Dawson Trail Dispatch February 2018

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dog Races Highlight of Vita’s Festival

The dog sled races were a huge draw during Vita’s annual Winter Festival.

By Marianne Curtis The community of Vita seems to have found the perfect mix of events to bring out the crowds after recently hosting their second Winter Festival.

The event, which launched last year, thanks to a $10,000 tourism grant, features dog sled races. This year skijoring was added to the agenda. Skijoring is when a person wearing skis, races while being pulled by two dogs.

The weekend event took place

January 12, 13 and 14. While the dog sled races were a huge draw, there were plenty of activities for everyone, including hockey and cribbage tournaments, kids’ activities, maple taffy making, toboggan hill and sled rides.

The evening ended with a bonfire, fireworks and a Ukrainian Malanka supper dance.

Jackie Funk, one of the event organizers said the event has been successful despite the cold.

The idea to host a community dog

sled race was brought to the municipality last year by a number of local sled dog owners.

Several champion dog sled teams participated over the weekend, including Dave Hochman, a six time Provincial Champion and the 2008 World Champion. Rachel Courtney, the current Manitoba Champion and her husband local musher Serge Garand were among the group. The couple owns a kennel in Caliento where they train and race 58 sled dogs.

The weekend coincides with the traditional celebration of Ukrainian New Years, as per the Julian calendar.

February 2018

Federal Government Supports Municipal Cannabis Revenue Sharing The numbers are in, and according to the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), they indicate strong support amongst Manitobans for sharing of revenue from the sale of marijuana with municipalities.

The AMM recently commissioned a Probe Research poll asking how much, if any, of the revenue from marijuana should be earmarked for municipalities.

According to President Chris Goertzen, the AMM expects significant increases to policing and other costs to emerge from the legalization of cannabis.

“We know there is some debate over where this new money should be spent,” he explained. “And we wanted to gauge how much Manitobans feel should go toward these increased costs for municipalities.”

Out of 1,000 respondents, 59% indicated that municipalities should get between one-half or all of the revenue from the sale of marijuana. Only 24% of Manitobans felt municipalities should get less than one-half of the revenue, and 16% were unsure.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FMC) President Jenny Gerbasi was also on hand to discuss cannabis revenue sharing. Late last year, the FCM advocated that one-third of the cannabis excise tax revenues flow to municipalities. In response, the Federal government agreed to release half of its share to the provinces specifically to support municipal costs.

That step began a dialogue among government officials to ensure municipalities have the right tools to implement this Federal commitment from day one.

Goertzen is encouraged by the results of the AMM’s poll. “These numbers show that Manitobans are concerned about the increased costs of cannabis legalization and their local government’s ability to pay for it,” he said. “This is just another example of how municipalities deserve a “fair share” of revenues, and our citizens support this.”

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ile des Chene Hosts 2nd Annual Snowman Festival

For those who found the temperature outside too frigid there were tons of indoor activities for all ages.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

By Marianne Curtis On February 3, the community of Ile des Chenes gathered for the second annual SnowMan Festival. Last year, the Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce organized the event, hoping that community groups would take ownership in the family friendly snow day.

While the Chamber spearheaded the event, the festival organizing committee hopes that community organizations will come forward and work together to make the event a success.

The one-day festival is entirely volunteer driven and sponsored by several local businesses.

The Festival included numerous children’s activities such as carnival games, bouncers, face painting and arts and crafts. A unique highlight of the day was the Snow and Shine, which brought out old and new snowmobiles. Festivalgoers also enjoyed a bonfire, Ritchot Fire Department demonstration, Wildlife Haven Showcase, and a toboggan slide. The day ended with a spectacular fireworks display.

Funds raised at the event will be used to fund a bigger and better event next year. Organizers hope that more community groups will take advantage of the event by bringing their ideas to the table to ensure the continued growth and success of the event.

The Garage Inc. Snow and Shine entries were a huge hit at the first annual IDC SnowMan Festival.

Firearms Stolen from Residence On January 4 between 7:30 am and 1:20 pm, a residence located on Hwy #302, in the RM of Tache was broken into. Witnesses say a gray GMC pickup was seen in the area at the time. The initial investigation has electronics and firearms stolen from the residence.

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

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2018

Lorette Curling Club Hosts Successful Bonspiel The Lorette Curling Club recently hosted their annual open bonspiel. “…we have an active curling club in Lorette that have many supportive members that have a great time!” said Dawn Braden on behalf of the Lorette Curling Club Board.

A side: Gary Barkman, Tara Rance, Chelsea Manaigre, Jordyn Perrin

B side: Alice Kamke, Mike Lazaruk, Suzanne Sarrasin, Denis Sarrasin

C side: Gilles Rondeau, Janine Rondeau, Lorraine Chabbert, Real Chabbert

D side: Orest Makowsky, Martin Foidart, Therese Foidart, Brian Dorge

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Budget Time With a New Twist In the last few months, both provincial and municipal governments have experienced wild contortions on the subjects related to marijuana and its potential taxation windfall.

First, it was the provincial government’s pontificators that there should be a delay to the July 1 implementation deadline, then there was the imperative need for an extraordinary larger share of the “pot pie” which they got and their whining disappeared along with the lion’s share of said desert.

Then it became the municipalities turn to attempt the extraction of a substantial cut out of the tight-fisted Provincial government hands.

They are claiming more expenses because of increased managing and policing this new legal product. Were they not doing a good job before?

I find that this was a smidgen or two, of politician double speak or embarrassing immature spin. I can’t be the only one who wonders where their managing budgets now are coming from while this product is still illegal. Police budgets will not be something new.

Under aged kids if they want it, will still have continuous access on their speed dial direct to their local neighbourhood drug provider.

You and I may not know who he or she is, but they sure do. This has been a teen prerequisite for years. How many of our young have smoked enough of this enticing weed to now have permanent health problems?

Debatable point I know. Of course, much of this will continue, but if the proper protocols are put in place to reduce the number of underage future health problems it will be a win. If the criminal activity can be curtailed that will also be a win.

What will change? First, it was an unrecognized social problem attached with some unnecessary legal problems that now a more enlightened society may manage a wee bit better. Secondly, different levels of government will salt this new revenue into their bottomless pit, continue whining for more and definitely not acknowledge this new windfall.

The jury is still out on many of the surrounding questions. I wonder, how long will the uptick of users continue after July 1? And will we see the young indulge less?

For sure, the social problems will continue. You can put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Communities Receive Heritage Revitalization Funding Even though winter won’t be over for a while, those who enjoy summer recreation in the Lorette area have received good news from our Manitoba government. I’m very pleased to have announced funding for the Lorette Skatepark development project this past month. The provincial community development grant of $35,000 is part of more than $1.4 million that our government is providing to nonprofit and community-led organizations and community-driven neighbourhood revitalization projects.

Our government is also funding a number of other important initiatives across the province. Among these is the Heritage Trust program for Manitoba’s small museums and archives, most of which are in rural areas. This program is providing $5 million over three years to create endowment funds within local community foundations, in order to support small and medium-sized museums and archives. A maximum of one provincial dollar will be provided for every two private dollars raised by qualifying organizations. Heritage Trust will create an incentive for communities to develop an endowment pool worth up to $15 million to support heritage projects across the province.

This $5 million is part of an overall provincial investment of up to $25 million to strengthen heritage organizations. We are contributing $8.75 million to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada as part of its project to construct a new facility in Winnipeg, and will provide another $1.25 million if the museum’s private donation targets are met. Our government will also contribute $10

million over five years to the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Inuit Art Centre, a proposed $65-million programming hub that would celebrate Inuit art and Indigenous cultures.

During our hard work this winter to prepare for the legislative session resuming in March, I’ve been pleased to see so much fun continuing in the Dawson Trail constituency – particularly throughout the unseasonably cold weather. One highlight for me has been the Taylor Christensen memorial hockey game I attended on Hawks Day during the St. Adolphe Winter Carnival, which ran from January 19 to 21. Congratulations to the organizers and thank you to the contributors and volunteers for making this event so successful.

I took in the Snowman Festival in Ile des Chenes on February 3 and I’m

looking forward to the 4-H Communication Event in St. Genevieve on February 10. In addition, the Making Tracks Snowmobile Ride is slated for February 16 and Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg is coming up from February 16 to 25.

I hope Dawson Trail constituents as many as possible attend these celebrations. As well, it would be nice to see a good turnout at my next “Coffee with Bob” gathering at Chicken Chef in Lorette on February 15 at 1 pm. Come on down to meet your Dawson Trail MLA in a friendly and relaxed setting.

Stay up to date by following me on Facebook. If you have questions or comments, I can be reached at 204-807-4663 or by e-mail at bob. lagasse@leg.gov.mb.ca.

St. Adolphe Winter Carnival puck drop.

Red Tape Initiative Moves Us From Worst to First Since forming government in 2016, it has been our goal to make Manitoba the most improved province in Canada. Under the previous government, Manitoba was in last place among the provinces in many ways. We have worked hard to change this, and our efforts are producing results.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has given Manitoba an ‘A’ grade on its latest National Red Tape Report Card, putting our province in the top spot along with Quebec and British Columbia – and bringing us from worst to first.

Just two years ago, Manitoba was dead last among the provinces with an ‘F’ grade under the previous NDP administration.

The work we have done to reduce the immense burden that outdated, overly complicated or unnecessary regulatory requirements placed on Manitobans is significant. We found more than 900,000 rules that residents, local governments, businesses and non-profit organizations have had to comply with, taking too much time and money

out of Manitoba’s economy.

A good regulatory system will protect public interests while minimizing the paperwork burden on local governments, businesses, non-profit groups and others. Under the NDP, red tape grew without a system to ensure that new regulations were based on evidence or whether they actually made a difference to help Manitobans.

Our Progressive Conservative government has reduced red tape and has further committed to remove a regulatory requirement in Manitoba every time a new requirement with a similar administrative burden is put in place.

This ‘one-for-one’ law caps the growth of such requirements faced by companies, local governments and non-profit agencies. Last year, Manitoba became the first province to commit to this kind of legislation through the Regulatory Accountability Act. We are going even further by enforcing a stricter ‘two-for-one’ rule until 2021.

Our system is described by the CFIB as the most comprehensive government initiative in North America for

reducing red tape. As CFIB Executive Vice-President Laura Jones says, Manitoba has become “the one to watch” among Canada’s provinces and territories as we push toward our goal to become the most improved province for regulatory accountability by 2020.

It is a government’s job to create conditions that can grow the economy, not to create unnecessary regulations.

There is a lot more to do, but we are showing the political leadership and innovation to reduce regulatory barriers and make Manitoba a better and stronger province for all.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you with your questions or concerns. I can be reached at my constituency office at 204-424-5406, at my legislature office at 204-945-4339 or at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Trudeau’s Bullying Tactics On Full Display If you had told me, a year ago, that accessing government funding to hire a summer student would be politicized by the Liberal government, I might have been intrigued but I wouldn’t have believed you.

Sadly, Justin Trudeau has managed to make a program meant to help young people find good summer employment into a tool to demand conformity to the values of his Liberal Party.

The Canada Summer Jobs program provides funding to assist employers, including not-for-profit organizations, which create summer job opportunities for full-time students.

Students benefit by gaining valuable employment and work experience and communities benefit from the important services provided by these organizations. But now, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have introduced an attestation requiring ideological conformity with the Liberal Party.

And by the Liberals’ own admission, if you refuse to agree with their beliefs, your funding will be denied.

Prime Minister Trudeau has brushed off criticism of the move as a ‘kerfuffle’. His attempt to minimize the issue betrays a startling truth: the Liberals seem to have forgotten the purpose of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms!

The Charter was designed to be a shield protecting Canadians from government overreach. It identifies certain areas, including freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, which the government cannot encroach upon. The Trudeau Liberals are taking the shield from individuals, and using it as a club with which to beat individuals into submitting to their particular ideology.

Prime Minister Trudeau has forced his caucus to either adhere to his personal beliefs or keep quiet about it. He has controlled Parliament and used foreign aid to force his personal beliefs on other parliamentarians and upon other nations. He is now seeking to force Canadians to submit to his worldview, or to be

ineligible for federal funding. This is a worrisome trend. In fact, it is downright dangerous.

If the Prime Minister believes he is right to force his beliefs upon all Canadians and that he can do, so just like he did with his Party, what’s next? To qualify for tax rebates, will individuals and businesses have to sign an agreement indicating they believe in the tax structure? Or to qualify for Old Age Security, will individuals have to swear their allegiance to all the values of the Liberal Party? This sort of behaviour is not uncommon in totalitarian regimes, but until now, not a feature of free and democratic nations like Canada.

Prime Minister Trudeau has said time and time again, “In Canada, we defend everyone’s rights, whether or not we agree with them.” If he actually means it, he needs to rescind his discriminatory requirement immediately.

Terrorists Return Justin Trudeau’s mask has been slipping lately. Canadians have heard our Prime Minister, time and again, speak of tolerance and diversity. Yet as we’ve seen with his Liberal government’s radical change to the Canada Summer Jobs program, his words and actions don’t line up.

If you hold different values than him and his Liberal Party, you don’t fit his definition of a true ‘Canadian’.

Yet oddly enough, this standard disappears if you happen to be a returning ISIS terrorist. Justin Trudeau is going to great lengths to accommodate terrorists returning to Canada after fighting abroad with ISIS. In fact, he has opened the public purse wide in his effort to reintegrate ISIS fighters. If you are an ISIS terrorist, the Government of Canada won’t even ask you to renounce the beliefs that led you to participate in terrorist activities abroad. But for average Canadians – the ones who don’t leave Canada to commit acts of terror – Justin Trudeau requires your conformity to

Liberal Party values in order to obtain federal grant money.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is preparing for homegrown attacks. According to newly disclosed documents, “Domestic extremists are likely to continue to target Canadian uniformed personnel and related installations in neighbourhoods that are familiar to them such as police stations and military recruitment centres.” That means more future attacks are possible like the one in Ottawa, which saw Corporal Nathan Cirillo killed in front of the National War Memorial. These are the sort of people that Justin Trudeau wants to ‘reintegrate’ into Canadian society.

A serious leader needs to put the safety of his country first. Justin Trudeau may not be worried about these returning fighters but the experts at our security agencies are.

They will be first in the line of fire when reintegration efforts fail, but not the only targets. ISIS fighters overseas have shown that they have no qualms with targeting civilians either.

If you agree that the Liberals need to take this threat more seriously, please take a moment to write the Minister of Public Safety, Ralph Goodale, at ralph.goodale@parl. gc.ca and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at pm@pm.gc.ca.

For more information on this or any issue, please feel free to contact my office toll free at 1-866333-1933 or at 204-326-9889. Visit me on Facebook at Facebook.com/ TedFalkMP. You may also write my office at 76 PTH 12N, Steinbach MB, R5G 1T4, email me at ted.falk. c1@parl.gc.ca or visit my website at tedfalk.ca.

February 2018

Community Development Project Funding Announced

By Marianne Curtis On January 19, the province announced $1.4 million in grants for non-profit and community-led organizations, community-driven neighbourhood revitalization and local community development projects.

This funding is in addition to the $2.6 million previously announced for community development programs last December. The province has committed more than $20 million to support community development for the 2017-2018 periods.

Chris Goertzen, President, Association of Manitoba Municipalities said provincial funding into projects help municipalities succeed. “Dollars put toward economic development go beyond bricks and mortar projects,” said Goertzen. “They help build capacity, by ensuring the training and tools are in place to help communities attract further investments and thrive in today’s competitive environment.”

Two out of the seven projects approved through the Community Planning Assistance Program, which provides grants to planning districts and municipalities to assist with preparing land-use bylaws and policies.

Funds available through the program help to pay the costs of hiring a qualified planning consultant to research and prepare planning documents. The City of Steinbach will be getting

$21,000 for their Development Plan and Zoning bylaw review, and the RM of La Broquerie is getting $33,500 for the same project.

A total of 27 additional planning and economic development, programming and capital projects were approved across the province. Three projects within the area to receive funding include the $35,000 in funding are the Tache Community Development Corporation for the Lorette Skatepark development. “I am very pleased that our government is investing in community development here in the Dawson Trail constituency,” said Bob Lagassé, MLA for Dawson Trail. “Our government understands the importance of supporting community development projects and the benefit these projects will deliver across Manitoba.”

The Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce will get $10,000 for their regional economic strategy and the Town of Niverville will receive $7,426 for the Hespler Park design.

Following consultations last year, the Manitoba government revamped its community development programs and created a single portal for application intakes and assessments. This new process has allowed for better planning and outcomes, which help to sustain efforts in community revitalization, the minister noted.

Steinbach Legion Names New President The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #190 in Steinbach is starting the new year with a changing of the guard.

In January, Legion members welcomed long time member Mark Lackey as their new President. Members also paid tribute to past President Bill Richards for, “All the dedication as President and working hard towards bringing the Legion to the new era.”

Past President Bill Richards accepts recognition for his work from new Legion president Marck Lackey.

Past President Bill Richards swears in Mark Lackey as the new Royal Canadian Legion Branch #190 President.

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2018

Community Sends Love to Olympic Heroes

For a few days in January, supporters visited the Ste. Anne Library to sign two Canadian flags, which made their way to the Olympics as gifts for their local.

By Marianne Curtis The countdown to the Olympics is on and local excitement is gaining momentum. With two Ste. Anne women taking to the ice and making hockey history, all local eyes will be on Women’s Hockey during the Pyeongchang, South Korea, Winter Olympics.

This month, Jocelyne Larocque and Bailey Bram proudly represent Canada

Actual Game Schedule

as part of the 28-member Team Canada roster. The Ste. Anne natives are proud to represent their country and their home town of Ste. Anne on the Olympic stage.

Twenty-nine year old forward Larocque will be making her second Olympic appearance in the role of Assistant Captain for Team Canada. In 2014, Larocque played defense as a member of Canada’s gold medal win-

ning team during the Sochi Olympics.

Thrilled to be making her first Olympic appearance, Bram is excited to be part of the team after years of hard work and determination. “It means everything, from the time I started playing hockey my dream was to represent Canada at the Olympics, so to finally make that dream happen is something I can’t even put into words,” Bram admitted.

Missing out on playing in Sochi four years ago, “broke her heart”.

Bram is currently an Assistant Captain with the Calgary Inferno team.

Though PyeongChang will be her first Olympic Games, Bram’s speed and a scoring touch is expected to help Canada on its quest for gold in PyeongChang.

Canada is looking to win its fifth-straight gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games when the puck drops in South Korea on February 11. In addition to its four gold medals, the Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Team also claimed silver in 1998 in Nagano, Japan.

The Olympic women’s hockey tournament opens on February 10 at the Kwandong Hockey Centre and culminates on February 22 at the Gangneung Hockey Centre.

Canada is scheduled to compete in Group A and begins preliminary-round play on February 11.

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Vehicle Thieves Fuel Up On December 26 at approximately 11 am, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a theft of a vehicle at the Clearspring Centre. The stolen vehicle was a blue SUV with Manitoba Licence plate EJV 476. Shortly thereafter, the same vehicle was spotted at the Stone Brook Co-op, gassing up and left without paying.

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

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ready Yourself To Excel On The Actif Epica Trails

On January 17, Actif Epica enthusiasts were out inspecting the trail in preparation for this year’s upcoming event.

By Marianne Curtis On February 16, Manitoba’s most gruelling ultra test of human endurance will be taking place along the Crow Wing Trail.

For the first time, the Actif Epica will have two separate starting times. This year starts with the 162 km race on February 16 at 8 pm in Ridgeville Co-op Community Club. The second start takes place at 7:30 am in Emerson for a 200km race or at St. Malo Arena at 7:30 am on Saturday morning February 17 for 125 km of racing and cycling. Returning this year is the relay race option for groups of four.

Actif Epica utilizes the Crow

Wing Trail for a one-day bike or run, an ultra marathon that takes place in spite of the cold weather and brutal wind, with visits to various festival sites along the trail.

The event continues north to the Red River Floodway, north of St. Adolphe using the historical Crow Wing Trail with stops along the way and finishes in downtown Winnipeg. North of St. Adolphe this section of the course follows a wide trail, including dirt, gravel roads and possible snowdrifts with occasional short sections of paved road near checkpoints.

The inaugural edition in 2012 attracted 32 racers and over a thousand co-event participants. By 2014, the race saw 103 registrants, and acco-

lades from across the biking and ultra marathon world, and significant media coverage, which earned the event that 2014 Manitoba Tourism Excellence Award.

Actif Epica has been listed as one of Canadian Cycling Magazine’s 10 Big Rides in Canada, and is a partner with Tuscobia Winter Ultra and Arrowhead Ultra135 in a Triple Crown event known as “The Order of the Hrimthurs”. Last year, the Actif Epica 162 km run and 200 km bike distances served as official qualifiers for the Iditarod Trail Invitational.

Participants have travelled to Manitoba for the challenging experience from as far away as California.

Kleefeld Honey Festival to Pick Chili Cook-Off Champion The World Food Championships (WFC) is excited to announce that the Kleefeld Honey Festival’s Chili Cook-Off will be the Canadian Finals for 2018. Kleefeld Honey Festival (KHF) is Canada’s only Chili competition sanctioned to send the three winners to Orange Beach, Alabama, US to compete at WFC in November.

The Kleefeld Chili Cook-Off will see Canada’s best Chili cooks battle to win the hearts and taste buds of judges and the public alike on August 11 at the Kleefeld Honey Festival’s 48th anniversary. The winners of the chili-cook off will receive a WFC Golden Ticket, Plaque and cold hard cash to assist with the trip.

Pointing out that a former Canadian, Wayne Shymko, won the World Chili Championship in 2015, the Kleefeld Honey Festival committee is ecstatic and honoured to be a direct World Food Chili Qualifying Event in Manitoba for World Food Championships in Orange Beach. “Our event will stand out as a must event to be at in Manitoba and Canada in 2018. Bring on your Chili, for a chance to be the best in Canada or maybe even the World,” commented Good Meneer, Chili Cook-Off Event Manager.

“This is an exciting moment for the World Food Championships, as we bring on a new partner to highlight and focus on the culinary skills of Chili competitors. Canada already has one Chili World Champion, so we expect to see incredible results from this new partnership focus,” said Mike McCloud, President of WFC. Registration spots for Kleefeld Honey Festival’s chili cook-off are set to open March 1, and those interested are encouraged to sign up early at kleefeldpark.ca. The Golden Ticket winners of the Kleefeld Honey Festival’s Chili Cook-Off will be attending this year’s WFC beginning November 7 to face off against 40 teams at the World Food Championships. The winners who move on will compete for a category prize of $10,000 and could compete for a grand prize of $100,000 at the WFC Final Table.

The Kleefeld Honey Festival has been a yearly tradition since 1970 and is celebrating its 48th anniversary this year. The festival brings fun for all ages, with a movie night, parade, chili cook-off, carnival and boasts to have the best fireworks show in the southeast and so much more.

The KHF Chili cook-off is a high energy, high intensity, timed, double-blind judged cooking competition open to any Canadian resident with money, prizes and Golden Tickets up for grabs. It is the only Manitoban Chili qualifying event to get to the World Food Championships, where prizes of over $300,000 can be won.

This year’s KHF will take place from August 10 - 12 at Kleefeld Park.

Visit Kleefeldpark.ca for more information.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

St. Malo to Host Festival of Friends Local residents looking for a way to kick off their Festival Du Voyageur activities are invited to come out to St. Malo from February 16 to 18 for a family friendly weekend filled with activities strategically placed throughout the community.

Organized by the Friends of St. Malo Parks since 2008, the annual St-Malo Festival of Friends offers a spectacular celebration of culture, cuisine and tradition. This year’s festival weekend begins with fireworks on Friday at 7:30 pm, followed by Junior B hockey action in the arena and a performance by Revolving Doors.

Saturday morning starts bright and early with the prestigious Actif Epica starting out from the St. Malo arena, and a community pancake brunch. The afternoon will be filled with children’s activities including face painting and games followed by a Pow Wow and Pea Soup contest.

The St. Malo Provincial Park plays host to skiing and snowshoeing. Other activities include a cribbage tournament, community Mass, and more Junior B Hockey on Sunday. Afterwards Ricky Smitts and a DJ put on a show at the Sunday night community social.

Since February 2008, a Friends Winter Festival is held during the Louis Riel long weekend to celebrate this “Joie de Vivre”.

A complete event schedule can be found at friendsofstmalopark.com.

Unique Training Program Promises Dairy Employment Individuals looking to work in or learn more about the dairy industry are encouraged to sign up for a new program being offered in the region.

Thanks to a partnership between Steinbach’s WEST (Workplace Essential Skills Training Centre), Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), Industry Training and Employment Services (ITES) and 5 local dairy farms the new pilot program was announced.

In partnership, they are piloting a project that would see individuals that are ready for work, trained to meet the requirements of a Milker for local dairy farms. “If there is any way that we can help people with that extra step to become employed, let’s do it,” said Jasper Vos of Vos Dairies. “We have seen other programs, but this pilot project promises to address many of the issues that need to be addressed in a milker training program,” said participating dairies.

This unique 14-week program starts February 21 and offers both in class and on the job training. The opportunity will allow individuals to prepare for today’s workplace that requires efficient, effective and adaptable workers, a win-win for employee and employer.

Part of the training will be paid by the participating five local dairy farms.

There is limited space available and interested individuals are asked to pre-register to determine eligibility, with WEST, prior to February 12 at west.steinbach@wem.mb.ca or by calling 204-326-2123.

RCMP Looking for Tool Bandit On December 31, at approximately 3 am, a residence located on Orchard Hill in Mitchell was broken into. Two suspects were observed exiting a maroon coloured truck.

Thieves stole numerous hand and power tools from the residence.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-2228477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Hydro Transformer Stolen Between the dates of December 15 and January 4 in La Broquerie, a Hydro pole was cut down and the transformer was stolen with copper wire inside.

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

February 2018

Police Hunt for Stolen SUV On January 16 at approximately 8 am, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a theft of vehicle from a residence on Barkman Avenue in Steinbach. A white Ford Escape SUV with Manitoba Licence plate HPX 512 was stolen.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-2228477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Local Business Directory

10

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

New Fusion Musical Theatre Master class – For ages 15 +. Music, Drama and Dance on Friday, February 9. Individual Lessons Scheduled between 3 - 6:30 pm and Master class 7:30 - 9:30 pm with. Schedule your individual lesson prior to the Master class with Instructor David Klassen and Accompanist Candace Hamm followed by a Master class. Only $35 to sign up!

Just for You. Treat Sweetheart or Friend on Valentines Day - Canvas & Cabernet is back at SAC…with a twist on Wednesday, February 14.

New Card Making - With Artist Arlene Enns! Only $35 for supplies, appies, and beverages. Visit the website check out the cards!

For Kids, Parents, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents - Canvas & Coffee/Colas brings Paint Parties. Make it an evening to remember with the family. Seniors, come join us too on Wednesday, February 14 for Hoo’s Your Friend with Arlene Enns! Only $25 for supplies, snacks, and beverage.

New! Afternoon Canvas & Coffee for seniors - Coming soon! Call SAC for details. Enjoy an afternoon of painting, socializing, coffee and treats with friends.

New Resin Art Workshop - With Arlene Enns on Saturday, February 24, from 10 am – 12 noon. After popular demand, Arlene Enns bring the resin pouring medium back to SAC. Join her to create a serving board with beautiful swirled resin art - the perfect gift, or a conversation starter for your home. Cost $25 for the workshop, $25 for materials. Sign up online.

Gala – Save the Date! Purchase your table today! On Friday April 6. ‘Celebrate the Arts’ Jewels & Jeans Gala Fundraiser. Enjoy special entertainment, delicious food, an evening of dance, and fun. Cost per table $850 and individual tickets $120. Live Painting by Signature Artist, Daylon Brown followed by a Live Artwork Auction!

Calling all Youth – For Ages 16 – 29 New Rock Meets Classic Cool!

Turnip the Music! Concert – The Middle Coast. For all ages on Friday, March 16 at 8 pm at the Neufeld Garage. Tickets available at SAC office or online steinbachartscouncil.ca. Want to be part of the backstage crew, promote the show, join in by calling us 204-346-1077 or find us at steinbacharts on facebook, twitter, Instagram to share your ideas!

Tea & Bannock and Dream Catchers – Celebrating Culture, Bannock Making with Helena. Get creative in the kitchen with aboriginal art! Learn to make your own bannock on Saturday, February 24 from 10 am-12 pm.

Dream Catchers - With Roanne make your own dream catcher and learn about the history behind this craft on Saturday, February 10 from 10 am-12 pm.

Don’t Miss the Adrenaline Rush Spring Break Out Camps are Back at SAC! 4 Day Camp of Tropical Explosion – From Monday, March 26 – Friday, March 29 from 9 am–4 pm daily. 2 Camps for Ages 5-8 & 9–12.

Music, Dance, Visual Arts, Drama, Recreation and Swimming - On Thursday afternoon at Steinbach Aquatic Centre. Limited spaces available for campers. Sign up online or call SAC to sign up!

Jump into Spring Programs at SAC Creative Wellness – Pilates, Power Pilates, Basic Core Pilates, Pilates Intermediate, On the Ball Pilates and Belly Dance – 3 Workshops.

Cooking - Cake X-Travaganza Workshop & Couples Cooking Workshops.

Visual Arts - Canvas & Colas Paint Parties, Resin Workshop, Digital Photography, Beginner Watercolour Painting, Beginner Oil Painting, Abstract Acrylic Painting, Beginner and Intermediate, new Contemporary Acrylic and Digital Photography.

Upcoming Hall Gallery Exhibit - 20thAnnual Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit. Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 16 at 7 pm. All are welcome. RSVP to visualarts@steinbachartscouncil.ca or 204.346.1077 by Friday, February 9. Exhibit Runs February 16 - April 6.

Aboriginal Art Classes - Moccasin Making with Donna is back in action! Make your own moccasins, mukluks, gloves and learn how to bead them yourself.

Koncerts for Kidz Series - Features Bubbleman on Friday, April 13 at 6:45 pm at SRSS Theatre. From toddlers to teens, adults and youth alike will enjoy the science and fun of an evening with the Bubbleman.

Tickets $14 each.

View events and purchase tickets online steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

New Richer Business Offers Dog Sledding Experience

By Marianne Curtis Anyone wishing to experience the unique freedom of dog sledding first hand, can thanks to a new business open near Richer.

Marc-André and Samantha Belcourt invite you to Harness Adventure Mushing Co. to experience dog sledding. Located in Richer, the business was inspired by the spirit and energy of the family dogs and the history behind dog sledding.

The couple embarked on their dog sledding journey about eight years ago, after meeting and establishing a friendship with a musher in Northwest Territories. “Making the decision to take over his kennel of 8 Siberian Huskies, it became clear that we wanted to dedicate our lives to raising and caring for these incredible working dogs,” explained the couple. “We brought our dogs with us to Churchill, in 2010 where we trained and learned together and developed the deep unshakeable bond that we share today.”

The couple established the unique business to share their passion and introduce folks to the incredible spirit and drive that their dogs possess. “Dog sledding is more than work for our dogs it is something that they love to do, and we want to share that with our guests,” they added. “We want to share our passion and introduce folks to the incredible spirit and drive that our dogs possess.”

Harness Adventure Mushing Co. offers individuals and small groups an adventure that consists of a Meet & Greet with the dogs

Staying true to traditional dog sledding, Harness Adventure Mushing Co. from Richer invites you out on an adventure.

Photo by Tasha Esau

and the mushers, Dog sledding 101 session, helping to hook up the dogs and a 3 km dog sled ride with one of the mushers.

The couple is mindful and acknowledges that they and their dog teams sled in what is known as Trea-

ty 1 territory and that the land on which they gather is the traditional territory of Anishinaabeg, Cree, OjiCree, Dakota and Dene peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Visit harnessadventure.ca to find out more about booking.

Thieves Caught on Surveillance Cameras At 3:46 am on January 6, video surveillance captured a red vehicle arriving, possibly a minivan and two unknown men breaking into JP’s Store and Diner in Blumenort.

One male was wearing a dark green Winnipeg Jet’s jacket, blue jeans, neon orange and black gloves, and black balaclava. The male appears Caucasian, around 6 ft tall and of medium build. The second male is wearing a black jacket and black balaclava.

These two men stole a significant amount of cash and cigarettes.

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

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Providence Lecture Series Takes on Tough Subjects Providence Theological Seminary in Otterburne is offering several public lecture series that take on the topics of “Communication” and “Contention”.

Dennis Hiebert Professor of Sociology and head of the public education committee at Providence University College said the topics were accidental. “We don’t intentionally try to have a distinct, overall theme to the Public Lecture Series each year,” said Hiebert. “Sometimes one sort of emerges on its own.”

Between February 3 and March 15, Providence professors will address audiences in Steinbach, Otterburne and Winnipeg on topics that are of both public interest and contemporary relevance.

Each week a new topic will be discussed. They include, in order, Randall Holm who will look “beyond” the pro-life versus pro-choice debate, Nicholas Greco will examine U2’s “mediated brand”, Elfrieda LeppKaether will explore language learning through “expressive arts”, Patrick Franklin will present a theological rethink of evolution and Hiebert will look at the actualization of humanness through language.

“Putting them together we could say that the series is about communicating about contentious issues, something public education is obliged to do,” explained Hiebert.

Hiebert points out that public education is part of the Providence mission. Tuition-paying students may attend university or seminary in pursuit of a degree, but individuals with a particular interest and are seeking better understanding are also part of the Providence constituency. The Public Lecture Series is one way in which they can be served. Additionally, professors have a responsibility to tackle important issues and disseminate their research publicly.

“Public education events like this series are an important way to increase general understanding of the world, the issues and the human condition we share, with the intent of contributing to human flourishing,” he said.

All lectures are free to attend and will take place Tuesdays in Steinbach (Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre-Studio B), Thursdays at the Otterburne Campus (Howison Room) and Saturdays in Winnipeg (McNally Robinson Bookstore - travel alcove). No registration is required, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions after each presentation.

Support ROC and Win Big Prizes Recreation Opportunities for Children (ROC) Eastman is thrilled to be part of the community wide “50/50 for Kids” raffle. Half the proceeds will go to the winning ticket and half will go ROC Eastman.

Moni Loewen, Executive Director for ROC Eastman is excited that the program has a new venue to help fundraise for the organization. “ROC kids have a few more obstacles in life than most, isolation, lack of money, limited transportation, low self-esteem and stigma are some common ones,” Loewen explained.

“We hope ‘50/50 for Kids’ will reduce our waiting list and help us help more kids!”

Loewen said the program has become a valuable asset to the community. Recreation Opportunities for Children Eastman works with children every year in communities that include St. Malo, St. Pierre-Jolys, Steinbach, Niverville, Blumenort, La Broquerie, Pine Falls and Beausejour. “ROC has seen many positive changes in the kids and families we work with.

They are proud of what they have created in an art class, a song they can play on a guitar, piano or drum set, learning to skate or confidence in the deep end,” Loewen continued. “They have made new friends and feel better about trying something difficult. Parents and kids have exciting things to talk about and look forward to.”

Tickets are $5 each and you could win up to 3 different amazing prizes including a 2-Night Ice Fishing trip at Buffalo Point and a snow blower, a 10-Game Golf & Dine Package, New BBQ & Meat Package and a Grand Prize Draw of up to $50,000.

Tickets can be purchased any time at SCU, Super Splash and Timberfalls Store & Car Wash.

For more info, visit roceastman.ca.

February 2018

11

Town of Niverville Releases Growth Strategy On January 9, the Town of Niverville recently released an Economic Growth Strategy, which is a document for municipal politicians and staff to help build upon the Town’s aggressive business development plan.

According to the Council, the goal is to create growth strategies and policies surrounding both Industrial and Commercial business, and where possible residential growth and residential retention.

Niverville Council reached out to community businesses and leaders to perform a Strength, Opportunities, Aspirations & Results (SOAR) assessment to get a better idea of what the commercial and industrial sectors of Niverville are strong at and where they should be heading. It is also expected to help determine what steps need to be taken to ensure the Town achieves its goals.

“The positivity surrounding the momentum that exists within our business leaders must be contagious. The future of Niverville is bright in their minds if we continue down the path the Town and Chamber has taken over that last few years and, in particular the last twelve months,” reads a statement from Council.

Council noted the business community is excited about a focus on business in the last year of this Council and that there will be a continual focus given to the needs of business in developing a healthy and sustainable community.

The report identified five gaps where the community could improve including the redevelopment of Main Street, manufacturing, lack of space to lease, a passive tourism market and no hotel accommodations were all noted.

With some key partnerships needing to be confirmed on projects like the Community Resource Centre, the business community feels that Niverville will achieve its goals and continue to prosper into the future with strategic investment in infrastructure.

12

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Richert Shows Well at Tryout in Spain

Niverville racecar driver, David Richert with an Inter Europol Competition’s LMP3 before a recent test run.

By Marianne Curtis Niverville racecar driver, David Richert, was able to make the most of his opportunity and showed very well at a recent test session in Navarre, Spain, with championship winning race team, Inter Europol Competition.

The event took place at Circuito de Navarra, a race circuit tucked into the hills of northern Spain. This was Richert’s first chance to experience driving the high-powered Ligier JS P3 racecar, a marked difference from the open cockpit vehicles he has raced in the past. “The LMP3 is a fantastic car to drive, it’s very forgiving and lets you throw it around the track with freedom,” explained Richert.

“It’s always challenging to learn

a new car and a new race track at the same time, but I think the test session went very well.”

Richert, who has driven for the Inter Europol Competition race team in the past, used this opportunity as a way to familiarize himself with the LMP3 racecar and re-establish his connection to the team.

Inter Europol Competition, a Polish racing team that is powered

by Keese Motorsport in Germany, has won the VdeV LMP3 Championship in each of the last two seasons.

Despite his successful outing, the reality of motorsports is that it is a business first and foremost, so Richert will return to Canada for the next couple of weeks to spend time securing the final resources he needs for the 2018 race sea-

son. “This session has presented me with a very unique opportunity to advance my racing career,” Richert added. “These chances don’t come along very often so I’ll work as hard as possible to take care of things on my end and hopefully be in a position to take advantage of it.”

A Niverville native who grew up driving combines, Richert began the pursuit of his dream by cutting his teeth racing go-karts. He competed in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup after being selected as one of the top racecar drivers in North America.

Richert recently became one of the only Canadians to ever complete a race through the streets of Monte Carlo at the world famous Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

Copper Targeted

by Thieves On January 17 at around 6:40 am, Steinbach RCMP responded to a call of a break and enter at the TransCanada Pipeline compound in the RM of Reynolds. Individuals gained access to the compound and multiple other buildings, stealing copper wire. Police are continuing with their investigation.

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

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

House Fire Claims IDC Woman

February 2018

13

It’s Not that Easy to Quit

Sharing Our Stories

RM of Ritchot fire crews put out a house fire in the Ile des Chenes trailer park.

By Marianne Curtis The year ended in tragedy when an early morning house fire on December 31 claimed the life of a young Ile des Chenes mother.

At approximately 8:10 am, the St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to a mobile home fire at Southside Estates, located on Bonneteau Avenue in of Ile Des Chenes.

Upon arrival, smoke was seen coming from the trailer. Officers observed firefighters exiting the residence car-

rying a 30-year-old female who was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

The Office of The Fire Commissioner has ruled the cause of the fire was accidental. Damage is estimated at $150,000.

The fire claimed Destiny Lynn Hobson, a mother with two young sons. The boys were not home at the time of the fire. The young mother was an active volunteer in the community. In support of her two young sons, an account has

Photo by Marianne Curtis

been set up to assist the family during this time. Anyone wishing to support the boys can donate to the Garrett and Austin Future Fund at the TD/Canada Trust, transit # 66417, account # 6105283.

This is the second fatal fire in the area in just over a year. On December 27, 2016, a 52-year-old woman and her three cats died because of an early morning fire.

Firefighters said the fire started in the living room. The Office of the Fire Commissioner investigated and has determined the fire was accidental.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “They complain they can’t make ends meet but they smoke… they should just stop smoking!”

As humans, we all have our own biases. Looking at poverty and tobacco use may easily awaken judgment and discomfort in ourselves so let’s take a moment to explore this issue more deeply.

Despite the declining smoking rates in Canada, people living in poverty face many barriers and have much higher smoking rates. Tobacco users from disadvantaged groups have earlier rates of initiation, heavier nicotine dependence, and lower rates of cessation compared to the population as whole.

Why? People living in poverty generally have a whole list of barriers, from not having a decent education and housing to experiencing a lack of social connection and low self-esteem. They often live with higher stress levels, which lead to increased rates of tobacco use as coping strategy.

Smoking cessation is expensive; clinics and nicotine replacement therapy are not readily accessible to all people. Accessing primary health care services is more difficult for people on low income and they are less likely to be aware of these programs.

Finally, low-income neighbourhoods are now “market priorities” for tobacco companies. So imagine the situation, you are poor, stressed, vulnerable, many people smoke around you, you can’t afford an exciting trip or yoga class to take care of your mental health, it is difficult to access medical services AND cigarettes are more easily accessible than in richer neighbourhoods… How easy is it to stop smoking?

The answer is that it isn’t easy. To truly tackle tobacco use, we need to move beyond “Just quit” messages and address the challenges that face people experiencing financial stress, inadequate education, social isolation, past trauma and the many other factors that lay beneath smoking.

14

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Broken Window at Envision On January 16 at approximately 3 pm, an exterior window at Envision Community Living was broken.

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

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Badger House Fire Claims Life The tiny community of Badger is in mourning after the sudden loss of one of their own in a devastating house fire.

On Saturday, January 6, at approximately 6:05 am, the Sprague RCMP responded to a house fire at a residence located on Pine Avenue in the community of Badger. Upon arrival, the house was fully engulfed in flames, and emergency responders were unable to save the structure.

Eight-seven year old Dr. Ross Campbell Major lost his life in the blaze.

A veterinary, Major purchased Anderson’s Animal Hospital in Winnipeg where he practiced both large and small animal medicine for years. He also worked with beef farmers and in production. Until recently, Ross worked in Candle Lake, Saskatchewan, before moving to Badger.

Major leaves behind three children and five grandchildren.

The Sprague RCMP along with the Office of the Fire Commissioner continues to investigate.

Keys Lifted from Vehicle Between the dates of January 15 and January 16, a vehicle was broken into on Hanover St. in Steinbach. Keys were taken from the vehicle but no damage was done.

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

Armed Robbers Threaten Store Employees On January 3 at approximately 8:30 pm, Steinbach RCMP responded to an armed robbery at the Sarto General Store.

Two masked individuals entered the store and demanded money from the employee. Both of the individuals were described as being male, Caucasian, between the ages of 18 - 25 years old, dressed in black and had their faces covered. One of the individuals was seen carrying a long barrelled firearm that he pointed towards the store employee. Both of the males departed the store carrying a backpack that was used to place the money and a small amount of liquor.

No injuries were sustained by the employee.

On January 10 at approximately 8:29 pm, Steinbach RCMP responded to another armed robbery at the Ste. Genevieve General Store. Two masked individuals entered the store demanding money and cigarettes from the employee. Both of the individuals were described as being male, Caucasian, aged 18 to 25 years old, dressed in black and had their faces covered. One of the individuals was seen carrying a long barrelled firearm and the other was carrying a large knife. Both of the males departed the store carrying a backpack that was used to place the money, cigarettes and a small amount of liquor.

RCMP believe these two robberies may be related. If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2018

15

16

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

RRSPs…Bonuses for Young Parents!

The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution deadline for claiming the deduction on your 2017 income tax return is March 1, 2018.

For many people, RRSPs are a very important tool to save for their retirement. If you do not have a generous pension plan offered by your employer, you need to save on your own and RRSPs are one of the best ways. But RRSPs are not for everyone and it’s not the only option.

RRSPs are best for individuals with higher incomes ($46,000 or more); if your income is under that amount, you may be in too low a tax bracket for RRSPs to be ideal for you.

Unless you have children under age 18. That changes everything. Remember: Good Tax Advice can be your Best Investment!

RRSPs and Children I wrote in detail about RRSPs and those with children under 18 in my January 2017 (go to AnniMarkmann.ca to read the archived article).

The Canada Child Benefit was introduced in July 2016 (replaced the Child Tax Benefit and Universal Child Care Benefit). And the amount you receive is based on family income.

So if your family income is over $30,000, buying RRSPs will lower your family income and increase your Canada Child Benefit, so there is even more incentive for parents with children under 18 to buy RRSPs. Need an example? Let’s say your combined family income is in the $46,000 to $65,000 range. If you buy $1,000 RRSP, you get your normal tax savings of $280 or more AND you also increase your Canada Child Benefit by $70 for the year. That’s a combined savings 35 to 51%!

What family situation would save the most? Family income of $46,000 to $65,000 with one spouse earning more than $46,000, and you have four or more children; you could be saving 56%! Maybe time to consider an RRSP loan.

If you want to find out about your own situation, contact our office and we can do some “what ifs” for you. But don’t wait until March 1 to call!

Employer sponsored RRSPs If your employer matches your RRSP contributions through a payroll plan, then regardless of your income, you definitely want to contribute to this plan; it’s free money!

RRSP Loans Should you consider an RRSP loan? They can be a good idea if you do not have the money to buy the RRSP. Only borrow what you can repay in 12 months.

Don’t buy RRSPs So who shouldn’t buy RRSPs? If you do not have children under 18 and have income under $46,000 and no employer plan that matches contributions. You are in a low tax bracket and the tax savings are not as great (26 to 28%). You should use Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) instead to save for retirement. You will benefit when you retire since you may be in a low tax bracket (and may qualify for other government pension benefits) and when you withdraw from the TFSA, you pay no taxes.

If you have children and your family income is under $30,000, don’t buy RRSPs. The Canada Child Benefit will not increase and you are in a low tax bracket, so there is no benefit to buying RRSPs. Use TFSA instead.

Maybe buy RRSPs If family income is $30,000 to $46,000, the answer is maybe. Get an estimate of your 2017 taxes before you buy the RRSP, to see what your tax savings are and what affect it has on your Canada Child Benefit. The more children you have, the better the increase to the Canada Child Benefit.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) opens Monday February 26 so we can start electronically filing tax returns that week. If you have only Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security pensions, we can get the tax slips direct from CRA (with your authorization), so you don’t have to wait for the tax slips to arrive in the mail to get your taxes done.

Walk in Service After great success last year, we again are offering walk-in no appointment service for those with basic income tax returns. Call the office to find out what days and times we offer this service.

We look forward to helping you maximize your refund or minimize your amount owing.

Most tax returns are due April 30. Self-employed and their spouses have until June 15.

I became a Financial Advisor in February 1998 and in 2018, I celebrate 20 years of helping many of you with Retirement Planning, Tax Advice, and Estate Planning in your Final Quarter of Life.

I have been writing these columns in the Dawson Trail Dispatch every month for the past 20 years. That’s 240 articles! Ok, maybe I missed one month. Thank you to my loyal readers (many of you I have never met!) and thanks to Dan Guetre for his continued support.

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

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

6 Tips To Improve Your Financial Health In 2018 It’s the time of year when we make promises to do better, eat healthier or exercise. Yet, research shows a clear link between the state of our finances and our mental, emotional and physical health. So even if you do nothing else, tuning up your finances may be the ticket to a better year ahead.

“The start of the year is the perfect time to take a look at our budget and monthly cash flow to see where we can do better to meet our financial goals,” says David Nicholson, vice president at CIBC. “Make the most of that new year optimism by putting a clear action plan in place to keep you on track throughout the year.”

Here are six tips to improve your financial health this year: 1. Know your money. Take a look at your income and expenses and write them down. Having a clear picture of your financial situation can reveal some surprises and get you in the right frame of mind.

2. Get a handle on high-interest debt. Stop carrying a balance on your credit card. Some store credit cards can charge up to 30 per cent interest, so make it a priority to pay off any high-interest debt and/or consolidate your debts into one loan at a lower interest rate.

3. Think twice about spending. Don’t spend money on things you don’t need; rather picture the things you really want and save a little more for them instead. Delaying purchases is another way to reduce spending on non-essentials.

4. Automate your savings. The most effective way to save is to “pay yourself first” by setting up an automated transfer on the day your paycheque is deposited. For an added boost, direct those funds into a TFSA, RESP or RRSP to take advantage of any government grants and tax savings.

5. Start investing now. Whether you have a few thousand saved or you can only afford to sock away your lunch money each week, every dollar you invest can increase your wealth and give you more flexibility in the future. How to invest comes down to your risk tolerance and time horizon. Just remember, the earlier you start, the more you have to gain thanks to the power of compound interest.

6. Get an expert opinion. Most banks offer free financial planning to help you map out your short- and long term goals, project what your desired retirement lifestyle will cost you, and build a plan that’s unique to your financial situation. If you find it tough to stick to your plan or if something changes, be sure to modify your plan and keep yourself on track.

Article courtesy of www.newscanada.com

4 Tips For Couples With Different Spending Habits When it comes to romantic relationships, the traditional thought is that opposites attract. But personal finance experts say that couples with different attitudes towards money need to find a middle ground to achieve financial bliss.

“Many couples include a spender and a saver. The spender is the one who sees a sale and thinks they can buy more, while the saver thinks they will save more,” explains Wade Stayzer, vice president of sales and service at Meridian, Ontario’s largest credit union.

“While there appears to be a big divide between the spender and the saver mindsets, these couples can still be successful with their family finances if they find and agree to ways that will align their approaches to money. Financial planning is the key.”

Meridian offers advice on how spender/saver couples can get on the path to financial success.

1. Sort out financial differences. Talk (don’t fight) about your different approaches to money. Figure out how much you spend and where the money is going. Acknowledge who the spender is and who the saver is, and agree to compromise.

2. Get involved. There is often one member of the family who regularly handles the finances. Having both partners involved can be a major breakthrough and also makes sure the responsibility is shared.

3. Set goals. Find common goals and discuss your individual goals, too.

Whether it’s getting out of debt or saving for retirement and the children’s education, setting goals will help you prioritize and focus on what’s really important.

4. Get a personalized financial plan. To meet your established goals, you need to set up a budget and a financial plan. Consider seeking expert advice. Working with a trusted financial advisor to develop a personalized financial plan is like driving with a GPS system — you’ll reach your end goal faster and with less stress.

Article courtesy of www.newscanada.com

February 2018

17

Southern Health Encourages Residents to File Taxes

By Marianne Curtis Southern Health-Santé Sud is hoping to encourage low-income residents to complete their taxes once they understand that doing so can improve their overall income and lifestyle.

The Public Health-Healthy Living team at Southern HealthSanté Sud recently completed a project to analyze availability in the region to help people on low incomes file their tax returns. The aim is to share and promote existing resources and fill the gaps so people can get help to file their income tax returns and receive benefits.

Southern Health-Santé Sud Healthy Living Facilitator, Sabrina Turgeon said research shows that people with low incomes have a higher incidence rate than people with higher income. “ “[They have] often double the rate of almost every chronic health condition, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and mental illness,” said Turgeon. “People living in poverty often can’t afford good, healthy food that would prevent some of these chronic conditions. They often live in poor living conditions, may not be able to afford transportation and have less access to the health care system.”

She added that many people think that because they have no or very low income they do not need

to file income taxes, however not filing means no benefits. Benefits that can asst for example, a single parent, with 2 children ages 2 and 4, living in private rental market, employed part time with annual employment income of $15,000.

According to the University of Manitoba, after they file a return, they are entitled to credits and monthly benefits, including Canada Child Benefits and Working Tax Benefits that can bring their income up to $37,178.

“As people improve their income, their health improves. But if people are not filing an annual income tax return, they are potentially losing out on a large number of benefits they are entitled to, which could substantially increase their income,” Turgeon added.

The next step is to recruit volunteers who can be trained under the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to assist people in communities and areas within the region, where there is the highest need for free or low cost income tax preparation clinics. These volunteers are trained either online by CRA or in-person through Community Financial Counseling Services in Winnipeg. These volunteers are provided with free software to file income tax returns and almost any kind of community organizations can volunteer to host the tax clinics.

18

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Volunteer Opportunities: We are in immediate need of a few receptionists: All ages are welcome. Please call Lynda at 204320-4603 for more information. Receptionists work a half- day shift once a week.

Rentals: Book your next function/event at our Centre. We can accommodate Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, and Showers (amongst others). Call Lynda 204-320-4600 for more information and to book.

Events/Presentations: All events/presentations are open to all ages/everyone Free Folk Dancing Class – On Tuesday, February 6 from 7 - 9 pm, join instructor Hugo Moule for an evening of folk dancing fun! Open to all ages. A minimum requirement of participants are needed.

Valentine’s Day Party – On Wednesday, February 14 at 2 pm.

There will be Treats, Games and Surprises! Cost $5. RSVP by Wednesday, February 7 – this is a hard deadline.

Cooking Class – On Thursday, March 1 from 1 - 4 pm. Theme, Healthy Tasty Snacks. Cost $5. Please RSVP by Thursday, February 22.

Fall Prevention and Mobility Equipment Presentation – On Tuesday, March 13 at 2 pm. Join Estelle Haines, Physiotherapist and Calvin Penner from Diamond Athletic and Medical Supplies for an informative presentation on fall prevention and mobility equipment. You will learn to identify the root causes of falls amongst seniors and the appropriate interventions you can put into place to prevent them. This is a Free event. Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 6.

Regular Activities: Make sure to check out our quarterly Newsletter.

All Programs/Activities have a fee of $2 for members and $4 for non-members to participate. (Unless otherwise stated).

- Fitness Class: Tuesdays from 10:45 – 11:45 am.

- Ho Model Railway Project: Wednesdays from 9 am – 4 pm.

- Out with Friends: Next outing: TBA. For single senior men and women.

- Movie Time: 4th Monday of every month at1 pm on Monday, February 26. Next Movie “Enchanted”, a fantasy/comedy film.

- Floor Curling/Floor Shuffle: Wednesdays from 1:30 – 4 pm.

- Pickleball: Monday, Thursday and Fridays from 9 - 11:30 am and Tuesdays 9 - 10:30 am.

- Drop in Billiards: Monday - Friday from 9 am – 4 pm.

- Cards: Monday - Canasta; Wednesday - Cribbage. All card games are from 1 - 4 pm.

- Choir: Will resume Wednesday, March 14.

- Computer Classes: Wednesdays from 9 am – 1 pm.

- Old Time Country Jam: Wednesdays from 7 - 9 pm.

- New Connection: 1st Thursday of each month from 2 - 3:30 pm.

Need to make a new connection (friends) or new to the community or new in your living arrangement, come join us. Call Lynda 204-320-4603.

Free Programs -Walking Program: Monday – Friday from 8:30 -9 am and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 12:30 - 2:30 pm in our Auditorium. Free to the public and any age is welcomed! Enjoy Free Coffee or Tea after!

- Crafty Corner: Every Friday from 2 - 3:30 pm. Bring your craft, anything goes – knitting, scrapbooking, woodwork, etc and have some good conversation, coffee and share in learning from each other.

- Cozy Corner Coffee Time - At 10:30 every morning for Free coffee, tea, and a cookie. Meet new people and staff in a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

- Buddy Up – Program is designed to touch base daily (short phone call) with a buddy to act as a safety net. If you live alone or spend part of your week alone this would be a program for you! If you are interested, please contact Lynda 204-320-4603 for more details.

Other Programs/Services Provided - Noon Meals: Available Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Come join us for lunch. Call Kitchen at 204- 320-4605 the day before or by 9 am that day to reserve your meal.

- Foot Care Clinic: 3 Foot Care Nurses are available different days throughout the month. Call Reception at 204-320-4600 to book your appointment.

For more information on our programs, activities or volunteer opportunities, drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Call Lynda at 204-320-4603 or reception desk at 204-3204600, Fax 204-320-9098 or visit our website at patporteralc.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Marchand Woman Competes in “Just Watch Me” Contest

Lorena Mitchell, the owner of Evolve Green from Marchand.

By Marianne Curtis The 2018 “Just Watch Me’ video competition is underway and a Marchand entrepreneur is among the top four finalists competing in the prestigious contest.

The “Just Watch Me” video contest encourages disabled entrepreneurs to share their business success story and inspire other people with disabilities to become their own boss. Two winners from both Manitoba and Saskatchewan will be awarded cash prizes and a number of other tools that could assist in their business operations. The video that receives the most public votes will win the top prize of $1,000 in cash along with business prizes valued at over $2,000.

Lorena Mitchell, the owner of Evolve Green from Marchand is one of the two finalists from Manitoba. Evolve Green is a renewable energy company that designs, consults and installs Solar both

on and off grid, solar thermal and wind systems. Evolve Green is the most reviewed solar company in Manitoba and known as a company that cares about its impact on the community.

“I have always had multiple immune disorders and never let this get in the way of being the best that I can be. I have always been an entrepreneur doing what I love in my Industry,” Mitchell explained. “One piece of advice I can tell others with disabilities is to never talk about what you can’t do, only what you have to offer, because in the end this is the only thing that matters!”

The video contest is being run jointly by the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP). The contest is open to people with self-identified disabili-

ties or ongoing health conditions and operating businesses in rural Saskatchewan or rural Manitoba.

The Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program helps rural entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals by providing business advice, training, mentorship and access to repayable business loans.

Lucy Fouasse from Lil’ Steps Miniatures & Wellness Farm won last year’s Just Watch Me! video contest.

She credits the contest for helping to put her business in the spotlight. She provides animal assisted counselling and equine facilitated wellness for children and teens with a variety of needs.

Vote for Mitchell by visiting youtube.com. Voting is open until February 12 with the winner to be announced on February 15.

Falcon Lake Hosts Annual Beaver Days For the 44 years, visitors from far and wide have been heading to Falcon Lake to participate in the community’s annual Beaver Days. This year the winter festival takes place February 9, 10 and 11.

The three-day festival celebrates winter with activities that include a Snowmobile Poker Derby on the Zubec Trail, SnoMo Radar Runs, sponge hockey tournament, X-Country Prediction Run, kid’s activities and crafts.

Other activities that draw the crowds are a Texas Hold’em Tournament, horse drawn sleigh rides, chili cook off, skating party, snowmobile demo, Whiteshell Trappers and Manitoba Conservation display, live entertainment and the popular mustache and beard competition.

At the time of print, one of the advertised highlights of the weekend the

Manitoba Mini Sled Racer’s As- event was moved to the old downsociation (MMSRA) has been can- stairs ballroom of the El’nor Motel in Falcon Lake. celled.

The first festival was held in 1974 when residents living in the area full time decided to host a winter carnival and snowmobile poker derby. For the first three years, the event was limited to a oneday poker derby, and dance at the community club lounge. The popularity of the festival quickly outgrew the community club lounge area so the

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Freedom Road Construction Moves To Next Stage

By Marianne Curtis Construction of the second phase of the Shoal Lake Band 40 all-weather road is set to begin, in a project that will eventually link the isolated community to the Trans-Canada Highway.

On January 23, the road construction contract valued at approximately $12 million was awarded to Sigfusson Northern, which completed the first phase of the project. The contract includes construction of 15 km of new road embankment and is cost-shared between the governments of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada under a unique joint agreement with the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.

The province designed and tendered this section of road.

According to Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler, Mayor Brian Bowman, City of Winnipeg, and Chief Erwin Redsky, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the announcement was a long time coming. “I congratulate Chief Redsky on this major milestone to put in place year-round unrestricted access to Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation,” said Philpott. “Freedom Road will significantly improve the well-being

of community members, and is a long-overdue step toward unlocking economic opportunities for the community and advancing reconciliation. The Federal government is pleased to be a partner in this project, and to support the future success of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.”

On behalf of Manitoba, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said the project will be, “Transformational for the community and the people who call it home.”

“Our government is ecstatic to be an integral part of getting this project across the finish line and look forward to celebrating the road’s completion later this year,” Schuler added.

“For the people of Shoal Lake 40, building Freedom Road has been a declaration of our right to exist, a right to be included in Canada that we began asserting in 2003.

Without safe access, our community could not survive physically nor economically,” said Redsky.

“Winnipeg’s water diversion took away our access so it’s fitting that Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada are part of our shared solution.”

One of the biggest accomplishments has been the decrease of cost estimates from $54 million to $30 million. “Like the first phase

of the project, there will be significant involvement from Shoal Lake 40 workers and companies in this next phase of construction,” Schuler noted.

The first phase of the project was roadwork on First Nation lands.

Provincial staff designed and tendered the construction project last year on behalf of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and the Federal government. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. That section was paid by the Federal government. The final phase of the work to connect the community to the all-weather road system is the construction of a bridge over the City of Winnipeg Aqueduct.

Shoal Lake No. 40 is a First Nation community straddling the Ontario-Manitoba boundary that was cut off from the mainland in 1915 when a nearby channel was cut by the City of Winnipeg in order to bring drinking water to the city. The First Nation has long sought a permanent all-weather road to provide the community with secure and constant access to essential services including water treatment and emergency medical services for the 290 people who live there.

3 Tips To Beat Winter Blues While Making A Difference Cold weather, lack of sunlight and too much time cooped up indoors? Sometimes it can be hard to keep your mood up during the winter months. The impact of the long dark wintertime is well-documented, and some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

For others, it may just take staying energized, motivated and connected to the issues you care about. Here are some ways to beat the blues.

1. Join a book club. Winter is the perfect time to read, so why not do it in a group? Many organizations offer great reading lists, resources and social opportuni-

ties with clubs covering a range of themes and issues. One choice is the Amnesty International book club, which offers new selections, reading guides, notes from authors, and opportunities to take action and directly engage with the issues addressed in the reading list (Find more information on the Amnesty book club and social and activist groups near you at www. amnesty.ca).

2. Connect to a cause. There is no greater motivator than feeling genuinely engaged in a cause you are passionate about. Consider choosing one that lets you spend more time outdoors so you have a

chance to reconnect with nature.

Getting involved in a good cause is a great way to expand your social circle and meet new people who share the same interests.

3. Have people over. In recent years, North Americans have been spending less time eating together at home. That is valuable time lost for connecting with loved ones and those in your community. You may not be the only person suffering from the winter blues this season, so why not have people for a meal? If you follow tips one and two, you’ll have lots to talk about with your guests.

February 2018

Martens’ Pizzeria Some say that opening and running a restaurant is hard work and that it is doomed to failure. In fact, a study done by Ohio State University says that approximately 60% of restaurants change owners or close their doors within the first year, a staggering 80% fail within five years.

While all that may be true, I know of one restaurant that recently opened and is doing a booming business. It’s the Martens’ Pizzeria!

Located in my basement my three children have setup shop and are “working” hard to serve their customers.

A disconnected telephone is used to take orders, a chalkboard displays the menu for walk-in customers, a small shelving unit acts as an oven and a cardboard box holds the ingredients. They also have another box that they use to deliver the plastic play food.

Their pizza selection covers the basic pepperoni, pineapple and BBQ pizzas; they also have a spicy pizza for that extra flavoured kick. Just pizza? No sir! They have quite a varied list of menu items to choose from. They have hot dogs, fries and for their special customer’s popcorn, straight off the cob. For drinks, they serve soft drinks, milk, orange and lemon juice (care for a glass of lemon juice with that pizza sir?). Desserts include cake, doughnuts, brownies and ice cream cones.

Their delivery service (whether you ordered it or not) shows up hand delivered for that personalized one-on-one service. Of course, then there is the matter of settling your bill, which is fairly reasonably priced, two pizzas for $20 and $10 for each additional pizza.

One thing that they do a little differently is that any and all tips that they receive is an automatic five dollars.

Based on the food (yes, I know its plastic), the service and the smiling faces, I will gladly order from the Martens’ Pizzeria every time.

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

RM of Reynolds Adopts Dog Bylaw The RM of Reynolds has tabled the third reading of the municipality’s first dog bylaw, pending legal council’s recommendation that bylaw enforcement is required.

The RM put together their first dog animal control bylaw at the end of 2017 after receiving a petition signed by 33 residents of the municipality. According to the Council, the CAO presented a petition, deemed sufficient in nature, asking Council to enact an Animal Control By-Law for the entire Municipality.

Council listed, and put together a bylaw. However, prior to third reading the administrator advised them that legal counsel recommended an enforcement by-law to go along with the new Animal Control By-Law. Without an Enforcement By-Law under the Manitoba By-Law Enforcement Act, the Municipality could be liable for fees incurred for enforcement of the By-Law instead of the offender.

The RM of Reynolds subsequently instructed their CAO to develop an enforcement by-law and have it reviewed by the Municipality’s legal counsel.

Article courtesy of www.newscanada.com

Construction Trailer Thieves Caught Ste. Anne Police and Steinbach RCMP combined their efforts to recover a construction trailer and all contents, valued at approximately $20,000 in Blumenort. The trailer was stolen from a construc-

tion site on St. Alfonse Street in the Town of Ste. Anne early morning on January 29.

Marc Leclerc, 28 years of age, and Stephanie Claeys, 33 years of age, both residents of Blumenort,

have been charged with Theft over $5,000 and Possession over $5,000.

Leclerc has been remanded in custody.

19

Dog by-laws provide for the regulation and control of dogs in an RM.

20

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

No Limits With Faith All of us face trials and challenges in life. How do you face them? There are only three basic methods, fear, force or faith. You will choose one of these when you face your next difficult decision.

Let’s look at a familiar Bible story that almost everyone has heard about. It is the account of the young lad, David, going out to meet the nine-foot giant, Goliath, in I Samuel 17.

David was just a shepherd boy. His father had sent him to find out how his brothers were doing in Israel’s army and to bring them some food from home. It was at this time that Goliath, the leader of the Philistine army would challenge Israel to send a man to fight with him. Saul, the king of Israel, and the rest of his army were afraid of this giant and fear paralyzed them so that no one was willing to step up for the cause and accept the challenge.

Goliath belittled the army of Israel and more importantly, the God of Israel. When David heard this challenge and saw no one else offer to fight Goliath, he went to King Saul and offered to take on the giant. Saul put his armour on David in preparation for his fight with Goliath.

Saul, along with most people today, thought the only way to be successful and victorious over the challenges in life was to take them head-on by force. The vast majority of our human race thinks this is the best way to face all problems. You can go to a variety of seminars on how to conquer life’s problems and they all use some variation of the force method to make their point.

David tried on the armour, but then took it off. He had not made it a habit in his life to use force to conquer his problems. Force has its limitations. You are limited by the training you have, the abilities you’ve acquired and the tools made available for you to use.

David chose a method with no limitations. He chose faith in Almighty God. Faith’s only limitation is the object of you faith.

The object of David’s faith was the all-powerful, all-knowing God of heaven; therefore, there was no challenge too big. David had already trusted God to help him kill a lion and a bear attacking his father’s sheep, so this giant would be no different. David went against Goliath with only a physical sling and a stone, but a mighty faith in his God. God brought victory that day and Goliath was killed.

If you face your challenges of life with fear, they will defeat you and leave you feeling hopeless and helpless. If you face your challenges with force, you defy the God of heaven and keep Him from working on your behalf. Your victories may be there, but they are limited in time and amount. But if you put your trust in Almighty God and by faith face your challenges, the results are only limited by a limitless God. You put your life in His hands. If you will confess your sin and failure to Him today, ask Him to forgive you and save you, He will make you His child. Then He gives you the necessary faith to trust Him through any and all trials of life.

What decision will you make? God is waiting to hear from you and help you today!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Spiritual Forces of Evil Ephesians 6:10-13…10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11) Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13) Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (NIV) Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. What does that mean?

As new Christians, it did not take very long for our faith to be challenged by some unseen forces, forces that did not have bodies, evil spirits that attacked our faith.

We experienced its effect in our thinking and in our actions. At times, I ignored the challenge from this unseen spirit. My lack of Biblical knowledge and my ignorance of the strength and tricks of the adversary was overwhelming. I soon realized I needed spiritual help.

The Bible teaches that the battle is not ours. Did I say that right?

Yes! I did! Scripture teaches that the struggle with evil spirits belongs to the Lord. However, the Bible also teaches that I have a responsibility as well. I am to put on something akin to a bulletproof vest, the whole Armour of God,

which He made available to us. As a Christian, it is my responsibility to wrap myself in the protective armour of God; thereby consciously fitting me with the power the Lord Jesus Christ made available to us. We are to be strong in our faith, strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must pay attention to what Scripture teaches so that we can cultivate our relationship with Him. This enables us to function in the strength of Christ. We realize that if we want the power of Christ we must understand that He and He only empower us to be victorious.

There are folks who have told me that they do not believe that evil spirits exist. Their thinking is that there is no God, so how can there be evil spirits? But you and I know that we are being challenged every day. In fact, our faith in Christ is being challenged at numerous times and in various ways throughout each day. Where does this challenge come from? Satan is not sitting at rest in some lazy chair waiting for me to mess-up. He has a plan to make sure that I messup. I believe that he is evil and in due course, his evil schemes will attack those of us who have a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

He goes about his work in a wellthought-out plan to discourage you and me so that he can frustrate every endeavor, every attempt to further the Gospel of Christ. He is an intelligent being. He is evil. He

is well organized. He will stop at nothing to destroy and kill the faith that we have with a living God. Our Scripture text invites us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. So that when we are attacked, we will be able to stand in the power of the Holy Spirit, being aware that only God through the Holy Spirit living in us is able to empower us. We must understand that we dare not fight Satan with weapons that we might think will be powerful enough to defeat him.

Our Scripture text says that we must clothe ourselves with God’s weapons; truth, decency, righteousness, honesty, the Gospel, salvation, faith grounded in Jesus Christ and allowing the sword of the Holy Spirit to penetrate the very depth of our soul so that we will not be deceived by the devil’s evil methods.

It takes courage to engage in the battle of faith realizing that our enemy, Satan, is prepared and dangerous.

However, we have a more powerful force fighting on our side, the Lord’s army. We have the opportunity to lift our prayers in strength. I must admit that often my own prayer practice is to pray only when I am being crushed with the things of this world. I understand that a daily prayer life is one of the most important ways of communicating our struggles and needs to God. As the army of God’s people on earth; in churches, in their homes, on their knees, as the prayers of God’s people go up to heaven the shout of victory

February 2018

21

Seeking Person of Interest The Steinbach RCMP are conducting an investigation to an incident that occurred at the Walmart in Steinbach on June 22. The RCMP would appreciate any assistance in identifying this person of interest.

If you have any information in regards to the above you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers. com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637). can be heard… To God be the glory great things He has done.

Would you pray this prayer with me, “Lord Jesus, come into my heart? Forgive my sins. I want my life to change.

My thoughts and my attitude

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

22

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

C ommunity E vents Dugald Prairie Voices Toastmasters – On Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in the Springfield Library.

New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble and more. Drop in Tuesdays 1 - 5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette, 12 St. Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

Falcon Lake Alcoholics Anonymous - Whiteshell group meets every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 pm in All People’s Church, Falcon Lake. Come and meet with us or call 204-349-2374.

We can help.

Ritchot Senior Services Foot Care Clinic - On Wednesdays by appointment. To reserve contact Janice 204-883-2880. With Cheryl Palmer, foot care nurse.

Friedensfeld Whist Drive - On Sunday, February 18 at 2 pm, Friday, March 9 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, March 25 at 2 pm at the Community Hall.

Spring Fundraiser Dinner – On Sunday, April 22 at 12 noon at the Community Hall.

Grunthal Winter Carnival – From Saturday, February 24 at 7 pm - Monday, 26 February 26, 4 pm at the Hanover Ag Grounds. Come out and enjoy a weekend filled with activities, entertainment and food. The winter carnival will feature free sleigh rides, a cribbage tournament, broomball tournament, toboggan hill, food, a beer gardens, art contest, and much more. Visit our website hanoverag.com, winter carnival link.

Hadashville Circuit 30 - Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Rec Centre .Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class. Contact Wendy 204-348-2433.

Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time.

Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or KSTA. academy@gmail.com.

Ile-des-Chênes IDC Seniors Group – All Activities at the Trans Canada Centre Guest speaker - Healthy Eating Talk with a Little Nutrition - On Friday February 23 from 1 – 3 pm. Contact 204-771-0560.

Indoor walking - Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 – 10 am Yoga - Mondays from 10 – 11 am Pickleball - Wednesdays and Sundays from 1 -3 pm, Water Colors - Thursdays from 9 – 11 am Block Therapy - Fridays from 9:30 - 10:30 am Taekwondo – On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 – 8 pm at the Ecole Ile Des Chene School. Cost $40/month, family rates available. Contact Kangs.mb.ca, Master Bill Tam 204296-8217.

Parent Child Playgroup - On Wednesdays from 10 am – 12 pm at the School, Rm142. Contact idc.mb.playgroup@ gmail.com.

Story Time in Pyjamas - Every Thursday evening at the Ritchot Library Ecole Regional Gabrielle-Roy at 6:30 pm. Ages 2-8 however all ages are welcome.

Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204878-4908 or email her at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register.

Kleefeld Community Playgroup - For parents, caregivers and children up to age 5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013.

La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204-424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com.

Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10.

Lorette Lego Club – On Thursday and Friday February 21 and 22, from 6:30- 7:30 pm at Tache Library. Join us to build, create & explore! Drop-in, no registration required. Contact 204878-9488, email btl@srsd.ca.

Chase the Ace Lottery – On Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm., draw at 8:45 pm at Dawson Trail Motor Inn Bar. Come, support this very much needed complex, at the same time have the chance to chose the Ace of Spade, and win the grand prize jackpot. Hosted by the Community Complex Fundraising Committee.

MELT ® Hand & Foot Treatments – Tuesday February 13 from 1 – 2 pm or Chair Yoga from 2 – 3 pm at Le Club des Bles D’or, 1254 Dawson Rd. Contact Michelle 204-878-2682 to reserve a spot.

Mitchell Valentine’s Supper - On Wednesday, February 14 from 6 - 7 p m at the Senior Centre, 130 Ash St. $10/person.

Niverville GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

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

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

Paradise Village Paradise Squares Dance Club - On Tuesdays from 7 – 9:30 pm at the Paradise Village Rec. Hall. Modern Square Dancing is fun and a great social activity. Couples and singles are welcome. Contact Larry 204-422-5424.

Pinawa Whiteshell Toastmasters – On Tuesdays at 11:30 am at Whiteshell Laboratories, 1 Ara Mooradian Way. Sign in required.

Prawda Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Wendy 204-348-2433.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children.

Snacks provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290.

Richer Young at Heart Dinner and Dance – On Saturday, February 17 from 5 - 11 pm at the Hall. Supper at 6 pm and Dance until 11 pm with live entertainment “Small Town”. Cost $20.

To reserve your ticket call Marie at 204-422-3052 or Irene at 204-422-5932.

Richer Community Club Chase the Ace! - Every Saturday at the Richer Inn from 5:30 - 7:45 pm. Tickets only $1 each. Jackpot is growing! Door prizes on random Saturdays ranging from glassware to Jets tickets and jerseys! Bud, Spud and Steak Special and more! Check out and like Richer Community Club Facebook page for updates. LGA License #1392RF. Adult & Teen Challenge Concerned Persons Support Group Join us Thursday evenings at 7 pm, in the Richer Fellowship Church, 50 Southeast Drive. If you have a relationship with someone who has a life-controlling problem, join us for this nine-week Living Free course. Receive encouragement and support in a safe setting, and learn practical ways to best help your loved one. Contact Pastor Ben Funk at 204-326-2254 or phone the church at 204-422-5308.

Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673.

Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or doreen@spmf.ca.

Sarto Ukrainian Dance Club – On Mondays from 7 - 8 pm at the Sarto Hall. Join the Sarto Polevnyi Ukrainian Dance Club for the season! You do not need to be Ukrainian to dance! Boys & girls, ages 3 to adult, no prior experience required! Cost starts at $150/year.

Sprague Sprague & District Historical Museum - Open by appointment from June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the early days. Free Admission. Donations Accepted. Contact 204-4372210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686.

St. Adolphe The Lung Association of Manitoba – On Tuesday February 27 at10 am at Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main St. with Lynne Manikel, Registered Respiratory Therapist and a Certified Respiratory Educator to talk about lung health and seniors. Refreshments will be served please call ahead to reserve a seat.

Winter Hobbies - On Wednesdays, February 7, 21 and 28 from 9:30 - 11:30 am at the Senior Services, 457 Main St. Quilters, knitters, people that like to lend a helping hand. Join us this winter as we work on two different projects, creating touch quilts that will be donated to the Alzheimer Society and knitting or crocheting hats and scarves that will be donated to

the Kindred project, which will be giving the items to women in shelters and the homeless.

Monthly Mood Disorders Meeting – On Thursday February 15 at 2:30 pm at Ritchot Senior Services 457 Main St. Once a month we have the privilege of having Tara Brousseau, Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba to lead the Mood Disorders Support Group. Topics include depression, bipolar, recovery, shame, resilience, mindfulness, meditation, coping and self-soothing skills, interrelationship skills, seniors’ issues, distress tolerance and peer-to-peer support. Everyone is welcome.

Lunch Program & Bingo – Every Thursday beginning February 8 at the Le Club Amical, 344 Main St. Call ahead for take-out or eat in. Cost $8. Contact 204- 883-2491.

Pickleball - Thursday evenings from 6 -8 pm at St. Adolphe School, 444 la seine street.

C.H.I.L.D program – On Wednesdays from 9:30 - 10:30 am at Ecole St. Adolphe School. Children’s introduction to learning and development. Contact sas@srsd.ca or 204-883-2182.

Fitness Program – Until May 31 every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday includes cardio, muscle and yoga inspired classes all designed especially for everyone 50+ at 457 Main St. Cost: 10 classes for $40 and receive 1 extra class free, 5 classes for $20 or $5 drop in fee.

St. Malo Chase the Ace – Every Wednesday, at the St. Malo Hotel, hosted by the Fire Department and the St. Malo Arena. Purchase tickets from 7 - 10 pm, draws take place at 10:15 pm. $2/Ticket. License#: LGA 3748-RF-26461. The fire department is raising money for their Wildfire Program. The arena is raising funds for a new Zamboni. So please come out for your chance to win and support these organizations that are an important part of this great community of ours.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba - On the last Monday each month at 7 pm at St. Malo Church. For persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns; individual and support groups. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

St. Pierre-Jolys The Knights of Columbus - The St-Pierre Carillon Council – On the first Thursday of the month at 482 Jolys Ave. W. Contact 204-433-7633.

Ste. Agathe Card Games – Starting February 20, on Tuesdays from 1:30 - 4:30 pm at the Community Centre, 183 Pembina Trail. Cost Membership $10 a year. Bring a friend Day. Contact 204882-2180.

Taekwondo - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15 - 7:30 pm at Ecole Sainte Agathe hosted by Kang’s Taekwondo Academy. Cost $40/month. Family rates available. Contact Jason Barnabe, jason.barnabe@gmail.com or 204-802-3458.

Ste. Anne Seine River Services for Seniors – Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15.

Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Ste. Geneviève Library Night – On 2nd Tuesday every month, February 13 at the Bibliothèque Taché Library Community Centre at 6:30 - 8 pm. A large selection of books in both French and English, for children and adults. Special requests can be made to the librarian, e-mail btl@srsd.ca or 204-878-9488 or in person.

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

Steinbach Steinbach & Area Garden Club - On Monday, February 12 at 7 pm, Mennonite Heritage Village. “Fungi: Growing and Foraging” with Tom Nagy, environmental consultant and ecologist.

Delve into the basic techniques that you can use to cultivate delicious, gourmet mushrooms in your own backyard and identify a few local edibles. Everyone welcome. Refreshments.

Door prizes. $5 non-member admission. Contact sagardenclub.com for more information.

Winter Carnival – On Saturday, February 17 from 10 am 4 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Join us for some wintry fun, skating, snowman building contests, sleigh rides, hood hustle, bonfire, hot chocolate bar, smore making, tug of war, snow bowling, snow ball toss, dart toss, snow man golf, guessing booth, snow castle building contests, ring toss, and smoosh races. Tons of outdoor fun for all ages. Winter admission rates apply.

Eastman Employment Fair – On Tuesday, February 27 from 4:30 - 7:30 pm at 345 Loewen Blvd, Mennonite Church Gym. Having trouble finding a job? Not sure where to start? Job seekers of all ages are invited to join us and take the opportunity to meet over 25 employers from the area who are looking to fill positions in their company.

Nobody’s Perfect Parenting - A 6-week course on Fridays from 1 - 3 pm beginning February 2 - March 9. Come meet, discuss, share, and discover with other parents of children age 0-5 years at the Steinbach Family Resource Centre, 101 North Front Dr. Childcare provided. Registration required. Contact 204-346-0413.

Breast Feeding Group – On Fridays at 10:30 am at the Steinbach Family Resource Centre for a support group, current information and a variety of presentations. Contact 204-3460413.

Toddler & Me Story Hour - Classes offered three times a year for a 10-week session in Fall and Winter and a 5-week session in Spring. Classes are free. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, literacy and parenting tips, crafts and snack for parents and their children ages 1-3. Advanced In-person registration is required. Limited space available.

Family Movie Night - On Friday February 23 from 7 – 9 pm at the Jake Epp Library.

Join us for our bimonthly Movie Night. We will be watching “Norm of the North” (rated G). Admission and popcorn free.

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Drop In Book Club – 2nd Tuesday every month at 7 pm in the Jake Epp Library. We’ll post the book for discussion that month and if you’d like to join us please stop by. If you want to start your own book club instead, you can always take advantage of our Book Club collections. No sign up required. Just read the book and come hang out.

Knit-Wits Drop-In Club for Adults - Every 4th Monday of the month, from 6 – 9 pm at the Jake Epp Library. This is for anyone interested in fibre handcrafts such as knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, needlepoint etc. This is not a class but a casual knitting circle for all skill levels. Please bring your own items/supplies.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) – On Wednesdays, from 8:45 - 10:30 am at the Royal Canadian Legion. Cost $2/ week. A weight control support group that helps take off pounds sensibly and keep off pounds sensibly. Contact BettyLou Toews at 326-6397.

Eastman Immigrant Services - Many events and activities to support and help you make new friends. Volunteer to help at our community events.

Every Day English All Levels - Every Wednesday 1 – 3 pm.

Reading & Writing – All Levels on Monday and Wednesday from 10 am – 12 pm.

Pronunciation All Levels - On Monday and Wednesday from 7 – 9 pm at D4-284 Reimer Ave. Classes are free.

Southeast Entry Program Online: Learn about Health Care, Employment and Laws. To register for this 4-week online program, contact Josie@eastmanis.com , 204-346-6609 or email lois@eastmanis.com.

Eastman Safety Upcoming Programs - Located at 385 Loewen Blvd. Register online at eastmansafety.ca or contact 1-204371-1595.

Creativi-Tea Time Adult Colouring Group - Twice monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and on the 2nd Friday from 1 - 3 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Cost Free. Join us for a time of relaxation, tea and colouring. Tea and supplies are provided but you are welcome to bring your own!

Games Day & Games Night – Every 1st Saturday of the month from 12 – 5 pm and the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8:30 pm, at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play strategy games. Bring a friend, your strategies and games.

Test your skills and have fun. Ages 14 and up unless accompanied by an adult. Contact 204-326-6841, programs@ jakeepplibrary.com.

Royal Canadian Legion - On 1st Tuesday every month until June at 8 pm and Ladies Auxiliary meets 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, 294 Lumber Ave. Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main St. Registration for girls 5-17. Develop personal values and well-being, self-respect and respect for others; promote fun, friendship, adventure and challenges through new experiences; develop leadership and decisionmaking skills; give service to the community; value the natural environment.

The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon except when Monday falls on a long weekend at the Chicken Chef, 365 Main Street, visitors are welcome. Contact Cornie at 326-3155.

Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family and friends of people with mental health issues are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden East building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email eastmanmss@mts.net MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living with multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Place apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email nadine.konyk@ mssociety.ca.

MS Lunch Group- On 4th Thursday of every month, from 12 – 1 pm at All D’s Restaurant 320 Main Street. Contact Stephanie Bevacqua 204-988-0904, Stephanie.Bevacqua@mssociety.ca.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - Meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:30 – 3 pm at The Eden East Office, 21 Loewen Blvd For persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on the first Tuesday of every month except for the months of July and August at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyone interested in auxiliary work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 3263028.

Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at the Magnolia Restaurant. Contact 204-326-2313.

Carillon Toastmasters - Meetings open to adults who want to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursdays at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street, Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-4245737.

Al-Anon Program – Meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact Lloyd 204326-4365.

Al-Anon 12 Step Recovery Group - Meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at United Church, 541 Main St, front door, ring doorbell. All are welcome.

Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm at Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 204-346-0413.

Woodridge The Mobile Clinic – Is onsite on the third Thursday of every month from 9 am – 4 pm at the Community Club. Contact for appointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca.

General Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 1 and June 12.

Join us for a fun filled day. Tour from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm.

Begins at 8:30 am, pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for information and reserve a seat.

Email your community events to us at editor@dawsontrail.ca for inclusion each month!

Piney Hosting Coffee With Council Residents in the RM of Piney will have several opportunities to meet with their elected representatives during three upcoming annual “Coffee with Council” meetings.

According to Council, the purpose of the meetings is to give ratepayers within the RM of Piney an opportunity to join Council for coffee and voice concerns or ask any questions they may have.

The three meetings will take place February 19 at Evergreen Seniors Club in Sprague, February 20 at the Over 40 Club in Piney and February 22 at the Woodridge Community Centre, in Woodridge.

All meetings will start at 7 pm and run until 9 pm.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

February 2018

23

Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary Plans Final Book Sale

By Marianne Curtis The Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary is moving ahead with plans for the March Book Faire spring sale, but in an entirely different way.

“This will be the last sale,” said Phyllis Toews, Acting Chair Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary.

According to Toews, this decision was made because the current sorting and pricing space will no longer be available, and there is a lack of individuals willing to step up into a leadership role.

“We have grown substantially and to move our sorting and pricing to another building and then moving tables, books and bins back to the mall for the sale seems more than we can handle at this point,” Toews

Travel Healthy Clinics Provide Vaccinations Travel season is underway and travelers are encouraged to not take a chance with their health, especially since international travel including tourist resorts exposes Canadians to many infectious diseases.

According to Southern HealthSanté Sud, immunizations and health precautions provide valuable protection for Canadians who wish to travel in good health. In fact, some countries by law require vaccinations for entry.

“Our team of travel health nurses has professional training and indepth knowledge on the health risks for people traveling overseas,” stated a spokesperson for Southern Health-Santé Sud. It is recommended to first book an appointment at a Travel Health Clinic at least two months prior to departure. Some immunizations require boosters be given over several weeks to be effective.

The nurse will ask questions about your general health, previous immunizations, destination and purpose of travel, length of stay, planned activities, accommodation and mode of travel, and food and water sources.

A personal travel health plan will then be developed for travelers on an individual basis.

Anyone traveling for vacation, resort travel, working or studying abroad, visiting friends or family, and volunteering/mission work should visit a travel health clinic.

The plan recommends immunizations, which are available on site along with information on personal safety, traveler’s diarrhea, malaria prevention and other diseases that may be encountered at the travel destination.

Travel health advice and most immunizations are not insured

by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living. Individuals are responsible for full payment of services at each appointment.

explained. “We expect a good response from our many customers.”

The March sale will take place like other years, but this time books will be priced at rock bottom prices.

The final book sale will take place March 21 to 24 at the Clearspring Centre. “The Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary board has taken steps to discontinue the auxiliary,” she added. “After 80 years of service to the community there will not be a health auxiliary. As much as we regret, this is happening, we feel that together with all your help, we have serviced well.”

A final event to celebrate the end of the Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary will take place at a later day.

Since 1980, the Bethesda Hospi-

tal Auxiliary has hosted several successful sales, which have raised well over $616,580 for medical equipment deemed necessary for patient comfort or safety but not funded through Manitoba Health programs.

The very first project was $1,934 for commode chairs, and two ResusiAnnie. A Gamma Probe ($42,500), Hydrotherapy Room ($45,000) and Resuscitation Unit ($40,000) are among the most expensive items purchased by the group.

The twice-annual Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary book sales, raising over $600,000 were the premium fundraisers for the organization that is disbanding after 80 years of service to the community.

24

February 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Free Park Entry Encourages Families to Enjoy Winter

By Marianne Curtis Families are encouraged to enjoy the splendour of provincial parks during the winter as the province continues the tradition of offer free park entry for the entire month of February.

Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires said the province wants to “Encourage everyone to take advantage of the activities and the scenery our parks have to offer.”

This means that during February, vehicle park permits will not be required for entry into any provincial park. Snowmobilers still require SnoPasses for using groomed trails in the parks and entrance fees still apply in national parks. There are groomed trails in 12 provincial parks for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and hiking. Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks also offer outdoor skating areas, hockey rinks and toboggan hills while fat biking is welcome in the Whiteshell provincial park.

Park users are encouraged to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before visiting to properly plan their outdoor adventure. Maps of winter trails and updated reports can be found at manitobaparks. com.

Those who enjoy fishing will be able try their skills at ice fishing without a license during this year’s Winter Family Fishing Weekend

Learn how to snowshoe by taking classes in St. Malo or Whiteshell during February.

from February 17 to 19. Conservation limits will apply and a Federal licence will still be required to fish in national parks.

Before venturing out onto the ice, anglers are reminded to be sure conditions are safe. Never go out without letting someone know where

you are going, and dress appropriately.

In our area, interpretive programs are free and offered year round in Birds Hill, St. Malo and Whiteshell Provincial parks.

Highlights for the month of February include a guided snowshoe trek

in Whiteshell Provincial Park at the Pine Point Rapids on February 11.

An Evening with Trappers is taking place February 16 at the West Hawk Fire Hall. Gather for a Wolf Howl on February 17 at the Red Rock Snowmobile Shelter. On February 18, you can learn to snowshoe in the

St. Malo Provincial Park. For those wanting to learn how to ice fish, sessions will be taking place throughout the day in the Whiteshell Provincial Park on February 19.

Just outside our boundaries, a winter safari is taking place in Birds Hill Provincial Park on February 25.