Dawson Trail Dispatch June 2016

By Les Kletke

Anne Toews describes it as anevent that has something foreveryone with any interest inantique tractors. “It” is the TractorTrek that is a joint venture of theMennonite Village Museum and theEden Foundation. This year will bethe seventh event that raisesmoney for the Eden Mental HealthCentre. The past 6 events haveattracted tractors from across thesoutheast and as far away asSaskatchewan.” “It allows the fellows to show offthe tractors they have restored andget them out on the road for a drive,”said Toews who Coordinates theevent on behalf of the MennoniteHeritage Village (MHV). “Theparade itself also allows anyonewith an interest in tractors to watchthese machines roll by.” The eventis restricted to 50 tractors and they

By Les Kletke

Ask Al Brandt of Blumenort if he is going to drivein the Tractor Trek and the answer is in the form ofa question. “Can’t see why not?” Brandt has driven in the first 6 editions and plansto make it 7 straight. “I drive with two sons andthree grandsons,” said Brandt with obvious pride.He has six McCormick tractors ready for the event. The family tradition runs deep with the Brandt’sand it is not just these three generations. “I have aSuper W F that my Dad bought new in 1955,” hesaid. “And I have them up to the WD9 which wasthe biggest tractor they made on rubber tires at thetime.” He has restored all the tractors himself up to thestage of painting which he has trusted to someoneelse. The only one that he has not had painted is theWD9, and it is the one he will drive in the upcomingTractor Trek. “It is the biggest and a little clumsier,”he said. “So I drive that myself, the boys[grandchildren] are not farm boys and not used tohandling the tractors so I take that one.” Brandt takes the tractors to a few other local showssuch as a similar event in Winkler and the July 1parade in Vita. For the Brandt’s, the Tractor Trek is a family affairand he says his grandsons seem to enjoy the event asmuch as he does so he has plans to continue onTrekking. The June 11 Tractor Trek begins at the MennoniteHeritage Museum, continues to Richer for lunchbefore winding back to the museum for supper andawards.

Trekking Through Time

must be able to maintain a speed of10 miles an hour to minimize thedisturbance to normal traffic. “We have what we call the 50-50-50 rule,” said Toews. “We restrict itto 50 tractors, and they have to be 50years old, and we want to raise 50thousand dollars with the event.” Toattain the final goal it is suggestedentrants raise $1,000 each insponsorship. “Some raise the minimum for entrywhile others raise much more,” saidToews. “We had one driver whoraised over $9,000 on her own, andseveral who raised over $3,000.” Thedrivers are a mix of returning and newparticipants. Some have been on theride since the beginning and otherstake a year or two off beforereturning. The day is about much more thanshowing off their restored tractors.“We start with a breakfast and thenhead over to Richer for lunch,” said

Fifty tractors, at least 50 years old and raising $50,000 for a good cause is the goal of thisyear’s Tractor Trek that begins at the Steinbach Heritage Village Museum on June 11. It willmake its lunch stop in Richer and everyone is invited to check out the tractors.

Toews. “We spend about an hour and half thereand that gives the drivers some time to visit andsome time for people to see the tractors, and to votefor the People’s Choice award.” Toews said thatcommunities like Richer are important to make theevent as popular as it has become. “The communitycan make it as big an event as they wish.” Afternoon coffee will be provided by Penner’sPumpkins and the drive concludes back at theMennonite Village Museum. “That is where we handout the awards and there is always some fun withthat. Depending on the weather, we might revivethe Dirties Tractor Award, one year that got the drivera car wash kit,” she said.

Family AffairBy Marianne Curtis

Have you ever come across a wild animal that was inneed of help, and did not know who to call for advice?Have you ever heard stories of wild animals that havebeen rescued and rehabilitated, but had no idea whatorganizations were involved? A new children’s book released by the Wildlife HavenRehabilitation Centre answers these questions and more.This past month, the Ile Des Chenes based facility addedanother educational tool to their arsenal with the releaseof a children’s book called Wildlife in Your Backyard - IfYou Care, Leave it There! Published by Oak Island Publications, another Ile desChenes company, the 36 page, colour filled paperbackhighlights the many animals and birds rescued by thenon-profit organization, along with their famous wildlifeambassadors. It provides information on the many reasons wildlifemay require the assistance of wildlife rehabilitators andgives readers an insider’s peak into the stories of someof the unique wild animals that have been admitted intothe Centre over the years, for a second chance. Also featured within these pages is fun facts about thepatients and some of the individual stories of their non-releasable wildlife residents. The Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre is a registerednonprofit, volunteer-based charitable organization. Theyare dedicated to the rehabilitation and successful releaseof wildlife back to their natural environment. Find out more about the Centre at wildlifehaven.ca andto purchase a copy of Wildlife in Your Backyard onAmazon at amzn.com.

Wildlife HavenReleases Kid’s Book

Funds raised from the sale of Wildlife in Your Back Yard will gotowards the rehabilitation of critters brought into Wildlife HavenRehabilitation Centre for treatment.

June 2016 Dawson Trail DispatchCelebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!2


By Marianne Curtis

On May 29, about a dozen animalrescues from around the provinceconverged at Waldenway Canineand Kitty Camp near Ste. Anne whenthey hosted the second Eastman PetAdoption Fair. About five hundred people cameout to meet a new four-legged friendavailable for adoption from any ofthe dozen dogs and cat rescues thatattended. There were also showsduring the day, including livelyperformances by Wild Dogs, a highcalibre performance group fromWinnipeg. Waldenway worked closely withBarry Piasta, founder ofdogadoption.com who organizedthe first pet adoption fair inNiverville a few years ago. “I heardnothing but positive words aboutthis event and the Waldenway staffwho helped all day,” said Piasta.

Second Eastman Adoption Huge Success

Wild Dogs, a high calibre performance group from Winnipeg was a huge hit during theadoption fair.

A dozen animal rescues brought out some of their adoptable animals to Waldenway Canineand Kitty Camp in hopes to find them homes during the first Eastman Pet Adoption Fair.

“Dogs were swimming in the outdoorbeach. For those who came, a hugethank you, hope you had fun. Forthose who missed it, you missed agreat time.” Piasta added that it was also a greatevent for awareness. Funds wereraised to place signs at various mallsand stores warning people to notleave their pets in a vehicle whilethey run errands. “Thank you to allthe rescues and everyone for coming

out and making this event the greattime it was,” Piasta added. On top of a variety of pets lookingfor new homes, there were activitiesfor the entire family, includingbouncers, face painting, horse andpony rides, dog demonstrations,tours, music, and vendors offeringgreat products such as feeders,beds, nutritious treats. The Ste. Anne Lions Club alsoheld their annual pet walk.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

A Steinbach business owner, a Landmark woman and a former MLAwere all recently named as members to the Manitoba Liquor and LotteriesBoard overseeing one of Manitoba’s Crown Corporations. Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler named the board during a recentpress conference. Three of the nine-member board are from the region.“This new board is made up of individuals whose experience andknowledge make them eminently prepared for the important role ofresponsibly and effectively governing the operations of this corporation,”said Schuler. The new Chair of the board is Polly Craik and the Vice-Chair is NickLogan. The seven remaining newly appointed directors include GaryColeman, who is President, Chairman and CEO of Big Freight Systems Inc.in Steinbach. He began working with the company in 1981 when it wasSouth East Transport Systems. From Landmark, Plett leads the office operations of Plett Trucking Ltd.,where she has worked since 1999. She also has experience working inboth provincial and federal levels of government. Taillieu is a former memberof the legislative assembly, serving in the constituency of Morris from2003 until 2013. The board of directors for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries is responsiblefor carrying out the duties, powers and functions of the crowncorporation. Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries look after the distribution andsale of liquor and gambling products in the province under the Liquor andLotteries Corporation Act, and revenue returned to the province helps tosupport health care, education, economic development, public safetyinitiatives and social and community services.

Locals Named toMLLC Board

Dawson Trail Dispatch June 2016Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities! 3

By Marianne Curtis

In early May, three local WWIIveterans were officially awardedthe French National Order of theLegion of Honour at a specialceremony. The three D-DayVeterans, Bennie Klick, LloydLehman, and John Owczar werepresented the Chevalier (Knight) ofthe Légion d’honneur white crossfrom Bruno Burnichon, HonoraryConsul of France. The Steinbach Royal CanadianLegion Branch 190 hosted the May8 ceremony, complete with honourguard. Burnichon presented thethree Canadian soldiers with theFrench National Order of theLegion of Honour, for their braveryfighting to liberate France in 1944,and to celebrate the 70thanniversary of D-Day, the Battle ofNormandy. Legion President Bill Richardsexplained that this knighthood isFrance’s highest decoration andwas established by Napoleon in1802. “These three true heroes arebeing awarded the French LegionMedal of Honour in recognition fortheir personal dedication of dutyand sacrifice during the battle toliberate France in 1944-1945,” saidRichards. “All three of thesedistinguished veterans aremembers of the RoyalCanadian Legion. This is a proudmoment for these three deservingveterans, their families, RoyalCanadian Legion and ourcommunity.” Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzensaid it was an honour to be in thepresence of heroes when heattended the event. “I was able tolisten to each of these men’sstories, shared with us by theirfamily and loved ones. The scopeof what they said was staggering,nothing I have ever known couldcompare to the sacrifices thesemen made and the impact theyhave had on our world,” Goertzenrecalled. “Hearing their words wasa humbling experience and mademe realize that too often we takewords like hero or honour forgranted; and when we do usethem, it’s often to describe our

Three Local Heroes Presentedwith France’s Highest Award

favourite hockey or football playeror a political title. Bennie Klick,Lloyd Lehman, and John Owczarare three men who truly deservethe title honourable and deserveto be called heroes.” The criteria and process to benominated for this honour wasstrict and rigorous. It requiredverification of military records byboth Canada and France. Thefundamental requirement was thateach nominee had to haveparticipated in the D-Day landingsof June 6, 1944 and involved in asignificant way, such as in directcombat towards the liberation ofFrance and Paris specifically. Eachaccepted candidate’s file was thensent to the desk of the Presidentof France himself for finalsignature.

John Owczar, Bennie Klick and Lloyd Lehman, along with Bruno Burnichon, the Honorary Consul of France and members of the ColourGuard.

“...are three men who truly deserve the titlehonourable and deserve to be called heroes.”


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With the recent historic Progressive Conservative election win, Premier Brian Pallister was given a mandate torestore trust in government and improve the lives of Manitobans. On May 3rd, I was honoured to become amember of the provincial Cabinet as Manitoba’s Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living, as well as HouseLeader for government. My new role began with the Premier giving me a letter, which detailedhis expectations of the new Health Minister. These expectationsincluded, to deliver on our commitment to shorten ER wait times, tolower ambulance fees, to keep doctors in the province of Manitoba, tobuild more personal care home beds, to establish a dedicated strokeunit, and to develop a mental health and addictions strategy. These areimportant goals that will take time to achieve and that will requirecooperation from many. In my experience in the very short time that I’ve been Health Minister,I have met many people who are working within our health-care systemwho have a great passion for the work that they do and are truly there toimprove the lives of those they serve. I look forward to reaching out andcreating partnerships and sharing in dialogue with health-care providers, to ask them for their ideas about howthe system can be made better, be more innovative and to do so in a financially responsible way. A review of the health-care system will be taking place parallel to the review that is happening more broadly ingovernment and we will be conducting a sustainability and innovation review over the next number of months.We have a dual responsibility to not only provide quality care for those in need today, but also ensure that ourhealth-care system will be there for those who need it for generations to come. While I am very proud to have been appointed to the Cabinet and look forward to serving in this new capacity,I am first and foremost the representative for my constituency of Steinbach. It’s the job that I ran for, it’s the jobI wanted the most, it’s the job that I value the most; to be able to represent the wonderful people of the City ofSteinbach and the RM of Hanover. Thank you to the many people who have contacted me since the election tooffer your congratulations and best wishes in this new role. I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you cancontact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at 204-326-5763, by fax at204-346-9913, by e-mail at [email protected] or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com.I look forward to hearing from you.

As a sitting member on the committee for Justice and Human Rights, I spent two weeks earlier thismonth in significant and lengthy committee meetings examining Bill C-14. We spent days listening to witness testimony from experts and organizations all over the countryand then doing a clause by clause analysis of the bill. Despite the many concerns voiced again andagain by witnesses, no meaningful amendments weremade to the bill. Bill C-14 is called Medical Assistance in Dying, butmake no mistake, Bill C-14 is physician assisted suicide. Itis important that we make this distinction. The gravity ofthis bill should not be undermined by colourful wording.This will change Canada forever and it would be naïve tothink that Canada’s most vulnerable people will not be atrisk under the Bill in its present state. It is the most significant social re-engineering Bill in thepast 25 years and it changes how we view the sanctity oflife. The Supreme Court was very clear that physicianassisted suicide is not a charter right, but an exemption which could be provided on an exceptionbasis, providing individuals meet certain criteria. The person must be a competent adult who clearly consents to the termination of life and whohas a grievous and irremediable medical condition that causes enduring suffering in thecircumstances of his or her condition. Bill C-14 clearly goes beyond this Supreme Court decision with a mandate to study makingphysician assisted suicide available to mature minors, advance directives and mentally disabledindividuals. Our committee heard testimony from approximately 42 individuals and/or groups who have avested interest in this issue. Over 100 amendments were presented to committee. Sadly the Liberalsdid not present, and in fact, voted against any meaningful amendments. The Conservatives presented many thoughtful amendments based on the witness testimony thatwould have strengthened the bill and added important safeguards. These amendments would haveensured the protection of Canada’s most vulnerable people and they would have ensured thatCanadians were aware of all their end of life options to ease their suffering before seeking to hastentheir death. I am disappointed that none of these meaningful amendments were adopted. I truly fearfor the future of Canada should Bill C-14 become law. Bill C-14 is a bill that could have and should have been better, and a Bill that I cannot support. Further information on the amendments proposed can be found on my website at tedfalk.ca.

The blush has faded from the Prime Minister’s honeymoon. An altercationin the House of Commons was quite a leap from the norm, but when all issaid and done “Mr. Cool” blew his top when faced with a few MPs whowere playing a game of delaying the business of the House by appearingimportant and abusing everybody’s time. Mischief, yes. It falls in the category of MPs who can’t and don’t makemuch of a difference in Parliament but by delaying the business of Parliamentit gets them noticed. Two assaults were committed; ThePM was pronounced guilty, why? Hegrabbed one MP by the arm and asecond he elbowed in the chest,melodrama elevated to dizzyingheights and decorum was gravelywounded. I suspect that the Liberal’sambitious agenda could also becomea casualty. Some cooperation fromthe opposition Members is needed. This incident has produced longmemories. The first Bill on the list is the question of assisted suicide, meetingthe Supreme Court’s imposed deadline will more than likely not be met byJune the 6, but if it arrives at a later date and is approved by the House andSenate, the sky will not fall. It will eventually be tested by the Top Court and sooner or later, this Billwill become an accepted way of life. Some of us will agree and some of uswill have pause for concern. There appears to be a consensus building upthat the bill is too restrictive, but to many of us it may be too permissive. Forthose of us in the latter categories who are in good health this woulddefinitely affect our decision. We should remember that because the law isthere, we don’t have to use it. This is a personal choice for those amongstus who will have agonized over their decision to end their life. Two other Bills will make their way to the now slightly tarnished sanctumof the House. The first is the legalization of “weed”. This one has potentialfor casualties. Driving while stoned will be a concern, working under theinfluence will be problematic, for those of us who hire this under the influenceproblem, and it could end up with a potential disaster. These are but a fewof subjects to be concerned with. But prohibition is also a disaster. Wemust accept that it is a social issue. The Compensation Boards will probablyexperience an uptick. The second Bills is next year’s excitement, this will be the attempt torewrite the rule on how we elect our Government, and maybe changing afew rules on how the House and Senate function will be in order. This latterBill will be affected by the PMs Kerfuffle after this entire Bill is meant toimprove democracy, introducing arm-to-arm combat will do very little tothat end. Perhaps approving an occasional toke could be warranted.

Physician Assisted SuicideThe Liberals Aren’t

Listening to the Evidence

Tantrum onParliament Hill

The Dual Responsibility We Have


To the Editor: MP Falk’s recent update focused on doctor-assisted end of life, or as he labels it, suicide. Inparticular, he stated unequivocally that he wouldfight any such legislation that provides peopletheir Charter Right to die with dignity because itviolates his personal religious views. As he did a few years ago with his back-doorattempt to re-ignite anti-abortion rhetoric, heclaims that he sought out the views of hisconstituents and, “The majority have indicatedthat they believe life is precious and want me tostrongly appose any legislation that would openthe door for physician assisted suicide…and thatis exactly what I plan to do.” I challenge MP Falk to provide the public with alist of those he’s debated this topic with. I’minterested in seeing the demographics; age,religion, location. My initial thought is that it is agroup comparable to the twenty-some names hesubmitted on his petition to reopen the definitionof start of life that he submitted to Parliament onbehalf of his “constituents”. It seems MP Falk continues to fail tounderstand, recognize or accept that hisconstituency is not composed solely of ultra-conservative-religious doctrine followers.Twenty-some opinions out of almost ninety-thousand constituents. That those twenty-someopinions match his personal religious convictionscan’t be much of a surprise to anyone. I have discussed the right to doctor-assistedend-of-life with friends and family members,locally, nationally and internationally. There isoverwhelming support for the right of anindividual to choose and seek out assisted end oflife. Many of us don’t want to waste away in apalliative care facility, facing agonizing physical,mental and emotional pain, nor inflicting thesuffering on our families and friends as they alsoexperience our slow, painful death. Some prefer,for themselves, to endure a natural protractedend, supported by family and palliative care, butthey still support the right to choose. As upheldby the Supreme Court of Canada, it’s a Canadianright for them to choose, and we can thank aLiberal government for bringing home our Charterof Rights and Freedoms to protect us from blindreligious zealotry. We can only hang our heads inshame as MP Falk, our representative, tries againto strip away our rights that don’t align with hispersonal beliefs. I don’t expect MP Falk to change his personalreligious beliefs; they too are guaranteed underour Charter of Rights and Freedoms … again,brought in by a Liberal government, a Trudeaugovernment no less. No, I don’t expect him tochange his beliefs; I do expect MP Falk to finallyrecognize, accept and responsibly represent therest of his constituency, not just his twenty-someacolytes. I expect it, but I don’t believe it will everhappen because MP Falk really doesn’t careabout the rest of us or about any other topic thanreligious ultra-conservatism. Political representation is supposed to be aboutrepresenting your entire constituency, not asingle-focus micro-group of less than thirty. Falkhas a constituency that he represents, but it isn’tall of Provencher, and it isn’t likely you if you’rereading this letter.Sincerely,Jim SykesOakbank, MB

Our new Manitoba government has begun makingthis the most improved province in Canada, with astronger economy, better services and a brighter futurefor all Manitobans. And our government is committedto achieving this improvement within our first four-year term. Led by Premier Brian Pallister, our ProgressiveConservative team has outlined its initiatives in its first

Getting Manitoba Working AgainThrone Speech – initiatives aimed at vastlyimproving education and health care, rediscoveringeconomic innovation and restoring responsiblefiscal management. These measures and improvements are necessaryafter the reckless, rising debt and broken trustManitobans experienced under the NDP. Our PCgovernment is taking on these initiatives inpartnership with Manitobans, and by makingdecisions that reflect the values of inclusion, caring,integrity, common sense and teamwork. This teamwork will involve partnerships withfront-line workers, public servants, communityleaders and businesses, and with a PC teamcommitted to a clean and open government. Our new government is also beginning to teamwith the other western provinces by joining the NewWest Partnership, which will boost trade, businessexpansions and the number of quality jobs inManitoba. As well, we’ll work in collaboration withindigenous leaders, the private sector, the City ofWinnipeg and other municipalities across theprovince to build a better Manitoba while protecting

all front-line workers and theservices they provide. Health-care services, in particular,will be significantly improved by ournew government. Among ourpriorities is the creation of a taskforce to find ways to reduce waiting periods for treatment that are far toolong. And construction of personal care home beds will be fast-tracked togive seniors much easier and quicker access to the care they need. In our new government’s first month in office, the mood of Manitoba’ssmall businesses is on the upswing. The Canadian Federation ofIndependent Business (CFIB) reports the optimism of small companies inthe province has risen to a Business Barometer index of 57.7 in May, anincrease from 54 in April. Elliot Sims, the CFIB’s Director of provincial affairs,says 24 per cent of small business owners in Manitoba expect to add to theirfull-time staffs in the next three months. In sectors and service areas ranging from infrastructure investment andchildcare to tourism promotion and stewardship of our natural resources,the PC team will work with Manitobans to build a much better province.With our new government, we’ll make Manitoba better together. I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or concerns. I canbe reached at my constituency office at 204-424-5406, my Legislatureoffice at 204-945-4339 or at [email protected].

MP Falk … Do YouUnderstand What Representing

Your Constituency Means?


Vita’s Susydka Dance Troupe danced their way to win several gold andsilver medals during the recent dance festival in Yorkton Saskatchewan. For three days, the Susydka Dance along with Ukrainian dancers fromacross western Canada participated in Yorkton’s Kalyna Dance Festivalfrom May 5 – 8 at the Yorkton Regional High School. The event drew dancers over the age of 12 and under 19 who wereadjudicated for their skill and hard work in small group, large group, solos,duets and trios. Scholarships will be given out in the coming month to theadjudicated groups. When the festival ended on Sunday, the audience was spilling into theaisles and their cheering sounded clear over the traditional Ukrainian music.It might have been a competition, but it was a fun one.

Vita DancersClaim Gold

By Marianne Curtis

Communities and organizations hoping to renovate, expand and improve existingcommunity infrastructure are encouraged to apply for a grant under the Canada150 Community Infrastructure Program. On May 25, the Federal Government announced that applications forinfrastructure funding under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program(CIP) are now being accepted. The program is part of the Canada 150 Celebrates,which will be celebrated nationally next year. “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am so pleased to announce theopening of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program second intake inManitoba. The program will leave a lasting legacy for communities across Canada,and demonstrate our commitment to local infrastructure priorities that build ahealthy and sustainable lifestyle for all Canadians,” said MP Navdeep Bains,Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Ministerresponsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. “Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017 is set to be an exceptionalyear for Canadians and their country,” said Falk. “I would like to encourage localorganizations to submit applications for improvements to their communityinfrastructure.” Budget 2016 provided an additional $150 million over two years to Canada’sRegional Development Agencies to deliver further community funding across thecountry, starting in 2016-17, with the Western Economic Diversification Canada(WD) being responsible for administering the program in western Canada. The amount of funding being requested under CIP 150 cannot exceed 50% of thetotal costs of a project, up to a maximum of $500,000. Prior to acceptance, fundingfrom sources other than the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program mustbe confirmed at the time of application. Once approved, projects must be completeby March 31, 2018. Organizations are encouraged to bring forward projects such as upgrades torecreational facilities, advance a clean growth economy or a positive impact onIndigenous communities and peoples. Western Diversification will invest in projects undertaking renovations to existingcommunity infrastructure. Examples of the type of community infrastructure thatcan be supported include community centres, legions, cultural centres andmuseums, campgrounds, tourism facilities, docks, libraries, cenotaphs, arenas,gymnasiums, swimming pools, sport fields, tennis, basketball, volleyball andother sport facilities. Submit an online application form by June 22, 2016, 3 pm CST at wd-deo.gc.ca.

The Susydka Dance Troupe is all smiles after earning a number of medals during the Kalyna Dance Festival in Yorkton earlier this month.

Grants Available for Canada’s 150 Birthday


Growing up, I loved to read. I was one of the kids in school thatalways had a book in hand. Any free time during the class and mynose would become firmly wedged into a book. After school athome, after the day was done, I could be found in my room readinga book before turning out the lights and going to sleep. As I’vegrown older, I find it harder to lose myself in a book the way Ionce did. While I still carry a book with me most places, it does get left in the vehicle more often than not. I’m not too sure if my distance from my love of reading is because of my advancement in age, not findingthe right story or if I’ve just grown too used to being busy with my children that I’ve forgotten how totravel on an adventure with my written friends. I have found that when our children were little they took up a lot of time and mental energy, no surpriseto those who have children or have had to care for some for any great length of time. I have the feeling that,like any habit, good or bad it can be broken. Could this be what has happened to me? Could the habit ofenjoying to read been broken? Perhaps I will say that this habit is not broken but merely bent. Where Iused to finish reading over six novels a month, I now finish between one and zero each month. A drasticdrop. Another thing that I have seen depleting from my reading time is the full time job that I have. Maybe, ifI would quit my job then I would have a lot more time to read. Of course, I would quickly go into financialruin and lose my home but I would get more reading done until I starved to death. Maybe such a drasticstep is not needed. I am very happy to have a wife and three wonderful children that love to read, after all, when I’m olderand my eyes fail me then I will have a nice little group of people that can read to me while I rock away in mychair. Unless of course they no longer like to read in which case I am up the creek without a paddle. Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

By Marianne Curtis

All terrain vehicles grow morepopular every year, and theSoutheast ATV Association isensuring that riders stay educatedand safe. On May 28, theorganization hosted their 4th annualATV Awareness Day at theMennonite Heritage Centre. Theyalso set up at the Woodridge FireDepartment open house a weekearlier. A number of riders who wanted toencourage more families to the sportorganized the Southeast ATV Club.Club President Gary Gebhardt saidthe group is all about safe riding andpublic education is part of theirmandate. “Well first of all, the eventshelp educate the public on saferiding practices and fire prevention.As we all are aware, a fun day outriding could end with tragicconsequences, whether it issomeone getting hurt or a forest firestarting due to carelessness,”Gebhardt explained. “Educating thepublic is everyone’s responsibilityand helping educate the public we

Awareness is key, especially now that it will become legal to drive one of these along theshoulders of provincial run roads starting July 1.

Southeast Club Hosts 4th AnnualATV Awareness Day

as a club feel is very important.” Gebhardt said the club assumes allcosts involved in booking the venueand invite anyone and everyone whocould contribute to the events.MPIC, Manitoba Safety Services,Conservation and WaterStewardship, RCMP and the CanadaSafety Council supply theinformation. While the Southeast ATV Club isdedicated to educating riders andthe public about ATV safety, thegroup also likes having some fun.The club organizes family orientedrides, which brings out riders asyoung as eight and nine years old.“We have not yet seen a spike inmemberships [from hostingawareness events] but we do hopethat in time our club will grow,”Gebhardt added. Awareness is key, especially withATV laws changing in the nearfuture. On July 1, side by side all-terrain vehicles and other multi-seatmachines will be allowed to joinsingle passenger ATVs on theshoulder of public roads. The newrules allow ATVs, off-road vehicles

and utility vehicles to drive on theshoulder of provincial-run roads.Municipalities will still have to passlocal bylaws allowing off-roadvehicles on the side of their roadsand highways. The province is also implementingnew safety rules. All riders andpassengers will have to wear ahelmet and seatbelt. Drivers will alsohave to have a G2 or M2 licence andthe vehicle must be registered andinsured. The new rules take effect July 1,although there will be a grace periodwhere only warnings will be handedout until September 1.

Old Age orChildren?

The Southeast ATV Associationis a nonprofit organization with thepurpose to advance the sport of

ATVing and the positive aspects ofATV use, through the education ofits members and the public.

Steinbach RCMP are investigatingmultiple reports of thefts fromunlocked vehicles, break and enters

Reports ofMultiple Thefts

into residences as well as a theft ofa white GMC Sierra pick up truckbearing the Manitoba license plateHDG 591. The name of FriesenGravel Landscaping is written onboth doors. All the incidentsoccurred sometime during the nightof Thursday, May 19 to Friday, May20. The RCMP would like remind the

citizen of Steinbach to secure theirvehicles and residence. If you have any information inregards to the above you are askedto contact the Steinbach RCMPDetachment at 204-326-4452 orCrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 ormanitobacrimestoppers.com or text“TIPMAN” plus your message toCrimes (274637).


By Marianne Curtis

The Town of Niverville Council hasannounced a new economicdevelopment policy in order toaddress three important needs in thecommunity. Under the new policy,anyone building a new business inthe community that meets thespecific criteria of the policy, thetown will grant back the municipalshare of taxes. According to Niverville MayorMyron Dyck, this new policy isexpected to encourage newbusiness growth in the community.“It is more than just a businessdevelopment policy as itencompasses socio economicdevelopment as well. In everycommunity there are growingneeds,” said Dyck. “The policyaddresses three important needshere in Niverville.” The first need addressed in thepolicy is the creation of businessdevelopment along Main Street toassist in providing the services thatthe community is demanding whilebringing financial sustainability. Thesecond need is, life lease housingfor seniors to deal with the growingnumber of baby boomers and the

The Ste. Anne Lions Club is hostingthe community’s first Alzheimer SocietyWalk next month. The Alzheimer SocietyWalk is scheduled to take place on June11 at the Ste. Anne soccer park. Ste. Anne Lions Club PresidentPatricia McPherson is excited that thefirst Alzheimer Society Walk in Ste.Anne is taking place the same day as theLions Club Kite Festival Family Day. “The Alzheimer Society has beenactive in the Villa Youville sinceFebruary. They would like to start awalk in town and approached me theother day asking if I could organize aBBQ and start and finish location forthe walk,” explained McPherson. “Ithought hosting the Alzheimer Walkalong side our annual kite fest will be agreat way to connect the community’syouth and seniors.” Leona Doerksen, Regional Coordinatorof the Alzheimer Society and walkorganizer said the group is grateful tothe Ste. Anne Lions Club for hosting theevent. “We are honoured to be asked toshare in the Kite Festival Family Day,”Doerksen added. “Families are soimportant especially to people whohave been diagnosed with Alzheimer’sor other dementia. It is possible to livewell, even with dementia, when we havethe help and support we need.” The Alzheimer Society Walk is takingplace at the Ste. Anne soccer park, nearthe fire hall. Registration starts at 10am, with the walk starting at 10:30 am.Participants can join for a minimumdonation of $25 for adults, and childrenwalk free. Taxable receipts will beprovided.There will be team challenges such as ateam of 10 committed to raising $1,000,will receive matching team t-shirts, orgift cards depending on how much fundsthey raise. For more information or to register forthe walk you can contact Leona at 204-326-5771, email [email protected] visit alzheimer.mb.ca.

Niverville Addresses Tidal Wave with New Business Grantssilver tsunami that it is. Also neededis daycare space for young familiesto bring their children to meet thetoddler tidal wave that is upon us. Dyck explained the policy is theresult of hours of consulting withother mayors and reeves from othercommunities. “This policy is notnew and various forms of it are in

effect throughout the province,”Dyck added, before thanking othermayors and reeves who helped themduring consultation process, alongwith the staff and council for creatinga policy that fit for Niverville. Dyck said the new policy might notbe the first step that council ismaking in regards to economic

development, nor will it be the last.“It is merely another step in movingforward on the business and recplatform that we were elected onsome two years ago,” he continued. Under the new policy, council willgrant back the municipal share oftaxes to anyone who constructs anew building for life lease housing

for seniors, daycare spaces forchildren, and for setting up a newbusiness on Main Street. The grant will apply over fouryears and is based on a formulabased on the total assessed valueof the building and the number ofemployees that will work in thebuilding once it opens.

Ste. AnneOrganizes FirstAlzheimer Walk


Pat Porter Active Living Centre offers programs, activities,services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthyand active living for older adults of the southeast region. Weinvite you to come, pay us a visit, and consider participating insome of our programs. Drop by the CentreMonday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. For more informationcall the Centre at 204-320-4600 or go to patporteralc.com.

Up Coming Events:Annual General Meeting – On Thursday, June 9 at 2 pm. Pleasecome join us. You must be a current member to vote. Make yourvoice count.Volunteer Appreciation BBQ - On Thursday, June 9 starting at4 pm. Pat Porter Active Living Centre, Community Resources,Circle of Friends and Steinbach Meals Program host this event.Entertainment is by the Old Time Country Band and VolunteerAwards will be presented. This is a small token of appreciationfor the thousands of hours volunteers put in each year to ensurethat our programs and services thrive! Please call 204-320-4600by Monday, June 6 to R.S.V.P.Perogy Bee: Monday June 6 and Tuesday June 7. Perogies are$6 per dozen. If you know how to make Perogies or would like tolearn, we are looking for volunteers to help with this process.Please contact us for more information.Birthday Party: On first Wednesday of the month - June 1 at 2– 4 pm. Cost $2 for guests and free for those celebrating theirbirthday.Workshop Cooking With Spices: On Thursday, June 23 from1:30 - 5 pm. This workshop aims to provide people with a structureof how to plan meals that are healthy. It will provide reliable,current nutritional information and cooking demonstrationsgeared to help us make wise choices. Workshop is presented byRebecca Wilson-Rempel, a chronic Disease Dietician with MyHealth Team in the Steinbach Area through Southern Health-Santé Sud. Please call the centre to register before Friday, June17.Noon Meals: Available Monday through Friday. Cost $6. Contact204-320-4605 by 9 am to reserve your meal. Purchase your mealticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus areavailable at the office, online, or in the newsletter. Bring a friend!Kemp Hearing Clinic: Every Monday at the Pat Porter ActiveLiving Centre clinic room. Call 1-204-487-8000, Ext #1 to bookyour appointment.Beltone Hearing Clinic: Third Friday of the month. Call 1-800-661-2653 to book your appointment.Foot Care Clinic: Foot care is available the first Tuesday andWednesday of every month and the third Tuesday and Thursdayof every month. Call the centre to book your appointment.

Regular Activities:Drop in Billiards: Monday - Friday 12 – 4 pm.Computer Classes: On Wednesdays at 9, 10 and 11 am. Call tobook an appointment.Cards: 1 pm - 4 pm. Monday – Canasta, Wednesday - Cribbage;Thursday – Whist.Tai Chi: On Monday evenings at 7 pm and Wednesday morningsat 10 am.Pickleball: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays 9 am –Noon. As well as Monday, May 30 from 1 – 4 pm and Tuesday,May 31 from 7 – 9 pm.Floor Curling: On Wednesdays 1:30 – 4:00 pm.Floor Shuffle: On Tuesdays 1:30 – 4:00 pm.Old Time Band Practice: On Wednesdays 7 pm.Model Railway Project: Monday - Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30pm.Note – occasionally programs are cancelled due to specialevents. Please contact the Centre for confirmation of programstimes and date.

Help Us OutCommunity Garden – Planting and gardening time is here! Wecould use some volunteers to help us get the garden spotsready for planting. We would then need some volunteers tohelp weed and water our gardens throughout the season. Allproduce grown is used in our kitchen for the Meals on WheelsProgram. This is such a worthwhile project and any help isgreatly appreciated.Flower Beds and Lawn Maintenance – We are looking forvolunteers to help us with our flowerbeds and lawn maintenance.Even if you can only help out 1 or 2 times in the season it, allhelps and is greatly appreciated. Membership at Pat Porter Active Living Centre - is only $25per year. Memberships are due in January of each year. AfterJanuary, memberships can be bought at $30. Membership is forthose 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced programrates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights, and eligibilityto serve on the board or committees. Volunteer with us – we could use volunteers in many differentareas. Whatever your skill set or age, we have a place for you.Call Lynda at 204-320-4603 for more info.

On May 25, the students of the Shevchenko Schoolin Vita were front and centre during at the opening oftheir own exhibit at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.The exhibit, entitled “Mosaic” and the exhibit runsto June 20. The grades 9 and 10 students have been workingon experimenting with a variety of mediums. TheShevchenko School high school arts program hasonly been running for about 2 years now, explainedAaron Klassen, the school’s Art teacher. Since that time, the school has seen interest in theVisual Arts grow. The exhibit is mostly made up ofgrade 9 and 10 art classes with a few other studentsincluded. “The grade 10s spent time working on figuredrawing and water colour painting,” Klassenexplained. “The grade 9s have worked on acrylicpainting and printmaking. This year our school alsopurchased a kiln and we have been experimentingwith ceramics.” “I think it’s important for students to experimentwith their own ideas and see what they can discoverin making their own art,” Klassen added. The Steinbach Arts Council Hall Gallery featureslocal and guest artists of all mediums throughout theseason. Their mandate is to encourage new artists todevelop their talents, and have an opportunity to

Vita Students Featuredin Art Exhibition

(Left – Right) Kevin Froese (SAC Board Treasurer), Susan Penner (City ofSteinbach Coucillor), Aaron Klassen (Art Teacher – Shevchenko), PamelaStoroschuk (Vice Principal – Shevchenko), and Peter Osadchuk (Principal– Shevchenko) celebrate the students exhibit at the Steinbach Arts Councilgallery.

St. Pierre Collegiate in St Pierre-Jolys andthe community are working hard tofundraise for Siloam Mission. For the lastfew years, students have volunteered atSiloam and have been impressed with theincredible work done by the organization. This year, the student council came upwith the “Hockey for Hunger CharityGame”, a very special hockey game to raisefunds. The hockey game is open to all studentsand staff interested; however, the teamroster is decided by fundraising. The topseven students who raise the most fundswill make up the team. The school team will be playing versus acommunity business or organization. Thebig game will be held on Friday, June 3 at 1pm in front of St. Pierre Collegiate on HébertStreet.

Spring is one of the best times of the year. It’s a time we feel the warm sun on our skin and we begin to feel morealive again. For some of us it’s a visit to the greenhouse to bring home our favourite plants. Let’s say that youtend well to one of the plants your purchased and it received regular water and sunlight. The other wasforgotten and didn’t get proper attention. As you would expect, the one that received attention grew into a large lush thriving plant while the forgottenplant barely survived. Plants like people need certain things to grow and flourish. Many things like a loving family, food, a sense ofpurpose and faith contribute to our ability to flourish and reach our full potential. Being outdoors and exposedto nature also has a significant effect on our ability to flourish.Research findings suggest that natural settings such as:- Parks- Wilderness areas- Urban green spaces- Gardens Are all beneficial to improve both physical and mental health. Not only does green space provide an opportunityfor physical activity, but there is growing evidence suggesting that exposure to natural settings has a directpositive effect on reducing stress levels and enhancing mental well-being. So remember get outdoors and get a “dose” of nature to help you flourish.

Get a “Dose” of Nature to Help You Flourish!Sharing our Stories

Hockey forHunger CharityGame SupportsSiloam Mission

share these talents with the community. The Hall Gallery is located in the Steinbach Cultural ArtsCentre located on 304 Second Street in Steinbach.


Check out all programs, events and purchase tickets onlinesteinbachartscouncil.ca or call 204-346-1077.

Summer in the City Headliners - Get your tickets Friday Night Invasion - The Fab 60s Invasion Show. Featuring Replay -The Beatles Tribute and 60s Invasion! Come join the 60s invasion partyon Friday night. Dress for the 60s, light up the compound with glow sticksand dance the night away to all your favourite tunes! Tickets $20/$50 VIP. Saturday Night – Country Cruise - Black Jack Billy is cruisin’ to Summerin the City for a good time, party-down rockin’ country night. Burstingwith energy and musical talent…you want to be there! Tickets $25/$50VIP.Summer in the City Tickets - Tickets available Onlinesteinbachsummerinthecity.ca, Ticket Vendors Earl’s Meat Market,Crossroads Fine Foods and The Steinbach Arts Council. Special Corporate Rates Available (for businesses only)! Limited Timeoffer - Take advantage by Monday, June 6. Treat staff and clients to a funnight of socializing and networking! Friday Night - 10 tickets for $160 orSaturday Night - 10 tickets for $200. Contact 204-346-1077 or [email protected]! On the SCU Main Stage - We are pleased to see so many newemerging artists participate this year on the SCU Main Stage! TwoWonderful days of great entertainment – be there – on the street!

Sign up for Fall Programs Pre-Registration Day - On Thursday, June 2 from 3 - 8 pm.

Receive 10% off all programs - This day only!Visual Arts Kids - Hand Building with Clay, Art Adventures, Art X-Travaganza.Teens - Digital Photography, Cartoon Illustration, Pottery Passion, MixedArt for Teens.Adults - Digital Photography, Mixed Art for Adults, Intro to the PotteryWheel, Beginner Watercolours, Beginner Oil Painting and Acrylic Painting.Creative WellnessPilates Core Intermediate, Power Pilates, Pilates on the Ball, Yoga, Zumba,Belly Dancing - Beginner & Advanced.In the Kitchen - Creative Cooking, Kids in the Kitchen, Cake X-TravaganzaWorkshop and Dessert Art Workshop.Languages - French Level 1, Intermediate, Spanish Level 1 & 2.Dance & Music - Dance4tots, Hip Hop, Jazz by Steinbach XCOMPANY.Southeastern Manitoba Music Teacher Association - Violin, Piano andVoice Lessons.

Summer Arts Day Camps Join us this summer for our camps filled with music, dance, drama, visualarts, field trips, community outings, recreation and more! 2 Camps - Ages5 - 8 and ages 9 – 12.Aloha Summer - Monday, July 4 – Friday, July 8.Wild Wild West - Monday, July 11 – Friday, July 15.Land Before Time - Monday, July 18 – Friday, July 22.Spy Kid - Monday, July 25 – Friday, July 29.The Mighty Jungle - Tuesday, August 2 – Friday, August 5. *Note this is4-Day Camp as Monday, August 1 is a holiday.Welcome to the Carnival – Monday, August 8 – Friday, August 8.The Great Outdoors - Monday, August 15 – Friday, August 19.

Arts4Tots Preschool Program Why are we unique? The most creative way to learn for ages 3 - 5 withspecialists in dance, music, drama and visual arts! On Mondays/Wednesdays, am or pm and on Tuesdays/Thursdays am or pm.The Backyard Theatre Company We want you! Experience scripts, improv, character building, perform onstage and build your confidence! For ages 5 – 17.

FUSION! Musical Theatre Learn from the industry’s best! Workshops for ages 9 - 14 and 15 - 19.Music, Dance and Drama.

Free Live Entertainment! -KR Barkman Concerts in the Park

Bring your lawn chairs and head down to the KR Barkman Park on MainStreet in Steinbach. Just look for the gazebo. Enjoy music, drama anddance, plus artists painting in the park.Sunday, May 29 - 6:30 pm – Walk the Line Country/classics.Thursday, June 2 - 6:30 pm – Mitchell Middle School Concert Band andJazz Band.Sunday, June 5 - 6:30 pm – Shannon Shewchuk Folk/Contemporary.7:30 pm – Solo Purpose Contemporary Christian. View a complete schedule on our website steinbachartscouncil.ca.Volunteers needed for Summer in the City Artist Tent – fun and creativityguaranteed! Many activities happen with Artists in the City includingsupervising the tent, helping instructors with demos, assisting artists andso many other fun and exciting tasks.

Hall Gallery Art Exhibit Mosaic Vita Schevchenko School Exhibit - Running Wednesday, May25 – Tuesday, June 21.

Volunteers needed forSummer in the City Artist Tent

– fun and creativity guaranteed! Many activities happen with Artists inthe City including supervising the tent, helping instructors with demos,assisting artists and so many other fun and exciting tasks.

By Marianne Curtis

On May 18, STARS invited mediato a helicopter landing and mockrescue demonstration of an injuredATV rider in a wooded area next tothe STARS base. The event wasmeant to focus public attention onATV safety in advance of the Maylong weekend. As part of the event, STARS’ patientMaranda Lanouette, who wascritically injured while riding an ATVin Marchand a few years ago sharedher experience. The Ste. Annemother of two, and Town of Ste.Anne Councillor is grateful to be ableto share her story. Five years ago,she was riding on the back on anATV on a Woodridge area trail whenshe fell. She became paralysed andis now bound to a wheelchair. “I am in a wheelchair forever andmy hands don’t work. I have no tricepmuscles so my fingers arecontracted,” she said. “My feet, mylegs, I can’t move them. I have 16-inch rods all the way down my neck.” Last year, STARS responded to 107serious ATV related emergenciesacross the Prairie region, including18 ATV incidents in Manitoba.STARS has already responded to sixATV emergencies in spring 2016, ofwhich many were preventable. Lanouette admits to riding on theback of the quad as a passenger witha group of around 20 ATVs. “I don’tknow if we hit a tree root oraccelerated a little or what, but I felloff the back, just straight back,” shesaid. An incorrectly sized helmet wasdetermined to be a contributor tobreaking her neck. “Once I fell I immediately knew thatI wasn’t getting up, it was instantparalysis,” she said. At the time ofthe accident, her brother-in-law hadto travel to find a phone to call anambulance, but due to the locationof the accident, they were unable torespond. STARS was dispatchedafter forty-five minutes, and she wastaken to Health Sciences Centre in20 minutes. “I owe them my life. My kids owethem and my family,” Lanouette said.“We will forever owe them and bethankful and be grateful.” The accident has not stoppedLanouette and her family from doingthe activity they love, but she saidthey make sure to follow all the rulesand take every precaution. Thissummer, she plans get into a speciallymodified ATV and return to thescene of the accident. “I think it’svery important, number one, to followthe rules passenger-wise, speed-wise, equipment is what did it for me.I didn’t make sure,” she said. Lanouette said no matter a person’sskill level, they need to be diligentin following the rules, know theirpath and make sure all equipment isworking properly.

Ste. AnneWomanGrateful

forSTARS

On May 18, Maranda Lanouette shared her story during a STARS demonstration and mockrescue of an injured ATV rider.


A local, 17 year old Lorette girl has been crownedMiss Teenage Winnipeg 2016 in the Miss TeenageCanada provincial pageant. Abigail Enns is excited aboutrepresenting her province alongside the 6 otherprovincial title-holders in the MTC national pageant inToronto, Canada on July 24th. She’ll be competing forthe title of Miss Teenage Canada along with 60 plusother girls from around the country. “This is such an amazing opportunity! I’ve learned somuch and met so many amazing people,” Enns says.“Whether or not I win the Miss Teenage Canada title,being able to spend a week in Toronto with my pageantfamily is going to be a blast!” Abigail’s platform is education. She says that everyoneshould have the privilege of going to school no mattertheir gender, where they live, or their income level. As part of the competition, Abigail must take part infundraising for Free The Children and Fort McMurray.She is open to fundraising ideas and is looking forvolunteers. One idea she has for fundraising is a localcar wash. Some of the prizes at Miss Teenage Canada at thenational pageant are $25,000, a scholarship, and amodeling contract. To support Abigail in her pageant journey, like herofficial Facebook page Miss Teenage Winnipeg 2016.You can also contact her through her page, or email herat [email protected].

This last Sunday, May 29 the Stoneybrook Air Cadets #307 had their Annual CeremonialReview at the Mitchell arena, where they parade in uniform for their Captain, specialguests and others. One of this years special guests was Major Jason Graveline, CD who started out in AirCadets, then went on to the Canadian Air Forces as a pilot, he is now with STARS as ahelicopter pilot. A number of rewards and trophies were also handed out as part of the ceremony, includinga number of scholarships. “This year we have the first female cadet from the Stoneybrook squadron, Flight SargentDeharnais, getting her power pilot license, she currently has her glider pilot license,”stated Amanda White, on behalf of the cadets. Although the squadron is on summer break, Many of the cadets will be attending trainingcamps all over Canada this summer, General Training, aviation, music, sports and othercamps.

Local Lorette Girl WinsCrown and Title

Cadets Annual Parade

By Marianne Curtis

Students looking for a summer job and employers looking tohire youth are encouraged to contact the Manitoba Youth JobCentre (MYJC) in Niverville, St Pierre-Jolys and Steinbach. All three youth job centres offer free services including a referralservice that can help businesses and community members findworkers for a variety of positions, including full-time, part-time,or casual positions. On May 16, the Niverville Youth Job Centre opened in theTown Office. Lindsy Baudry, the Youth Engagement Leader forthe Niverville Manitoba Youth Job Centre is in charge for theyear. “We encourage students and youth over the age of 12 toregister with our office,” said Baudry. “If you are seeking full-time, part-time, or casual employment, need help with yourresume, or want to expand your job search or interview skills,just drop by and we will be happy to work with you.” Students between the ages of 12 - 29, are invited to sign upwith the MYJC. They can participate in a referral service, resumeand job searching assistance. For youth between the ages of 12 -16, there is the Odd Job Squad, which is a great way to get somefirst time work experience. The MYJC provides community-based summer employmentreferral services throughout rural and northern Manitoba inmatching qualified job seekers with summer employment. All three offices opened mid May and will remain open untillate August. For more information, stop by 86 Main Street inNiverville or call 204-388-6793. In Steinbach drop by theEmployment Manitoba Centre at 395 Main Street or call 204-326-4099. For St. Pierre-Jolys the MYJC is at 427 Sabourin St.or contact 204-433-7544.

Rural Student Job Centres open


1 Corinthians 1:4-9 ... 4) Ialways thank God for youbecause of his grace given youin Christ Jesus. 5) For in himyou have been enriched in every way–in all your speaking and inall your knowledge 6) because our testimony about Christ wasconfirmed in you. 7) Therefore, you do not lack any spiritual giftas you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8) Hewill keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless onthe day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9) God, who has called you intofellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (NIV1984) Life has its ups and downs. Every person we know, or have everknown, and will ever know, has had to face tough issues. This iswhat the real world is like. For everyone, life is full of challenges.Positive ones and difficult ones; even so, we never seem to getused to it. Often we act surprised when those challenges come ourway. Even Christians have struggles. Sometimes we are not victorious.So many times, we dread problems just like people who do not haveany faith in God. The temptation is to get lost in the problem, tofocus on it. As Christians, we need to focus on what makes usunique. What makes us unlike people who do not know God, is thatChrist is masterfully reshaping the spiritual side of our lives. Jesusis living his life in us and through us. However, I understand weneed to learn to look at a problem as those who have the Divine Sonof God living within us. The Christian, after all, is called into a community whoseboundaries include all earth and heaven. Can you imagine whatthis world would be like if all would lift their eyes beyond their ownlittle circle and thought of themselves as a part of what God isdoing throughout this wide world? No person, no Church hasexclusive possession of Jesus Christ. True, He is our Lord but He isalso the Lord of all humanity. It is remarkable that Christianitypossesses all the love of Jesus Christ and that God loves each oneof us as though there was only one of us to love. Paul says that God has been faithful to give us all that we need.We are told that we have been given grace that we have beenenriched in every way, that we do not lack any spiritual gift. TheBible teaches that every one of us here has been given a spiritualgift. Our task is to discover that gift and use it in serving others andin serving Christ. Our spiritual gift is a Divine empowerment toserve, and the only way we discover that gift is to begin to step outin faith in some area of service. God will use this process to leadyou to that area of ministry in which you have been gifted. He hasprobably already placed a desire within your heart for some area ofministry. The Holy Spirit continues to invite you to act on thatdesire and see what God does with your calling. You and I have been given a divine partnership. We have beengiven the privilege to enter a relationship with Jesus Christ. Youand I, mere mortals, have been given the opportunity to come toJesus Christ. We can actually interact with Him. We cancommunicate with Him through prayer; receive confirmation in ourheart from Him that we truly belong with Him. Remember: Our God is faithful! He has given us a divine calling.We are called to be holy. We are set apart for His service, dedicatedto God. Through His grace, we have been enriched. We have beengiven gifts whereby we encourage and teach one another. All weneed, we already have. He has given us divine security. We are safein his hands. Christ has promised to be with us to the end. You canshare Him with others through your everyday activities and liveswill be transformed. God is at work in all this. God is the providerand the strength ... because He is faithful. Would you pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into myheart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts andmy attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart thatI yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that willfulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be thekind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.

The Steinbach RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in identifyingan unknown silver/white early 1990’s Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra. On May 13 at approximately 5:30 am, the Steinbach RCMP received acomplaint of a hit and run. The Silverado/Sierra in question collided witha parked Toyota Rav-4 on Northview Crescent in Steinbach and left thescene. The Silverado/Sierra will have heavy damage to the front driver’sside headlights. If you have any information in regards to the above suspect vehicle youare asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 orCrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text“TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

WhatMakes UsUnique

Hit and Run Suspect Sought


Many times, I have heard this question: How long will God let sin gounpunished? The definition of sin varies from one person to anotherbut the Bible definition of sin is anything that transgresses the lawof God. God’s Word contains the rules, guidelines or laws that manis to follow. The Bible is the only Book given to us by God. It wasgiven to us to:1) Show us the ways of God.2) Show how far short man falls in following God’s ways.3) Show God’s only remedy for sin. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his onlybegotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”4) Show that God is long-suffering toward man and is not willing that any human should die withouthaving their sin completely dealt with (I John 1:9).5) Show that God is a holy, just, loving, compassionate God who will judge all sin one day because Godcan’t bear sin in His presence. Society today thinks they can live, as they want, do what they want, when they want, because theywant and they demand their rights. We live in a free country but every free country has laws because thenature of man is not to do right. Without God’s help, no man is able to think or do right. But when a person comes to God, acknowledging their sin, confessing their sin before Him, andtrusting in the shed blood of Jesus Christ to forgive and save them from the penalty of their sin; then Godforgives the sin and makes them His child. The problem today is that even Christians are self-centred and want their own way, just like everybodyelse. Sin runs rampant in churches as well as in our communities. So it is a logical question that if God isreally in charge (as the Bible says He is) then why doesn’t God step in and deal with man’s sin?1) God is long-suffering and waits for man to repent of his own free will.2) Its not God’s time to step in yet.3) When God does step in, you don’t want to be on the opposite side of God. II Chronicles 36:16 says,“But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets until thewrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.” Today we live in what the Bible calls ‘The Age of Grace’. We are experiencing more of the grace of Godthan the judgment of God. But that doesn’t mean God won’t judge sin. He just hasn’t yet. Proverbs 29:1says, “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that withoutremedy.” Dear friend, let me leave you with one encouraging verse from II Chronicles 7:14. “If my people, whichare called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wickedways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” As Christiansrespond to God this way, just watch and see what God will do in our precious homeland of Canada. God bless you as you seek His will and His way!

Eighty-six organizations inProvencher will receive $380,624 tohire 105 summer students throughthe Canada Summer Jobs Program.Southeast organizations will receivetotal funding of $293,989. Theincreased federal funding representsa national doubling for the numberof summer jobs from 34,000 in 2015to nearly 70,000 annually in 2016,2017 and 2018. On May 20, Provencher MP TedFalk visited a number ofcommunities, to meet with variousstudents employed through theprogram. “Creating summer jobs forstudents’ benefits not only youthand employers, but also the localeconomy,” said Falk. “Through theCanada Summer Jobs Program,young people are being equippedwith the skills and experience theyneed to get jobs now and preparefor the workforce of tomorrow.” Wildlife Haven and RehabilitationCentre in Ile des Chenes was one ofthe many organizations that willbenefit from the program. “Thestudent is developing wildlifeeducation programs that will beutilized at our new wildlife hospitaland education centre, where thepublic will learn about wildlifepreservation and conservation,”said Roger Perron, Project Managerat Wildlife Haven. “Without thefinancial assistance received, theseprograms would not have beendeveloped.” Canada Summer Jobs providesfunding to not-for-profitorganizations, public-sectoremployers, and small businesseswith 50 or fewer employees, to helpcreate summer job opportunities forstudents. The program also deliversimportant and diverse communityservices that can range from youthservices organizations, to summercamps to services for seniors.Students learn transferrable skillssuch as public speaking, timemanagement, self-confidence, and

The Age ofGrace

Students Find WorkOpportunities in Provencher

Ted Falk with Wildlife Haven ProjectManager Roger Perron and Summer Jobsrecipient Hillary Hobson.

The streets of Steinbach are expected to bursting with colour when thefirst Pride Parade takes place in the community on July 9. The event, which is being organized by Michelle McHale has received“massive” support since it was announced in the middle of May. “Thisinitiative is not about having anything in anybody’s face, this is acelebration of human rights,” said McHale. “I think it has the potential tobe big.” Just recently, McHale became a vocal advocate for LGBT equality in thearea after she requested Hanover School Division to allow the discussionof same-sex families in the classroom after claiming her son was beingbullied for having two moms. McHale said during July’s parade, it is important for marchers to sendthe message, “It’s okay to be visible; who you are is nothing to be ashamedof.” “Some of Steinbach is absolutely ready [for a Pride Parade] and hasbeen ready for a long time. There are other folks who I think are on thefence and hopefully we can provide enough information to show themthat it’s not anything to be scared about,” she said. “We are just people.” McHale is expecting protestors at Steinbach’s first Pride Parade but shesaid she believes any opposition groups that show up will be respectful.Steinbach, made national headlines in 2013 when City council asked theprovince to review Bill 18, known as the anti-bullying bill. Thelegislation requires schools to accommodate students who want to startspecific anti-bullying clubs, including gay-straight alliances. Bill 18 passedthe Manitoba legislature and became law in 2013. The first gay-straightalliance was formed shortly afterwards in the Steinbach Regional SecondarySchool. The Steinbach Pride Parade is expected to take place July 9 at 11 amstarting at Steinbach United Church and ending at Steinbach City Hall.

Provencher MP Ted Falk meets Village of St.Pierre-Jolys Summer Jobs recipients ColinBerrard and Gary Preteau.

organizational skills. Not-for-profit organizations maybe eligible for up to 100 per cent ofthe minimum wage and up to 100percent of mandatory employment-related costs. Public sector andprivate sector employers are eligiblefor up to 50 per cent of the minimumwage. Employers approved forfunding must agree to hire youthwho are between 15 and 30 years ofage at the start of employment.

Pride Parade to Show“We Are Just People”


EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO [email protected] OR FAX 204-422-8548COMMUNITY EVENTS

BlumenortSchool’s 50th Anniversary – On Thursday, June 2 at 4:30 pmin the School. All invited for the 50th Anniversary celebration.Hear from guest speakers, and enjoy some refreshments andentertainment. Cost is free.

Ambush Anonymous Airsoft – On Saturday, June 4 from 10 am- 5 pm in partnership with Nordic Battle Group are proud topresent 1st Annual Open House. Cost $10. Located 4 mileswest (Hwy 311) of Blumenort (Hwy 12) then 1/2 a mile south,the third yard on the left. The unveiling of the improved BushCourse, with all new paths and obstacles featuring a 1,600 sq.ft Castle, the largest airsoft structure in Manitoba. Event includesBBQ and raffle prizes.

GirouxBingo - Every Thursday at Giroux Hall. Doors open at 5 pm,Bingo starts at 7 pm. Hall rental information for Socials,weddings, family functions, Meetings and more please callDebbie 204-424-5506 or Mike 204-326-6260.

Grand PointeConcert in the Park and Slo -Pitch Tournament – On Fridayand Saturday, June 3 – 4 at 423 Bernat Road hosted byHomeowners Association. Featuring Wonderland - A Tributeto 70s and 80s Rock, Beer Gardens, Show N Shine on Fridayat 6 pm to dusk, Flea Market on Saturday from 9 am - 3 pm,Supper Saturday from 5 - 7 pm. Wonderland 8:30 pm - 1 am,Fireworks on Saturday 10:30 pm. Contact Lynn 204-293-7473or Doreen 204-256-3793 for tickets. Cost Adult dinner andconcert $25, 12 and under dinner and concert $10, 2 andunder free. Concert only $15 (all ages).

HadashvilleTae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the HadashvilleCommunity Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 yearsold to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, greatstress release and have an excellent workout at the sametime. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Askabout 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 [email protected].

Ile-des-ChênesStory Time in Pyjamas - Every Thursday evening at the RitchotLibrary Ecole Regional Gabrielle-Roy at 6:30 pm. Ages 2-8however all ages are welcome.

50+ Programs - At the Trans Canada CentreIndoor Walking - Mondays, Wednesday and Friday 9 – 10 amYoga - Monday 10 -11 amCoffee Talk - Wednesday 10 - 11 amBlock Therapy - Tuesday 10 - 11 amWater Colour Painting – Thursday 10 - 11:30 amLine Dancing - Thursday 7 - 8 pmFloor Curling - Friday 10 am – 12 pmContact to register Mary [email protected], 204-339-6141.

Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturdayof every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn aboutOur Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive BlessedRose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’splace of miracles. Contact Corinna 204-878-4908 or email herat [email protected] for more info and register.

KleefeldCommunity Playgroup - For parents, caregivers and childrenup to age 5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songsand snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at theKleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013.

La BroquerieCommunity Garage Sale – On Saturday, June 4 from 9 am –5 pm.

June Square Dance - On Saturday, June 4 begins at 7:30 pmwith extraordinary music, All-Star Musicians Cathy Sproule, JJGuy, Daniel Koulack and Ameena Bajer-Koulack. They willteach every dance, no experience necessary. Includes dessert.Directions, go east on Hwy 52 for five miles, turn right (South)on Carrier Rd. (40E) and proceed for two miles, turn left on Rd.33N and proceed for 1/3 miles, turn left again at 40049 atEdgework Place. Cost $20, 12 - 17 yrs, $10, under 12 free.Purchase tickets at Nature’s Farm Food Shed in Steinbach.

Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santéfrom Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programsfor seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment,foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yardmaintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games.Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204-424-5285 or [email protected]. Shopping Trips toWinnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month,leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s ClearspringCentre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm.Cost $10.

LoretteFathers Day Craft - On Saturday, June 4 from 11 am – 1 pm atthe Bibliothè què Tachè Library.

New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble and more. Dropin Tuesdays 1-5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette 12 St.AmantAve. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

New BothwellSummer Fair – From Friday, June 3 at 6 pm – Monday, June

6, 3 pm at the Rec. Centre. Come on out for a great weekendof fun! Starts with a BBQ Chicken Dinner Friday Evening at 6pm. Many great activities for all ages throughout the weekend.

NivervilleVolunteers Needed – For Friday and Saturday, June 10 -11 forthe Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair. Sign up now to get yourpreferred shift for the following: wristband sales, fence andtable set up/tear down, volunteer tent or food service. Anyonewho signs up for a volunteer shift before May 10 is entered ina draw to win one of 50 free wristbands! [email protected] or Amanda at 204-388-9660.See you at the Fair.

Walk for Alzheimer’s – On Tuesday, June 14. Walk begins at10:30 am, BBQ Lunch 11:30 am at the Friendship Centre, 1182nd Ave. S. Contact: 204-388-9945 or 1-800-378-6699.Register online at alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa.

The Crow Wing Toastmasters Club – Meets every Monday at7:30 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre. If you want to becomea better speaker, run meetings that are more effective ordevelop leadership skills, a Toastmasters Club is the place tostart. Contact Sheryl Berglund, [email protected].

GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced theloss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learnabout the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to registeror go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six.Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in thelower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.)Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, alongwith a large open space for the kids to play while the momsvisit. Contact Karen at [email protected].

Paradise VillageCommunity Garage Sale – On Friday, June 3 from 12 – 8 pmand Saturday, June 4 from 10 am – 2 pm, located just off Hwy#1 East on Paradise Road.

PrawdaCircuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cooldown and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, cleanrunners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondaysand Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. ContactWendy 204-348-2433.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am atthe Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacksprovided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290.

RicherRicher Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pmat LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673.

Tractor Trek lunch stopover at the Dawson Trail Park on June11. Events for the entire family from 11 am to 3 pm. Check outover 50 antique tractors, have a BBQ lunch and more. Everyonewelcome.

Canada Day Celebration in Richer! July 1 starting at noon.4on4 Ball Hockey for youth, kids games and activities, Freehotdogs and Canada Day cake! $5 Social starts at 8 pm. Giantfireworks display at dusk. All at the Dawson Trail Park.

Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey PchajekMemorial Foundation Inc. The foundation providesscholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduatinggrades 8 and 12. Children under 14 must be accompanied byan adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Openat 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCCLicense # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243or [email protected].

SpragueSprague & District Historical Museum - Open by appointmentfrom June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the earlydays. Free Admission Donations Accepted. Contact 204-437-2210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686.

St. AdolpheRitchot Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament - On Tuesday,June 14 at River Oaks Golf Course, La Barriere. Teams of 4 -Texas Scramble. A variety of sponsorship opportunities available.Registration at 9 am, Tee-off 10 am, Cost $100 per playerincludes entry into all events, 18-holes of golf, golf cart, lunch,dinner and gift bag. Contact Claire for details [email protected].

50+ Programs Programs at Ritchot Senior Services Active LivingCentre 457 Main St.Moving - Mondays 9:30 amYoga Fusion - Wednesday 10:30 amFirm Up – Fridays 9:30 am10-class pack for $40 or drop in fee $5 per class. ContactJanice at [email protected] or 204-883-2880.

Weekly Bingo – On Tuesday nights at the St. AdolpheCommunity Club. Doors open at 6 pm, 6:55 pm - SpeedoGame, 7 pm - Early Bird Games, 7:30 pm - Regular Games. Wehope to see you there! Proceeds will support the CommunityClub.

St. MaloGrand Opening Garderie De Bambins – On Sunday, June 26from 10 am – 2 pm at 46 Benoit Ave. All invited for a fun family

day, activities include petting zoo provided by Lil’ StepsMiniatures and Wellness Farm, St. Malo Volunteer Fire FighterDepartment, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP, Bounce Castles, Crafts Corner,Music, One free hot dog and drink per person, access to theplay structures, tours of the new facility. Donations acceptedevent.

Sponge Puck Hockey – On Wednesdays at 8 pm at the arena.Come out and play for fun. Contact Gilles 204-347-5079.

St. Pierre-JolysStep Aerobics with Weights - On Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm,at the ICSP School Gym. Contact Stephanie 204-320-2667,Louise 204-433-3839 or The Health Corner 204-433-3891.

Diabetes Educational Resource Centre – On 2nd Thursday ofthe month from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the DeSalaberry District HealthCentre. Contact 204-346-6254.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression, bipolar,post partum mood disorders support group meetings held onthe last Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Chalet Malouinboardroom. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital.Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Ste. AgatheSpring Bike Event - On Saturday, June 4 at from 11 am – 2 pmat Ste. Agathe Service. Everything is free. There are bouncersand slides for the kids. Bring your bikes and they will be repairedand a free lunch.

Grouille ou Rouille – On Tuesday, June 7 from 10 am – 2 pmfor the communities of Ste. Agathe and St. Adolphe at ParcCartier Park. A day of French activities for the welfare of peopleaged 55 and more! Contact Lynne at Health Centre Sainte –Agathe, 204-882-2827 or call Janice in St. Adolphe, RitchotSenior Services 204-883-2880.

Taekwondo - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15 - 7:30 pmat Ecole Sainte Agathe hosted by Kang’s Taekwondo Academy.Cost $40/month. Family rates available. Contact Jason Barnabe,[email protected] or 204-802-3458.

Ste. AnneHospital Family Health Walk – On Saturday, June 4 from 10:30am - 1:30 pm at the Hospital Grounds. Hospital Fundraiserincludes a 4 km family walk, followed by a picnic lunch withoutdoor activities for all ages, including the chance to see aFire Truck! Contact to register fondshopitalsteanne.ca/health-walk/ and download pledge form. Registration is free. Doorprizes and grand prizes to be won for most money raised!

Walk for Alzheimer’s – On Saturday, June 11 from 10 am – 5pm at the # 12 Soccer Park, Traverse Rd (south side of firehall). Held during the Ste. Anne Lions Club Annual Family KiteFestival. Contact 204-290-5336 or 1-800-378-6699. Registeronline at alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa.

Ste. Anne Cultural Committee - Invites artists of all kinds totheir weekly open houses at 112 Centrale Ave. on Tuesdaysfrom 9 - 11:30 am and Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm. Thesegatherings are to bring artists together to work on and discusstheir craft and there is no cost to attend. Contact Diane at 204-422-9599 or email [email protected].

Seine River Services for Seniors – Services and programs forseniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, footcare, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yardmaintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games.Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursdayof the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’sClearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10am - 1 pm. Cost $10. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285Community Resource Coordinator for local services or [email protected].

Ste. GenevièveLibrary Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the CommunityCentre on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 - 8 pm, bringsa large selection of books in both French and English, forchildren and adults. Special requests can be made to thelibrarian, bibliotachelibrary.com or in person. Come for a visitand see what we are all about.

SteinbachWalk for Alzheimer’s – On Thursday, June 9 starts at 5 pm atA.D. Penner Park picnic shelter. BBQ by the Steinbach LionsClub. Contact 204-326-5771 or 1-800-378-6699 Registeronline at alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa.

Lions Car Show – On Sunday, June 5 at 11:30 am at theMennonite Heritage Village. Come see antique and restoredshow vehicles displayed on our village streets. The day isorganized by the Steinbach Lions Club. Cost $10.

‘Mosaic’ Exhibit – Runs until Monday, June 20. Featuring Vita’sShevchenko School at the Hall Gallery, Steinbach Cultural Arts,304 Second Street.

Community Shred Day – On June 11 from 9 am - 1 pm atValeant Pharmaceuticals parking lot just off Hwy #52. Bringyour private documents to be confidentially shredded at no costby Phoenix Paper Shredding and enjoy a cup of coffee and adonut while you wait.

Summer in the City – Begins Friday, June 17 June at 12 pm onMain Street see the world in our cultural zone highlightingfoods from around the world and take in some culturalperformances. Have some fun on the midway, visit the foodtrucks, eat mini donuts, shop the vendor booths. Watch somestreet hockey, basketball, volleyball and dance each night tothe SCU MainStage.

Summer Reading Club Register – From Monday, June 20 -Friday, June 30 from 10 am - 9 pm at the Jake Epp Library.Annual Summer Reading Club in-person registration andlibrary membership is required. Special membership offeravailable $10 for the summer for non-resident families. SRCofficial reading begins Monday July 4 until Friday, August 19.Various craft classes available at registration. Space is limited.Please sign up in advance in person. Windup event is onTuesday, August 23. Contact Madison Friesen (ProgramCoordinator) 204-326-6841.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club Meeting - On Monday, June27, Let’s Celebrate Gardening- Club barbeque and membergarden tour, showcasing outstanding local gardens. Contactsagardenclub.com.

2016 Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games – From Sunday,August 7 – Saturday, August 13. Volunteer to have fun, toexperience a great time and to participate in the province’slargest ongoing multi-sport program. Looking for 1,000volunteers to welcome kids ages 10 - 17 from across theprovince. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, builda sense of community and gain experience. There are variousvolunteer opportunities; something for everyone. Volunteerregistration at manitobagames.ca. Come join in the fun. Dreamit! Live it! Contact the Games Office at 204-371-1212 [email protected].

Eastman Safety Upcoming Programs: Located at 385 LoewenBlvd. Register online at eastmansafety.ca or contact 1-204-371-1595.

Eastman Immigrant Services - Many events and activities tosupport and help you make new friends. Start to make thiscommunity feel like your home. Volunteer to help at ourcommunity events. To register contact 204-346-6609,[email protected] Events: Cultures in the Kitchen -Submit your recipe.Help us create an amazing ethnic cookbook.Let’s Chat – Informal conversation group that meets everyWednesday 1:30 – 2:30 pm.Pronunciation Skills – Intermediate Pronunciation on Mondayand Wednesday from 5 – 7 pm. Advanced Pronunciation onMonday and Wednesday from 7 – 9 pm at D4-284 ReimerAve. Classes are free.Hip Hop – Every Tuesday for youth ages 8-15.

Mommies Group at Kidzone - On Wednesdays, from 9 am - 1pm. Come by to meet other moms to chat with and get yourkids to make some new friends. Cost $7, free coffee.

Creativi-Tea Time - Need to relax and have some you time?Give adult colouring a try.Event runs the second Wednesday of every month, from 6:30- 8:30 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Come and go as it suits you.We’ll provide basic supplies including tea and coffee.

Games Day & Games Night – Every 1st Saturday from 12 – 5pm every month and 3rd Wednesday every month from 6 –8:30 pm, at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play strategygames. Bring a friend, your strategies and games. Test yourskills and have fun. Ages 14 and up unless accompanied byan adult. Contact 204-326-6841,[email protected].

Canadian Legion - On 1st Tuesday every month at 8 pm andLadies Auxiliary meets 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 pmat the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, 294 Lumber Ave.

Adult Book Club - Tuesdays from 7 – 9 pm. Bring booksuggestions or peruse our book lists. Meet some other booklovers too and bring a friend. At the Jake Epp Library 255Elmdale St. Contact Tracey Pankratz [email protected].

Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at the United Church ofSteinbach, 541 Main St. Registration for girls 5-17. Developpersonal values and well-being, self-respect and respect forothers; promote fun, friendship, adventure and challengesthrough new experiences; develop leadership and decision-making skills; give service to the community; value the naturalenvironment.

Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman TransitionInitiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rdTuesday of every month at 7 pm at Lecoka, 8B - Brandt Street.Drop in and discuss sustainable living. [email protected].

The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noonexcept when Monday falls on a long weekend at the ChickenChef, 365 Main Street, visitors are welcome. Contact Cornie at326-3155.

Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for familyand friends of people with mental health issues are held the2nd Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the EdenEast building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 oremail [email protected]

MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for people living withmultiple sclerosis. The group meets on the second Thursdayevening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at Fernwood Placeapartments. Contact Nadine Konyk, Rural Client ServicesCoordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or [email protected].

MS Lunch Group- On 4th Thursday of every month, from 12 –1 pm at All D’s Restaurant 320 Main Street. Contact StephanieBevacqua 204-988-0904,[email protected].

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and

support groups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety,stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotionalconcerns. Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at JakeEpp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

The Bethesda Regional Healthcare Auxiliary - meets on thefirst Tuesday of every month except for the months of July andAugust at the Bethesda Hospital. We welcome anyoneinterested in auxiliary work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 326-3028.

Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets on the second andfourth Wednesdays of every month at the Magnolia Restaurant.Contact 204-326-2313.

Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open to adults who wantto improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursdaysat 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale Street,Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-424-5737.

Al-Anon Program – Meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm at theCultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact Lloyd 204-326-4365.

Al-Anon 12 Step Recovery Group - Meets on Wednesdays at7:30 pm at United Church, 541 Main St, front door, ring doorbell.All are welcome.

Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pmat Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact204-346-0413.

WoodridgeT.O.P.S -Taking Off Pounds Sensibly - On the second Wednesdayof every month at the Community Club. For club hours ofoperation, contact Stan 204-429-2253.

The Mobile Clinic – Is onsite on the third Thursday of everymonth from 9 am – 4 pm at the Community Club. Contact forappointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca.

GeneralFree Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesdays,June 14 from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Join us for a great day of funand friendship. Visit McPhillips Street Station in the morningand Club Regent in the afternoon. Starting at 8:30 am, pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip.Bingo played on the bus to and from the casinos for thosewishing to play. Bi-monthly overnight trips to South BeachCasino and Folklorama trips are also available, amazing priceson these trips so call for details. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for information and to reserve your seat.

The City of Steinbach is once againinviting people to bring in their usedoil, filters, plastic containers andother items to the Oil Recycling Dayon June 8. Oil Recycling Day is an annualevent to promote the network of EcoCentres and residents to safelydispose used oil, used oil filters andcontainers. Residents will find theEco Centre at the Steinbachcommunity landfill just south of theCity. In exchange, recyclers willreceive a free litre of oil for everyfive litres of used motor oil that wasbrought into the depot. The event is hosted by theManitoba Association for ResourceRecovery Corporation(MARRC). On average, the citycollects over 2,500 litres of used oilduring the one-day event. A hot dog sale fundraiser coincideswith the collection to raise for SouthEast Helping Hands, the local foodbank. For those unable to attend theone-day event, used oil and tires canbe recycled year round at theSteinbach Landfill’s Eco Centre. For more information about theSteinbach Eco-Centre or OilRecycling Day, [email protected] or call 204-346-6500.

RecycleYour Oilat EcoCentre


Three hockey players from Loretteand Ile des Chenes are among 36provincial players have been added tothe 2016 rosters of the WesternHockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft. The WHL Bantam Draft is the firstopportunity for WHL Clubs toreplenish their teams with graduatingBantam-aged players. Historically, thedraft always takes place the firstweekend of May, in Calgary. From Ile des Chenes, Justin Svenson,was drafted by the Red Deer Rebels.He plays forward. Lorette’s JesseMistelebacher was drafted by thePrince George Cougars, as a forward

The Manitoba Ringette Association hasannounced that a Lorette coach andadministrator was named named 2016’sVolunteer of the Year. Mark Ratz was recognized for his tirelessefforts with the Lorette Ringette Association.From coach, to administrator, to cheerleaderRatz has spent countless hours dedicatinghimself to the sport. Ratz has been a ringette coach for 5 years.He started as an assistant, coaching hisdaughter’s U10 team, as she was very shyand felt more comfortable with her Dad onthe bench. At the time, he had experience withhockey, but no experience with ringette butstepped up to the role of Assistant Coach. As the season progressed, he fell in lovewith the sport of Ringette, and was excited tosee all the girls on the team grow and becomefriends. The following year, he took on therole of Head Coach, and has been anincredible role model and leader ever since. “Mark never puts limitation on the girls. Thepie was the sky,” praised fellow Coach MarcVincent. “He brought in gym ringette, drylandtraining, and taught the girls everything frombeginner to advanced techniques such as L-offence. He brought in junior coaches fromthe communities U16A team to help withgoaltending and forward/defense coachingto give the girls more help. He was a mentorto these junior coaches and made theexperience such a positive one that my eldestdaughter will help coach again in the future.Mark is the girl’s biggest cheerleader and Ithank him for this. He has made my daughter’syear the most positive year she has ever had.” Mark has also been on the Lorette RingetteAssociation Board for the last 4 years and in2015, he took on the role of President. The Manitoba Ringette Association alsohonoured five inductees into the Hall of Famethis season, including Jackie Bohemier(Lorette) in the builder category. She is onthe Eastman Ringette Board of Directors, andvolunteers as a mentor.

Lorette Ringette Coach NamedVolunteer of the Year

Jackie Bohemier (left), from Lorette was inducted into the Ringette Hall ofFame.

Mark Ratz, (left), from Lorette was named Volunteer of the Year for 2016.

Local Bantam PlayersDrafted by WHL

The Everette Silvertips drafted Danton Belluk.

and Danton Belluk, goalie, was draftedby the Everett Silvertips. The WHL Bantam Draft is heldannually by the WHL to provide anorderly transfer of players to WHLClub Protected Player Lists (PPL).Once a player is selected by a WHLClub, he can only participate in tryoutcamps and other team activities forthat Club. Players eligible for the 2016 WHLBantam Draft were 2001-born playerswho reside in Alberta, B.C., Manitoba,Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories,Yukon and 20 American states.

Justin Svenson wasdrafted by the Red DeerRebels.

After ten years of operation on MainStreet, in Ile des Chenes, the communityFood Bank faces eviction. Suzanne Tetreault, a Director with theFood Bank of Ile des Chenes says thatfor the past decade, the Foodbank hasoperated without issue in the Villa desChenes. The building, which is ownedand operated by Manitoba Housing.Housing is ending their lease at the endof May. “‘The problem is that there are no othersuitable premises. We cannot afford topay rent and we need to be on the firstfloor for accessibility,” Tetreault said. “Itis also impossible for our families tomove to another community to stock.They have no means of transportation.” The Ile des Chenes Foodbank wasgranted a stay to remain for a year untilJune, but the agreement will not berenewed. The food bank serves 17 to 20 familiesin St. Adolphe, Grande Pointe and Iledes Chenes. Tetreault is hoping for a meeting withnewly elected Dawson Trail MLA BobLagasse to discuss the program and tofind another suitable solution.

Jesse Mistelebacher was drafted bythe Prince George Cougars.

IDCFoodbank

FacesEviction


On May 7, the 1994 and 1995 Manitoba Alliance Junior Men’s teamswere inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame. The ‘94 team broughthome silver medals from the Canadian National Championship in St.Catherine’s, Ontario while the ‘95 team captured gold in Prince George,British Columbia. Team Manager John Peters said not everyone on the squad was equallytalented but it was just the right combination of talent and character forthem to be awarded Manitoba’s first gold medal at the Canadian JuniorMen’s National Championships. Peters said it was extra special becausehis sons, Kelly and Rod were both on the team. “My younger son, Kelly,who was a pitcher, he could have been better if he really put his mind to it,but he was a good pitcher,” Peters recalled. “My son Rod enjoyedcoaching.” “Twenty years later, this is amazing. I just wanted to say thank you to allthese fellas, lasting memories and lasting friendships,” said Rod. “Justlike the gold medals we have, this evening is something nobody can takeaway from us. What an awesome evening.” The team name ‘Alliance’ was a suggestion from a player since the teamwas comprised of players from Landmark, Flin Flon, Saskatchewan andOntario. Another father and sons trio on the team is Coach Fran Giesbrecht andhis sons Nathan and Rob. Peter’s praised Rob for being their home runhitter. “I’ve seen him hit a home run that went well over the home runfence.” In addition to being inducted as a member of the Alliance team, Giesbrechtwas inducted as an individual player after winning gold medals playingfor Canada in the 1993 World Junior Championship in Auckland, NewZealand and at the 2003 Pan Am Games in Santo Domingo, DominicanRepublic. He was named the MVP at the World Juniors and homered anddoubled in Canada’s 4-2 victory over the United States in the final at thePan Am Games. He also won bronze at the 2009 World Men’s Championshipin Saskatoon.

On May 28, in conjunction with Canadian RV & Camping Week, Rock Garden Campground nearRicher participated in a Canada wide Make-A-Wish Fundraising event. According to Dawn Jacobson, the event raised $748.10 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “We held a BBQ which was supported by local business owners, Earl’s Meat Market donated theground beef for the chilli and Awesome Dog donated the hot dogs with all the fixing and the owner ofAwesome Dog, Paul Pantel did the cooking.” Jacobson said the event was a success because of the volunteers who helped make it happenincluding D.V.A. Entertainment who donated their time to play music while everyone enjoyed themeals. “It was a wonderful turn out and so nice to see all the love and support people have to give tosick children in need of a wish,” said Jacobson. “This was Rock Garden Campground’s first yearparticipating and we hope to make a bigger and better event next year.” The night ended with all the Rock Garden campers lighting Wish Lanterns on the Basket Ball Courtto make the Wish Garden in the shape of a heart. Make-A-Wish® Canada grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions toenrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate ofMake-A-Wish® International, the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams andwishes come true for more than 350,000 children since 1980.

Two members of Lorette Branch, Kang’sTaekwondo Academy competed in the 2016 Can-AmGames held on April 23 at the Investors GroupAthletic Centre, University of Manitoba. The 38thCan-Am Games, an annual invitational tournamentsponsored by Kang’s Taekwondo Academy ofWinnipeg, was attended by Canadian clubs whosemembers competed in patterns and in full-contactsparring. Both Nikolaus Wupori (green belt) and DerekJolicoeur (yellow belt/green stripe) won medals.Nikolaus won a bronze medal in sparring. Derek tookthe gold medal in sparring and a bronze medal forthe pattern (poomse) Taegeuk 2 or Ee Jang.

Local BallplayersInducted into Softball

Hall of Fame

The 94 and 95 Alliances team rooster.

The 94 and 95 Alliances team rooster in 2016.

Rock Garden CampgroundSupports Make-A-Wish

The campers from Rock Garden Campground in Richer raised over $700 during a special fundraising event for Make-A-WishCanada. Photo submitted by Dawn Jacobson

Tae Kwon DoMembers Compete at

Can-Am Games

From left to right Derek Jolicoeur, Nikolaus Wupori and Master MichaelTam at the 2016 Can-Am Games.

On May 1, Steinbach RCMPreceived several complaints in theRM of Ste Anne, Town of Blumenortand RM of Hanover regarding civicsigns, highway signs, and mail boxes

Steinbach RCMP received a report of a Break andEnter on Stonebridge Crossing in Steinbach thatoccurred sometime between May 19 at 11 pm andMay 20 at 10 am. Several items were stolen. If you have any information in regards to the aboveyou are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMPDetachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text“TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

RCMPSeekThief

At approximately 2:45 am on May29 Steinbach RCMP responded to atwo vehicle motor vehicle collisionon Hwy 210, approximately 3kmswest of Marchand. Five adults weretaken to Bethesda and Ste. AnneHospital with undisclosed injuries.None appeared to be life threatening. An RCMP Traffic Analyst wascontacted to assist and was onscene. Alcohol was believed to be acontributing factor. Highway 210was closed for approximately 5hours.

CheckYour

Cameras

either being damaged on site orremoved completely. SteinbachRCMP is requesting the public’sassistance in solving these casesof vandalism that occurredsometime Saturday night April 30to the early hours of May 1. RCMPis also asking people to review theircamera recordings and call if theyhave anything to report. If you have any information inregards to the above you are askedto contact the Steinbach RCMPDetachment at 204-326-4452.

Accident Closes Hwy


By Marianne Curtis

Over two hundred people attended theRitchot Fire Department’s first everpancake breakfast, which took place onMay 28 at the Ile des Chenes fire hall. “We are very pleased with theattendance of our first pancakebreakfast,” said Ritchot Fire Chief ScottWeir. “In the past, we have held openhouses in St. Adolphe with hot dogs,which were well attended, but we’ve notdone a breakfast before. For a first timeevent in Ile des Chenes, we are pleasedwith the response.” During the event, visitors could checkout the municipality’s fire fighting fleetand meet the many firefighters whovolunteer for the department. Therewere also demonstrations on how toproperly use a fire extinguisher, and putout a stove grease fire.

BSI Insurance has donated $2,000 to Park Lemoine towardsthe local park upgrades. Rene de Moissac, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) withBSI Insurance Brokers said the donation is to help fundimprovements in the community park. “The natural park wasin major need of upgrades towards landscaping, a path,drainage, and build up for natural structure as well as turf,”explained de Moissac. “The park will now provide a saferenvironment for children to enjoy outdoor play.” The donation was made possible with the BSI - Because WeCare initiative. The “Because We Care” initiative will seeapproximately $30,000 distributed annually between its 16locations and neighbouring communities. BSI recognizes theneed to support local initiatives that strive to improve itscommunities. BSI Insurance has 16 brokerage locations in southernManitoba and has incorporated a culture of caring about itscustomers, communities and employees. While still focusingon what matters, BSI’s large brokerage base offers itscustomers choice, convenience and a tailored insurance policyfor their needs.

The Richer Daycare in the most recent organization to receive a $2,000donation from BSI Insurance. The Richer Day Care opened its doors September 3, 2007 and they arecurrently raising funds for repairs that need to be completed to the area inthe building. The donation is expected to allow the daycare to update andimprove the facility to provide a safer environment for the children to learnand play. This donation was done in part of BSI Insurance’s “Because We Care”initiative.Because We Care – This initiative will see approximately $30,000 indonations annually distributed between its 15 locations and neighbouringcommunities. BSI recognizes the need to support local initiatives thatstrive to improve its communities.

Richer DaycareReceives Donation

Tammy Bydeley, Community Member and Customer Service Rep of BSI Insurance BrokersLTD – Steinbach presented a $2,000 cheque to Nicole Tanasiciuk, Assistant Director ofRicher Day Care and Susan Giesbrecht, Director of Richer Day Care.

Ritchot’s volunteer fire fighters cooked up breakfast for localresidents during their first pancake breakfast in Ile des Chenes.

Ritchot Fire Department HostsFirst Pancake Breakfast

Steinbach Detachment located andtowed the vehicle involved in the hit andrun incident resulting in damage to thetraffic lights at Hwy 12 and LoewenBlvd. The vehicle also suffered extensivedamage and is believed to be a write off. The registered owner/driver is knownto police and faces Highway Traffic Actcharges and Civil repercussions. Anyonewith further information, please contactthe Steinbach RCMP Detachment.

Hit and RunVehicle Located

Ste. Agathe ParkGets Donation

Rene de Moissac COO of BSI Insurance Brokers Ltd. presents a cheque toPatrick Saurette, Treasurer of Park Lemoine Committee.

According to the Steinbach RCMP, several localresidents have received phone calls from a fraudsterpurporting to represent the Canadian PoliceAssociation. In attempt to get your money, the caller useshigh-pressure sales tactics. This is a fraud andRCMP is asking residents to just hang up the phone. The Canadian Police Association and the RCMPdo not call individuals to solicit for funds.

On May 20 at about 6 pm, Steinbach RCMPresponded to a single vehicle collision involving amotorcycle. The driver, a 42 year old male, wasdriving south on Road 42N and accelerated tooquickly when attempting to cross Highway 1, losingcontrol on the loose gravel and crashing on thewestbound lane. The driver was transported to Ste Anne hospitaland then transferred to Winnipeg with non-lifethreatening injuries. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision.The investigation is ongoing.

On May 3, at approximately 12:54 am, SteinbachRCMP was advised that there was a group ofpeople going through vehicles in La Broquerie onRue Des Pignons. After RCMP arrived, the subsequent investigationbrought members to a residence on Gauthier Streetin La Broquerie. Three adult males were arrestedand taken into custody for theft from a motorvehicle. All three males were released later that dayon a Promise to Appear. Two youth females were also involved, however,after cooperating with RCMP were releasedwithout charge and will proceed through extra-judicial means under the Youth Criminal JusticeAct.

Five Nabbed for Vehicle Break Ins

Alcohol Could Come into Play inMotorcycle Accident

Beware of High Pressure Phone Fraud


By Marianne Curtis

Strong winds and dry weather exacerbated conditions while battling forest fires thatthreatened cottages on the Manitoba-Ontario border earlier this month. A wildfire about 7 km northeast of Caddy Lake continued to burn and residents weretold to evacuate. Winds pushed the fire further east, and as a precaution, McDougall’sLanding and east shore remote cabins on West Hawk Lake were evacuated. On May 17, people affected by the fires around Caddy Lake, Ingolf and West HawkLake were finally allowed to return to their homes. Those returning were asked to bringidentification and proof of ownership or connection to the property, such as a tax billor mail directed to the property. Evacuation orders for Nora and Florence Lakes remainin effect at this time. Travel and burning permit restrictions in eastern, central and western Manitoba havebeen lifted with the recent rain. Some parts of the Whiteshell still remain closed includingPR 312 from one kilometre east of PTH 44 (Big Island turn off) to the Ontario border. The Beresford Lake fire that has consumed approximately 75,000 hectares is 60 percentcontained with the hard work of 22 crews working this fire in Manitoba. Sprinklerprotection continues on cabins in the area and crews are making good progress withsuppression efforts and assistance from Nova Scotia crews. The mandatory evacuation of the Beresford cottage subdivision in the NopimingProvincial Park continues. The Beresford and Wallace Lake campgrounds are closeduntil wildfire conditions improve. An evacuation order remains in effect for Wallace Lake, which affects 61 cottagesand 1 lodge. Officials are also monitoring conditions at Long Lake closely.

By Marianne Curtis

After last month’s landslide Progressive Conservative win,there was, no surprise that Steinbach’s re-elected MLA KelvinGoertzen was named a cabinet minister. When Premier Brian Pallister announced his new cabinet,Goertzen was named Minister of Health, Seniors and ActiveLiving, First Acting Minister of Education and Training andMember of Priorities and Planning Committee. He was alsogiven the important roles of Government House Leader,Second Acting Deputy Premier. Goertzen confirmed that his mandate states that as Ministerof Health, Seniors and Active Living that his key role will bedelivering on the commitment to be the most improvedprovince in shortening ER and other wait times deliver lowerambulance fees, retaining doctors, building more personalcare home beds, have a dedicated stroke unit and a mentalhealth strategy. His “to-do” list includes a mandate to build personal carehome beds using the model used to build the personal carehome in Niverville. “It relies heavily on community andmunicipal partnerships. It’s an exciting initiative and I lookforward to working on the mandate I’ve been given by thePremier,” said Goertzen. “The Premier made it a priority inasking that 1,200 personal care home beds be built over thenext eight years, but also that they have to be done in a waythat the government and the people of Manitoba can afford.” One of the hot topics on the table is also dealing withmedically assisted death. New Federal legislation must be inplace by June 6, according to a Supreme Court-imposeddeadline. Goertzen said the province is “as ready as it can be”to deal with medically assisted death, whether new federallegislation is in place, or not. “There must be a boost inpalliative care to ensure that people don’t feel that there areno other options to assisted death,” Goertzen added. “Thatwould be the worst of situations.” Goertzen said he is also looking for ways to cut costs whileimproving services. Compared with other provinces, Manitobahas experienced health care spending growth. “Two or threetimes higher on a percentage basis than in other provinces,”when compared to other provinces.

Forest Fires Force Evacuations in Whiteshell

Smoke rises over West Hawk Lake from fires burning northeast of Caddy Lake.

The Steinbach Legion #190 made a special donation from thePoppy Fund to the Fort McMurray Wildfire Relief Fund in theamount of $5,000. While the Poppy Fund has specific rules on the use funds, ifthe Federal or Provincial government declares a state ofdisaster, the Royal Canadian Legion authorizes that a portionof the Poppy Fund can be used to assist with relief efforts. Thedonation by the Steinbach Legion will go to the Alberta-NorthWest Territory Provincial Command, which has set up a centralfund to coordinate the collection and dispersal of donations.They will be donating 50% of the funds to the Red Cross foremergency funding and 50% will be accessible for thoserequesting assistance. These emergency funds will be usedfor all those affected by the fire, not only Veterans. The Steinbach Legion encourages others in our communityto donate towards the relief effort for those affected by theFort McMurray wildfire. The Royal Canadian Legion supports our Veterans, theirfamilies and the community.

Kelvin GoertzenReady for Cabinet

Steinbach Legion Donation forFort McMurray Wildfire Relief


I know you are relatively new to your position, Mr Cameron Friesen, but there area few items related to our Personal Income Taxes that make me angry every year andhave for several years. I have contacted the previous Ministers of Finance regardingthese issues, but nothing was done with my suggestions, so I hope you will listenand give these ideas some serious consideration. The first concern I have is the taxes paid by low income Manitobans especially theworking poor and the low-income seniors. Hard to believe someone with incomeunder $20,000 is paying provincial taxes. The working poor start paying taxes at $9,135. Why on earth would you starttaxing someone with such a low income? Please look at how the province of BCtreats its low-income residents. The BC Tax Reduction within their provincial personalincome tax calculation ensures those with incomes under $19,000 pay no provincialtaxes. Time to look at this and put more cash in the pockets of low income Manitobanswithout affecting the basic personal credit; the rest of us can continue to payprovincial taxes starting at $9,135 until we can afford to increase the basic credit. Our poorest seniors start paying provincial taxes at $12,863 (includes the $3,728age credit). Can you explain to me why a senior with income under $19,000 should bepaying provincial taxes? Federal taxes start at $18,599 for our senior taxpayers. Bracket Creep has been around since 2003. Manitoba has not indexed its taxbrackets for inflation. This means as incomes rise every year to offset the effects ofinflation Manitobans are quietly (and without a formal announcement) moved intohigher tax brackets. Over the past 13 years, Manitobans have paid thousands ofdollars more in their individual personal income taxes than they should have. Consider someone at minimum wage. Even though minimum wage has increasedover the years, more cash goes towards Manitoba personal income taxes every year.Since 2003, someone earning minimum wage has paid about $600+ more in taxes.Does that seem fair?! This policy is just one of many ways in which Manitoba has an uncompetitivepersonal income tax system. In fact, Manitoba has the highest income tax rates inwestern Canada and the lowest basic personal exemption (now at $9,134). Thefederal credit as a comparison is now at $11,474 for 2016. The Seniors School Tax Rebate was introduced for 2014 ($235) and increased in2015 to $470. This rebate helped many seniors (including those with high incomes),but did nothing for the low-income seniors. They were getting this credit throughtheir personal income taxes (Manitoba Provincial Credits). So all the previousgovernment did was make them apply for it ahead of time, but it decreased their taxrefund by the same amount. This credit helped those seniors with higher incomes. I recommend you cap the credit at the current $470 (do not increase it) and reviewit to determine if it’s the right thing to do. (Seniors with higher incomes do not needthis credit!) On another issue, did you know that some provincial credits can only be adjustedgoing back three years? The credits in question include the Manitoba PrimaryCaregiver Tax Credit and the Education Property Tax Credit. By not allowing these credits to be claimed after a three-year period, you arepenalizing the ones who didn’t know about it. Unfortunately, with the way our taxsystem is, you need to know what you may be eligible for. (You don’t know whatyou don’t know). If you are too late, too bad. Please change the tax regulations andallow individuals to claim credits they are entitled too, but didn’t know they couldget it. The Manitoba Primary Caregiver Tax Credit became available in 2009 and I stillmeet individuals that don’t know what it is or that they are or were eligible to applyand receive it. This Credit financially helps those in the community that provideimportant care to our seniors and those with disabilities, often family members orneighbours or good friends. These caring people relieve the strain on the homecareemployees. Since 2009, these caregivers were eligible to receive a credit up to $1,400 per year(was $1,020 and $1,275 previously). But if you apply now, we can only go back threeyears, even if these individuals have been providing care for several years. And thiscredit is refundable. That means even if you do not pay any taxes, you can get thetax credit paid to you. The other Provincial credit that has a three year time limit is the Education PropertyTax Credit. Most of us get the $700 credit on our property tax bill. But some peopleeither don’t have it on their property taxes (recently moved to the new property ormultiple homes on the title) or they are renting. If you are late filing your taxes andneed to go back more than three years, you are out of luck in getting this credit youare entitled to. Or if you didn’t know about it and didn’t claim it, we cannot get itback if it’s more than three years ago that you didn’t claim it. There are other credits that allow us to go back up to 10 years (disability tax creditand medical, for example), so why not these as well? During the election campaign, Ambulance fees were a big topic. An easy solutionto high cost problem is to include Ambulance fees under the Pharmacare umbrella.This way those with lower incomes will have their fees covered. And those withhigher incomes still pay (or have it paid by their private or employer sponsoredhealth plans). Mr Cameron Friesen, Minister of Finance for Manitoba, I know you have a lot onyour plate right now and I don’t expect changes immediately, but I want to make sureyou understand our personal income taxes seem unfair to the people who need helpthe most. The low income tax payers and those who are unaware of available provincialcredits deserve better. I will share this info with Bob Lagasse, the new MLA for Dawson Trail; the areathat I live in and many of my 2,000+ tax clients live in too. I hope my faithful readers will take this column and give it to their local MLA to askfor some tax relief for the Manitobans with the lowest of incomes. Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified FinancialPlanner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact her at 204-422-6631 or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Co-op) [email protected].

On May 18, a group from the RM ofPiney passed a motion to establish aRegional Chamber of Commerce. A second meeting is scheduled totake place on June 9, at the RM of PineyCouncil chambers in Vassar starting at7 pm. At this time, those in attendance areexpected to elect the organization’sfirst board of directors to help establishthe future business directions andpromote economic development forthe area.

By Marianne Curtis

Newly electedDawson Trail MLABob Lagasse jumpedright into work andbravely presented hisfirst member statementon May 26 in theLegislature. This cameafter Lagasse, alongwith the rest of thecaucus was officiallysworn in two weeksearlier. Premier BrianPallister and hisgovernment, cabinetand deputyministers were sworninto office on May 3. In a well-rehearsedmember statement,Lagasse congratulatedthe 1994 and 1995Manitoba AllianceJunior Men’s Softballteams after they wereinducted into theManitoba Softball Hallof Fame. After introducingcaucus to the recentlyinducted team, Lagasseshared a tidbit ofwisdom he gatheredwhile preparing for hisstatement. “I’d also like

Dear Minister ofFinance –Manitoba

Lagasse Makes FirstMember Statement

to touch on the word ‘teamwork’ byechoing what Mr. Peters [themanager] said in a recent interview,‘not everyone on the squad wasequally talented but it was just theright combination of talent andcharacter’,” Lagasse quoted. “Ibelieve this statement reflects whata team needs to be to succeed and Iwill take that with me on my journeyas a member of the ManitobaLegislative assembly.” Lagasse received some criticismfrom voters and media alike, after hestruggled to answer questions

during a pre-election public forum.In a post-election interview with theDawson Trail Dispatch, Lagasseadmitted that his inexperience couldhinder him when it came to publicspeaking, but he was determined toovercome that challenge. After asking Madame Speaker torecord the names of the coaches andplayers, the rest of caucus sent up around of applause, signalling thatLagasse had nailed it. In his first month as MLA forDawson Trail, Lagasse also hiredSarah Langevin as his assistant.

On May 11, Bob Lagasse took the oath as he is sworn in as the new Dawson Trail MLA,fifteen days later; he presented his first member statement.

Piney Votes forChamber ofCommerce

On May 20 at 12:50 am, SteinbachRCMP received a report of a suspiciouspackage at Valeant PharmaceuticalsInternational, Inc. Local RCMP members cordoned offthe area including east and westboundtraffic on Hwy 52 in front of Valeant.Traffic was re-routed from 1 am to 6am. Steinbach Fire Department attendedalong with the RCMP “D” DivisionExplosive Disposal Unit (EDU). TheEDU forensically examined thepackage and were able to determinethat while the contents of the packagewere not the expected contents, theywere in fact, electronic devices utilizedby Valeant relative to their qualitycontrol process. Police and Fire personnel cleared thescene shortly thereafter.

Steinbach RCMP received a report of a Break andEnter on Harmony Lane in Steinbach. The break inoccurred sometime during the day of May 12 between7 am and 7 pm. It appears that nothing has been stolen. If you have any information in regards to the aboveyou are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMPDetachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text“TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Steinbach RCMP is requesting the public’s assistancein solving multiple related mischiefs that occurredsometime Saturday night April 30 in La Broquerie andSteinbach. The culprits used fluorescent orange, green,black paint to draw profanities on numerous houses,garage doors and vehicles. If you have any information in regards to the aboveyou are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMPDetachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text“TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Bomb SquadCalled Out

Nothing Stolen After Break In

Spray Painters Vandalize Property


By Marianne Curtis

The Village of St. Pierre-Jolys held a hearing in early May todiscuss the community’s wastewater lagoon expansion project. The Village is proposing to expand its sewage treatment lagoon

that has reached capacity to meet the Provincialand Federal water quality standards. The projectis expected to cost about $2.6 million. At the hearing, Council outlined how thecommunity of 1,200 already exceeds currentlagoon capacity by 400 people and that nodevelopment will be allowed until the lagoon isexpanded. The local improvement tax required toservice debt to be issued under this project will belevied against all taxable, grant-in-lieu, otherwiseexempt properties within the Village. Mayor Mona Fallis said the lagoon is a hugeissue for the community, adding that a number oflocal developers are getting anxious to see theproject more forward. “We’ve had a three yearmoratorium on construction so not a lot hashappened in recent years. We need to expand our

The Niverville Chamber of Commerce recognizedtwo local businesses in the community during thisyear’s annual meeting. This is the second time thatthe Niverville Chamber has recognized localbusiness owners with business awards. Approximately sixty people came out for thisyear’s annual meeting, where former NivervilleMayor Clare Braun shared his story and why hechose to do business in Niverville. Afterwards, the business award for theOutstanding Business of the Year Award 2015 waspresented to Great GORP Project. “We are so proudto be a part of this community. People keep askingwhen GORP is going to move somewhere bigger,better, different,” stated owner Colleen Dyck. “Welove Niverville and we love the people here. We arelucky to be a part of this great town and feel luckyto be able to contribute business to it!” The Outstanding Customer Service Award waspresented to DONE - Hair, Skin and Nails. Thewinner of the first Alex Fast Sr. Memorial Award,presented to a business that contributes to thecommunity went Niverville Credit Union.

Niverville ChamberHands Out

Business Awards

Colleen Dyck, owner of Great GORP Project accepts the OutstandingBusiness of the Year Award from Andy Anderson.

At the Niverville Chamber of Commerce meeting, Niverville Credit Union was the firstrecipient of the Alex Fast Sr. Memorial, an award for a business that contributes to thecommunity.

Lagoon Expansion Plannedfor St. Pierre-Jolys

lagoon,” explained Fallis. “There is some resistance tothe tax implications of lagoon expansion, which wouldsee taxes on an average $200,000 home go up $186 peryear for 25 years.” According to the St. Pierre-Jolys Council, ManitobaWater Services Board has already confirmed a $400,000contribution, with another $900,000 to be confirmed.The Village would borrow the remaining $1.3 million. Council hopes to start construction of the lagoonexpansion next spring, with completion expected in thefall.

Steinbach RCMP Detachmentreceived a report of a Break and Enterat the Steinbach Landfill Yard onHanover Road E in Steinbach. Thethieves stole a gas pump sometimebetween May 7 and May 9. If you have any information inregards to the above you are askedto contact the Steinbach RCMPDetachment at 204-326-4452 orCrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 ormanitobacrimestoppers.com or text“TIPMAN” plus your message toCrimes (274637).

Over the weekend of April 29 andMay 2, Steinbach RCMP received areport of a Break and Enter on 32Road E in the RM of Ste. Anne. Thetheft occurred sometime during theweekend, where a wide range ofpower tools was stolen. Theestimated value of the tools was inthe range of $1,500-2,000. If you have any information inregards to the above you are askedto contact the Steinbach RCMPDetachment at 204-326-4452 orCrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 ormanitobacrimestoppers.com or text“TIPMAN” plus your message toCrimes (274637).

Thieves Target Power Toolsin RM of Ste. Anne

Break in at the SteinbachLandfill Yard


On May 16, theSteinbach RCMPresponded to a reportof a stolen bike froma residence on ChapelDrive in Steinbach. The bike, a Rapidofrom 1970 was stolenon May 15.

The Steinbach RCMP are seekingthe public’s assistance inidentifying the following personwho may be able to provideinformation into a current RCMPinvestigation about the theft of gas.

On May 21, theSteinbach RCMPresponded to areport of a stolendirt bike from aresidence on KehlerDrive in Mitchell.The bike was stolensometime duringthe night of Friday,May 20 toSaturday, May 21.

The Steinbach RCMP is seeking thepublic’s assistance in identifying a male andfemale who were involved in an incident atWalmart in Steinbach. The male is describedas average height, medium build with a darkgoatee. The female is described as averageheight, slim with long dark hair.

Public Asked to Keep Eye Out for Stolen Dirt Bike

Classic Bike Stolen

Identity Sought in Gas Theft

In 2014, Steinbach RCMP had opened an investigation for a $15,000 piece ofdrilling equipment that was stolen from an address in Mitchell on August 22,2014. On March 18 this year, a piece of drilling equipment was advertised for saleon a local social media outlet. Steinbach RCMP, Steinbach RCMP GeneralInvestigation Section (GIS) and Units in RCMP Headquarters in Winnipegentered into an investigation related to the equipment being sold. On April 21, the investigation led to the arrest of two adult individuals andRCMP recovered the stolen piece of drilling equipment. 27-year old, Dustin Shelton was charged with Trafficking in property obtainedby crime over $5,000, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of PropertyObtained by crime under $5,000 and Fail to Comply with Probation. The secondindividual, 21-year old, Kristen Bolton was charged with Trafficking in propertyobtained by crime over $5,000. Steinbach RCMP reminds the public to keep a log of serial numbers associatedto anything of value that they own. These numbers are very beneficial wheninvestigating and tracking stolen property.

The East Side Road Authority (ESRA) is no more. Originally, the Crown Corporationwas tasked with building an all-season road on the East Side of Lake Winnipeg connectingthe Bloodvein First Nation’s community north of Winnipeg to the provincial roadnetwork. Later Berens River was added and construction is scheduled to be completedin 2019. Prior to the Provincial election, the ESRA was given the additional mandate ofbuilding a “Freedom” road to connect the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation community tothe Trans-Canada Highway. The isolated community has lived under a boil wateradvisory for close to 20 years, even though Winnipeg uses the same water in ShoalLake for its own needs. In 1913, the community was on a peninsula until it was cut offfrom the mainland by the canal diversion built for the aqueduct from Shoal Lake to theCity of Winnipeg. In May, making good on a promise the Progressive Conservatives repatriated allESRA administration and functions to the Manitoba Infrastructure Department saidMLA Blaine Pedersen. “The integration of the East Side Road Authority’s mandateinto Manitoba Infrastructure will bring about efficiencies while ensuring centralizedco-ordination of all provincial infrastructure projects,” said Pedersen in a governmentnews release. “This move aligns with our government’s commitment to achievingvalue for money in the delivery of government services.” The two-year Shoal Lake plan includes a gravel road that leads off the Trans-CanadaHighway, west of Falcon Lake and will run southeast to the community. Two bridgeswill also be built with one over the aqueduct.

If you have any information in regards tothe above you are asked to contact theSteinbach RCMP Detachment at (204)326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.manitobacrimestoppers.comor text “TIPMAN” plus your message toCrimes (274637).

Persons of Interest Sought

Freedom Road Headway

Online Sale of Stolen Equipment Thieves Downfall

Dawson Trail Dispatch June 2016

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Transcript of Dawson Trail Dispatch June 2016