Lack of Cell Service: Issue Heats Up
The Poppy Holds Over Ninety Years of Remembrance The 2012 Poppy Campaign of the Royal Canadian Legion is underway. Steinbach Legion Branch #190 began the distribution of thousands of Poppies to local businesses, schools and other venues. The distribution of Poppy boxes to local businesses was conducted by members of Steinbach Branch #190 and volunteers from Stoneybrook Squadron #307 of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet League. Members of the community will also have the opportunity to pick up a Poppy from members of the Air Cadets, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides at Canada Safeway on November 10. The Poppy has been a symbol of Remembrance since 1921 and is also known internationally as a symbol of collective reminiscence to honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Poppy Campaign is the foundation of the Legion’s Remembrance Program, which provides Poppies to members of the community as well as the opportunity to participate in Remembrance Day services. Steinbach Legion Branch #190 will be holding the 2012 Remembrance Day service at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School on Sunday, November 11.
While fire crews battled a raging wildfire threatening the community on October 2, the driver of one vehicle attempted to leave Vita only to have the bridge collapse beneath them. A second car joined the mess before crews had a chance to block the bridge to protect traffic. Minor injuries were reported. Photo by Marianne Curtis
By Marianne Curtis When the Dawson Trail Dispatch hit the streets in October it was obvious we had a major problem. Miles and miles of fires, followed by several days of power outages after a snow storm blew through the region pushing southern municipalities to the breaking point. RM of Stuartburn Reeve Jim Swidersky is once again pleading with the government to step in and connect the area to a reliable communication source. “The southeastern part of Manitoba contains vast areas that completely lack service, or receive such weak, intermittent service that one cannot make a phone call,” stated the reeve. This is becoming an integral argument after the emergency Fleetnet System failed while the municipality was dealing with fires at the beginning of October. This is the second time this has happened in the area during the height of a crisis. The province uses and promotes the MTS Fleetnet Network as the emergency communication system for fire, police and emergency personnel, noted the Reeve. “During the fires the Fleetnet system was not working for any emergency personnel,” Swidersky confirmed. “Cellular phone service has become an essential service to the general population and is extremely important in emergency situations.” Within hours of having difficulty communicating with emergency crews, the crisis hit a new high when a snow storm killed power to thousands of residents, leaving most homes with no way to communicate. The RM of Stuartburn is demanding the province, MTS and local government services take immediate steps to provide southern Manitoba with reliable emergency services through the Fleetnet and improved cellular service. “We’ve been lucky so far. We haven’t lost anyone yet,” stressed Swidersky. “But eventually our luck is going to run out.”
St. Pierre Denies Sewer Connections The Village of St. Pierre-Jolys says the community’s lagoon is reaching capacity and as a result they have been forced to deny some hook-ups to the community sewage system. According to council, the Village of St. Pierre-Jolys has seen a 31 percent population increase in the last two years that has resulted in infrastructure challenges. More specifically, the community’s lagoon is reaching capacity. “Manitoba Conservation has advised the Village of St. PierreJolys that they will not grant – for any reason – ANY emergency discharges from their lagoon and have subsequently requested that the Village develop an acceptable contingency plan,” stated council. “The engineered study that was just conducted identified that at this time the present lagoon’s hydraulic capacity needs to be increased to accommodate any further sub-divisions.” While council is looking toward improving the community’s lagoon capacity, it has had to shut down new connections to the town’s sewage system. “At this time the current existing capacity of the lagoon, if any, be reserved for expansion within the town limits,” added council. An application on behalf of St. Pierre Lumber to hookup to the town sewer system was denied at the beginning of October. The business is located on the north side of St. Pierre-Jolys.
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More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
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November 2012
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Local Hero Rises from Ashes of Vita Fire By Marianne Curtis Most people from Vita know Lothar Dueck as the local pharmacist but now he is being called a hero after his actions during early October wildfires. On October 2, Dueck was working in his store, Dueck Drugs, when he looked out the window and saw smoke across the field. Realizing it was coming from the direction of a customer’s home, he left the store and went to investigate. By the time he arrived, the roof of the house was on fire and a barn on the yard was already destroyed. The owner, Sandra Andresen, was inside baking and oblivious of the danger she was in. He and Andresen drove away from the site through a wall of smoke while flames consumed the home behind them. Andresen’s son Chris credits Dueck for saving his mother’s life. “He drove through the flames blocking my parents’ driveway, picked up my mom and drove out through heavier flames, charring his truck,” said Andreson to media. “If it wasn’t for Lothar my mom would have been a casualty of the fire.” Even Provencher MP Vic Toews extended his own thoughts on Dueck’s heroism. “I want to congratulate Lothar Dueck of Vita. Mr. Dueck courageously drove through the flames to rescue a woman who was unable to escape her home. This act likely prevented a tragedy from taking place,” stated Toews. Toews said there were many acts of bravery throughout the area as emergency personnel responded to the fires across southeastern Manitoba. Their professionalism helped ensure that this situation did not evolve into a catastrophe,” praised Toews. “I would also like to commend local residents, many of whom demonstrated acts of selflessness to prevent the loss of life and further loss of property.” Before the fires were contained four homes, several farm buildings and a provincial highway, bridge in Vita fell victim to the wild fires. RM of Stuartburn Reeve Jim Swidersky was exhausted when the Dawson Trail Dispatch caught up with him during a week that saw massive fire destruction, evacuations and then a snow storm complete with power outages.
“its precipitation so we will take it, anything needed to cool things down a bit,” stated Swidersky. “It is very unfortunate that we lost several homes this time but we are grateful that no one got hurt. The community banded together to help in any way they could.” Swidersky said the municipality plans to continue putting pressure of the province to establish a disaster assistance program to help residents with recovery from both the fires and loss of power due to widespread outages. The municipality made an official request to the province the previous month in an attempt to recoup losses from the April wildfires.
For the past 31 years, Lothar Dueck was known as the local pharmacist. Now he can add “hero” to his list of achievements.
RM of Ste. Anne Approves New Municipal Office By Marianne Curtis The RM of Ste. Anne council has given the green light to proceed with the construction of a new municipal office building. Reeve Art Bergmann said that council has awarded a $697,000 contract to build a new municipal office to VonAst Construction of Niverville. The new 3,100 square foot building will be constructed on municipal property located on the west side of Ste. Anne, just off Hwy 12. “We were going to do some renovations to our existing office but the building is old and would need a lot of work,” explained Bergmann. “Council investigated this thoroughly and we decided it would be prudent to build a new building.” He added that since the municipality is growing, office space for records and other municipal materials has become a premium within the current structure. “If we use the upstairs then we have to reinforce the floors,” Bergmann continued. “Any renovations we do would have to include upgrades to bring it up to standards, including putting in wheelchair access, driving costs up close to that of a new building.” The new building will be constructed on RM of Ste. Anne land outside the boundaries of the Town of Ste. Anne. “We will no longer be paying taxes to the town for our building,” added the Reeve. The RM of Ste. Anne does not have any concrete plans on how they will be disposing of the current structure, which is over 100 years old. However, Bergmann said council is considering putting it up for sale once a move takes place. “Once we are on the verge of relocating it will be put up for sale and the money will get put into reserves so we can invest it in something else,” Bergmann said. The RM of Ste. Anne has moved forward with a $525,000 borrowing
RM of Ste. Anne Reeve Art Bergmann said council would soon be retiring the current municipal building after deciding to build a new structure on the southwest of side of Ste. Anne.
by-law that will be repaid over ten years. With a repayment plan of $60,000 per year, residents could see a .25 mil increase on their tax bills.
Construction is expected to begin in the new year and the building is expected to be ready for occupancy at the end of summer in 2013.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
November 2012
October Blizzard Crippled Region By Marianne Curtis Mother Nature kicked into high gear during the first week of October when heavy wet snow caused trees to collapse knocking out power to some areas of the southeast for up to five days. The RM of Piney was the hardest hit with massive power outages over the Thanksgiving weekend. More than 120 hydro poles were down in the area around Piney alone. Some residents were without power for five days. There were also significant power outages in the Vita, La Broquerie, Woodridge and Falcon Lake areas. As a result, the RM of Piney is encouraging residents to be proactive when it comes to power outages. “As we have all experienced over
the last Thanksgiving weekend, power outages are not necessarily short lived,” stated the RM of Piney council in a special letter to residents. “During a power outage, you may be left without heating/air conditioning, lighting, hot water, or even running water. If you only have a cordless phone, you will also be left without phone service.” Because lengthy power outages can occur, the municipality has a number of suggestions for area residents in the event this happens again. “Residents can install a nonelectric standby stove or heater that is not dependant on electricity to run,” council suggested. “Before considering the use of an emergency generator during a power outage, check with furnace, appliance and lighting fixture dealers regarding proper operating
Trees collapsing under the weight of heavy snow pulled down miles of power lines
procedures.” throughout the southeast causing road hazards and widespread power outages. During power outages turn off all lights except one inside and outside. Do not open your fridge or freezer. If the door remains shut, a full freezer will keep food frozen for 24-35 hours. Do not use anything that gives off carbon monoxide such as charcoal/ gas barbeques or home generators indoors. Never leave candles unattended and make sure they are in proper holders.
Manitoba Hydro crews converged on the area to clean power lines and replace downed poles to restore power to the region.
Recycling Drops in Piney Earlier this year the RM of Piney changed their dump policies and installed recycling sheds throughout the municipality to encourage ratepayers to recycle more. Since the municipal-wide push to recycle kicked off back in April, the municipality is reporting a decrease for material collected. In July, the RM of Piney received 11,506 kg of recyclable goods. “We noticed a significant decline in recycling in the months of August and September of 2012, with amounts of 9,831.5 kg in August and dropping even further to 8,020.2 kg in September 2012,” confirmed council. “We want to remind everyone within the municipality to take advantage of the recycling sheds within the area.” The RM of Piney council is also reminding residents that the recycling sheds within the municipality are strictly for recyclable items. “Household garbage is being dropped off in many of the recycling sheds,” council added. “The municipality will be forced to remove the recycling sheds from the area if individuals cannot respect and abide by the purpose of the recycling sheds and how helpful they have been to our community. “ While financial figures are unavailable for 2012, the municipality is getting some money back through the municipal-wide recycling program. Last year the municipality earned $25,500 from resale of the goods, which was $12,000 more than the previous year. “Recycling saves the environment and our tax dollar,” council noted.
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Political Shockers Just Keep Coming First to the local scene. The Selinger government affirms special hunting rights to the Métis people. This, for many of us, is so basically unfair and wrong. All citizens of a country should all have equal rights and privileges. Once one cultural group receives special consideration it makes a mockery of “equal under the law”. In this case, extending special hunting rights in an age of the existing Canadian safety net, hunting for your supper need not extend beyond skulking in the aisle of Safeway, Sobeys, etc. Furthermore, the number of Canadians who are Métis and never considered acquiring a card to prove it probably exceeds the card-carrying percentage. I feel we should all define ourselves on our own merits, for our forefathers did not, could not, and never meant to buy us a free ride for anything more that is not enjoyed by all of our neighbors. I feel I have the right to say so, as my Métis heritage should be equal to anybody else but I would be embarrassed if it implied special unearned privileges. Another shocker on the local scene, MPI wants to spend money on road safety. First of all, if my insurance company was private and I agreed or disagreed with this type of adventure I would have the option of changing the insurance supplier. MPI is a Crown monopoly and premiums should not, under any circumstances, be used to augment government expenditures
ever. This is just another tax increase, pure and simple. On the Federal scene, budget 2.0 arrives to complete the insult started in spring. The hidden agenda has been revealed. The government tabled a bill of 457 pages and the next day passes a time allocation motion. The Finance Minister blames the opposition for not doing their homework this summer, but like the rest of the Cabinet; he’s too cute by half. Much of this dictatorial diatribe has not been seen before. Let us consider a few gems. EI will now only increase by five percent in any given year, so far not bad. This change was to be managed by the EI board, but the next day the board was disbanded. What is the message? Medical benefits you may receive from your place of employment will now be taxable income to the employee. I detect a serious anti union bias, if not just plain meanness and vindictiveness. The new navigation Act is set to protect 97 Canadian lakes and 62 Canadian rivers, this leaves 31,900 thousand of other lakes and countless rivers out from under the umbrella of environmental protection. That is good for business if, for instance, they would wish to sell water by the tanker full or dump industrial waste with less shame than now, but what will it do for sustainable environment?
Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.
The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaper distributed free of charge to 50 Southeastern Manitoba communities. Published by: One One Consultants Inc. Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768 Dan Guetre, Managing Editor One One Consultants Inc., Publisher News Writers: Marianne Curtis, and Dan Guetre Columnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann, Peter Martens, Herman Unrau, Raylene Snow, Lorena Mitchell, Eileen Lewis, Travis Olifirowich Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck, Monica Guetre and Wilma Priebe Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre
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Now I guess I am taking liberties with the label “Hidden Agenda”. Think it’s too strong? Let’s add this up. Since January 1, 2009, Federal corporate tax rates dropped to 19 percent, on January 1, 2010 to 18 percent, on January 1, 2011 to 16.5 percent and on January 1, 2012 to 15 percent. So far, this is just numbers to the average person. Well, consider these points. First, economists working for Canadian banks figure no more appreciable positive numbers in job creation are created beyond a lowering of the corporate tax rate below the 20 percent mark. They have what they claim is The Prime Minister claims, in irrefutable historical data. Second, Parliament that every measure, now these large corporations including those made public for the first time, has the public’s seal (those with shares being traded) of approval. My seal of approval are sitting on a hoard of Canadian is most certainly being withheld. dollars equal to 30 percent of For starters, I just heard about it Canadian GDP. Moreover, that was and I find it damn scary. I feel my sitting at the end of 2011 at $1.74 sustainability is a distant stranger trillion. That’s a wee bit better than $510 billion. These figures are to the Prime Minister’s hidden courtesy of the “Economist agenda.
Magazine”, an entity of much better repute than our esteemed “Conservative Government”, in my humble estimation. So who do you thing will pay down the greater share of our deficit and support the yearly federal budget? Still can’t figure it out? Look in the mirror. Trickle down economics was discredited south of us with President Reagan’s attempts. I would encourage everybody to inform themselves of this drastic piece of legislation because Parliament is muzzled by imposed time constraints and the unbelievable amount of changes that should be digested by every other Parliament committee other than the one for finance will not trickle further than the PM’s office. We can now attach a meaning to this hidden agenda, “rape and pillage” Harper style. Don’t you just feel warm all over? Don’t get excited, you have a touch of the robber baron flu.
Canada’s Economic Leadership – An Economic Model for the World In recent days, the heads of two of the world’s leading economic organizations, the IMF and the OECD, have both singled out Canada’s economic and fiscal leadership with praise and have pointed to Canada as a model for the world to follow. Our Conservative Government is focused on what matters to Canadians: creating jobs, promoting economic growth and securing long-term prosperity. That’s why we are working hard to implement Economic Action Plan 2012, a plan to help support Canada’s economy and create jobs during ongoing global turbulence. Our Plan is helping ensure Canada’s economy remains on the right track and secures our position of strength. Here are just a few of the facts: - Since July 2009, Canada has seen over 820,000 net new jobs created, the best job growth record in the entire G-7; - The World Economic Forum says our banks are the soundest in the world; - Forbes magazine ranked Canada as the best country in the world to do business; - The OECD and the IMF predict our economic growth will be among the strongest in the industrialized world over the next two years; - Our net debt-to-GDP ratio remains the lowest in the G-7, by far; - All three of the major credit rating agencies, Moody’s, Fitch and Standard and Poor’s, have reaffirmed Canada’s top credit rating; It’s little wonder that more and more international leaders are pointing to Canada and our economic leadership as a model to follow. IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde has said: “Canada, a country with one of the strongest financial sectors in the world … Canada can teach the rest of the world about how to build a stronger, safer financial system … If I look at Canada and the anomaly that it constitutes compared to other countries – because it’s growing pretty well, because its banking system is solid and growing, because its inflation is under control, because its fiscal deficit is also pretty much under control and its level of indebtedness is reasonable – you know, it’s not bad as a scorecard.” OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria has said: “Canada is well prepared. You have been better prepared and therefore you’ve weathered the storm a lot better. You are well prepared now. Your fiscal policy, your monetary policy, your financial system (is) in better shape. And therefore, you are doing better in … the world economy.” While our Government is focused on a low-tax plan that will help create jobs, the NDP is pushing high-tax schemes to kill jobs. The NDP’s massive carbon tax would not only take $21 billion out of the pockets of Canadians, it will also cripple Canadian businesses and kill Canadian jobs. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at (204) 326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at (204) 345-9762. You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at (204) 346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@parl.gc.ca.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
NDP Dismisses Rural Health Care It’s a time when the province is running up record debts and deficits, and has increased taxes and fees by close to $300 million per-year. Despite this, infrastructure across the province is crumbling; rural ERs and hospitals face a steady decline. Where did all this new tax money go? In 2011, the NDP government spent $5.32 billion on health care in Manitoba. That’s an average of $4,266 for every man, woman and child and even with that spending nothing seems to be improving. A family doctor is hard to come by, people still wait many hours for emergency care and imaging appointments and to get a specialist require months of waiting. Since the NDP took office in 1999, over 2,000 doctors have left Manitoba for greener pastures. As of August of this year, 16 rural ERs have suspended operations, and one is operating on reduced hours. In August of 2011 there were 15 ERs with suspended services and three operating with reduced hours. That shows things are not getting better at rural hospitals. To make matters worse, the Vita ER was recently closed for a period of time. Residents of Vita and area were required to travel to Steinbach or Winnipeg to get emergency care. Many people who live there are located in more remote regions of Manitoba. The time required getting to Steinbach or Winnipeg instead of Vita could be the difference between life and death. Whitemouth has been left without an x-ray machine and to get this basic and essential service, people must now drive to Lac du Bonnet or Pinawa. The NDP has been fond of touting its health care vision of more doctors, shorter wait times, and more technology. This would be a good thing if the NDP were not prone to mismanaging provincial resources. The NDP is so focused on Winnipeg that it is letting rural Manitobans fall through the cracks. It is wrong to expect rural Manitobans to accept sub-par health care services. This province is short hundreds if not thousands of doctors, nurses and specialists. Many Manitobans don’t have a family doctor or emergency room nearby. Manitobans deserve better. The government’s record is clear. The NDP has closed ERs and has suspended health services across the province and they managed to do it while spending more money than ever before. That’s not a record a government should be proud of. I welcome all comments and concerns you may have. If you’d like to contact me, please feel free to call my office by phone at 204-424-5406, by fax at 204-424-5458, or by writing to Box 889, La Broquerie MB, R0A 0W0. You can also email me at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.
Can You Hear Me Now? For me the first week of October was a very exciting, yet unnerving experience. My excitement kicked off when I was personally evacuated by fire fighters after explosions rocked St. Boniface. With five fire fighters threatening to physically carry me out, I reluctantly left my post at a job similar to 9-1-1 dispatching. Yes, it was exciting but at the same time very frightening due the proximity to the fire, which had several fuel filled freight cars threatening to explode. I went home and thanked my lucky stars that this incident ended without any injuries, including myself. The next day I witnessed the mass exodus of communities like St. Malo, Vita and Ross as homes were threatened by massive wild fires. Fire crews from several municipalities worked tirelessly in both areas to prevent loss of property and life. Just when things started to get under control, mother nature dumped a pile of white stuff onto the world. Within 48 hours, the southeast was powerless as thousands of customers were thrown into darkness and cold. Hundreds of downed power lines and trees had shut down the area. But I was oblivious. I was on the road to Vita, doing my job of delivering the papers when I got the call from the office, “Where are you?” asked my editor. “Delivering papers, I just pulled into Vita after the detour from hell.” The gravity of the situation didn’t really hit me until I got close to Sundown. I was literally navigating by keeping the van between the ditches. I should not have been out there, but since I already was, I kept going. After leaving Vita, I was on my own. No cell service. Thinking ahead to the possible dangers the further I got from Vita, I did the “smart thing”. I took to Twitter. Throughout the day, I sent various tweets. “Vita check in, Piney check in, Vassar check in”. I knew these texts were a waste of time when sent but I knew eventually that when I hit some type of service, my tweets would post and if I didn’t make it home, SOMEONE would know where I had been and through process of elimination I would be found. Right? Not really. The southeast is a big area and there are many roads where it is miles before you see a house. If stranded, you are stuck until the next car comes along, IF there is a next car. There is NO emergency service! Seriously? We live in a world where there are countries with people who are so poor they cannot eat yet they have cell service. We pay for services through the teeth. It’s nearly impossible to find a decent cell plan for less than $30 a month but there is still no access? This is unacceptable! For years I have spoken to representatives from the RM of Stuartburn and Piney; their argument is the same – bring us service, bring us safety, bring us communications – lives depend on it. But their cries fall on deaf ears. About 10 years ago, the province kicked in funding to hook up communities to high speed internet. They gave funding and support. It is time for that support again. Where are our government representatives? They can push for other things. Start pushing for this. LIVES depend on it.
More Than Just News!
November 2012
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NDP Raid Another Crown Corporation Recently the NDP government announced that they are all in favour of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) using the insurance premiums of Manitoba drivers to fund road construction. I suppose that is hardly a surprise since the NDP have a long track record of raiding Manitoba’s crown corporations and passing the bill on to Manitobans. Manitobans might remember that in 2000, just after forming government, the NDP authorized a plan to take $20 million out of Manitoba Public Insurance and divert it to universities. That plan was eventually scrapped as a result of significant public backlash. Then, in 2008, the NDP authorized the purchase of a downtown Winnipeg shopping mall for $80 million by Manitoba Public Insurance. In addition, MPI, and most other crown corporations where told by the NDP to each put up a million dollars for the Human Rights Museum. The fact is that the attempt by the NDP to raid MPI to pay for road construction is not something new; it follows a pattern. Even though the NDP have received record transfer payments from Ottawa and have increased taxes by hundreds of millions of dollars, they still cannot live within their means. As a result, they have been looking to our provincial crown corporations to go beyond their mandate and to fund things that are normally done through the general revenue of government. Manitoba Public Insurance has a mandate to provide the best possible insurance coverage at the lowest possible price. That is not achieved by the NDP directing insurance rates to go to the purchase of shopping malls, funding universities, donating to museums or building roads. Manitobans expect that their insurance rates will go to cover the cost of providing insurance and don’t expect it to be used as a piggy bank for the NDP to reach into every time they are unable to manage their own spending. Ironically, at the same time that the NDP is looking to take more money from MPI, they are forging ahead with wasting hundreds of millions of dollars by running a new Hydro transmission line from northern Manitoba on the longest route imaginable. It is another case of the NDP interfering with a crown corporation by forcing Manitoba Hydro to take a long and uneconomical route. Last month hearings were held in Niverville on this plan and many local residents came to express their frustration with how the plan wastes taxpayers’ dollars and wastes valuable farmland. Whether it’s directing MPI to build roads or forcing Manitoba Hydro to build a transmission line on the wrong side of the province, the fact is, the NDP by raiding and interfering with our provincial crown corporations, is making them weaker. And that hurts all Manitobans. I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at (204) 326-5763, by fax at (204) 346-9913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
2013 Community Places Grant Program The Manitoba Community Places Program is once again accepting applications for funding assistance to non-profit community organizations. This year’s deadline is December 15. These grants will help revitalize communities and improve recreational opportunities in towns and cities throughout Manitoba. In 2012, more than 270 non-profit community groups were able to create or upgrade local recreational, wellness or cultural facilities for Manitoba families as a result of Community Places grants. Gathering places such as seniors’ centres, playgrounds and hockey rinks play an important role in enhancing the quality of life families have come to enjoy in communities throughout our province. The Community Places Program provides funding and planning assistance to non-profit community organizations for facility construction, upgrading, expansion or acquisition projects. Eligible projects are those that provide sustainable recreation and wellness benefits to communities. Eligible projects can receive up to 50 percent of the first $15,000 of total project costs and up to one-third of costs over that amount; the maximum grant is $50,000. Applicants must contribute to project costs by providing additional resources from local fundraising, grants from local governments and other sources, or donated labour and materials. Examples of Community Places Program projects approved in Dawson Trail during 2012 include: - geothermal expansion for the skateroom in the Ile Des Chênes arena, - a park shelter in Landmark, - Richer Daycare Centre’s natural lighting project, - Ste. Anne Sports Complex facility upgrades,
- School age expansion for the Tache Community Daycare. Since its inception, Community Places has provided more than $104.3 million in grants to support more than 6,815 community construction projects province-wide. These grants have leveraged an estimated $651.7 million in infrastructure improvements in both rural and urban communities. Community Places has provided funding and planning assistance for 10,706 applicants from nonprofit community organizations. I highly encourage groups to apply for Community Places if you have a project in mind. Grant applications under the 2013 Community Places Program are now being accepted until December 15. You can find the application online and submit it by mail or fax. To receive a grant application or for more information, contact the Community Places Program office in Winnipeg at (204) 945 0502 or 1-800-894-3777 (toll-free), e-mail mcpp@gov.mb.ca or visit manitoba.ca/housing/cpp. As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on these and other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail (dawsontrail1@yourmanitoba.ca), by phone (878-4644), or by mail at 101-1309 Dawson Road, Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 and together we can continue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward.
Thank You Dear Editor: On behalf of the Steinbach Branch #190 of the Royal Canadian Legion, I would like to extend a thank you all those who attended our Fall Supper on Sunday, October 14. We had a fantastic turn out of just over 300 people and appreciated everyone’s patience while waiting in line. I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful help we had from six cadets and three parents from our local Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, Stoneybrook #307.
Lastly, thank you to all the volunteers who helped with preparing and serving the meal, running errands, posting posters and cleaning up. It was great working with all of you. Sincerely, C. Borkowsky Royal Canadian Legion Steinbach Branch #190 Steinbach, MB
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More Than Just News!
November 2012
Dawson Trail Dispatch
IDC Celebrates Grand Opening of Community Centre By Marianne Curtis The Municipality of Ritchot and the community of Ile des Chênes came out to celebrate the official grand opening of the TransCanada Centre on November 3. The two-year project had held its official sod turning back in July 2010 marking the start of construction of the Ile-des-Chênes Community Centre. This November saw a very special event with the ribbon cutting that officially declared the construction was complete and the centre was ready for business. Roger Perron, Economic Development Officer of Ritchot Community Development Corporation said he is pleased to see the complex open for business. “We have an amazing state of the art facility here,” Perron stated. “We would still like to add other services here.” Initially the geothermal system was proposed to solve the cost of replacing the 1974 ice plant and upgrades to its arena but became too expensive. By teaming up with two other community projects, the sustainable costs were reduced and the funding increased. The result is Manitoba’s first district geothermal heating and cooling system that connects the arena, fire hall and community centre. The Centre TransCanada Centre is a Silver LEED certified building built by Westland Construction Ltd. It uses 60% less energy due to the installation of a sophisticated
geothermal system that also serves the adjoining local arena and the town’s fire hall. Energy costs for the arena are expected to be reduced by 40%. The geothermal project received funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Fund. It was co-winner of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities 2012 Sustainable Communities Award Energy category.
“We are building houses, the hall, a daycare and we have room for more services.” The community centre is expected to bring much needed services and will create employment opportunities. The Centre also houses a bilingual public daycare for 94 children. “If you are going to have a growing community then you have to have a safe place for the children,” Dawson Trail MLA Ron Lemieux added. “The daycare centre in this facility is something the community should be proud of.” There is also several thousand feet of office rental space, with the primary focus on bringing medical services to the community and surrounding area such as a medical doctor, pharmacist, dentist, and
At a ribbon, cutting event the TransCanada Centre in Ile des Chênes was declared open for business.
physiotherapist. Ritchot Reeve Bob Stefaniuk added that the centre is a sign of growth in the community. “We are seeing a lot of growth in Ile des Chênes,” Stefaniuk noted. “We are building houses, the hall, a daycare and we have room for more services.” This project was made possible with the support of federal funding through the Community Adjustment
Fund and the Rural Municipality of Ritchot. The funding received from the Federal Community Adjustment Fund of $2.77 million was used to assist in the construction, which had originally been estimated to cost about $ 4.27 million. The Ile Des Chênes arena project cost $1.3 million, with the province kicking in $430,000 through the Building Manitoba Fund. By building the TransCanada
Photo by Marianne Curtis
Centre, the RM of Ritchot became the first municipality in Manitoba to go green by connecting three community structures to one geothermal system. Now complete, the project is expected to save the municipality and taxpayers thousands of dollars a year through energy efficiency.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
November 2012
7
Blizzard Stranded Busload of Students By Marianne Curtis Two school divisions are looking into their procedures after an incident that saw at least 29 students aged 5 to 13 stranded on their school bus in the Sandilands earlier this month. Denie Ferré, Superintendent of Division Scolaire Franco-
Manitobaine (DSFM), confirmed that 29 students were stranded on their bus after it was stuck near the community of Sandilands for five and a half hours on October 4. A second bus was stuck near Woodridge. “The students were warm, they had access to a home and they were safe
and secure,” stated Ferré. “The biggest thing is the students are safe and they got home okay.” The bus, shared between the DSFM and Seine River School Division, was taking children home from school in La Broquerie when the bus went into the ditch. “The bus was only 100 metres
Brave Teen Consoles Stranded Schoolmates By Marianne Curtis A 13-year-old boy is being recognized as a local hero after he braved a snowstorm to get help after the bus he was riding became stuck in the snow on the side of a rural road near Sandilands. The bus carrying 29 students, ranging in age from 5 to 13, was stuck for about five and a half hours on October 4. “At one point, most of the kids had cried themselves to sleep because they were hungry, they were tired, they were thirsty and they wanted their parents,” said Alexi Catellier, who was also the oldest student on the bus. The more the bus driver attempted to dig the bus wheels out of the snow, the deeper into the snow they sank. While students waited, Catellier says he and another student melted snow in empty bottles to keep the students hydrated. Around 8 pm, five hours after the students had been picked up from school, Catellier said he had no option but to head out on foot and seek help. He encountered a man who contacted nearby CN Rail workers.
“The way the wind was blowing and with the snow, it was freezing cold. And I was just wearing running shoes, track pants, a thin sweater and a little fall jacket,” he recalled. Catellier went back to the bus and with two others to carry some of the young children, including his 5-yearold brother Bevan to a nearby home to warm up and use the washroom. Not long after, the CN Rail workers arrived and pulled the bus out of the snow. The bus was back en route by 9 pm and all of the students were home before midnight. Catellier’s mom, Tatiana, said she is proud of her son but she is hoping the division will review what happened. “I’m glad that he did it, and I’m glad that he had the potential to do it, but I’m not happy that he was in that position and put in that position,” she said. “Heaven forbid someone was diabetic and needed insulin,” she said. “We’d have a real problem with no food, no water and no medical facility anywhere around.” Denis Ferré, superintendent of Division Scolaire FrancoManitobaine said they are investigating the incident. “Are there other things we could have done? We’re going to have to
Thirteen-year-old Alexi Catellier is being hailed a hero after helping to keep 28 other busmates calm when their bus was stranded for five and a half hours in a snowstorm near Sandilands.
Ste. Anne Sells Town Office
The Town of Ste. Anne moved into their new offices located in the Bilingual Services Building further down Dawson Road in February of this year. The former office was listed for sale shortly afterwards. At a recent meeting, council reviewed an offer to purchase, however, the purchasing party and amount of the sale has not been The Town of Ste. Anne has finally disclosed. Council accepted the offer and the sold the old town office located along sale closed on October 12. Main Street in Ste. Anne.
look at the whole situation, what took place,” said Ferré. “The whole issue of procedures: what happens in nasty weather, how are the bus drivers trained, about kids leaving the buses, supervision issues and contacting the parents [to] make sure everybody is up to speed.” He did confirm that the 13-yearold student, along with the other children, should not have been allowed to leave the bus.
from the home of a student on the bus,” Ferré confirmed. The driver radioed the dispatcher who notified First Student, a privately owned company that contracts buses to several school divisions. “He called the tow company but they couldn’t get there,” Ferré continued. “Parents were contacted and told it was going to be a long wait.” Several teenagers on the bus walked the smaller children to the nearby house. One student walked about 200 meters up the road to where a Hydro crew was working to ask for help. While they were unable to help pull the bus out they did offer the use of their phones but were told the bus had a two-way radio. Meanwhile, according to DSFM, First Student’s transportation supervisor fought his way though the storm and came across a CN crew who came and pulled the bus out and followed while the driver as it continued on its route. Seine River superintendent Mike Borgfjord said reports from students on the bus were that they were close to a house and children went in groups to use the bathroom and get warm.
A second bus, this time a Seine River bus with high school students, was stuck near Woodridge. Normally another bus would come to fetch the kids, but the roads were in too bad of a condition, Borgfjord said. In the case of the second bus, some parents picked up their kids in all-weather vehicles. The rest of the students got home after the snowplows reached them. “There’s always constant communication,” Borgfjord said. “We used a lot of fuel that day keeping the buses warm.” Meanwhile, school was closed that day in communities like Sprague and Vita due to power outages. By that afternoon schools already in session in other communities were faced with deciding to end the day early but due the ages of some of the children the decision was made to keep them in school until the end of the day so children would not be left at home alone, noted Ferré. Both school divisions are reviewing these incidents to ensure that better procedures are in place in the event that something like this occurs again.
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November 2012
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Former Reeve Recognized with Jubilee Medal What is Considered a Basement Bedroom? Many people ask or believe that they have a bedroom in the basement but can be mistaken. For example: The Fire code for Winnipeg says a room in the basement must have a window 30 by 15 inches minimum and unobstructed by 3.77 sq. ft. and a window well needs to be the same. If a room in a basement cannot legally be described as a bedroom because it does not meet the requirements for window size, etc. as outlined in the city of Winnipeg Brochure (Basement Development), then it should not be represented in advertising as a “bedroom” in the description of number of bedrooms. - If the “bedroom” in the basement met the codes of the day when the home was built (and more importantly, when the bedroom was constructed); that is, a building permit was obtained and the basement development was inspected, it CAN be continued to be used and advertised as a “bedroom”. - If the basement was ever renovated after initial construction, and a permit was obtained at the time of renovation and the renovations were inspected, the room CAN continue to be called a “bedroom”. Note: That as stated in the brochure, you must be able to open bedroom windows in basements from the inside without the use of tools and they must have a minimum unobstructed area of 23.3 inches by 23.3 inches or 15 inches by 32.2 inches. Because of this, you should keep on file a copy of any permits and inspection reports you obtain when doing renovations of any type as proof it was done to code at the time. If you don’t have a copy, you can request a copy from the City. Note: For those areas outside Winnipeg, homeowners and practitioners should check with their local RM office to find out what the requirements are for basement development. Till next time Travis Olifirowich and Eileen Lewis wish you well.
By Marianne Curtis On October 30, Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon recognized former RM of De Salaberry Reeve Ferdinand Berard with a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. Berard was recognized for his many years of service within the RM of De Salaberry after spending a total of 35 years on council. He spent 14 years as an RM of De Saleberry Councillor and then as Reeve from 1974-1995. “During Fern’s tenure as Councillor and Reeve he showed exemplary leadership and vision for the future of the municipality as a whole,” stated Graydon. “Examples of his leadership and vision are obvious. He realized that in order for the communities within the municipality to grow, that [they] should have an adequate supply of water and he brought water to St. Malo, Otterburne and Dufrost. He also brought natural gas to the communities.” Not only has Berard served on council for the municipality but he is also active on the St. Pierre-Jolys Hospital board and local school board. “He was a strong supporter and
advocate of the St. Pierre Veterinary Clinic and was able to garner support from surrounding municipalities to have it built in St. Pierre,” Graydon added. “Not only was he able to guide many different councils of De Salaberry successfully, he also was able to maintain a cordial working relationship with bordering
municipalities, all for a common goal.” The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.
Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon presented former RM of De Salaberry Reeve Ferdinand Berard with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his life-long service to the community.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
November 2012
9
Vita Teen Recognized with Council on Aging Award Kleefeld Break By Marianne Curtis An 18-year-old woman from Vita is one of eight people from across the province recently recognized by the Manitoba Council on Aging. On October 30, Candace Maxymowich was one of eight dedicated Manitobans and a not-for-profit enterprise who received Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards from Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau. “A community is only as strong and vibrant as the individuals who contribute to it, and today we honour a generous, committed group of volunteers who have given tirelessly of themselves to improve the quality of life for seniors and all Manitobans,” said Rondeau. “This is truly a celebration as we recognize and honor seniors and the invaluable resource that they are to our society and communities throughout Manitoba,” added Yves Rochon, chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging. The awards recognize the outstanding contribution each award winner has made within their communities. “I am humbled, honoured, and at the same time excited to receive this award,” stated Maxymowich. “I am passionate about working for the benefit of seniors and will continue to do so.” At just 18 years old, Maxymowich has contributed a significant amount of time volunteering in numerous organizations in her community, throughout the province, and across Canada. This includes many hours of volunteer work at Shady Oak Lodge and Whispering Pines Lodge in Vita. “As part of my Grade 5 Language Arts program I, along with my fellow classmates, were paired with a senior in our community. Before meeting with seniors we were introduced to some of the different issues and problems that seniors may have developed as they age, by attending hands-on workshops,” explained Maxymowich. “I am thankful that I was able to participate in this program as it was through this experience that I learned to understand and gain a great amount of respect for seniors.” The Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards were established in 1996 to recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations for their exemplary efforts on behalf of seniors and to pay tribute to the seniors
Rooftop Comfortable Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and have some fun at the same time. With my hammer hooked in the loop on my belt, I clambered up my extension ladder and climbed up onto my roof. It was time to do a bit of shingling. Now, for some of you shingling a roof wouldn’t be a big deal. For me, it’s a little harder. While I’m not scared of heights, I do have a very healthy respect for gravity and the results of what may, or would, happen to my body if it were to heed the call of gravity right off the edge of the house and down onto the ground. Add to that a very active imagination filled with more than enough thoughts and pictures of how it could come about that I might plummet off the edge and maybe you’ll see that that is why I become a bit more cautious the higher I get. As I mentioned earlier, my hammer is in the loop on my belt. I can still remember when I shingled my garage roof while using only my hammer to drive in the nails. Not so for the house. Now I have a coilroofing nailer and I’m impressed with how much quicker and easier this one tool has made this job. The only real downside I’ve found would be the air hose that I have to drag around behind me as I work. Not really too big of a deal, I just have to be aware of where it is when I’m stepping so that I don’t trip over it or step on it and go for a tumble down the roof. One thing I’ve found is that the more time I spend on high, the more comfortable it feels. For the first while, I’m very cautious and travel more by spider-man crawling around the roof (Did I mention that it has a fairly steep pitch to it?). A while after that I’m feeling more comfortable and can let go with my fingertips and move around in a half crouch, this makes it much easier to move the shingles to where I need them. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too much longer after that last stage that I found myself striding across the roof as though it were no different than being on the ground. I like this stage of progression as it feels good and allows me to move quicker and get more shingling done faster. The only thing that really worries me (other than the forecast of flurries!) is the next stage, this is the stage where I’m so comfortable up on the roof that I start to act silly. Luckily for me, I think the cold temperatures will keep me away from this stage. After all, I’d hate to be up on the roof doing a jig and end up finding out the hard way that I hadn’t quite nailed that last shingle. That would be one quick ride back to the earth. Luckily it’s too cold to jig and, truth be told, I don’t really know how to jig. Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.
In Results in Water Damage On or between Friday the 2nd of November and Saturday the 3rd of November suspects broke into a residence on Tanglewood Bay in Kleefeld. The suspect(s) gained entry to the residence by prying open the garage door and then the door to the residence. Once inside the residence the suspect(s) proceeded to damage mirrors and two water faucets. The damaged faucets allowed water to flood the entire new home, resulting in substantial damage to the finished residence. Police are asking for the public assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for this or any other break and enters in the area. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 La Verendrye MLA Dennis Smook congratulates eighteen-year-old Candace Maxymowich or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 for her award at the Manitoba Council of Aging Recognition Awards at the Manitoba (TIPS) or Legislature. www.manitobacrimestoppers.com who continue to contribute to their communities. The awards demonstrate or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637). the province’s interest in creating age-friendly environments for all.
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November 2012
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Create a Great Funeral Day I just learned that October 30th was “Create a Great Funeral Day”. It’s a new recognition day, barely a decade old. It was registered as an official “day” by Stephanie West Allen as a way of attempting to relieve the pressure of having to decide what a loved one would want for their final send off. I checked the “Days of the Year” website. The Day was founded with the hopes of getting loved ones to sit down together and talk about what the individual wants at his or her funeral (or memorial service or celebration of life). Then their loved ones know when the time comes that they do not have to juggle their own grief with trying to plan a funeral and guess what the deceased would have wanted, even if it just so much as a particular song played at the funeral, or words for the headstone. Gail Rubin is a Certified Celebrant and has written an award-winning book, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die. According to an article written by Rubin: ”The idea behind Create a Funeral Day is to think about how you would like to be remembered and to let those you love know how you’d like your life celebrated. “The family’s experience of the funeral is so much better when a loved one expresses their desires and values before dying.” The Day’s founder, Allen, states about having a funeral pre-planned: “The people who are left behind are so grateful to have this already done. And planning your funeral in advance, regardless of your age or state of health, is a good way to think about ‘What is my legacy thus far and how do I want it affirmed?’” So why don’t people plan in advance? Yes, there is the fear of death or having to think of our own mortality. But I don’t think that is the main reason. I think you have considered what you would want for your own funeral, but you don’t know how or where to start. You’re not sure you can shop around for your funeral services. You are worried that if you go to a funeral home, you might be “sold” something you don’t want. And you may be pressured to “pre-pay”. There is a difference between pre-planning and pre-paying. To me, prepaying is optional. Preplanning is a must. You need an advocate. Pre-planning can save a lot of money. I’ll give you some examples of the cost of cremation services I have observed in the past 12 months. Two different individual I know passed away in the last year and the spouses paid very different amounts. Just for the cremation. One paid about $1000 and the other paid $2,500. Did you know that the maximum CPP death benefit is $2,500? Do you think it any coincidence that one funeral home invoiced the deceased’s spouse $2,500? And do you think he knew he could have had his wife cremated for less than half the price? At a recent “pre-planning your funeral” information session I attended in August in Winnipeg, I overheard an interesting conversation between another attendee and “the preplanning specialist” employed by the funeral home: The individual asked how much just a cremation is; the “specialist” advised that there is so much more to be considered than just the cremation. She told her that most basic cremation and service starts at $2500. What another coincidence! And she didn’t even answer the question! Your funeral is the last, great party you will ever have thrown in your honor. My feeling: as you were in life, so should you be in death. If you’re so inclined, you can plan it down to the fine details. Do you prefer a religious rite or a secular celebration? Are there ethnic customs or family traditions you wish or need to honor? Where will the funeral be held - church, hall, funeral home, outdoors in a meadow (or curling club)? Will there be a procession to a cemetery? Open casket, closed casket, no casket? What music will be played? What readings represent your values? Do you have a preference for flower types or colors? How about donations in your memory — do people including your family know your favorite charity? And who will preside over your service? Who will “orchestrate” the day? If you don’t preplan your funeral, lots of decisions need to be made by your family in a very emotional and vulnerable state and in just a day or two. And deep in mind the funeral isn’t for you. It’s for your family and friends. Yes it is about you, but it’s not for you. And please plan something. A funeral/memorial service/celebration of life avoids your family members having to hear from others over the next several months: “I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your...” Instead they will hear “How are you doing? Can I have you over, or can I come over?” It will be easier to share memories if a service had been held. Preplanning means you care. You care about your family and their needs when you have died. So now what? I plan to launch a new service in 2013: an independent funeral planner. Why do you need an independent funeral planner? You need an advocate: I come and visit with you and find out about your life and your values and how you picture your funeral. We shop around. We create your obituary. I document your wishes. We send a copy to your family. The costs are known. You know how you will pay for it (pre-paid, life insurance, money set aside). It can be revised as you carry on and your life changes. At the same time, if you need it, we can review your Will, or arrange to get it and other important documents in place (power of attorney, health directive, living will). We can review your estate plans and do some tax planning. We can confirm who your executor will be and if he/she is a good choice (lives near you, willingness, ability, and capability). If you are interested in getting help with pre-planning your funeral, give me a call or stop on by. We can get started when you are ready. Anni Markmann is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging and a Tax Expert living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact her at 422-6631, annimarkmann@mymts.net or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
November 2012
11
Maple Leaf Purchases Puratone By Marianne Curtis
employees to Maple Leaf and benefiting from their experience and strong commitment to best On November 1, Maple Leaf Foods practices.” announced that it has entered into a Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a leading definitive agreement to purchase food company headquartered in Puratone Corporation based in Toronto. The company employs Niverville. The buyout comes about approximately 19,500 people at its a month and a half after Puratone operations across Canada, the filed for bankruptcy protection. United States, the United Kingdom In a transaction that is expected and Asia with sales of $4.9 billion in be complete within a month Maple 2011. Leaf has agreed to shell out $42 Puratone began in 1973 as a small million to purchase the company feed retailer and became a major feed including livestock, facilities and supplier within Manitoba. Since interests in some joint ventures. then the company had grown into a Ray Hildebrand, President and major player in the pork industry with CEO of Puratone Corporation, is a system of 28,000 breeding sows pleased with the agreement. and marketing over 500,000 hogs per “The agreement reached with year. There are over 50 farms dedicated to hog production, three feed mills that produce about 250,000 tonnes of feed annually and other agriculture related business interests. Maple Leaf Foods has purchased Puratone Corporation in Niverville after the company filed With this acquisition Maple Leaf for bankruptcy at the beginning of September. will own approximately 30 percent Photo by Marianne Curtis of the hog supply that is run through Steinbach 55 Plus offers programs, activities, services and volunteer Brandon and produce approximately opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults 1.2 million hogs annually. An of thoughtfully integrating both No immediate employment of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and integration team will lead the process operations. changes are anticipated. consider participating in some of our programs. For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, call 204-320-4600 or online steinbach55plus.com. Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $25 per year due in January of each year for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced On Monday, October 1, a break and enter occurred during broad daylight in the RM of La Broquerie. Police program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights, and eligibility believe that multiple suspects broke into a residence located approximately 3 miles south of the Town of La to serve on the board or committees. Broquerie along Road 32 N. The suspects kicked in the back door of the residence and proceeded to steal a large Up and Coming Events: Samsung television, surround sound system, speaker system, a 24-carat gold necklace and other jewelry. Thursday, November 8 is our next potluck: Meat is provided. Please call Several Ipods and a black, hand pellet gun were also taken from the residence. ahead and let us know what you are able to bring (dessert, casserole, or On October 1, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a residence on Road 40N in the RM salad). Cost $5 to offset cost of the meat. of Hanover. It is believed that entry was gained through a window. Stolen from the residence was a laptop Afternoon Country Jam – Is Back! Our first afternoon Jam is on Thursday, computer and jewelry. Police believe the break in occurred between 11 am and 12:30 pm. November 15 from 1 - 4 pm. On October 2, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a residence on Road 40N in the RM Old Time Country Dance - With live band, Walk the Line, on Friday, of Ste Anne. It is believed that entry was gained through a rear door. Stolen from the residence were several November 16 at 8 pm. electronic devices, jewelry, an undisclosed amount of currency, and prescription medication. Police believe the Mall Walking Kick-off Breakfast – At Clearspring Centre on Tuesday, break-in occurred between September 28 at 11 am and October 1 at 5 pm. November 20 at 8:30 am. Please register before Friday, November 16. If you have any information on any of these break-ins you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) Workshops/Groups - Monthly Programs: 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus Brain Injury Support Group - Monday, November 26 at 7 pm, meets your message to Crimes (274637). fourth Monday of each month. Parkinson’s Support Group - Wednesday, November 28 at 1 pm. Foot Care - The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 3 pm. Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost $30. Bring your own towel. Call the centre 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 in that month are invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are asked to pay $2. Beltone Hearing - The third Friday of each month. Call 1-800-661-2653 for appointment. Dance Lessons - Most Tuesdays and Thursday at 7 pm. Check schedule. Single Ladies’ Night Out - The first Friday of the month at 5 pm. Enjoy supper out at a local restaurant. Call the centre for the place to meet. Maple Leaf represents a tremendously positive outcome and we are very pleased with the stability it provides our stakeholders, particularly our employees,” stated Hildebrand. Three hundred and fifty jobs were at stake. From the Maple Leaf standpoint the move makes sense for the company, according to Michael McCain, President and CEO of Maple Leaf. “This acquisition will ensure a consistent supply of hogs to our processing facility in Brandon, which is an integral supplier to our value added prepared meats and pork business,” said McCain. “We look forward to welcoming Puratone
Residents Plagued by Break and Enter Culprits
Weekly Programs Monday
9:30 - 10:30 am Fitness Class with DVD 1 pm Canasta 7:30 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 8:30 am - 3 pm Circle of friends Adult Day Program Wednesday 10 am Tai Chi 10:30 am Choir Practice 1 pm - 4 pm Cribbage 1:30 pm Floor curling 7 pm Old Time Country Band Practice Thursday 9:30 am Fitness 1 - 4 pm Whist Friday 8:30 - 3 pm Circle of friends Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5. Call 204-3204605 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.
Monday to Friday 1 - 4 pm – Billiards 9 am - 12 pm and 1 - 4 pm - Computer Lab. Cost $1. Lessons available every other Wednesday from 9 am - 12 pm. Call the Center for more information and to book an appointment. Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters, receptionists.
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More Than Just News!
November 2012
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Humanitarian Project in the Dominican Republic
Be Prepared for Emergencies By Marc Lavergne Emergencies can happen at anytime 24/7; 365 days a year and can be managed with proper preparation, training and practice. Training can be found in books, day or evening classes (CPR/First Aid) and on-line searches (getprepared.gc.ca) Setting up a personal safety and emergency plan for you and your family makes sense. This plan should identify hazards, needs and solutions. Examples of hazards are hydropower outages, accident or illness, and flooding or fire. Needs could be items to stock up on such as water, food, first aid kit, radio, batteries, flashlight, landline connected telephone or cell phone. The training component could be First Aid/CPR, shelter in place, house or wildfire evacuations. Solutions are made up of a plan for emergencies before they happen so you can be prepared. Some of the plans you should have in place are for hydropower outage, being stranded in your vehicle during bad weather, fire evacuations, windstorms and tornados, flooding and someone gets hurt or needs to go to the hospital. Once you decide what you are planning for, identify what you can do to prepare for this emergency by having a well-stocked first-aid kit available at home or in your vehicle or possibly being trained in CPR/First Aid for use if someone gets hurt. This preparedness would lessen the impact of the stress you and your family could feel during a crisis. There is nothing better than being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency. We at the LERCG (Local Emergency Response Control Group) of the RM of Reynolds, recommend that all families/individuals take the time to check out the government website. We also ask that you consider taking the time to prepare yourselves with comprehensive “plans of actions” for all emergencies that can apply to you and your families.
Burglars Steal Safe from Hadashville Restaurant On October 21 just before two am, Falcon Beach RCMP were dispatched to a break and enter that occurred at a restaurant in Hadashville. Investigation revealed that thieves gained entry to the business and made off with a large floor safe. Anyone with information regarding this theft is asked to call the Falcon Beach RCMP at (204) 349-8035 or their local police agency. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477(TIPS) or submit a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text: TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
At the end of January 2013 a group of 14 volunteers will go to the Dominican Republic to help build houses for poor families in small towns in the area of San Jose de Ocoa. These members of the group called Franco-Amigos will donate two weeks of their time and will personally disburse the costs for their airfare, their lodging and their meals while in the DR. They will also bring an extra suitcase filled with clothing, shoes, school supplies, dental hygiene material and Spanish books that will be given to an organization in San Jose de Ocoa that will distribute these items fairly to families in need. Seven of the participants are from the La Broquerie and Ste. Anne area, one is from Minnedosa while the others are from Winnipeg. Fund raising activities are presently underway to help pay for the costs of the materials that will be used to build the houses. It costs approximately $5,500 to build one house, and the materials are bought in the town of San José de Ocoa by the local carpenters that will be in charge of the projects the group will be assigned to. The group Franco-Amigos will hold a fundraising social evening at 8 pm on Saturday, December 8 in the Holy Family Parish Hall, 778 Archibald Street in Winnipeg. The social evening will include three live bands, a silent auction, a light lunch, and a slide show of some of the activities and accomplishments of past groups since 2007. A tax receipt will be given for all donations of $20.00 or more. Cheques can be made to FrancoAmigos and sent to the group’s treasurer, Maurice Blanchette, 55 Central Ave. Ste. Anne MB R5H 1G8. For further information please contact Henri Bisson (204-326-3464), Maurice Blanchette (204-422-5676), or Norbert Ritchot (204-422-8043).
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
November 2012 Register Early for Christmas Hampers
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By Marianne Curtis
Habitat for Humanity Making Progress on La Broquerie Homes By Marianne Curtis In about three months, two excited families will be moving into new homes thanks to months of hard work by volunteers through Habitat for Humanity. According to Harry Friesen, Director for Habitat Southeast Chapter, at this time drywall is being completed on the two homes and families have been given a target move-in date for early February. Construction on the duplex located on Habs Bay in La Broquerie began during the summer. Friesen said Habitat is grateful to businesses and the community for their support towards the project. To date $63,880 in contributions of cash or gifts in kind has been received. Manitoba Lotteries is expected to match these donations up to $60,000 for the two homes. At the lock-up stage, Manitoba Housing will also contribute $64,600 for the two homes. These contributions total $188,480 for this project, which has a proposed budget of $250,000. Friesen said projects of this type could only move forward when
In about three months, this duplex in La Broquerie will be become home to two single-parent families from Steinbach.
people give of their time, talent and donations. “Many people have been involved in family selection, daily job site coordination, book keeping and overall planning,” Friesen continued. “Volunteers have participated in work days and project fundraisers. Time has been sacrificed to make this happen and I thank each one who has contributed towards such a positive achievement.”
After a lengthy screening process, Veronica Banos and Maria Unrau and their families were chosen as the new owners. As part of the agreement, each family must put in 300 hours working on their own home. The Habitat for Humanity Southeast Chapter is already looking towards their next building project. Two new habitat homes are expected to be built in Richer beginning in June 2013.
Book Sale Funds Medical Equipment By Marianne Curtis The ladies from the Bethesda Hospital Auxiliary are pleased to report that, due to the success of their most recent book sale, enough money was raised for their current fundraising project. Hundreds of book lovers in the region came out to support the Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary’s fall book sale. This year’s event, which took place from October 18 to 20 at the Clearspring Centre in Steinbach, raised $9,700, just short of the $10,000 goal. Verna Thiessen, from the Bethesda Auxiliary, is pleased with this year’s event. “Our fall sale is always smaller than the spring sale but we still did very well,” stated Thiessen. “Thanks to our many volunteers, donators and the people who come out to buy books we were able to almost reach our goal.” The Bethesda Hospital Ladies Auxiliary set out to raise $10,000 to purchase several individual suction machines to be placed within the hospital’s rehabilitation unit in each of the rehab rooms to ensure that choking patients can receive
There was something for everyone during the Bethesda Hospital Ladies Auxiliary fall book sale. Photo by Marianne Curtis
immediate assistance instead of waiting for a portable unit to be brought in from another area. “We are grateful to everyone who came out and supported this sale either by volunteering, donated or bought books,” Thiessen continued. Each year the Bethesda Hospital Ladies
Auxiliary hosts several fundraisers to purchase medical equipment deemed necessary for patient comfort or safety but not funded through Manitoba Health programs. To date the organization has hosted 14 book sales and rose over $200,000.
Everyone knows that Christmas takes place December 25 but deadlines to obtain a Christmas hamper arrives earlier each year. In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, the Dawson Trail Dispatch has compiled this year’s hamper disbursement list a month earlier to ensure that no one is missed this year. Almost every town or Rural Municipality is doing what they can, to help provide less fortunate families with the basic needs so children will not go hungry or without gifts this holiday season. Donations of all kinds are still needed by all these organizations with the need for volunteers to help with deliveries, so please give generously. Anyone needing a hamper or knowing someone in need is encouraged to contact any of these organizations. Vita: For the Vita area, you can contact the RM of Stuartburn office for information at 425-3218. Grunthal: The Grunthal Churches, Credit Union, gas stations and Grunthal Grocery are accepting donations of foodstuffs and toys to provide their area residents from the community and area with hampers. Call 4346793 for more information. Lorette and Landmark: The Tache Hamper Committee is collecting goods for Tache residents. You can contact 878-3329 for information on how to give or provide the names of someone in need. Niverville: Offers assistance to those in need from communities including Niverville, New Bothwell, Otterburne, St. Adolphe, Ste. Agathe, St. Pierre-Jolys and St. Malo. Call 388-4166 for more information. Ste. Anne: Knights of Columbus in Ste. Anne provides hampers for families within the RM of Ste. Anne. You can contact the parish at 422-8823 for more information. St. Adolphe and Iles des Chênes: The RM of Ritchot collects the names for people wanting a hamper while the food bank in Ile des Chênes and the Salvation Army take care of the collections and delivery. Contact the RM office at 883-2293. Steinbach and area: SouthEast Helping Hands in Steinbach delivers the most hampers in the region. You can call 326-2599 for more information or pick up a registration paper from the Clearspring Mall Info Centre, Helping Hands or AM 1250. A new online registration form has also been set up at steinbachcommunitychristmas.com.
Christmas Hamper Application Goes Online The organizers of the Southeast Community Christmas Hamper drive have added a new feature to make it easier for people to request a hamper this coming holiday season. Moni Loewen, with Community Christmas, said the organization has added an online registration for families in need this year at steinbachcommunitychristmas.com. “It’s quick and easy and saves our volunteers many hours,” explained Loewen. Anyone who knows of a family struggling with health, finances or a death in the family is encouraged to log on and fill out a form online. “We, as a caring community, can provide a little extra support at Christmas time,” Loewen added. Registration deadline is November 30. Anyone wishing to donate to the Community Christmas program can also contribute at the same site.
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November 2012
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Founder of Local Arts Council Appointed to Manitoba Arts Council By Marianne Curtis Your community Arts Centre is nothing without each member of the community. Donations big and small help to make us what we are. Our annual fundraising campaign is underway! The Steinbach Arts Council presents over 60 programs, and now we need your help to keep programs affordable, purchase equipment, and maintain our vibrant facility. Our goal is to raise $50,000. SAC will acknowledge you on our donor wall, signage, and future programs and events. Thank you for recognizing the importance that culture, arts and music play in our lives.
NEW Drop In for Arts4Tots
Arts4Tots Preschool Program for ages 3-5 (afternoons) teaches early childhood development through Arts forms. Parents love our Arts focus, our indoor and outdoor lesson environments and our community field trips. Parents can come regularly or casually and choose to stay or leave their child with us. Call for info.
Sing for Peace!
Eastman Choral Association presents the Sing for Peace concert on November 8, 7 pm at Steinbach Mennonite Church. Enjoy choral music by several local and guest choirs.
Concert
Madeline Hildebrand in concert on Thursday, November 15 at the SRSS Theatre in Steinbach. With a Masters in Music under her belt, Maddy is returning to the home stage with an eclectic, high-energy performance the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Music students!
Register by November 9 for a Master Piano Class with award-winning pianist Madeline Hildebrand to be held at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre on November 16. 15-20 minutes sessions are available for morning and afternoon. The public is welcome to audit – please register to do so.
NEW! Ladies Styling Class
Ladies! Become comfortable with moving to music in a class designed to work your feet, legs, hips, upper body and arms. This is a great girl’s night out and includes Wine & Cheese. Call SAC by November 7 to register for Ladies Styling on Friday, November 9 at the Cultural Arts Centre from 7 9pm.
Backyard Theatre Company
Ages 5-8 will love our Acting Out! class with Backyard Theatre Company where they have unlimited access to our closet full of costumes and props. Our experienced instructors will help inspire creativity and build confidence through hands-on classes with storytelling, puppet shows, and FUN. Register your child today.
Emotional Extensions Art Exhibit
Come out to local artist Mark Giesbrecht’s Opening Ceremony on November 14 at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, 7 pm. Exhibit runs until December 19.
Art Stream Open House
Our third Art Stream is coming up on November 16. Come out to enjoy local art, live music and good coffee, plus network with other artists. Artists! Call by November 14 to register your artwork for Art Stream. We are looking for new pieces to display every month in the Loewen Green Art Scene, our heritage home on 306 Reimer Ave. Come stop by! The Loewen Green Art Scene is open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1-4 pm and the first and third Saturday of every month.
Make a Mess
You are invited to make a mess. FREE studio space at the Loewen Green Art Scene where you can splatter, spray, squish and glob. Everything you’ve ever wanted to do with art mediums, but you’re mom said “NO!” Teachers, come with your students. Individuals also welcome. Please call ahead to book space.
Christmas Art Show & Sale
Cindi Rempel Patrick, founder of the Steinbach Arts Council was recently named as Vice Chairperson of the Manitoba Arts Council. Patrick was appointed to the position by the Minster of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Flor Marcelino. Patrick is the Executive Director and founder of the Steinbach Arts Centre. Under her direction, the centre is home to over 60 arts development programs for residents throughout the southeast. Her extensive portfolio includes experience within the Department of Cultural Development, Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals, The Treble Teens, Southeastern Music and Arts Festival and the Manitoba Arts Network. Patrick said she, “Finds it rewarding to give back to the community with her participation on numerous other boards in the non-profit sector.” Douglas Riske, Executive Director of Manitoba Arts Council, said he is pleased with Patrick’s appointment. “Cindi has served on the Council for a number of years and brings a strong voice to the Council table given her background in the arts and her commitment to the arts as an integral part of Manitoba community life,” said Riske. “Her work through the founding of the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre has made a significant difference to the lives of the citizens of Steinbach and it is that shared experience that will enrich the discussions and directions of the Manitoba Arts Council.” The Manitoba Arts Council is an arms length agency of the province established to promote the study, enjoyment, production and performance of the arts. The council gives awards to professional organizations and individuals in all art forms including arts education, literary, performing and visual arts through a peer assessment process.
Cindi Rempel Patrick, founder of the Steinbach Arts Centre, has been appointed as Vice Chairperson for the Manitoba Arts Council.
Fundraiser Opens Homes for Christmas Tour By Marianne Curtis For one day, several homes within Steinbach will be open to the public when the Steinbach Arts Council hosts the 15th annual Christmas Home Tour and Tea Community Fundraiser. According to Shannon Neufeld, Marketing Coordinator the Steinbach Arts Council, this year’s event will showcase five different homes during the 15th Annual Home Tour and Tea on November 25. “This is a heart-warming event that brings the community together in the celebration of Christmas, fellowship and an appreciation for architectural design, interior and floral design,” explained Neufeld. “Participating in this worthwhile event will warm you up from the inside out, and help you connect with the spirit of Christmas.” This year’s tea will feature five homes in a variety of styles such as Victorian, contemporary, country estate, traditional, modern, country, European, timber frame, folk and heritage homes. “Homes will be decorated for the Christmas season by local florists and designers, and local green house and landscape designers,” Neufeld added. “This event doubles as a fundraiser for the Arts Council so we can continue to offer a wide range of programs
Thieves Target Construction Sites
The Southeast Artists Group will be at Clearspring Centre on Hwy 12 in Steinbach on November 30, from 12 noon - 9 pm and December 1, from 11 Sometime between Saturday evening September am – 4 pm. Lots to see and purchase, plus artists painting on-site in a 29 and Sunday morning September 30 two work sites variety of art mediums and styles. located on Tanglewood Bay in Kleefeld were broken into. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra The suspect(s) gained access to two separate in Steinbach! construction sites. Stolen from the sites was a large Call now for your tickets to Holiday Pops at Steinbach Mennonite Church, quantity of construction tools including a Dewalt 12 on December 4! The whole family will enjoy this annual holiday favorite, inch compound miter saw, Dewalt table saw, two with special guest soloist Naomi Foreman, the SRSS Intermediate Female reciprocating saws, three drying fans, a dishwasher Choir, and a good old-fashioned sing-along. And….some surprises this and other smaller high-end tools. Police believe the suspect may have been parked season! Bring an unwrapped toy. outside the residence during the night and may have Try a class for Free! been driving a “U-Haul style” moving truck. The Dance Floor starts a new four week session on November 6. Learn RCMP is asking for public assistance identifying Night Club Two Step, Viennese Waltz or the West Coast Swing at the suspect(s) responsible for these break and enters. Friedensfeld Hall with Debra Ward. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or Ceramics Sign up for the Ceramics Christmas Nativity workshop on Thursday, CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or November 22, from 6 - 9 pm. with Adele from ARK Ceramics. A great manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637). mother and daughter night out!
to promote the arts and enhance the quality of life in our community.” This year there will be two afternoon tours on Sunday, November 25. The public is invited to tour the homes and then enjoy tea and homemade desert at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. The Steinbach Arts Council is also looking for community volunteers to serve as committee members. Anyone wishing to volunteer or showcase their homes can contact 346-1077 for more information.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Yucky Bugga Boos! The Halloween ‘BOOs’ are over and the colder air will creep up upon us until we are in winter. The bugs, i.e. germs, or as my little ones used to call them, “Buggas”, are forced inside and can no longer flourish outdoors. The warm places where they used to thrive such as campground showers, taps, toilets, outside door handles, car handles, picnic tables, patio restaurant and lawn furniture. are now going to freeze and the bacterial reproduction stops. So, the bugs will be moving indoors... BOO! It is scary to learn how many strains of bacteria have evolved over time and history. However, when a new strain appears we are very susceptible to it until we build up antibodies and become immune to it. How amazing our body can be if we have a healthy immune system! This is the concept behind the flu shot. During the year scientists try to discover and determine the most dangerous strains of viruses and bacteria. Although this can be a bit of a guessing game and since humanity is prone to error, not always does the flu shot contain the correct strain. But often they hit it right and prevented much illness among the population. We have come a long way since the Black Death in 1348-53 that took two million lives and the Great Plague in 1665-66 that killed 100,000 people in one year. We were able to stop SARS in its tracks. The knowledge we have today on the rapid travel of germs will be our salvation against large pandemics. Are you knowledgeable on how germs travel in and outside of your home? Could you stop a virus from spreading inside your own home? The fact is that the Black Death and the Great Plague were able to spread so fast and kill so many because hygiene was unknown and unpracticed. Ways and means to disinfect were not discovered until much later. After many, many decades of studying communicable diseases we now know that being very clean is what keeps those “buggas” in check. This is the reason people began to be diligent about cleaning their surroundings. Homes need to be scrubbed clean and vacuumed. Bedding needs to be washed. Toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs need to be disinfected. Rugs, mats, quilts and curtains need to be hung out in the sunshine (Solar rays and heat will kill germs). Hands need to be washed often with lots soap and lots of water before and after handling food and especially after using the washroom. Food preparation and serving requires rubber gloves. Having a very clean home means that your family stays healthier. I know I sound ‘old fashioned’ when I say, “Wash the sheets every week and shower before bed because you sweat and shed skin cells for up to 8 hours a day in that bed!” Or, I ask, “When is the last time you disinfected the phone receiver, cell phone, laptop, computer keyboard, TV and game remotes, and all the buttons on the microwave?” And don’t forget to wipe these things at work and have some hand disinfectant available. Too many people are becoming lax about the spreading of germs. They have not had the scare of a pandemic. They do not clean at home with disinfectants often nor do they wash their hands properly, or at all, during the entire day. They are spreading so many bugs all about and have little regard for others when they are this careless. Everything you touch at home, work, and when you are out and about is crawling with germs. If you see a business that offers hand wipes or disinfectant hand wash, use them! Even the air you breathe needs to be refreshed. Do not be fooled by the sprays that supposedly clean and scent the air or your furniture fabrics or plug-ins that work day and night to keep the house ‘smelling’ nice (I think these products irritate allergies too). The only way to clean the air is to open a window, vacuum and dust the area, and wash the floor. We do not do this often enough. The house will smell just great if it is clean! A great and inexpensive disinfectant is bleach. To keep your kitchen germs down, every time you fill the sink with soapy water to wipe up after a meal add one teaspoon of bleach to the water. You don’t need much and it will disinfect the counters, fridge and stove handle, microwave handle, your cloth, sink and drains. Remember to wipe as many doorknobs you can find when you have that cloth in your hands! There is no need to be buying special ‘disinfectant wipes’, just make it a habit to add a wee bit of bleach to any water you use to clean or wash floors and walls. And just a teaspoon of bleach in each laundry load disinfects your clothing. There are so many little things you can do to keep the germ count down in your environment. But don’t forget to take one day a month (mark it and book it in your day planner) just for super cleaning the house. Be a germ buster. A tidy house does not mean ‘clean’. Be very aware of how bacteria and viruses travel. Don’t get caught with the “Bugga Boos” around your house. Be clean, healthy and mindful. Raylene Snow is the owner/operator of Raylene’s Wellness Spa just outside of Ste. Anne.
More Than Just News!
Crow Wing Grooming Project Complete for Year By Marianne Curtis This summer the Crow Wing Trail Association became the first organization across Canada to hire a company specifically to maintain their portion of the national TransCanada Trail. The Crow Wing Trail is 191 km long, short in comparison to the length of the Trans Canada Trail. In a first time endeavor, Wayne Arseny and helper Jake Voth were hired by the Crow Wing Trail Association, with assistance from the Manitoba Recreational Trails Association, to maintain the entire 191 km over the summer. Hundreds of downed trees were removed to allow mowing in the forested areas, low hanging branches were cut back and miles of tall prairie grass and weeds were mowed, leaving a nice trail that was easy to follow. “I can honestly say this project has been much more challenging than I ever thought,” recalled Arseny. “My goal was to bring uniformity to the entire length of our trail with all the same signage and the trail is cut.” With a rented tractor and a 6' brush mower, Arseny indicates it took them only three long days to mow the grass sections on the entire route. By the third time they mowed, they had cut this time down. “I have seen every inch of this trail and I encourage everyone to check it out,” Arseny continued. “We have a wonderful trail with very diverse geography.” The Crow Wing Trail goes through the communities of Emerson, Ridgeville, St. Malo, St-Pierre-Jolys, Otterburne, Niverville and St. Adolphe, as well as the municipalities of Franklin, De Salaberry and Ritchot and the Roseau River First Nations.
Niverville Fire Department Fundraises for a Air Tank Refilling System The Niverville Fire and Emergency Services department is hosting their 2nd annual perogy fundraiser in a couple of weeks. The event will take place on November 11 from 4 to 7 pm at the Golden Friendship Centre in Niverville. Funds raised during the event will go toward buying a Cascade System for the department. The Cascade System is a specialized piece of equipment that is used to fill up the air bottles that firefighters wear on their backs to supply them with fresh air in a fire or smoky conditions. Having the system locally will allow the fire department to fill their air tanks at home instead of sending them to other municipalities. Until the department purchases their own system, the fire fighters have to travel to Landmark to get their air tanks filled. A new Cascade System could cost over $35,000 with joint funding between the Town of Niverville and local fundraising by the department.
November 2012
15
Charges Stayed Against Councillor After months and court hearing delays, the case against RM of Ritchot councillor Ernie Dumaine is resolved. Last December RM of Ritchot councillor Ernie Dumaine was charged with uttering threats after a conversation with another councillor. It was alleged the councillor threatened the life of the municipality’s public works supervisor. Sources say that at a hearing last month Steinbach Provincial Court stayed charges against Dumaine based on age and lack of a previous record. He was ordered to pay a $250 fine and to issue an apology to his accuser.
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November 2012
COMMUNITY EVENTS EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548
Elma Ladies Night - On Saturday, December 1 starts 7 pm, shopping at the Elma Community Centre located on Hwy 406. Shop with the girls and enjoy bubbly and hors d’oeuvres. Retailers include KMG Gold, Partylite, Tupperware, Mary Kay, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Beauticontrol, clothing, crafts and many more. Tables are free and donations accepted for the silent auction. Cost advance tickets only $10. Contact Karen Antle 204-771-4028 or e-mail elmaccrental@gmail.com.
More Than Just News! Bibliothèque Ste Anne Library Used Book Fundraiser – Sale of huge selection of used book proceeds will be used towards new library books. For further information call Mona at 4229958 or drop in at the library at 16 Rue de l’Église. Cost of books $1-$5.
9 pm, Friday, November 9 from 9 am - 9 pm, Saturday, November 10 from 9 am - 9 pm, Thursday, December 6 from 4 - 9 pm, Friday, December 7 from 9 am - 9 pm and Saturday, December 8 from 9 am - 9 pm. Located at #31090 Rd 37N 21/ 2 miles West of McDonalds or 1 mile North of Mitchell Co-op and 1/2 mile East. Contact 204-326-1885.
Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite all seniors interested in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out, and have fun. Monday afternoons, at Le Club Jovial. We would like to form six teams and spares are in need. Contact: Juliette Rowan at 204424-5575 Community Resource Coordinator for local Ste. Anne services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.
Niverville Remembrance Day Service - Sunday, November 11. Come out and hear Yan’s Story. Service will be held at the Niverville Grunthal Heritage Centre, 100 Heritage Trail. Ceremonies start at 10 am Grunthal Fire Department Chicken Barbeque - Barbeque with lunch following the service. Fundraiser on Friday, November 9. Dinner prepared and served by the local firefighters. Also a silent auction and door prizes. Perogy Supper Fundraiser - Niverville Fire & Emergency Tickets are available from any member of the Grunthal Fire Services with their 2nd annual perogy supper at the Golden Department or they can email gfd@hanovermb.ca or contact Friendship Centre, 118 2nd Avenue S., on November 11 from Paul at 204.346.2384. 4 - 7 p.m. Donations accepted and tax receipts will be available. The funds raised will go towards an air bottle fill station. Beef Nutrition Workshop – On Thursday, November 15, 2 schedules from 9 am – 12 noon or from 1- 4 pm at the Vita Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six. Arena. Register by November 9. Contact Vivian Giesbrecht, Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the MAFRI at 204-425-5050. Topics- feeding cows straw diets, lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62 4th Avenue S.). body condition scoring, ration formulation. Lunch included at Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along noon. with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com. Hadashville Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Otterburne Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years Festival of Christmas Praise - On Friday, November 30 and old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great Saturday, December 1, 7:30 pm at Providence University stress release and have an excellent workout at the same College Chapel, Providence University College, 10 College time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask Crescent. An offering will be taken. For more information, about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or e- please call 204-433-7488. mail KSTA.academy@gmail.com. Piney Kleefeld Christmas Bazaar – Piney Community Centre – Saturday, Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children November 17 from 10 am to 3 pm. Table rentals are open to ages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and Craft, Business, & Misc. For table rentals or more information snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld call Jen at 204-423-2223 or Nancy at 204-423-2174. Lunch Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 377-5013. will be available. Rainbow Auction Table. Fundraising Event for Ross L. Gray 2013 Grads. La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé Prawda from Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Offers services and Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost: $2/class Mondays maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, the E.R.I.K. and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact program, puzzles and games. Contact Community Resource Wendy 204-348-2433. Coordinator Juliette Rowan at 424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com. Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at Shopping Trips - Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10. Reynolds School Fundraising BINGO - On November 26, Reynolds School PAC will be hosting its annual BINGO. Funds Landmark raised support Christmas concert and a visit from Santa. Great The Winter Wishes Holiday Gift & Craft Sale – On Saturday, prizes to be won. Donations are gratefully accepted. November 17 from 10 am - 4 pm. Brunstad Christian Church - 1.5 miles south of Landmark on Hwy 206, then 1.5 miles east Richer on Ste. Anne’s Road. To book a table contact Julia Albig at Monday Night Bingos - to raise funds for Stacey Pchajek julzalbig@gmail.com. Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating The Landmark Shoebox Store - Helping the Operation Christmas grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by Child program, open until Saturday November 24, every Tuesday an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open 3:30 am - 8:30 pm and Saturday from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm at at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club in Richer. MGCC License the Landmark Christian Fellowship Church on Main Street. # BI/BO4164. Contact: Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or email Pick up a shoebox and fill it with inexpensive items from the doreen@spmf.ca. store. For an approximate cost of $10-$25, you could easily give a gift to a boy or girl in a developing country. St. Adolphe Free Film Night - The Ritchot Library and the Comité culturel Lorette de Saint-Adolphe invite you to a free film night for children 7Lorette Metis Local - Membership drive on Tuesday, November 12. “Rebelle” (french version of the animation film Brave) on 6 at 7:15 pm at Le Club Des Blés D’or at 1254 Dawson Road. Wednesday, November 21 at 6:30 pm at the St. Adolphe School Free, Food, Fiddle and Fun featuring Youth Fiddler, Bones Library - 444 La Seine Street. Wear your pyjamas, bring your (spoons) Player and Guitar Players. Contact Lorraine or Carol blanket and pillow. Popcorn and juice will be served. Contact at 204-878-3704. Stéphanie 204-883-2821 or Lina 204-883-2938.
Ste. Geneviève Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. From 6:30 – 8 pm. Selection of books in both French and English, all ages. Over 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large print books and magazines plus they can import books from any library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878-9488, bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. Breakfast with Santa at the Ste. Genevieve Community Centre: Saturday, December 1 at 9 am. Call Chris at 422-6473 to register your child or sign up at the Domo by November 28. Adults $5, Children 3-12 $3, and 2 & under are free! Come enjoy a pancake breakfast while you wait to meet Santa. All proceeds go towards the children’s playground upgrade.
Dawson Trail Dispatch from 11 am – 1 pm & Thursday, January 24 from 5 – 7 pm. Learn how to plan & prepare healthy meals on a budget. Contact Carol Vogt Funk at 326-2599, southeasthelpinghands@gmail.com.
Vita Beef Nutrition Workshop – On Wednesday, November 14, two schedules from 9 am – 12 noon or from 1- 4pm at the Vita Arena. Register by November 9. Contact Vivian Giesbrecht, MAFRI at 204-425-5050. Topics- feeding cows straw diets, Using Social Media in your Business - Hands-On Workshops body condition scoring, ration formulation. Lunch included at on Monday, November 26 and Monday, December 10 at the noon. Red River College campus. Both days start at 4:30 pm. Cost for members $50 and non-members $80. Fee instruction for both Whitemouth sessions, print materials, student fee and two meals. Remembrance Day Service - at the Whitemouth Community Registration deadline is Wednesday, November 14. Contact Club starting at 10 am on Sunday, November 11. Jeannette Brigit at info @ turning-points.ca. Quilt Club- Every Monday from 4 – 6 pm at the Whitemouth Touch of Christmas/The Living Nativity - Christmas show with School in the Home Ec Room. Cost $10 per session. Contact: entertainers Mr. Ken and Mr. Ben followed by The Living Nativity Patti Enns 204-369-5577 or penns54@gmail.com. outside in the Mennonite Heritage Village’s stable on Friday, November 30 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 1 at 7 pm. Shotokan Karate – For all ages, this martial art uses only the Refreshments and sleigh rides to follow. Contact Anne Toews body to promote fitness, self-defense and confidence. Cost: 204-326-9661. $100 for all 10 class and pro-rated after. Classes held Thursday at 7 pm days at the Whitemouth School Gym. Contact Michel Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra - presents Holiday Pops on or Jenny to 204- 348-2473 Tuesday, December 4 at Steinbach Mennonite Church. Contact 204-346-1077 or wso.ca. Yoga Classes – at various locations all year and a 10 weeks Gentle Flow Yoga on Tuesdays until November 27, 6:30 – 8 Ladies Get Fit Classes - Sponsored by Eastman Immigrant pm. Cost: for Gentle Flow Yoga $14 -drop-in, $60 - 5-class Services, every Wednesday at 7:15 pm at the Woodlawn School pass, $110 – 10-class pass at Moon Gate Bed & Breakfast gym. Aerobic, circuit training, weights, mats and stretching located 5 km south of Whitemouth on Hwy. 406, situated exercises. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Register along the Whitemouth River. Contact Chrissy 204-918-5359 or contact Lois 204-346-6609. e-mail c_merritt@yahoo.com. Wanted: Seasoned Hockey Players - 60 years of age or older. Monday morning skate from 10:30 - 11:30 am at the Steinbach Recreation Centre. Contact Bob Barrow 204-392-3596, bob.r.barrow@gmail.com or Darrell De Long 204-371-0229, djdelong@mymts.net.
ZUMBA – Dance and burn up to 800 calories an hour. Ages 16+ No experience required. Cost: $100 for 10 weeks, Thursdays to November 22 from 8 – 9 pm at the Whitemouth School Gym. Contact: Allison DePaulo 204- 866-2969 or email zumbaspringfield@hotmail.com.
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 Fundraiser for the Grunthal Youth Dropzone - Phillips Craig and environment. Dean performance at the Evangelical Free Church on Thursday, November 8 at 7:30 pm. Tickets available at Dropzone in Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Grunthal, Hull’s, Providence University or online at Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd TicketScene.ca. Cost $45.00 or $100.00 for VIP tickets (includes Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at LBees, 5-275 Main St. Grab Meet and Greet reception with the group, latest CD, Food and a coffee and discuss sustainable living. Contact VIP seats for the concert.) Proceeds go towards the Dropzone. rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com.
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 from 6 -7 pm, in the Whitemouth School Gym. Contact Carolien 204-348-2932.
Steinbach Fernwood Place 30 Year Celebration - Invites you to the 30 Year Celebration, with a come and go at 2 – 4 pm on Friday, November 9. A short program will be held at 3 pm. Contact Pearl 204-326-2002. Refreshments will be served at Fernwood Place Multipurpose Room, 303 Third Street. Home for the Holidays - Craft Fair & Gift Show hosted by Agape House Saturday, November 10 from 10 am – 4 pm, Steinbach 55 Plus Senior Centre 10 Chrysler Gate. Contact agapehouseecc@gmail.com or 204-392-4650.
Contact 204 355 7240 or e-mail ewdropzone@gmail.com.
Steinbach & Area Garden Club - Meeting on Monday, November 12 at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Topic: What Works For You? Gardening tips from SAGC members. Volunteer appreciation night with great prizes, everyone welcome and refreshments. Non-member fee $5. Contact sagardenclub.com. Author Book Reading At Library - “The Book of Creation” by Evan Braun has been described as a cross between ‘The DaVinci Code’ and ‘Indiana Jones’. Join us in the MPR at the Jake Epp Library on Tuesday, November 12 from 7 - 8 pm. Contact Tracey Pankratz, Jake Epp Library 204-326-6841 or programming@jakeepplibrary.com. Environmental Farm Plan Workshop #2 – On Tuesday, November 13 from 9:30 am – 12 noon at the Legion Hall, 294 Lumber Avenue. Pre-register contact Steinbach GO Office at 204-346-6080. Free workshop will help you identify your farm’s environmental assets and risks and set action plans to improve environmental farm plans. Dealing with Difficult People - Women’s Business Network breakfast meeting on Wednesday, November 14 at 7:30 am, Uncle Jake’s Restaurant. womensbiz.ca for more details. Life on Ice — Driving tips Eastman Immigrant Services on Thursday, November 15 at 7 pm. At the EIS office, D4-284 Reimer Ave., Contact Lois at 204-346-6609, email lois@eastmanimmigrantservices.com.
On the Road to Freedom Exhibit - Mennonite Women of Courage and Faith by Ray Dirks will be opening in the Gerhard Ens Fashion Show – Mosaic Fashion on Wednesday, November St. Malo Gallery at Mennonite Heritage Village. The Gallery opens 7 at 1:30 pm at Le Club Des Blés D’or at 1254 Dawson Road. Craft and Bake Sale - On Saturday, November 24. Contact Monday through Friday from 10 am – 4 pm at the Mennonite Contact Eveline 204-878-2405 or Michelle 204-878-2315. 204-347-5753 Heritage Village. Building Fundraiser - The Bibliothèque Taché Library is selling St. Pierre-Jolys MHV Auxiliary Film Night - Entitled “The Women’s Burden gift/grocery cards for Lorette Marketplace on Saturday, Remembrance Day Service - St. Pierre-Jolys Rec Centre starts Under Stalin”. It is the story of the women who came to Canada November 10 at10 am and Saturday, November 24 at 10 am. at 10:45 am on November 11. after the wars on Thursday, November 15 starting at 7 pm. Also features music, stories, and a quilt raffle. The admission is $10 Volunteers Needed - Bibliothèque Taché Library has several Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Support group and includes dessert/coffee located at the Mennonite Heritage th opportunities available to volunteer for youth and adults. To meetings held on the 4 Tuesday of every month at 7 pm. Village Auditorium. apply to volunteer, please come to Bibliothèque Taché Library Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. Contact in Lorette to fill out a volunteer form. All applicants must fill out Judy Dunn 444-5228. Christmas Spirit Trade Show - 45 vendors a one stop shop for a child abuse registry form available at Bibliothèque Taché all your Christmas shopping at the Mennonite Heritage Village Library and a criminal record check that can be obtained from Ste. Agathe Museum, 231 PTH 12 N on Saturday, November 17 from 11 am the RCMP office in St. Pierre-Jolys. Applicants will be reimbursed Sainte Agathe Dinner Theatre - Play On, Play On, Play On. – 4 pm. We are also giving back to the community raising Slapstick musical with Commedia Dell’ Arte cast and hilarious funds with a silent auction and loonie donation for Anna’s Mitchell characters. Written and directed by Charlotte Chateau. House. Mennonite Disaster Service Fundraiser - Soup & Pie Fundraiser Performed by the Ste. Agathe Musical Dinner Theatre Troupe sponsored by New Bothwell Sommerfeld Youth group leaders. on Friday, November 9 and Saturday November 10. Friday, Author Book Reading - Werner Trapp on Saturday, November On Friday, November 9 at the Mitchell Senior Centre. From 5 November 16 and Saturday, November 17. Discount Tickets 17 at The Jake Epp Library from 11 am – 12 noon. “The - 9 pm. Contact Ken Heibert for more information 346-9000 $30 ea on October 13 from10 am – 5 pm at the Sainte Agathe Redemption Story” written to give believers a better defense Cultural and Community Centre,183 Pembina Trail. Regular against the attack of unbelievers against the Evangelical faith Breakfast and Social - every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9:00 am Tickets $35. Local non-profit groups cater the 3-course dinner and its base, “The Bible”. Mr. Trapp is a former prisoner of except the last Tuesday of the month when the social is held as a fundraiser. Contact cchateau@mymts.net or Charlotte at WWII. Contact Tracey Pankratz, Jake Epp Library 204-326-2057 instead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area Seniors (204) 882-2401. or programming@jakeepplibrary.com. Centre. Contact 204-326-6944. Ste. Anne Healthy Eating Cooking Classes - held every other week at Ev’s Second Annual Home Sale - Christmas decorations for Remembrance Day Services - will be held on Saturday, South East Helping Hands 525 Main Street, starting Thursday, your home or as a gift all reasonably priced. Free admission, November 10 at 10:30 am at the Seine River Banquet Centre, November 22 from 11 am – 1 pm. Classes are also scheduled apple cider & shortbread. On Thursday, November 8 from 4 - A - 80 Arena Road. Please be there before 10:30 am. for Tuesday, December 4 from 5 – 7 pm, Thursday, January 10 6 to 11 years, free less than 5 years.
General RM of Hanover Community Sport Round Table meetings - With Shannon Schade from Sport Manitoba- Eastman Region. Information on grants and programs including, KidSport Funding, 2014 Power Smart Manitoba Winter Games, to get feedback from sport clubs on Sport Development needs and recommendations for future grant programs. On Tuesday, November 13 from 5 – 7 pm at the RM of Hanover Office Seniors (60 +) Shinny Drop-in Hockey - every Monday from located at 28 Westland Drive, 2 km west of Steinbach on PTH# 10 -11 am at Centennial Arena. Contact Bob Barrow at 392- 52. Dinner and beverages will be provided. You or a designate 3596 or email bob.r.barrow@gmail.com. from your club please confirm your attendance by Tuesday, November 6. Contact travis@hanovermb.ca or 204- 346-7132. The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon at Steinbach 55 Plus Centre. Contact Cornie at 326-3155. The Super Start Program, A Healthy Baby program with the Southern Regional Health Authority. Program for pregnant Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family women and families with infants up to one year of age. Sessions and friends of people with mental health issues are held the include song and rhyme time, discussions and games on topics 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden related to healthy babies and healthy moms. Door prizes, East building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or nutritious snacks and milk coupons for all participating email eastmanmss@mts.net expectant moms or mothers who have babies up to six months of age. MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living with Niverville – Tuesday, November 13 from 10 am - 12 pm at the multiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursday Niverville Community Fellowship on 3rd Ave. evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Place Ste. Anne – Wednesday, November 14 from 10 am – 12 pm apartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services at the Ste. Anne Dayspring Fellowship Church Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email Kleefeld – Thursday, November 8 from 10 am - 12 pm at the nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. Kleefeld EMC Church St. Pierre-Jolys – Thursday, November 15 from 10 am - 12 pm MS Lunch Group- on fourth Thursday of every month, from 12 in the St. Pierre Health Corner, 354 Prefontaine Ave. – 1 pm at the Village Green Restaurant. Contact Nadine Konyk, Ste. Agathe - Tuesday, November 27 from 10 am - 12 pm at Rural Client Services Coordinator 326-1434 or email the Ste. Agathe Hall nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. Lorette – Wednesday, November 28 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Community Services Building (next to the pharmacy) Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and Contact: Terry from Super Start at 346-7021 or just drop in. support groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional Free monthly bus trips to the casinos of Winnipeg for a fun day concerns. Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at at the Casinos. Pick up in Steinbach at 8:30 am, Ste. Anne and Jake Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444- Paradise Village at approximately 9 am. Must be 18 years of 5228. age or older. Prizes and $10 cash for everyone. Bingo on the Information and Support Sessions bus. Call Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for date information and to reserve your bus seat. Next scheduled trips Tuesdays, November The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on the 13, December 11 and January 8. All passengers on the first Tuesday of every month except for the months of July and November and December buses will be entered for a Christmas August at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyone Draw. 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 are open to adults who want to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursday evenings starting at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street, Contact Doreen 204-326-7525. Meetup Group for Women Solo-Entreprenuer group helps you connect with other women who are passionate about growing their business, lead by Doreen Penner and meets monthly for 1 hour. Free, except for food and beverage. Contact and to register Doreen at 392-2698. Steinbach AA 12 Step Recovery Program - Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. Ring the front door bell. Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm at Anna’s House B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 346-0413.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Canada’s Top Jazz Pianist Mentors Local Musicians Recently music students and teachers alike took in a special workshop hosted by Mike Janzen, one of Canada’s top jazz pianists. On October 26, Janzen held a workshop at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre called Starting to Improvise on the Piano. The oneday event was a huge success,
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Christmas Spirit Trade Show to Fundraise for Anna’s House Music teachers and students gathered around instructor Mike Janzen at the Starting to Improvise on the Piano on October 26 at Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.
which drew music students and music teachers from Lorette, Landmark and the Steinbach area. According to Shannon Neufeld, with the Steinbach Arts Council, the workshop was an “absolute hit.” “The workshop went well past the scheduled time as no one wanted to
go home,” stated Neufeld. Janzen shared his valuable tips and techniques on composition, how to break music down into small parts and use musical scales to enhance playing. He also mentored students and teachers in one-on-one sessions.
Storm Season is Coming – Be Prepared By Marianne Curtis Turn on the news and you will see the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Just a few weeks ago, the news was local; wild fires in several communities followed by mass power outages due to a snow storm. In some areas, it took almost a week to get power back up completely. Manitoba is a large and varied province with severe weather any time of the year, including tornados, blizzards, windstorms, freezing rain, hail, and wildfires. It is important to understand the probability and severity of the hazards in the place you live. Emergency preparedness is initially a personal responsibility. While governments have resources available to assist as an emergency escalates, individuals are expected to have made plans and take steps to secure the safety of themselves, their families and their pets. Do not wait for an emergency to happen. We all have a responsibility to prepare for emergencies. At home, this requires an understanding of everyone’s unique needs, supplies to take care of you for a period of at least 72 hours while emergency workers help those in urgent need. There are three important steps to good emergency preparedness. Know the risks and know your region. Each area of the province has unique challenges that you should be aware of. Know that information and make a plan. Then prepare a kit. Organize escape routes, emergency exits in your home, and find a safe meeting place near your home. People with special health needs should establish a personal support network of friends, relatives, health-care providers, co-workers and neighbours who understand your special needs. Write details about your medical conditions, allergies, surgeries, family medical history, medications, health screenings, vaccinations, emergency contact and insurance information. In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Your check list should include, water, at least 2 litres per person per day. Include easy carrying bottles, food that will not spoil but replace once a year, manual can opener, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit and/or medications, cash in small denominations, copy of your emergency plan and your contact information. Do not forget your pets. If you have animals, make sure you have enough water and food to keep your animals healthy and safe during an emergency. If you are forced to leave animals behind do not just walk away; leave a note telling rescuers there are animals on the premises. Your pets rely on you for their well-being and should not be left to fend for themselves.
La Broquerie Council Looks at Cost Savings The RM of La Broquerie council is hoping to eliminate some costs and make some money after recently deciding to sell off one of their municipal graders. According to council, the second municipal grader will come off of warranty in November and would, “normally be replaced”. However, since council recently agreed to hire a private contractor to provide blading and snow removal services they have no need for the second machine. “This will alleviate the need to purchase a new grader in 2013,” said council. As a result of this decision, council has listed the municipality’s 2008 G940 Volvo grader for sale. The RM of La Broquerie is hoping to raise at least $175,000 from the sale.
Hanover Ag Rodeo of the Year This year’s Hanover Ag Fair in Grunthal, Manitoba has been named 2012 Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association (MRCA) Rodeo of the Year. Hanover Ag Society president Wayne Lemay says there are many people to thank for this honour. “Many thanks to our sponsors that have helped us with the improvements to our facilities,” says Lemay “And, of course, we need to thank the enthusiastic fans and supporters that come out each year to watch and cheer on the riders!” The winner is chosen by association members and was awarded the honour in Brandon at the MRCA Finals in October.
The first ever Christmas Spirit Trades Show fundraiser will be held at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum on November 17 from 11 am to 4 pm. The show will feature a silent auction that all the vendors have donated to and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Anna’s House including a dollar donation. Over 45 exciting vendors featuring their unique products will be involved and showcasing there hand crafted items such as jewellery, clothing, crocheted gifts, quilts, Christmas cards, and so much more. “Visitors will see lots of crafts at the show,” said organizer Pat McPherson. “Presenters are bringing a wide variety of products; many items are ‘the must haves’ for shoppers looking for something different this Christmas.” Home-style food products will also be available including perogies and a multitude of baked goodies. Party Light, Epicure Selections, Steeped Tea, Scentsy, Cuty Baby, Norwex, Princess House, If the Bra fits, Fifth Avenue, Stella & Dot, Herbalife, Lia Sophia, Body by Vi, Tupperware, Oh Lollipop, Sunset Gourmet, Avon, and Discovery Toys are just some of the vendors who have also reserved space at the event. “This will be a one- stop shop for all your Christmas shopping!” said McPherson. “We welcome you to come by and spend the day shopping for hours at all the unique vendors in the large auditorium. We are excepting donations to the silent auction to help raise funds for this great resource centre, anyone wishing to donate a prize can contact me at pmcpherson@hotmail.ca.” McPherson believes the success of this event could eventually lead to other seasonal craft and trade shows hosted in Steinbach.
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More Than Just News!
Landmark Student Named Tri-Star Athlete
Christyn Frischbutter of the Landmark 96’ers.
A Landmark Collegiate student recently became the first high school athlete from the region to make it onto this school year’s Tri-Star Rural High School athlete of the week. On October 2, Christyn Frischbutter of the Landmark 96’ers Volleyball team was named Tri-Star Rural High School athlete of the week on. At 5' 9", the Grade 12 student led her team to the Treherne Tournament Championship. As a player dominant on the left side, she delivered 10 kills and 6 service aces in the finals against St. Claude. Rob Giesbrecht, coach for the Landmark 96’ers Volleyball team, praised the star athlete. “Christyn is a gifted athlete who leads by example with her hard work and commitment to the team,” stated Giesbrecht. “She is dedicated to getting better every time she is on the court. She has an amazing ability to make the right play at the right time.” When Frischbutter is not participating in volleyball she is competing in fastball and curling while maintaining a 95 percent average. During the 10-month school year the Manitoba High School Athletic Association names two students per week as Tri-Star Rural Athlete and Athlete of the Week. To be named Tri-Star Rural Athlete students are chosen from all of the province’s high schools and competition is fierce. Athlete of the Week is geared toward students within Winnipeg schools.
Award-winning Providence Chamber Singers Offer Special Christmas Concert Providence Chamber Singers and their conductor Lowell Friesen invite you to celebrate the season with the annual Festival of Christmas Praise. The choir will perform highlights from their repertoire along with seasonal music from across the centuries on November 30 and December 1 at the RW Affleck Chapel, Providence College. The program will include works such as “Resonet in Laudibus” by Praetorius, “Gloria” from Charpentier’s Midnight Mass for Christmas, and “Hallelujah” from Handel’s Messiah. Providence is also pleased to welcome back the Winnipeg Brass Quintet, sure to add to the festive settings of carols and songs for the season. The audience will be invited to join the chorus, brass quintet and string ensemble, accompanied by the chapel organ, in singing a selection of beloved hymns and carols. The Festival of Christmas Praise has a strong and loyal following and the concert is a gift to the community. This concert is made possible by a number of generous sponsors. There will be an opportunity to contribute to the Providence University College Performing Arts Department. For information about the concert, call 204-433-7488 or visit www.providenceuc.ca.
St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP Hunt for Golf Club Vandals On October 3 at about 9:30 am, St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP were dispatched to a complaint of vandalism at the Maplewood Golf Club in the RM of Desalaberry. Investigation indicates that sometime overnight, a vehicle was driven onto the golf course causing significant damage to the greens areas. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP at (204) 433-7908, or your local police agency. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or submit a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or text: TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Community Compost Depots See Success The City of Steinbach’s solid waste department is reporting a significant increase in use at the community’s two compost depots during its second year of operation. From mid-May to mid-October, two compost depots were available every Saturday at the Steinbach Junior High School and at Woodlawn School. During the program’s inaugural year in 2011, 36.6 tonnes of compostable material was collected and this year the organization collected 40.2 tonnes. Eldon Wallman, Solid Waste Department Head said that weather played a significant role in this year’s success. “Our compost depots did very well this year, better than last year,” said Wallman. “Last year we suffered a substantial drought during the summer, and this year Steinbach got marginally better rainfall which boosted the total tonnage we received at the depots. The City is hoping to improve on its organic waste diversion program in the near future to increase the amount of compostable material collected and diverted from our regular waste stream.” The collection depots are closed for the season but the public is encouraged to continue to bring bags of leaves, grass clippings, and garden waste to the Steinbach Landfill to be composted. Finished compost material is also available for public pickup from the same location.
Senator Chaput Congratulates Recipients of Jubilee Medals At the beginning of October Senator Maria Chaput from Ste. Anne together with Philip S. Lee, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, presented the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals during a festive, emotional event in Winnipeg. “I want to congratulate each of these deserving individuals,” stated Chaput. “This is a well-deserved honour.” In her address, Senator Chaput thanked the medal recipients for their commitment to being at the service of others. “Through your strongly held convictions, humanity and guiding values, you have all helped in one way or another to create a better world.” Recipients included Jacqueline Blay, Léo Dufault, David Hyckie, Charles Caron, Aurèle Foidart, Roland Mahé, James G. Carr, Marcelle Forest, Cécile Mulaire, Gérard Curé, Denis Fortier, Mariette Mulaire, Daouda Dembélé, Robert Freynet, Rénald Parent, Guy de Rocquigny, Marcel L. Gauthier, Michel Roy, Janelle de Rocquigny, Thérèse Dorge, Patricia Gendreau, Jocelyne Hupé, Antonio Simard, Bintou Sacko, and Sharon Taylor.
More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Doctor Shortage Again Shuts Down Vita Emergency Room By Marianne Curtis A shortage of rural doctors has forced the Southern Regional Health Authority to shut down the emergency room at the Vita and District Health Centre. Dr. Myron Thiessen, Vice President of Medical Services for Southern Regional Health Authority, said that the lack of doctors has forced them to close the Vita emergency room from October 17 to November 12. “We don’t have enough physicians available who are in Vita to be able to keep the emergency department up and running on a consistent basis,” stated Thiessen. He said there are doctors available to cover the clinic and hospital patients but to expect them to cover the emergency department would be asking too much. “This is a difficulty we can not overcome,” Thiessen added. In order to keep the emergency room operational at least three doctors are needed on an ongoing basis to maintain a reasonable on-call schedule. Opening the emergency room on a part time basis was considered but it was determined that it would be too confusing for people needing medical treatment. RM of Stuartburn Reeve Jim Swidersky said he was not surprised by the decision but he was very concerned. “People are starting to worry. They are questioning how long this will last and if services will be discontinued permanently,” stated Swidersky. “This doesn’t just concern residents but also passersby – people can’t believe that the southeast will be left without an emergency room until Steinbach or Winnipeg.” Thiessen said he does not blame residents for being worried about losing emergency services. “It is an important aspect to any community’s life,” he acknowledged. Meanwhile, Thiessen said that the Southern Regional Health Authority is actively recruiting doctors to fill the vacant positions. While the emergency room is closed, the Vita and District Health Centre’s Emergency Medical Services will remain unaffected. A similar occurrence in May 2009 also forced the RHA to suspend emergency room services temporarily at the Vita and District Health Centre due to a shortage of doctors.
Emergency room services at the Vita and District Health Centre have been suspended due to shortage of doctors practicing in the community. Photo by Marianne Curtis
MPI Plan to Pay for Road Repair as Wrong Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, said he has had a quick response from local residents regarding a plan by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) to start paying for road repairs in Winnipeg and parts of Manitoba. “The response from Steinbach constituents has been quick and decisive, the vast majority are telling me that MPI should stick to the business of insurance and not start using insurance premiums to fund road repairs,” said Goertzen. Manitoba Public Insurance, with the approval of the NDP Minister responsible for MPI, has been looking at a plan to use the insurance premiums of Manitoba drivers to fund road infrastructure in the province. The plan would need to get final approval
from the Public Utilities Board. “This is really just a backdoor tax,” said Goertzen. “The NDP have been raiding crown corporations for years and diverting the money to things that really are beyond the mandate of these entities. The mandate of MPI is to provide insurance to drivers with the best possible coverage at the best possible rate. It is not supposed to be a piggy bank for the government.” Goertzen said that the NDP raised taxes $300 million in the spring, including an increase in the gas tax, so they should be looking to fund road infrastructure from those funds and other savings in government.
Council Grateful for Assistance The RM of Stuartburn would like to issue a very special thank you to the many people that came to the community’s assistance when fires raged through the community earlier this month. “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked to save lives and buildings during the October 2nd fire,” stated RM of Stuartburn Reeve Jim Swidersky. The municipality extended appreciation to the RM of Stuartburn Fire Department along with the Town of Emerson, RM of Piney, La Broquerie and Franklin Fire Departments. The RM of Stuartburn would also like to thank the RCMP, EMO, the fire commission, Manitoba Conservation and Manitoba Hydro. The municipality also thanked a number of contractors, local businesses and individuals who all stepped forward during the community-wide crisis.
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Bothwell Cheese Attains Higher Certification Manitoba’s Bothwell Cheese has attained Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification. The SQF Certification is a globally recognized designation that assures Bothwell Cheese’s products and processes have passed rigorous international standards for food safety and quality. SQF is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The process to become certified includes diligent document, process and facility assessment audits. “We are honoured to have earned this certification,” said Bothwell Cheese President and CEO Ivan Balenovic. “It would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of our staff. I’m proud of their diligent work toward achieving this standard, and the added assurance of product safety it gives to our customers.” This is the latest certification for Bothwell Cheese after its recent Kosher and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certifications. Bothwell Cheese is known for producing premium-quality cheese made with all-natural ingredients, pure milk and no modified milk ingredients. The company produces and distributes more than 25 varieties of cheeses throughout Canada.
STARS Seeking Landing Site in Ste. Anne The Town of Ste. Anne is in the process of helping to look for a site to set up a permanent landing zone for the STARS helicopter within the community. The town recently received a request from the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) saying that they are looking for a landing site in the community. The organization is working with the community to identify an appropriate helicopter site close to the Ste. Anne Hospital. The STARS helicopter is a highly specialized emergency medical transport system for the critically ill and injured. Until a proper site is established the Town of Ste. Anne has approved the parking lot east of the Ste. Anne Arena as an interim landing site until a permanent site is established.
Stolen Implements from Eco Village Campground Some time between February, 2012 and October of 2012 several construction implements were stolen from Eco Village Campground located approximately 4 miles east of Richer. Police are looking for public assistance in locating an orange Kubota L2900 tractor, a blue Komatscu PC128 UU excavator and other electrical components that were taken from the proposed campsites. Police are also asking for public assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for these thefts. If you have any information or know of the whereabouts of the stolen items you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
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November 2012
Thieves Walk Away with Furniture On October 30 Steinbach RCMP received a complaint of a break, enter and theft at an apartment on Reimer Avenue in Steinbach, that occurred on October 28th. Unknown subjects entered the apartment through a window and stole a large quantity of furniture and household items such as a bed, kitchen table and chairs, television, dishes and other items. While in the apartment the subjects destroyed two doors and did other damage to the apartment. Due to the amount of items taken, police suspect a truck or a vehicle with a trailer would have been used. Police are asking for the public assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for this or any other break and enters in the area. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
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Dawson Trail Dispatch
Vita Resident New MGEU President On October 20, the delegates of the 2012 Convention of the Manitoba Government and General Employee Union (MGEU) elected Michelle Gawronsky from Vita as their new union president. “Now is the time to listen to you, the members, and stand together so we can be the most powerful and effective union possible,” said Gawronsky in her acceptance speech. Gawronsky comes from one of the largest MGEU components, Health Care Support Services. She brings over 27 years of union experience to the office of MGEU President. She began her working career as a Health Care Aide (HCA) in the nursing home in Vita in 1976 and began her union activism in the 1980s due to a workplace issue. MGEU is Manitoba’s largest union with over 32,000 members working in civil service, Crown corporations, universities and colleges, arts organizations, health care facilities, social service agencies and the service industry.
Vita’s Michelle Gawronsky was recently elected as the president of MGEU.
KidSport Supports Youth in Sports By Marianne Curtis Approximately 145 children throughout the southeast benefited from this year’s Kidsport program. At the end of October the Eastman KidSport Committee announced that they had completed the 2012 Fall KidSport review in which a total of 168 applications were submitted requesting approximately $37,400 in assistance. Based on the eligibility of the applicants and the funds available for disbursement, 145 applications from 18 communities within our region were approved and $26,119.50 in funding was disbursed. Overall the Eastman KidSport program assisted 232 children in 2012 for a total of $43,875. To further break down local funding,70 applications within Steinbach were received with a total of $11,587 given out to families. The next top applications came from Ste. Anne, Grunthal, St. Malo and Mitchell. The top three sporting activities students are participating in and received compensation are hockey, swimming and gymnastics. According to Shannon Schade, Regional Manager, Sport Manitoba Eastman Region, the program is important to the region and the group is grateful for the support they receive. “Sport provides kids with a sense of belonging, self-esteem and confidence while teaching them valuable life skills,” stated Schade. “Since not every child has the chance to experience sport because of a family’s financial limitations, it is KidSport’s goal to enable as many of Manitoba’s less-fortunate children as possible to participate in sport, realize its benefits and improve their future.” The Eastman KidSport Committee accepts applications on a quarterly basis. Deadlines are on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. For a copy of the 2013 application or more information on eligibility please contact the Eastman office. Funding for the Eastman KidSport Committee is made possible through fundraising and support from local businesses such as Canadian Tire, Loblaws and Tim Hortons. In addition, funds are raised through municipalities, community groups, schools and individual donors. Anyone interested in making a donation or have an event that is looking for a charity of choice please contact the Sport Manitoba Eastman Region Office at 268-2172.
KidSport Manitoba in Need of Hockey Equipment With hockey season well underway, KidSport Manitoba is in need of hockey equipment, skates, and sticks for families who cannot afford them. If your kids have out grown last year’s equipment, or if you have equipment in storage, consider donating to a child who wants to play. Please check with your local hockey club or recreation department to see if they have an equipment-recycling program. Otherwise, please bring hockey equipment to the drop off box Eastman Region, Box 50, 20-1st Street in Beausejour MB R0E 0C0. Please note that for hygienic reasons they cannot accept used jerseys, shorts, shirts, socks (including hockey socks), jockstraps, Jill straps, mittens, toques and hats.
RCMP Hanover Changes Stumble Upon Lice Protocol The Hanover School Division has developed a new policy so that students who may have lice infestations will no longer feel like they are being singled out in school. According to the division, the new protocol states that because lice infestations are generally present for weeks before they are noticed, there is no longer a need to send students home from school when lice or nits are found. “Students will remain at school and parents will be notified,” stated the new policy. Letters will continue to go home to homeroom classes to let all parents know so they can check their children. “If a parent is called, he or she needs to be treated that evening at home,” continued the division. “Once treatment has been given, he or she may return to school the following day. The student does not have to be nit free.” In the past, if a child has been determined to have lice they were sent home, letters sent to the entire class and the student would be noticeably absent from classes until they were determined to be nit free.
Fatal Crash
On October 17 at about 5:15 pm, a Steinbach RCMP Officer on patrol came across a serious collision on Hwy 12 at Road 40N in the RM of Hanover. It appears that a 90-year-old driver, from Morden, was traveling westbound in a car on Road 40N and attempted to cross Hwy 12 when his vehicle was hit by a northbound minivan. The driver was found deceased at the scene while his female passenger was extricated and airlifted to a Winnipeg Hospital. The driver of the minivan, a 29-year-old man of Blumenort, was examined on scene and had no injuries. Alcohol was not considered to be factor, and the investigation continues assisted by an RCMP traffic analyst.
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Tender Awarded SRSS Expansion Project By Marianne Curtis PennCo Construction of Steinbach has been awarded the tender to build a major 105,000-square-foot expansion to the region’s largest high school. The new construction, along with renovations to the existing SRSS and the existing high school, will be reconfigured as the SRSS campus. The newly constructed building will be a foundation academy for grades 9 and 10 and the existing SRSS facility will become a specialized academy for grades 11 and 12. The new school will be approximately 92,400 square feet, will accommodate 675 students and will be located adjacent to the existing Steinbach Regional Secondary School. Along with new classrooms, the new high school will include band and choral, wood manufacturing, cosmetology and human ecology rooms with a daycare with space for 20 infants and 54 preschool children, the minister said. PennCo has also been selected to add over 10,100 square feet of vocational space and upgrade 2,500 square feet of previously renovated space at Steinbach Regional Secondary School. The addition and renovation will include a new welding and power mechanics shop to help address the growing demands for vocational education. These projects are expected to be completed by the fall of 2014.
Artists Gather for Christmas Show and Sale Local artists from Southeast Manitoba representing Steinbach, Lorette, Ste. Anne, New Bothwell, Vita, Dufresne, Ste. Pierre-Jolys and Landmark will be showcasing their creations and demonstrating painting techniques at the Southeast Artists Group Annual Christmas Show and Sale. The show will be held at Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre on Friday, November 30 from 12 to 9 pm and on Saturday, December 1 from 11 to 4 pm. Please come out and support your local art group, watch them at work and take home an original piece of artwork for that special Christmas gift.
Thieves Grab Ford Some time between 10 pm on the 1st of November and 5 am on November 2nd, a Ford F-150 pickup truck was stolen from Breezy Bend in Steinbach. The vehicle is described as a 2006 brown Ford F-150 Quad cab pickup truck with a tonneau cover with Manitoba licence plate FKK 534. Police are asking for public assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for this crime. If you have any information on the suspect(s) or whereabouts of the stolen vehicle, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
More Than Just News!
November 2012
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Crooks Grab Truck Trailer and Skid-Steer Steinbach RCMP are reporting a major equipment theft that occurred sometime between Saturday October 6 and Tuesday morning October 9. The suspect(s) stole a truck, trailer and skid-steer belonging to Hillside Construction from their business parking lot on Clearspring Road in Steinbach. The truck is described as a black 2007 Ford F350 Crew Cab with “Hillside Construction” decals on all sides of the vehicle bearing Manitoba Licence Plate CDX 366 and the trailer is a 16-foot Penner utility trailer with fold up ramps on the back bearing Manitoba Licence Plate CNL 010. The skid-steer is described as a 2008 New Holland C175 skid-steer, yellow and black in color, on tracks with a black bucket and although the photos are not the exact machine are of similar description. Total value of the equipment and vehicles stolen is upwards of $80,000. RCMP continues to investigate this theft and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the
suspect(s) responsible. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
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More Than Just News!
November 2012
Dawson Trail Dispatch
Thieves Caught on Camera The Steinbach RCMP is investigating the theft of a Truck and Utility Terrain Vehicle from two businesses in Steinbach. The thefts are believed to be connected and occurred between October 12 at 6 pm and into the morning hours of October 13. The RCMP are asking for public assistance in identifying four individuals that were captured on video surveillance. If you have any information in regards to the above incident you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at (204) 326-4452
or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrmstoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Niverville Gala Raises Funds for Personal Care Home Expansion On November 3, a large crowd gathered at the Niverville Heritage Centre for this year’s gala fundraiser. Steve Neufeld, with the Niverville Heritage Centre, said their third annual fundraiser was a success. “The fundraiser was held to raise money to purchase equipment for the personal care home,” stated Neufeld. The group hopes to raise $500,000 before June. So far, they have raised $260,000. “It was a tremendous success.” While the exact figures on how much was raised during the evening are not available, Neufeld said over $60,000 was pledged before the doors opened. Money is still being collected in support of this project. Donations can be made or rooms can be sponsored. So far, thirty rooms have been sponsored. While official sod turning for the new personal care home was in November of 2011 the new 80-bed, Niverville Personal Care Home is expected to be ready for occupancy in June 2013. Phase two will house a primary health-care centre, medical clinic, physiotherapy and dental clinics, a daycare and an event centre. Applications are now being accepted for residents to move into the personal care home. To make a donation contact Steve at (204) 388-5000.
Hydro Crews Respond to Crisis
Sacred Songs
Hydro crews were in overdrive in September and October responded to power outages throughout the southeast. Fires took out poles throughout the region and no sooner were those replaced when a pre-winter snow storm knocked out power again when lines and poles collapsed. An Evening of Sacred Song was hosted on September 30 at the Grace Mennonite Church featuring baritone David Klassen, Robert Neufeld on piano and the EMCA Vespers Choir directed by Millie Hildebrand.
A Manitoba Hydro crew was on scene just south of Ross, Manitoba replacing poles after a fire roared through the area. Crews were replacing poles so fast, some of them were visibly still on fire and smoldering as they hauled them away. Water bombers flew overhead dousing a blaze still raging only hundreds of yards in the distance. Photo by Dan Guetre
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Just News!
November 2012
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In This Fire The other day I was talking to a pastor friend of mine. Both of us are 70 years plus in age. One thing we talked about was all this talk about death. We both agreed that because of our age we hear and come into contact with folks who experience death, trauma, shock, suffering and grief. Throughout all the ages, people have predicted life after death. We understand some of their talking points. This is really not that new to any of us. But only in the last, say, 30 years or so have modern medical procedures become so efficient that claims are made that 100,000 plus lives are saved each year. In fact it boggles the mind when we read about clinical death experiences, those who have been brought back, those who have been snatched out of the claws of the undertaker, those who have come back to tell what it was like on the other side. This has created a whole new idea concerning death, its sensations and its meaning. What motivates or stirs our mind and heart when we think about dying? We know death has occurred when our spirit leaves the body. Most folks that I know say that they are not afraid of dying. However, there are those who say that they would like to be someplace else when that happens. But what does it really feel like to die? Death survivors tell us that the moment of death is absolutely painless. It feels like fainting. Is it possible that the fear of death is exaggerated by the fear of the unknown? If you and I could find out what might exist beyond deaths door and how it felt to go there, then much of the fear of death could be removed. People today might feel more secure if we could go back in time to, say ancient Egypt. Rent a U-Haul truck, fill it up with all our possessions, have it follow along in the funeral procession, carrying all our wealth into the afterlife. Now barring a rapture, none of us will leave this world alive or with our earthly riches. Each of us will have our turn with death, whether we like it or not. Jesus Christ in Luke 16:22-26 tells a story about a rich man and a poor beggar: Verse 22) “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.” We can be sure that the rich man’s burial was one of great showiness and fashionable ceremony. What about his soul? Well in verse 23, Jesus gives us the answer, 23) In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. Notice several things that happen. First, he is in torment. There is literal pain. Somehow, he catches sight of others who are in heaven and at peace. The second thing we see is that he is fully conscious, aware of his surroundings and has his memory. Verse 24) … So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. He has the ability to reason. He has feelings. He could hear. He could taste. It is as if he still had a tongue. Speaking for Jesus, Abraham answers the man’s request in verse 25, But Abraham replied, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.” There was a time when I would joke about hell, thinking somebody would come to my rescue. But what do I do with verse 26, And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. (NIV1984) That fixed chasm, rift or gulf that Abraham is talking about suggests a forever place, where nobody, no matter who, will ever be able to come to our rescue after we die. The Bible story we have discussed does not say that it is a sin to be rich. But it teaches whether rich or poor that it is a sin when we live only for ourselves, when we shut our ear to the voice of God, as it is written in the Scriptures, when we fail to practice the love and mercy taught by Jesus. 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 honor Your Name.” Amen.
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More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch