NEEPAWA BANNER JANUARY 6, 2017 15
Consistent quality top concern Guides and Auxiliary partner Continued from page 6 “We would be interested in establishing a relationship with local producers,” says Wiebe. “The most important factor in that is ensuring a consistent quality and quantity of the raw product to allow us to fulfill our obligations.” Aside from expanding their product line, other innovations that they have started to implement as part of their business growth is a migration from the traditional packaging which might lay on a cupboard shelf to a standing, re-sealable pouch which offers more convenience and a greater shelf life for the customers who have the products at hand in their own kitchens. For now, they continue
to spread the word about Avion Harvest organically – placing cold calls to retailers, setting up shop in grocery stores to demonstrate and sample their wares and drawing attention to their website for more details and healthy recipes that food-conscious consumers can create with their natural ingredients. “What we are seeing more and more is that people are becoming more aware of what it is that they are eating,” says Pohl. “People want to reduce the amount of processed and refined foods in their diet and consume healthy, natural alternatives.” The trend has started to gain momentum in western Manitoba, with a number of bistros includ-
ing Boissevain’s Sawmill, Souris’ Woodfire Deli, and Minnedosa’s Corner Stone Grill adopting a mantra of “real food, the way it was intended” as part of their staple menus. In addition, culinary tourism is also gaining popularity and this year a guide entitled “From Scratch” was produced jointly with a number of regional tourism associations in Manitoba to highlight dining experiences that offer this type of non-processed fare for their patrons. For more information on Avion Harvest and where you can get your hands on their product line, you can visit their website at www. avionharvest.com or find them on Facebook.
Rivers policeman makes a miracle By Sheila Runions Banner Staff A Minnedosa woman was the subject of a small town miracle on Christmas Day. Nancy McLennan returned from a west coast vacation and was met with a typical Manitoba storm, which closed roads and altered many travelling plans among families throughout Westman. When she deboarded the train in Rivers, she was dismayed to discover her vehicle would not start. Her car’s battery had run out of juice after too many days of being parked at the station during the successive cold snap. Rivers Police Service received an anonymous call so the man on duty did what he could to help. Const. Max Tschuschba has volunteered in Rivers as an auxiliary member for two years but last June, he graduated and has been officially employed for six months. The junior officer was working Dec. 25 when the call was made. It was approximately 10:30 p.m. and after he successfully boosted her car, Max went beyond the average call of duty. McLennan was “not expecting a blizzard. The TransCanada was already closed and north-south roads were covered with drifts. I was nervous about driving; I don’t think I played the little old lady card…” As she watched and waited for her vehicle to start, her fears about the 55-kilometre northeast drive home became heightened. Sensing that anxiety, Max said he would drive her home. “He just made the call. He said, ‘I’ll drive you home,’ and I was blown away. He’s a super guy, drove me right to my door. It was a nice drive, a perfect Christmas
night,” she says adding that they only met two vehicles. “We talked all the way, about Montreal Jazz Festival and how great that is, and about sailing; we both enjoy that as a hobby. He really kept me distracted [from the conditions]. I was really grateful.” Max is currently enjoying a holiday and will not be back to work until Jan. 9. Comments from him are unavailable but police chief Bruce Klassen commends him. “It was the right thing to do. This is one of those situations where the officer felt it was worthy of going above and beyond, and he did. I was proud of his actions.” This story gained attention on Twitter from Green Party leader Elizabeth May, who was on the same train and expressed worry about Nancy getting off the train, at night, in a blizzard. “She emailed me afterward and made sure I was okay,” says Nancy who adds that Elizabeth then Tweeted her praise for the Rivers police force. She also has a message for Max, “Thank you for putting humanity first and helping me and making the logical decision. It’s a Christmas I will remember for years to come.” Bruce says driving someone that far isn’t something officers here would normally do, but he agrees Max made the right choice and he believes any member working that night would have done the same. “I can say this with 100 per cent degree of confidence there isn’t one of the officers under my direction right now that would not have done that. It’s a good lesson for a young officer on how something so immaterial can be something significant.” While this simple gesture was an act of small-town kindness, Nancy can claim it as her Christmas miracle.
UCW meet prior to holiday break Submitted Plumas UCW The Plumas United Church Women met on the Nov 15, for the last meeting prior to our winter break. Six members were present reporting nine visits made to those sick or shut in. For upcoming business of the night, convenors for the Rempel funeral will be Allison and Norma; the Christmas tea will be handled by Wendy and Joyce.
Prior to the meeting, no one had stepped up to take Gwen's place with Laurel as a group leader. Two members will fill the position on an alternating basis. Thanks girls! The group planned to travel to Neepawa for their Christmas supper and annual visit with the Plumas ladies who either reside in Neepawa or reside at Country Meadows. We will be taking goodies to share with a cup of tea. Annual meeting: the executive will remain the same as in the past year.
The annual reports were given out for people to read at their leisure. The next meeting will be on Feb. 16
TAYLOR LAW OFFICE 269 Hamilton Street Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0
Charles D. Taylor B.A., LLB. Michael J. Davids, B.A., LLB. PH:
476-2336
SUBMITTED PHOTO
On Dec. 21, Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders from Neepawa partnered with the Neepawa Health Auxiliary to assemble and distribute place cards at Country Meadows for their Christmas suppers. The Auxiliary members printed and cut the cards, while members of the Neepawa Guiding Unit assembled them. The two groups joined together to put the cards (inset) at each place setting.
MINNEDOSA LIONS CLUB presents
At The Hop
MANITOBA’S #1 50’s & 60’s PARTY BAND Hear all your Favorite 50’s and 60’s songs from Buddy Holly, Bobby Darrin, Connie Francis, Johnny Cash, The Crystals, The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker and of course.....ELVIS!!! Featuring the singing talents of Adam T. Elvis and Marsha Lynn backed by
THE GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT BAND
Where: MINNEDOSA COMMUNITY CONFERENCE CENTER When: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017 Time: 7:00 PM Tickets: $25.00 FOR TICKETS: call 204-210-2111 or stop in at Minnedosa Community Conference Center