Life in the Valley - Issue 2 - July 2020

Issue No. 2

the

ELECTRIC HISTORY of D.A. Loewen PAGE 14

July 2020

CONTENT ISSUE 2 july 2020

Community Futures

Feature

Teen Challenge

D.A. Loewen 08

14

12

YFC Altona

Community Highlight

Advance Blinds

34

44

Discover Altona Town of Altona

Beauty within the City City of Winkler

Adventure Awaits City of Morden

Friesen Insurance

22

28

38

48

05 PHYSIO FACT

10 STRENGTH IN LUMBERS

20 SAFE AND SOUND

21 PASSION FOR FASHION

24 MONEY MATTERS

26 WORD OF MOUTH

36 TASTE IN THE VALLEY

40 STROKES OF GENUIS

54 YOU SHOULD KNOW

Pembina Valley Physiotherapy

Dilis Boutique

Fish & Forage by Kevin Funk

Canadian Lumber

Access Credit Union

Janzen’s Paint

Infinity Security

Pembina Valley Dental

CMHC New Rules

• Collision & Glass Experts • Spray-In Box Liners

PHYSIO Golden rays dance across the sky. The temperature is climbing. Following imprisonment by the cuffs of winter, as proud Manitobans we soak-up summer.

For many this may involve swinging the golf club, setting the beach volleyball, smashing the tennis ball or throwing a baseball. Though the scenes vary, and the equipment differs – these activities share a common dominator – the shoulder.

Shoulder pain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints and its prevalence increases with age. What makes the shoulder susceptible to pain is that it’s built for mobility. A shoulder’s structure can be compared to a golf ball on a tee; the ball being your humerus or your “arm bone” and the tee being the groove in your shoulder blade where the humerus sits. Movement of the shoulder is a dynamic dance between the boney surfaces, capsule, ligaments, and forces of the surrounding musculature.

Although several muscles are involved in shoulder movement, an important complex is the rotator cuff.

The rotator cuff can be likened to a hand reaching from the back of shoulder blade to the front of the humerus– effectively grabbing onto the ball at the top. It is composed of four muscles that converge

FAC T

together to form an attachment deep within the shoulder joint. Our shoulder’s mobility is masterful for function; we can reach, rotate, and throw!

However, its design leaves it prone to injury and strain, particularly under conditions in which it is overloaded.

Excessive tissue load -or “too much, too difficult, or too often” - remains the greatest factor in the development of rotator cuff related shoulder pain.

This is reflected by the fact that it occurs more frequently in the dominant limb and with engagement in activities with high rates of upper-limb loading.

But, “it’s summer”. You still pick up your racket and whiz that neon ball across the court. Remember, pain is not always indicative of “damage”. The onset of mild dull, aching discomfort in the shoulder is normal with beginning or reengaging in an activity. But when that discomfort refuses to hibernate or progresses to sharp, debilitating pain that you cannot shake – consider visiting your local physiotherapist.

Upon review of the scientific literature, the best strategies for shoulder pain include physiotherapy.

A physiotherapist is a medical professional who performs accurate and thorough assessments.

Physiotherapy can help with management strategies, activity modification, improved strength, and flexibility. Attending physiotherapy is actively deciding to optimize your health by giving you the tools in your toolbelt to construct the life you desire.

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

05

FIRST WORD

REBECCA DYCK editor

W

e are back for round two of Life in the Valley. This issue wouldn’t have been possible without our resilient business community. Their ability to pick themselves up and dust themselves off, always striving for a better tomorrow is inspiring. It’s what drives us to tell their stories and develop a narrative of supporting local.

What a crazy world we live in right now. As we were in the prepping stages of this issue and restrictions began to lift, we were hopeful that our businesses would be able to quickly get back into the swing of ‘normal’. While that has been the case for some, many others are still struggling.

None of this has been easy for anyone. Everyone has had to overcome their own challenges, but through it all, a word that keeps coming to mind is grace.

Have grace for the people around you, for the different (sometimes slower) process of things, for the newness and strangeness of it all. Struggles always have a way of showing

life team Alejandro Penner design lead photography

your true colours. I am so proud to live in a community whose colours have been strength and kindness and generosity and unity and love.

In the articles throughout this publication, we highlight the good. These stories have their ups and downs but they are stories of hope and success. As I read each one, I find that I learn so much about our area, the way things came to be and the people who worked hard to build something from the ground up.

It’s exciting to see and hear that the same work ethic is alive and well today; new business owners willing to do what it takes to create something of their own.

This summer will be different.

Plans have been altered and your holidays may not take you far, so take this opportunity to enjoy what our community has to offer. Hunker down with a good book . . . or magazine (hint hint) and appreciate the little things.

I hope you enjoy what you find inside.

Ryan Wall writer

Reese Derksen graphic design

Tony Wall

graphic design

Kevin Friesen sales

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Community Futures

H

ave you ever wondered if you have what it takes to start your own business? Of course you have.

It may have been as a kid, dreaming of how to enter the competitive market of roadside lemonade stands. Maybe you’re always looking to grow, take risks and overcome new challenges. It's human nature to want to make an impact on the world around you, and businesses are a powerful avenue in accomplishing this. Sadly, a majority of us reject our own dreams and ambitions in the name of being realistic, with fears and excuses continually driving a wedge between you and what could be. It doesn’t have to end here.

Business research shows that more and more successful businesses and business start ups are linked to competent consultants. They are tasked with guiding and coaching businesses through the challenging elements of ensuring the company succeeds.

Alana Bolton is the Business Development Manager at Community Futures, and has spent years coaching and developing aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners alike. She doesn’t get tired of hearing the same frequently asked questions over and over, and has made a career out of helping people take their good ideas, and turn them into a reality. Community Futures is a government funded, economic development agency, which offers this array of business services, all at no charge. These services have allowed their clients to grow their sales at a rate of over eight percent higher than those companies that go unassisted. Community Futures also provides lending to those that are capable of satisfying the requirements set for a loan, for up to $150,000.

“It always starts with plan” says Alana, as she explained the process of applying for a loan. “You need to get all your ideas down on paper and have things in place when starting a business.” As the old saying goes, if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. A part of this planning is the financial end, including cash flow projections. Simply put, it’s an educated guess for the first year of your total revenue vs. total expenses. Alana supplies the template for this, which can be customized for each person’s unique set of circumstances. This step brings awareness to aspiring entrepreneurs and shows them how much business they will need to do in order to be sustainable.

With this initial work put in, the risk involved with moving forward continues to decline, as preparation keeps people from blindly entering difficult situations.

“What would your best and worst case scenarios look

like?" “Are your revenue goals feasible?” These are the type of questions Alana asks to ensure your planning is as thorough as possible. Once the plan is submitted, Alana can examine each area to see if the business plan has what it takes to meet the agencies lending requirements. And if not, the dream isn’t over. Many great plans require going back to the drawing board, armed with helpful suggestions to improve upon initial work. Where other financial institutions might leave you with little hope after being denied a loan, this is where Community Futures thrives. “I’ll continue to assist you for months or even years” said Alana, who is willing to work with people until they get it right, offering years of business experience and resources. This relational take on lending also allows for people's stories to be heard and people's character to be discerned. What if you’ve gone bankrupt in the past but it wasn’t your fault? Or even if it was your fault, can you show that you’ve learned from the situation? While this would be deemed as higher risk lending, it is something Community Futures has always been willing to engage in and is the second chance many are looking for. When you have been approved for a loan, it’s on to the final steps such as a business number, tax number, setting up appropriate bank accounts, buying insurance and setting up legal matters with a lawyer.

While Community Futures can’t provide all these unique services, they can point you in the right direction and help you find accredited people for the job. One of the less obvious advantages to this relationship is the available networking that can come with it. “Sometimes we see the need to connect our client with a mentor” says Alana, “someone with experience in a similar business as them.” These connections could simply be a monthly phone call or email, but it may be the very thing a less experienced owner needs to grow their business.

You might see Community Futures as a first responder in all things related to your business, as they look forward to offering their services long after the initial start up. Whether it's knowledge of different funding sources, questions you’ve had go unresolved, or the need for troubleshooting down the road, there continues to be cost free business consulting at your disposal. With the necessary resources now available, the invitation to pursue your passions and dreams is louder than ever.

Find Community Futures Heartland at cfheartland.ca or at (204) 239-0135.

life in the valley

09

Strength in Lumbers Why choose Composite Decking?

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life in the valley

11

Adult & Teen Challenge Superthrift For twenty years, Steve Cheboyer had his life run by crystal meth and alcohol, which pushed him to enter the world of dealing drugs on the streets of Winkler.

A few years ago he found himself at Adult and Teen Challenge, a program which brought lasting change and freedom into his life.

Steve’s story is like many who have gone through the program after hitting rock bottom, only to be given a second chance at life and hope for the future. “They give you the tools to succeed” he said, giving credit to the faith centered approach that combines scriptural truths along with practical steps to become free of addiction.

Steve has now graduated from the program and is currently the assistant manager of Superthrift, alongside manager Nettie Harder. Superthrift is a thrift store in Winkler run by Adult and Teen Challenge and is an extension of the local program. With a growing number of participants coming from the Pembina Valley, there was a need to have a program available here in Winkler, to keep people close to home. “Having a program here helps people stay in the program” said Nettie as she explained how much more difficult it is to stay committed to recovery if you must leave behind your family behind and move to Winnipeg.

The expanded location to the Pembina Valley has brought about an increased success rate, while the thrift store offers a job opportunity and serves as a bridge to better re-enter everyday life. Working in a supportive and understanding environment helps graduates grow their life skills such as punctuality, money management, working skills and overall responsibility. Combined with the continued presence of accountability, the transition into being a contributing member of society is much smoother. “I just got my first bank account last year” said Steve, who at thirty six years old has never had a regular job until now.

The store also generates funds for the local programs which are now running in Winkler, with all generated profit from the store staying in the community.

Superthrift is able to operate through donations such as clothes, furniture, dishes and more, and ask that those looking to donate their used items would consider Superthrift in their decision. Superthrift offers free pickup for donated items, including old vehicles, regardless on if they are operational. Volunteers are also welcome, and those looking to get involved are invited to pick up an application form in person or fill one out online at superthriftpembinavalley.com.

The team at Superthrift is incredibly grateful for the support of the community and want to offer themselves to anyone who needs someone to talk to, ask questions or wants to get involved with Adult and Teen Challenge.

They are located at 390 1st street in Winkler.

Building Capital Campaign Adult and Teen Challenge of the Pembina Valley is looking to buy a home in Winkler. After expanding to the area in 2016, the ministry has now grown into a network of local board members, volunteers, staff, graduates and patrons. Currently the programs are spread out over multiple locations which have made operation more difficult, and have caused financial strain with the multiple rent payments. The vision is to bring all of the existing ministries and programs under one roof to make better use of resources and have a bigger impact on individuals and families in need for years to come. These local programs and ministries consist of the following: Concerned Persons Group • A training and educational program for family members and loved ones of someone who struggles with a life controlling problem • Available in both English and Low German • Mens and Womens lifeline and Support Group • One on One Mentorship Program

• Community Service Program • In connection with the local judicial system, offenders who are of a good fit would be able to work off Community Service hours within the Adult and Teen Challenge program • Preventative School Outreach Presentations • Superthrift Store The benefits of this building would be immense, as it would allow for a self-sustaining model to be introduced and would eliminate an annual $10,000 spent on renting three separate buildings. The building would provide a home for those in the program, as well as ministry offices, a chapel and the Superthrift store.

For those looking to get involved, donate or get more information, you can contact members of the Local Planning Committee.

John Heinrichs 204-362-4104 Don Martens 204-362-2824

life in the valley

13

ELECTRIC HISTORY Few names are as synonymous with Winkler businesses as D.A. Loewen Electric, a company that has helped shape the very landscape of the Pembina Valley.

As Winkler’s first electrical contracting company, D.A. Loewen Electric has worked hard to help guide the once small village through its many stages of growth over the last seventy-two years.

At first glance, this story has all the makings of a feel-good account. A young family man starts a business, only to lose everything in a fire. He commits to starting over, and creates a thriving business which he could later pass on to his sons.

187 6th Street

With emphasis on hard work, determination and integrity, it’s a lesson for all aspiring business owners. More recently, however, there has been another side to the story. The latest narrative to emerge has instead forced them to wrestle with phenomenal tragedy and journey through overwhelming trials. A testing that would demand everything from them in order to survive.

1952 Dodge work truc also used as an ambulankce

Circa 1952 Harv, Marv, C arol

yn & Friend

Donald Albert Loewen first came to Winkler in 1947. He traveled to the area from Winnipeg to wire the Bergthaler church for Redekop Electric. After working and spending time in the area he realized that Winkler was a great place to raise a family and decided to stay.

During this period D.A saw that the Manitoba Hydro Rural Electrification program would change life in the Pembina Valley and he wanted to take part in it.

With this surge in demand for electrical work he solicited help from Isaac Krahn and later partnered

s on

light stalling 1965 ininkler Tower the W

with him to form Stanley Electric.

They rented a building on Main Street where D.A. also lived and raised his family. It was not uncommon during this boom in expansion that D.A. and Isaac would work 100 hours each week to keep up with increasing demand.

With no competitors in the area, the company did well, and provided their electrical services for every building in the area at that time. However, the honeymoon stage was over quickly. It was only two years later that the partners found their shop burned to the ground. The loss was too great to keep the business intact, leaving the partners to go their separate ways.

D.A. Loewen took the loss in stride and was determined to start again, transforming his home on 6th Street to suit his new business’ needs. He converted the basement into the necessary warehouse space, and hired farmers as part-time help; a consistent worker being Manfred Enns. Once Loewen outgrew the basement, he set up shop in his garage, before eventually building a warehouse in his back yard to keep up with demand.

Along with doing the electrical work for companies such as Triple E RV, Kroeker Farms and Nu-Steel, other significant jobs at the time were the Heritage Apartments and the Winkler Arena. In 1966, a partnership formed between Loewen and Enns, forming Enns & Loewen Electric & Insurance, taking over Wawanesa Insurance from

kler.

Stanley Electric on Main St. in Win Where Royal Bank is now

Manfred’s father-in-law. They bought a vacant lot on Fourth Street and built a store and warehouse to house the increased activity.

In 1975, D.A. Loewen’s sons Marv and Harv would take a majority of the ownership, with the insurance portion breaking off as its own company, Enns & Loewen Insurance Agency. It was in at this time that Marv and Harv incorporated the company to become what it is known as today, D. A. Loewen Electric. D.A. Loewen and Manfred Enns would finally retire in 1982. Soon after, a surge of growth started in Winkler, and D.A. Loewen Electric was hired to help construct numerous potato storages, Lode King, Convey-All, Keystone Grain, Mennonite Brethren Church, Grace Church and many other well known buildings in the Pembina Valley.

Marv and Harv hired Gary Berg in 1981, entering the workforce out of high school.

Even at a young age, Gary was a natural leader with unparalleled work ethic, and would become a big part of pushing the company forward. His younger brother Darrel joined him seven years later, and together they quickly rose through the ranks of the business. The brothers were constantly looking for a way to better themselves and their craft, both holding

Street 1961 - 187 6th Church er al th er B de besi

to the belief that if you are not moving forward, you are going backwards. When the first opportunities to work on electrical automation appeared, Marv and Harv saw the potential and knew Gary and Darrel were up for the challenge.

The biggest lesson they received came in 1995 with the expansion of the Saputo plant in Winkler and taking over the electrical and automation work at Monarch Industries. “It was a baptism by fire” recalled Darrel, remembering his earlier days of learning what it took to constantly solve the problems that came with automating a factory. “It was not a regular nine to five; you can’t leave unless it’s working.” This ability to adapt, learn and grow allowed D.A. Loewen Electric to show the community the extensive benefits of custom automation and the efficiency that came with it. D.A. Loewen Electric had become a forerunner in the electrical world, and this new option helped to further the industrial boom, as many others asked for these same services. “The most enjoyment always came from large, automated jobs in big industry and agriculture” said Darrel.

As the company continued to grow, Marv and Harv made the decision to move the business to 249 Manitoba Road, their current location.

1966 - 355 4th

Street

After eighteen years of working with each other, Gary and Darrel decided to take the jump of becoming owners. In 2006 they bought half of D.A. Loewen from Marv and Harv, and bought the remaining half three years later. Darrel took on the financials, running service calls while still overseeing jobs in the field, while Gary took on quoting, overseeing jobs and job planning. With such ambitious leaders, the company continued to grow, making it hard to keep up at some points.

“Gary pushed the company to grow as fast as it could” said Darrel, “he was aggressive and competitive to the point that few could actually keep up with him.”

However, this was only one side of who he was. Amongst the busyness of his work, Gary always made time for people, especially his wife Tammy, and their three sons, Kyle, Eric and Sean. Gary and Tammy were parental figures and friends to many outside their own family, as employees and people in the community took note of their selflessness, loyalty and listening ears. “The whole business took on the feeling of family” said Darrel “it was a place where everyone knew each other and real conversations about life could happen.” Gary was well known for his words of wisdom, often sharing life proverbs and one-liners to fit any situation.

What seemed like the perfect situation quickly became an inescapable nightmare when tragedy struck. While out for a motorcycle

ride one September evening, Gary and Tammy were struck by an oncoming vehicle near Plum Coulee. Neither of them survived. Now almost three years later, the far-reaching impact of that event is still felt. “It was the year from hell” said Darrel when asked to describe what happened following the accident. The pain was overwhelming, nothing that Darrel, or anyone at D.A. Loewen Electric had experienced before. Chris Loewen remembered showing up to work in pure survival mode, working strictly off instinct to do what was needed to keep the business running. “It was hard to see Darrel in that state, learning about his business partner and best friend’s death, while still having to field important business calls.” D.A. Loewen Electric had been struck by a powerful blow that would continue to inflict its damage on the company. A few days after the funeral, the office was overcome by a vicious computer virus that wiped out Gary’s computer, as well as several others.

Plans, emails, quotes and financial information for the coming months had vanished. To make things more difficult, it happened during potato harvest, the company’s busiest time of year servicing harvest equipment. “We would literally have to phone our potential clients and ask them if we had gotten certain jobs” said Chris, “and if we did, what was the quote that we gave you.” It would take weeks to get all the information back, a time of fighting just to survive.

Darrel Berg

In the midst of this nightmare, support would come in from all over the community, as friends, business owners and consistent customers would periodically drop by to check up on the team. “We could feel that the community wanted us to succeed” said Devin Rachul, as the human element to the business relationships was on full display at this time. Where Darrel and the team were so used to being the ones serving their clients, it was now they who needed to receive help, comfort and even guidance on how to move forward. Chris and Devin were long term employees that stepped up into the office to help fill the gaping hole that Gary had left.

“We didn’t know anything about what they did in the office but we had to figure it out” said Chris, a grandson to D.A. Loewen and a presence around the company ever since he was a kid. Devin was hired

by Marv and Harv in 2001 and grew to become an essential part of D. A. Loewen Electric’s automation and agriculture services. The transition was slow, trial and error were the main way forward into figuring out a new management system that worked.

While the reset was hard, it prompted everyone to step up and take on more leadership. Darrel admits that raising up new leaders had growing pains but concluded that the new system is stronger than ever, and the new three-person

ownership group has been working well. “What we are doing now allows us to breathe, to act like normal human beings.” Even before the accident, the company was running at its fullest capacity, with a tentative transition plan already being worked on. Gary’s passing would expedite this planning out of necessity. Darrel says that looking back, he would have brought Chris into the office much sooner and that the experience has really shown him the valuable people they have on their team.

With Devin taking over the automation work, he has taken this area to a whole new level. While Gary and Tammy will always be deeply missed, the D. A. Loewen Electric family is stronger than ever. Not from anything they did, but because of God carrying them through the storm and their great friends – many happen to be their customers - who have been there for them. The lessons learned and the transition everyone went through only further cemented what the business had valued all along, which is relationships over profit. Helping people in need is what’s most important, a philosophy that has set them up to give back to the people and community who they loved and serviced for generations, and plan to continue to serve for generations to come.

Chris Loewen

Devin Rachul

Safe

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PASSION FOR I must have been in the second grade when I became aware of the power of a beautiful dress! The allure, the elegance, the way it transformed the lady wearing that beautifully designed gown at my mother’s shop. That was the year I wore my very first pageant gown.

Wonderful! Life changing? Oh, yes! You see, what you wear on Prom or Graduation -or a pageant in my case- and on your wedding day, is going to have a lasting impression on you. The DRESS, will trigger a memory, an emotion, something special.

A meticulously polished wardrobe also, has the power to revolutionize your life!

Looking fashionable is all about playing with contrast and proportion. Silhouettes and colour. Not just big with small, but also hard with soft, tight with loose, and heavy with light. The shoes will complete the outfit, while accessories are the cherry on top.

It starts by knowing your body shape and then finding the right silhouettes that flatters you the

most. Follow by the colours (solids or prints) that bring the glow in you. Of course you will choose the textiles according to the season you are dressing for (please, no wool in July!), and find your signature style, that which will set you apart from everyone else.

To be truly stylish does not take a huge budget or four walk-in closets full of designer clothes -you don’t need a lot to look good.

What you do need though, is to make good, sensible decisions. Buy what you need, buy what makes you feel great and hold on to nothing more. And, this is very important, look after your clothes.

Follow the washing instructions and you will add years to your garments. Refashion in later years to create a completely new look.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”. Coco Chanel Dina Harder Owner of Dilis Boutique

Presented by

10 - 880 15th St., Winkler

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Discover Altona This Summer With travel restrictions in place, and most large festivals and events canceled for the time being, you may be looking to explore closer to home this summer. The Pembina Valley has many beautiful communities and destinations to check out, including Altona.

Altona is home to the Gallery in the Park, a 1902 heritage home turned fine art gallery. Surrounded by an expansive sculpture garden, the Gallery exhibits works from local, national and international artists. This year, season one (June 27 – August 8, 2020) features a special exhibit celebrating the work of four Mennonite photographers who lived and worked in southern Manitoba at the turn of the twentieth century. The images have been painstakingly reproduced from delicate glass and film negatives for the exhibit entitled: Mennonite Village Photography: Views from Manitoba, 1890-1940. Season two (August 15 – September 26, 2020) will feature I C E, a traveling group exhibit by the Textile and Fibre Artists of Manitoba (TFAM), and Resurfacing: Mennonite Floor Patterns, an exhibit by Margruite Krahn. Since 2001 Krahn has worked to restore and curate 19th and 20th-century housebarns, as well as the material culture in Neubergthal, Manitoba, a Mennonite Street Village and National Historic Site. Her exhibition at Gallery in the Park will be a study of hand-painted floors from these buildings, created by earlier generations of Mennonite women, which have greatly influenced her artistic practice.

The Buffalo Creek Nature Park is a hidden gem in Altona. The Nature Park is 8 acres, and features flora and fauna native to the area, including tall prairie grass and oak trees. The catch-and-release fishing pond is well-stocked with carp, and surrounded by wide, wellmaintained trails for walking or biking. These trails are part of the longest multi-use trail system in the world, the Trans-Canada Trail. The trails also meander through the Altona Centennial Park, and the rest of Altona before heading south towards Gretna. Visitors to the Altona Centennial Park will find a large playground and numerous picnic shelters dotting the manicured landscape, along with tennis courts, volleyball courts, batting cages, and baseball diamonds. The Park is also

home to the Altona Campground, a great place to stay with your family with fully serviced campsites. Just a short walk away is the Bridge Skate Park, a popular spot with skateboarders, roller-skaters and BMX bikers alike!

Van Gogh Painting

Potpourri of Flavours

Centennial Park Trails

Buffalo Creek Nature Park

life in the valley

22

If you are visiting Altona in late July or early August, don’t miss the Sunflower Selfie Field, which is expected to be in full bloom at that time! Just north of the Altona Centennial Park, the Selfie Field was created in 2019 for the Manitoba Sunflower Festival, to help visitors get the Sunflower Selfies they desired without causing damage to nearby farmers’ fields! While the Sunflower Festival won’t be taking place in 2020, the Sunflower Selfie Field will still be planted to create a beautiful photo location for visitors, and local residents.

Located just south of Altona, Oakview Golf Club is a challenging 9-hole course nestled in a picturesque oak forest. This year, Oakview has some specific guidelines related to COVID-19. Visit www.oakviewgolf.ca for upto-date information!

Altona is the home of the Altona Bisons of the Manitoba Junior Baseball League. They will be playing this summer, with home games at the state of the art Access Field, which is regulation sized, and equipped with professional lighting for evening games.

While you are in Altona, don’t worry about finding good food to eat! Order a fan-favourite “Chipper” pizza from Pizza Haven, enjoy live music on the patio at Grumpy’s Bar & Grill, or check out Potpourri of Flavours for Filipino/Canadian fusion food – and don’t

forget dessert from the Ice Cream Hut, or Sweet Caroline! Oma’s Kitchen, Lok Lok Garden, Ang’s Pizza & More, and Chicken Chef are a few more of the great restaurants that Altona has to offer.

Did you know? Altona was home to the very first Mennonite Central Committee Gift & Thrift Shop!

There are now over 100 shops across North America, and the Altona location has recently undergone a large expansion. Visitors to the store are being asked to follow physical distancing and other guidelines to protect the volunteers, and other customers.

Before leaving Altona, be sure to stop to take a photo in front of the Guinness World Record “Largest Painting on an Easel”. At 76’6” tall, this landmark is a re-creation of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”, dreamed of and painted by local artist Cameron Cross, and is part of a series that includes sculptures in Australia and Kansas. While at the painting, take a stroll along the trail through Altona’s Memory Garden, a peaceful space filled with flowers, shrubs and trees planted in memory of loved ones.

Learn more about everything that Altona has to offer at www.altona.ca.

Gallery in the Park life in the valley

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During the process of creating a budget, you will need to be honest with yourself about your needs and your wants.

Access Credit Union implemented a financial literacy program in 2017 called Each One Teach One. The program was created by Vancity Credit Union in 2008 and is an award-winning program that offers educational workshops on basic financial skills. There is no selling of products or services during the 17 available workshops.

Access Credit Union currently has 21 financial literacy trainers who have to date, facilitated 150 workshops to over 2,200 participants.

One of the most requested workshop topics is budgeting. A budget is a detailed list of your expected income and planned spending over a certain period of time. A budget will help you understand where you spend your money, protect and prepare you for possible financial difficulties and help you reach your financial goals. Essentially, it is a tool to ensure you don’t spend more than you have.

During the process of creating a budget, you will need to be honest with yourself about your needs and your wants. Everyone’s needs and wants are going to be different and it can often be difficult to determine what is a need versus what is a want. For example, everyone needs to eat so food is a need right? It is but food may turn into a want if you are purchasing all organic items that you really can’t afford or eating at

BUDGETING

to be. Identifying the difference between needs and wants empowers you to choose the wants that are most rewarding to you and if you have a budget, you can make spending decisions without feeling guilty when you buy something that is not a need.

Create Your Personalized Budget

restaurants every night when preparing food at home would be a more economical alternative.

Another common example is making coffee at home versus picking it up at a drive through.

Buying coffee is a small expense that can add up and can potentially make a big difference in your budget.

If you’re going to be successful in reaching your goal, you have to make reasonable changes to your spending and to your budget. For instance, if you spend $300 a month eating in restaurants, it’s not reasonable to just decide that you won’t spend that money anymore unless you are committed to always cooking at home. A more realistic goal may be to reduce the amount spent in restaurants by $100 a month and use that towards the goal of a down payment on a house, paying off debt or whatever your goal happens

You can create your own personalized budget using a zero based budgeting template that can be found on our website www.accesscu.ca under the ‘tools’ tab. A zero based budget means that all your income is accounted for and with this you’ll know exactly where each dollar is to go.

You can print out this template or download an excel version and customize it to your needs.

Don’t forget to review the helpful hints on this template as you work through the process of creating a budget!

If you are interested in learning more about the workshops please contact: financialliteracy@accesscu.ca.

You can also check out Access Credit Union’s prerecorded workshops on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/AccessCreditUnion.

PRESENTED BY:

WORD

Mout

of YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTIST VISIT The Canadian Dental Association recommends your child visit the dentist every 6 months, with their first assessment being 6 months after their first tooth appears or by one year of age. The goal is to visit the dentist before there is a problem; regular checkups allow small problems to be caught early.

Here are 3 reasons to take your child for dental exams: • You can find out if the cleaning you do at home is working • Your dentist can find problems right away and fix them • You child can learn that going to the dentist prevents problems To prevent cavities in children’s molars once they come in, your dentist may suggest sealing them. The sealant is a kind of plastic applied to the surface of the molars. This makes it less likely for food and germs to be trapped in

the crevices of the tooth.

If your child develops a cavity in one of their primary teeth, you may wonder if it is still necessary to get a filling since the tooth will eventually fall out. Tooth decay can spread from one tooth to the next. It is important to catch a cavity as soon as possible in order to stop that spread.

The alignment of your child’s teeth is another issue that your dentist will want to keep an eye on.

Crowded or crooked teeth at a young age can often correct itself as the jaw grows and allows for the teeth to spread out. Crooked teeth can affect your child’s bite, leading to issues with eating and teeth cleaning. As well, crooked teeth may make your child feel self-conscious. If they do not straighten, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.

PACIFIERS AND DENTISTRY Babies often feel the need to suck in order to relax. This is perfectly normal. By the time they reach the age of two or three, they usually feel less of a need to do so. If your child still does like to suck, encourage them to use a pacifier instead of their thumb. In this way, you control how and when your child uses a soother -- you cannot control when they put their thumb into their mouth. Never coat the soother in sugar, honey, or corn syrup as this will cause tooth decay.

It is recommended that your child stops sucking before any permanent teeth come in which is usually around the age of 5. Continued sucking can lead to tooth and jaw problems.

NUTRITION FOR CHILDREN Children love to snack throughout the day but having continual access to sugary treats can have negative effects on their teeth and enamel. The sugars in their mouth along with the bacteria mix to form a mild acid that attacks the hard outer layer of their teeth, the enamel. With weakened enamel, teeth are more susceptible to form a cavity.

Limiting what and when your child snacks can make a large difference in the health of their teeth. Even healthy snacks like fruit, crackers, and milk have sugar. When your child is eating a sugary snack, try to make sure they have some water to wash it away afterward. Snacks like carrot sticks or cheese cubes are a good alternative.

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

Beauty within the

City

What is it that makes a community an inviting place to live or visit? I’m sure if you asked five different people you’d certainly get a handful of diverse answers.

Available jobs and housing, recreational activities and entertainment, access to nature, appealing architecture and culture, and the list would go on. Winkler mayor Martin Harder states that “a healthy city is more than bricks and mortar. It’s about balance”. Parks and green spaces have played a crucial role in attaining that balance and have become more of a focal point for Winkler in recent years. This includes the completion of the beautiful Parkview Gardens along Grandeur Avenue, Bethel Heritage Park, the Butterfly Gardens, and the current construction of a Jumpstart Accessible Playground.

Bethel Heritage Park in downtown Winkler was one of Harder’s first projects after being elected as mayor in 2006. The grounds which were previously the sight of Bethel Hospital have been transformed into a relaxing park setting, with well kept gardens, shelters for picnics, an amphitheatre, and a beautiful white-marble fountain as a focal point. It serves as a perfect place to read a book, take an educational walk, and is a hub for taking pictures. The park intentionally celebrates the formation and history of Winkler through commemorative plaques placed around the park, allowing a glimpse into the community’s formative years. The park is also home to events such as the annual Canada Day Carnival, Winkler’s Culture Fest and concerts in the summer would be a consistent occurrence under normal circumstances.

“This project had no shortage of challenges” said Harder, who strongly believed in the need for a gathering spot in the core of the City, as well as a place to display the history of the community.

Two important pieces of history that are on display is the veterans Cenotaph and the Conscientious Objectors plaque. The first piece being a historical monument remembering Winkler soldiers who had fallen in the two World Wars, while the second remembered the group of men and women who served their country through means of alternative service while their country was at war. Harder believed it was important to have both the Cenotaph, as well as the plaque on the same property, as they represented the two differing philosophies connected to the wars. These two views had been a point of division in the community for some time, with hurt feelings on both sides. The newly elected mayor saw that with the construction of the park, there was an opportunity to bring healing and reconciliation between the two sides. It

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would however take multiple appeals to Veterans Affairs who did not initially appreciate the idea of a Veterans Cenotaph and a commemorative Conscientious Objectors plaque on the same property. The replica Bethesda Fountain is set in between the two monuments as a s ymbol of healing. The park has been an incredible success, and has brought new life into Winkler’s downtown area.

The Jumpstart accessible playground is the most recent project, with construction underway in the Winkler Park

beside the pool. The fully accessible playground was created by Jumpstart, which is a branch off of Canadian Tire. The playground is accessible for everyone, including those in wheelchairs, and kids who have physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities. The playground will be open in the fall and will be the first of its kind in a smaller community.

Winkler is proud to be known for its many green spaces which offer ample activities for all ages, interests and abilities.

Photo by Terrance Klassen Photography life in the valley

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Photo by Alejandro Penner

Discovery Nature Sanctuary Winkler, Manitoba

Tucked away in the north-east corner of Winkler lies the Discovery Nature Sanctuary, a thriving eco-system teeming with all kinds of creatures. A creek snakes through the mostly untouched 32 acre landscape that is home to many species of birds, trees, plants, shrubs and grasses. Walk the winding paths that take you to every corner of the sanctuary and climb the hill to get the best view of the picturesque prairie sunsets.

Daily events in the sanctuary consist of mother ducks leading their ducklings, a show of jumping bullheads in the pond and hearing the chorus of different birds sing harmonizing parts of the same song.

The idea for this project all started when Margaret Penner –the head of the Horticultural Society of Winkler- and Margaret Klassen were looking to start a bird sanctuary together, originally looking at the creek behind Winkler Cemetery as a potential starting place. After submitting the idea to city council, they were shown an even better location that had everything they were looking for; a natural habitat they were surprised to find was in the city this whole time. The search was on for people who shared their passion for nature to help move the project along. Current and past members of the committee include Erna Giesbrecht, Art Wiebe, Robert Loeppky, Jamie Fox, Paul Goossen, Margaret Klassen, Marvin Dyck, Mary Wall, Terry Fehr, Peter Froese, Cliff Greenfield and Bob Giesbrecht. Approval from the City to move forward came in June of 2017. From there, progress slowly developed, and the vision for the sanctuary started to fall into place. The first order of business was getting paths made throughout the area. Some paths were simply mowed while others were finished with wood chips, an accessibility trail was also completed, giving access to the sanctuary for those with mobility issues. The following spring saw two bridges donated by local businesses to complete the walking paths, one by Schnell Industries and another by Essen Transport. Large financial donations from the City of Winkler and the Spenst Brothers store also made a significant push in adding to the development of the area. Access Credit Union donated the funds to build a dock that looks out over the pond. The project has proven to be

a collective community effort, one that many have seen the value of and have been willing to get behind. The community wide benefits of having the sanctuary have already been noticed, as many field trips have taken place and kids have been educated through observing the natural habitat. During a Water Festival in 2019, kids had the opportunity to explore, dip nets into the water, and visit stations set up around the sanctuary.

“The City is already benefiting tremendously from this” said Mayor Martin Harder. To further steward an educational environment, construction has started on an outdoor classroom, which will be complete with picnic tables.

A large pollinator garden is being worked on which will promote the growth of necessary pollinating species such as bees and butterflies, who are drawn to the numerous host plants which will be present such as milkweed and goldenrod.

“It’s a very peaceful and serene area” said Klassen, who serves as the treasurer of the DNS committee. “It’s a place to release stress, sit on the dock and look out over the water.” This type of setting can really change a person, if you allow it, as it serves as an invitation for you to check in with yourself. You might even call it an emotional checkup. “You can go there and it’s another world” said Harder. More and more people are discovering this undisturbed, urban oasis, and families have started to incorporate a visit into their weekly routine. life in the valley

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DISCOVERY NATURE SANCTUARY

Photo by Art Wiebe

Photo by Art Wiebe

Potential projects for the committee could include building a lookout tower overlooking the sanctuary and city, as well as an Interpretive Education Centre and an eye-catching highway sign. Fundraisers will be ongoing to fund projects such as the purchase of picnic tables, allowing you to attach a plaque with a name of your choosing. Tax deductible receipts from the city are also available to those who make a donation. The committee is incredibly grateful for all the community support they have received to help make this dream a reality The Discovery Nature Sanctuary is truly a unique setting, as you see an organic environment surrounded by city, while keeping itself as a separate entity, untouched by the busy environment. For the student who is willing to patiently observe, there are always lessons to be learned by stepping into nature, such as seeing what a healthy eco-system looks like with all its parts working together.

Here, there is a perfect picture of a balanced community. life in the valley

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The Station YFC Altona For twenty six years, The Station has been an anchor for the youth of Altona. It has served as a hangout, a safe place to build relationships with people who really care and want to invest in a generation younger than them. It was five years after its start in 1994 that The Station came under the umbrella of Youth for Christ, a well-known ministry.

“What a lot of these kids need is an adult figure they can trust” said Sheridan, who has been the Executive Director for five years. To gain this type of trust with teenagers, it must be earned. It is through meaningful conversation, rounds of pool, fun events, and free meals, that the windows into hearts and minds are opened. Before Covid 19, The Station was open three nights a week with an event usually planned for the weekend. This included a free meal provided on Thursdays. It is this consistency over the years that has had a proven impact. “I’ve been going ever since I was fourteen” said Marty, who has now been the Program Director for the last five years. As a teenager, it was the volunteers that made the difference for him, as

he described how certain role models took him under their wing. “I saw how they interacted with the younger teens” he said, “it gave me a desire to volunteer when I got older.” His goal was to show youth the good news of Jesus through genuine interaction, and to let his actions speak louder than his words. “It’s your actions, over what you say, that demonstrates the love of God” said Marty. The Station is a place that anyone of any type of background is welcome. “People you might never see in a church feel comfortable in this type of setting” said Sheridan as he points to a YFC tagline of “being seriously fun” as a source of inspiration for what they do.

Part of the fun is the opportunity to be creative while learning new and valuable skills in their new maker space. It’s a basement full of tools that were purchased through an awarded grant, with the goal of giving a sense of purpose through creating and building projects.

Youth get the opportunity to be trained on equipment such as a CNC router, laser engraver, 3D printer and more. “Some kids would normally be fine just playing

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video games when they come here” said Sheridan, “but are now at a place where they would rather create something.”

Another big part of what The Station does is found in the big events they host throughout the year.

Gaming is a popular activity with many teens, and has led to a large gaming event each year called a LAN party. Computers are brought together to form a local area network under one roof, and teens can connect in person, and over online gaming played with each other. They have cleverly named this event “LAN Before Time.” There is also the yearly Zorb ball soccer tournament which is put on to bring the whole community together.

Teams are constructed with the championship in mind, and often consist of local businesses facing. Those that survive the chaos that comes from crashing into each other while covered in a big plastic bubble win the ultimate prize and are crowned the Zorb soccer tournament champions for the year. While being a means of fundraising, it’s also a way to show the community what The Station is all about, give people a chance to meet the directors, and ask questions.

However, with our current situation, these events have sadly been put on hold, including the weekly Wednesday BBQ that has ran for years. “Overall we’ve taken a pretty big hit” said Sheridan, who said that numbers wise, they are at ten percent of the fundraising they would normally have completed at this point. With all of the normal fundraisers cancelled, leadership has had to get creative in how they are going to bring in the needed money. One idea that could be acted on this summer is selling freshly squeezed lemonade, made at The Station and delivered to homes and businesses. This would also give the youth a chance to be involved in something after being away from The Station for some time. Things are slowly beginning to turn around, and after months of limited social interaction, youth are now able to return to The Station, albeit in limited numbers. “There’s a pent up need for these kids” said Marty, “and we want them to know that even in these different times, we’re still there for anything they need.”

To keep up to date with The Station’s events and current operations, you can visit them online at yfcaltona.com

feature sponsored by

Fish & Forage

Prep: 30 minutes, Serves: 2 people INGREDIENTS

- 2 Cod or Pike Fillets - 2 tbsp butter - 1/2 yellow onion - diced - 2 cloves of garlic - minced

This is a very Canadian dish that is extremely seasonal.

It is local to our province as well if Pike is used.

- 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - Juice from 1 lemon - 1 tbsp olive oil (if using fresh morels)

- 1 tbsp canola oil (if using stove-top) - 1 cup water (if using dried morels) salt & pepper (for fish & sauce)

4 morel mushrooms (dried or fresh) Summer savory (fresh)

Microgreens (for garnish) Spruce tips (optional)

Peas (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS

heat to medium-low.

GARNISH

Spruce tips & morels can both be sourced by foraging. It is important to do a bit of research before gathering your own food. Not all species are edible and can be harmful. Fiddleheads would be another great addition to this dish.

They can also be found locally, however their season is very short.

Fish done on Pellet Grill .

It can be done in a pan over high heat and transferred to the oven.

Step 1 – Pre- heat oven to 325º if using oven. If using grill, pre-heat grill as per instructions.

Step 2 – Season fish with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Step 3 – Meanwhile, add butter to a sauce pan and place over mediumhigh heat.

Step 4 – Once the butter is melted, add the onions and cook until translucent.

Step 5 – Season with salt & pepper and toss in minced garlic cloves.

Step 6 – Add the cream and reduce

Step 7 – Add the juice from 1 lemon and continue to cook. The sauce will thicken as it cooks down. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You also want to make sure it doesn’t cook down too far. It should be thick, but still capable of running.

Step 8– Meanwhile (if using dried morels) bring a small pot of water to a slow boil and then remove from heat. Add the dried mushrooms and soak for roughly 20 minutes, strain.

They are then good to go.

Step 9 – If using freshly foraged morels (make sure you do your homework and know what you are looking for when foraging as some can be dangerous) saute in olive oil as you would any other mushroom and cook until lightly browned.

Step 10 – Set the morels aside. Turn the heat on your sauce down to low, as it should be thickened by this point.

Step 11 – If using stove top, heat canola oil over high heat.

Step 12 – Add the fish and sear

both sides to get that lovely brown “crust.”

Step 13 – Remove from heat and toss it into your pre-heated oven for roughly 15-20 minutes (or until fish is cooked through). This works great if you use an oven safe pan.

Step 14 – If you are using a pellet grill, turn it up to sear and do the same thing on both sides of the fish. Use a fish grilling basket if you have access to one. It isn’t essential, however it makes life way easier.

Sear both sides, turn the oven down to roughly 325º and cook fish for roughly 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 15 – Once fish is done, remove from heat and plate.

Step 16 – Pour cream based sauce over the fish and garnish with morels, peas, microgreens, summer savory and spruce tips (optional: I torch them first) You can find micro greens at our local vegetable stand (Covenant Growers). Opens in the summer.

If not comfortable searching for spruce tips, omit it from the recipe.

Derksen Finishing Co.

12 Hespeler Street S, Reinfeld • (204) 331-1742 • info@derksenfinishing.com

Taste of the Valley

Recipe created by Kevin Funk.

Instagram: @chefkevinfunk life in the valley

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AdventureMorden awaits in

Written by Peter Cantelon

Did you know that you can discover world famous 80-million-year-old fossils in Manitoba?

It’s true.

Situated in the picturesque Pembina Valley the CFDC offers visitors loads of different and engaging activities and experiences as part of regular admission including: - The Aquasaur Theatre where you can watch dino-related movies in style on the big screen with surround sound.

Morden, Manitoba in the heart of the Pembina Valley is home to the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) which houses a Guinness World Record holding Mosasaur – Bruce! The most fearsome toothed predator to ever swim our planet’s oceans, Mosasaurs are unlike anything that has ever existed.

- Experience amazing, augmented reality with the museum’s new Fossil Discovery Adventure AR mobile application. You get to discover and explore fossil dig sites in the museum and unearth prehistoric treasures.

Bruce is more than 13 metres or 43 feet long and is one of the incredible exhibits you can experience when you visit the CFDC. Alongside Bruce is Suzy, a 9 metre, or 30-foot Mosasaur.

Along with Bruce and Suzy visitors encounter sharks, giant sea turtle fossils, crocodile, squid, bird and dinosaurs like the 7 metre/22-foot-long Jurassic terror the Allosaurus (think half sized T-Rex). There’s also T-Rex and Hadrosaur displays and so much more.

- Take advantage of cutting-edge technology and enhance your visit with the new mobile audio guide which you can download right to your phone offering enhanced tours in English, French and Cree.

- The Aquasaur Photobooth features Motoko, a four metre (13 foot) long metal mosasaur that you can ride!

Almost everything the centre displays and has in its collection has been gathered in southern Manitoba and each year visitors have an opportunity to join the museum’s palaeontologist and staff on a genuine fossil dig. Besides the digs the CFDC offers guided VIP Museum tours that get you behind the scenes in the collection room and fossil lab where you can dig into the more than 1,000 drawers of fossils and get up close and personal.

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Of course, a visit to the CFDC is not complete without an exploration of the beauty and history of Morden.

With its more than century old stone homes, bed & breakfasts, and boutique shopping districts the city is a visitor’s paradise. Enjoy the quaint cafes, check out the antique stores, art gallery, and more.

In the evening head over to the Stardust Drive In, one of Manitoba’s last surviving outdoor movie experiences at the west end of Morden. While you might feel as if you stepped back in time you will be treated to a visual feast by the drive in’s newest digital projector and all the latest releases.

Head to the edge of Morden and visit the Colert Beach and campground. Bring your RV or just tent if that’s your style. Walk or bike around Lake Minnewasta and take some amazing wildlife photos while you’re at it.

The lake is home to beavers, muskrat, bald eagles, red tail hawks, fox and more.

This is just a small taste of the adventure and beauty that awaits you in historic Morden.

So what are you waiting for?

Bring your golf clubs and head to one of Manitoba’s finest golf courses –the Minnewasta Golf & Country Club. Morden’s course is situated in a verdant green valley on the west side of the city; the links here offer challenge and fun and the spectacular clubhouse and restaurant is not to be missed.

For more information about the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre or Morden tourism visit www.discoverfossils.com or www.mordentourism.com and start your adventure now!

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Strokes of Genius CHOOSING YOUR EXTERIOR WOOD FINISH

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THE JANZEN'S METHOD Exterior wood structures are a very valued part of our exterior decor, lifestyles, personal protection and personal havens, and yet there lies the mystery of what we can do to eliminate or at least limit the labour and expenses to maintaining these valued structures. Let us break down the mystery of staining and protecting your outdoor investments.

First of all, you need to determine the look you want and then research how you can achieve it; and how much maintenance is required to attain it. There are 4 types of stains to choose from: Translucent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid, and Solid colour. Translucent stains are primarily used for new structures but note that dark colours are not attainable in translucent colours.

Semi-Transparent stains are commonly used to allow wood grain to show through and yet allow for medium tones to come alive in your backyard. Semi-Solid stains can blend worn surfaces better, giving you more uniform coverage. Solid colour stains provide you with the option of choosing any colour you desire. Solid colour stains will appear as paint initially but close up will still give you the texture of wood.

PREPARATION AND CLEANING

Choose the stain type best suited for your project and follow the "Janzen's" recommended method of preparation and cleaning:

1 2 3

Scrub wood using a deck scrub brush on the wood surface with Benjamin Moore cleaner 317-00 for general cleaning or 316-00 for heavy cleaning.

Rinse surface after cleaning with clean water from garden hose.

If you are dealing with new wood projects it is imperative to remove the mill glaze prior to staining. Mill glaze is a wax like film on the surface of the wood which can be removed with Benjamin Moore wood cleaners and a scrub brush or with orbital sanding using 60-80 grit sanding discs.

APPLICATION

Application guidelines will vary from one type of stain to the next so please read and follow manufacturer’s instructions, however, here are a few "best staining practices" which may provide some structure.

1

Wood surface must be dry prior to staining to allow for proper penetration of stain.

2

Do not apply stain in direct sunlight. Early mornings and late evenings are great as long as there is no threat of dewfall or rain.

3

Many Alkyd stains require wet on wet application which simply means you must not allow the first coat to dry prior to applying the second coat.

Feel free to visit any of our (5) store locations and let our team of professionals help you with your next outdoor staining project.

Presented by life in the valley

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DRIVE Your Advertising It’s time to wrap it up.

Vehicle wraps are one of the best forms of outdoor mobile advertising. With the eye-catching designs, these wraps continue to be one of the most costeffective ways for your company to reach a large number of potential customers in a non-intrusive way.

They provide a way to turn a commute to or from a job site into a mobile billboard, advertising to hundreds, if not thousands, of other commuters. By taking advantage of vehicle wraps and graphics, companies are able to grow their brand awareness and drive sales.

One of the main draws to vehicle wraps and graphics is the incredibly low cost per impression. With an average cost per impression of less than $0.01, and with modern wrap films lasting on a vehicle up to 10 years, the return on investment for a vehicle wrap just can’t be beat by any other advertising medium. The best part is that it can’t be missed. People see vehicle advertisements. Whether you’re sitting at a red light, or

Before

filling up at the pumps, it’s very likely that you’ve seen and noticed a company’s vehicle graphics.

Another benefit of vehicle wraps is that they are a form of passive advertising. When the average consumer thinks about advertisements, they’re probably thinking about TV commercials or pop-up ads on websites.

These are intrusive advertisements. They get in the consumer’s way forcibly and invade their line of sight.

Passive advertising, on the other hand, is subtle. It keeps your brand in the back of the consumer’s mind.

It leads to long term results and returning clients rather than impulse purchases.

The best part is the exposure doesn’t stop. Vehicle graphics have no monthly fees, and they don’t stop at the end of the workday. By simply parking the vehicle outdoors, anyone driving by is further exposed to your brand. The graphics are eye catching; people want to see your vehicle wrap. Consumers can tune out ads on radio, scroll past ads on Instagram and Facebook, or press the “skip ad” button on YouTube. People like looking at vehicle graphics. They’re different, intriguing, and you know that it’s reaching people.

A third benefit to wrapping your vehicle is an extra layer of protection. No one likes rock chips or paint rust. It looks bad and lowers the value of your vehicle.

While the goal of the wrap isn’t to absorb the damage that would otherwise end up on the body of your vehicle, vinyl wraps are protected with an overlaminate

After life in the valley

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that will prevent nicks, scratches, and minor dents from damaging your paint job. The salt from winter roads is never a good thing to have on your paint. Vinyl graphics provide one additional layer to get between your paint and corrosion. The best part is that the vinyl can be easily removed or replaced when damaged, allowing you to sell your vehicle or return the lease without any long-term modifications, helping keep your resale value as high as possible. This is another reason why vinyl wraps can be a better option than repainting the vehicle.

vehicle by keeping it well protected. With virtually no downsides, vehicle graphics and wraps are a great option for advertising your business. From full fleets to single vehicle applications, vehicle graphics can be a wise investment in marketing your company. Contact one of our estimating professionals to discuss how we can help drive your brand with a well-designed eye popping vehicle wrap.

As listed above, there are many benefits to wrapping your vehicle or applying graphics for advertising.

Vehicle graphics are a very low-cost option for long term advertising. The exposure generated from vehicle wraps is hard to match, reaching thousands per day. It’s also an easy way to increase the resale value of your

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ow do we get the most out of our precious Manitoba summer? This year, that question is being asked more than ever. With travel to many destinations suspended, the next few months present an opportunity to shift our perspective on how to have a vacation. Instead of planning a trip this year, you could instead think about how to invest in your own back yard to create that sense of peace and relaxation you would get from your usual getaway. Outdoor living spaces have become more and more common, but the amount that they can be enjoyed has still relied on the co-operation of Mother Nature.

Advancements in technology have since come along to help the home-owner take more control over the elements, creating an enjoyable environment every day of the week.

Whether it’s an awning for your deck, or screens for wind control, privacy and keeping out the bugs, Advance Blinds and Drapery out of Plum Coulee offers this and more. For over forty years, the team at Advance have made a name for themselves in the area of window coverings,

while also being the place to go for creating outdoor sanctuaries and exterior upgrades.

In the past, bug screens were not created to stand up to the high winds that blow through our province. Screens would need to be taken down in the presence of wind that would easily rip them off their zippers. They were simply not good enough for Manitoba. Advance offers a new line from Progressive Screens, featuring a wind resistant magnet track. This revolutionary difference allows screens the flexibility to block the wind without being damaged, and have even been given a hurricane level rating. These screens are great for around the deck or hot tub and can be used in commercial spaces such as restaurant patios or other outdoor seating.

Never again worry about pesky mosquitoes ruining your evening and enjoy your afternoon knowing that the majority of UV rays are being blocked. This type of protection also keeps your outdoor furniture looking new and free from fading.

advanceblindsanddrapery.com life in the valley

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Their semi-permeable design gives you privacy while still allowing you to see through them. Screens are operated by the touch of a button and are offered in many colors, textures, and levels of permeability.

Awnings are another great addition to a patio or outdoor setting. Often pictured with campers and RVs, backyard awnings have come a long way in style and performance. Installed on the side of your house, these awnings are compact when closed and can match almost any type of siding, rendering them nearly unnoticeable. They could be just what you need to enjoy those hot summer days without having to retreat inside. Automated awnings come equipped with wind sensors, ensuring they retract in higher level winds to keep from being damaged.

Summer is also the time to talk energy efficiency for your home. Exterior

rollshutters can be installed to cover windows, protecting your home from the sun, while also offering an element of security. Automate them to open and close according to your schedule and minimize the unnecessary heat that comes in through your windows. You can also choose a more industrial grade shutter for homes or businesses to ensure safety and prevent break-ins.

With emphasis on staying at home this year, take it as an opportunity to transform your home into the ultimate getaway, available to you every day.

With so many options for upgrading the outside of your home, cottage or business, the first step starts with a call to the experienced installers at Advance Blinds and Drapery. They will be glad to help unlock the creative potential of your outdoor space with a free consultation where they can personally present all the possibilities available to you.

life in the valley

advance blinds&drapery 303 Main Avenue Plum Coulee

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Pharma Focus

Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to get exercise and fresh air. Here are some pointers on staying safe and dealing with common health issues.

Tick Trouble

Poison Ivy

Tick bites can present a temporarily annoying experience in the summertime. However, the additional possibility of catching Lyme disease is one more reason to take action against these bugs.

To avoid tick bites when hiking or camping in wooded areas: • If possible, stay away from tick-infested areas, especially in May, June, and July.

• Stay in the middle of hiking trails and try not to brush against grasses or leaves.

• Wear light-coloured clothes to make it easy to spot ticks “hitching a ride” on you.

• Wear closed shoes and long pants with the pant legs tucked into your socks or boots. As an extra ` precaution, put tape around the area where your pants and socks meet.

• Wear a hat and a long-sleeved shirt for extra protection.

• Spray your clothes and exposed skin with an insect repellent that contains 30% DEET

Your best defense is to avoid contact with poison ivy plants. Learn to recognize them by their slightly glossy green leaves growing in groups of three – but their shape can vary. If you’re in heavily wooded areas and it’s impossible to avoid them, wear long sleeves, long pants, and gloves. Remember, the oils can cling to your family pet’s fur, so be careful when handling your pet after spending time in wooded areas – a bath may be necessary.

Hay Fever You may have heard the term “hay fever,” but seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, are triggered by several different types of pollen, but not by hay. So if you’re an allergy sufferer, how can you enjoy the outdoors without experiencing unpleasant symptoms? Here are a few tips: • Keep windows closed so pollen can’t drift in. Do some spring cleaning, and do it regularly.

• If possible, stay inside when pollen counts are high.

• If you’ve been outside all day, remove all your clothing and put it aside to be laundered, and take a shower after coming home. This will prevent you from taking all that pollen to bed with you.

Presented by 360 Stephen Street, Morden MB 204.822.4444 life in the valley

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ROOFING • SIDING • FASCIA

LOOKING TO: SHINGLE, RESHINGLE, REPAIR, TIN ROOFING, SIDING, FASCIA, SOFFIT, EAVESTROUGHS, WINDOWS, DOORS. CALL TODAY! life in the valley

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Friesen Insurance Friesen Insurance can trace its roots back to the late 70’s, faithfully serving the community for over 40 years. The current ownership, though, is celebrating their 20 year milestone, this fall.

Of the three original partners in the current ownership group, Merlin Heppner is the longest standing. Having previously worked in restaurants, he started with the company in May of 1995. A few months later, Doug Penner, relocated from Winnipeg, bringing with him eight years of insurance experience, with a Winnipeg firm. With some turnover in 1997, Merlin suggested to Henry Friesen, the founder and owner of Friesen Insurance, to consider hiring a friend, Brad Friesen. Brad gave up his electrician aspirations, and joined Friesen’s in February 1997. All three worked for Henry in a small 700 sq ft office, besides Smitty’s restaurant, in the Southland Mall, where it had been since the mall opened. For the first ten years in the mall, Friesen Insurance shared half of the office with a realtor, until both expanded beyond what the current layout would hold, and the realtor moved on. This gave the staff at Friesen Insurance the room they needed to serve their customers more conveniently and effectively. After the trio had worked for Henry a few years, Henry shared the fact that he was contemplating retirement and was hoping his employees would take the reins.

“Would the three of you be interested in buying me out, and taking over?” he asked. That was a tough, but very exciting question for three young men, who had no previous business ownership experience. Knowing each other and the business well was one thing, but could an equal three-way partnership work? Some difficult questions were asked, some soul searching and praying done, and the answer came back, a resounding “Yes”.

There were obstacles to overcome, but the idea of working together, determining their own fate, and working to a common goal, was too exciting a prospect to pass on. The three young men put their trust in God and in each other, and took a leap of faith.

Coming up with financing proved to be a formidable task, as buying a book of business does not fit the traditional mold of business financing for traditional financial institutions.

Yes, the business was established, but there was no tangible collateral for banks to consider as leverage. After much discussion and frustration, Henry decided to put his money, and faith, in his three charges and finance them, to get the ball rolling. “This is where Henry had a lot of faith in us” says Brad, “He was willing to finance us the whole amount, and take on the risk, if it wouldn’t work out”. That was the break the boys needed, and they became owners of Friesen Insurance Brokers. This is when the hard work started. The partners had two full time employees to start, two younger guys that had started under Henry’s watch, and were great workers. Not long after the takeover, though, both young men had individual opportunities come their way, and both moved on, within a day of each other. Now having to do the work of five people, the three partners had to manage the counter, all the renewals and endorsements, administration, hiring and advertising, all on their own. This meant that during the week, their work day started at 8:30 in the morning, when the office opened, until 9:30 at night, when the mall closed for the day; as well as eight-hour days on Saturday.

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Vacation days were unheard of, and other commitments were cancelled, as life revolved around keeping the business afloat, managing every aspect of the business. “I think this really helped bond and solidify the partnership and friendship” said Merlin. “These were the times we really had to pull together and lean on each other’s strengths”. Within a short period of time, two new employees came on board and fit in amazingly well.

“These two young women were a great addition to the office” adds Doug. Both employees worked long term for Friesen Insurance, until family called them away for more important work. “These two talented individuals really set the bar for what employees in a small firm should be, and they really helped shape the culture at Friesen’s”. While many businesses look for experience when hiring, that isn’t the case here. The owners of Friesen Insurance look to hire a certain personality trait, and place high value on character. “We believe we can train almost anyone to do the job, but what we’re looking for is someone who is honest, sincere, enjoys people, and humble enough to start at the bottom, and work their way up, like we had to do.” They firmly believe that this has been a cornerstone to their success, and has given them the reputation of honesty and integrity in the industry.

“Our biggest initial priority when starting out, was gaining trust…trust in us, and trust in what we are selling. We sell you a piece of paper, which is only that, until something happens.” The partners worked hard at increasing their knowledge on property and casualty insurance policies, carefully reviewing each file and understanding their client’s needs. This also meant getting to know their clientele, getting involved in the community through various organizations and committing funds to worthwhile community-minded events. “We wanted life in the valley

to go above and beyond the norm of what people expected.” “Instead of a flat-out “no”, what could we do to make something work”, became a theme. No detail would be too small, as they found out that when they could be expected to look after something small, they could be trusted with something larger.

To further their commitment to the customer, the team was adamant about being open late on weekdays, and Saturday, throughout the day. This would ensure that all customers would have a convenient time to conduct their business, and have someone to meet with personally. While the push for many companies is to model a heavy online presence, Friesen Insurance has strived to be as accessible in person as possible, while still maintaining an online profile. “We will always do our best to be available to our clients, as we believe this is a people-first business.” They believe that with something as important as insurance, it’s critical to have a real relationship with the client. It helps to have staff who can speak both Low and High German, languages that are still prevalent in the Winkler area. The extra work has been worth it, as the team continues to prove themselves through offering the highest level of customer service, and has steadily grown over the last 20 years. Part of the service is simply caring about their clients and being willing to listen when the situation calls for it.

Merlin remembers living through a total loss, when his parent’s house burned down, and how messy things can get. “People need an advocate” he said, as he described how adjusters and clients can see things differently, especially with the added element of emotional attachment; which often complicates matters. These experiences only further strengthen their belief that there is a great need for personal 50

human interaction and real relationships when it comes to buying something like insurance.

Friesen Insurance’s first transition came in 2006, when they moved from their initial office space to directly across the hallway in the mall, into a space almost three times the space. While the move took a little getting used to for some customers, it was a simple fix.

“When people would call from their cellphones from in front of our old space, asking where we were, we’d just tell them to turn around”.

After getting their start with only two employees, Friesen Insurance now employs twelve staff, in addition to the three hands-on partners. This has caused them to look for room to expand. They believe that a big part of keeping happy, long-term employees is to create the right culture; one where people are empowered and can regulate themselves. “It is very much a family atmosphere in the office” explains Brad, who says that often they’ve hired younger workers and have been able

to watch them grow up and, in some cases, start families of their own. As much as they value hard work, they also believe in celebrating well. Whether it’s a staff BBQ in summer, an evening watching playoff hockey, or a staff Christmas party weekend, they all enjoy spending time together, both in and outside of the office. “Our staff loves our Christmas banquet weekend… everyone makes sure everyone else can make it” says Doug.

Now, after 20 years, the once young team of inexperienced business owners get to celebrate the success of Friesen Insurance. “God has a way of putting things together, the way they are supposed to be” adds Merlin, who confirms they have been very fortunate and blessed over the years.

Doug, Brad and Merlin extend a heartfelt and sincere “Thank You” to their staff and the community for their support, trust and loyalty, all these years. It is because of that support that Friesen Insurance is what it is, today.

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CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO FRIESEN INSURANCE FROM

Brad, Merlin, Doug and the whole team at Friesen Insurance on twenty great years!

Congratulations Brad, Doug, Merlin and all the staff of Friesen Insurance Brokers for 20 years of service to your community.

SGI CANADA is proud to call you a partner.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

sgicanada.ca

3834 - SGI CANADA Congratulatory Ads for Brokers.indd 1

Congratulations

Brad, Merlin, Doug and the entire team at Friesen Insurance on twenty years!

2020-07-02 1:50 PM

Brad, Merlin, Doug and the entire team at Friesen Insurance Brokers on twenty years!

Congratulations ON TWENTY YEARS!

CONGRATULATIONS Friesen Insurance Brokers on twenty years!

CONGRATULATIONS

FRIESEN INSURANCE BROKERS

congratulations

Brad, Merlin, Doug and the entire team at Friesen Insurance Brokers on twenty years!

life in the valley

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SUMMER STARTS HERE!

526 Centennial Street, Winkler

@centenialsupply / @napawinkler life in the valley

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written by Peter Cantelon

New CMHC Rules Coming July 1 – Don’t Panic In my life I have bought four homes, built one and am now in the midst of a major reno/addition. I can tell you that throughout all this, the complexities and onslaught of acronyms never fails to be daunting and discouraging.

Even now that I work at Hive Development Group & Francis Family Homes there are many times I need to take a deep breath and remind myself that even the professionals need to research.

With CMHC, GDS, TDS, credit ratings, seventy different types of mortgages to choose from and more, it all makes you want to throw up your hands and simply leave it to the experts.

If you have ever bought a home or are considering purchasing one, then you likely have read about or dealt with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The biggest business and core focus of the CMHC, is mortgage insurance. They insure mortgages where the down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase cost.

So, What are the Changes?

Prior to July 1st, in order to qualify for a mortgage when you have less than a 20 percent down payment, CMHC requires you to have a credit rating of 600 and gross debt servicing ratio (GDS) and total debt servicing ratio (TDS) of 39 percent and 44 percent respectively (I’ll define these acronyms in a minute - keep reading!). Also, you can borrow money towards your down payment (with certain restrictions).

The new rules that came into place July 1 raise the minimum credit score to 680 (moving from Fair to Good) and will decrease the GDS and TDS ratios to 35 and 42 percent and, borrowing money toward your down-payment will disqualify you from getting a CMHC mortgage.

What is a credit rating? A credit rating is determined based on your history of debt repayment. In Canada credit ratings range from 300 to 900. As a rule of thumb, a rating of 300-599 suggests you need to work on your repayments, perhaps consolidate multiple debts to a single, more manageable loan with a lower interest rate. A rating of between 600-649 is considered Fair; 650-719 is Good; 720-799 is Very Good and 800-900 is Excellent. A higher credit rating gives lending institutions greater faith in your ability to repay and can qualify you for more favourable interest rates.

CMHC NEW RULES What about the GDS/TDS ratios? How does this change affect me?

Let’s start with some definitions: Gross Debt Service (GDS): The percentage of the borrower’s income that is needed to pay all required monthly housing costs (mortgage payments, property taxes, heat and 50% of condo fees).

Total Debt Service (TDS): The percentage of the borrower’s income that is needed to cover housing costs (GDS) plus any other monthly obligations that an individual has, such as credit card payments and car payments.

For example – if you have a household income of $75,000 or $6,250 per month and all of your monthly housing costs add up to $2,000 that means you have a GDS of 32 percent. Three percent less than the required maximum according to CMHC. But what if you have a lot of other debts or a few large ones like a car payment, a boat payment etc. that add another $2,000 to your overall debt making it $4,000 per month in payments? Well that makes your TDS 64 percent which is too high to qualify for a CMHC mortgage according to the rules, which set the maximum TDS at 42 percent.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

The Down-Payment: Under the current CMHC rules (in place until July 1) you were allowed to borrow a portion of your down-payment as a smaller, secondary loan to your mortgage.

This will no longer be allowed. You will still be able to source your down-payment from savings, investments and gifts from family.

How does this impact me in the real world?

“According to the Ratehub.ca mortgage calculator, using the current…GDS limit of 39, a family with an annual income of $100,000 and a 10% down payment would have qualified for a home valued at $524,980. Under the new GDS limit of 35, the same household can now only afford a home of $462,860. This is a decrease in buying power of almost 12%, all due to the change in the GDS limit.”

Why are they doing this?

Simply put CMHC is concerned that people are over-mortgaged in Canada and the market is not insulated from a change such as defaults on mortgages due to Covid-19 job loss and sudden increased interest rates. These new rules are designed to cool the housing market by making it more difficult for riskier home-buying to occur.

Final Note None of this means you cannot buy a house if you do not have 20 percent as a down-payment. It simply means you will qualify for a smaller mortgage than before and you may need to manage your debt a little better.

For more information on purchasing or building your next home visit www.hivedg.ca or www.francisfamilyhomes.com.

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5 Reasons to use promotional products in marketing 1. IT BOOSTS BRAND VISIBILITY

Promotional items give your brand continual daily exposure, not only to the recipient of the product but also the people around them. Some of the popularly used items include apparel, drinkware, smart devices

and writing materials such as books and pens. A customer can recognize your brand instantly upon seeing your logo on an item that people use more often.

2. COST-EFFECTIVE MARKETING STRATEGY Many forms of advertisement are effective but may be costly to small businesses striving to expand in their region. Promotional items can help market your brand for several months since they carry around your logo

everywhere. This means that more people will become aware of your product without spending money on costly advertisements.

3. IT GIVES YOU A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Promotional items are unique because they help your brand stand out from your competitors who may be using other different strategies. Many people like promotional items because they feel like you gave

4. LONG-TERM BRAND EXPOSURE Promotional items create a positive brand image that shapes your customers’ opinions over the years. Your brand exposure goes beyond your target audience as the promotional items are extremely mobile and can reach audiences that you have never marketed.

Promotional items are valuable to both new and existing customers because they increase your brand

them a gift for being loyal customers. Because of this reason, you stand a better chance to outshine your competitors because of the strong bond you have with your customers.

recognition and generate customer loyalty. Since the common goal of a business is to create a strong reputation, promotional items allow your brand to stand out from your competitors as people keep them for a long time. They can also be passed on from one person to another thus reinforcing brand exposure.

5. CREATES A HEALTHY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP If you take time to develop strong bonds with your target customers, they are bound to refer your brand to their friends and family who eventually become your loyal customers. Not only will you position your brand

as an authority but you also establish credibility in your niche. Using promotional items is one of the surest ways to gather user-generated content and boost engagement.

310A Cargill Road, Winkler MB • prairieskypromotions.com Office 204.325.0283 • Toll Free 1.888.822.5829 life in the valley

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Henry Siemens publisher You never know the true strength of a chain until you test the limits of every link.

The past few months have certainly tested. every. link. of our Pembina Valley chain.

Person after Person and Charity after Charity and Organization after Organization saw a new need and found a new way to serve. The caring link did not break.

Schools everywhere closed. Parents stayed home from work to teach. Educators went to school to create and send out assignments. Students learned new things in new ways and new places. The education link did not break.

Our faith community had to pause meeting together but it remains strong and engaged.

They found safe ways to connect. They moved to digital at lightning speed. The faith link did not break.

People went to work when they didn’t know if it was safe. Some couldn’t go to work for a time when they were told to stay home to stay safe. Still others had to find new jobs when the one they had disappeared. The

LAST WORD work link did not break.

Woven throughout all this craziness and uncertainty is hope. A belief and a conviction that tomorrow will be better. The hope link did not break.

Our small businesses adapted, they changed what they did overnight, they created new partnerships. Many were forced to close for weeks at a time. Sadly, some were not able to recover and more will yet fail. It is a reality of this new world we live in. The committed optimism of the small business person never wavers and never fades. If something doesn’t work they simply try something else. It bent and creaked and strained and stretched and twisted but the small business link did not break.

In our October issue we plan to Celebrate Business and WOW do we have amazing tales to tell. We will feature a business that has been growing for 60 years . . . and too many more to list here. It will be our biggest issue yet.

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RESULTS THAT WILL MOVE YOU

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