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Granny’s Gets Extension for Improvements By Marianne Curtis Granny’s Poultry in Blumenort has been given until December 21 to comply with an improvement order issued by the Workplace Safety and Health Division after a midNovember inspection. Last month the Dawson Trail Dispatch exclusively reported that WSHD had issued a “stop work warning” to Granny’s Poultry after an inspection disclosed several concerning issues pertaining to the ventilation system and the concentration of chlorine used in cleaning birds in the evisceration department. The inspection was conducted after numerous complaints were received from UFCW Local 832
members working at the facility. The company was given until November 18 to improve the ventilation system because workers were experiencing symptoms indicative of chloramines exposure. UFCW Local 832 President, Jeff Traeger said that for years workers have been complaining of respiratory issues and poor air quality at the poultry plant in the Turkey Evisceration Area. The health and safety committee regularly tried to investigate the problem, but according to the union, management refused to cooperate. The union hired an Occupational Hygienist to investigate the issue and a complaint was made to the Provincial Health and Safety Division.
During their inspection, Workplace Health Safety inspectors observed workers suffering from symptoms including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and sore and burning eyes. Inspectors also observed that many of the 50 people working in the turkey evisceration department were wearing half faced
Seine River Considers All-Day Kindergarten The Seine River School Division board of trustees is considering making a change to the division’s kindergarten programming. At a recent meeting of the board, Trustee Robert Rivard requested that the board consider changing the kindergarten program to an allday session. “We requested management to come back to us in December with a report on all-day kindergarten,” explained Rivard. “We want to know the benefits, how it would affect the division, what it would cost and the downside of it.” The Seine River School Division is hoping to hear from the public on the matter. “I brought it up so we could have an actual board discussion at a public meeting on whether we believe in all-day kindergarten or not,” Rivard added. The Seine River School Division has never tried to hold all-day kindergarten classes.
respirator masks. Inspectors found only one air intake and one exhaust fan with three ducts in that department and only one in the chlorine bath room. As a result of that inspection Workplace Health and Safety ordered Granny’s to hire a professional mechanical engineer “to ensure sufficient fresh air and air circulation and assist in diluting airborne contaminants,” stated the order. The cause of the problem was a poor ventilation system in the
evisceration department which did not allow for proper disposal of chloramine fumes. Chloramine is created when cleaning water is chlorinated and the ammonia from the dead birds combine. Fumes can cause sneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, choking, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma. Granny’s staff received a letter from the company with their recent pay stubs dispelling the unions concerns. The letter further assured staff the company is addressing the order.
Steinbach 55 Plus offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information call the center 320-4600.
Up and coming events for December Bus Trip: Christmas shopping & lights, Friday December 2nd leave 11 am. Return approximately 9 pm. Trip includes Christmas Shopping at St Vital Mall and The Forks. Dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, bus tour through the winter wonderland at the Red River X and the Christmas lights at Linden Woods. Cost $55 member $60 non member. Minimum of thirty passengers required for a definite departure. Christmas Banquet: Thursday December 18th, punch 6 pm, dinner 6:30 pm. Join us for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Christmas concert featuring The Filipino dancers & singers tickets $15 for members $18 for non-members. Deadline December 2.
Monthly Programs Single Ladies’ Night Out: The first Friday of the month at 5 pm. Enjoy supper out at a local restaurant. Call the center for place to meet. Foot Care: The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 3 pm. Run by Val Fry, a professional foot care nurse. Cost: $25. Bring your own towel. Call the center to book an appointment. Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6 pm. Meat and beverages are provided. Cost: $5 per person. Bring along a casserole, salad or desert. Call the center to reserve your seat. Birthday Party: The first Wednesday of the month. All members with a birthday are invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are asked to pay $2. Entertainment provided. Beltone Hearing: The third Friday of each month. Call 1-800-6612653 for appointment. Brain Injury Support Group: Last Monday of the month at 7 pm. Parkinson Support Group: Third Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm.
Weekly Programs Monday
9:30 am - 10:30 am Fitness Class with instructor 1:00 pm Canasta 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Circle of friends Wednesday 9:00 am - 11:30 am Tai Chi 10:30 am Choir practice 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Cribbage 1:30 pm Floor curling 7:00 pm Old Time Country Band Practice Thursday 9:30 am - 10:30 am Fitness Class with instructor 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Bridge and Whist 1:30 pm Wii bowling Friday 8:30 - 3 pm Circle of friends Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5. Call 3204605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend. Billiards: Monday to Friday, 1 - 4 pm. Center is closed December 26 & 27 Computer Lab: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 12 pm and 1 pm - 4 pm. Cost $1. There are lessons with Alex Cupples on Wednesdays from 9 am 12 pm. Call the center for more information. Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters, receptionists. Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $20 per year. Memberships are due in January of each year. Membership is for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights, and eligibility to serve on the board or committees. For more information on our programs, activities or volunteer opportunities, drop by the Center Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm or call 320-4600 or go to www.steinbach55plus.com.