Wear RED & WHITE to the Dean Brody concertSaturday Night, June 9 at the Niverville Olde TymeCountry Fair for an opportunity to WIN! First prize isOne All-Inclusive Night for 4 at Canad Inns WindsorPark sponsored by Cowboys Roadhouse & Canad Inns.Second prize is two Winnipeg Jets tickets sponsored byPMC Insurance. Third prize is $250 cash sponsored byExcel Graphics.

By Marianne Curtis

The day after an RM of Ste. Anne bylaw officer served acease and desist order against a gravel company operatingnext to Wild Oaks Campground, campers were again greetedto the sounds of rocks tumbling on conveyers first thing inthe morning. For over a decade, Wild Oaks Campground owners Ray andGisele Turenne have asked the owners of Vermette Gravel tobe a good neighbor and respect that campers want somepeace. Instead, they have been subjected to the sounds of afully operational gravel operation on both sides of theotherwise peaceful campground. “They were served yesterday morning but we have beentold by our councilor that he has seven days to object; he’sgoing to try and get an injunction to stop the order eventhough he is operating illegally,” Turenne stated. “When weopened the campground which is located between two slotsof crown land, we visualized a nice peaceful and quietenvironment for our tenants. This peace and quiet came to anabrupt end when a gravel company was able to obtain a Minesand Mineral Permit and started excavating.” The issue dates back to 1999 when Vermette Backhoe Service

Campground Owners SeekPeace and Quiet for Guests

obtained a crown land permit to use the site to stock pilegravel, sand and stones on five acres of crown land to thenorth of Wild Oaks Campground. A crown land permit obtainedfrom the province dating from 2010 gives permission to usethe site to stockpile gravel, sand and stones on five acres ofcrown land to the north of Wild Oaks Campground. Accordingto the Crown Land Act, the permit is limited to stock piling ofmaterial only. Minerals excavated from crown lands cannotleave the property unless by contract with the municipality orthe province. However contrary to the permit, Turenne said trucks areloading and machines are operating as early as 7:00 am dailysix days a week except on Sundays. “I have been telling my customers that when the gravel runsout, he will move on but the gravel ran out four years ago,”Ray continued. “Now the owners are bringing in material fromother locations, along with a wash plant and crusher. Thesemachines are only about 100 feet from our seasonal campersand we are losing business.” On the north side, Turenne feels like he’s beating his headagainst the wall so he has filed a lawsuit against the Departmentof Mines and Minerals and Vermette Backhoe. In a letter

Wild Oaks Campground owners, Ray and Gisele Turenne, aretired of losing customers due to gravel operations on eitherside of their campground.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

Campers and gravel crushers are visibly within the 100 metre buffer zone requiredby the province to prevent the gravel company’s becoming a nuisance tocampers.

Continued on page 3

Wear Red & Whiteon Saturday Night!

The RM of Reynolds has lost its fight to keep theReynolds Ambulance in operation. According to council, Northeast Health Association isno longer training new ambulance personnel nor will theyhire anyone who has not taken paramedic training. As aresult, the RM of Reynolds Ambulance Service, whichoperates out of Prawda, will no longer operate. Theambulance service not only responded to emergenciesthroughout the municipalityserving the surrounding communities Spruce Siding,Medika, Hadashville, Prawda, McMunn, and EastBraintree but was a life line for people traveling along the#1 Highway. The last two paramedic level staff at the facility endedtheir service to the community at the end of March. Theparamedic positions will not be renewed and this resultis in stark contrast to the expansion costs to theemergency medical services station in Powerview-PineFalls which was just under $850,000. The North East Health Association that had 8 ambulanceservices in the region has promised the RM of Reynoldsservice to residents in the municipality will not suffer asresponse time is well within the provincial standard of 30minutes or less. The Province has also committed topermanent Lifeflight helicopter service to quicklytransport patients in serious health situations. Theclosest access to EMS service would be fromWhitemouth or Ste. Anne or a privately owned businessin Falcon Lake called, Falcon Lake Ambulance & FireEmergency. “For less serious emergencies you might want to givethought to your own “load and go” plan and arrange tomeet an ambulance enroute,” noted council.

Reynolds Loses NineYear Battle Over

Ambulance Service

Continued on page 3

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!2

Eddy Dueck, a professional driver with Big Freight Systems in Steinbach,was among several professional drivers recently recognized by theManitoba Trucking Association with an award of excellence. On May 10, Dueck was among a group of seven drivers recognized fortheir contributions to the industry at a special event. Dueck was presentedwith the MTA-Custom Truck Sales Inc. - Kenworth Truck CompanyIndustry Excellence Award for being a long-time industry member with anexcellent driving record. MTA President Norm Blagden said the award looks at the commitmentsdrivers make to the industry. “The driver is the face of our industry. They are the people who dealface-to-face with customers, who maneuver their way through traffic on adaily basis, who sacrifice time at home with their families and friends toensure that the freight in this country moves,” stated Blagden. “The driversplay a huge role in keeping the economy moving, and we sometimes forgethow big their role is in what we do. This is one way that we can thank themfor their contributions.” Recipients of the MTA-Custom Truck Sales Inc. - Kenworth TruckCompany Industry Excellence Award receive a jacket, plaque and cheque.The award is handed out annually and is open to all companies.

Big Freight Driver Recognized

Gary Coleman and Earl Coleman, owners of Big Freight Systems Inc, congratulate one oftheir drivers, Eddy Dueck (centre), for receiving an MTA-Custom Truck Sales Inc. -Kenworth Truck Company Industry Excellence Award.

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 3June 2012

obtained from Crown council SeanBoyd, his client (Vermette Gravel) isrefusing to vacate the site because,“It is prohibitively expensive tochange the location of the graveloperations as such relocation wouldinvolve installing a road atconsiderable cost”. Turenne is confident it would notcost the company too much to buildan access further north especiallysince the material is already at theirdisposal. On the south side of thecampground, the issue is in the RMof Ste. Anne’s hands. Turenne says he has attempted toreason with his neighbor and haseven gone to the RM of Ste. Annecouncil to request they step in and

Continued from page 1

impose hours of operation for thecompany for the past six years. In2006, the municipality issued aconditional use permit (08-2006) toallow for crushing and screening ofgravel on property owned byLawrence Anderson. This permitspecifies, “no material is to leave SE-20-8-8E”, crushing is limited fromNovember to April, and a buffer zonebe maintained. All conditions havebeen broken numerous times,accuses Turenne. “I went to the municipality lookingfor help from council to remove hisoperation from this location or atleast change his hours ofoperation,” Turenne continued. “Idon’t understand how I can do

something onmy propertyand if I am inviolation, I am shut down by the bylaw officer withoutany delay but when I ask the municipality to act onan obvious violation of a conditional use theyapproved, I am told I have to jump through hoopsand go to council first.” RM of Ste. Anne Reeve Art Bergman said the bylawofficer does not need the approval of council to acton a bylaw violation. “I am not aware if they’ve been served,” statedBergman. “However, I do see this matter coming to

Campground Noisecontinued...

The RM of Ste. Anne admits to turning a blind eye to the gravel operations to the south of Wild Oaks after being told the site was depleteduntil it was recently discovered that a new area was being excavated without council approval.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

the table at the first meeting of the month where a resolution telling themto cease operations could be read.” Bergman explained that Anderson, on behalf of Vermette Backhoe, hascome to council several times in the past few years to amend conditionaluse permit 08-2006 but council has denied it each time. The last applicationcame across councils table a year ago, he noted. “We were of the understanding that the pit would be depleted so it (thepermit) was turned down; there was no need for it, if they were movingout,” Bergman explained. “Then last year we found out Vermette wasmoving gravel from the Anderson pit to another location and we closedour eyes to it. It was not causing problems and it was our understandingthat he would be finished with the pit in the fall. It was a mute point untilhe found a corner of the pit that was not used up.” Bergman admits that “council dragged their feet” on this matter over thepast few years but the time for leniency has passed. The fact that BernieVermette, owner of Vermette Backhoe, is also the Mayor of the Town ofSte. Anne, a neighboring municipal government, seems to be devoid inany conversation except for denials of any special treatment because ofhis position. “Council can serve Vermette and Anderson with cease and desist ordersand give them a certain time to vacate the premises and if they don’t, themunicipality could seek legal action,” Bergman stated. The Reynolds Ambulance Service was established

shortly after the health authorities were formed. Priorto amalgamation, the area was served through theSte. Anne Health District and service was providedthrough the Ste. Anne Ambulance Service. The Manitoba government had identified changesto EMS including access to pre-hospital care,maintaining qualified crews and well-equippedambulances, locating emergency medical servicestations in the right places to make sure they canrespond to calls quickly and efficiently and ensuringefficient use of resources. Government decisions were made to establish EMSwas to provide safe and effective medical services, abase level standard of pre-hospital care, ambulanceresponse and transport will be as timely as possibleand EMS services are a part of an accessible healthsystem.

Ambulancecontinued...

Continued from page 1

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!4

The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaperdistributed free of charge to

50 Southeastern Manitoba communities.Published by: One One Consultants Inc.

Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768

Dan Guetre, Managing EditorOne One Consultants Inc., Publisher

News Writers: Marianne Curtis, and Dan GuetreColumnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann,

Peter Martens, Herman Unrau, Raylene Snow,Lorena Mitchell, Eileen Lewis, Travis OlifirowichProduction/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck,

Monica Guetre and Wilma PriebeAdvertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre

For Advertising Call:Phone: (204) 422-8548

Fax: (204) 422-9768Email: sales@dawsontrail.ca

Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.

Subscriptions: $29.95 annually plus GST for Canadian Subscriptions.$52.95 annually for International Subscriptions

Canada Post AgreementNumber 42079020

Dear Editor: A 12-apartment fire in Ste. Anne in March prompted us toorganize a Bud, Spud, and Steak Fundraiser on May 11 at theSeine River Banquet Hall in Ste. Anne. Our committee would like to thank everyone who attendedand helped in any way at this event. A profit of approximately$2,600 was deposited in the fire victims’ account set up atCaisse Groupe Financier of Ste. Anne by CDC. Thanks to Norm Desrochers of Seine River Banquet Hallwho offered his services, supplied the venue and the BiivverBand for the evening and who along with Ken Nolin and RenéPrairie prepared the food and ensured everything ran smoothly. A total of 128 suppers were served. Thanks to MP RonLemieux and Mayor Bernie Vermette and the numerousvolunteers who gave their time during the evening to help makethis fundraiser a success. Mayor Vermette thanked the localand surrounding area firemen, ambulance attendants, local policeand everyone in the community who were involved in helpingthese victims both during and after the fire. He stated that hewas proud of his community and that the most importantthing was that everyone survived this ordeal. A special thank you to the 40 people from the NorwoodLegion and the Belgian Club of St. Boniface, for coming out ona school bus supplied by First Student to support this event.Thank you also to the generous donors of cash and prizes. The television package was won by the Chartier family(thankful fire victims) and the second prize of lawn furniture,chimenea and accessories was won by Donna Fontaine of Ste.Geneviève. Both prizes were valued at $750. Many thanks toall of you who participated in this worthwhile event. The firevictims thank you also. We could not have done it withouteach one of you.Deanna MarriottSte. Anne, MB

Dear Editor: MP Vic Toews is acting recklessly, putting hiscommunity members’ health at risk. He issupporting legislation that will reduce food safetyoversight and make major cuts to the CanadianFood Inspection Agency (CFIA). Canadians remember the devastating impact onmany families from deaths caused by the Listeriosisoutbreaks. We know that more needs to be doneto protect consumers, but in a callous andmisguided move the Conservatives are making theproblem worse. They have decided to cut foodinspectors and eliminate programs designed toproactively identify unsafe meat and other foodproducts. Bowing to industry pressure, Conservatives arealso eliminating enforcement of product labelingin spite of widespread violations. Consumers willnow be responsible for determining whethercompanies’ claims about nutritional information,such as levels of cholesterol, sodium and sugar,are true. For those with serious health conditionslike peanut allergies or diabetes, false claims couldprove deadly. Waiting for Canadians to get sick is not a foodsafety strategy. Liberals are opposing these cuts becauseCanadians deserve to know that food they buy atthe grocery store is safe and those manufacturers’health claims are true. I encourage Mr. Toews toreverse his reckless position and put Canadians’health first.Frank Valeriote, MPLiberal Party Critic for Agriculture

As far as budgets go, Bill C-38 was not overly economically difficult to accommodate. What was and is anastonishing surprise is the attachments to the bill have far-reaching consequences and lasting impact on ourlives, even long after future budgets come and go. Furthermore, this budget will see only one Parliament sub committee, the finance one. So many riders attachedto Bill C-38 are of an environmental nature that and this very important subject will be debated vis-à-vis itseconomic impact only. I can’t remember when a budget bill was used as a vehicleto carry so many other measures with such potential for change in so manydifferent fields. Some inclusions in the budget bill are changes to the Immigration Act,eliminating the key watchdog to our spy agency, knocking out the PublicAppointments commission, one of the Prime Minister’s creations and which hascost us $4 million dollars and has not made a single appointment, changes to theFisheries Act, and many more non-economic items. The Kyoto protocol isrepealed, the Nuclear Safety Control Act is amended, in all approximately 60different acts are getting a do over or disappearing altogether. It could be reasonably argued that some of these items could use change orcomplete overhaul but by including them in the finance budget where theGovernment will demand and get Party discipline on all 60 acts, protocols, etc.will be changed, modified or lost and only strictly measured on their economicpotential. This smacks of bullying members of Parliament in a manner never seen before.The committee system where our MPs have a voice and can ask the Governmentfor an accounting on all subjects is being bypassed or destroyed. An end run iscute in football but in Parliament, integrity is the name of the game. Health, environment and scientific committeesshould and normally would air out some of the many unanswered questions that will now be gagged by thisprocedure. This is insulting and terribly disrespectful to all MPs and Canadians. Fully one third of Bill C-38 is devoted to paving the way for big oil, mining and pipeline projects by diminishingenvironmental oversight. It gives cabinet final say on these projects. Environmental oversight is relegated to anadvisory role only. I can see future litigation on this aspect of the Bill that will drag on and on. What was meant as a short cutmight end up with lengthy litigation mixing fact with hype and obfuscation, which will leave a sour taste for all.It used to be that majority governments announced proposed changes with white papers or such, followed byparliamentary committee oversight with eventual third reading, then on to the Senate for promulgation into law. But this action by the government with a new majority is weird behavior. Makes one wonder about the latestvoting shenanigans of late, was the majority that tainted? They are behaving somewhat like a gang with siegementality of the insecure, or perhaps it’s the baffling arrogance of somebody who has dictatorship tendencies. We all know that our economy is very important but our health and environment is as or more important.Parliament as an institution could be tweaked towards more democracy, definitely not less.

Are you involved with an organization, club or school that has beeninspired by seniors who are making a difference? Our Government has aprogram that provides targeted funding to ensure we appreciate andexperience the many talents and contributions our seniors have to offer inour communities. The deadline for submitting proposals for funding for 2012-13 under theNew Horizons for Seniors Program is fast approaching.

From encouraging seniors tovolunteer, to improving seniors’facilities and increasing theawareness of elder abuse, the NewHorizons for Seniors Program hasfunded more than 10,400 projectsin hundreds of communities acrossCanada over the years. For thisupcoming year, $35.6 million infunding is earmarked.

There are countless examples of how this program has a positive impactright here in Provencher. Under the last round of funding, the following 16organizations were approved to receive a total of $195,867 for projectsranging from renovating flooring and other infrastructure for activityprograms and supporting social participation through computer classes,card games, billiards, fitness classes, and movie screenings, just to namea few of the investments. Since elected in 2006, our Conservative Government has consistentlyshown that we value the dedication and years of hard work by Canada’sseniors. We’ve provided over $2.5 billion in annual tax relief specificallyfor seniors. In the process, we have completely removed 380,000 seniorsfrom the tax rolls. We introduced pension income splitting, ushered in anautomatic renewal of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and madesignificant investments in affordable housing for low-income seniors. In addition, we doubled the pension income credit, invested resourcesin preventing elder abuse, in all its forms, extended the Targeted Initiativefor Older Workers, and eliminated the mandatory retirement age for federallyregulated employees, giving seniors who want to remain active in theworkforce the freedom to make that choice themselves. I would encourage you to contact my office or visit the following websitefor further. Information on how to apply for funding: hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtml The deadline for application is June 29, 2012. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issuesyou would like to discuss. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at (204) 326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at (204) 345-9762.You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7,by fax at (204) 346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@parl.gc.ca.

New Horizonsfor Seniors Democracy Doesn’t Do

Well with Shortcuts

Community Raises Funds for Fire Victims Toews Reckless With our Health

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 5June 2012

Dear Editor: The Bibliothèque Sainte-Anne Library committeewould like to thank everyone who came to supportour fundraiser held at Seine River Banquet Hall on25th of May. We were happy to see representativesfrom so many groups within the Sainte-Anne areaas well as Richer and surrounding communities.Special thanks go to Norm Desrochers whosupplied the venue, his staff and the Biivver Bandso we could all enjoy ourselves during this event.Thanks to all the volunteers who helped us in anyway during the evening as well as to everyonewho donated items or cash for our silent auctionprizes or who bought books. Congratulations toall our winners: Denise St. Vincent, Kathy Roy,Cecil Lafreniere and Suzanne Huberdeau. IreneLansard was the winner of our 50/50 draw andreceived over $300 and Mark Lanouette won thenew members/door prize. We raised approximately$2,500. During the evening, our president, NorbertRitchot, presented a plaque to Clément Charrièrewho had been involved with the library since itsinception in 1989 until December 2011, both as afounder and as a volunteer doing countlessdifferent jobs. This plaque will be placed in thelibrary for all to see. His dedication to our Libraryis beyond what is expected from any volunteerand is appreciated by everyone who ever servedwith him on the Board. It is thanks to him that ourLibrary is what it is today. We encourage all of youto come and visit us, become a member, if you arenot already, and also help us as a volunteer, ifpossible.Deanna Marriott, SecretaryBibliothèque Ste. Anne Library Committee

Much of the growth that hashappened in southeastern Manitobaover the past two decades has beenas a result of immigration. Credit for this primarily goes to the residents ofour region who have been welcoming and who have built communities thatare attractive to new Canadians. Also important in making this happen was the Provincial Nominee Program(PNP) that was created in the mid-1990s by the former Manitoba ProgressiveConservative government. The PNP allowed the provinces to have a role insetting immigration targets and goals. As immigration numbers grew, so did the need for increased settlementservices to help those coming to Canada with language and communitytransition. Successive federal governments saw the need for these servicesand increased funding substantially. In fact, for over a dozen years inManitoba, funding from the federal government in immigration servicesincreased from about $3 million every year to about $36 million. Over thatsame period, the province left its share of funding at about $1 million. As a result, the Manitoba Department of Immigration settlement serviceshas a budget of around $37 million with more than 97 percent of the fundingcoming directly from the federal government. So it should not have come as much of a surprise that earlier this year thefederal government decided that instead of the province delivering theseservices, the federal government would deliver the services, since after all,they pay 97 percent of the costs. This enraged the provincial NDP government who liked the fact that theyhave to run a program that they refused to put much money into. In essence,they were like a business partner who only puts in 3 percent of the costs,but wants 100 percent control. Now the NDP Minister of Immigration is traveling around the provincescaring new Canadians about the change. Not only is this a terrible thing todo when new Canadians already are busy adapting to their new country, itis simply wrong. Settlement services have been run by the federalgovernment in every province with the exception of Manitoba and BritishColumbia. In these two provinces, the federal government has now saidthey will run the program since they pay for almost all of it. The fact of the matter is that had the Manitoba NDP government wantedto continue running immigration settlement and services, they would haveincreased their share of funding for it. However, it simply wasn’t a priorityfor the Manitoba NDP. They were content on seeing their share of thefunding for the program drop to almost nothing. While the NDP Minister of Immigration is now telling new Canadians howimportant, the program is to the Manitoba NDP, they simply never made it apriority when they had the chance. I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments onthese or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street,Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at (204) 326-5763, by fax at (204) 346-9913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my websiteat kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

I am very pleased that I had theprivilege of announcing that theprovince will work with thePartnership of the Manitoba CapitalRegion (PMCR) to develop a masterplan for the future development oftransportation in the capital region. This initiative will identify thechallenges and opportunities oftransportation in the Winnipegregion and create a road map to meetthe future needs of its residents andmunicipalities. The plan will includepublic consultations andcomplement work already completedthrough the City of Winnipeg’stransportation master plan on issuessuch as public transit, goodsmovement, active transportationand economic development. I am happy to say that the provincewill provide up to $250,000 and thePMCR will contribute up to $50,000over two years to support thedevelopment of the multi-modalcapital region transportation plan. This regional master plan isessential to planning and achievingour transportation goals as ourcapital region is estimated to reachone million residents by 2030. The capital region is comprised ofthe City of Winnipeg, City of Selkirk,Town of Stonewall, and the ruralmunicipalities of Cartier, East St.Paul, Headingley, Macdonald,Ritchot, Rockwood, Rosser, St.Andrews, St. Clements, St. FrancoisXavier, Springfield, Taché and WestSt. Paul.

Proposed legislation wouldstrengthen accountability and

transparency of municipalgovernments

I also had the pleasure ofannouncing proposed amendmentsto municipal legislation aimed at

Partnership Supports Development of CapitalRegion Transportation Master Plan

supporting municipalities ingoverning objectively, fairly andwith the best interests of theircommunities in mind. Manitoba’s municipalities makeimportant decisions every day thataffect the lives of their citizens. Weknow that municipalities take thisresponsibility seriously and striveto govern in an accountable andtransparent manner. Bill-23 would require allmunicipalities outside Winnipeg toput in place policies and practicesaimed at strengthening theaccountability of municipal councilsand supporting transparentdecision-making including:- following a code of conduct thatwould set standards of behaviourfor municipal council members andexercising the authority to censurea member who has breached thecode;- providing notice and informationto the public about capital projectsprior to borrowing funds for projectsso citizens would have informationto enable them to voice theirconcerns before projects moveforward;- following a tendering andprocurement policy to ensurespending decisions are objectiveand fair, and municipal resources areused in the most efficient andeffective way;- following a policy to ensurepractices for the private use of

municipal equipment are clear andconsistently applied; and- reporting on a council’s responseto any recommendations made ina report by the Office of theAuditor General so that citizenswill be aware of therecommendations and be able tohold their councils accountable forresponding to them.

Fire update I hope that everyone is keepingsafe southeast while we deal withour multiple fires. ManitobaConservation and WaterStewardship, the Office of the FireCommissioner, the ManitobaEmergency MeasuresOrganization and ruralmunicipalities continue to respondto wildfires in southeast Manitoba.I would like to thank them andespecially all the firefighters whoare working to keep us safe. A reminder that campfires,including those in provincialparks, will only be allowed from 8pm to 8 am in approved fire pitsonly. For information on travel,restrictions call 1-204-345-1444.More information on fireprevention and current fireupdates is available at gov.mb.ca/wildfire/. As always, I appreciate hearingyour comments and thoughts onthese and other provincialinitiatives. I encourage you tocontact me by e-mail(rlemieuxmla@mts.net), by phone(878-4644), or by mail at 101-1309 Dawson Road, Box 517,Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 andtogether we can continue to moveDawson Trail and Manitobaforward.

Facts onImmigration

Ste. Anne Hosts LibraryFundraiser

By Marianne Curtis

Two months after a devastating fire destroyed a Ste. Anne,Manitoba apartment block and forced 12 tenants from theirhomes, the community is ready to offer their support. The community rushed forward to help the dozen residentswho lost their homes and all their belongings in the March 26blaze. The middle of the night blaze that destroyed theapartments on St. Alphonse Avenue was caused by a carelesslydisposed cigarette. Estimated loss to the structure and contentshas been estimated at over $2 million. In the wake of the blaze, the community of Ste. Anne and thesurrounding area pitched in to help the dozen families thatwere left homeless. Most of the tenants did not have contentsinsurance. Almost immediately, the owners of the Ste. AnneHotel offered displaced residents a free week at the hotel andstarted collecting donations of clothing for several familiesincluding young children. Country Charm Resort is alsoproviding accommodations. The reception of clothes donationshas been tremendous so that there is no need for more clothes. In addition, the community hosted three fundraisers includinga breakfast by the Knights of Columbus, a social at SainteAnne Hotel and a social at Seine River Banquet Hall. MauriceBlanchette, with the CDC Sainte-Anne, said that fundraisingefforts have totaled approximately $11,700 with donationstotaling $3,500 and fundraising amounting to $8,200. “The fund will be divided equally among the tenants in theform of vouchers,” stated Blanchette. “The tenants will beasked to choose from a variety of store vouchers or credit.” Nicole Magnan Bedient has been working hard spearheadingmany of the fundraising activities. “Donated items and auction prizes arrived from as far awayas Ste. Rose. Most of the items were from Landmark,Beausejour, Steinbach and Winnipeg,” Magnan Bedient added.

Dozens of craft and trade show loversalike came to check out the first ever SpringCraft Sale and Trade Show. The one-dayshow took place at the Mennonite HeritageVillage Museum on May 26. Pat McPherson, organizer andcoordinator of the event, was pleased withthe event that featured about 45 exciting

Communities Support Ste. AnneApartment Fire Victims

There is also a vast array of items still available for pickup at the Ste. AnneFellowship Church. Tenants can come pick up linens, furniture and appliances,kitchen appliances and clothing to help establish their new homes. While the CDC seems content with issuing vouchers amounting to about $900 pertenant, Louise Boucher, an uninsured tenant and victim of the fire is angry over theentire situation. Boucher moved into the apartment a week before the fire. “When we found out they were doing the fundraisers, we were very grateful to thecommunity,” stated Boucher. “When I asked questions about when the money wascoming or how much it would be I was asked to prove hardships. I think losingeverything you own qualifies as a hardship.” The CDC Sainte-Anne has indicated that the committee would be sitting downwith the tenants within the first two weeks of June to disperse the monies collectedin the best manner possible. “[The vouchers will] depend on the retailer,” noted Blanchette. “Some will simplyopen a credit account for the tenant, others have a paid up credit card or simply paythe invoice. We will accommodate the recipients as much as possible.”

InauguralTrade Show

Huge Success

vendors selling unique products, whichincluded handcrafted items such assoaps, jewellery, clothing, crochetedgifts, quilts, pet coats and furniture. “Visitors got to see a lot of differenttrade businesses and crafts at the show,”said organizer Patricia McPherson.“Presenters brought a wide variety ofproducts; many items are ‘the musthaves’ for shoppers looking forsomething different.” Due to the success of this inauguralevent, McPherson is already lookingforward to her next one. Plans are in theworks for five more similar trade showsbefore the end of the year.

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!6

By Marianne Curtis

Several dozen dogs languishing in rescue shelters found their forever homesbecause of the first annual doggy adoption fair, which took place in Niverville inthe beginning of May. On May 12, over 1,000 perspective pet owners attended the first ever NivervilleDog Adoption Fair. The event, a first of its kind to be held in the province, tookplace on the grounds of the community’s arena. Organizer Barry Piasta is pleased with the result of his first adoption fair. “We had 23 dogs adopted on Saturday and the next day another was adopted bysomeone who heard about the pup at the fair,” Piasta stated. “Another dozen arepending home visits and reference checks. Appointments were made to see dogson the picture wall so all in all, 41 dogs were adopted.” Piasta says the event was such a success he plans to do it again next year. “Each year hundreds of thousands of dogs are euthanized because people prefergoing to pet stores and puppy mills to get dogs, meanwhile there are so manywonderful dogs waiting to be rescued,” Piasta passionately added. “Both my dogsare rescues and they are wonderful additions to our family.” Allyson Coleman-Berard from Winnipeg was one of the many people lookingfor a pet at the adoption fair. “I am looking for a therapy dog,” stated Coleman-Berard, who works withchildren who are abused. She went home with an adorable pup, which she willtrain to work with the kids. Jenny Plett and her family from Landmark took home a “foster” puppy. “We already have a dog but we promised our children we would do what we canto get a dog out of the shelters until it finds a new home,” added Plett. “Sincebecoming a dog owner we’ve become more aware of how much a dog becomesfamily, and we think it’s important to teach our children how to be responsible petowners.” Over a dozen rescue shelters attended the event. Adoption fees and what the feeincludes are set by each individual rescue in attendance. Not only is the purpose of the event to find homes for dogs, but it is also anopportunity to educate and have fun. There was a question and answer periodwith a vet, trainer and groomer, promotions for spay and neuter, a pet photographerand displays all related to pet care and products.

By Marianne Curtis

Two areas of forest in the southeast will see newgrowth after reforesting crews moved into the areaand planted 800,000 trees near Vassar and theSandilands. Over 40 Moose Creek Reforestation employeescalled Sprague and Woodridge home during twoseparate one-month long planting projects. Thegroup spent two months replanting hundreds ofacres of crown land specifically in two areas thatwere ravaged by several forest fires a few yearsago. Jessica Valleau from Toronto never heard ofSprague before coming out to plant trees in Vassar. “We’ve really enjoyed our stay. The people havebeen really friendly and welcoming,” Valleau praised. At the end of April, the group spent two weeksreplanting 4,000 hectares of forest near Vassar.Between 50,000 and 80,000 Red Pine, White Spruceand Jack Pine were replanted per day. This piecewas destroyed in May 2007 after a wild fire torethrough the area, narrowly missing the community. The planters then moved their camp to Woodridgeand spent two weeks replanting 8,000 hectares ofSandilands forest, which was destroyed in a fireback in May 2008.

Reforestation Begins inVassar and Sandilands

Coincidentally, as the groups were finishing plantingover 800,000 trees, forest fires tore through the area againin different locations.

Courtney Penner, of Kitchener, Ontario, was one of over four dozentree planters who spent two months in the Vassar and Sandilandsareas replanting trees.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Dogs Find Forever Homes

Allyson Coleman-Berard from Winnipeg attended the Niverville Adoption Fair to find a puppyto train as a therapy dog for abused children.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 7June 2012

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!8

Steinbach 55 Plus offers programs, activities, services and volunteeropportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adultsof the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit andconsider participating in some of our programs. For more information dropby the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, call 320-4600 or onlinesteinbach55plus.com.

Monthly ProgramsSingle Ladies’ Night Out: The first Friday of the month at 5 pm. Enjoysupper out at a local restaurant. Call the centre for the place to meet.Foot Care: The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 3 pm. Runby Val Fry, a professional foot care nurse. Cost $30. Bring your own towel.Book an appointment.Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6 pm. Meatand beverages are provided. Cost: $5 per person. Bring along a casserole,salad or desert. Reserve your seat.Birthday Party: The first Wednesday of the month. All members with abirthday are invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are askedto pay $2. Entertainment provided.Beltone Hearing: The third Friday of each month. Call 1-800-661-2653 forappointment.Brain Injury Support Group: Last Monday of the month at 7 pm.

Weekly ProgramsMonday 9:30 - 10:30 am Fitness Class with DVD

1 pm Canasta7:30 - 8:45 pm Tai Chi

Tuesday 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Circle of friendsWednesday 9 - 11:30 am Tai Chi

1 pm - 4 pm Cribbage1:30 pm Floor curling7 pm Old Time Country Band Practice

Thursday 9:30 - 10:30 am Fitness Class with DVD1 - 4 pm Bridge and Whist

Friday 8:30 - 3 pm Circle of friends Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5. Call 320-4605by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at thereceptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office orin the newsletter. Bring a friend.

Monday to Friday1 - 4 pm – Billiards9 am - 12 pm and 1 - 4 pm - Computer Lab. Cost $1.00 Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and settingtables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up,greeters, receptionists. Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $20 per year and due in Januaryof each year. Membership is for those 55 years of age and older. Benefitsinclude reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights,and eligibility to serve on the board or committees.

By Marianne Curtis

On May 14, Brian Pallister madehis rounds to several southerncommunities in hopes of gainingsupport for his bid as leader of theProgressive Conservative Party. Pallister started his one-day tourin Sprague where he met with a smallgroup of supporters before movingon to Vita. His final stop for the daywas at the New Horizons Club inGrunthal where about a dozensupporters greeted him. “We had a smaller than expectedcrowd in Sprague due to the fires inthe area but it was still a goodmeeting,” stated Pallister. Pallister is making his way throughthe province while attempting torally supporters before the Julyleadership nomination deadline.Unless contested, Pallister will be

Pallister Tours Southeastdeclared party leader for the nextprovincial election. “I need help building a real teamwhere people in Manitoba matterand when we win it will be withpeople with experience,” Pallisterstated. “Our party must reflect thevalues of the entire country, not justa few.” Pallister feels those values are atrisk in the hands of the currentgovernment, especially after therecent Jets ticket scandal. Earlier inMay, it was discovered that severalNDP cabinet ministers acceptedcoveted Jets tickets from crowncorporations while average hockeyfans were left watching games fromhome. “It’s not just about Jets tickets; it’sabout telling the truth – strike one,”Pallister continued. “The currentgovernment broke election rules by

campaigning during the election andsaid, ‘They didn’t know’, thenPremier Selinger ran on the platformof no tax increases and in the recentbudget we ended up with thehighest taxes per average householdin Canada. If this was a baseball gameit would be three strikes and you areout.” Pallister is confident that, given thechance, the province will thriveunder PC leadership. “The Filmon cabinet was the bestcabinet to date,” Pallister added.“The hardest part is that we have toput up with the NDP government foranother three years.” Pallister is a former high schoolteacher, businessman and a formerprovincial and federal cabinetmember. Currently he resides inWinnipeg with his wife and twodaughters.

Five days after announcing his bid for provincial PC Leadership, Brian Pallister was inSteinbach at the Mennonite Heritage Museum greeting supporters.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Sometime between Wednesdayevening May 15 and Thursday morningMay 16 several lengths of copper wirewere stripped from conveyor machinesat a Diamond Construction and Gravel

Copper WireCrooks

pit located at #30017, Road 36 East inthe RM of La Broquerie. The wire has a value estimated at$15,000-$20,000. Police have no leads at this point andare asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information is asked tocall Steinbach RCMP at 326-4452 orcontact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or text “TIPMAN” plusyour message to Crimes (274637).

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 9June 2012

Do you travel to the U.S. for thewinter for long periods? If so, you may need to file an exception to filing a U.S. taxreturn that is due June 15 each year. If you don’t want to face some possible penalties, you may need to file a formcalled the Closer Connection Exception Statement for Aliens, IRS form 8840. Many people think that if you spend less than 180 days in the U.S., you aresafe. But that is not completely correct. It depends on how many days you spentin the U.S. in the past three years. If you spent more than 121 days in each of thepast three years (2011, 2010, and 2009) you should be filing for an exception. The exception acknowledges that you had a significant presence in the U.S., butthat you have closer ties to Canada. Calculate the number of days you were in the U.S. in 2011 (for some snowbirdsthat is often January to maybe April and sometimes November and December).Then calculate the number of days for 2010 and for 2009. You need to file for an exception if you are considered to have a “substantialpresence” in the U.S. in the past three years. If it exceeds 182 days, you need tofile. You use a formula that works like this: you include all the days in 2011, one thirdof the days in 2010 and one sixth of the number of days in 2009. So you are close to the 183 days and if you spent 121 days for the three years(2011 – 121 days; 2010 is 40 days (1/3 of 121) and 2009 is 20 days (1/6 of 121).That totals 181. You are very close to having to file; remember the magic numberis 183 days. Why has this not been a big deal in the past? Well, it was harder for the U.S.government to keep track of you. Remember we could cross the border with justour driver’s license and birth certificate. Now we need our passports and don’tyou think they are keeping track of when you came into the country and whenyou leave? So if you think you might qualify as having a “substantial presence” in the U.S.,better have that form completed. You can find it on the U.S. taxation (IRS) website:irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8840.pdf. If you don’t have access to the internet, or you need some help, give me a call ordrop by my office. Final reminder to those of you who are self employed. The filing tax deadline forus is June 15 to avoid any penalties. Of course, the interest on what we owedstarted accruing on April 30, but at 5 percent interest, it’s not too bad. So get yourtax information in soon. I still need to get mine filed before June 15 after I geteveryone else’s looked after first! Anni Markmann is a tax professional and a financial advisor working, living,and volunteering in our community. Contact Anni at annimarkmann@mts.net or422-6631 or 36 Dawson Rd in Ste Anne.

Snowbirds – Filinga U.S. Tax Return

Exception?

By Marianne Curtis

When it comes to health care in theregion, it is business as usual despite anumber of changes at the administrativelevel. The province has announced thatSouth Eastman Health, which recentlymerged with Central Region, will nowbe known as the Southern RegionalHealth Authority. Along with the namechange, an appointment of a new chiefadministrator was finalized. Residents within the region will haveto get used to a new name now thatSouth Eastman Health has merged withCentral Region. With the merger comes a new chiefexecutive officer. The province hasnamed Kathy McPhail as for Manitoba’snew Southern Regional HealthAuthority. McPhail previously servedas CEO with the Central authority forthe past five years. Former South Eastman Healthadministrator John Stinson has beennamed as the new chief executive officerof the Interlake-Eastern RHA, formerlyknown as the Interlake RHA and NorthEastman Health Authority “I’m very much looking forward tothe challenge and opportunity of thatjob and working with the people in thatregion,” Stinson said. “But SouthEastman has been a great experience forme.” As of May 18, South Eastman Healthceased to exist after the board votedunanimously to merge with CentralRegion. The province mandated the

By Marianne Curtis

South Eastman’s Regional SuicidePrevention Committee is ecstaticover the success of its second “Outof the Blue Campaign”. At the endof May, the organization hosted the“Blue Gala” where schools,communities and individuals wererecognized for doing their bit inraising awareness on suicideprevention. The South Eastman RegionalSuicide Prevention Committee wasbusy during the month of Apriladdressing suicide prevention. Theobjective of the program is toincrease awareness and developbroad-based support for positivemental health. A variety of activitiesand programs were launchedthroughout the region to bringawareness in suicide preventionwhere it is needed most. At a special gala 240 guestsdressed in blue came out to celebrateas awards were handed out to anumber of groups and individuals. Deb Enns, Regional Mental HealthProgram Manager with SouthEastman Health, said that whilemany people were recognized duringthe evening, the real winners werelocal residents. “South EastmanHealth is very proud to have joinedall of our Gala guests, sponsors andhonoured guests in delivering suchextraordinary support for the “Outof the Blue” campaign and its crucialwork in accelerating a new voice for

Out of the Blue Gala CelebratesCreative Awareness

mental health to support those livingwith mental illness and openingdialogue about suicide,” said Enns The Steinbach RegionalSecondary School and RoseauRiver School were among the starsof the evening after winning awardsin categories including Blue Day,Blue Lunch, Blue Expressions andmany others. Individuals from the community

were also awarded prizes for literaryand visual contributions.Businesses including St. Pierre BigWay Foods, and the Ste. AgatheCommunity Committee were winningparticipants. South Eastman’s RegionalSuicide Prevention Committee isalready reviewing the campaign andpreparing to re-launch an evenbigger project next year.

St. Pierre Bigway Manager Mark Duddridge shows off the Blue Gelato his store offered aspart of their “Out of the Blue Campaign”.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

New CEO Announced withRenamed Health Authority

merger after making the decision toreduce the number of regional healthauthorities from eleven to five.Manitoba Health anticipates a reductionof 30-35 corporate RHA positionsacross the province through the mergers,with the administrative savingsredirected into supporting front line care. The new amalgamated SouthernRegional Health Authority is the secondlargest region population wise, but hasthe smallest geographical area. Theamalgamated district takes over theCentral district based in Portage laPrairie and includes Carman, Morden,Winkler and Altona. During June, the newly appointedchief executive officers will be workingwith interim boards until the provinceappoints new members.

Kathy McPhail is the newly appointed chiefexecutive officer after the province mergedSouth Eastman Health and Central HealthAuthorities to form the new SouthernRegional Health Authority.

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!10

BlumenortBlumenort Fun and Fair Days – Vast array of entertainment from pancake breakfast, live entertainment and Childrens events.Starts Friday, June 22-24. Contact email blumenortfunfairday@mts.net or call phone 326-9013.

Buffalo PointEBCH Annual Golf Tournament- East Borderland Community Housing Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 9 at a 12:30 pm TeeOff Time. Lake of the Sandhills Golf Course. Contact 437-2343.

Dominion CitySummerFest - at Roseau Crossing Heritage Park on Monday July 2 - 4. Free activities and entertainment, slow pitch andhorseshoe tournament, children’s carnival and events to raise funds for the park and the Dominion City pool.

GrunthalMenno Home BBQ and Bake Sale - Everyone invited to the annual BBQ and Bake Sale, starting Saturday, June 9 -10 , in theCourtyard at Menno Home, 235 Park St. Doors open 10:00 am. BBQ, Bake Sale, Garage Sale and Silent Auction. Contact 434-5039 or 346-0925.

KleefeldKleefeld Farmer’s Market - If you are looking for bread, brownies, butter, buns, cakes, cookies, fruit, honey, jam, jelly, muffins,pickles, pie, preserves, vegetables just to name a few off the top or anything else we want you at the Kleefeld Farmers Market.Starts Tuesday, June 19 at 3 - 6:30 pm. Located at 76 Park Street.

La BroquerieTractor Trek - 50/50/50 Fundraising lunch at the La Broquerie Ball Diamond Dug Out for Mennonite Heritage Village and Eden’srecovery programs on Saturday, June 9.

La Fete de la Saint-Jean Baptiste -Begins Friday, June 23 at 9 am with a free pancake breakfast provided by Chevaliers deColomb. Help us celebrate the French Canadian heritage. There is something for everyone including Golf contest, kids games,inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, airbrush tattoos, French cuisine to local francophone artists. Park activities $5 all day, SaintJean Baptiste Parade on Saturday, June 24. Contact 424-5736 or online at ssjb.ca

LoretteMarianne Curtis Book Launch –”Finding Gloria”, memoir by local a writer on Thursday, June 7 at 7 pm. Hosted by theBibliotheque Tache Library, 1082 Dawson Road Dawson Road in Lorette. Door Prizes, Coffee & Snacks.

Mosaic Fashion Show and Sale - on Friday, June 8 at 2 pm at Club Bles d’Or, 1254 Dawson Rd, Lorette. Fashion show followedby social time and shopping. Prices start at $30 and sizes range from 2-24. Plus sizes come in petite and regular. Visa, MC, cashand cheques accepted. Contact for information or to volunteer (discount available) Eveline at 878-2405 or Denise at 883-2880.

MitchellBreakfast and Social - every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9:00 am except the last Tuesday of the month when the social is heldinstead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area Seniors Centre. Contact 326-6944.

NivervilleNiverville Olde Tyme Country Fair - Events begin Friday, June 8 to Saturday, June 9. Parade, Food, Entertainment, Music, MotorCross and Wakeboard, Midway and Vendors.Showing your “Red & White” on June 9 Prizes will be awarded to the most obvious “Canuck” in the crowd at the Dean Brodyconcert. First prize is an all inclusive night for 4 at Canad Inns Windsor Park, Second prize 2 Winnipeg Jets tickets, Third placeis $250.

Bison Classic Motorcycle Rally- Displays of rare and vintage motorcycles, parade, show & shine, motorcycle derby, games,fireworks and live band. Starts Friday, June 29 – July 1. Contact Kim to register 757-9873 or pirates.pearl@gmail.com or Tomat 325-6984.

Niverville Summer Sports Camp - open to children ages 8-12. Variety of sports in an outdoor setting. Athletes will focus onspecific sport skills in the morning and put their skills into practice in the afternoon with a round robin tournament. Sports beingintroduced will include; Flag Football, Flag Rugby, Volleyball, Basketball, Team Handball, Disc Golf, Soccer, and OutdoorEducation Games. Camp runs from July 2 - 6 at Hespeler Park. Contact Chris Chapman at 612-2416 or email chapper55@shaw.ca.

RicherSupper & Dance -Richer Young at Hearts Community Centre on Saturday, June 16 at 5 pm – 11 pm. Live entertainment by theband By Request. Supper at 6 pm. Contact Pauline at 422-6422, Julienne at 422-5662 or Ralph & Irene at 422-5932. Ticketsare $17.50 each.

Celebration Thibaultville – On Sunday, July 8 at the Enfant-Jésus Heritage Site in Richer, Manitoba, # 67 Dawson Trail from1 - 6 pm. Bands include Michael Audette and Clint Dutiaume; Paradise Square Dancers. Guided tours of cemetery and churchwill be provided. Archives and artifact displays, silent auction, 50/50 draw, gate prize, hot food services, craft sales and manyactivities for children: clown, face painting, magician, supervised games.

Monday Night Bingos - to raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships,bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be onpremises and must play bingo. Doors Open at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club in Richer. MGCC License # BI/BO4164.Contact: Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or email doreen@spmf.ca.

St. MaloFurs, Floods and the French- Join St. Malo’s Interpreter to explore the history and mystery of this hamlet. Follow the trail madeby fur traders, who also created the Crow Wing Trail. Experience the community created by French settlers who followed them.St. Malo Bike Tour every Thursday in July and August at 11:30 am. Meet at the Amphitheatre. Contact 945-4375 orMorgan.Hallett@gov.mb.ca.

Ste. AnneThe Knights of Columbus Concert in the Park fundraiser- the Ste. Anne Catholic Church (repairs to the roof and cladding of churchfoundation). On Saturday, June 9 from 2 - 8 pm at Rédemptoristes Park. Entertainment: several bands, singers and music forall tastes. Food will be served all day, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction, face painting for the children and many more funactivities. Contact Ray Connelly at 422- 8650.

Multiculturalism Day – Friday, June 29 at 2 p m, opening day ceremonies for Canada Day. At the park. There will be costumes,workshops, games, crafts, music, & storytelling, “Queen for a Day” – come have cake and tea in the park with our “Queen”Contact 880-8488 or on line steannemb.ca

National Aboriginal Day - Saturday, June 30 at 1 pm. Learn of the importance of the buffalo, beaver and the fur tradingcompanies, listen to Aboriginals and Traditional Frontier Families tell stories of life in the 1800’s. There will also be First Nationsdancers in traditional costume, traditional foods bannock, pemmican and buffalo meat, participate in Voyageur and Aboriginalgames log sawing, nailing contest, arm wrestling & Indian wresting. Have your family name added to the logbook with countryand province of residence in 1812. Open concert.

Bibliothèque Ste Anne Library Used Book Fundraiser – Sale of huge selection of used book proceeds will be used towards newlibrary books. For further information call Mona at 422-9958 or drop in at the library at 16 Rue de l’Église. Cost of books $1-$5.

SteinbachThe Loewen Green Art Scene – Come see artists working and local artwork to view or purchase. Monday - Friday 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Saturday 11 am – 4 pm. Free admission. Runs until September. Contact 346-1077. Free studio for artists at Cornerof Elmdale Drive and Reimer Avenue.

Rock & Read – At Anna‘s House starting June 4 from 1 - 2:30 pm. Summer program at Anna’s House no. 11- Highway 12 North.Free hands on learning experience teaching nursery rhymes, lullabies, finger-plays, book sharing and book making for parentsand child program. Best enjoyed with children ages 3-5yrs. Contact Cathy Bailley 346-0413.

Link Family Music - Evening of traditional American acoustic music performed by the Link Family! Concert held at EmmanuelEvangelical Free Church on June 8 at 7 pm., $5/person, 8 and under free. Fundraiser for “Shiloh Retreat”. Visit linkfamilymusic.comfor music and band bios.

Annual Providence Golf Classic - at The Links at Quarry Oaks in Steinbach. Tuesday, June 12 at 1 pm Tee Off. Registration Feeincludes green fees, power cart, barbeque lunch at 11:30 am, banquet ticket, locker/shower facilities, $40.00 donation Receiptand prizes. Contact 433-7488 ext 236 or e-mail Gary.Schellenberg@prov.ca.

Bethesda Foundation Annual Golf Tournament - on Friday, June 15 at the Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club. Registration at 10:30 amfollowed by lunch at 11 am. Shotgun start at noon. To register contact bethesdafoundation.ca.

STIX In The City –Steinbach Minor Hockey Presents City Street Hockey Tournament. Registration is open for 3rd Tournament.On Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Summer in the City at 9 am. Register more than 5 players but only 4 + your goalie can be onat one time. Entry fee is $10 per player, includes STIX in the City t-shirt. Contact steinbachminorhockey.ca, e-mailkim@steinbachminorhockey.ca

Steinbach Christian Preschool Fall Registration - Wednesday, July 4 doors open at 8:30 am. For preschoolers ages 3 - 4. Contacteefc.ca/growing/christian-preschool or e-mail scp@eefc.ca .

Canadian Blood Services Steinbach Clinic - Thursday, July 5 from 2 – 8 pm in addition to the regular blood donor clinic on July19 to ensure an optimal blood supply over the summer season. New hours for July 5 at the Steinbach E.M.C. 422 Main St.

WhiteshellFamily Fishing Weekend - Cast a line this weekend into the many waters of the Whiteshell to catch a master angler! A fishinglicense is not required this weekend – conservation limits and all other regulations still apply from Monday June 4-10. FreePark Entry this weekend. Family Fishing Hike takes place June 10. Contact 369-3157.

Feathered Friends - Take flight and discover the avian world of the Whiteshell. Be sure to stop by the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuaryto see the newly hatched goslings and other young birds from Monday, June 11-17. Sanctuary contact 369-3157

Geologic Journey - Rock out with the Interpreters as we quarry into the unique Precambrian Boreal Shield from Monday, June18-24.

Wonders & Wanderers - Join us for bannock bakes and birthday cakes as well celebrate Canada Day and discover the uniquehistory of the Whiteshell from Monday, June 25 – July 1.

Mammalian Marvels - Frolic with our furry friends this week to uncover their unique adaptations to survive in the boreal foreston Monday, July 2-8.

GeneralThe Super Start Program, A Healthy Baby program run through South Eastman Health/Sante-Est Inc., will be holding a monthlygroup session. This is a program for pregnant women and families with infants up to one year of age. Each session includessong and rhyme time, discussions and games on topics related to healthy babies and healthy moms. Included are door prizes,nutritious snacks and milk coupons for all participating expectant moms or mothers who have babies up to six months of age.Next month our session will be held at:Grunthal – Tuesday, June 5 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Family Hut in South Oaks SchoolBlumenort – every 1st Thursday, June 7 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Blumenort EMC ChurchNiverville – Tuesday, June 12 from 10 am - 12 pm at the in the Niverville Community Fellowship on 3rd Ave.Ste. Anne – Every 2nd Wednesday, June 13 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Ste. Anne Dayspring Fellowship ChurchKleefeld – Every 2nd Thursday, June 14 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Kleefeld Recreation CentreSt. Pierre-Jolys – Thursday, June 21 from 10 am - 12 pm in the St. Pierre Health Corner, 354 Prefontaine Ave.Ste. Agathe- Every 4th Tuesday, June 26 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Ste. Agathe HallLorette – Wednesday, June7, from 10 am – 12 pm at the Community Services BuildingContact: Terry from Super Start at 346-7021 or just drop in.

Free monthly bus trips to the casinos of Winnipeg for a fun day at the Casinos. Pick up in Steinbach at 8:30 amm, Ste. Anneand Paradise Village at approximately 9 am. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and $10 cash for everyone. There will bebingo on the bus. Call Marilyn at 326-4939 for date information and to reserve your bus seat. The next scheduled trip Tuesday,June 12. . . . . Prizes and Bingo on the bus trip. Contact at 326-4939.

EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CAOR FAX 204-422-8548

COMMUNITY EVENTS

The second week of May wasNational Emergency Preparedness Weekand the City of Steinbach used the eventas an opportunity to promote year-round preparedness among residents. The City of Steinbach’s Emergencymeasures coordinator, Denis Vassart,pointed out that preparedness is anissue that should be taken seriously allyear, not just one week a year. “Emergency preparedness issomething every family should bepracticing in their home,” said Vassart.“This includes things like purchasing aweather radio, planning a fire evacuationroute, and packing a 72-hour emergencykit.” Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen ispleased with the work that Vassart hasdone to ensure the safety of residents inthe area. “It is important for our families toprepare as best we can for any emergencysituation,” said Goertzen. “As the City’sEmergency Coordinator, Denis Vassarthas done an excellent job of providingCouncil and Steinbach residents withemergency preparedness information.” The City of Steinbach has compiled alist of important information on theirwebsite, which is more than a benefit tolocal residents. It can be a valuableinformation tool for residentsthroughout the region. “Citizens can not only accessinformation and brochures that will helpthem prepare for different emergencysituations, but they can also educatethemselves on the City’s emergencyplans,” Vassart added. On steinbach.ca there is a variety ofemergency planning brochures anddocuments, as well as links to otherfederal emergency preparednesswebsites.

SteinbachEncouragesEmergency

Preparedness

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 11June 2012

By Marianne Curtis

On June 3, the Susykka UkrainianDance Club in Vita celebrated the end oftheir 32nd dance season with a recitalfor parents and fans alike. This year’s recital celebrated a year ofchange and success for the group. Earlierin the season, club president LarissaBodz stepped down after years ofdedicated leadership to the group. Underthe direction of new president, TannisNickel, the club has bounced back andhad a very successful season. Michelle Thibodeau, spokesperson forthe club, explained that this year wasone of growth for the group. “It was quite a shock to everyonewhen Larissa moved up north late lastyear, but we have all worked really hardto not only maintain our level of quality,but tried to grow this past year,”Thibodeau stated. “To that extent newcustom-made costumes were orderedfrom the Ukraine, all dancers investedin new footwear for the year, and newdances were taught throughout theseason.” The group’s success was evidentwhen the troupe recently representedthe region at the annual Veselka UkrainianFestival, which took place May 25 and26 in Teulon. Every dancer came homewith a gold medal. “Our intermediate girls groupperformed the Poliska Polka, the seniorgirls danced the Dvodensivka and thebeginner class did their Musyky dancewith flutes and tambourines,” explainedThibodeau. “All our dancers madeeveryone so proud and represented our

Vita Dance TroupeCelebrates 32 Years

community with style and grace.” With this year’s regular season of dance classes complete,the club is looking forward to a busy summer. “Our club is dedicated to its culture and heritage and tries topromote it as much as possible throughout the whole year,”Thibodeau continued. “To that effect we try our hardest tonever turn down the opportunity to perform for people.” Last year, over the course of the summer, dancers performedat the Gardenton Festival in July as well as Folklorama inAugust. This year they have been invited to dance at theCanada Day Festivities and several other events.

The Susykka Ukrainian Dance Club in Vita celebrated the end of their32nd dance season with a recital for parents and fans alike.

“All our dancers made everyoneso proud and represented

our community withstyle and grace.”

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!12

Not only is spring known for thechirping of birds and the sight ofgreen grass growing everywhereyou look, it’s also known for oneof the greatest things in all ofspring (after fishing, of course!)and that is the garage sales. Ah yes, garage sale time, the time when people take all the things thatthey don’t want and put them into the garage. They then proceed toopen their garage doors and allow complete strangers to comewandering into their garages and rummage through their stuff. If allgoes well the stranger will pick up an item or in many cases severalitems, and give the garage owner some small pieces of metal or bits ofpaper. The stranger will then leave the area with the “treasure” theyhave now acquired and the garage owner will happily add the pieces ofmetal, or paper, to the ones that they already had. One of the things I personally love about garage sales is that I nevertruly know what I will find. Sure, I can guess that there will be children’sclothes, movies, books and many other regular items, but will I findthose special items that I’ve been looking for? Is the book that I needto complete my set going to be out there waiting for me? Maybe. Willmy wife find our children’s sizes in all the piles of clothes available?Probably. Will I find the keys to a brand new Lamborghini in the FreeBox? Nope, but I can dream. Last month my wife and I attended community garage sales in bothKleefeld and Mitchell and let me tell you, I was surprised by how manythings I needed that I never before realized that I was needing! Luckily,for our finances, my wife was along and was the voice of reason. Whileshe never said no, I think she realizes that this would only force meinto buying it; she would merely ask me, what I would do with that itemor why did I need it? This trick made me stop and think about why Ireally wanted it. More often than not, I end up walking away with mymoney still in my pocket. Not to worry though, this is not only a one-sided strategy. I, too, have my ways of getting her not to purchase anitem that I don’t believe we need. I’d like to spill the beans and tell youall about my ways of doing this but I won’t. I can’t afford to let thisinformation fall into the wrong hands; after all,… she always reads myarticles. Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

By Dan Guetre

Finding Gloria, a memoir written byDawson Trail Dispatch journalistMarianne Curtis, is gaining readerson a global scale with both herprinted version and online edition. “I’m humbled by how many peoplewant to read about my personaljourney,” said Curtis. “I’ve receivedand shipped orders to Europe,Australia, and all over NorthAmerica in the short time since itslaunch.” The book critically looks at her lifeand the hurdles she has overcometo achieve personal success, a placeshe describes as being comfortableand accepting of who she is. With sales topping 1,000 copies in

RM of Ste. Anne Reeve, Art Bergmann andSteinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen were both on handto assist Harry Toews from the Steinbach Chapter ofVictoria’s Quilts with the opening of a new quilt roomand long arm quilting machine. Victoria’s Quilts is anational non-profit charity which makes quilts forpatients diagnosed with cancer. Doris Toews isPresident of the Steinbach Branch and startedorganizing the chapter in early 2008. The new quilting room is located east of Steinbachand was officially opened on Sunday, May 27.

Local Memoir Successin the Numbers

Bill and Karren Kanda, Marianne Curtis’ birth uncle and aunt, surprised the author by drivingfrom Edmonton Alberta to celebrate the launch of Finding Gloria.

Photo by Ashley Friesen

Garage SaleMadness

New Facility for SteinbachVictoria’s Quilts

RM of Ste. Anne Reeve, Art Bergmann (left) and SteinbachMLA, Kelvin Goertzen (right) assist Harry Toews with theopening of the new quilt room.

less than a couple of weeks, andbook launch events from Landmark,Lorette, Steinbach and evenMcNally Robinson Book Sellers, sheis trying to deal with her authoredsuccess and recognition. Recently,CJOB has even invited her to be theguest author on their weekly call inshow “The Book Club.” “Who knew? I wrote the book as aform of therapy, to finally air out thedemons of my past. Now to receiveletters and emails from readersexplaining how I have somehowinspired or helped them cope withtheir lives… it’s very humbling,”explains Curtis. “People I speak toat events feel comfortable to speakabout their own lives, some of thisinformation they have kept bottled

up for years. They say my book isgiving them the strength to openup.” If there ever was a book thatdusted off all the skeletons in thecloset, Finding Gloria is achievingthat status. A Winnipeg launch istaking place June 19, at McNallyRobinson Bookstores in the TravelAlcove at 7:30 p.m. On May 22, Curtis published asecond book called Moondust andMadness: A Collection of Poetry.While Finding Gloria is her healingprocess, this compilation waswritten “in the moment”. “Most people find others to talkto. I was ashamed of my life so I hidand wrote. Sometimes my thoughtswere so garbled, I could only writepoems,” Curtis added. She haspledged $5 from each edition soldwill go towards organizations likeKids Help Phone and Agape House. A summer tour is being scheduledwhich will include appearances attradeshows, area farmers’ marketsand festivals such as Pioneer Days,St- Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies,Niverville Olde Tyme Fair, VitaCanada and Dawson Trail Days toname a few. Anyone wishing to bookan appearance can emailmariannecurtis.author@gmail.comfor more information.

By Marianne Curtis

A grade 12 student from Iledes Chênes was the recentrecipient of two high schoolhockey scholarships by theManitoba High SchoolAthletic Association. On May 14, Marc-AndreSimard of College Gabrielle-Roy in Ile Des Chênes wasnamed as the recipient oftwo significant awards forhis hard work as theassistant captain of theCollege Gabrielle-RoyCavaliers. First, Simard was namedas this year’s recipient of theKen “Friar” Nicolson award,which goes to a male highschool hockey player.Nicolson was a broadcasterfor CJOB Radio for theWinnipeg Jets, and was atremendous supporter ofhigh school hockey. As arecipient, Simard was

Ile Des Chênes StudentWins Hockey Scholarships

presented with a $1,000 scholarship. Simard was also named the recipient of this year’sAlexander Josephson Memorial Scholarship. The$2,000 scholarship is awarded in honour ofAlexander Josephson, a student at St. John’sRavenscourt School, who tragically passed awayin a car accident in 2005. Simard is assistant captain of the Cavaliers andwas selected to the All-Star Team. He scored 19points in 18 games and added 10 points in fourplayoff games. In addition to hockey he is activewith the French Canadian Pavilion at Folklarama,involved with his church and is a page for youthparliament. He also volunteers for Meals onWheels, Special Olympics, the local food bank,Christmas Cheer Board, and he plays guitar forresidents at the local nursing home. The awards are presented by the Manitoba HighSchool’s Athletic Association, which is a voluntarynot-for-profit organization, which co-ordinateshigh school sport in the province.

College Gabrielle Roy student Marc-Andre Simard wasnamed this year’s recipient of the Ken “Friar” NicolsonAward and the Alexander Josephson MemorialScholarship.

The RM of Stuartburn is in the market for a new ChiefAdministrative Officer. On May 4, the RM of Stuartburn council accepted theresignation of acting administrator Jennifer Blatz, effective May25. Blatz joined the municipality after former administrator JudyReimer left, exactly a year ago on May 2. In the interim, the municipality has hired Reimer back as actingadministrator until the position is filled. The RM of Stuartburnis accepting applications for her replacement until June 29.

Stuartburn Seeks NewAdministrator

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 13June 2012

By Marianne Curtis

When grass fires flared up in the Vita area last fall the students at Shevchenko School were touched by the disaster on many levels. Forthe first time in recent history, classes were cancelled due to smoke. Many students had parents and grandparents fighting the fires onthe front lines or making evacuees and volunteers comfortable by making food and taking care of other needs. After the Thanksgiving weekend students returned to classes with stories on how close the flames got to their personal residences orhow their fathers returned from the fires exhausted to catch a few hours sleep before heading back out to protect homes and communities.The fire affected the student body at Shevchenko School greatly. The students banded together and sent a thank you letter, signed byeach student to the volunteer fire departments who fought the fires in the area. “[We were] very frightened and felt nervous – [we] could not believe that such a big fire was burning that would cause [our] school toclose,” the students stated in a letter to the fire departments. “We are grateful for your blood, sweat and tears. This also may include ablister or two and many scrapes and cuts you incurred while you were on duty. You are [our] heroes.” Shevchenko School teacher Patricia Spraggs fought back tears as she recalled how her students reacted to the near disaster last fall. “After the fire students were very upset. It was traumatic,” Spraggs said. “This was really big and the students were feeling asignificant loss. The students pushed to do something that would matter so we partnered with “Trees for Tomorrow” and came up witha plan.” On May 8, 27 Grade 6 students from Shevchenko School in Vita took their appreciation to a new level by spending a day planting1,000 Jack Pine trees in the Sandilands. The area was hit by a devastating forest fire in 2008 and over 8,000 hectares of forest wasdestroyed. “We were very happy to travel together to the planting area,” the students told the fire department in a second letter dated May 29.“Our teacher brought along a Canada Flag to mark the first tree. It made it really special and something to remember.” Unfortunately, a few days after the students planted the 1,000 trees, the RM of Stuartburn was once again fighting three fires in thearea. “We were heartbroken to learn there were three new fires as of May 11 near us. We inhaled smoke in our homes and on our playground;a classmate was very concerned about the little jack pines we’d just planted,” the students told the fire fighters. “We understand theimportance of taking the best care of the forest, farmland and our surroundings.” In six years, before graduation, the students plan to return to the site to check on the trees and celebrate the event that touched themall.

By Marianne Curtis

The children attending the Les Chouettes de Lorette DaycareCentre can look forward to some much needed playgroundimprovements now that fundraising has kicked off with a significantcontribution. On May 24, the Les Chouettes de Lorette Daycare Center waspresented with a $5,000 cheque from the Lorette Marketplace.The funds are slated to help the facility’s board fix and expand thecentre’s outside play area. Juliette Chabot, director at the Les Chouettes de Lorette DaycareCentre, said that the group is very grateful for the support. Thecentre opened its doors in 2008 and is attached to the LagimodiereSchool. The facility is licensed for 30 children ages two to fivealong with four babies up to two years old. The centre also offersa before and after school program for 15 kids ages 6-12. “We have not done any improvements yet, but we have appliedfor grants, like Community Places,” stated Chabot. “We want toexpand our existing play area and we want a natural playground forour children.” The group also wants to plant trees that will provide shade forthe children. Currently the children have a small playground that islow in elevation, which fills up with mud and water, Chabot added. “We also have old storage sheds that keep getting vandalized andour toys and equipment gets stolen,” Chabot continued. An exact plan has yet to be finalized depending on the amount ofmoney the group can collect from all available sources. Estimatedcosts of the project range from $20,000 to $25,000.

Vita Students Plant Trees to Honour Firefighters

On May 8, 27 students from Vita planted 1,000 trees in a burned out section of Sandilands Forest as a means to help give back after they werepersonally affected by grass fires last fall.

Lorette DaycareImprovements Supported

by Local Business

Ron Harder from the Lorette Marketplace presented Jason Adamus,Chairperson for the Les Chouettes de Lorette Daycare Centre, with acheque for $5,000 towards playground improvements.

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!14

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 15June 2012

Finding easy and simple ways to stay healthy and detox your body doesn’t need to be complicated. I was doingsome research on vitamin K and discovered it is one vitamin that should NOT be taken synthetically yet is extremelyimportant to the clotting of blood, among other things. So, are you eating foods with vitamin K? These would be:dandelion greens, spinach, kale, swiss chard, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, parsley, kiwifruit, avocado andgrapes. If you are not eating these foods you may be deficient and never know. Lacking a vitamin can lead to ill health. It’seasy to get your vitamin K1 just buy some organic kale at your local produce section (non-organic will containpesticide residue that is difficult to remove because of the feathery leaves). Please note that people with alreadyexisting and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems should not be eating kale (Read up on absorption of calcium). Kale is very low in saturated fats and cholesterol. It is a fat soluble vitamin and needs to be stored in body fat. Kaleis a great source of dietary fiber, which keeps the bowels clean and healthy as well as all the other benefits that fiberhas. Above all, kale is loaded – a real SUPER FOOD and is at the very top of the nutritional content list. It has so manytrace minerals and vitamins that I can’t believe we do not know more about this great food. It has broccoli beat! Weshould be told to add it to everything we can. It is so good for us. Kale contains protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin B6. Its mineral contentis outstanding with Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Copper,Manganese, Selenium, Fluoride, Zinc and Sodium. It is so inexpensive and easy to use. Steamed kale components willbind with bile acids in your digestive track to help lower cholesterol. Raw kale still has cholesterol lowering ability, justnot as much. This is good for cardiovascular support. Kale’s risk-lowering benefits for cancer have been extended tobladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. Kale also supports the body’s detoxification system. Kale’s 45 differentflavenoids combine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. So how do you eat one of the world’s healthiest foods? Well, it is so simple that you will wonder why you haven’tbeen using kale all your life. Go online and you will be shocked at all the recipes, but here are a few of my uses on adaily basis:1. Chop a little kale in your daily smoothie along with those anti-oxidant berries, flax, banana and spinach (You reallydon’t taste the kale or spinach).2. Chop kale into every salad you prepare. It is so mild you can’t tell it’s there but you have nice color and crunch inyour salad.3. Add chopped kale into your turkey or chicken stuffing. It adds colour but doesn’t change the taste.4. Chop kale, pine nuts and feta cheese with whole grain pasta and drizzle with an olive oil and vinegar dressing thatcontains your favorite spices.5. Add chopped kale to your home made soups or some canned soups if you don’t make soup.6. Steam for 5 minutes only, toss with a Mediterranean type dressing and serve as a side dish.7. Soak in salt water, dry off, lie on cookie sheet, sprinkle with favorite spices (I like Lowrey’s Seasoning), and gratedParmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes at 450 F. They are very crunchy and better than chips. Just be creative and try to use kale with as many dishes as you can. Ohhh. . . K!! Now you’re eating power food andgetting the famous vitamin K naturally. Stay well, stay healthy. Raylene Snow is owner/operator of Raylene’s Wellness Spa 5km south on 210 between Ste. Anne and Giroux. She canbe reached at 422-6234.

By Marianne Curtis

The St. Labre 200 is taking place nextmonth and organizers are encouragingall communities and companies insouthern Manitoba to assemble a teamof highly creative, mechanically inclined,competitive people that love a challengeand having a good time. The 4th annual St. Labre 200 go-kartbuild-off and race competition is achallenge where 14 qualifying teamsbuild their own go-karts within 24 hours.Each team is given basic materials alongwith their own basic framing materials.They are then challenged to build go-karts from scratch on the first day andrace their new creations the next day in

Ohhhh..........K!!

Photo by Scott Kroeker Photography

On YourMark, GetSet for theSt. Labre

200

a fast-paced nail biting 200-lap race on aquarter mile dirt track. The winner earnsthe right to hoist the Best Sleep CentreSparkplug Cup. François Grenier is one of theorganizers of the race. “We are very surprised at how quickthe teams have been registering,considering the only advertising as ofnow has been through word of mouth,the website and a sign in La Broquerie,”said Grenier. “We are looking forwardto another fun weekend.”

A great accomplishment for theorganizing committee is to see howcompanies are starting use the St. Labre200 as a team building experience fortheir employees. “Last year I brought some of the crewfrom our company,” Said Nico Vos fromTristar in Grunthal. “I didn’t realize howmuch of a team building experience thebuild off and race would be. Everyonehad such a good time that we had toregister again.” The St. Labre 200 has also become asuccessful annual fundraiser. Over thepast three years, $15,000 has beendonated to organizations throughout theregion. This year funds raised over theweekend will support East BorderlandCommunity Housing in Sprague and twoday-cares including Treasure KeepersChildren’s Centre and Les P’tits Brisous. Deadline for team registration is June15. Teams are accepted in order of fullypaid registrations with a deadline of June15th. The registration fee is $800 andincludes most parts needed to build acart (engine, sprocket, wheels, bearings,clutch etc) but does exclude the framing

material. The whole list of material canbe found on their website stlabre200.ca.At the end of the weekend. Teams cankeep their go-carts. The St. Labre 200 will take place July13 to July 15. The main race takes place

Saturday evening and is followed upwith two amazing local bands, Hoppin’Hedges and Bottle Jaw. The evening istopped off with the biggest fireworksshow in the southeast sponsored by RedBomb.

Ste. AnneJudo

CompetitorWins

Bronze inToronto

A member of the Steinbach Judo Clubhas come home with a bronze medal aftercompeting in the Canadian Senior andJunior Judo Championships in Toronto. On May 19, Judo competitor VincentBlais-Shiokawa from Ste. Annecompeted in two categories when heparticipated in the Canadian Senior andJunior Judo Championships, otherwiseknown as the Ontario Open. Blais-Shiokawa competed in the eventas a member of Team Manitoba, whichconsisted of seven men and one woman.The entire event drew close to 400competitors. In the category of U20 for Men, 66kg, he earned a third place medal afterthree wins against a Saskatchewan andtwo Ontario competitors. His only losswas against Quebec. In the category ofSenior Men, 66kg, Blais-Shiokawa camein fifth after winning two rounds thenlosing two rounds.

All three members of the Steinbach JudoClub who recently competed in Portage LaPrairie came home with medals. The teamincludes (l-r) Wyatt Lajoie, CassedyReddekopp and Vincent Blais-Shiokawa.Back: William McKenzie (sensei) and DonalHiebert (referee).

Earlier in the month, members of theSteinbach Judo Club participated in thePortage Open (for U11 & U13) andManitoba Provincial Championships onMay 5 in Portage la Prairie. All threelocal athletes competed in a group of 50and each came home with medals. Cassedy Reddekopp of Mitchell wonher first gold medal in the Under 11category. Wyatt Lajoie from Steinbachalso placed in the Men’s, 66/60 kgcategory.

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!16

I have spoken to many people about payback when itcomes to renewable energy and I find that most people havea hard time figuring it out, including yours truly. I prefer to think of any investment that saves me energy aspaying forward. After all, isn’t that what you are doing?Every dollar I spent on products that save me energy, startspaying forward from the moment I install it. This includes: a)inflation, which is about 3.1% a year, b) the PST, GST, HSTtaxes on every bill and, c) every dollar is tax free and nobodycan tax you on it either. WOW... that turns a 10-year payforward into 5 years. I would like to add d) the value that alow energy home with solar system is worth, how muchmore is a “net zero” home? Please consider all these factors when calculating your payforward. It will make it a little easier to grasp. Also considerusing the savings that a green energy product (i.e. LED bulb)can provide to help pay for the energy monitor that helpsyou save money for a solar thermal system that gets you toenergy generation like an off-grid tie PV panel and/or turbinesystem. One saving pays for another. Pay forward may not be a term that we hear everyday untilpeople start doing it at the Tim Horton’s drive thru, butthat’s exactly the way it works when investing in a “greenproduct”. One client of mine wanted to know how much it cost forthe full “greening my world” package. When I replied $30,000,he punched a calculator a few times and said, “That’s threetimes better than if I put my money in the bank. I never evenconsidered that fact.” It won’t be long before the property tax guys’ start taxingyou for having a solar system but in the meantime you can’tgo wrong with investing in any product that saves or generatespower. The best way to start is to figure out how much yourbudget is and which products get you fastest pay forward.

Landmark Elementary is one of 20 schools acrossManitoba that will receive a $1,000 provincial grant for theEducation for Sustainable Development (ESD) program.The goal is to help fund hands-on projects that expandstudent knowledge and experiences in citizenship, theenvironment and how nature helps their community. The funding will help the students with their project titled“Grow to Give” expand upon their recycling/compostinginitiative from the previous year by building a greenhouseat their school. Each class will learn how to grow and takecare of plants. Local seniors and students from Landmark Collegiate willbe invited to teach the students about plants and propergardening techniques. During the summer, students will carefor their plants by transplanting them in their home gardens.The plants will be harvested in the fall and sold within thecommunity. All proceeds will be given to support one local and oneglobal charity.

Three young hockey players from Steinbach and Mitchellare among 31 hockey players from Manitoba selected to jointhe 2012 Western Hockey League (WHL). The three local players were selected at the 2012 WHLBantam Draft recently hosted in Calgary. From Steinbach, Thomas Lenchyshyn was selected in thefirst round draft by the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The CalgaryHitmen picked up Scott Petkau from Steinbach in the 5thround and Desmond Nevin from Mitchell was picked in the10th round by the Everest Silvertips. The WHL Bantam Draft is the first opportunity for WHLClubs to replenish their teams with graduating Bantam-agedplayers.

The Summer in the City Festival committee is counting down the days to thefourth annual Summer of the City. This year’s event takes place June 16-17 andpromises a jam-packed two days of activities. Amid tons of local entertainment, the crowds will be entertained by JasonPetric, McKenzie Road, Jason Kirkness and Quinton Blair who are opening forcountry sensations Doc Walker on Friday night. “I grew up loving Doc Walker,” stated Petric, who is excited to be opening forDoc Walker. “The first time I saw them was at the grand opening of the MTSCentre, and I’ve been front row at a handful of their shows ever since. I’m gonnabe a very proud Manitoban that day. ‘Rocket Girl’ is my Mom’s favorite song.” The next night Dormant Ember, Corny “Elvis” Rempel, Mike Burnard, TheCracked Egg Shell and Jordan St.Cyr will open for former Guess Who front manBurton Cummings on June 16. St. Cyr is also honoured to be opening for one of his classic favourites. “I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to share the stage with someonelike Burton Cummings,” added St. Cyr. “His career has spanned decades withsongs that have shaped the musical landscape we live in today. It will definitely bea highlight for my band and me to have had this privilege.” Tickets for both evening shows are available at Earls Meat Market, MTS Connectand Safeway in Steinbach. The first Summer in the City Festival came together in 2009 as a celebration ofArts and Culture. Now in its fourth year, that commitment from the City ofSteinbach, volunteers and local business is stronger than ever. Nearly 30 local performers and groups will play on the Prudential Main Stagethis June. In addition, the committee is excited for the growth in visual arts, witha new ‘Artists in the City Courtyard’ is being planned. And festivalgoers will geta glimpse of the diverse food, dance and people of the area with the introductionof Cultures in the City sponsored by Hylife. The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce and businesses throughout Steinbach arealso hosting the second annual Sales in the City, Thursday through Saturday.There will be multicultural performers and food, the Wonder Shows midway, andentertainment for children.

Residents in the LUD of La Broquerie will not see an increasein sewer rates on this year’s tax bill due to a technicality. According to council, the LUD of La Broquerie conducted asewer rate study to review and possibility increase sewerrates for residents. While the LUD presented the results to thePublic Utilities Board for review and approval, the resultswere not received before the 2012 Financial Plan and PublicHearing. Not wanting to delay the mailing of this year’s tax bills, theRM of La Broquerie withdrew its application and is maintainingcurrent rates. Council will conduct a new rate survey and submit a newproposal to the Public Utilities Board so new rates can beimplemented in 2013.

It’s notPayback...

its PayForward

WHL Drafts LocalHockey Players

Sewer Rate Rise Delayed forLUD La Broquerie Residents

The RM of Reynolds has adopted their first emergencyplan. The plan was established because of the provincialrequirement that all municipalities develop a workingemergency plan. According to Marc Lavergne with the RM of Reynolds,the municipality now has a volunteer team charged with theresponsibility of responding to an emergency or disaster inthe RM. “Their aim is to ensure that the effects of an emergency ordisaster in the RM of Reynolds and its inhabitants areminimized, the protection and preservation of health,property and environment, the restoration of essentialservices,” stated Lavergne. In 1996, 1997 and 1998 the RM of Reynolds oversawthe implementation of flood protection resources. Anyfuture disasters will fall under the jurisdiction of the LocalEmergency Response Control Group (LERCG). Members of the group consist of Phyllis Creedon, EldaDolynchuk, Allan Kelly, Blanche Lavergne, Marc Lavergneand Gail Wasylnuk. The RM of Reynolds’ new emergency plan will also assistthe committee while dealing with grass and forest fires,dangerous goods spills and train derailments.

Local Musicians Eager toOpen for Headliners

New Greenhouse Project forLandmark Elementary

Reynolds EstablishesEmergency Response Team

Over $3,000 was raised during this year’s East Borderlandand Community Housing Committee used book sale thattook place May 2-5 at the Clearspring Centre in Steinbach. Money raised at the event goes to support the proposedseniors’ housing project under construction in Sprague. This is the fourth book sale the group has organized overthe past four years. Since the start of the annual fundraiser,over $13,000 has been raised with books for the EastBorderland and Community Housing Committee.

Book Sale Raises Funds forSenior Housing

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 17June 2012

For three days in June, the community of Blumenort is hosting a fair. Blumenort Fun and Fair Days coordinator Karen Doyle Hopkins is looking forward to this year’sevent. This will be the third consecutive year the fair is taking place after a lengthy hiatus. “We have a lot of fun things planned and everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the weekend,”invited Hopkins. “We are also looking for volunteers.” Kicking off June 22 with karaoke, open mic talent, great music and a family movie at dusk the eventis promising to draw in crowds. On Saturday there is a pancake breakfast from 7-9 hosted by the Blumenort LUD and the RM ofHanover, a parade at 10 am, Lulu and the Tomcat providing entertainment, bouncers, mini train rides,a kiddie carnival, petting zoo, a magician, The Stony Brook dancers, X company dancers and TheSoutheast Sparks showing off their cheerleading moves. At 2 pm, there will be a tug-of-war and at 4pm, more great music on the main stage followed at dusk by fireworks. On Sunday there will be a community church service followed by a free Mexican Disco lunch. There will also be a vast array of entertainment including McKenzie Road on Friday, on Saturday,Liza Mae Johnson, an early contestant on this season’s Canada’s Got Talent, Jason Kirkness, HurricaneJenny and the Jake Brakes will also be taking the stage. Volunteers can email blumenortfunfairday@mts.net or call phone 326-9013 to offer their services.

On May 30, the Arts4Tots class was invited to a Jubilee Book Signing Ceremonyat Steinbach City Hall. The class, along with instructors Treena Gosbee and PamButler, walked the few blocks to City Hall, all wearing hats and carrying specialflags. Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen and MLA Kelvin Goertzen greeted the groupand thanked the Arts4Tots Preschool for being a main reason for this specialgathering due to the media attention they received a few months ago. In March, the group received media attention after they sent a letter to QueenElizabeth II wishing her a happy 60th anniversary as sovereign. The letter resultedin a personal response from the Queen, proving to the children that royaltyexisted and was not just a fairy tale. At the special event at City Hall, the students, along with the mayor and MLA,planted a commemorative Amber Jubilee Ninebark shrub in front of City Hall. One of the students told the mayor to ‘make sure there’s lots of worms in there,’as the tree was planted. The tots were also treated to snacks at City Hall. The Diamond Jubilee Celebration book will be at City Hall until June 12, wherelocal residents can write their congratulations to the Queen. There is also a displayand some old photographs, including one from 1970 when the Queen visitedSteinbach.

By Marianne Curtis

Over 60 RM of Piney residents attended public open houses where ratepayers were encouraged tohave their say in how the municipality proceeds with garbage disposal throughout the region. A public open house took place on May 24 at the Vassar Community Hall. Members of the councilpresented four different solutions to the municipality’s waste management facilities. Currently thereare five landfills located in Piney, Sandilands, Menisino, Vassar and Sprague. RM of Piney councilor Sian Barrow is pleased with the response. “First we were surprised by the attendance but I think ratepayers understand that we want theirinput as it is their tax dollars we are spending,” explained Barrow. “We are very pleased with theresponse.” A community survey was also sent out to residents and over ninety responses were received. “I have not had a chance to go over every single survey yet but based on the feedback at the meetingsand what I have seen so far, residents are in favour of option three.” Option three would establish three transfer stations at a cost of about $600,000 and close the existingfive municipal landfills. It is the cheapest option under consideration but costs could escalate becausea garbage-hauling contract would be required to haul waste to facilities outside the municipality, whichcould change whenever the contract is renewed, noted Barrow. The RM of Piney council plans to take a closer look at the responses at the next municipal councilmeeting in June. A few years ago, Manitoba Environment told the RM of Piney they needed to reduce the number ofsites within the municipality. Council hired a consultant who has now come up with a number ofsolutions so that decisions can be made before the province steps in and forces the municipality intoaction.

On May 13, the 5th annual Run for Mom took place in Steinbach. Over the pastfive years, the annual event has established itself as one of the province’s highestquality running events in Manitoba. The purpose of the event is to build and support the running community in thesoutheast, promote healthy lifestyle choices for individuals and families, andsupport local charities, specifically Anna’s House in Steinbach. This year a record breaking 641 runners and walkers registered for the event.Last year over 500 people participated in the event. Event organizer Greg Penner stresses that while the event is a fundraiser, actualfundraising is not required. “Huge congratulations to you on finishing your races and overcoming thechallenging weather,” stated Penner. “We had a few people “drop out” of the 10km, but still crossed the finish, which complicates the results. Also, the windwasn’t helpful at all.” Proceeds from the entry fees will be given to Anna’s House. Anna’s House is afamily resource centre that is located in Steinbach, but is dedicated to servingexpectant mothers and families with children up to the age of five. To date over $24,500 has been raised by the Run for Mom and donated to thiscause.

Tots Sign Jubilee Book

Children who participate in the Steinbach Arts Council offered Arts4Tots program were thespecial guests at a recent Jubilee Book Signing Ceremony that took place in Steinbach.

Run forMomRaises$8,500

Run for Mom presented Anna’s House witha cheque of $8,500 on behalf of all theparticipants.

Piney Residents DiscussDump Options

Volunteers Needed for JamPacked Fair in Blumenort

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!18

Deuteronomy 6:5-7... (5) Love theLord your God with all your heart andwith all your soul and with all yourstrength. (6) These commandmentsthat I give you today are to be uponyour hearts. (7) Impress them on yourchildren. Talk about them when you sitat home and when you walk along theroad, when you lie down and when you get up. (NIV1984) Small towns are special to me. My wife and I have traveled to manysmall communities over the years. You see people take time out to say helloto one another when they meet in the town coffee shop or grocery store orwhen they pass each other on the street. I have also noticed that most takepride in how their yards look and how clean their streets are kept. It givesyou a sense of well being when you walk down the street … you feel safe. Many rural communities have several churches, which gives you an ideaabout spiritual awareness. It does not take long to feel that warmhospitality, that old-fashioned mannerism. That friendly approach and theslower pace somehow sooth the mind and makes you think that it is a greatplace to live. You say to yourself it must be a wonderful place to raise afamily. Talk about raising a family: Many years ago in a rural community weleased a comfortable apartment owned and operated by a couple and theirchildren. From our observation they knew how to raise a family. Theirchildren were well mannered and they worked as a well-trained team aroundthe apartment. This takes time and love from mom and dad. I kind of thinkthat they saw their family as a gift from God; a gift that is worth going theextra mile for, a gift that will forever fill their hearts with pride and joy. This month’s Scripture passage makes it reasonably clear to us that wemust instruct and train our children in the ways of the Lord and there isnothing wrong if we become somewhat undone, somewhat emotional aboutthese truths. They are after all so precious, and essential to God’s purposein our lives. We are to teach them diligently, we are to be tireless in oureffort to instruct them how to live and how to do the everyday things thatare so necessary for life. We must be willing to invest the time, the effort,and the energy to teach our children these truths. I do think we all agree that God has given us a command that we are toinstruct our children how to live in this world both spiritually andphysically: Spiritually meaning in the ways of the Lord, while physicallymeans the everyday things that sustain life. If what I have just said is so,whose responsibility is it to teach our children these truths? According to the Bible, mothers and fathers, but primarily fathers, havethe responsibility of instructing children in the things of God. However,when was the last time I took the Bible and sat down with my children toexplain a passage of Scripture? When was the last time I explained somespiritual truths or other issues that my children grapple with, referring to abiblical passage because God said something specific about it? I have come to understand that a child learns by watching what we sayand do. That means I must watch my conduct, watch my manners andwatch all those things that I would not want to discuss with my ownchildren. I cannot blame others if my behavior is out of line. The question Imust ask myself is what kind of message do I send to my children? If I seethem as a gift from God, do they know that? How do they fit into my lifestyle? Do they see themselves as burdens, people who are in the way, or dothey see themselves as part of the family ... an immense blessing. Those arehard questions, but if we want to keep our children safe as the God of theBible instructs, then we will need God’s help. This is a task we cannot hopeto accomplish alone. Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart.Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitudeneed to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I reallywant that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Pleaselet the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honor YourName.” Amen.

At the beginning of May, the community of St. Malo gathered for onespectacular evening to honour a group of dedicated volunteers in thecommunity. This year’s Making a Difference St. Malo Volunteer Appreciationevening took place on May 5 in St. Malo. At the gala event, the St. Maloand District Chamber of Commerce recognized twelve communityvolunteers and two youth volunteers. St. Malo Chamber of Commerce President, Lorraine Jones-Racine saidthe event is held each year. “We like to recognize the community’s dedicated volunteers who givegenerously of their time to make our community a better place to live,”said Jones-Racine. This year’s recipients were Jean Catellier, Robert Catellier, Dave Collette,Annette Coté, Gilbert Gobeil, Louis Gosselin, Hèlene Hébert, ChristinaLambert, Pierre Maynard, Aline Pilotte, Anita Preteau and Bernice Preteau. Two youth volunteers were also recognized, namely Natasha Bouchardand Michel Catellier.

SmallTowns

Dedicated VolunteersHonoured in St. Malo

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 19June 2012

By Marianne Curtis

A construction worker from Ile des Chênes recently returned from the adventure of a lifetime after he trekked through thejungle with a troupe of aboriginals, then successfully conquered one of the highest summits in the world. In April, Dean Carriere made his way to Papau where he joined a group of climbers who took on and conquered the 16,023foot high Carstensz Pyramid. The Carstensz Pyramid, located in Papua, New Guinea, is a large limestone escarpmentjutting out above the rainforest. According to Carriere, the journey consisted of a trek through the wet rainforest jungle for six days to get to the base andthree days to return. As for the actual climb, it took the group about twelve hours to rope their way to the top and backdown. When the group arrived at their initial destination, they were greeted by two different aboriginal tribes who clambered forthe opportunity to be their guides. Over two dozen locals were selected to act as guides. They, along with their families, ledthe climbers through the jungle while living on white rice and chicken cooked on the first day. “We lived on plain white rice or sweet potatoes,” explained Carriere. “The return trip should have taken us six days, butI had, had enough and I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible,” Carriere stated. Carriere said the entire experience is something he will never forget. “It was a good trip. Going in I knew what to expect but at the same time it was freaky to know that people live like this,”he added. In July, he plans to conquer Elbrus in Russia and in December, he wants to head to Vinson Massif in the Antarctica. Hislast challenge will be to conquer Everest, which he is confident will present minimal challenge. “Some of the climbers in our group were on their seventh mountain. They’d already done Everest,” Carriere continued.“They said if I could do the Pyramid, which I didn’t find too hard, I would have no problem with Everest.” Carriere maintains this positivism even though three climbers, including a Canadian, died at the end of May attempting toclimb Everest. “The deaths on Everest this year do not affect my desire to climb it,” Carriere added. “It is all a matter of being fullyprepared and ready with a great team and a great guiding company.”Carriere has already proved to be up to the challenge. To date he has reached the summits of Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro andDenali. Anyone wanting to see or be a part of this exciting adventure can check out Dean’s progress and plan at deancarriere.com.

By Marianne Curtis

Fifty years ago, the doors opened to Landmark Collegiate and to celebrate, aspecial event is taking place in the community on June 29 and 30. The Reunion Committee has been working diligently to put together a weekendof entertainment as alumni from each year gather to share memories of daysbefore. Rain or shine, students past and present will gather at the Archie PlettMemorial Park or Landmark Collegiate. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own memorabilia such as school rings,photos, report cards and other items. Weekend events include an open house andtour on Friday, musical entertainment by former students and a chance to catch upwith old classmates. On Saturday there will be a pancake breakfast, meet theteachers (past and present), a slow pitch tournament and a hog supper. Thehighlight of the day will be the opening of a time capsule that was buried when theschool first opened back in 1961. Back in October 1961 Landmark Collegiate Institute first opened its doorsbringing together students who formally attended one-room classrooms in thearea. This included amalgamating and closing schools in Linden, Shakespeare, andWillowridge. Until Landmark Elementary School opened 19 years ago, LandmarkCollegiate housed students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Landmark CollegiatePlans Golden Reunion

Students past and present will gather on June 29 and 30 to celebrate the goldenanniversary of the opening of Landmark Collegiate.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Carriere ConquersCarstensz Pyramid

Dean Carriere nears the top of the Carstensz Pyramid, his fourth summit inhis goal of conquering the seven highest mountain peaks in the world.

Dean Carriere and his team perch on the summit ofCarstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea for a group picture.

Students from the SteinbachJunior High have created what israted the best anti-tobacco video,based on votes, as part of an anti-tobacco video contest. At the beginning of May, theprovince announced the Create andRate anti-tobacco video contest. Itwas the province’s first student-produced, anti-tobacco videoprogram and gave students acrossthe province the opportunity todevelop videos to discourage otheryouth from using tobacco. Ten finalists were selected andinternet users were given anopportunity to vote for theirfavourite video. Five were frommiddle school (junior high) studentsand five were put together by seniorhigh students. The ads were postedonline at mbcreaterate.ca and allManitoba students in grades 5 to12 could vote for the ad they likedbest. A video created by SteinbachJunior High students called“Birthday Cakes” received themost votes of all the videos with41,508. The middle-school entry and thehigh-school entry that received themost online votes will each receivean Apple iPad. A Sony digitalcamera will be awarded to each ofthe eight runner-up entries.

Junior HighStudents Anti-Smoking VideoGets Top Votes

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!20

With summer around the cornerand increased people out andabout, the RCMP would like toremind the public to ensure thatvaluable items such as bicycles,motorcycles, trailers, ATVs andgolf carts be secured. These are example of expensiveitems that are targeted by thieves.Often times officers learn that theitems were stolen simply becausethe opportunity presented itself. A little prevention goes a longway. Some examples of what thepublic can do to ensure theirproperty is secured:- Be cautious in leaving yourgarage door open for extendedperiods of time. Criminals will takenote of what’s in your garage.- Ensure keys are not left in theignition.- If you own a motorcycle, ensurethe steering column is locked ifpossible.- Trailer and hitch locks alsoprovide protection against thefts. Safety is everyone’s businessand every little bit helps. Reportany suspicious person(s) or activityin your neighborhood to thepolice.

By Jon Chapman

The warm weather is here and sois another RV season. Weinterviewed an RV dealership, SunValley RV in Morden, Manitoba tolearn how to get your RV ready. They helped us out with 5 tips thatwill ensure you have a safe andhappy season.1. To be sure of the cleanestdrinking water in your RV, make sureyou completely flush out all theantifreeze from your system beforeyou allow water into your waterheater. If you don’t, you will havevery frothy water. Nobody likes frothywater, so be sure all the antifreeze isgone before opening the bypass toyour water heater.2. a) To ensure safe driving withyour RV, be sure to check the airpressure in your tires. After a longwinter of outdoor storage, tires maylook good, but they can be under-inflated and cause poor handlingor a flat. This is true for motor homes,trailers and 5th wheels. b) Also for safety, your wheelbearings may need to be repackedwith grease. There is a lot of weight

Essential Tips forHappy RVing

and heat on the bearings that slowlybreaks down the grease with use.The average length of time they lastdepends on the size and weight ofRV, but they should be repackedaround every 1-2 years.3. To keep your RV dry, check theroof and all sealants for leaks in thespring. Sometimes snow won’t comethrough, but rain will. The smallestcracks in your roof sealant can letwater in and cause tremendouswater damage.4. To maintain your safety in yourRV, test the function and replace all

batteries in the smoke/carbonmonoxide/propane detectors. Mostbatteries are likely to be dead aftersitting all winter. Also check your fireextinguisher to see if it still has acharge.5. To ensure safe travel with otherdrivers, check all your signal andbrake lights before departing. Manytimes it is a matter of just wigglingthe bulb to regain a goodconnection. If it’s burnt out, thoselittle bulbs are readily available. Thiswill keep you free of tickets and youcan drive safely on the road.

SignificantRCMP

Summer SafetyReminders

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 21June 2012

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!22

Reconstruction of the Bethesda Hospital Emergency Room has begun and as aresult public access to the facility has been relocated for the duration of theproject. As of the middle of May patients requiring treatment at the Bethesda Hospital’semergency room can no longer access the facility through the front entrance. OnMay 14, phase one of the Bethesda Hospital’s $22 million redevelopment of theemergency department began, subsequently affecting where people can enter thefacility. During this phase of the project the front entrance of the hospital has beenmoved to the back ramp located on Hospital Street. Public parking has also beenrelocated to the back of the hospital, closer to the relocated entrance way. Workers will continue to renovate 365 Reimer to accommodate the temporaryER to open sometime in June, 2012. The entire emergency room reconstructionproject is expected to take two years and the new emergency room is expected toopen in the summer of 2014. The Bethesda Hospital Emergency Department will remain open during theentire redevelopment project. Once complete the new emergency room will see a significant improvement.The current facility occupies about 2,200 square feet of Bethesda Hospital. Thenew emergency room will be 14,000 square feet and offer both urgent and non-urgent care.

On Thursday, June 7th, Red River Co-op Speedway is kicking off theracing season with a bang! All Pro Racing Series classes will be in attendanceand will be competing in the Lightning Sprint, Street Stock, Super Truck,Super Stock, Modified and Late Model classes. The event will be held at 7:30 pm and ticket prices are as follows: $15Adults; $12 Students/Seniors; $7 Kids 7-12; Free for Kids 6 & Under. For more information regarding this event or future races, go towww.victorylane.mb.ca.

Earlier this month Premier Greg Selinger apologized on behalf of his governmentfor the recent Jets tickets scandal. He also announced that he would ask MLAsfrom both sides of the legislature to avoid accepting free professional sportstickets from Crown corporations, businesses and unions in the future. Selinger also released an updated list of government MLAs who have receivedfree Jets tickets. It contains the names of 13 MLAs, including 12 cabinet ministerswho received a total of 33 free tickets. Dawson Trail MLA Ron Lemieux’s name is on the list. It is reported that hereceived one free ticket from the Manitoba Homebuilders Association. The premier told his MLAs to either repay the cost of the tickets or makecharitable donations for the value of tickets received. He also wants MLA’s fromboth sides of the house to declare any tickets they received. The controversy erupted earlier this week after it was revealed that the ManitobaLiquor Control Commission had been given hundreds of tickets to Jets games inexchange for a $250,000 advertising contract at the MTS Centre. Most of thetickets were used by executives, board members and senior managers. ManitobaPublic Insurance, Manitoba Lotteries and Manitoba Hydro also had Jets seasontickets.

Two teenagers from the region wererecently named among the top juniorgolfers after an impressive showing atthe Maple Leaf Junior Manitoba SeasonOpener. The event, which took placeMay 5- 6 at The Meadows at East St.Paul, drew over eighty golfers betweenthe ages of thirteen and eighteen. From St. Adolphe, 17-year-oldBrendan Baldwin came in third in theBoys 17-19 category. He shot a 79-72.He also received the Golf TownComeback Award. Steinbach’s Cole Peters came in secondplace in the Boys 14-16-year-oldcategory after the 16-year-old scored 74over 75. Fourteen-year-old Bailey Funk, alsoof Steinbach, was short-listed for theCallaway Junior World GolfChampionship. The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour isCanada’s premier and only nationaljunior tour, run exclusively by PGA ofCanada Professionals and the ‘Road toCollege Golf’ for aspiring young players.The organization hosts more than 60events across Canada, including freeFord Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJTMini Tour for 7–12 year olds, and multi-day events for competitive players,which also qualify juniors forinternational competitions.

On May 10, Steinbach RCMP received a report that a residence on Hwy 216had been broken into earlier in the day. The suspects stole various electronics,including a laptop computer, a new Canon digital camera, a 32" flat screen TV, aDVD player and a Nintendo Wii gaming system. A white Chevy van was seen onthe property around the time of the break-in. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individualsresponsible for the crime. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at(204) 326-4452 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) ormanitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes(274637).

On May 11 a Break and Enter to a residence in Kleefeld was reported to theSteinbach RCMP. The suspects gained entry to the garage and residence by forcingthe rear door of the home. Once inside the suspect(s) proceeded to steal twotelevision sets, and then fled the scene. This break and enter is believed to haveoccurred between the dates of May 6-11. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating suspect(s) responsiblefor this Break and Enter. If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMPDetachment at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 ormanitobacrmstoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes(274637).

On April 30, Steinbach RCMP received a complaint of damage to constructionequipment parked in Harel’s Gravel Pit in the RM of La Broquerie. The incidentoccurred sometime on April 29 when unknown suspects caused extensive damageto a loader, an excavator and a rock crusher by using a sledgehammer and a pry baron the equipment. Anyone with any information regarding this matter is asked to contact theSteinbach RCMP at 326-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) ormanitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes(274637).

On April 23, the Steinbach RCMP received a report that the Blumenort Lagoonsite, located on Road 42 East, had been broken into. Suspects cut through a chainlink fence and gained entry into a fully enclosed trailer that was parked in thecompound. The suspects made off with various tools and equipment including aHonda boat motor, a John Deere Gator all-terrain utility vehicle and a portable300-watt Honda generator. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the individuals responsiblefor the theft. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at(204) 326-4452 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) ormanitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes(274637).

On May 12, the Steinbach RCMP received a number of reports regarding mischiefto vehicles within the Steinbach area. Police responded and noted that numerousvehicles had their windows smashed. Police are continuing to investigate this matter and are asking for the public’sassistance to identify the individual(s) responsible. Anyone with any information regarding this matter is asked to contact theSteinbach RCMP at 326-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) ormanitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes(274637).

On May 1, at approximately 9:30 pm a lone female was walking southbound onthe sidewalk of Brandt Street near Echo Fitness in Steinbach, Manitoba. Thefemale was approached by a young male riding a mountain bike and as he passedher, he reached out and inappropriately touched her upper body. The female wasnot injured because of the assault and the male fled northbound on Brandt Street.A similar incident occurred on March 22, 2012 in the area of Shopper’s Drug Martin Steinbach. The suspect is described as possibly 15 years old, short dark hair, slim buildwith narrow face and no facial hair, wearing a black jacket. The mountain bike isdescribed as having straight handlebars. If you have any information regarding the suspect responsible for these assaults,you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppersat 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrmestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN”plus your message to Crimes (274637).

A carpenter, cook and esthetician fromthree communities in the southeast regionwere among 39 of Manitoba’s topapprentices recently honoured at aspecial awards ceremony and banquet. The province’s top-achievingapprenticeship graduates from 2011were honored at the 20th annual HighestAchievement Awards ceremony andreception. Three of the 39 apprenticeshonoured at the banquet work forbusinesses within the region. The region’s recipients includecarpenter Craig Goodnam, who worksfor Down by Creek in West Hawk Lake;Joshua Unrah, who works as a cook atLe Routier Restaurant in St-Pierre-Jolys;and Renae Gauthier, with EnvyEsthetics Studio in Lorette. The recipients were chosen as the bestin their fields based on criteria thatincluded on-the-job performance,classroom accomplishments andrecognition from both employers andinstructors. The event also acknowledges theimportant role employers andinstructors play in the development ofthe trade industry in Manitoba. Since1999 the number of registeredapprentices has more than doubled andApprenticeship Manitoba isanticipating a 35 percent increase overthe next two years. In Manitoba thereare over 55 different apprentice tradesleading to certification as ajourneyperson.

Electronics ThievesTarget Kleefeld Home

Lemiuex Named as FreeJets Ticket Recipient

Equipment Snatchedfrom Blumenort

Woman Groped by Cyclist

Red River Co-op SpeedwayReady for Season Opener

Local BoysWin Big at

Season Opener

Tribute toSoutheast

Apprentices

Bethesda HospitalEntrance Moved

Electronics Stolen from aHwy 216 Residence

Sledgehammer Used onConstruction Equipment

Repeat Vandalism toSteinbach Vehicles

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 23June 2012

Trees are historical landmarks for our homes – and over time they cangrow to great heights. It is up to you to maintain them, and to be carefulwhen trimming tall trees around power lines. Before you start, check the surrounding area to determine exactly whereoverhead power lines are located. The tree should be at least twice itslength away from an overhead power source. If you can, get nearbypower lines grounded or insulated prior to working on the trees. If youneed to move equipment up into the trees, use proper ropes and carriers. Use insulated gloves and non-conductive tools when clipping. If youare using a pole pruner, make sure the cutting head is connected to thelever at the lower end of the pole with a polypropylene rope, instead of awire or chain. Also, do not grasp the pruner closer than four feet from themetal head. Many people believe that when trimming trees, ladders are safer thanusing long poles, because the branches are closer. However, most ladderscontain metal parts or are made completely of metal, which makes themgreat conductors of electricity. Even if you are not using a ladder, you should still be cautious whentrimming trees near power lines. Trees, whether wet or dry, can conductelectricity. Move a limb enough to meet a power line and electricity cantravel to the ground through you, your metal clipping tool, or even thetree itself. If your trees are in direct contact with the power lines, it is no longer ado it yourself project. Call Manitoba Hydro for assistance. Tree trimming safety should actually begin during the planning stages

One of the best ways to improve a home’s resale value is to address the landscape.Increasing a property’s curb appeal can be done in many ways, but a well-prunedlawn and garden gives buyers the impression that the sellers truly took the time tomaintain the home and the surrounding property. Unfortunately, many homeowners choose exotic plants when addressing theirlandscape. Though these plants can be appealing and make a property stand out, ifthe plants are not native to the region, they could be doing more harm than good.Instead of upgrading your property with exotic plants from a far away land, considerthe following benefits of choosing native plants before addressing your landscape.* Native plants benefit local wildlife. The native plants and the native wildlife spentyears and years evolving together, with each doing their part to ensure the other’ssurvival. But as development continued, local wildlife suffered because of lost foodsources. The local wildlife needs local, native plants to survive, so choosing theseplants instead of exotic plants can help ensure the survival of wildlife that helps keepthe ecosystem in check.* Native plants require less work. Some prospective home buyers might find a yardfilled with exotic plants to be visually stunning, but they might also see a good deal ofwork to maintain those plants. Many exotic plants require significant work on ahomeowner’s part to survive, while native plants have already adapted to the localclimate and will require much less care. This is often attractive to current and futurehomeowners alike.* Native plants might be a better investment. A native plant has evolved over the yearsto survive in its given area. Local insect populations and fungal infections might beable to destroy an exotic plant, but a native plant has grown resistant to such problemsand likely has the ability to fight such infestations or infections on its own. An exoticplant might require costly pesticides and considerable attention from homeowners tosurvive such problems. Though homeowners might find exotic plants help their home stand out from theirneighbors’, it’s important that homeowners recognize the environmental benefits ofchoosing local plants before making any decisions.

For those who are ready to saygoodbye to grass, there are manyalternatives.* Ground cover:* Ground cover:* Ground cover:* Ground cover:* Ground cover: Homeowners whostill desire the look of green can chooseamong different types of ground coverthat will quickly fill in the landscape.Clover, low-growing evergreen plantsand ivy are some of the more popularground cover alternatives.* Rocks:* Rocks:* Rocks:* Rocks:* Rocks: Decorative rocks intermingledwith native plants can add dimensionand color to the yard. Once rocks areplaced, there is little upkeep except forpulling the errant weeds.* Mulch:* Mulch:* Mulch:* Mulch:* Mulch: A less expensive alternativeto rocks is mulch. Mulch is available indifferent colors and types and can evenbe created by a homeowner by chippingtrimmed branches from trees in the yard.It helps lock water into landscapingbeds, decreasing the need for frequentwatering.* W* W* W* W* Water features: ater features: ater features: ater features: ater features: Think aboutinstalling a pond in the yard that canbe bordered with stones and mulch. This

Grass-Free Landscapinga Viable Alternative

Many homeowners equate a beautiful landscape to rolling acres of pristine lawn. But changesin the climate and widespread seasonal restrictions on water use each year could change theway people think about outfitting their yards. There are many reasons people choose to forgo grass and opt for different ornamental elementsin their yards. Cost is one factor. While grass seed is relatively inexpensive, the upkeep, includingmowing, fertilizing, re-seeding, and watering, requires a significant investment of both time andmoney. Many homeowners choose to lay down sod to create a beautiful lawn, an expensiveoption for homeowners with vast landscapes. The environment is another reason homeowners look for grass alternatives. Grass requires alot of upkeep, much of which is not environmentally friendly. For example, maintaining a pristinelawn requires the use of a gas-powered mower and oftentimes the application of chemicalfertilizers and pesticides. Seeking alternatives to grass can be friendly on both the wallet and theenvironment.

will take up a good amount of space and can create anatural habitat for wildlife and even some low-maintenance pond fish.* Concrete or patio stones:* Concrete or patio stones:* Concrete or patio stones:* Concrete or patio stones:* Concrete or patio stones: Although they're notall-natural materials, patios can take up areas normallyconsumed by the lawn and create expansive outdoorentertaining areas. It will require an initial investmentof the patio material, but once installed, patios don'trequire significant maintenance. Homeowners canoffset the concrete jungle feel by placing plenty of pottedplants and container foliage around the perimeter.* Decking: * Decking: * Decking: * Decking: * Decking: Another alternative to concrete and stonesis a wood or composite material deck. Again, thisstructure will increase outdoor living space and won'trequire the level of routine maintenance needed tokeep a lush lawn.

Grass-free alternatives, such as ground cover mixed with patiostones, can be an option for homeowners looking for less upkeep.

Grass-Free LandscapingAlternatives

The Case for ChoosingNative Plants

Tree Trimming Troubles & Truths –Watch out!

of your landscaping. Before you plant a tree, lookup. If it appears that your tree will eventually hit anoverhead power line, try to find a location that willnot cause problems in the future.

June 2012 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!24