Life in the Valley - Issue 4 - December, 2020

Issue No. 4 December 2020

Ens Quality Seed

page 10

Valley Fiber

page 18

Central MB Tourism

page 26

Mend the Gap page 34

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

CONTENT ISSUE 4 december 2020

Ens Quality Seed

10 Valley Fiber

18 Mend the Gap

55

34

Carman Cheer Board Community Highlight

16

Central MB. Tourism

26

Taste of the Valley

Best Western

80

82

Smoked Ribs - Kevin Funk

06 WORD OF MOUTH

15 PHYSIO FACT

24 STRENGTH IN LUMBERS

30 MONEY MATTERS

32 STROKES OF GENUIS

40 SAFE AND SOUND

42 COMMUNITY FUTURES

45 PHARMA FOCUS

96 SERVICE DIRECTORY

Pembina Valley Dental

Access Credit Union

Pembina Valley Physiotherapy

Janzen’s Paint

Pharmasave

Canadian Lumber

Infinity Security

Happy Holidays and all the best for the New Year

• Collision & Glass Experts • Spray-In Box Liners

LOGO IT! CLOTHING CAPS PENS OFFICE SUPPLIES DRINKWARE TEAMWEAR CALENDARS SAFETY WEAR AWARDS

PRAIRIESKYPROMOTIONS.COM

310A Cargill Road, Winkler • 204.325.0283

GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE HOW IT HAPPENS GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE GUM DISEASE

You most likely have the health of your teeth in mind when booking your next dental appointment.

What you may not realize is that the health of your gums should have just as much consideration.

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems adults face -- although gum disease can start at any age. You may not know it is happening.

It develops slowly and often without pain. If left untreated, you may be in danger of losing your teeth.

The key is to catch it in its early stages.

Gum disease begins with plaque. Plaque forms on your teeth everyday, often settling into the seam where your teeth and gums meet. Plaque is a colourless to pale yellow but sticky deposit that brushes away. However,if the plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it hardens within 24 to 72 hours, turning into tartar. Tartar needs to be removed by a dental professional, your hygienist. Tartar can lead to inflammation at the point where the gums attach to the teeth.

This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis.

As gingivitis progresses, it forms little pockets of infection. At this stage, your gums could be puffy and possibly discoloured. Over time, if left untreated, the infection breaks down the gum tissue that attaches to the teeth. It may spread to the bone that secures your teeth, causing the teeth to become loose and potentially fall out.

PRESENTED BY

260 R O B L I N B LV D E ., W I N K L E R, M B 204.325.4774

WORD

TREATMENT

The good news is that gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene.

Brush your teeth twice a day for a least 2 minutes – in the morning and before bed-- and floss at least once a day to remove the plaque. Flossing before you brush allows you to clean away the loosened food particles.

See your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for checkups and cleanings, usually every six to twelve months. Every time you have a dental examination, your dentist is looking for signs of gum disease. In the early stages, you likely won’t experience any symptoms but your dentist will have ways to detect the warning signals.

A tool called a periodontal probe can measure the depth where your gums attach to your teeth. Healthy gums attach to teeth just below the edge of the gum. If your gums attach to your teeth below this point, it is a sign of gum disease. Another tool your dentist can use is an x-ray which can identify diseases that can not be seen by a visual dental examination.

If your gum disease is advanced, your dentist may refer you to a specialist called a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in restoring or regenerating lost bone and gum tissue.

of

Mouth CHECKING YOUR GUMS Check your gums on a regular basis for these signs of gum disease: • a change in the colour of your gums • gums that are red around your teeth • gums that bleed every time you brush or floss • bad breath that will not go away • a taste of metal in your mouth • shiny, puffy or sore gums • teeth that are sensitive for no reason If you are experiencing these symptoms, it would be a great idea to make an appointment with your dentist right away.

life team

FIRST WORD

Alejandro Penner design lead photography

REBECCA DYCK editor It is December but it doesn’t feel like December. Consecutive days of plus temperatures bless us with their presence. Christmas is approaching but it doesn’t feel like Christmas. Unlike the welcome weather, there is a very unwelcome presence lingering in the air. Do I even need to say it if everyone already knows what I’m talking about? Maybe you’re like me and you would rather jump in a sub-zero lake than listen to one more person say “we’re all in this together.” Maybe that statement is true to a point, but no one’s experience through this has been the same, everyone is dealing with their own unique challenges and struggles. Maybe it doesn’t feel like Christmas because we need to re-evaluate what Christmas should feel like.

It feels as though everything we love about this season has been stripped away. The hustle and bustle of shopping for the perfect gift, dressing up for holiday parties with friends and co-workers, baking cookies with grandma, and the list could go on. To quote everybody’s favourite green Christmas character, the Grinch (the real one . . . not the one you’re

thinking) “What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?”

There is still cause for joy, there is still cause for hope, and most importantly – if you share my beliefs – there is still cause to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. What is left then, is Christmas, in its truest and purest form.

As we compiled this issue, we sympathized with the many small businesses that were forced to close their doors for the second time in less than a year. We are again witnessing the strength and resiliency of our community.

Business owners scrambling to find options for their customers.

Community members promoting shop local. Many people vowing to avoid Amazon and big box stores to keep their dollars in their towns and cities. Whether the businesses within these pages have been deemed essential during this time or not, they are all doing the best they can, and they are all so vitally important to the Pembina Valley.

Go out of your way to support your favourite local businesses during this difficult season, they’ll appreciate it more than you know.

Ryan Wall writer

Tony Wall

graphic design

Mackenzie Friesen photography

Ryan Bueckert

graphic design

Kevin Friesen sales

LIFE IN THE VALLEY

IS PUBLISHED BY

SERIOUS MARKETING

admin@seriousmarketing.ca 204.325.0283

Carpentry 244 Cochlan Dr., Morden • 204.822.1234 life in the valley

08

MERRY CHRISTMAS At this time of year, we again would like to send you good wishes of Happiness and Joy. It’s been a crazy year with this pandemic and we feel for all those that have been affected. One thing for certain is that when life is tough, we know we have a God who never leaves us and provides for all of our needs. This is the reason we celebrate Christmas and find hope in the season.

We are grateful for all of our patrons and look forward to a blessed 2021.

Blessings From, Ken & Glenda and Staff at Sunvalley Tire Ltd Winkler 204.325.4331

Altona 204.324.9898

1.844.325.8473(TIRE)

sunvalleytire.ca

ENS QUALITY SEED If asked about the basics of farming, almost everyone would have a general understanding of what needs to happen in order to end up with food at the end of the year. The soil is cultivated, the seed is planted, and the crops are harvested in the fall. It seems like a simple enough process. But what if that was only half the story when it came to how our food is grown? Chris Ens and Jake Friesen are the owners of Ens Quality Seed, a local seed company born out of the family farm, which has been supplying the area with seed for almost eighty years. This is their story of how they came to take on this important role in the farming community and an inside look at how seed is grown and developed over the course of many years.

life in the valley

10

“When we tell people that we grow seed, most people just glaze over” said Chris, who is aware that his profession is a complicated process to understand.

“We get our initial seed from a plant breeder who has developed certain varieties of seed within a type of crop. The varieties have their strengths and weaknesses taken into consideration for the conditions that it will be grown in.” Before they get the seed, it has already gone through years of development.

The plant breeder starts with two seeds, which show strong characteristics for the specific growing conditions, and multiplies them up to eight generations. The breeder only picks out the offspring with the exact desired outcome to continue on in the multiplication process. Certain positive qualities that are looked at when breeding a crop would include achieving a larger yield, higher nutrition levels, and resistance to disease. While plant breeding might sound like modern age technology to some, it’s actually a practice that goes back thousands of years and has been a key part in planting sustainable crops throughout history.

“We buy a small amount of breeder seed and start by planting a two acre field” said Chris, as this is the start of the refining process. Throughout the summer, they will continually walk the rows, removing any off-types or impurities that come up. At the end of the year when the crop is harvested, the seed is removed for next year, allowing them to now plant one hundred and sixty acres with the multiplied seed. Chris says that the process of inspecting the rows is then repeated on this larger scale, with a continued focus on refinement. “If you’ve done the first two years diligently enough, you save yourself a lot of work in the next two years” he said, stressing the importance of removing every

impurity that doesn’t belong in the field. The final two years of seed growing are mainly focused on increasing the volume, in order to sell at a larger scale. After the final harvest, the seed is thoroughly cleaned in their onsite facilities and is finally ready to be sold. At this point the seed has been inspected and marked as a certified status, assuring that all quality requirements are met, giving the customer exactly the seed they would be expecting. After many years of hard work, a generation of seed is ready to be planted.

The story of their business begins when the Ens family moved to southern Manitoba in 1923, settling just south of Winkler in the village of Reinland. They operated a typical mixed farm for the time, and after coming out of the difficult decade of the 1930’s, they decided to branch out further and diversify by starting to grow and supply seed. This would add a unique value to the farm as they would be one of the few operations in the area that was meeting this need.

Over the years, they have grown a wide variety of seed such as wheat, barley, oats, flax, peas, sunflower seeds, soybean, and various dry beans. As the seed production grew, it placed them in the unique role of sustaining farms and crops in the area, leading them to build their first official seed cleaning facility in 1957. Seven years later, the Ens farm would branch out again, this time taking on the challenge of building and operating a dairy enterprise. In 1967, the farm was incorporated as Ens Farms Limited, which would see Chris’ father Abe, and his ten siblings receive shares in the business. Abe and his brother Armin would eventually take over, with Armin overseeing the dairy production while Abe was in charge of the crops and growing seed.

life in the valley

11

life in the valley

12

Chris recalls growing up on the farm, where life revolved around farming. “It was 24/7 lifestyle” he said, “milking cows throughout the year and farming in the summer.”

Chris also clearly remembers the major challenge their farm faced in 1984 when their dairy barn burned to the ground. The Ens family witnessed what kind of community they had around them as friends, family and neighbours immediately came to help with both the clean-up and rebuilding process. “Looking back, it’s amazing to think of how the community stepped up to support and help us continue” said Chris. “There was even a neighbouring dairy farm that took in our herd of cows which allowed us to keep operating.”

In high school, Chris would develop a love for drafting and design which led him to further his education and get a job in this field. “I had been working in the profession for a few years, but I couldn’t shake the desire to return to the farm” he said. The farming blood was still in him and after eight years of pursuing a career in drafting, he realized that farming is what he really wanted to do.

Chris and his brother-in-law, Jake Friesen worked together under Abe and Armin, further learning the intricacies of the trade as well as life lessons along the way. Jake recalls an impactful experience he had soon after starting the job, where Abe pulled up in his newly acquired Pontiac Parisienne. He had heard about a mechanical problem that Jake was dealing with and told him to get in the car so they could get what was needed.

“I wanted to at least peel off my coveralls first, but he wouldn’t have it. He responded by saying, “I have never yet bought an idol and I have no intentions of ever having one. Get in!” Jake was able to see that Abe’s success had never gone to his head, while also leaving behind an example of dedication and humility to be followed. It has now been thirty years since Jake was given a job on the farm, and he can look back at how fortunate he has been to be given this opportunity. “I came here from Belize with no farming experience at all” he said. “I would have never expected in my wildest dreams to be doing what I am doing now.”

A couple years later they established a second company alongside Ens Farms Ltd., which was called Ens Quality Seed. This was to clearly differentiate the farming activity going on from the seed production business.

The business continued to grow, and was helped by the re-emergence and demand for soybeans, starting in the early 2000’s. For a number of years, Ens Quality Seed had developed a way to grow and process very fragile seeds in the form of a variety of dry beans. “Handling fragile seed is what we had based our business on” said Chris, “because of this, there was a seamless integration when we added soybeans.” With soybean seed also being very fragile, the experience Chris and the team had acquired would allow them to thrive in the new market. This continued growth prompted the need for a third plant, which was built in 2013.

Part of the success at Ens Quality Seed has been their commitment in searching out the next great crop that will be in demand, and to be at the forefront in having the seed ready for their customers. This is especially important due to the length of time that any type of seed needs in order to be ready for large scale planting.

“In our business, we’re always looking for the next new crop that will be in demand” explained Chris. This also includes continuous experimentation to discover what works for the specific climate, in order to offer new options for farmers to add to their rotation.

While the farm might look different than when it started out almost one hundred years ago, the dream of offering quality seed to their fellow farmers is alive and well, and with it has come many valuable lessons learned.“Since taking over the farm and seed business, the years haven’t always been easy” said Chris, “but along the way, we have seen and witnessed God’s hand at work in the path that he’s laid out for us.” The owners of Ens Quality Seed attribute so much of their success to the tremendous support of their customers and their incredible staff who have helped the business grow, develop, and thrive.

The turn of the millennium saw numerous changes within the business, as Chris and his wife Karen along with Jake and his wife Ingrid took over the day to day operations of the business. They had sold their milking cows and the dairy equipment a few years earlier with the support of Abe and Armin, and had since put a greater focus and energy on seed production. They soon outgrew their operation and were forced to build a second seed processing plant. life in the valley

Along with supplying many local farms within a fifty kilometre radius of Winkler, the company also ships their seed all over the country, as far west as Alberta and as far east as Prince Edward Island.

13

o t y 21 a D 20 o t r l o l F a k c o bo

ltD.

PF ExtEriors is your First call!

204.362.4825

lEighton@PFExtEriors.ca life in the valley

14

PHYSIO FAC T

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...

IS A BRAND NEW KNEE

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), also known as total knee replacement, is one of the most performed orthopedic procedures worldwide. In Canada alone, the number of people having joint replacements has increased 22.5% over the past 5 years with more than 75,000 surgeries now performed annually1. In 2019, a total of 2,798 knee replacements surgeries were performed in Manitoba2!

What is a total knee arthroplasty (TKA)?

TKA is a surgical procedure which consists of resecting or “cutting away” the damaged bone and cartilage from the thighbone, shinbone and knee cap. This is followed by replacing it with an artificial joint or prosthesis made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers. For the properly selected patient, the procedure results in pain relief as well as improved function and quality of life.

When is a TKA performed?

Generally, TKA is performed because the joint has been worn away by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or post-traumatic degenerative joint changes. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in adults and fittingly over 99.3% percent of TKA’s in Canada are performed for osteoarthritis1!

When this joint destruction progresses, pain is often the main complaint of individuals with degenerated knee joints. Initially, pain is felt during activity and dissipates after several minutes of rest. When the joint degeneration advances, the pain can also occur during rest periods significantly affecting sleep at night. Corresponding with this advancement, increased complaints of knee “stiffness” and crepitus or “grinding” are noted.

Intensifying pain and stiffness lead to a decline in function.

It is often manifested as reduced exercise tolerance, difficulty climbing stairs or slopes, reduced walking speed and increased risk of falls.

It is then after exhaustion of appropriate nonsurgical therapies (such as physiotherapy) and extensive discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives – a TKA may be pursued by a medical professional. In determining whether a TKA is the best course of action for an individual, an orthopedic surgeon assesses knee range of motion, stability and strength. X-ray imaging may also assist in determining the extent of damage to the joint.

Does physiotherapy occur before a TKA? Pre surgical physiotherapy aims to enhance the functional capacity of an individual in order to optimize the success of their surgical procedure. Often this intervention consists of education, “hands on” techniques and home-based exercise prescription. Research has illustrated that physiotherapy prior to TKA has been linked to reduced immediate post-operative pain and reduced pre and post-operative anxiety.

Does physiotherapy occur after a TKA? Within a span of 24 hours, after surgery a physiotherapist begins helping the individual utilize their artificial knee. The physiotherapist and health care team provide the individual with exercises to strengthen the muscles that surround the knee and get things moving. This immediate post-surgical intervention has been shown to reduce length of hospital stay and post-operative complications!

However, the benefits of moving under physiotherapists’ direction only continues to grow after discharge from the hospital! Such participation has been proven to reduce post-operative complications, such as muscle weakness and deconditioning. It also has been linked with quicker achievement of milestones, such as greater knee range of motion, improved muscle strength, higher walking and balance scores.

So, when making your Christmas wish list and checking it twice before your operative procedure – be sure to add seeing your local physiotherapist!

References: 1. Canadian Institute of Health Information. “Hip and Knee Replacements in Canada: CJRR Annual Report.” CIHI, August 27, 2020. https://www.cihi.ca/en/hip-and-knee-replacements-in-canada-cjrr-annual-report.

2. Health, Manitoba. “Knee Replacement Wait Time Information: Province of Manitoba.” Province of Manitoba - Health, Seniors and Active Living. Province of Manitoba, September 2020. https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/waittime/surgical/knee.html.

3. “Joint Arthroplasty: The Value of Physiotherapy.” Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Accessed November 2020. https://physiotherapy.ca/sites/default/files/ valuePT/cpa_valuept_jointarthroplasty-en.pdf.

4. Joice, Melvin G., Subhrojyoti Bhowmick, and Derek F. Amanatullah. “Perioperative physiotherapy in total knee arthroplasty.” Orthopedics 40, no. 5 (2017): e765-e773.

Stacey Braun (Physiotherapist, MPT, B.Sc, ASc)

Presented by

pembinavalleyphysio.com W I N K L E R • M O R D E N • A LTO N A • C A R M A N

life in the valley

15

Carman Cheer Boa The Carman Cheer Board was started to make sure that every family in the area could celebrate Christmas with a turkey dinner, while ensuring that each child would have a gift they could open and call their own. Preparation throughout the year sets up a flurry of activity for three days in December, as normally hundreds of volunteers would come out to fill the roles of packing hampers and delivering them throughout Carman and the surrounding communities. Like everything this year, this time will be different, and the many added challenges will require help from the community to put a hamper in every home that needs one.

Deana is a long time volunteer on the cheer board committee, and says that there will be a few major differences this year, one being the collection of food which would normally come through the presence of drop-off bins at businesses and events. Due to events being cancelled and the need for essential traffic only at businesses, there will not be bins located around town to drop off food. The exceptions will be the Red Apple and Carman CO-OP, where customers are able to leave some freshly bought groceries. Due to the presence of Covid 19, those wanting to donate food are asked to only donate food that has been freshly purchased, instead of bringing food from their home. “What is most helpful for this year specifically is a monetary donation” said Deana, as the Cheer Board will be purchasing many of the items that would normally be donated, creating a far larger grocery bill than in previous years. They are also hoping to purchase some items that go beyond the main dinner, such as cereal, granola bars, and other snacks that make great lunch box items. These types of items are normally not purchased for hampers, but many such items would have still been donated in previous years that will be missing this year.

On average, one-hundred and fifty hampers are sent out per Christmas, although this year could see an uptick of people who are in need and reach out for assistance. “Things are tight this year” said Deana, “there are a number of people who are ill and need to rely on their community more than ever.” She is especially calling on those who would normally go to one of the fundraising events in town, such as the annual Christmas Concert featuring the Sonatrice Singers and other groups, where donations would be made to the Cheer Board. And while the campaign goes from December 15-17, it is not too late to donate even after these dates, as the Cheer Board will still be paying bills after Christmas is over.

ard

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Another difference is that a limited number of volunteers will be allowed in the Carman Community Hall where the hampers are packed. “The plans have been put in place for a regular Code Red, which would still allow a 25% capacity” said Deana, referring to the level of Covid 19 restrictions placed on people gathering. “Currently we are beyond a regular Code Red, and are hoping for it to change before the campaign.” With the undetermined circumstances, the campaign could be drawn out longer than usual and those who are receiving a hamper may have to wait slightly longer than they were expecting. The limited numbers for gathering has meant that only those who are experienced in packing a hamper are asked to volunteer for the campaign.

Even with the added difficulties, the excitement and passion for this season is not lost among the team behind the Carman Cheer Board, as they eat, sleep and breathe Cheer Board at this time of year. “It always comes down to three crazy days that makes such a big difference” said Deana, who is an educational assistant at the local elementary school, and is able to see firsthand the incredible difference that their work does for the families in the area.

“Being able to hear the kids say that they had a great Christmas means everything to me” she said, and is a big reason why she, along with the team of ten others have given their time to invest in people at this time of year.

For those wanting more information on the Carman Cheer Board, you can visit their Facebook page called Carman and District Christmas Cheer Board.

Due to Covid 19, traditional hampers will not be distributed. In their place, gift cards for groceries along with gift boxes for children will be delivered. If you would like to donate, please call 204 745 6835.

feature sponsored by

VALLEY FIBER s a reader, every once in a while, you will run into an impactful story of accomplishment that prompts you to step back and ponder the magnitude and far reaching change it has made on a society. Stories such as the Gutenberg Printing Press or the invention of the telephone are famous examples of achievement that changed the way the world communicated with each other. What has happened through the team at Valley Fiber, could be one of these stories, and deserves the attention of southern Manitoba, as they have sought to change the way that internet is provided and how the transfer of information will be conducted for many generations to come.

While the story of Valley Fiber is still in its infancy, they have gained the attention of the world by doing what they said they would do, offer a revolutionary service to the public that had previously only existed within large technology corporations, data centers and internet exchanges. What most people will see when they use this system is that their Netflix is fast and that their internet is consistent, but what they don’t see is the infrastructure that has been built and the ground work that has been laid for generations of service improvements. These developments are now forming the bigger picture for what the future of Manitoba and beyond can look like.

Valley Fiber’s story started with VISP, Valley Internet Service Provider, a company founded in 2013 that was created with the goal of offering better internet in rural Manitoba. It looked like nobody was willing to step up their service, so a couple of local residents decided to do it themselves. The tipping point came when an accounting firm near Rosenfeld needed better internet to operate, prompting the partnership of Hank Wall and Mike Wolfe who were able to solve the problem. Hank had a plan, Mike had money to invest, and together they built their first tower in Rosebrook. In the following year, they grew from one tower to two, then quickly to forty towers in southern Manitoba. They covered a wide-ranging area, including north of Winnipeg. A few years down the road, as their customer base grew, they found that they wanted a better system in place to offer the quality of internet they had hoped to provide.

The best option available was to use high-count fiber optic cable, placing it in the ground in order to connect customers with dedicated fiber. This fiber is a glass strand thinner than a human hair which can transfer signals and information at the speed of light. However, they were not interested in being like most of the other companies where speeds and service could vary, and were consequently at the mercy of the volume of traffic at the time.

Hank has always been involved with pushing the boundaries of technology, growing up at a time when buying fancy new computers was out of the question, Hank would find an unusable computer at the thrift store, reverse engineer it, and use it to complete his homework. Looking to learn, he would always be involved in experimenting and tinkering, like building prototypes in his dad’s garage. He would soon move on to building custom computers, some of which even broke world records. It was this organically built ingenuity from a young age that prepared Hank to take on the biggest challenge of his career, building the next generation of digital highway systems.

Hank went to work on the issue, looking to solve the problems and create an innovative plan that would provide the best service he could to the area.

Together with other innovators in the industry, they asked themselves the question: what if we ran a

dedicated line of fiber to every single customer. In talking with others in the industry, they kept hearing that this was crazy. They would need equipment that probably didn’t exist and an enormous amount of capital to start. They would likely need to design and develop these pieces themselves, and find manufacturers to produce them in bulk. Nearly everything was brand new, and needed to work on a large scale. “Almost nothing that we were doing consisted of taking something out of the box and turning it on” said Hank, of the many complications and problems that were waiting for them.

The plan they came up with consisted of creating a complete dedicated fiber distribution network using Dedicated Fiber to the Premise (DFTTP) technology, and placing all fiber in a conduit. To their knowledge, this and other innovations made it a rather unique build and was one of the first of its kind in the world. It was a massive decision on whether or not they wanted to pursue the task before them, but the pros kept outweighing the cons. “We eventually ran out of reasons to not do it ourselves” said Hank, as they were not willing to wait around any longer.

Building this network meant connecting each customer with their own strand of fiber. This meant doing the work of putting fiber in the ground and figuring out how to get it into every home and business that wanted it.

The huge initial undertaking would produce a guaranteed speed at all hours, unaffected by peak usage times. It would also lay the groundwork for providing other services such as television, phone, security systems, massive transfers of data, as well as potential for future developments.

Conley Kehler is the Senior Vice President of Valley Fiber and he remembers the many people that trusted their crazy plan to work. They went out looking for private and public investors, including grants from multiple levels of government who would need to believe in them to offer the type of service they were describing. “They took a chance on us” said Conley, “there was a huge amount of pressure and accountability in starting out.”

The initial work started in the Rosebrook trailer park, just north of Winkler, where they would enjoy some of the fastest internet in North America. Dig All

life in the valley

20

Construction is a local utility contractor that was hired to do the necessary groundwork before the fiber could be placed as the progress continued to Winkler and on to the surrounding communities and municipalities. Because of this unique design, Winkler can now provide services that even some of the biggest cities in the world are not able to provide to all of its residents. Many in the industry doubted the viability of such a unique and revolutionary design, which is why Valley Fiber has invited so many of them out to see it for themselves. “Sometimes people have to see it with their own eyes to believe it,” said Hank. One of Valley Fiber’s visions was to bring this same technology to rural Manitoba, and in partnership with Industry Canada this has become a reality through the Connect to Innovate program.

While the Connect to Innovate program helped build the bridges to these underserviced communities, Valley Fiber needed a capital partner to reach each and every household.

“We were so happy to find a capital partner that shared the same values and vision that we did” Hank said, “they have been an absolutely integral part in making Valley Fiber the company it is today.” Others wanted to know, of all the places you could implement this technology, why invest in the small towns and villages of rural Manitoba? “This is our home” said Hank. “This is where we live, this is where we go to church, this is where our kids go to school, and these are the people we do community with.”

walking, but is very excited for what will happen when they can start running.

“Before this, someone would not have had the ability to create Facebook 2.0 in Winkler” said Hank, who now knows of programmers that work for some of the world’s biggest tech companies and live in the area.

Hospitals can now send out massive files such as MRI’s and other important data live through dedicated fiber with peace of mind. Options could include virtual doctor’s appointments for small rural communities, where only a nurse is present.

Patients with limited mobility that must stay at home could have virtual checkups. Virtual learning for students to attend classes and programs that would otherwise not be available without reliable internet. Seniors that need assisted living can set up their home with technology and cameras that can keep them in their own home longer and also better connect them to family and friends. “We wanted to be able to approach the economic development committees and councils of communities, and tell them that this is your tool to market your community to the world” said Conley.

The vision was always for much more than streaming shows or playing video games, as they looked at the potential for greater economic growth and diversity, education, communication, developments in health care, assisted living and beyond. All of this added value to the place where they called home. “Young people from the community who go to university can now return home and be a part of a leading technical company” said Hank, who is proud to hire local and be able to keep brilliant young minds at home, rather than losing them to opportunities elsewhere. Over the last two years, they have grown from forty employees to one-hundred and nineteen. “We are only in the infancy of what Valley Fiber is doing” said Hank, as they are in their third year of development. He describes the process of them now transitioning from crawling to life in the valley

21

While some of these systems are not in place yet, many institutions are quickly moving towards implementing the new ways of conducting life and taking advantage of what is now available. Initially, the most drastic changes are likely to be felt in the smallest communities, such as villages that have previously felt disconnected from the world around them, and experienced limited opportunities.

Our current situation has shown us all the importance of having fast and reliable internet, as many operations have become virtual. In many ways, Covid has been Valley Fiber’s biggest test.

“Internet usage in Canada is at an all-time high” said Hank. “While some providers are now charging more money and restricting access because of this, we are offering more services for the same price.” This is because they believe that having quality internet should not be a luxury that only some can access, but should rather be available to everyone.

Looking back on the last few years, the team at Valley Fiber is extremely humbled to be able to bring this type of service to southern Manitoba and to have the opportunity to serve their home in this way.

“We are incredibly thankful to our customers, staff, investors, and governments of all levels for all of their support” said Hank. “Without them, none of this would have been possible.” The team knows that their story is an unlikely one, and it will take more than this article to describe what is all happening with the development in southern Manitoba. “If I would have watched our story play out in a movie, I wouldn’t have believed it as being realistic” said Hank, thinking of the many things that had to go just right and the hurdles they had to overcome in order for them to succeed. The team has felt the wind at their back, which they attribute to doing things the right way, and never sacrificing their integrity in the process.

life in the valley

22

life in the valley

23

Discover the beautiful possibilities of our 2020 Colour of the YEAR

life in the valley

24

117C

139 N Railway Ave., Winkler life in the valley

| | 25

204.325.5319

If looking out across the blanket of fresh snow sparkling beneath a cloudless, blue sky beckons you to get outdoors, you’ll be grateful for the open spaces and a wide variety of winter recreation in the Central region that will invigorate your soul.

Whether you crave the silky swish of skis across fresh powder or your heart beats faster at the thought of snowmobiling the regions miles of groomed trails, we have got you covered. Sure, we are a popular destination for families and guests of all ages during hot weather, but the adventure that awaits you here is not just for summer.

Hit the slopes at HOLIDAY MOUNTAIN RESORT in La Rivière.

This Ski Resort offers several runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels to enjoy. Rental ski & snowboard equipment are available on site! Book a stay in the Holiday Village and enjoy a weekend away to unwind after a day on the slopes in their chalet-style accommodations right on the mountain. www.holidaymountain.com Summer’s hiking trails through the prairie wilderness of our primarily agricultural lands readily avail themselves for winter recreation and cross-country skiing at multiple sites across the region. www.ccsam.ca/wheretoski/where-to-ski/central-manitoba

BURWALDE TRAILS is located between Morden and Winkler.

Their trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Club membership fees support the operation and maintenance of these trails. For more information on location, daily and membership rates visit www.btncski.wordpress.com

BITTERSWEET SKI TRAILS just north of Treherne offers over 20km of classic trails and 12km of skate trails that wind with the landscape across the prairies and through the woodlands, offering a unique journey along the shores of the Assiniboine The PUMPKIN CREEK SKI CLUB with trailhead, parking lot, and shelter building is located ~4km west of Roseisle on the Valley Road. There are 20km of well-groomed classic trails along the scenic creek and through hilly terrain, with shorter and longer loop options. This trail is perfect for easy and intermediate skiers.

The LA PERDRIX TRAILS are located just south of Notre Dame de Lourdes on PTH 244. These trails were first in use 20 years ago or so, and were refurbished by Birch Mountain Sports Inc in Autumn 2018. These beautiful trails are wooded amid gently rolling terrain with classic tracks on 3.5km of groomed trails.

In PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Scenic trackset and skate skiing trails are available on an island oasis in the middle of the prairies. Breathe in the crisp, clean air and enjoy the evening light filtering through the foliage, as you travel through some rustic cross-country trails set within outdoor tranquility.

The DISCOVERY NATURE SANCTUARY located in the City of Winkler, is a hidden refuge for a variety of plants and wildlife. It is also a wonderful place for people to experience nature first-hand. Easy year-round walking trails in the 30+ acre site provide access to grassland, woodland and wetland habitats. Visitors are encouraged to check out the newly planted pollinator garden and the new Co-op Outdoor Education Centre www.discoverynaturesanctuary.ca

When the snow flies, you can be certain that snowmobile enthusiasts find reason to rejoice. Our region is home to five snowmobile clubs that maintain groomed trails and promote the sport through routes that link several rural communities.

Promoting rider safety, route signage, warming sheds, and an expansion of trails, you are invited to become a member and take part in club activities and rallies, or just to enjoy the trails at your own leisure.

BORDER VALLEY SNOW GOERS is a non-profit organization based in Southern Manitoba.

Their passionate and dedicated volunteers create and maintain 320km of designated snowmobile trails linking Altona, Gretna, Plum Coulee, Winkler, and Morden. www.bvsg.ca PORTAGE CLUB SNOW INC is a non-profit snowmobile club serving Portage la Prairie and area, offers over 400km of groomed snowmobile trails connecting Delta Beach, Portage la Prairie, St. Claude, T reherne and Holland. www.facebook.com/portageclubsnow THE PEMBINA VALLEY SNOWKICKERS is an organization based out of the Great Pembina Valley in southern Manitoba. PVSK is a non-profit organization grooming and maintaining more than 500km of designated snowmobile trails in association with Snoman INC. PVSK trails connect the communities of Manitou, Darlingford, Thornhill, Morden, La Riviere, Pilot Mound, Crystal City, Clearwater, Glenora, Mariapolis, Swan Lake, Somerset, St. Leon, Altamont, Notre Dame, Rathwell, Bruxelles, and Holland. www.pembinavalleysnowkickers.com SNOFLIES SNOWMOBILE CLUB is based out of Carman, MB. They are a volunteer-based club that maintains and grooms 250km of Snofund trails in association with Snoman. Their trail network connects the Carman, Elm Creek, St. Claude, Roseisle, Miami, Roland, Homewood and Sperling communities together. www.snoflies.com CROSS COUNTRY SNOWDRIFTERS maintains approximately 270km of trail, linking Fannystelle, Headingley, Oak Bluff, La Salle, Domain, St. Agathe, Brunkild, Springstein, and Elm Creek.

life in the valley

27

With Canada’s national pastime, hockey dominating more recreational sports schedules across the province, you’re sure to find a venue and team to participate in recreational or competitive leagues in most communities. But if its just ice time that you’re after to enjoy some skating, you will be delighted to discover that in addition to numerous recreation facilities that offer public ice skating, seasonally there are also a number of outdoor rinks that emerge through the efforts of community volunteers and local recreation departments.

THE BUFFALO CREEK NATURE PARK in Altona has winter fun galore! This is a popular spot for tobogganing in winter as well as pleasure skating on the pond, which is cleared and flooded. The field house makes an ideal warm up spot for changing, restrooms or a hot cup of hot chocolate.

In Portage la Prairie, the skating trail on CRESCENT LAKE is regularly maintained through out the winter and includes rest areas along the route.

You will find many more ice-skating rinks in Morden including Lake Minnewasta, Lions Park, Access Event Centre, Elks Park, and the Morden Courthouse.

New villages begin to form each winter when our regions lakes hibernate beneath a sheet of ice at the peak of the winter season. The huts roll out from the shore across the seasonal access to facilitate ice fishing when the temperature dips well below zero degrees.

THE GOUDNEY RESERVOIR west of Pilot Mound continues to be a family favourite location through the winter months. The lake comes alive once the ice forms, with a small village of ice fishing shelters dotted along the prairie landscape. With space to allow for snowmobiling, tobogganing, snow showing and more!

Goudney Reservoir is stocked for #CatchAndRelease with Yellow Perch, Northern Pike and Walleye thanks to the care and management from Mound Wildlife. Follow Mound Wildlife on Facebook for more information on their annual ice fishing derby, women’s fishing events and other year-round events.

LAKE MINNEWASTA in Morden is home to four seasons of adventure! Hit the links in the summer but return in the winter when the Morden Golf & Country Club becomes ski and walking trails through the glittering winter landscape. Free snowshoe rentals can be booked online! Ice fish for Crappy, Walleye, and Northern Pike. For more information on winter fun in Morden and snow shoe rentals, visit www.mymorden.ca/recreation#winter

life in the valley

28

life in the valley

29

Member Awareness HOW TO AVOID BECOMING THE TARGET OF A PHISHING SCAM

o If you see any typos on the website you are using to login to your online banking, this is a very strong indicator it is a faked page. o Most secure login sites show a small padlock next to the link. This indicates you are visiting the website using a secure connection. o Browse around the site before entering any information to ensure it actually has more pages than just the login or home page, and check the other pages for typos or any other unusual elements.

Phishing scams are modern day scams where a malicious user or entity will mimic a trusted organization’s identity to gain information or access to personal accounts and data.

There are some simple steps you can follow to reduce the chances you will be targeted by a phishing scam when doing online banking – a common place for phishing emails, fake websites and login portals: • Never search for your credit union website on a search engine when looking to do online banking.

Always type in the credit union’s actual URL (https://www.accesscu.ca) and then navigate to online banking.

• Once at the right website, navigate to the login page and look for these clues to verify that you are on the credit union’s actual, secure online banking site: o All credit union websites use Hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS), which means their links all start with HTTPS. If your login page link starts with HTTP, then you may be using a spoof site. life in the valley

• Once you’ve verified you’re on the correct secure site, bookmark it. That way, when you use the bookmark in the future, whenever you go to sign in to online banking, you will know you are on the credit union’s secure site.

• Before logging in, especially on a mobile device, be sure to close any other downloaded apps that may be running in the background.

• Never login to your online banking from an email.

If asked to view your account, open online banking in a separate window and use your bookmarked link to get to the website. You can also simply type in https://www.accesscu.ca • Make sure you are online banking from a device free of malware, spyware and any viruses.

30

MONEY

SPOT THE WARNING SIGNS OF FRAUD BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE Online fraud happens every day to thousands of people around the world. The question we all need to ask ourselves is whether we are prepared to spot the signs when a fraudster knocks on our virtual door.

MATTERS

• If someone sends you money and then says you need to send some of it back to them — for any reason — it’s a scam. The money they sent you is fake; the money you’ll send back them is real, and was yours.

Regardless of your background, or if you are educated or informed, you can still fall victim to online fraud. We’ve provided a handful of techniques to vet an offer you may feel uncertain about: Slow Down • A common theme in many fraud attempts is a sense of artificial urgency created by the fraudster to prevent you from thinking things through. When presented with an enticing offer, stop and think about it. Give yourself time to ruminate on it and if the fraudster says it’s only available now, chances are it’s not a real offer.

Apply the ‘Too Good to be True’ Test • Listen to your gut. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Looking back to our previous tip, if the offer is limited or only available ‘now’, then chances are it is not a real offer.

Question Everything • Who is the person who contacted you? Do you know them? Is their request unsolicited? Why did they approach you? What are the risks? More importantly, would you trust them to watch your wallet, purse or phone?

Get a Second Opinion • If you are being asked to do something — wiring someone money or sending bitcoin, for example — and you feel uneasy about it, bounce the idea off someone else. Contact a trusted friend, a colleague or someone at your credit union and run the proposal past them. Do they think it’s a good idea, too?

There is no Such Thing as a Free Lunch • Many scams play on the appeal of quick, easy money. It’s easy to get blinded by the dollar signs.

Don’t let that distract you from making a reasonable, informed, cautious decision. Some times being blinded by dollar signs can cost you many of your own.

ONLINE RESOURCES TO HELP PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL LIFE With the increased load of members using online services during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to keep yourself safe. Preventing fraud, theft or other online crimes is only possible if we educate ourselves.

The Government of Canada has built some very useful websites to help Canadians identify fraud and protect them from it.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is an excellent place to find an index of known scams and other forms of fraud, useful statistics on the impact of fraud in Canada, fraud in the news, and links to other useful resources for those interested. Visit: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca www.getcybersafe.ca provides users with vital information needed to stay safe online. Their Twitter account (@getcybersafe) contains regular updates and other i mportant information related to cybersecurity. The site has a heavy focus on how to secure your devices, accounts and connections.

Another great resource from the Federal Government is the Staying Cyber-healthy During COVID-19 page located at https://cyber.gc.ca/. This page contains a series of easy tips to avoid all digital scams on the rise during the pandemic. It also contains a downloadable PDF you can print and put up at work or at home.

getcybersafe.ca and cyber.gc.ca

are two websites from the Government of Canada loaded with great information related to current online scams and how to prevent them from happening to you.

life in the valley

31

HARDWOOD FLOOR REFINISHING When attempting to remove an old finish from your aged hardwood floor, you will often discover that the old finish simply gums up under the sandpaper or grinding discs making it very stubborn to remove.

After stripping and sanding the existing finish off, it is imperative to neutralize the surface using either methyl hydrate, xylene or lacquer thinner. (Note that it is often suggested to neutralize with mineral spirits, however, mineral spirits leave an oily residue which will not allow any waterborne stains and/or finishes to properly adhere.)

Presented by

Applying a coat of heavy bodied paint stripper and scraping off the softened finish can vastly speed up the removal process.

After applying new stain colour we strongly recommend applying one coat of Zinsser SealCoat Universal Sanding Sealer to lock in any contamination which may be laying low in the solid wood surface. This important step will prevent reactions from potentially occurring during your floor finishing process.

When selecting your clear finish coat for your project, you must consider how much traffic, wear, tear and abuse this floor will be subjected to. There is a very wide range of floor finishes available and the knowledgeable staff at Janzen's Paint & Decorating Ltd. would be happy to explain your options, advantages, pros + cons, and direct you to the application tools best suited for your project.

Floor Sanding Rental available at Janzen's Paint & Decorating Ltd.

life in the valley

32

Strokes of Genius life in the valley

33

life in the valley

34

MEND T H E GAP end the Gap is a community of people based out of Winkler, with the vision and belief that every family deserves to have a dignified standard of living, including a warm place to call home and food on the table. It’s a network of people that have come together, who have placed a high value on partnering with organizations within the community, to see families become successfully self-sufficient. Currently, 1 in 5 Winkler families are living below the poverty line, and many of those are struggling to find a place to live. Central Station is one of the organizations partnered with Mend the Gap, and a few years ago, they took over the management of all Manitoba Affordable Housing units in Winkler. What they quickly found out was that many of them were empty, deemed unlivable, with no plan in place to change this. This reality is a barrier to many families who are struggling to find a place to live.

life in the valley

35

An idea for change was first introduced in 2016, during the annual Christmas party thrown by James and Jayci Elias.

“We had all these people over at our house, a lot of them having good jobs and were capable of being generous” said James, who at this point had been looking for a way to give back to his community. “I had joined the Winkler Community Foundation board, and found out that housing was actually a big problem.” With his position at Triple E Developments, James is well connected with building contractors in the area and believed there was a way to make a difference. It was a spur of the moment idea that came to him. “After feeding everyone and serving a few drinks, it was time to see if we could rally some money together” said James, explaining the first invitation he offered to give towards this cause. Although the request was done on a whim, those at the party still gave over three thousand dollars. This money was given to Central Station for assisting families in purchasing necessary items they couldn’t otherwise afford.

The next year, James and Jayci were prepared, and gave a notice for the people attending their party that there would be an opportunity to give. The amount raised more than doubled that year, as seven thousand dollars was put towards the cause. The event was met with a very encouraging response from those attending and left James and Jayci with the belief that this community effort would continue to grow. “I remember one of our friends from that night say how this is so awesome” said Jayci, “she said that she felt like this was eventually going to grow into an event much bigger, and where many people would be invited to join.” This conversation confirmed a hope that they had, while also planting a seed. James and Jayci knew they needed to pursue this goal further. Over the next year, the idea grew, as Mend the Gap was created. The team involved set out with the vision to shrink the gap between those with too much and those with too little, enabling everyone to share in and lead both meaningful and dignified lives. A quote that helped bring this about came from N.F.S Grundtvig, the late Danish author, who said this: “We have succeeded in wealth when few have too much and fewer have too little.”

After the success of the first two Christmas parties, the team was prepared for something even bigger for the third year. They held the party at the Winkler Arts Centre and invited one hundred and fifty people. After everything was over, $100 000 was raised. It was a massive increase from the previous years, and was a clear statement that said a

community of support was behind Mend the Gap and what they were doing in the community.

That year, the funds raised went towards transforming two unlivable houses, and was an act of momentum in helping solve the housing problem in Winkler. The project was a large undertaking, with many people involved through volunteering time, energy and skills to complete everything on time. “Most of our contractors don’t send us a bill for this work” said James, who described these donations as a labour of love, and a huge reason why these projects can even exist.

The goal did not end with the completed House. Part of the motivation in starting out was to show people that they matter and are cared for on a personal level. Jayci was able to find out how many kids each family had, bought presents for each one, set up Christmas decor, complete with a tree, stockings, and a Christmas dinner on the table.

Despite the last minute rush to finish, everything was in place

by December 23. A last second addition was made when Jayci had overheard one of the moms mention how nice it would be to have a deep freeze. “I called James right away and told him that she really wants a deep freeze.” An hour later, two guys showed up and carried one in to the house. “I wrote a card to her explaining that I had heard what she said” explained Jayci, who also had it wrapped up in a big bow.

The day came for the family to move in, and you can imagine the overwhelming excitement and eruption of emotion that occurred when they saw everything they could now call their own. The mom’s biggest surprise was seeing the deep freeze that she had secretly longed for.

“She was beside herself with excitement” said Jayci, who was able to hear about the impact this gift had. The message that this mom had received that day was that somebody cared about her and that she was worthy enough to have someone put value on something she desired. The dad got his greatest joy from seeing the full sized dinner table; one which his whole family could finally sit around and eat dinner together.

The experience was powerful for everyone involved; it was something that transformed both the families and everyone else, leaving many in tears by the end of the day.

“After we left, I cried the whole way home” said Jayci, who was now completely set on doing it again next Christmas.

life in the valley

36

Mend the Gap has since set up a fund at the Winkler Community Foundation, and has committed to giving $10,000 per year. The rest of the money from events flows directly to Central Station for ongoing housing projects, which includes furniture, appliances and other goods. Winkler Affordable Housing Inc. has been in the process of buying all the affordable housing properties in Winkler, of which many require some work in order to be an adequate place to live. “Our goal is to renovate everything over the next few years” said James, speaking as a board member of Winkler Affordable Housing Inc. While Mend the Gap will not be able to fund every renovation, they will be a part of getting people involved with these projects, as well as bringing awareness to the general public. Central Station is involved in these projects by aiding tenants in need, providing them with help for mental and physical health, access to the food cupboard, as well as other resources and programs that would be helpful to the individuals. Central Station also manages the properties and adds an element of accountability and follow up to families who live in the houses. “It’s a hub that gets people into housing, but also helps them deal with any challenges in front of them” said James, explaining what all goes on at Central Station. “It’s about giving a lifting hand to people who are in a bad position and offering programs without any shame attached.”

While Mend the Gap is not a registered charity, it is a vehicle that is used to help give back, and is a gathering point for people who want to get on board with the vision. Finances are handled with transparency so that those who contribute can see where their money is going, while the projects themselves are based on volunteer work and are not being profited from. “This is a community that has come together to give back” said James, as many people have come on board and are excited to help in any way they can. “My strength is that I’m good at rallying people, we make it a fun time, one where everybody can get involved, and it can change our lives as much as it changes those who are moving into these homes.” From the beginning, it was very clear how much of a group effort this was, as so many people were needed, whether in planning the events, doing the renovations, or completing the many jobs in between, which could only be accomplished by a dedicated team.

Like most organizations that start up, the obvious question that gets bounced around is why? Why give the time, energy and resources to operate Mend the

life in the valley

37

Gap. The answer is very simple; they saw the need in their own back yard and felt compelled to make a difference.

In looking back over the last four years, James said that there has been a level of personal healing that has come from doing the work to mend the gap of poverty in his own community. “When you can take a step back and give, most of your own problems often go away” he said of this journey towards giving back. “Helping others often gets you past some of those challenges you are facing.”

An influential story that helped create this mindset was that of a young socialite in New York City, who was making it big by hosting and promoting the most extravagant parties, creating a playground for the rich and famous. He should have been living the dream. However, after coming to the place of feeling completely empty, he abandoned his original pursuit of happiness, and set sail on a hospital ship to Liberia. It is here that he encountered a world he could have never imagined. The horror of seeing the entire country plagued by filthy drinking water gave him a personal mission in life, to see the whole world have access to clean water. Now, he is still throwing massive parties, but with the purpose of raising awareness and gathering funds to drill wells, and give the basic necessity of water to those who otherwise did not have it. His work in founding Charity Water has grown since 2006, and they now operate in twenty-eight countries. “He took his influence and turned it into something bigger than himself” said James of the inspiring story.

Another question they hear surrounds the quality of work they have set out to do. “Some say the work that we do on a house is too nice and that people don’t need it” said Jayci, “but if we have the opportunity, then why not? If we are going to take the time to do this, we are going to do it the best we know how.” The goal was always to make a house feel like a home, to be a safe place where a family could have a fresh opportunity to do well in life. Mend the Gap is unapologetic when saying they have a certain standard set when creating homes for families, and that standard is high. “Maybe to some people it’s too much” said Jayci, “but the way we see it, these families are people just like you and I.” Since launching Mend the Gap, several other events have been set up along the way. This includes the annual golfing event, Triple E Developments Open, where half the money goes to Mend the Gap, and the other half going towards an orphanage in Mexico. This year, there will obviously not be a Christmas party, but they will still be renovating a house to have ready for Christmas. Those that wish to follow along can find Mend the Gap on Instagram, where there is also a link to donate.

The goals have only grown over the years, with the hope of moving towards bigger events, at bigger venues to create an even bigger impact. The team that makes up Mend the Gap is incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported the cause, and is proud to be a part of a community that is willing to give back, invest in others and make a difference.

life in the valley

38

MEND T H E GAP

Safe

— and —

Sound

Invest in peace of mind for you and your loved ones with Wellness services from Infinity Security

Daily Routine Alerts Up and About Safe Inside Fall Detection Nightime Safety Unexpected Activity Alerts

Personal Emergency

Panic Pendant / Fall Detection Pendant Stationary Emergency Button 24 Hr Monitoring

Control and Connection

WellCam™ Doorbell Camera Automated Light and Lock Settings

security | cameras | automation | wellness

infinitysecurity.ca • 204.325.4637

life in the valley

40

LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS

Woodwind 36 Grill $ 1399 Free Cover Free 40lb Bag of Lumberjack Pellets Free Gift Box of Rubs

SmokePro 24XT Free Cover Free 40lb Bag of Lumberjack Pellets

699

$

SmokePro 24SG Free Cover Free 40lb Bag of Lumberjack Pellets

$

979

Masterbuilt 560

$

Free Cover Free Bag of Charcoal

699

12” Thermometer Regular $2899

Sale

Kamado Joe Classic 3 $

Sale

1,899 Regular $2,399

SALE ENDS DEC. 24TH, 2020

Explorer Two - Burner cooking System

Sale

16999

$

Flat Top Grill FTG600

$

AND SO MUCH MORE...

2499

Sale

51999

Regular $61999

Regular $184.99

$

PT-100 Pro-Temp Regular $14999

Sale

$

9999

We carry a wide selection with all the ingredients to make you a Chef of the Grill

CALL TO ARRANGE FOR FREE DELIVERY AND CURBSIDE PICK UP

Winkler • 204.325.8716 Oak Bluff • 204.927.7727

life in the valley

42

life in the valley

43

Need a sign?

204.325.0284

life in the valley

44

Pharma Focus 4

healthy habits to boost your immunity

Your immune system hums with activity. Cells, tissues, and organs work together all through your body to coordinate attacks against invading pathogens. You can help to keep this system running smoothly and efficiently when responding to threats.

1

Give your immune system some quiet time to do its work

Ever wonder why doctors always advise rest, rest, and more rest when you’re ailing? It’s because immunity and sleep are intricately linked. When you don’t get enough sleep, you become more vulnerable to illnesses like the common cold. And once you become sick and your immune response kicks into gear, you will tend to doze off as your body seeks the restorative benefits of sleep.

2

Give your immune system a workout

Doesn’t exercise seem to be the prescription for just about every health problem these days? Your immune system certainly benefits from physical activity, though the reasons remain a bit uncertain. Could all the huff-and-puff and sweating of activity flush illness-causing bacteria from your body via skin and airways? Also, your body temperature spikes when you workout, which, like a fever, could help fight infection, too. Taking brisk 30-minute walks regularly could be enough effort to see results. Don’t go overboard, though: really heavy-duty exercise actually weakens the immune system.

3

Indulge your immune system with relaxation

A positive attitude and a proactive approach to dealing with stress can protect you more than you might think!

People with chronic high stress levels are more vulnerable to infection. Chronic stress wears you down – in mind and in body. When you allow anxieties to accumulate, you constantly flood your body with stress hormones that undermine your immune system’s efforts to protect you from illness.

4

Help out with good hygiene habits

Your body has lots of ways to keep out offending bacteria and viruses. When germs get on your skin they can end up in your eyes, nose, and mouth and make you sick. That’s where good hand-washing hygiene comes in.

Also refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Your skin is one of your body’s biggest immune defences of all – it acts as a physical barrier against germs.

Presented by

360 Stephen Street, Morden MB

204.822.4444

life in the valley

45

Shop Local, Support Local

life in the valley

46

855 Roblin Blvd. East

204-331-5170

Thank you for your support and

Merry Christmas

Reach out to us for all your exterior or interior steel needs www.irosteel.com

/irosteel Call for Pricing Deals! life in the valley

47

Gift Cards for when we re-open make great Christmas Gifts!

204.325.7736

,

valleybowlinglanes.ca 1765 Diamond Drive Winkler, MB

life in the valley

48

30 years

Servicing the area for over

Accredited Estimate & Repair

204-325-9383

204-325-(HELP)

265 Kimberly Road behind Southland Mall

* For complete collision work, stone chip repair or windshield replacement * Free cleaning on all repairs

* 24 Hour towing services * Big or small, we are your towing experts

diamondautorepair.ca

BE KIND bekindmw.com

PHOTO BY

life in the valley

51

Yo u r Co m pa n y Vehicle can be your best advertising to ol

2 0 4 . 3 3 1 . 4 0 1 2 life in the valley

52

Brian sawatzky RAndy Hoeppner WINDYGATES, MB

Thank You for your support and

Merry Christmas

Let us help you keep warm in 2021 1-204-246-2102

BACKWOODSBOILERBOYS.COM life in the valley

53

PRINTING

DESIGN

DIGITAL PRINTING • OFFSET PRINTING IN-HOUSE PRODUCTION • DESIGN AND MUCH MORE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

204-822-4877 management@eagleyedesign.ca 222 South Railway St. Morden, Manitoba

Written by Peter Cantelon

JANUARY What a year to write a year in review feature.

There are a lot of people who just want to forget 2020 ever happened and see what 2021 brings us and, hey, I get that. However, there are good reasons to consider the year we have had, despite the-virus-that-must-not-be-named.

January does not simply make sense as a starting point being the head of the year. January is the month that looks ahead and back. It reminds us that reflection on that which has been can give us valuable perspective to root our hopes into that which will be.

There were big plans for this year. Manitoba turned 150 years old in 2020, no small achievement in a world filled with turmoil and turnover. January was the month we began to look ahead at all that could be and all we could be.

Thus, it makes sense to consider January 2020 and what it meant to those of us who live and work in the Pembina Valley. Locally, we (and our wallets) were recovering from holiday festivities, New Year’s Eve parties and seeking to implement the resolutions for the year ahead.

On the world stage, Covid-19 was but a strange sickness that people far, far away had to deal with…it was not really a great concern for us yet. Politically, our neighbours and friends to the south in the United States continued to offer an enjoyable distraction from our own political stage and the industrious and generous people of the region, fresh from the holidays, looked ahead to a productive year.

January saw the local Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre move to a new location in Morden that was also focused on the future and the opportunity for growth.

Speaking of generosity, I am sure you are aware that statistically Manitoba is the most generous province in the country in terms of giving. It would not surprise anyone if our region was one of the most generous in the province. January saw loads of donations kicking off the new year with a select few including $10,000 to the Miami Arena, and $50,000 from Access Credit Union toward the exciting new club house to be built at the Winkler Centennial Golf Course. Not to get ahead of ourselves but what a club house, eh?

A spectacular new addition to an already awesome course with a space that will truly reflect a restaurant with a menu that is second to none.

The beginning of a new year is a very creative time as well. People look ahead, they make resolutions and consider what new things they can put forth into the world. In this sense, January was a celebratory month for Teya Friesen of Winkler who published her book, No Longer Hysteria, chronicling her journey with endometriosis and offering advice and hope to others struggling with it.

In Altona, the 125 Committee welcomed submissions for new Town Flag to be unveiled as part of Altona 125 and the Manitoba 150 celebration.

JANUA

life in the valley

56

Community rinks may be closed this winter but your backyard doesn’t need to be!

Bring Bring on on winter winter with with your your VERY VERY OWN OWN ice ice rink rink kit kit available available at at Canadian Canadian Lumber!

Lumber!

These kits are very easy to setup (2 people can set it up in about an hour) and they include everything you need.

Each kit is equipped with the boards, brackets, fasteners and liner! *solar light kit is also available as an add-on*

24’x36’ for only $841.15 (+tax) 24’x48’ for only $1,015.90 (+tax) 36’x72’ for only $1,577.69 (+tax) *custom sizes are also available

WINTER JUST GOT A LOT MORE EXCITING WITH CANADIAN LUMBER’S BACKYARD RINK dream it. plan it. build it. ... let us help!

WINKLER • MORDEN • ALTONA 325-5319 822-6102 32 4-5855 c a n a d i a n l u m b e r. n e t

Canadian Lumber Design Centre located at 139 N Railway, Winkler

life in the valley

57

FEBRUARY

Ah February, what a month to be a Manitoban.

We have now been enveloped by winter for what feels like a year-and-a-half but has only been just over a month. Now when I say winter, I mean a real winter, not like that mushy, tepid, facsimile folks in Ontario or British Columbia call winter – a hardy bright, blue-skied, -30 Manitoba winter that we have come to embrace.

Roughly about this time of the year snowmobilers begin to worry if we are ever going to have enough snow to get all the trails open, while cross-country and downhill skiers are well along in the enjoyment of their mutual sports.

Outdoor rinks are really hitting their stride throughout the region, while ice fishing is going full speed ahead on Morden’s Lake Minnewasta.

On the GLOBAL stage, people are starting to take notice of a growing illness spreading westward from the east. Our American friends have just gone through an impeachment process that ended in acquittal for their president and Canadians were just thankful to be Canadians.

LOCALLY, we saw the Grey Cup make its way to Winkler and Morris. In fact local man Nelson Norris, of the town of Morris, (isn’t that great) made a giant Manitoba 150 sculpture in the form of a giant W to welcome the cup.

As an aside, we should note that the Grey Cup is far superior to the Super Bowl (with respect to our friends south). For one thing, the Grey Cup wwas 111 years old in 2020 while the Super Bowl was a mere 54 years old – practically a child in comparison. For another we must be honest and recognize Canadian football as simply far more interesting, fast-paced and strategic than our American cousin’s version.

Local snowbirds are posting their best wishes from outdoor restaurant patios and golf courses in Phoenix or other destinations in the warm south, while Groundhog Day presented Manitobans with a confusing mix of unreliable rodents predicting variously early and late springs.

It seems apt then that, after many of us have been bottled up together inside for so long, February would include the distraction of Valentine’s Day and a focus on love and togetherness.

Valentine’s Day is followed quickly and in some contrast by Louis Riel Day for us and so again we are given an opportunity to both reflect on one-another and our mutual history.

While we are on the subject of sports, it is important to point out that the mayors of Morden and Winkler did the region proud and brought home 2nd and 3rd place trophies respectively from their now regular appearance at the annual Crokicurl Tournaspiel in Winnipeg.

Now far from being the Frankenstein’s monster of sports that this sounds like Crokicurl is actually a Manitoba-made fun blend of crokinole and curling on a circular outdoor rink.

Keeping with our sports theme and ending February with a bang, we have to talk about the ladies from Altona’s Team Zacharias curling phenoms. The team won gold for Canada in Russia at the World Junior Curling Championships in Krasnoyarsk, Russia defeating South Korea 7-5 for the championship.

The people of the Pembina Valley definitely know how to celebrate and support our athletes and this was demonstrated exceptionally by the Altona Curling Club which stayed open until 1 a.m. to watch the match being held a world away.

life in the valley

58

Activate your alarm system

1

Carefully manage your social media posts

2

While it may seem obvious, you might be distracted and you could be in a rush to get out the door.

Though you might be tempted to broadcast to the world how excited you are about your holiday gifts, resist the urge to let the world know what you are giving or receiving.

5 this Christmas WAYS TO STAY SAFE

3

Lock everything

This might seem like common sense, but more often than you would expect, a burglar gets into a house because an entry was left unlocked.

5

4

Secure valuables Never leave anything of value out in plain sight.

life in the valley

59

Leave the lights on While this may not be the most energy efficient advice, the more it looks like somebody is home, the less likely it is for someone to try to intrude.

MARCH It is in March that some Manitobans start pretending summer has already arrived by appearing in public wearing short-sleeved shirts and shorts outside while complaining that the golf courses should perhaps purchase flame throwers to accelerate the opening of the links.

Globally in 2020, March saw the once distant virus known as Covid-19 become a more serious threat.

The World Health Organization declared a global pandemic this month and the virus has solidly established itself in Canada as local, provincial and the federal government begin to consider options to limit its spread. As part of this effort, places of worship, among many other establishments, are forced to close, something that significantly affects the Pembina Valley. This month the Canada/U.S. border closed to all but essential traffic.

As with most trials, Covid brought out the best in many people and businesses throughout the Pembina Valley. We saw local politicians give their time to help places like Winkler-Morden Co-op stock shelves as residents loaded up on necessities.

Neighbours volunteered to help elderly neighbours with tasks that became more challenging with the self-isolation rules as well.

Piling on to the stress, March also saw students throughout the Pembina Valley move to online/ distance learning, keeping them home and creating a childcare crisis for many working parents.

Still, with all the worry that Covid brought, the region saw many bright spots, including local Christian music group, The Colour, bringing home four Covenant Music awards from the 41st annual event; including Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, and Collaboration of the Year with Neon Feather.

To be fair, March is the month of the vernal equinox and the “official” beginning of spring though Manitoba weather may not necessarily agree.

Speaking of music and awards, March was the month Morden’s former mayor and musician Doug Wilson found out he was nominated for a Juno award for Best Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year for work with Fresh IE on his Ill Street Blues.

Another reminder of warmer, brighter days to come was the start of Daylight Savings Time where we all “spring” ahead. Happily, plots become available at Winkler Community Gardens, pushing people into high gear for when planting season begins and acting as yet another reminder that warmer days with more sunshine are right around the corner.

In the meantime, St. Patrick’s Day arrives and, isolated or not, residents break out the green and latch onto a reason to celebrate and distract themselves from the emerging Covid crisis.

The Winkler and District United Way distributed $30,000 to 11 different not-for-profit organizations this month, paving the way for a merger with the Morden and District United Way giving the region another small step toward greater unity and a strong example of the power of working together.

MARCH

Mention this ad to receive a Christmas Gift Pack for only $75

10000

1035

02016 1051

2017

1040

1200180

1012

3071

Product ID Product Description 1012 1035 1040 1051 10000 1200180 02016 2017 3071

Package Size

FARMER SAUSAGE, SKINLESS (twins) FARMER SAUSAGE, MINIS FARMERS SAUSAGE, SLICES FARMER SAUSAGE, HONEY GARLIC (mini) FARMERS BREAKFAST SAUSAGE KOLBASSA SAUSAGE TWINS New Old Fashioned Garlic Sausage Fine New Old Fashioned Garlic Sausage Coarse VLF Sliced Bacon

500g 500g 500g 500g 450g 500g 450g 450g 1 kg

Front Line workers will receive 25% off their Gift Packages (Pick Up orders available until Jan 1, 2021) FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT OUR ORDER DEPARTMENT: phone: (204) 325-9593

email:

orderdesk@winklermeats.ca

WINKLER MEATS R6W 3M5 270 George Avenue, Winkler, Manitoba fax: 204-325-5735 phone: (204) 325-9593 winklermeats.ca life in the valley

61

APRIL

By April 2020 people in the Pembina Valley were definitely getting spring fever, while at the same time a fever of another kind continued to dominate headlines.

People throughout Canada, Manitoba and the Pembina Valley were all becoming familiar with technologies like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, as traditional face-to-face meetings were put on hold.

Globally, Covid-19 cases surpassed 1 million this month, while Manitoba’s caseload passed 200. We saw the launch of a drive-through testing site in Winkler and the closure of non-critical businesses and locations like playgrounds.

Still ,with all of this looming, locals and businesses sought to meet the challenge head on.

Winkler-based business, Ironmen began making innovative portable hand wash stations, Icon launched a line of face shields while Morden-based business, Deasil launched a mask line to assist with meeting demand.

April was also the month Winkler-based Valley Fiber announced it was launching its rapidly growing high speed internet service in the city of Morden, continuing their impressive and rapid expansion and becoming a true business success story. By this month, Valley Fiber was also well on their way to completing its installation throughout the city of Altona as well.

Valley Fiber also announced a significant new partnership with global investment firm, DIF Capital Partners which provided increased funding to continue to expand its growing infrastructure.

Proving that life must go on even in the heart of a global pandemic, six-year-old Morden resident and young entrepreneur, Sawyer Funk launched a cooking show online sponsored by Winkler-Morden Co-op. Since the launch of her channel - Sawyer & the Funky Bunch of YouTube, she has amassed 339 subscribers and posted 61 videos. Her most popular video to date is about making smoked chicken wings and has more than 1,600 views. The channel also brought her to the attention of CBC.

April brought about religious celebrations for the “big three” – those being Easter, Passover and Ramadan – but with Covid restrictions still in place for places of worship, the Pembina Valley saw some creative community with continued online options being offered.

In a growing expression of thankfulness, people throughout the region began posting signs on fences to display their gratitude for essential workers.

Morden’s fire department held a parade of emergency vehicles through the community to bring some smiles and distract people from the isolation for a few moments. They even decided to pitch in and do some home deliveries for Local restaurants to help local business through the limitations placed on them.

In the meantime, the Winkler fire hall began early planning for a big kid’s party once the physical distancing rules were lifted, to give people in the community one more positive thing to look forward to.

Continuing with the theme of thankfulness, Winkler Mayor Martin Harder and his wife Valerie tied on their aprons and made crepes for city staff.

Winkler’s Salem Foundation launched its first ever Armchair Fundraiser for Salem Home in April. The fundraiser was a creative effort to raise money to purchase furnishing for 56 rooms at the home.

APRIL

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

accupipemfg.ca

precisionlandsolutions.com life in the valley

63

MAY Continuing in a trend of keeping people wondering “what’s next?” from month to month, May 2020 did not disappoint with the arrival of Asian “Murder” Hornets to North America for the first time.

On the global stage, Covid continued to pick up steam but was unexpectedly sidelined as the world turned its eyes to growing protests in the United States and we all become familiar with movements like “Black Lives Matter” and acronyms like BIPOC – Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.

Canada, Manitoba and even the Pembina Valley saw the impact of the movement with gatherings and signs seeking to draw attention to issues of equality and racial injustice.

Artist Les Titchkosky erected an 11 foot tall welded metal art sculpture of a Roman soldier called the Covid Warrior at the corner of Stephen Street and Mountain Avenue in Morden. Titchkosky’s goal was simple – to bring a smile to passersby and distract them from the weight of the illness.

Despite the struggles, Manitobans found ways to express celebration as May marked the province’s 150TH BIRTHDAY, and while festivities were not what were originally hoped for, spirits refused to be dampened. May also brought us Mother’s Day and once again the creative juices were flowing as local residents found ways to safely celebrate moms and all they do.

People continued to find ways to celebrate essential workers and find hope in the face of the growing pandemic. Morden’s Ecole Morden Middle School and Maple Leaf Elementary School held parades through the community as an expression of thanks.

Winkler’s Parkland and Emerado Centennial schools both held similar parades.

May marked the 10th anniversary of the Pembina Valley Humane Society, which estimated it managed to find homes for more than 2,000 cats and dogs in 30 communities around the Pembina Valley.

In Winkler, Grade 12 Garden Valley Collegiate student, Mikaela Warkentin was the recipient of the $20,000 Gorden Wiebe Make it a Reality Scholarship presented by the Winkler Community Foundation. The committee tasked with awarding the scholarship was impressed with Warkentin’s leadership in spearheading an effort to see a new ice rink warming hut built in her community of Osterwick.

The community of Altona launched the Build a Village initiative, an effort to relocate eight families left homeless after a devastating fire tore through and destroyed their townhouse block.

With winter well and truly behind us and the snow blowers packed away (except for a few old timers who would love to tell you about the May snowstorm of ’66, if you would give them a chance) the Boundary Trails Nordic Club celebrated a successful season. Members from throughout the region brought home six of the province’s Cross Country Ski Association’s 12 awards.

Genesis House received a large federal grant to launch a four year pilot project in Winkler, Morden, Carman and Altona focused on reducing homelessness in the region. The program will be aimed at assisting women to remove barriers to independent, long-term housing.

Finally, while many businesses were reeling from the impact of Covid, Carman saw the launch of a brand new weekly newspaper – THE CARMAN-DUFFERIN STANDARD.

MAY MAY

life in the valley

64

ROOFING • SIDING • FASCIA

WE THANK ALL OUR CLIENTS AND SUPPLIERS AND WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS LOOKING TO: SHINGLE, RESHINGLE, REPAIR, TIN ROOFING, SIDING, FASCIA, SOFFIT, EAVESTROUGHS, WINDOWS, DOORS? CALL TODAY! life in the valley

65

JUNE After a rough winter and spring dealing with Covid, June was welcome with the official beginning of summer and a true kickoff of outdoor activities.

Globally, all eyes continued to be on SpaceX as it launched 60 satellites into orbit, bringing its total to 486 on its way to eventually having 12,000 blanketing the globe to provide high-speed internet to remote regions.

In Canada, Covid infections surpass 100,000 and the nations iconic Cirque de Soleil becomes a causalty of the virus and the necessary estrictions and declares bankruptcy laying off 3,500 employees.

Closer to home, high school students were coming to terms with an upcoming graduation unlike any we had ever seen and the creativity was off the charts to ensure it would still be memorable.

Schools in both Morden and Winkler delivered lawn signs to the families of graduates to help celebrate the milestone. Morden Collegiate held a unique graduation at the Stardust Drive-in which caught the attention of CBC news while students of both high schools in Winkler were treated to a parade of graduates through the city that stretched for kilometers and lasted more than 45 minutes.

The initiatives have since prompted students throughout the region to hope these events mark the beginning of new grad traditions regardless of when Covid ends.

Morden Fire & Rescue welcomed their newest member – Ophelia the Dalmatian. The dog was a welcome addition to the crew and will be a large part of the department’s education initiatives (not to mention she will no doubt become the most popular member of the team).

In Altona, the city’s pool underwent a significant $200,000 project to replace the aging pool liner in preparation for the hot months ahead and increased outdoor activity after months of isolation and limited indoor activity.

Splish Splash Water Park was one of the newest businesses to open in the region at Morden’s Lake Minnewasta. The park featured a large, floating inflatable structure with slides, bouncing platforms and more.

Another sign of warmth was the opening of Farmers’ Markets throughout the region. The markets offered respite from shopping restrictions as cheerful, outdoor spaces where locals could browse in the summer sun and contribute to the economy.

In Morden, adjacent to the Farmers’ Market, the Pembina Hills Art Centre installed a Manitoba 150 art installation. The functional art pieces were designed to look like tree trunks covered in creative mosaic depictions of wildlife that double as outdoor seating.

The month also marked a significant event for Access Credit Union whose members voted 77 percent in favour of approving a merger with Crosstown Credit Union. The merged credit union will have more than 89,000 members, 26 branches, more than 400 employees and $5.5 billion in assets.

Your

Covid Supply

Headquarters

Sanitizer Disposable Gloves Face Masks Disinfectant Wipes Touchless Hand Sanitizer Stations Disinfectant Fogging Machines Free Delivery to Commercial Accounts

550 Cargill Road, Winkler

204-331-4854 ecoplussanitation.com

life in the valley

67

JULY WHEWW! July

Globally, scientists found the first evidence of volcanoes on Venus, making us even happier we spend the majority of our time on Earth. India became the third country to pass the 1 million Covid infections mark, while closer to home we mourned the passing of Canadian hockey legend Eddie Shack.

Nationally, Canadians were gearing up for a more virtual celebration of the national holiday.

Canada Day was extra special in 2020 because it marked the 40th anniversary of Oh Canada becoming our national anthem. It’s true! Even though we have been singing it since 1939, it wasn’t until July 1 980 that Canada’s National Anthem Act received royal assent.

Yes, July 2020 brought us to Canada’s 153rd birthday and the ongoing pandemic meant we had to get creative in how we were going to party. In Winkler, residents throughout the city participated in a contest and went all out as they decorated their yards, hung out flags, chalked up their sidewalks and so much more.

In Altona, regional businesses proved their resiliency as local developer K Block signed an agreement to transform the former Blue Sky recycling depot into trendy Lofts on Third complex. Winkler business Scoular announced it would be expanding its operation.

Meanwhile, July also meant tough decisions had to be made as Altona made the decision to cancel its iconic Sunflower Festival – a sign of things to come for other communities.

We made it past the half-way point of 2020 and what better way to celebrate than with Canada Day.

Local residents did their best to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate six straight days of no Covid infections for the entire province in early July. People flocked to Morden’s Colert Beach, Plum Coulee’s Sunset Beach, and of course Winkler’s Aquatic Centre opened for a safe, socially distanced swimming season.

Morden’s Rylee Olafson placed 1st in the Manitoba High School Rodeo finals; bringing home the 1st place buckle for her outstanding efforts competing in Swan River.

Olafson participated in numerous events (including goat typing which we imagine has to be seen to be believed) and landed additionally two more 2nd place prizes, three 3rds and a 4th.

The month also saw the launch of Winkler-opoly, a cool board game based on Monopoly that proved to be very popular as residents searched for creative ways to stay busy and entertained.

The city of Morden hired Nicole Enns as their new city manager and also saw its community services director, Clare Agnew awarded with the Morden Area Foundation’s Citizen of Distinction award.

Miami managed to kick off the 10-week harness racing season in July with between 70-80 horses registered to compete. This was a relief to the small community that values the business and tourism the races bring.

Sales - Service - Installation

Introducing

Products

Perfect access solution for any prepared opening

No chains, springs or bulky rails. That means less moving parts and less that can go wrong.

AGRICULTURAL | COMMERCIAL | INDUSTRIAL

Created in Finland, the FINDOOR access solution has spread throughout the world in less than 30 years, thanks in part to their unique design and proven durability.

Our doors are manufactured and assembled in Canada.

Within the 30 years, there have been over 35,000 installations in both Europe and North America and minimal service calls a year, making FINDOOR North America’s leading manufacturer of folding doors.

It won’t freeze, it won’t rust, it won’t get stuck, it will just work—guaranteed.

www.findoor.ca | Info@findoor.ca

LATCH MECHANISM • The FINDOOR Latch Mechanism secures the door for proper and perfect closing

EASY GRIP STAINLESS STEEL HANDLES • Easy to open. Easy to close. Built to last for decades.

WEATHER-STRIPPING SEAL • The weather-stripping, is made of EPDM Rubber and is amazing in extreme conditions.

LIFTING STEEL HINGES • The lifting hinges ensure that the weather stripping seal has minimum wear on the ground.

• Safety is important. The FINDOOR weather-stripping has no pinch points.

• With minimal maintenance, the hinges will remain rust free and functional for decades.

DOOR PANEL CONSTRUCTION:

FLOOR PLATE

PANIC HARDWARE

• 24 Gauge steel panels epoxied to high density poly iso insulation providing R-12.5 value and a lower U-Value than overhead, bi-fold or sliding doors.

• The FINDOOR floor plate is made of high quality, heavy duty steel.

• Exit device designed to provide fast and easy exit in emergency

• Superior construction means strength, keeping weather out and keeping your environment the way you want it.

• It reinforces the door to stand up against wind and intruders. *FINDOOR access solutions are Patent Pending

www.findoor.ca | Info@findoor.ca

(204) 325-8959 winkleroverhead@gmail.com cell (204) 332-9325 winkleroverhead.com 835 Monticello Way, Winkler

phone

life in the valley

69

AUGUST With 2020 wreaking havoc on the tourism industry around the world and locally, there was the refreshing announcement of the Central Manitoba Tourism awards, which honoured several local winners including:

On the world stage, Apple becomes the first American company to reach a value of $2 trillion on the stock market; proving that despite (or maybe because of) a global pandemic, technology sales continues to thrive.

Politics increasingly dominated both the world stage and in Canada. In the United States, Joe Biden was nominated as the Democratic Party’s candidate for the fast approaching election, while in Canada, the Conservative Party elects Erin O’Toole as its new leader.

Closer to home, Winnipeg Jets fans mourn the passing of Canadian Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk, a tough pill to swallow in a difficult year that has seen the NHL season dramatically shortened and adapted to our new reality.

In an effort to continue to encourage healthy, outdoor activity and education, the city of Morden unveiled several plaques at Lake Minnewasta illustrating the history of the region, from before the ice age to the modern era.

The city of Winkler announced the selection of its first youth councillor – Gwen Freeheart, while to the east Equal Access Altona celebrated the opening of a new crosswalk on Centre Avenue.

- Two awards for scenic Plum Coulee, including Volunteer of the Year to Dorothy Derksen and an Award of Distinction to the Prairie View Elevator Museum.

- Winkler’s Charley B’s won the Marketing Excellence Award for its creative and entrepreneurial approach to advertising.

- The Altona Hotel won the Innovation Award for planning and hosting a variety of activities and events in the community…something greatly appreciated by citizens looking for things to do during a summer filled with cancellation.

Unfortunately, with rising Covid numbers Winkler’s Harvest Festival and Morden’s Corn & Apple Festival had to be cancelled. Both events typically attract tens of thousands of people to the region and have substantial secondary benefits to local businesses and tourism attractions.

Popular Winkler business, Sunny Day Products launched the grand opening of its newly constructed store at the same location; proving that there is a large market for Mexican food and products in the area. This is not a surprise given the community’s ties to the country. Locally, the region’s Winkler-Morden Voice celebrated its 10th anniversary.

After years of lobbying the provincial government, 2020 saw construction finally start on Hwy 32 in Winkler. The twinning of the critical thoroughfare finally reaches the halfway point and excited residents can see the light at the end of the tunnel with the end of detours and traffic snarls coming close.

UGUST life in the valley

70

Where MORE is

LESS

Thank you for your support this past year, wishing you all the best during this time. Merry Christmas to you all from our staff!

Know we’re here to help with all you flooring needs, be it carpet, vinyl to hardwoods, laminates and ceramic.

Our team of professionals have the knowledge to suggest the perfect flooring for your needs.

Owner / Sales

idealfloorsmb.ca

Sales

Sales

325 Roblin Blvd E (204) 325-4243

Winkler, MB info@idealfloorsmb.ca

Knowledge is key in choosing product & our experts can educate you on the what, why or why not when planning your project. In today’s DIY world, why not ‘We do it for You’?

life in the valley

71

SEPTEMBER As we move into fall, global headlines continue to be dominated by Covid which, after a promising summer season, begins its march toward an inevitable 2nd wave and the global death toll surpasses 1 MILLION people.

As our neighbours to the south close in on their elections, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg passes away at the age of 87 and becomes the 1st woman to lie in state at the US Capitol.

Nationally, Canadians watched the end of a truncated NHL season as the Stanley Cup finals were played in Edmonton. The Tampa Lightning claimed their second Cup in franchise history with a 2-0 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 6 to close out the series, four games to two. Locally, the hockey season is either cancelled for some teams, or truncated into a shorter season.

Locally, students are now closing in on six months of not being in school, and though there are no complaints, parents are starting to look forward to things returning to a semblance of normalcy when the kids head back to a very different environment with stringent Covid protocols in place.

While some communities tried to create drive through and take away options, the cancellation of the region’s famous Fall Suppers was another casualty of Covid, having residents already focused on the coming year.

On the political scene, Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen is named deputy leader of the Conservative Party, continuing her career as a high-profile member of the party.

This year, fundraising took a major hit with cancellations covering the calendar, but after months of delay, the Eden Foundations Tractor Trek hit the roads throughout the region raising $32,000 for mental health programming initiatives. Eden’s Head to the Hills cycling fundraiser brought in $80,000.

In Altona, the Gallery in the Park took advantage of its beautiful outdoor space and concluded a successful season with an exhibit featuring ICE Textile and Fibre Artists of Manitoba. Art galleries throughout the region tried to focus more on art in the public space rather than indoor exhibitions in light of social distancing rules.

Morden’s Agassiz Medical Centre saw its name change officially to the Menzies Medical Centre in honour of local Dr. Bob Menzies who passed away in 2017 at the age of 65 from cancer. Menzies was known for his ardent support of rural health care as well as developing Boundary Trails Health Centre’s clinical teaching unit. Menzies was the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The city of Winkler opened a new, first-of-its kind inclusive playground at Winkler Park. The $700,000, 7,000 square foot project was funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart, the city and other local charities.

The Canadian film I Propose We Never See Each Other Again had its local deput at the Stardust Drive-In. The film by award-winning Manitoba director Sean Garrity was actually partly filmed in Morden and tells the story of a relationship between a Filipino woman and a Mennonite man.

More good news for Winkler’s MCC Thrift Shop which celebrated paying off their mortgage with a mortgage burning event. The store paid off the 20 year mortgage in an astounding eight years.

September marked the beginning of harvest for local farmers and the group of farmers known as SHARE managed to harvest 560 acres northwest of Thornhill for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

The contribution goes toward ending global hunger.

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SHOPPING

MAY MAY BE BE DIFFERENT DIFFERENT THIS THIS YEAR YEAR stay tuned to our website

janzenspaint.com for the most up to date info

Call and use our Curbside pick up service

Winkler (204) 325-8387

Brandon (204) 727-7717

Portage (204) 239-1411

Steinbach (204) 326-8387

Winnipeg (204) 783-0707

j a n ze n s p a i n t .co m life in the valley

73

OCTOBER AH OCTOBER The month when our fall colours really take centre stage. That time of year when we look forward to Thanksgiving, and kids (and kids at heart) start planning their costumes for Halloween festivities.

Covid continues to remain the central piece of news on the global stage as the World Health Organization announced more than 10 percent of the world’s population, or 780 million people have likely contracted the virus by this point.

In non-Covid news, the LA Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays in a World Series like no other, winning their first title in 32 years before stands filled with cardboard cut-out fans.

Closer to home, the people of the Pembina Valley supported local restaurants in a big way as they ate their way through literally thousands of burgers as the regions first Burger Week became a phenomenal success for host Explore Morden-Winkler.

With 14 restaurants from across the region participating, with some of the most creative burgers you’d ever see, the city of Winkler cleaned up with the top three burgers coming from 1st place King Pinz, 2nd place King’s Deli and 3rd place Flavors of Mexico.

Carman celebrated its own Burger Week with restaurant Big Willy’s taking home number one burger.

Our friends to the east in Altona voted convincingly in a plebiscite to allow for the establishment of community retail cannabis operations.

In Morden, residents celebrated as a long-standing hockey team changed its name to the Morden Bombers, ushering in a new era for local fans of the game.

Typical community Thanksgiving meals were transformed into take out, drive through and delivery options to make sure everyone had a chance to celebrate in some fashion. At the end of the month, with rapidly climbing Covid numbers across the province, homeowners setup ingenious candy delivery options for trick or treaters. Everything from tube slides to tong delivery systems were employed to ensure a fun time could still be had.

In Morden, student debate coach Michael Macaraeg won the national Canadian Student Debating Federation Willis S. McLeese Award for outstanding contribution to debate in Manitoba. Macaraeg led the Morden Collegiate student debate club to participate in provincial and national debate competitions.

The debate club Macaraeg leads included national debate champion Molly Wheeler, who won both the Founders Cup as top debater and Chief Justice Award for top bilingual debater in 2018.

Last but not least, giving continued to be a focus as the Morden Community Thrift Shop gave out $320,000 in grants this month to 12 different organizations including $100,000 to the Menzies Medical Centre, $50,000 to Tabor Home and $50,000 to STARS air ambulance service.

Make Christmas bright, but don’t set it alight • Always use certified Christmas lights • Check that your lights are not damaged or broken before use • Turn off your lights or unplug them, before you go to bed or go out • Make sure smoke alarms are fitted in your home and ensure they are checked regularly • Keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily • Replace failed light bulbs immediately to prevent overheating • Do not overload plug sockets

Celebrate Safely

life in the valley

75

NOVEMBER With the onset of November and the light fading from the sky early with winter’s approach, we were all happy to fall back an hour with the end of Daylight Savings Time giving us a small amount of extra light in the morning; even if it was stolen from the evening.

On the global stage all eyes were on the United States. After a hard-fought election, Biden was declared the winner, launching a slew of recounts and lawsuits.

In Winkler, the Horticulture Society got a jump on Christmas by decking out the Parkview Gardens, transforming it into a wonderland of trees, wreaths and garlands while adding a festive sleigh to the outdoor scene.

Closer to home, great Canadian and host of the iconic gameshow Jeopardy, Alex Trebek passed away at the age of 80 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving generations of fans saddened.

Regional chambers of commerce launched a number of initiatives this month with the approaching holiday season, encouraging residents to shop local.

Locally, the Plum Coulee Community Foundation handed out four grants totalling $20,000 supporting Manitoba 150 projects.

Meanwhile, as the region geared up for a more virtual Remembrance Day, the town of Altona chose the Millennium Exhibition Centre grounds for new location of community cenotaph. Services throughout the region, the province and the country went virtual but one could still find residents and veterans at local monuments on November 11, practicing a safe and socially distanced form of respect.

In Morden, as businesses continued to stubbornly push through pandemic losses, a new McDonald’s opened adjacent to the Co-op supermarket on Thornhill Street. With increased parking, 50 percent more seating and self-serve kiosks, the new restaurant was a welcome upgrade for the city.

Speaking of local business, the Morden & District Chamber of Commerce handed out Business of the Year awards to Winkler-Morden Co-op while Kyle Wiebe, owner of Maverick Industries, won Entrepreneur of the Year and Many Hands was named Not-For-Profit of the Year.

The Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce launched its Enjoy Local Holiday Bingo contest this month, encouraging all kinds of creative behaviours designed to help local business. Contestants could purchase the order of the people behind them in a drive through line or shop at a business they’ve never shopped at before and were also encouraged to purchase gift cards from local restaurants.

Keeping with the holiday spirit while enduring isolation through the pandemic, the Access Event Centre catering team began offering holiday meals for contactless pickup in an effort to ensure everyone had an opportunity to enjoy a taste of the season.

Carman’s Curl for Cancer managed to raise $57,000 in a virtual fundraising initiative, proving that even a pandemic cannot stop regional generosity. Organizers were grateful for the success of the event which blew past their initial expectations of around $20,000. The proceeds from the fundraiser were split between Carman Palliative Care and South Central Cancer Resource.

NOVEMB

Hi, my name is Steve and I am the owner of Moonlite Autobody. Like most boys growing up, I loved cars and I grew up around them. I knew that one day, I wanted to fix them. Fast forward to today and I am doing exactly what I always wanted to do.

Moonlite Autobody has been in business since 1983, our goal has been simple since the day we started, to help people! When someone comes to our shop, it’s usually because something bad has happened – a collison or insurance claim, we want to turn that situation into a positive experience.

We are also here for the more “everyday fixes”, replacing a cracked windshield, rust checks, repairs, and protection, or installing a spray in truck bed liner. We are always looking for ways to grow or new products and services we could offer. That leads into our newest acquisition, Windylane towing. Windylane is a well established 24 hour, vehicle towing, rescue business that has been serving Southern Manitoba for years, they have the same mind set as us – to help people on their worst day. When the opportunity arose to add this service to our arsenal, we didn’t have to think twice, it was the perfect fit for the Moonlite Autobody family. You can find us at 420 Airport Drive in Winkler, all under one roof. I am proud to come to work each day and feel the positive and eager energy from our staff who is just as committed as I am to provide the best service possible to our customers.

Still offering the same Quality Towing Service you’ve come to expect!

204-384-6400 FOR 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE To g e t h e r a G r e a t Te a m !

204.325.9114 | 420 Airport Drive, Winkler | moonliteautobody.com life in the valley

77

DECEMBER While the year may be ending, councils throughout the Pembina Valley are already looking ahead to 2021.

Pathways, Policing, and Parks are part of the line up as Altona Town Council holds its annual planning session this month.

Well, we’ve arrived at the end of 2020. Sure, there may have been times when we wondered if we’d get through the year but deep down, we knew the human spirit is stronger than a pandemic.

With the holiday season upon us, we are reminded of what is truly valuable to us and around the globe people settled in to doing the best they could to keep one-another safe and healthy.

The holidays are harder than they have been but not as hard as others in the past. As we hunker down to count our blessings, efforts are being made throughout our communities to lift spirits.

People begin decking their halls inside and out with decorations to lift spirits and prepare to hunker down to watch one of the 2.4 million Hallmark Christmas movies that are sure to be launched this year.

Locally, Explore Morden-Winkler has launched an initiative to map and encourage Christmas light drives throughout Morden and Winkler. No doubt communities all over the Pembina Valley will be lit up for all to see and appreciate. The City of Winkler continues its tradition of Light Up the Season and community trees are being decorated and lit as well.

Winkler’s Meridian Exhibition Centre opens this month, bringing much needed capacity to the region and moving event potential to the next level. The centre will feature a 21,000 sq.ft. arena, a 19,000 sq.ft indoor turf stadium, multi-purpose rooms, and executive meeting rooms.

Outdoor winter activities become another way to safely get out of the house with family as ice rinks and ski trails begin to be planned and open toward the end of the month. Holiday Mountain ski resort in La Riviere has been busily making snow since November to prepare for the season. Local ice fishing enthusiasts are completing this seasons huts to tow out onto Lake Minnewasta as well.

Local businesses continue to be creative as they seek to remain open in some fashion or another with curb-side pickup, delivery, and online ordering becoming the dominant form of shopping for gifts and necessities.

Christmas Cheer Boards and other benevolent organizations switched to gift cards rather than hampers in their effort to ensure area residents all have an opportunity to celebrate the season safely.

Yes, it has been quite the year but we made it and was there ever any doubt really? It is during times of difficulty that people like those in the Pembina Valley truly show what they’re made of – compassion, strength, conviction, and community.

As the year ends and 2021 dawns, let’s take a few moments to reflect on the values we hold most dear and give thanks for friends and family taking responsibility for, and sacrificing even our own freedoms to keep our loved ones safe. Here’s to a great 2021.

Thank you for your generosity in 2020!

Because of you, children living in extreme poverty around the world are continuing to receive a Christ-centered education and have their basic needs met.

Your sponsorship and support are making a big difference, both now and eternally.

If you have not had a chance, there is still time to make a gift or sponsor a child today.

1-866-856-1656

childcareinternational.ca

life in the valley

79

SMOKED RIBS

are one of my favourite dinners. Have been since I was a little kid.

My dad (Tim Funk) has been making me ribs several different ways for many years.

My favourite being, smoked. Smoked ribs are not hard to do. If you create a plan and follow it the best you can, you will have a successful cook every time. I always write down a game plan starting when I want to pull them off and all the way down to the beginning where you put them on. The easiest way to smoke ribs is to use the 3-2-1 method. These numbers represent hours of cook time. 3 hours on as is, 2 hours wrapped, and 1 hour slathered in your favourite bbq sauce. This recipe is one I use regularly for my family and customers alike. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Remember, always make notes as you go, so you can either repeat your successful cook or tweak where it maybe went slightly sideways.

Side ribs (also known as spare ribs) are meatier than back ribs. They are thick and juicy and this is why I love them. They come from the belly section of the pig.

Ingredients: • 1 rack of side ribs • 4 tbsp mustard • Salt & pepper (3:1 ratio / pepper : salt) • 1 cup of your favourite bbq sauce ( or make your own)

Taste V of the

Cleaning it up:

1) To begin, you need to make a choice. We start by cleaning up the rack and squaring off all the sides trimming excess pieces. This may seem like a slight waste, but those will just burn up anyways, so better to take them off now. Your finished rack will have a much cleaner look to it. It also helps with air flow within the cooker. Here’s where the choice comes in. Some people like to remove the sternum bone. This is completely up to you and is a personal preference. If the skirt is still attached, remove this and save it.

It is good meat and works perfect in sausage. You will often hear that it is necessary to remove the hidden membrane before you begin the cook. This is completely up to you.

It does not need to be removed. If you’ve got time, take it off, but if you are doing a bunch for a group, I suggest leaving it on.

Sauce: (create ahead of time) • 1 cup apple cider vinegar • 1 cup water • 1/4 cup sugar

Method: When you go to your local butcher, be sure to grab the nicest, thickest, cleanest rack you can get.

Marbling is great. Fat is good.

Slather and Rub: 2) Now it’s time to slather the ribs with mustard. You do not need much. You just want a thin layer covering the entire thing. If you put too much, it will just flake off. I’ve suggested using 4 tbsp. You may need less or you may need a touch more.

3) Now add the salt and pepper. I like to mix my salt and pepper into one shaker with the ratios mentioned. Then I will sprinkle it all over the pork starting at one end and moving to the next. Try to get a nice even layer.

Preheat your smoker to 225ºF

Recipe created by Kevin Funk.

Instagram: @chefkevinfunk life in the valley

80

Valley Time to Cook:

4) Now it is time to get those ribs on the smoker.

5) Once your smoker is up to temp, add the ribs. They will sit here now for roughly 3 hours.

CREATE A SAUCE 6) After roughly 1.5 hours on the grill, open it up and give it a light spritz with your pre-made sauce. (if you have a spritz bottle, this is the time to use it. If you don’t, I suggest you buy one)

Time to Wrap: 7) After 3 hours, it is now time to remove the ribs and wrap them in aluminum foil.

8) Lay out a large sheet of foil shiny side facing up. You want the dull side out.

9) Give the foil a spritz of your sauce.

10) Lay the ribs on the foil meat side down and fold in the ends. Tuck the foil under the ribs. Walk your fingers along the foil, but be sure not to tear the foil. Now fold the top and bottom over and tightly pull it in.

This is another point where the bones might tear it. Walk your fingers along it and take your time. Ripped foil defeats the purpose.

Last Stage:

16) This stage may not take the full hour. It may be as little as 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check every so often. You want tender ribs, but not falling off the bone. You still want to be able to slice them once they are done.

12) After roughly 2 hours, remove the ribs from the smoker.

13) Carefully unwrap the foil so as to not mark up your ribs. You’ve done all this work, you want them to look clean when you’re done.

17) You should notice the bones sticking out at some point. This pull back is normal.

18) Remove the ribs, when they are done. You can do this by touching and feeling them. Taking the ribs temperature is not really going to help you here. This is learned all from experience. You should be fine if you follow the 3-2-1 method, but it is still important to check in on them as every rack is different. This is where the notebook is important. Make notes of times and every little thing you did along the way.

This will help you correct mistakes or tune in even further a successful cook.

14) Now is the time to lay on an even layer of your favourite bbq sauce. Brush the sauce over the ribs and make a uniform layer. The ribs at this point are very delicate, so take your time and be gentle.

15) Place the ribs back on and crank the smoker up to 270 º F. This will turn that lovely bbq sauce into a beautiful layer of flavour with a matted, yet glossy look.

The Cut:

20) Once rested, cut the ribs between the bones. I will cut with a meat side up because it looks better, but bone side up gives you a better visual if needed.

19) I will usually let the ribs rest for 20-30 minutes after I pull them off the grill. I will often wrap them in loose foil or peach paper and place in a cooler. Resting meat is very important after a cook.

It allows for the juices to soak back up.

21) Last step. Enjoy your hard work!

I have uploaded a video to YouTube complimenting this recipe. You can find it at “The Bush Cook.”

Feel free to message me with any questions you may have. Email chefkevinfunk@gmail.com or follow me on Instagram @chefkevinfunk and reach out through the messaging tool.

If you give these ribs a go, let me know how they went. ENJOY!

11) You can now lay the ribs back on the grill meat side up. You do not want to cook this too far. You want to preserve as much fat in the ribs as possible. This stage usually takes roughly 2 hours at the same temperature. The fats will render in the foil, trapping it inside.

en s k r De sp

on

so

re

y db

12

H

r ele esp

et

e Str

o.

C ing h s i Fin

eld inf Re , S

•

3 4) (20

42 -17 31

e @d nfo i •

om g.c hin s i fin en rk s

What started over coffee between two old friends has now turned into something neither of them had ever anticipated.

Jake Froese and Pete Klassen set their sights on building a Best Western Plus in Winkler Manitoba, they quickly decided that two is almost always better than one so the decision was made to double their efforts and build the same hotel in Morden.

Along with their three other partners and their General Manager Jon Enns, plans were drawn up, trades were hired and the construction began. Jake, Pete, and Jon all came from construction backgrounds, this gave them the insight needed to see the project though. Being one of the largest projects they had been a part of, they learnt a lot along the way. The beauty of doing something twice is that the second time around, things usually seem easier. They started in Morden, every hiccup along the way acted as a learning experience for their next go-around in Winkler. Three years later, two beautiful hotels now stand just miles apart from one another along Highway 14.

Pete and Jon attribute so much of their success to the trades that made it all possible, completing the vision that the group had for this project. 2020 was not the kick off they were hoping for but they are excited to accommodate every event to come our way in the years to come. Walking through the hallways, you’ll notice pictures of our community’s proud history.

Comfortable lounging areas and spacious continental breakfast counters make this hotel ideal for hosting large groups. The care and consideration put into each room is evident, through the hard work and design vision of partner Abe, Teresa, and CJB Consulting. Flip through the next few pages to get a peek inside, or better yet, book a stay to experience it for yourself.

life in the valley

83

HOTEL AMENITIES

100% smoke-free hotel Complimentary full breakfast: Muffin, Pastries/Gluten-free Bread, Cereal, Waffles, Toast, Pancakes, Oatmeal, Hash Browns, Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Yogurt, Bacon, Sausage, Eggs, Tea. Indoor pool, heated with water slide, open 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Hot tub, open 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Exercise facility, open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., free.

Shoulder Press, Cable Machine, Bicep Curl Machine, Seated Leg Curls/Extensions, Incline/ Decline Adjustable Bench Press, Stretching Mats 24-hour front desk Guest laundry, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Safe deposit box Cable or satellite television Free wireless internet access available in public areas and all guest rooms; All guest rooms are hardwired for internet access Business center, 24 hours, free, iPads, Printer/Scanner, free Wi-Fi Printer available Computer available Dataports Meeting facilities, located on the main floor, our General Purpose Meeting Room is great for small meetings, workshops and conferences. It will comfortably seat 30 people.

Convenience store/Sundry We have a Sundries Area Air-conditioning Physically challenged facilities Elevator, wheelchair accessible Parking for the physically challenged, 24 hours, free Cold weather hook-ups Outdoor parking, 24 hours, free Truck/RV parking, 24 hours, free

1705 Diamond Drive Winkler, Manitoba

Toll Free Reservations 1(800) 780-7234 Hotel Direct Number - 204-331-1400

253 Loren Drive Morden, Manitoba

Toll Free Reservations 1(800) 780-7234 Hotel Direct Number - 204-822-6116

life in the valley

84

Congratulations on your new building, all the best!

(204) 384-6267

greatplainsinsulationltd@gmail.com

life in the valley

86

Congratulations to ProTec would like to congratulate Best Western on the grand opening of their new facility. It has been a privilege to work together with Best Western on the construction of their new building, and we wish them a prosperous journey.

204-331-1336

585 Cargill Road, Winkler life in the valley

87

CONGRATULATIONS on the new facility!

485 Eastview Drive, Winkler, MB R6W 0K3 (204) 325-8852 life in the valley

88

Proud to be part of your amazing building ALL THE BEST!

(204) 362-4002 • celeritybuilders.com life in the valley

89

BORDER VIEW ELECTRIC LTD Congratulations Quality in Steel

735 Roblin Blvd E, Winkler

www.ironmenindustries.com life in the valley

( 204 ) 325-5729

399 Manitoba Road, Winkler MB

90

Congratulations on the great looking facilities!

Happy to be part of the project!

Wishing you all the best Best Western Plus

204-823-1296 30115 Road 11 N Morden, MB

880 Memorial Drive, Winkler (204) 325-9133 homehardware.ca life in the valley

91

• Window & Door Replacement • Sealed Unit Replacement • Custom Mirrors & Pattern Glass 15 Thornhill St., Morden

fehrglass.com

204-822-5423

ALL THE BEST IN THE FUTURE

310A Cargill Rd., Winkler 860 Adora Avenue, Winkler

204.331-4012

(204) 362-6590

life in the valley

92

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations on your new facilities

All the best in your future

CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS

310A Cargill Rd., Winkler 204.325.0283

life in the valley

93

vantageconstructionproducts.com 505 Cargill Road, Winkler 204-331-1848

life in the valley

94

COVID IS HARD FOR EVERYONE BE KIND TO

Teachers Principals Office Staff Educational Assistants Bus Drivers Custodians...

EVERYONE Remember to: • Stay home when you’re sick • Wash your hands • Practice physical distancing • Wear a mask when asked to life in the valley

95

Business Directory Brad Klassen

204.362.0031 bradnail@sdnet.ca 625 Cargill Rd & 225 George St., Winkler, MB,

• Renovations • Decks & Fences

FREE ESTIMATES

(204)332-0580

PERSONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE AFTER A PERSONAL DISASTER LIKE A HOUSE FIRE, THE RED CROSS CAN PROVIDE FOOD, SHELTER, CLOTHING AND ESSENTIALS FOR UP TO 72 HOURS.

1-888-800-6493

TM

2757 C

428 C

204.325.7386

info@extendinsurance.ca 309 Main Street, Winkler -- In the ALG Professional Centre Monday – Thursday • 830am-530pm | Friday • 830am-900pm | Saturday • 830am-500pm

Calvin Klassen

JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN

Winkler 504 Stanley Avenue P. 204.325.8850 F. 204.325.8830

Altona

Cell. 362.2811 Res. 325.1349

Morden

#100 Golden West Plaza 125 Centre Avenue E. P. 204.324.6400 F. 204.324.1417

2 -160 Stephen St. P. 204.822.4993 F. 204.822.5014

CDKELEC@MYMTS.NET

S P E C I A L I Z I N G I N R E S I D E N T I A L , FA R M A N D C O M M E R C I A L

www.gilmourlaw.ca

SOUTHLAND MALL

204.325.4701

info@gilmourlaw.ca

Electric Ltd.

Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 9:00 pm Sat: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Open later for your convenience!

Auto • House • Farm Commercial • Bonding • Travel

life in the valley

325.9571 96

FARM INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL RETAIL SALES SINCE 1948

daloewenelectric.net

Owned & Operated by Tim and Benny Wiebe

NOW OPEN! FOR ALL YOUR TIRE NEEDS:

PASSENGER • SEMI • ATV LOW INTEREST FINANCING WITH

THE MPI TIRE PROGRAM

Contact us today at

204-542-0487

or at

life in the valley

15-495 CARGILL ROAD, WINKLER 97

Henry Siemens publisher It’s almost 10 months later and Covid is still very much with us. It’s the only topic I’ve written about in my last word. It’s been THE story of 2020. It’s been so very tiring and overwhelming.

In the middle of the ‘vital to their existence’ Christmas season, many of our small businesses and restaurants are shuttered. We can’t go out for a nice dinner with family or friends. We can’t even get together with them at our homes. We can’t go shopping for anything other than essentials. Isn’t everything essential to someone?

At times it’s still almost unbearable but it’s also a little different now. Sadly, there is surely more suffering to come but a sense of HOPE is starting to creep in. A HOPE that we’re closer to the end than the beginning of this thing. A HOPE that an effective vaccine is only weeks away for our most vulnerable population. A HOPE that our businesses will be allowed to safely re-open soon. A HOPE that our test positivity numbers in Manitoba will decrease.

Uncertainty and concern and anxiety remain but as we end 2020 and look to 2021, we HOPE for a near future where we can come out of our homes, go shopping, visit friends, eat dinner at our favorite restaurant or take a trip somewhere fun again.

LAST WORD We HOPE for strength for our students, parents, teachers, healthcare workers and business owners as they deal with unfair situations and circumstances that are completely out of their control.

We HOPE for kindness and it comes. Sensing the stress people were feeling, a group of community volunteers started driving a truck around town blaring Christmas music and reminding us to Be Kind. This message is being delivered Every. Single. Night. What a creative, fun way to spread such an important message.

We HOPE for generosity and it comes.

Recognizing that much is expected of those to whom much has been given, a group of local business leaders who have done well in spite of Covid organized a drive to raise support for their peers who are hurting. The Christmas Cheerboard was significantly short of funds. A request for help went out and the community responded by providing more than was needed.

That is the miracle of Christmas. It is a season of HOPE. When we consider the promise of Christmas it is impossible not to be filled with HOPE.

We HOPE for wisdom for politicians as they make impossible decisions on how to best respond to Covid and HOPE that they would understand the ramifications of those decisions.

LOGO IT!

310A Cargill Road, Winkler • 204.325.0283 life in the valley

98

Our

HOPE

is that you find

Peace and Joy

this Christmas and a

Healthy and Prosperous 2021

life in the valley

99

Stay connected this season with our Home for the Holidays Offer!

70 /mo.

$

for

150 150

Mbps download Mbps upload

F O R D E TA I L S G O T O

V A L L E Y F I B E R . C A / H O L I D AY S VALLEY FIBER LTD | 965 HIGHWAY 14 | WINKLER, MB | R6W 0L7 | VALLEYFIBER.CA life in the valley

100