samaritan’s Purse Canada, a Christian organization formed to provide spiritual and physical aid in Canada and around the world when in crisis. It has operated since 1973 and they are the concept creators of the “shoe box” program.

The Shoe Boxes contains toys, school supplies, hygiene items, clothing accessories, crafts and The Shoe Boxes contains toys, school supplies, hygiene items, clothing accessories, crafts and more.

Submitted photo more.

Piney Council Continues “Meet and Greet” with Residents The RM of Piney Council is hosting three “Meet & Greets” in October promoting residents to voice any concerns and ask council any questions they may have.

A “Meet & Greet” is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13 from 7 - 9 pm at the Evergreen Seniors Centre in Sprague. This is followed by one

at the Over 40 Club in Piney on Tuesday, October 19 from 7 - 9 pm. The final “Meet & Greet” of the month will be held on October 20 from 7 – 9 pm at the Woodridge Community Centre.

Provincial Health Orders in place at the time will need to be respected.

RM Piney Office Reopens The RM of Piney office has reopened to the public with only one household allowed in the office at a time. Face masks will be required to be worn at all times while in the RM office as well. The RM will continue accepting payments online, by credit card over the phone, and cheques may also be left in the drop box.

Public Invited to Tour New RM of Ste. Anne Public Works Building

Pictured are three of the professional First Nation tree planters.

Photo courtesy of Ken Fosty

The new Public Works Building for the RM of Ste. Anne is now built and ready for use. A Grand Opening & Open House is being held at the new building, located behind the RM of Ste Anne offices, on October 7th, 2021 from 3 pm to 7 pm. Public are welcome to come and go as they wish, masks are mandatory to enter Submitted photo the building as per Public Health rules.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Expanded Eden East Mental Wellness Centre Opens its Doors

By Angelique Forest Mental health services are now more accessible in Steinbach with Eden East Mental Wellness Centre located on Stonebridge Crossing which held its Grand Opening on September 24.

Premier Kelvin Goertzen was on hand along with Minister of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, Audrey Gordon, Deputy Minister Kym Kaufmann, Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk, RM of Hanover Reeve Stan Toews, leadership of Southern Health, representation from the Bethesda Foundation, and Eden board members.

“All of the Eden organizations are joined by a common vision. That

people on the mental health journey experience hope, healing and community,” said Crystal Cruickshank, Director of Finance for Eden Health Care Services.

The new, expanded space will enable increased services which reflect Eden’s holistic approach to mental health, offering professional counseling services including group therapy sessions; psychiatry services; community mental health services provided in partnership with Eden and Southern Health throughout the region; youth employment and vocational assessment services; residential housing support including the positive living program, and a Wellness library offering free mental

Celebrating the grand opening of a 3,000-sq-ft. Eden East Mental Wellness Centre in Steinbach.

health resources to the community.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, mental health resources have been in high demand, with many feeling stressed and anxious about the frequent changes in health orders. Others are feeling the financial impact, and students may be anticipating the potential for a change to remote learning again.

With so many contributing factors, the need for a new mental health facility has increased since the beginning of the pandemic. With access to these new resources, residents from Steinbach and the surrounding areas will be able to come together as a community and not only survive, but hopefully thrive as well.

October 2021

15

Niverville Tim Horton’s All in for Orange Donut Fundraiser

By Angelique Forest Across Canada at over 1,500 Tim Horton’s locations, there were bright orange sprinkled donuts available for purchase. But there is more that meets the eye for these limited edition desserts; 100% of the retail price goes towards indigenous organizations that support residential school survivors.

In support of their community, Shane Gottfriedson, Joe Quewezance and Mitch Shuter, Co-owners to the Tim Horton’s located near the site of the former Kamloops residential school, have made it a mission to give back to the indigenous communities still affected to this day. Shane Gottfriedson was also a former Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation chief and former BC regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations.

Sharon and Brian Bruyere of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba were also involved as two members who helped in the working group for the campaign.

“Brian and I are both survivors of the residential school system and we are proud that Tim Horton’s owners across Canada are joining this important initiative that will bring awareness to the ef-

forts around truth and reconciliation,” said Sharon Bruyere.

Niverville’s Tim Hortons was very enthusiastic about their involvement. “Yes, we are participating! I’m wearing my orange shirt in support as well,” said Amanda Bonne, the manager.

“These donuts are selling like crazy; we didn’t anticipate such a huge demand.”

Bonne explained that the fundraiser is a week long, running from September 30 to October 6.

September 30 means a lot of things to many people, all while shedding light on a difficult and dark part of Canadian history. As the healing and reconciliation continues during Canada’s very first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, more and more businesses and individuals are showing their own support for the cause.

Whether it be wearing an orange shirt or supporting a great charitable cause, the new Federal holiday will remind us to appreciate our loved ones, those with us in person as well as in spirit.

It is a day to reflect for those that never made it home, and the lives that were forever changed by the Indian Residential Schools.

Photo Courtesy of Crystal Cruickshank

They’re Not Just for Show

By Myriam Dyck A classic tractor demo day was held on September 22nd near Steinbach. Six classic tractors were put into service tilling a field beside the highway.

The pop-up event was well attended between word of mouth and people stopping from the highway because of the sign. Spectators were offered lunch and got to enjoy the beautiful fall weather while enjoying the sights and sounds of days gone by.

Don Penner of Benner Holsteins was one of the organizers. Several of the Penner brothers have restored tractors and enjoy displaying them.

“We didn’t really know when it would be,” said Don. “We looked at the weather forecast yesterday and

Niverville Elementary School’s way of showing support on September 30th,2021 adding some creative advertising for the cause.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Bonne

Don Penner poses with his McCormick W-4 while other tractors work at tilling in the backPhotos by Myriam Dyck ground.

decided it would be today because it looked like it would be nice. We called up a couple of guys, and they called a couple of guys, and somehow more tractors showed up!”

The Penner family have participated in these demo days with their

classic tractors in the past, but it has been several years since one was held. The field was tilled in short order and several generations of the family took the opportunity to get a good photo with the tractors once the work was completed.

Several branches and generations of the Penner family with their classic tractors after work was completed.

Virtual Speed Networking Offered

by Steinbach Chamber The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce is offering a virtual business networking opportunity on October 14 from 12 noon to 1 pm.

At the Mixer, you will get 1 minute to introduce yourself and give a fun fact about yourself, and 1.5 minutes to provide a pitch on your place of work and

your role there.

According to the Chamber, this Mixer will provide a fun, unique and timely opportunity to connect with other professionals.

Registration deadline is October 11 and spaces are limited.

Visit steinbachchamber.com and click on events.

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October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Fall Home Improvement Tips Easy Ways to Transform Your Kitchen Whether you’re into flipping houses or embarking on small DIY projects, there are many ways to transform your kitchen on budget and on time.

Getting started can seem overwhelming, but lifestyle and DIY expert Erin Trafford shares her best advice on how to tackle a kitchen reno.

- Set goals and priorities Renovating can be a daunting task and preparing for demolition day can be equally as overwhelming.

Before you start, create a list of projects big and small, and set goals and timelines for each task.

Creating a to-do list will help you focus on priorities, such as choosing finishes and organizing trade assistance, while managing your personal tasks at the same time.

- Choose your layout wisely A small kitchen is a reality in many homes. If you’re struggling to decide on the best layout, consider drawing multiple options. Once you have your favourite, tape it out on the kitchen floor to test the functionality of the new design.

- Consider one-stop shopping To simplify the renovation process, consider a one-stop shop for products and expertise. Home Hardware Building Centres offer design advice, tools and quality materials to complete your If you’re looking for ways to work with what you’ve got, try painting renovation project — big or small — cabinets or changing out hardware. Refinishing rather than replac- from start to finish.

- Save where you can ing original hardwood flooring can also save you thousands.

Article & photo courtesy of www.newscanada.com The cost of a kitchen reno can add up

quickly, so consider splurging on a few investment pieces and finding ways to save on the rest.

Establishing your must-have upgrades, such as appliances, countertops and backsplashes, will help you identify where you want to spend money and where you can cut back.

If you’re looking for ways to work with what you’ve got, try painting cabinets or changing out hardware.

Refinishing rather than replacing original hardwood flooring can also save you thousands.

- Select a timeless paint Bold looks are great, but they don’t stand the test of time.

When selecting the theme for your kitchen, choose classic colours that will last more than one season.

Match the paint to the overall décor and the mood you want to set. For a cozy, coastal retreat, try hues of green with greyish undertones.

If you want a look that will last for years to come, choose neutrals for a brighter and more modern space.

- Illuminate your kitchen If your current kitchen isn’t already brimming with natural light, try an upgrade.

Brighten your home with warm lighting such as LED recessed lights or an accent pendant over the sink to mimic the feel of natural sunlight.

Find more information on everything you need to complete your reno at homehardware.ca.

Working Around Power Lines?

Look Up and Live!

Whether you work on a farm, in construction, or doing chores around your home or cottage there’s a chance you may come dangerously close to a power line.

Take a second to look up and live!

It only takes a second for electricity to kill if you don’t! Keep your distance! Power lines and the surrounding air space which insulates the line can be hazardous.

While it is obvious that you should not touch a power line, operating equipment too close to a power line is risky too. The fact is you or your equipment can attract electricity without even touching the wire itself. Electricity can arc or “jump” through insulating space between a wire and a conducting object like a truck or ladder.

The higher the voltage, the more likely it is for an arc to occur.

Before operating farm equipment, dump trucks, bucket trucks, cranes, booms, excavators, backhoes, ladders, or other equipment with a long reach, check for power lines and be sure a minimum distance of 3 metres from lines can always be maintained. Keeping a safe distance away can save your life!

Remember these safety tips: - Survey your job site before work begins and be sure you and your coworkers know where the power lines are, above and below the ground. Consider them energized and dangerous.

- Keep yourself and your equipment, vehicles, ladders and tools at least 3 metres away (10 feet) from overhead power lines.

- If 3 metres cannot be maintained, contact Manitoba Hydro to cover or temporarily disconnect a power line so work can proceed safely. For underground electrical and natural gas lines, request a line locate at ClickBeforeYouDigMB.com well in advance.

- Use a spotter on the ground to help you stay clear of overhead lines and other hazards while operating equipment.

- Avoid storing material or equipment under power lines. If this is unavoidable, hang warning signs to prevent others from using hoisting equipment to move or lift it.

We know your time is important.

We know keeping deadlines is difficult. But when you’re working around power lines, even in your backyard, it’s better to slow down, think and look up.

Visit hydro.mb.ca/safety for more info.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

October 2021

17

Fall Home Improvement Tips Easy DIYs That Instantly Transform Any Space:

3 Projects You Can Do in a Weekend The return of cooler weather doesn’t just mean the start of winter, it’s also the kickoff to home improvement season. Every home deserves a light, airy refresh to embrace a brighter season ahead. Fortunately, transforming your space doesn’t mean you need a big budget or a lot of time.

Elevate your home in just one weekend with these easy DIY projects inspired by Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert.

- Go for faux wallpaper From painting one wall a bold colour or adding interest with a stylish painted arch, there are endless options for creating a focal point in your space with colour. This season, accent walls are going graphic and taking inspiration from wallpaper — with a lot less fuss.

“Whether you choose polka dots, thin lines or an intricate pattern, this transformation is an easy way to give any space personality,” shares Grech. “This project is perfect for those looking to get creative — use a stencil for flawless results in no time.”

- Make a statement with your staircase It can feel daunting to paint an entire room, especially if you want to do it yourself. Instead, look for small projects that make a significant impact, such as painting your stair risers.

Whether you want to add an unexpected pop of colour or take a tonal approach by alternating between shades of grey like Feather Gray 2127-60 and Pike’s Peak Gray 2127-50, Advance interior paint delivers a durable, furniture-like finish on wood surfaces so that you can achieve professional results in a weekend.

- Welcome with vibrant doors Painting your front door is an easy way to boost your home’s curb appeal, but who says you can’t make an immediate impact by painting your interior doors?

“If you lean towards a neutral palette, painting a door in an energizing hue like Marblehead Gold HC-11 can help you incorporate a splash of colour into your home without committing to an entire wall,” explains Grech. If you’re hesitant to introduce a vibrant colour, she suggests Palladian Blue HC-144 for a subtle facelift.

It can feel daunting to paint an entire room, especially if you want to do it yourself. Instead, look for small projects that make a significant impact, such as painting your stair risers.

Article & photo courtesy of www.newscanada.com

18

October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Fall Home Improvement Tips Natural Gas Fire Pit Care Adding a natural gas fire pit to your outdoor living space is a convenient way to enjoy the ambience of an outdoor fire without the dangers of burning wood. But just because you’re using gas doesn’t mean you’re in the clear concerning safety.

Follow these tips to keep your gas fire pit burning free of hazards.

Before buying a fire pit: - Do your research to ensure the gas fire pit you’re considering will be suitable for the location where it will be installed and operated.

Safe installation of your fire pit: - Ensure the location you’re planning is well away from adjacent walls, building overhangs, and clear of low-hanging branches or power lines overhead.

- A gas fire pit must be installed on a non-combustible surface, meet heat and ventilation requirements, and in an area free of combustible products, materials and debris.

- A natural gas fire pit must only be installed by a licensed gas fitter who will obtain a permit, ensure it is installed and operates safely, complies with code requirements and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

- Once your natural gas fire pit is installed, contact Manitoba Hydro for an inspection.

Safe operation of your fire pit: - It is a requirement of the licensed gas fitter to review the safe operation of the unit with you. • Natural gas fire pits must only be operated outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent a fire hazard and risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

- Never leave a gas fire pit unattended while it’s burning and keep children a safe distance away. - Do not use your fire pit for cooking unless it is approved for this purpose.

- Do not line the fire pit with tin foil or put anything into the pit that isn’t approved by the manufacturer. Rocks, glass and simulated logs should be fire-pit approved.

- Dirt, debris, spider webs and bugs can find their way into the unit that may affect its operation and safety. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to regularly clean and maintain your fire pit and use a recommended cover when it’s not in use.

Visit hydro.mb.ca/safety for more information.

Keep Your Yard Clean As High Number of Black Bears This Fall

It’s recommended to keep attractants contained such as garbage, compost, human food and pet food to avoid any kind of contact.

Submitted photo

By Angelique Forest As we welcome the fall season black bears begin to prepare for the winter. They are more likely to be seeking food, especially with natural food shortages in some areas. Bears may be more likely to enter communities in search of food, often associating humans with garbage and food. Once they have found food once, they are likely to return which can put both the bear and the people involved at risk. Being wildlife smart is more important than ever after the increased number of sighting reporting this season.

Even though black bears are timid animals fearing human

interactions, repetitive close contact with humans often means relocating the animals, which can be traumatizing. It’s recommended to keep attractants contained such as garbage, compost, human food and pet food to avoid any kind of contact.

Judy Stearns, who runs the charitable organization, Manitoba Bear Rehabilitation Centre Inc. also know as Black Bear Rescue Manitoba said bear sightings have increased in Manitoba this year. One of the reasons she thinks people are seeing more bears is the drought, which is forcing bears to wander looking for food and water. “Bears are on the move, going to places where they normally don’t go,” said Stearns.

“So we are having sightings of bears where they aren’t normally seen.”

Experts recommend that you never approach or feed a bear or any other wild animal; that you leash dogs when walking outside to reduce the risk of it harassing a bear, being attacked by one or leading a bear back to the dog’s owner; that you remove ripened or fallen fruit daily and do not allow it to rot on the ground; and finally remove bird feeders from April to November to do your part in respecting bears while living in harmony alongside them.

To donate or for more information on Black Bear Rescue Manitoba or if you find a black bear cub that you believe has been abandoned or orphaned, call 204-461-4320 or contact them online at facebook. com/bearrescuemanitoba as soon as possible.

Is it Time for a Trim?

Trees add beauty, shade and value to our homes but it’s important for homeowners to keep their trees from growing too close to power lines and other electrical equipment.

Here’s why: - Tree limbs that come down during storms or high winds can bring power lines down with them. Not only does this cause a power outage, it creates a severe safety hazard by bringing energized power lines to the ground.

- Tree branches that touch power lines can also cause a fire and could electrocute anyone who touches the tree.

Before trimming or removing a tree: - Check the area for power lines.

Keep yourself, your equipment and all parts of the tree at least 3 metres away from the power line.

- If you have a tree in your yard that is touching a power line, don’t attempt to prune or remove it yourself.

Trees are conductors of electricity and a shock could be fatal.

- Only qualified arborists are permitted to trim trees that are near power lines. They use specialized tools and bucket trucks that do not conduct electricity.

- If any part of the tree or hedge is within 3 metres of a power line, call Manitoba Hydro.

Before planting a tree or shrub: - Tree trimming safety should begin during the planning stages of your landscaping.

- Before you plant, look up. If it appears that your tree will eventually grow into or touch an overhead power line, find a location that will not cause problems in the future. See Right Tree – Right Place at hydro. mb.ca to help choose the right plants and make good long-term landscaping decisions.

- If you see a tree that is too close to a power line, report it to Manitoba Hydro at 204-480-5900 or 1-888MB-HYDRO (1-888-624-9376).

Visit hydro.mb.ca/safety for more information.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Withdrawing Life Support I don’t always sleep well through the night, so sometimes I turn on the radio and listen to some overnight shows. On CBC, it’s often programming from around the world, including Britain, Germany and Australia.

It’s good to get news and information from other countries. I think it makes me a more educated and well-rounded person.

Recently, I was listening to the “Health Report” which is a weekly radio program from Australia. But I was much more awake when they started talking about what was happening in Alberta Canada!

The discussion was “who gets care if hospitals become overwhelmed?

What may happen if the hospital systems in New South Wales and Victoria (in Australia) are overwhelmed when they lift restrictions and the expected surge in (COVID19) cases occurs?”

Will the health system cope? Or will it only do so because of tough decisions by doctors about who gets into intensive care units and who doesn’t.

What are the decision making guidelines that hospitals use to make these decisions?

The discussion was about the triage decisions that need to be made when resources are limited. How do the health professionals decide who gets admitted to the ICU (intensive care unit) care and who doesn’t.

Apparently, Australia doesn’t have this process or tool in place (yet) and are looking around the world to see who has it in place and how does it work. They acknowledge they need to have a policy in place to protect the health care professionals and support their decisions about someone’s care.

The number of days someone is on a ventilator may need to be shortened if there are others that need it.

Health professionals may need to

determine that if someone on a ventilator has a very low expectation of surviving that they may remove that patient from the ventilator (and allow to die) and give the equipment to someone else who has a better chance of survival.

Or a patient may not even be admitted to the ICU if their chance of survival is lower compared to others already there.

The discussion was about what tools and processes Alberta has for their decision-making process since they are having to make these decisions now with the overwhelming number of people in hospital and in the ICUs. Most of the patients are COVID patients and almost all of those are unvaccinated.

Family discussion about Life Support I hope you and your family can get together this Thanksgiving weekend or during the fall season. Please do so safely and according to the health guidelines or recommendations, such as gathering indoors with only those that have been fully vaccinated.

And I encourage you to take some time to discuss with your family members about what their thoughts are about life support if they should be hospitalized and need intensive care including the use of a ventilator or other life support measures.

Have you seen the memorial of white flags dotting the lawn of the National Mall in Washington, DC? Each white flag represents each person in the USA that has died from COVID. The number is now over 700,000. One of the flags is for a 99-year-old World War II vet who declined a ventilator and told his family and doctors “to use it on someone younger”.

If you have an older person in your family, would they say the same thing? Ask them. Have the conversation. Can you respect their wishes

and follow through with them when the time comes?

People of all ages should talk about this. I have seen serious injuries happen to young people and parents need to make tough decisions about medical procedures or long-term care for this loved one. If the discussion didn’t happen before the accident, then the parents and other family members are making tough decisions. It would have been much easier if they knew what the person would have wanted.

If you were in a serious accident and in a vegetative state with no chance of recovery, how long would you want to receive life support?

Think about it, talk about it.

These are not easy discussions and it may take many attempts to get even a bit comfortable talking about it with your family.

Advance Care Plan There are many tools to help you with decisions about your end-oflife care.

Dying with Dignity Canada has free Advance Care Planning Kits to help you take the guesswork out of documenting your wishes.

If you do not have access to the internet to print off the documents, give us a call and we can have one printed for you.

October 2021

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Mature Tree Canopy Planted at Centre of Canada Park

By Angelique Forest On September 22 the Centre of Canada Committee was able to access the Tree Planting program to increase the tree canopy at the Centre of Canada Park, which marks the geographical longitudinal centre of the country.

The 20-acre park designed for the whole family is a permanent national meeting place bridging the east and west, celebrating Canada’s history and inspiring future generations.

Through Home Hardware’s partnership with Tree Canada, 40 plus mature trees added to the canopy of trees located at the Centre of Canada Park by the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 206.

Present was a Tree Canada Representative, local Lorette Home Hardware owner, RM of Tache Deputy Mayor, Centre of Canada

Committee Members, as well as members of the general public.

National Tree Day is a celebration for Canadians to take the time to appreciate the benefits that trees provide us with clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and providing us with a link to nature.

Tree Canada is encouraging everyone to take some time on this day annually to go forest bathing, identify your neighbourhood trees, make tree related art, read up on the trees near you and donate to plant urban trees near you.

Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. For more information on programs, research, and what the trees of Canada are visit treecanada.ca.

Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact Ste Anne Tax Service at 204.422.6631 or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Co-op) or info@sataxes.ca.

Curling Season is Just Around The Corner The Ste. Anne Curling Club is reminding everyone that registration for all leagues is open.

Those who wish to curl will need to register as early as possible so that they can plan the best possible curling season for their members. There are no additional fees for registering

online. It is fast and easy and you can pay with credit card or cheque which you provide to the league representatives. Give it a try at steannecurling.org.

Curling rules are Back to Normal this year. Masks will be required entering and moving around inside the

club, but once on the ice masks are recommended but optional.

If you don’t have a team, no problem, they’ll find you one. Register online and they’ll be in touch.

Feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns at steannecurlingclub@gmail.com.

Through Home Hardware’s partnership with Tree Canada, 40 plus mature trees added to the canopy of trees located at the Centre of Canada Park by the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 206.

Picture courtesy of Lisa Woods

20

October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Expressing Our Thankfulness When was the last time you expressed your thankfulness? October is Thanksgiving month. We have much to be thankful for.

Although many of our freedoms are being threatened, we still live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I marvel at the picturesque scenery from sea coast to mountains to prairies.

The Almighty God of heaven, who made all that we see around us, tells us in the Bible, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God.” Ephesians 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God.” We are encouraged to give thanks in all areas of life.

It is a scientific fact that people who are thankful are generally healthier than those that complain. Those who are unhealthy and still thankful would probably be much sicker if they started complaining.

I saw a sign on a preacher’s desk many years ago. It said, “We can rejoice that thorn bushes have roses or we can complain that rose bushes have thorns.” Which one are you?

When we take an honest look at the Bible, there is even more reason to rejoice and be thankful. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth 2000 years ago in human form.

He lived a perfect life and then gave up that life to pay for all the sins of man (everyone).

If you would just believe that Christ died for your sins and trust Him to forgive you and save you He will do that and then make you a child of God. That is the greatest Thanksgiving present you could ever receive!

Have you stopped yet this Thanksgiving month to thank God for salvation through His Son? Why not bow your head and thank Him now.

SAC Launches Membership Drive The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is inviting the community members to consider joining the SAC through the purchase of an individual, family, or corporate membership.

These memberships help to subsidize their program costs, keeping them affordable for everyone.

“It’s an easy, and very effective way to make a positive difference in our community,” said Cindi Rempel Patrick, Director of Development. “We are inviting the public to consider taking a little piece of ownership of our Centre and contribute to the many ways we work to enrich the quality of life for all ages in the southeast. During this time when we strive for emotional, mental, and physical well being in our community, there is no better investment than through a SAC Membership.”

In appreciation for this support, SAC has rounded up new membership partners to offer perks and discounts each time and SAC member steps into a business. Participating businesses will have a small SAC sticker to show they are a SAC Membership partner, where you may redeem your discounts. An electronic membership version will be provided or a printed version if members prefer.

“Besides strengthening quality of life, this drive also supports local businesses. It’s a win-win for all!” said Rempel Patrick.

Corporate members will also receive discounts for employees in SAC programs. Other benefits include discount on rental rates, Season Subscriber Concert packages, additional attractions and voting rights at the AGM. Membership starts at $15. Resident and Non-resident rates can be found at the SAC website.

Thanks to the support from the RM of Hanover, all Hanover residents receive the Resident membership fee.

To see a list of discounts offered and to purchase an SAC Membership visit steinbacharts.ca or call them at 204-346-1077.

Support the Arts - Until October 21, we are excited to partner with a local business, Za Pizza Bistro featuring their delicious stone fired pizzas, for our annual fundraiser this year! Funds raised go to helping keep SAC’s program costs affordable for our participants. Support your local Steinbach Arts Council by purchasing $25 Za Pizza gift cards directly from SAC. Just like the pizza, SAC will deliver the cards to you or stop by the SAC office or call 204-346-1077.

Free After School Guitar ASAP is back and we’re calling all students from Grades 5 to 12 to join our free After School Arts Programs. ASAP will run for 10 weeks starting October 6, 2021, every Wednesday from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. This year, we’re launching with After School Guitar. The After School Guitar Club is a free in-person drop-in, designed to help students learn guitar at any level. Our skilled instructor, Willie Wiebe will help students learn the ins and outs of the guitar in a group setting, whether they have never held a guitar, or if they practice every day. This is a great way to

learn a new skill, meet friends with shared interests, and creatively express yourself through music. No guitar? No problem! Call the SAC Office so we can reserve one for you. There is no risk in joining our ASAP classes. Register online at steinbacharts.ca for After School Guitar or call 204.346.1077. Don’t miss the chance to explore everything that SAC has to offer. More ASAP Classes coming soon.

Annual Corporate Campaign Did you know that SAC is a nonprofit charitable organization? Or that SAC relies on the generous donations from our community to continue to thrive and offer valuable arts programming? We ask individuals and businesses to participate and make a cash donation of any size or a donation in the form of goods and services. Cash, goods, and service donations are all eligible for a tax receipt. Your donation can be directed towards a program sponsorship, studio naming, and a contribution to a bursary program or directly to SAC operations from $50 to $50,000.

Become a Corporate Member for $100 minimum donation and receive additional benefits: - 10% off for 2 or more employees

to attend a class or program at the Centre.

- Discounts to local businesses and other benefits unique to corporate members from the Steinbach Arts Council.

- Name recognition on website, social media, and other relevant marketing materials.

Make a donation on line at steinbacharts.ca or call us at the SAC office, 204346-1077. Please call Cindi Rempel Patrick, Director of Development or email crpatrick@ steinbacharts.ca for more info.

Become a Home Host for Corks N’ Canvas - When was the last time you hosted a fancy dinner for your friends and family? Have you ever hosted one? Well, now is your chance to do just that when you become a home host for our Corks N’ Canvas fundraising event! Enjoy a night of tasting wines and appetizers donated by Country Meat Deli, and experience local art from the comfort of home with family and friends. There is no better way in supporting SAC over some fancy wine and meat, and art! Event happens on October 29. To purchase your tickets, call Sydney at 204346-1077 or Cindi at 204-3268571.

Corks N’ Canvas Scheduled for Later This Month

Corks N Canvas Wine Tasting Fundraiser is back in town on October 29. Fifteen homes will welcome guests, and wine and appetizers and local artworks will be featured. Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is still looking for a few hosts. SAC brings the wine, the appetizers, and the art. So, if you are interested contact Cindi at crpatrick@steinbacharts.ca or call 204-346-1077 for more details.

Submitted photo

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

October 2021

21

Does God Approve?

Memberships 2021 memberships available for $25 per person. Join now to enjoy our member’s benefits!

Current Programs All indoor programming require preregistration by calling 204-320-4600, Immunization Card, and masks for indoors.

Coffee Corner - Monday - Friday from, 10 am – 12 pm. Pre-register.

Cards/Games - Monday - Thursday, from 1 – 3 pm, pre-register, Member $2/ Non-Member $4.

Drumming - Tuesday 1 - 1:45 pm, preregister, Member $2/ Non-Member $4.

PACE - Wednesday 1 - 1:45 pm, preregister, Member $2/ Non-Member $4.

Pickleball - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 am -12:30 pm, register online patporteralc.com at SignUp. Beginner Pickleball - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 – 4 pm, register online patporteralc.com at SignUp. Painting Glass - Tuesday, October 19 at 1:30 pm. Local artist Doug Enns will be back for another painting workshop.

The theme of this paint class will be Bridges. All skill levels are welcome, and supplies are provided. Please call 204-320-4600 to register. Cost $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

Craft Workshop - Fridays, October 8 and 22 from 1 - 3 pm. Join Rita Winter for some card making and scrapbooking fun! These workshops are designed for all skill levels and all supplies are provided, though you may bring photos or memorabilia to personalize your crafts.

October 8: 2 cards, Theme is Autumn, general. Cost $10 per person, any additional cards $5 each October 22: 2 scrapbook pages, Theme is Autumn, Thanksgiving and Halloween. Cost $10 per person. Advance sign up and payment is required. Please call 204-320-4600 or stop by the Centre to secure your spot. Space is limited!

2022 Memberships Available starting October 15. Now’s the time to purchase your 2022 membership. Memberships purchased between October 15, 2021 and January 15, 2022 are $25 each, and $30 thereafter.

Stop by the Centre to purchase yours.

Why become a member? You receive decreased program rates, discounts on special events, discount on rentals of the building, voting privileges at the

Annual General Meeting and it supports the Centre directly so we can continue to provide programs, activities and services to you!

Thanksgiving Meal Friday, October 8. Order by October 6 at 4 pm. This delicious meal is made inhouse by our Meals on Wheels Kitchen.

Featuring all your Thanksgiving favourites, it will be the highlight of your day!

Skip the cooking and the dishes this year and order for yourself and your family.

Only $10 gets you the full meal and delivery within Steinbach (or pickup from the Centre)! Call 204-320-4600 to order before 4 pm on October 6.

Weihnachtsmarkt Friday, November 26 from 11 am to 6 pm. We know Christmas is still a while away, but now is the time to sign up to be a vendor at our Weihnachtsmarkt.

Plenty of crafts, baked goods, music and more festivities await you at our festive market! More information to follow closer to the date. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, call us at 204-320-4600 or stop by the Centre to sign up.

Minds in Motion Minds in Motion is a program designed for people with early to moderate signs of dementia to attend with a family member or friend. This weekly program offers 8 sessions including; a gentle chair fitness class followed by engaging activities and conversation.

Happening at Pat Porter Active Living Centre on Thursdays from 10 am – 12 pm, October 14 – December 9 (No class November 11). Cost $65 per pair; call 204-320-4600 for more information or to register.

Perogies Cottage Cheese and Potato Cheddar.

Freshly made and available at the Centre! We have homemade cottage cheese and potato & cheddar perogies available for sale at the Centre. Please call ahead at 204-320-4600 to ensure availability before pickup. $6 per dozen.

Clinics Foot and Calf Massage - By appointment only! Appointments last 30 minutes and are $2 for members and $4 for non-members. We are excited to be able to offer foot and calf massages at the Centre again. Treat your feet and calves to a relaxing massage. Our massage machines emulate the same techniques

used by massage professionals and are a wonderful treat to incorporate into your day. Call 204-320-4600 and treat your feet today!

Footcare - Licensed Footcare Nurses will take care of your feet and make sure they stay healthy. Call 204-320-4600 to make an appointment.

Hearing Clinic - first Wednesday of the month, please call 1-800-661-2653 to make an appointment.

Rentals We have rooms of a variety of sizes and prices. For pricing and room availability visit our website patporteralc.com, email programs@patporteralc.com or call 204-320-4600.

Meals on Wheels A healthy, warm and delicious meal cooked fresh daily and delivered to your door. We have two Meals on Wheels programs running out of Steinbach and Grunthal. Meals may be purchased for $7 for delivery (residents of Steinbach & Grunthal) or pickup. A meal includes soup, a main dish, sides and dessert.

Please call 204-320-4600 with any questions or to order a meal. To receive a same day meal, you must call before 9 am.

Community Resources Transportation Program Equipment Loan program Friendly Visitor program ERIK Please call 204-320-4600 if you require access to any of these resources.

Circle of Friends Adult Day Program Our Circle of Friends program is designed to strengthen an individual’s ability to continue to function in their homes as well as remain active in the community. The program runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Transportation can be arranged through Steinbach Handi Van. What are some of the things we do? We have lots of coffee and snacks; participate in light exercise and arts and crafts or games. We often have special guests who perform live music and go out for lunch in the community. For more information, please call 204-3204600.

Volunteering All volunteer positions require a Criminal Record Check. To find out how you can help, call 204-320-4600 or email programs@patporteralc.com.

SAC and Za Pizza Bistro Partner to Raise Funds The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is proud to partner with a local business, Za Pizza Bistro, to raise funds for its programs at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Za Pizza Bistro is excited to get involved with a cause that enriches the quality of life in our community through the arts.

With the launch of this campaign families from the Arts 4 Tots Preschool Program and the Backyard Theatre Company are ready to take gift card orders immediately. They are sold in $25 Gift Card increments and may be used at the Steinbach location. The campaign runs

until October 21, 2021.

The public may also purchase the $25 Za Pizza Bistro Gift Cards directly from the SAC Office.

A portion of the sales go directly back into SAC programming. “Za Pizza has come on board as a new community partner and The Steinbach Arts Council is thrilled to work with them on this project,” said Cindi Rempel Patrick, Director of Development. “It’s an honour when a business steps up to support our organization as they see value in our standard of programming SAC provides for the community. And we see value in

supporting a local business that cares about our community and also delivers an amazing and delicious product. It’s a win-win for all!”

Funds raised will help keep our Arts 4 Tots and Backyard Theatre Company Program costs affordable, along with other programs offered at the Centre.

The Arts 4 Tots is a pre-school program inspired by Montessori practices to encourage creative learning in children aged 3-5, while the Backyard Theatre Company Program builds performance opportunities and confidence with its students of all ages.

2 Peter 1: 12-17… 12) So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

13) I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14) because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15) And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 16) For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17) He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (NIV) Looking back to the time when I was a young person, I often did odd or strange things to find out if God would approve of my decision… Like I would flip a coin, heads meant yes, tails meant no: If I got tails, well then sometimes I would go two out of three.

Buying a car: If there was a used green ford car on the car lot, which meant God was telling me to go ahead and buy that car. Other times I would check fortune cookies, all sorts of other silly things to find out if God would approve, why did I do that? Well deep down in my heart I wanted to know the truth, I wanted to know what would happen in the future, I wanted to know if it was the right thing to do. I do not think my motives were wrong; I was just looking in the wrong place because God does not come to us through cookies or the flip of a coin.

See what the apostle Peter is saying here? He is telling us that he wants to bring back the truth which we have forgotten, even though we are founded in the truth, he still wants to refresh our thinking; because sometimes there are certain things we might not want to remember, truths which might irritate us, things that get under our skin. So, we toss that truth into the trash bin of our mind; move it aside… just get it out of the way.

The apostle is not scolding us, there are no accusations, rather he compliments us for knowing the truth, and he desires that he will do everything possible if he lives to ensure that the truth of Christ would grow in us even after he leaves this earth.

The dissenters were already busy during the time that Peter was preaching and teaching… just as they are today. These folks had stopped believing that Christ would return, and that Peter did not have the wherewith-all to tell them what they should believe and what they should not believe. The second coming of Christ was an – illusion – a misrepresentation of the truth – it would never happen. Peter says, “that he had been an eye-witness of Christ’s majesty, and Christ’s suffering.

He reminds us that by faith we can see the cross, by faith we died with Christ to sin, and by faith we were there at His resurrection.

When we question if God approves: What should we do? How do I know what the truth is? How can we apply what has been said to a better understanding of Scripture? Look at 2 Peter 1:20 & 21… 20) Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things 21) For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (NIV) Peter reminds us that all Scripture was written by the ancient prophets under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. No Scripture is a matter of one’s interpretation. We have people today who have spent a lifetime studying the Holy Scriptures and that under the guidance of God through the Holy Spirit have open their minds so that people like you and me can understand whether God approves of our motives and actions.

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 peace in my heart. I really want that peace, joy, and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.” Amen.

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October 2021

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

RCMP FILES If you have any information in regards to any item here you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Heavy Foot Results in Heavy Fine On September 14 at 8:11 pm, patrolling Steinbach RCMP officers observed a vehicle travelling at 135 km/h in a 70 km/h zone on Highway 12 between Clearspring Road and Park Road.

A 20-year old male resident of Steinbach has been charged and received a fine of $901. Due to his excessive speed, he was also issued a Serious Offence Notice.

Scammers Ramping Up Calls, Texts and Emails The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is warning the public about ongoing email, text messages or telephone scams in which people posing as officials from the CBSA are asking for personal information, including Social Insurance Number (SIN).

The methods used by the scammers to communicate with the public, and the rational provided to justify being in contact with the victim, are varied, ever changing, but always designed to lure the public into providing personal information.

In some cases, these scams use false CBSA information. Telephone calls may display numbers and employee names that appear to be from the CBSA. Emails may contain CBSA logos, email addresses or employee names and titles to mislead the readers.

It is important to note that the CBSA never initiates a request for social insurance number and credit card number by telephone or email.

If an individual receives a telephone call or an email asking for this information, or requesting payments from the CBSA, it is a scam.

It is important to be vigilant. These calls or emails should be ignored and reported to appropriate authorities. If you have received this type of call, please report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

St. Pierre Jolys RCMP Investigate Armed Robbery On September 17 at 1:55 am, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to an armed robbery at a business on Voyageur Road, in Ste. Agathe.

Two suspects wearing masks and carrying firearms, entered the business, pointed the firearms at two employees, stole cash and items and fled in a blue four-door vehicle.

The two employees were not injured.

The suspects are described as black males, wearing dark clothing and facemasks. They were both carrying long guns.

If you recognize these males or have any information on this incident please call St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP at 204-433-7433, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

St. Pierre Jolys Officers Involved in Collision On September 10, at approximately 6:30 pm, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to a high priority call that involved an unmarked police vehicle.

The police vehicle was travelling northbound on Highway 59 with emergency equipment activated. It entered the intersection of Provincial Road 311 and Highway 59 on a red light and collided with an eastbound pickup truck.

One of the officers in the vehicle was transported to local hospital, where he was treated for minor physical injuries and released. The female driver of the pickup truck was transported to Winnipeg hospital with non-life threatening injuries and has since been released.

The police vehicle was equipped with a camera. A RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba has been notified of the collision.

At the time of the collision, a separate police vehicle was dispatched to the initial call officers were responding to.

RCMP Search for Stolen Ford Fusion Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle taken between Friday September 17 and Sunday September 19. The vehicle was parked behind the Road House Restaurant on North Front Drive in Steinbach.

It is described as white, 2011, Ford Fusion SE with Manitoba plate J40800.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Suspicious Young Male Sought Regarding Potential Luring On Saturday, September at around 12 pm an incident occurred on Lund Road in Steinbach near one of the mailboxes. A male driving a black 4-door vehicle with clear windows drove up to a young boy and asked him to get in the car. This person is described as being a younger Caucasian male with a black and pink Mohawk.

Anyone with any information regarding this occurrence is asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Falcon Lake RCMP Officer Involved in Collision In the morning of September 17 an officer with the Falcon Lake RCMP was travelling eastbound on Highway 1 in a marked police vehicle when he collided with a vehicle, initially travelling southbound on Provincial Road 302, and was attempting to make a left hand turn onto Highway 1 at Richer.

The 40-year-old male officer, as well as the 21-year-old female from Ste. Genevieve were both transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Steinbach RCMP along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist were onsite to investigate.

RCMP Determine Child Luring Incident Did Not Occur On September 18 at approximately 8:20 pm, Steinbach RCMP received a report of attempted child luring at the Kimberly Bay Park in Steinbach. Upon further investigation, Steinbach RCMP determined that what was initially reported to them as an attempted child luring incident did not occur as originally reported.

A vehicle was seen driving by the children. The driver did provide a greeting to the children, but only in passing. It is believed the vehicle stopped and backed up, causing the children to become frightened and run to safety.

The RCMP commended the children for being aware of their surroundings, getting to a safe location, and alerting police to a potential incident.

See a Suspected Impaired Driver?

The RCMP Manitoba “Most Wanted” webpage has new updates!

Can you help us locate these Wanted individuals? See them all at rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb/wa-re/index-eng.htm Have info? Call your local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

If you see/suspect an impaired driver, call 911 (or local emergency #) to report to police. Operators will ask questions about the vehicle, driver, location/direction of travel & dispatch officers immediately. You truly can make a difference & save lives.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

SAC Opens Hall Gallery with “River Exhibit” This year’s exhibit at the Steinbach Arts Cultural Centre is titled “River Exhibit” and will feature artworks from 23 artists from the Textile and Fibre Artists of Manitoba. The exhibit is open for viewing until October 29.

Due to current public health restrictions the exhibit will also be made available for viewing online at steinbacharts.ca.

Deriving from the exhibit’s name, River Exhibit, the artists’ inspiration comes from the wonderful bodies of water in Manitoba.

Just among the other pieces you will see in the River Exhibit, there is an artwork named Kingston Crescent Through the Seasons.

“Living on the river, I am struck by the ever-changing landscape. This piece is inspired by these changing views and moods of the river through the seasons,” explained Artist Antoinette Blankvoort-Wieberdink. “The size of the individual quilt pieces is directly related to the length of the specific seasons in our climate zone.

It’s the River that ties it all together.”

Every piece in this exhibit will be unique according to the artist’s work and you will find techniques such as felting, patchworking, indigo dyeing, hand bleaching, quilting, hand painting, and embroidery by machine and hand.

After School Arts Program Returns After School Arts Program (ASAP) is back at the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) for all students from Grades 5 to 12 at no cost.

David Klassen, SAC Director of Programming is looking forward to a strong year of After School sessions.

“The Steinbach Arts Council is really excited to be able to provide free arts programming in this way. Our goal is to open to the door to anyone who is interested in the arts, because we believe that these sorts of opportunities are valuable to the overall health and well-being of our community, and especially our youth,” said Klassen.

“We’re investing long term in our young people, and I hope that providing activities like music and visual arts is the beginning of what will become long-term engagement for all of our participants.”

This season begins with After School Guitar for free and is open to in-person drop-in. The program is designed to help students learn guitar at any level with skilled instructor, Willie Wiebe.

Wiebe will help students learn the ins and outs of the guitar in a group setting, whether they have ever held a guitar, or if they practice every day.

Students who do not have a guitar ASC says, “No problem!” If you do not have a guitar available, SAC will provide one, free of charge.

ASAP classes run each week between 4 – 6 pm. With new classes being added all the time, watch the website for upcoming opportunities like After School Clay and After School Visual Arts.

For more information, or to register online, visit steinbacharts.ca or call 204.346.1077.

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

October 2021

23

Is Your Name Earl?

Hello and welcome to another month and a sparkling new column! I am always pleasantly surprised when I find a television show or a movie that can change my outlook on life.

This month’s column is about one such television show that I watch on Disney Plus and it is called My Name is Earl.

A little background on the show,

for those who may not have seen it.

It is about a man named Earl who has done a lot of bad things in his life and wonders why his life sucks.

After a situation where he buys a lottery ticket and wins $100,000 he is quickly hit by a car. While lying in the street he has the sadness of watching the lottery ticket blow away. Laying in the hospital bed he sees two men on television talking about karma and he realizes that all the bad things that he has done in his life has given him the resulting lousy state of his life.

Making a list of the bad things he has done, Earl decides that he will turn his life around and make up for the errors of his past by making things right. While the list starts with 259 things, other items are added to it during future episodes as past errors and misdeeds are remembered

or pointed out to him.

With the help of his brother Randy, their friend Catalina, his ex-wife and her husband and occasionally people from his past, Earl begins the journey to become a better person.

Just a few of the items on his list being: stealing a cat to fix a cat show, making fun of the young girl with a mustache when he was a child, costing his dad an election and stealing a car from a one-legged woman. It is often hilarious and often convoluted as to how he goes about making the wrongs to rights.

While I understand that this is just a television show meant to entertain, I do like to look for ways to improve myself and I can see ways and gleam ideas from within this show to make myself and the world around me a better place.

I cannot help but wonder what

things would be like if we were all to try to be better people. No more lying... speaking only the truth, no more hiding behind a text message... go to the person and deal with your issues face-to-face, quit being soured and jealous of others because they have more than you... go to the person with more and ask for advice and/or guidance.

These are just a few of the things that I wish that the people I have dealt with could improve upon.

Sadly, I have not had the pleasure to deal with many of such a high calibre. Happily, there is room for improvement for all of us... sometimes all it would take would be a simple phone call.

Maybe we should all try to be an Earl.

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

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October 2021

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Roseau River’s Artisan Hall Opens

Reimer Concrete and Building Supplies in Roseau River pulled out all the stops in their official opening of Artisan Hall.

A view of the new Artisan Hall, showcasing over 25 local craftspeople and authors.

On September 25 the staff and owners of Reimer Concrete and Building Supplies in Roseau River pulled out all the stops in their official opening of Artisan Hall.

With colourful balloons and a festive atmosphere, owners Matt and Perla Reimer and their family served Free stuff brought people out to Reimer Concrete and Building Supplies, which created a line free hot dogs and drinks as well as offering some nice door and raffle up at the till, seldom seen in this country business. prizes. Some of the vendors added to the prizes, so there was a lot for people to win. Free stuff brings people out which created a line up at the till, seldom seen in this country business.

Three local charities were supported. The Roseau River Bible Camp and Roseau River Park both received sizeable donations from the purchase Three local charities were supported. The Roseau River Bible Camp and Roseau River Park of raffle tickets. The Reimers also both received sizeable donations from the purchase of raffle tickets. encouraged the recipients of the free

Submitted photos

food to pay it forward with a donation to the Roseau River Park. Some garden vegetables and plants were available as well, with donations going towards a plant medicine project at South Roseau Rapids.

Artisan Hall opened in March 2021 inside Reimer Concrete and Building Supplies. It has become a one-stop shop for handmade, locally produced goods. A portion of the store has been transformed into a showroom for works by over 25 local craftspeople and authors.

Artisan Hall currently offers walking sticks, furniture, children’s clothing and accessories, skin care and bath products, wool bedding, antique quilts, honey, hot sauce, topical balms and salves, rustic signs, wreaths, and centerpieces, solid wood cutting boards and coasters,

afghans, cloth bags to replace some of the plastic bags in your life, and all occasion greeting cards. They also have adult and children’s books by 5 local authors. If you are looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, remember to check out Artisan Hall, less than a mile west off of Hwy 59 on 13N. To get regular updates visit finding Artisan Hall on Facebook and liking it.

The Stuartburn Emerson-Franklin Local Food Initiative is getting ready for Christmas. Mark your calendar for the Christmas Market taking place 4 miles south of Highway 59 at the Tolstoi Community Hall Saturday November 20 from 1-5 pm.

Find us on Facebook to get regular updates about products and vendors at the markets.

Pandemic Spurs Mom to Start Home-Based Business

By Angelique Forest March of 2020 was a month to remember forever, as Manitoba slipped into its first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government issued the first lockdown and the world stood still. Wildlife ventured out in broad daylight, and for some time, most stayed home. CERB was put into place for those who endured a loss of income or employment during this time, and many businesses eventually were forced to close their doors permanently.

The pandemic increased the amount of ecommerce, remote work, and automation, with many other individuals in affected industries left seeking other occupations due to lack of work security and consistent hours.

Increased online presence is required for most workplaces now, as most businesses shift to deploy digital technologies to accommodate for the restrictions put into place as a result of the pandemic.

As this new normal presents itself, people find creative ways to by-pass the insecurities involving work and income. Many have taken to home-based or online-run businesses to make additional income to survive the struggles involved with the on-going pandemic.

With no clear end in sight, Jennifer Wiebe, a mother of two and resident of Niverville, has invested in equipment to build her own custom creations business, named M.J. Creations. The business is owned by Jennifer and her sister, Mckayla Parks, to help them contribute to their family income.

With her husband making less due to jobchanges relating to the pandemic, Wiebe believes this is the best alternative for her.

“I have always wanted to be able to use my creative energies to contribute to my household, and now that I have had to quit my job to be present for my two sons, I took that opportunity. When the pandemA custom cup produced by M.J. ic shut down Creations. the schools, Photo courtesy of Jennifer Wiebe it took away my ability to work,” she said. “I couldn’t let the pandemic take everything, so I found a way to survive by doing something I love.”

According to the Manitoba Child Care Association, there is a shortage of child care for young families. There is a licensed child care space for only 16.6% of Manitoba’s children ages 0 - 12 years. Over 11,000 children are registered on the province’s online wait list for a child care space. Many of which also shut down during the pandemic, leaving parents with very little alternatives.

Childcare is only one of the many reasons for individuals to make the switch to working from home, be it work-from-home employment opportunities or starting a new business venture.