Dawson Trail Dispatch April 2013

By Marianne Curtis

On March 19, the RM of Tache council chambersoverflowed when over a hundred residents attended aregular meeting in opposition of the municipality’s planto construct a $3.75 million municipal office and library. While the project is still at the discussion stage, the$3.75 million project was clearly listed within themunicipality’s 2013 budget proposal. This raised red flagswith residents, especially those involved with thecommunity’s recreation programs. “Residents would rather see the municipality buildinga multiplex instead,” voiced Lorette resident ColleenJolicoeur in opposition. “We know that in order to receiveprovincial and federal funding for a multiplex there has tobe municipal funding first. There are fears that once thismoney is spent on a new office there will be no furthermoney available to use to build a multiplex.” With $2.9 million of the project to be borrowed, residentswant the municipality to look at constructing a newmunicipal office as part of a community multiplex. Theywant the building to contain ice surfaces for hockey andcurling, an indoor walking/running track and meetingrooms for local groups such as Girl Guides and Cadets,not just an office and library complex. “We want a multi-use recreation centre, not just ahockey rink,” stressed Laurie Burbine, Vice President ofthe Lorette Community Complex (CCLCC) Board. “Wewant the municipality to conduct a feasibility study on anew recreation centre that incorporates the municipaloffice with a community complex.” The CCLCC board said that the Lorette arena is veryold and operating at full capacity for ice sports, forcingsome teams to have to travel to Ile Des Chênes and St.Pierre-Jolys for practice ice. There is not a lot of additionalspace for other recreational activities in the currentbuilding and the space available is not easily accessiblefor the mobility impaired. At the meeting, council heard all the concerns of theresidents then voted to keep the municipal office in theirbudget before a feasibility study can be done. However,that decision did change a week later, according toCouncillor Steve Stein. “Council has taken the municipal building off this year’sbudget, which means that money that was allocatedtowards the project ($800,000 in gas tax) will remain in

Lorette ResidentsSupport Multiplex,Oppose Municipal

Office Plans

Continued on page 3

By Marianne Curtis

Voters in two wards within theSeine River School Division arebeing called to the polls after therecent resignation of two SchoolBoard Trustees. Four perspectivecandidates have stepped forwardwith hopes of filling the vacancies. While school board electionsseem to receive less attention thanmunicipal elections, the role of atrustee is very important. SchoolBoard Trustees determine where agreat portion of our tax dollars goes.Their decisions affect thethousands of students that receivetheir education beginning inkindergarten and ending withgraduation. Wendy Bloomfield, Chairpersonfor the Seine River School Division,points out that having goodcandidates is critical because,“School Board Trustees decidehow education is delivered locally.” “Annually we manage millions ofdollars in public funds, employhundreds of teachers, support staffand local contractors,” statedBloomfield. “We play a key role inthe care and education of localschool aged children. It is importantwork that makes a difference in thedevelopment of our children and thelives of local residents, whetherthey have children in school or not.” Four candidates have steppedforward, two for each ward. In Ward2, Denise Rocan and JenniferStefansson are running against eachother and in Ward 3, Rose-AnneWeiss and Wes Keating are goinghead to head. Candidates have already beenhitting the streets and the biggest

April’s Contested Trustee By-Election

Ward 2 - Denise Rocan Denise Rocan is a long time resident of Lorette who owns and operates a governmentlicensed home daycare. Rocan has two children who attend schools in the Seine River School Division, one inhigh school and the other in elementary. She is actively involved with both of theseschools’ Parent Advisory Committees on an executive level and as a member for 12 years. Previously she sat on the Frere Jacques Nursery School Board and is currently a LoretteBusy Bee 4H Club head leader.

Ward 2 - Jennifer Stefansson Jennifer Stefansson is a chartered accountant who holds a treasury position for a majorinternational company. “Having young kids who are in and will be entering the school system I feel that I have along-term vested interest,” Stefansson said. She believes her vast financial background would be an asset to the board. “What I am hoping to achieve would be to ensure the financial aspect set by the board ismet in terms of meeting the needs of the community,” Stefansson continued. “I willquestion variances in the budget from year to year and confirm that any increases, whichultimately mean increases to all our tax dollars, are accounted for.” Stefansson hasvolunteered for several committees and is the acting treasurer of the Lorette Family FunGroup.

Ward 3 - Rose-Ann Weiss Ste. Anne resident Rose-Anne Weiss has a background in administration at a postsecondary institution with additional training in working with individuals with specialneeds. “As a concerned community member I want to see our education system thrive. I believeevery child should have equal opportunity to gain the best tools for their future that we canprovide,” said Weiss. “Having had the opportunity to work in an administrative role witheducators and students of all types, I see the need for a holistic approach. Each of ourstudents should have the opportunity to learn in an environment that supports their uniquelearning styles and abilities, as well as their social and physical needs.” Weiss is marriedand the mother of three boys aged 9, 7 and 5 who currently attend school in the division.

On April 10, the Seine River School Division is hosting aschool board trustee by-election for Ward 2 and Ward 3. Four first-time candidates, two in each ward, have stepped forward to runfor the vacant seats.

Ward 3 - Wes Keating Wes Keating has lived in the RM of La Broquerie for several decades and is well knownthroughout the region after spending many years as a local journalist. “I’m running for trustee because I have always had an interest in school board affairs, andwhile at The Carillon it was not possible for me to cover the meetings and run for trustee,”explained Keating. “Today, in retirement, my health has improved greatly and I look forwardto becoming more active in the community again.” With his previous experience as a reporter, Keating is confident that he is a good choicefor school board trustee. “I don’t have experience as a trustee as this is my first try (but) as an observer at almostevery meeting for more than a decade I have a pretty good idea of what to expect,” addedKeating. Keating is married and the father of two adult children who attended Seine RiverSchool Division schools.

Meet the Candidates

Continued on page 3

April 2013 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!2

Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! April 2013 3

capital surplus until further notice,” explained Stein. “There are no plansto build anything at the moment.” He confirmed that the RM of Tache has purchased six acres of land tothe east of the current community centre where they plan to build the newmunicipal office and library. Now that the project has been removed from the budget the municipalitycan bring it back to the table later in the year, but they will have to pass aborrowing bylaw. The public would then be able to speak out about theproject before a final reading is done instead of just slipping it into thebudget without further public consultation. The RM of Tache has been planning to build a new municipal office fora few years after it was discovered that their current aging building has anumber of issues, including a mould problem. This is not the first time that the community of Lorette has asked for anew community complex. In 2002, residents spoke against two borrowingbylaws, one for $1.3 million and one for $2.7 million. Both projects wererejected after intense opposition was heard at municipal board hearings.The number one concern was the proposed tax increase that would havebeen felt by farmers. One of the other reasons the project was rejected atthe time was because the community was also trying to obtain funding fora new community lagoon. Meanwhile the CCLCC has fundraised about $102,000 towards thecommunity’s portion of the project so that additional funding could besecured from various government sources should a project proceed. Beforegovernment funding can come in, a community must be able to put 10percent of the funds on the table. Incidentally, the Lorette Community Complex also had a mould problemthat actually forced the closure of the locker rooms for an entire hockeyseason and the club has been asking for a new centre since then.

Tache Office continued...Continued from page 1

Due to mould issues, the RM of Tache needs to build a new municipal office, but residentswant to see taxpayer money used to build the office within a community multiplex that couldgreatly improve the recreation options in the fast growing community.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

surprise to candidates has been how many residents are not awarethat by-elections are taking place or the role of School Board Trustees. “Most people who have spoken to me about the by-election wereunaware there was a by-election and that is the greatest campaigningchallenge,” stated Ward 2 candidate Wes Keating. “School boardelections too often pass by with little notice.” His opponent, Rose-Ann Weiss, agreed that communication playsa key role in trustee elections. “I have had some parents’ express that they would like to seebetter communication between the division and parents,” Weissadded. “There were also a number that were simply not aware ofwhat the function of the board is so there is need for communicationon that level as well.” By-elections are taking place April 10, from 8 am to 8 pm atcommunity schools in Wards 2 and 3. Ward 2 encompasses Ile desChênes, Grande Pointe, Dufresne, Lorette and St. Adolphe and Ward3 includes St. Anne, Richer, Ste. Genevieve, Ross, Marchand,Sandilands, Woodridge, St. Labre and La Broquerie.

Trustees continued...Continued from page 1

On March 28, about a dozenaboriginal youth left Winnipeg withthe aim of making it to Ottawa onfoot. The group, known as Youth forLakes, departed from the ManitobaLegislative Building in the morning.They will spend 45 days walkingmore than 2,000 kilometres to raiseawareness and put pressure on thegovernment to protect waterways inManitoba. Ben Raven organized the march.He said the group was inspired bythe Idle No More movement. “To see our people band togetherin dire need, in such a case as thebills being pushed through, theomnibus bills, for us youth to seethat, it gave us that sense of hope,”said Raven. “There’s always hope.There is always a fighting chance.” Raven said the group wants to seethe omnibus budget bill, Bill C-45,overturned. The group is raisingawareness of these issues in thecommunities they pass through.

Youth for Lakes PassThrough Region

On March 29, the Youth for Lakes group passed through Ste. Anne.

The RM of Ritchot is looking forcommunity volunteers to fill anumber of vacancies in committeesthat require citizen committeemembers. According to council, themunicipality is issuing an invitationto residents interested in becomingcitizen committee members. Councillor Elmer Hywarren saidthat it would benefit council to havea pool of committed individualswishing to join committees such asthe Crow Wing Trail or Seine/RatRiver Conservation District, alongwith ad hoc committees that organizefor a variety of reasons. “We need a catalogue ofvolunteers that we can call uponwhen there is a vacancy,” Hywarrenexplained. “We need committed

RitchotSeeks

CommunityVolunteers

individuals willing to attendmeetings and then work withcouncil.” Normally council members wouldrecommend residents forappointment, but in withincreasingly busy schedules,

appointing people to committeespresents a challenge. Anyone wishing to join a committeeand work with various organizationswithin the RM of Ritchot shouldcontact the municipal office at 204-883-2293.


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Since Greg Selinger became Premier of Manitoba, he has relied on alist of excuses to explain the financial problems of Manitoba. As the deficits and debt have ballooned under hiswatch, the excuses have grown almost as fast. Shortly after Mr. Selinger became Premier and the deficits started going up he blamed the global financialcrisis. To be sure, the financial crisis was a serious issue that influenced many parts of the worldwide economybut the revenues that Manitoba receives from personal and business taxes only decreased for one year. Yet, theNDP were using the global financial issues as an excuse for the growing deficit several years after the mostserious issues had passed and long after it was shown that the impact on Manitoba was minimal. In 2011, the NDP ran a record billion-dollar deficit in Manitoba and increased taxes by the highest amount in25 years. They then turned around and blamed the whole thing on the spring 2011 flood. They quickly turnedthe flood of the century into the excuse of the century. Yet, when the books were examined by the provincialauditor, it showed that less than half of the billion-dollar deficit was attributable to the 2011 flood. The majorityof the record deficit was the result of old fashioned NDP mismanagement and overspending. So it wasn’t a surprise that in the past few weeks the NDP finance minister has been talking about how heexpected to see a reduction in transfer payments from the federal government and how that would put pressureon the provincial budget. Of course, Manitoba has been receiving record levels of transfers from Ottawa and theonly reason there would be pressure on the provincial government from reductions is because the NDP haverefused for 13 years to make Manitoba less dependent on federal support. It was clear the NDP were looking foranother excuse to run a big deficit and increase taxes. That excuse went out the window when the Federal Government introduced its budget late in March and notonly wasn’t there a decrease in the record level of support that Manitoba has been receiving, there was actuallyan increase. Manitoba will receive from Ottawa $3.4 billion this coming year in equalization, health and socialservice transfers. That is up from $3.36 billion last year. When all of the federal support for infrastructure andother programs are added in, 40 percent of Manitoba’s budget will be a direct result of support from Ottawa. So what excuse does the NDP have now? They really have no excuses for massive deficits, record debts, andhigher taxes. It’s just a result of their overspending and mismanagement. And that’s harder for the NDP toaccept than it is to look for excuses. 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 at(204) 346-9913, by e-mail at [email protected] or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com.I look forward to hearing from you.

That was one “not bad budget”.No European style austerity, verylittle business subsidies, no taxincrease, although R & D could haveused a wee bit of cash. New trainingfor real business needs - a good idea,and the provinces would be total blockheads if they didn’tparticipate, but to get an individual to lace up his work boots aftersitting back while benefitting from EI or social assistance is always abit trying and iffy. Some cuts are deep, such as the military, Experimental LakesResearch (ELR) and immigration. Trained immigrants are more willingand ready to work and more cost effective than a couch potatoweaning himself of EI. ELR is valuable research, costing anaffordable $2 million a year and the world is probably not tameenough for the military to pack up and mothball their kits. But theseare subjective points. For a fiscal conservative to think and act like aprogressive was a welcoming surprise. We should acknowledge withkudos the Finance Minister efforts. Damn fine job! The losers, unfortunately, have a slightly longer list but I will onlyname a few. The Senators’ travel and living expenses are shocking intheir amount and reveal the obvious stupidity of the perpetrators. Senator Mike Duffy claimed a $33,000 housing allowance anddoesn’t know where he lives. For your and his information, his houseis in PEI, but the road isn’t open in winter. Two quotes from MikeDuffy, “Offering to pay back the cash [I have] mistakenly collectedfor [my] Ottawa home,” and, “I represent the taxpayer and Canadiansknow I would never do anything to break the public’s trust.” Senator Pamela Wallin has spent $300,000 in travel expenses since2010. She claims this in an accounting misunderstanding. I am surewith little effort she will soon find a better accountant. Senator Patrick Brazeau has housing expense problems and ischarged with an assault on his wife. But I have the “official story”.He is training for a rematch with Justin Trudeau and his wife is anaffordable sparring partner, plus his home had to be modified as agym. All perfectly legit and above board. Next... MP Peter Penashue of Labrador resigned over electionirregularities to the tune of $45,000 in illegal donations. Apparently,the culprit was a rookie on his campaign committee who was ignorantof the rules. This “ignoramus” was subsequently appointed to aFederal board. This makes one wonder about the make-up of ourFederal boards. Mr. Flaherty, this gives me a wonderful idea to save money on yournext budget. Starting next fiscal year, all thieves and fraud artists cango in front of a judge, plead ignorance and/or extenuatingcircumstance such has the dog ate their moral instructions, or maybeeven claim apprenticeship of a Federal position, claiming trainingfederal dollars for a new career, of course. Awaiting further instruction on this fine point from a Senatecommittee. No jail time for the ignorant would save a very handsomepercentage on “housing allowance”.

Economic Action Plan 2013 is the next chapter in our Governments long-term plan to continue strengtheningthe Canadian economy. It will create jobs and growth, while keeping taxes low for families and businesses andbalancing the budget by 2015. Economic Action Plan 2013 delivers a new Building Canada planto build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail and other publicinfrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories andmunicipalities. Continuing from the successful launch in 2007 the BuildingCanada plan, Economic Action Plan 2013 introduces a new 10-yearfunding commitment for provincial, territorial and municipalinfrastructure, starting in 2014/15, through three key funds:- Community Improvement Fund - $32.2 billion consisting of anindexed Gas Tax Fund and the incremental Goods and Services Tax(GST) Rebate for Municipalities to build roads, public transit, recreational facilities and other communityinfrastructure across Canada.- New Building Canada Fund - $14 billion in support of major economic infrastructure projects that have anational, regional and local significance.- Renewed P3 Canada Fund - $1.25 billion to continue supporting innovative ways to build infrastructureprojects faster and provide better value for Canadian taxpayers through public-private partnerships.In addition, about $6 billion in federal support will be provided to provinces, territories and municipalities underinfrastructure programs in 2014/15 and beyond. This brings total federal investments in provincial, territorialand municipal infrastructure to approximately $53.5 billion from 2014/15 to 2023/24. Our infrastructure plan has received praise from leaders throughout Canada, including the Federation ofCanadian Municipalities who said, “This is the longest-term plan we have ever seen with the federal government,so it’s good news.” The Canadian Public Works Association applauded the “budget announcement of thelargest and longest federal infrastructure plan in Canadian history.” In Manitoba, Doug Dobrowolski President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, said that the gastax index will be “huge for all communities in Manitoba” and that he is pleased to see a multi-year infrastructureprogram included. Our new Building Canada plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, will result in thelargest and longest federal investment in job-creating infrastructure in Canadian history. Investing in infrastructure is an investment in our future. With Economic Action Plan 2013, our Conservative Government continues to position Canada as a globaleconomic leader. For more information on the Plan and its benefits for you, visit actionplan.gc.ca. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss. You maycontact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at (204) 326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at (204) 345-9762.You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at (204) 346-9874 or by e-mailat [email protected].

You WinSome andLose Some

Economic Action Plan 2013Invests in Infrastructure

The No ExcuseBudget


Premier Greg Selinger and the provincial NDPgovernment have finally decided to re-open TheManitoba Legislature. After a short sitting in November and December, Mr.Selinger has set April 16 as the date the Legislature willfinally resume sitting. One can only assume the reasonfor such a delay in the re-opening of the Legislature isdue to the NDP’s fear at being questioned and theirwork scrutinized. The first order of business will be the introduction ofa new Provincial budget. Manitoban’s will need to keepa close eye on their wallets as it is almost certain thatthe NDP will once again be increasing taxes and raisingfees in this budget. Before the last election Mr. Selinger and the NDPpromised Manitoban’s that they would not raise taxes,but in the last budget they raised the taxes by the highestamount in more than 25 years, $184 million in new taxes,plus an additional $114 million in user fees. Mr. Selinger needs to get his spending habit undercontrol. He needs a simple life lesson. It is not abouthow much you spend, it is about how you spend it. A perfect example of this is his desire to bring in thevote tax. This would cost Manitoban’s $600,000 everyyear. Based on current standing the NDP’s share wouldbe over $1 million between elections. On the other hand, Mr. Selinger and the NDP havelimited the Green Team program. The Green Teamprogram offers those aged 15 - 29 a summer job orvolunteer opportunity that enables Manitoba’s youthto be better prepared for the job market. It’s bad enough that Mr. Selinger and the NDP wantto leave our future leaders record debt; they are alsowilling to cut opportunities for Manitoba Youth. I welcome all comments and concerns you may have.If you would like to contact me, please feel free to callmy office at 204-424-5406, in writing to Box 889 LaBroquerie, MB R0A 0W0 or email me [email protected].

Dear Editor: This afternoon I walked with my family and parents inthe woods near Nijmegen in Holland. During WWIIthere was a lot of fighting in this region. Many Canadiansoldiers were here. Today we saw a tree with initials from a soldier named:Jk from Sprague Manitoba Canada. He was here duringoperation Vertiable in February 1945. We were curious about this name and we wentsearching on the internet. Finally we found youraddress. Maybe it is interesting for someone from Sprague andperhaps family or the person himself is still alive. I sent you the picture I made.Greetings,Nanne NautaNijmegen, Holland

Editor’s note: If you know of a family from the Spragueare with the initial of the last name of “K” who had arelative who served in the military during WWII andended up in Holland we would like to know. You cancall me personally on my cell at 204-355-8798. A storyis just waiting to be told behind this mystery.

Sprague SoldierSought After 60 Year

Old Graffiti Discovered

Legislature GetsBack to Work


By Marianne Curtis

Families in the Vita area will soon have access to more affordable childcarethanks to more than $200,000 in funding from the government to relocateand expand a childcare centre in the community and fund new childcarespaces for it. The majority of the funding announced will go to the relocation andexpansion of the Vita Community Child Care Centre, which will have 35fully funded childcare spaces. The province is also providing more than$3,000 for new equipment.

This is welcome news for President Donna Osadchuck who explainedthat the group outgrew their previous location. Last summer theorganization purchased a 2,500 square foot building across the street fromShevchenko School and started fundraising for $350,000 in renovationsneeded to bring the structure up to standards for use as a daycare centre. “We outgrew our current facility which was located in the SumkClubhouse,” explained Osadchuk. “We bought this building but we neededa lot more money to bring it up to daycare standards before we couldactually move in.” Osadchuk explained that the road to purchasing a new facility for thedaycare presented a challenge. The group initially contemplated buildinga new daycare but after conducting a study, it was discovered it wouldcost $1.2 million to build a new facility. Instead, the decision was made topurchase a house and renovate it to meet the organizations needs and tomeet daycare standards. Along with funding for the project, the province has also approvedseven new childcare spaces, which will bring the number up to 35 from theprevious 28 spaces. The Vita Community Child Care Centre was established six years agoand is the only daycare facility in the community. It offers a before andafter school program under the direction of a total of six fulltime and sevenpart time staff. With an annual budget of $250,000, the volunteer boardworks hard to raise funds to subsidize the programs offered at the centre. The Vita Community Child Care Centre is expected to receive additionalfederal funding with the centre opening in coming weeks.

Expanding Vita’sCommunity Daycare

La Verendrye MLA Dennis Smook, Provencher MP Vic Toews, Stuartburn Reeve JimSwidersky and Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon met with the Vita Community Child Care CentreBoard (left) to announce funding for the community’s only daycare.

Several southern municipalitieshave pooled their resources to hirea consultant to investigate cellularservice in the area. The RM’s of Franklin, Stuartburnand Piney have joined forces andhired Innovative CommunityTechnologies to investigate thedevelopment or improvement ofcellular service in the region. Allthree municipalities have agreed tospend up to $5,000 each to have aproper study done on the area. The RM of La Broquerie was alsoinvited to the table, but they did notwant to participate. At the beginning of October theRM‘s of Stuartburn, Piney, Franklin,La Broquerie and Hanover allsuffered from a number of disastrousevents which covered immenseportions of the Southeast Manitobaregion during which emergencycrews had limited or no access tocellular phone service whatsoevercausing delays in response time toreach or even be aware ofemergencies which surroundedpeople and properties. A few months ago, the RM ofPiney led the charge to improveservice in the area by committing$250,000 towards cellular phonecapital improvements that willincorporate a land area of at least 50percent or greater of the municipality.The commitment expires in October2014.

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen believes the federal budget doesn’tleave any excuses for the provincial NDP Finance Minister who hasbeen looking to increase taxes even further and rack up even moredebt. “Every year the NDP government looks for someone to blame fortheir massive deficits and tax increases. Last week the federalgovernment committed to yet another increase in transfer payments toManitoba so the NDP have no one to blame for their financial messexcept themselves,” said Goertzen. Just from equalization, health and social services transfers, Manitobawill receive $3.4 billion in the coming budget year up from $3.36 billionin the previous budget year. That doesn’t include federal funding for ahost of programs including infrastructure, training and other specialprojects which push funding from the federal government to over 40percent of the Manitoba budget. “Last budget we saw the highest increase in taxes in 25 years and itincluded everything from a higher tax on gasoline to a new tax on homeinsurance. Yet the NDP still rang up a half billion-dollar deficit. It’s theresult of bad management and poor decision-making. The excuses haveto stop and real results need to be seen in this budget,” said Goertzen. Goertzen says he hopes to see a realistic plan to eliminate the deficitand a longer-term plan to start paying off the province’s debt. The provincial budget will be released on April 16th.

Budget Ball Now in NDP’s Court

ConsultantHired to Lookat Cell Service

“We bought this building but we needed a lotmore money to bring it up to daycare standards

before we could actually move in.”


By Marianne Curtis

Over 150 Grande Pointe residents areraising concerns over development plansand zoning changes proposed by the RMof Ritchot and they want their voices tobe heard. Grande Pointe resident andspokesperson, Corinne Webb said thatresidents are concerned about twobylaws recently passed by the RM ofRitchot along with the Macdonald-Ritchot Planning District (MRPD). Onebeing the Development Plan and thesecond is a zoning change from RuralResidential to Rural ResidentialServiced. This new zone allows fordevelopment of serviced 14,500 sq ftlots in areas designed for rural residential(RC-Rural Centre) use in the MRPDDevelopment Plan. The plan allows theestablishment of single-family dwellings,two-family dwellings and multi-familydwellings west of Île-des-Chênes and inGrande Pointe. “The impact of high density housingwas never conveyed to the residents ofGrande Pointe by the RM of Ritchot orthe MRPD Board,” stated Webb.“Given the significant impact these by-laws will have on our infrastructure, theresidents were appalled.” Until now, development in GrandePointe has been in the form of largerlots, typically two-acre minimum size,to accommodate septic disposal fields.Grande Pointe is not currently servicedby municipal water and wastewater, butif developers are willing to pay to bringwater and sewer services to GrandePointe, the municipality is willing toprovide some funding. Webb said residents believe thebylaws are the result of a developerwanting to bring “urban development”to the RM of Ritchot. North GrassieProperties has made two attempts atcreating high-density housing in GrandePointe but it has been refused due tocommunity opposition. “They were shut down by thecommunity, but in this particular case,they have been working with the RMbehind “closed doors”,” Webb alleges.“The residents of Grande Pointe weretotally unaware of the existence of theseby-laws and found out about thempurely by accident.” Residents claim their notice wasthrough a recent ad placed in a Winnipegnewspaper by McGowan-RussellGroup, in association with NorthGrassie Properties, invited residents inGrande Pointe to a Public Open House

By Marianne Curtis

It is still a year until the Gardenton Ukrainian Museum and Village Society(GUMVS) will be celebrating its Jubilee Anniversary but a new energetic board ofdirectors is already kicking things off in preparation for the big event. The newly elected board of directors has been meeting since last fall to plan foran exciting and refreshing renewal at the cultural site. According to PresidentRobert Adolphe, the new board is committed to creating a healthy financial statusfor GUMVS while continuing to feature the events such as the annual GardentonUkrainian Festival. “This is about revitalizing the community. When I was a kid, we would have2,000 people coming in. There were busloads. We had baseball tournaments, andnow attendance has gone down so that last year [there were] only 200 people,”Adolphe explained. “We are trying to revitalize the park and bring people back toGardenton. It has been lost over the years.” Adolphe has been involved with the organization since he was 13, parking carsat the festival. He believes that with hard work the Gardenton Ukrainian Festivalwill once again be a premier summer festival. “The people that used to come 20-30 years ago were in their 40s and 50s. Overthe years they got older and do not come anymore,” said Adolphe. “The boardkept the festival traditional but that does nothing to attract the younger generations;we need to bring in the little ones and if the kids are having fun then the parentswill stay.” In recent years an annual demolition derby and mudbog has made use of thepark, but Adolphe wants more. “We believe that if we can draw the people in, they will see the rich heritage ofthe area,” Adolphe promised. The group is working on planning family fun daysand making use of the stage. “In my vision we want to bring the festival back to itsformer glory.” With the help of a number of upcoming fundraising events, the group hopes thesite can be restored to its original status, as it was when it became a reality in 1965. Several fundraising events are in the works to raise funds for the UkrainianMuseum and Village Society. On April 20, a Bud, Spud & Steak/Chicken Supperwhich will take place at CanadInns Destination Centre, 826 Regent Ave. W. inWinnipeg, between 5 and 8 pm. Saturday, April 20, and will feature a silentauction and a 50/50 draw. The Ukrainian Museum and Village Society is also hosting a Craft and Bake Saleon April 27 in Gardenton from 10 am to 3 pm. A hot perogy and sausage lunch willalso be available. To rent a table or for more information contact Kelvin at 425-8197, Ruth at 425-3395 or Amanda at 425-7784.

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen is hoping that local residents take theopportunity to provide feedback to his Party on Bill 18 legislation that isintended to reduce bullying but has become controversial as Manitobansdebate whether it will be either effective or anti-constitutional. “One thing that I can say about the debate around Bill 18 is that I believealmost everyone, on either side of the debate, wants to see something that willactually reduce bullying for kids in school. However, there has been concernexpressed, and I share the concern, that Bill 18 as written may not achieve thatgoal,” said Goertzen. “What we are asking Manitobans to do is tell us whatthey like and don’t like about the Bill so that we can use that feedback to tryand craft changes that will ensure it can actually reduce bullying while at thesame time address the concerns that have been raised by thousands ofManitobans.” The survey can be found on the PC Party website at pcmanitoba.com. At the same time, Goertzen noted that concern about Bill 18 continues togrow. Goertzen has received letters of concern from leaders of the Sikh,Coptic, Muslim and Jewish community in Winnipeg. “I’ve never believed that the opposition to Bill 18 was coming from onecommunity, one faith or for one reason. Whether it is because of the poordefinition of bullying in the Bill, a lack of consequences for bullying or questionson whether the Bill is constitutional, the concerns have been widely based andfrom across Manitoba,” said Goertzen.

Grande Pointe Residents RaiseDevelopment Concerns

for development in the community. Itwas also posted on community mailboards. Meanwhile, records show that the RMof Ritchot had hired Genivar to completea Water and Wastewater ManagementPlan report. The report states that thepurpose of the report was due to a large-scale development proposal initiatedfrom North Grassie Properties in southGrande Pointe. The report provides for5 phases of development for 2,100 newhomes starting in the south of GrandePointe and ending up in the North. Allbased on 1/3 acre lots. “The majority of residents in ourcommunity are not in favour of thisdevelopment,” Webb continued. “Wehave signed petitions against both by-laws, wrote numerous letters to ourHonourable Ron Lemieux, sent in Noticeof Objection letters to our RM and theMRPD, attended a Public Hearing, etc.,in the hopes that someone would listento our concerns.” Webb said residents are frustrated withthe entire process. “We are not opposed to developmentbut oppose it at 1/3 acre density levels,”Webb added. “We did not move out ofthe city to live in an urban community.” Grande Pointe is located north of Île-des-Chênes and currently contains about280 single-family homes. Under the Planning Act, a public hearingmust take place between the first andsecond reading of a zoning by-law. Aboard, council or planning commissionmust hold a public hearing to receiverepresentations from any person on theby-law, and give notice of the hearing. Ifthe board or council gives the by-lawsecond reading it must, after secondreading, send a notice to every personwho objected to the by-law, stating thatthe person may file a second objection tothe by-law with the board or council bythe deadline specified in the notice, which

must be at least 14 days after the dateof the notice. If a second objection isnot filed before the deadline, the by-law may be given third reading withoutfurther notice. The Planning Act also covers SubDivisions. If a planning district ormunicipality does not have adevelopment plan by-law or a zoningby-law, a plan may be approved only ifapproval of the proposed subdivisionis generally consistent with provincialland use policies. When a municipality does not have adevelopment plan by-law and a zoningby-law, the council must, before makingits decision hold a public hearing toreceive representations from anyperson on the proposed subdivision;and give notice of the hearing. There is also the requirement to givenotice to affected property owners if itis an amendment to a by-law that wouldaffect a specific property, and a copyof the notice of hearing must be sent atleast 14 days before the hearing to theowner of the affected property, andevery owner of property located within100 metres of the affected property.

The St. Malo Southeast RoyalsGymnastics Club, its manager,coaches and many gymnasts weredelighted to receive a $6,000 grantfrom the Province of ManitobaChildren and Youth OpportunitiesSport Program. A much-neededvaulting table and mats will bepurchased for the fall session.

Residents in Grande Pointe are upset with recent RM of Ritchot zoning changes that couldsee high density urban housing similar to what is being constructed on the west side of Îledes Chênes in their community.


Gymnastics ClubAppreciates Grant

Board Looks to RevitalizeGardenton Historic Site

Suggestions on Bill 18 Saught


By Blanche Lavergne

What happens if/when there is flooding? How do we prepare ourfamilies and homes? What do we do when a flood is imminent ofafter it is over? We at the LERCG (Local Emergency Response Control Group) ofthe RM of Reynolds encourage you to check out the websitegetprepared.gc.ca. Here you will find all kinds of information youmay not even have thought of:- Preparing and protecting your home, furniture, valuables, pets andlivestock.- Have your IT (Information Technology) devices tuned into localflood forecasting stations: CFRY 920 AM, CHSM 1250 AM, CJOB680 AM, MIX 96.7 FM or CBC 990 AM.- As you prepare, make arrangements to have a place where you andyour family could stay for the duration of the flood, make arrangementsfor your pets and farm animals.- Prepare and keep an emergency kit nearby and have your necessitiesreadily available if you need to leave. Some of these items wouldinclude medications, special needs items, water, non-perishable(canned food), manual can opener, flashlight, batteries, batteryoperated radio, first-aid kit, cash and extra keys to your car.- What to do if you had to leave your home and when you came backafter it’s all over. All this information and more to help you and your family beprepared are available at getprepared.gc.ca. In the event that flooding is forecasted and imminent in the RM ofReynolds, sandbags and sand can be available through the RMoffice at 1-888-864-4861 or (204) 426-5305 during regular office hours.

By Marianne Curtis

On March 14, 2-year-old CashFriesen from New Bothwell lost hisvaliant battle with brain cancerleaving thousands of people in thesoutheast mourning. The Dawson Trail Dispatch firstintroduced readers to Cash’s storylast fall after hundreds of peoplethroughout the region attended aspecial fundraiser in his honour inSeptember. Seven months ago, Jenand Cliff Friesen of New Bothwell,lives were turned upside downwhen their little boy wasdiagnosed with a brain tumour.

After emergency surgery inSeptember, followed by a secondround of chemo, their brave sonseemed to be returning to his oldself when the family wasdevastated in the New Year by thenews that the tumour had regrown.Within a week of surgery toremove two regrowths, the bravelittle boy lost his fight leaving theyoung family and his threesiblings devastated by his loss. While many families would becrushed by what the Friesen’shave experienced over the past 200days, the Friesen’s have voicedunwavering gratefulness for thelove and support shown to themduring the time of their son’sillness. Throughout Cash’sheartbreaking journey, Jen sharedthe family’s story through aspecial Facebook page in hishonour. From the highest highs tothe lowest lows, readersempathized and prayed for thefamily and in the end supportedthem during their time of grief.

At the beginning of March, a Richer resident wasone of four volunteers honoured by the SocietéFranco-Manitobaine (SFM) during a special galaevent. On March 8, Yvonne Fontaine Godard was one ofthe four recipients who received this prestigious

award this year during the30th Gala of the Prix Riel thattook place at the CentreCulturel Franco-ManitobainCentre in Winnipeg. Since1983, the Societé Franco-Manitobaine has paidhomage to Francophoneswho have contributed to

their community’s development and growth asvolunteers. Louis Riel, for whom the award is named, was knownfor his strength, integrity, leadership, justice andloyalty to his community. It was noted that Godardwas recognized because she reflects all theseattributes by her words and actions within her nativerural town of Richer. Godard is President of the Corporation Du SiteHistorique Enfant-jésus Heritage Site Corporation,built in 1913 by the local French Canadian and Métiscommunity. In addition, there is a cemetery and aformer convent of the Sisters of Saint-Joseph of SaintHyacinthe. All the buildings are located on thirteenacres donated by Pierre Michaud and his wife HélèneFavreau in 1904.

Two-year-old Cash Friesen plays peek-a-boo in the kindergarten classroom atBothwell School through specialarrangements with the Hanover SchoolDivision. The toddler passed away a weeklater from a brain tumour.

Cancer Claims NewBothwell Toddler

“We are devastated by his lossbut we are also celebrating hisshort little life; he taught so manypeople, including us, about how tobe brave and how precious life is,”stated Jen. “We are so grateful forthe thousands of supporters thathave shared this journey with us.” Prior to Cash’s most recentsurgery the family was able toshare some amazing momentsincluding taking a trip to DisneyWorld, courtesy of Make a WishFoundation. The entire Friesenfamily including aunts, uncles andgrandparents joined the family forthis memorable trip. “We were blessed to have othermembers of our families with usand to have this time spenttogether as a family before anothersurgery,” Friesen recalled. Thefamily also managed to make thelittle boy’s “first day of school”happen, even though he was onlytwo and a half. “With the uncertainty of Cash’sfuture I wanted him to experienceas much as he possibly could, asany child should and has the rightto do!” Friesen explained. “Icontacted the school to see ifCash could go to kindergartenwith his older sister for a day, somy boy and I could have thisspecial day and we got the okay.” Much to the surprise andpleasure of the family, HanoverSchool Division allowed thetoddler to attend his first day ofschool along with his oldest sister,who is actually in Kindergarten.Special arrangements were madeso he could take the school bus toclass and he spent a day withstudents at the Bothwell Schoolabout a week before he passedaway. “I should be getting ready tosign Cash up for preschool thisfall. Now I am more than gratefulfor the day of kindergarten he hadbecause of the unknown; it’s amemory I will always have,” addedJen. “A big heartfelt thank you to

all of HSD staff who made thishappen.” Over a thousand people fromsouthern Manitoba attended acelebration of Cash’s life, whichtook place at Southland Church inSteinbach on March 22.

“...he taught somany people,

including us, abouthow to be brave andhow precious life is.”

Be Flood Prepared

SFM Shows Appreciationto Dedicated Richer

Women

Richer resident YvonneFontaine Godard wasrecently recognized with anaward for her dedication andvolunteerism within thecommunity.

The RM of La Broquerie has made a fundingcommitment towards a major reconstruction projectthat is currently taking place at the Ste. Anne Hospital. The Ste. Anne Hospital is currently underreconstruction as part of a $14.1 million project thatwill see the hospital expanded in size by 60 percent.To secure government funding for the project theSte. Anne Hospital board agreed to collect 10 percentof the costs through community contributions. Thismeans collecting money from municipalities that haveresidents that use the facility. The RM of La Broquerie council has committed toproviding the Ste. Anne Hospital with a $100,000donation over a period of four years for $25,000 peryear.

La Broquerie ApprovesHospital Grant


Those who know me will admit that I try very hard toeat ‘healthy, lean and clean’. I am active, running up anddown the stairs to clean all three floors of the spa and givetreatments and massages that require physical energy andinput. I look after the 4.8 acres and maintenance of theyard and spa. I like to take walks, do a bit of swimming,dancing, stretching exercises and some yoga. All this sounds rather pro-healthy if you ask me. I shouldbe in great shape. EXCEPT for one big PROBLEM! Ihave high cholesterol! Very high! What’s up with that? I have wanted to avoid medication (hate pills of anykind) but in February, my doctor recommended I go onstatins (medication) to lower my cholesterol. Amazingly, I had severe side effects. After a week on themeds, my body muscles ached so badly I could not raisemy arms to dress myself. My head ached and I had noenergy for day-to-day functions. Some people react tostatins. I was one. The doctor took me off. Because so many ‘Jacks and Jacquelines’ have cholesterolconcerns, I did some research online and some reading thatI will share in hope that it may help us all. From what I can gather, Cholesterol is essential tomammals and is formed predominantly in the liver.Cholesterol is RECYCLED. The liver excretes it into thedigestive tract. Typically, about 50 percent of the excretedcholesterol is reabsorbed by the small bowel back into thebloodstream. Cholesterol is important and needed to build and maintaincellular membranes. It also functions in intracellulartransport, cell signalling and nerve conduction. In the liver,it is converted to bile and stored in the gallbladder. The bilehelps with absorbing fat molecules and fat-soluble vitaminsA, D, E and K. Cholesterol is an important precursormolecule for synthesis of vitamin D and the steroidhormones including the adrenal gland hormones, cortisol,aldosterone, as well as the sex hormones progesterone,estrogen, testosterone, and their derivatives. Some research indicates cholesterol may act as anantioxidant. Wow! Seems to me it is mighty important! Cholesterol consists of HDL (good) and LDL (bad).Saturated fats cause LDL. Cutting back on sources ofsaturated fat automatically limits the intake of dietarycholesterol. The other bonus of cutting back saturated fatis weight reduction over time. Remember saturated andtrans fats raise your bad cholesterol and the good fats and

By Marianne Curtis

A 13-year-old cadet from Lorette recently returnedfrom an amazing adventure after she representedManitoba at a recent Seamanship competition in BritishColumbia. Leading Seaman Emily Parsons from 330 RoyalCanadian Sea Cadet Corps Dawson was chosen to beone of two cadets to represent the province at a recentSeamanship competition in British Columbia. The grade 8 student headed to Victoria for thecompetition, which took place March 15 to 22. “This experience was such an honour and privilegeto take on,” stated Parsons. “I made so many friendsand memories that will stick with me forever.” Parsons said that the first two days of the seven-daytrip were “working days”. “These were competition days. We were marked onteamwork, leadership, enthusiasm, effort andknowledge,” she recalled. “Since it was a competitionwe had to compete by taking apart things like knots,calls, flags and team building. “Even though the Prairie team lost, we still learnedmany things and had so much fun along the way,” sheadded. The rest of the week the cadets were split upinto four groups of 40 and did activities such as movies,shopping and martial arts. “I recommend cadets to anyone and everyonebecause if you make a great enough effort you can goon many opportunities and trips,” Parsons concluded.

The Rat River Saints Novice C3 eliminated Steinbach 2 games to one to win the 2013Championship. The team finished the season with nine wins and two losses.

fibre will lower it. Here are a few steps that will help:- Watch your serving sizes. Even ‘low fat’ isn’t low if youovereat.- Get fibre, 5 to 10 gr/day may result in a 5 percent dropin your LDL (a cup of oatmeal for breakfast, ½ cup ofbeans in a salad, broccoli with dinner, orange or pear for asnack.)- Eat eggs, they are no longer blacklisted. An egg has213mg of cholesterol (recommended limit per day is300mg). So simply monitor or limit how much cholesterolyou get that day.- Learn about trans fat sources. Know that any labelledingredients that say ‘hydrogenated ‘ or ‘partiallyhydrogenated’ vegetable oils have trans fats (even if thelist says 0 trans fats).- Eat fish at the very least, twice a week (not deep-friedwith fries!).- Cook with and use good fats. Olive oil is great for cooking,baking and salad dressings.- Snack on almonds and walnuts. Here is a list of foods that you should keep permanentlyon your shopping list: walnuts, almonds, avocados (add toyour smoothie, slice in sandwiches, chop into salad, ormake guacamole dip), barley, beans and lentils (canned andraw), blueberries (frozen and fresh), oatmeal (for cereal,baking), alcohol (1 glass of any alcohol with dinner raisesthe good cholesterol), fish (canned, frozen or fresh), andfruits and vegetables (fresh or frozen). I will be more diligent and careful for the next 6 months,have another blood test and I am hoping that my LDL isdown. I do expect the ‘natural’ approach to take disciplineand a longer time. It will not be instant like taking pills.However, it seems to be my only option. I’ll be a“Jacqueline Sprat” that can eat no fat! I hope this articlewill encourage you to eat lean, too. Oh, and there are somany good recipes on line. Eat well, stay healthy! Raylene Snow owns and operates Raylene’s Wellness Spaon Hwy 210 South (5.2 km south of Ste. Anne and 5.7 kmnorth of Giroux).

Jack Sprat Could Eat No Fat!

Cadet Reflectson BC

Experience

Leading Seaman Emily Parsons (centre) participates in a navelbased trivia activity.

“This was truly a trip of a lifetime.” Parsons is a member of the 330 Royal Canadian SeaCadet Corps Dawson that parades in Lorette. RoyalCanadian Cadets is a national program for youth ages12 to 18, the attributes of good citizenship andleadership, to promote physical fitness, and to stimulatethe interest of youth in some of the activities of theCanadian Forces. All this achieved in a challenging, yetdisciplined environment. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces. Themovement is sponsored by the Department of NationalDefence in partnership with the various Cadet Leaguesof Canada. Sea Cadets are sponsored by the Navy League ofCanada. Enrolment and uniforms are provided at no costand local Cadet Leagues rely on a civilian-parentadvisory board, fund raising activities and communitydonations in order to participate in various activitiesand purchase of training aids not covered.

“A trip of a lifetime” Saints Take Championships


By Marianne Curtis

The RM of Ritchot fire departmentnearly lost the regions only waterrescue team after the municipalitynearly dumped the program. But aftermeeting with council the departmentmanaged to save the program andget funding for a new boat. The issue started when the RitchotFire Department asked themunicipality for $8,000 to purchasea new boat that would cost about$16,000, with funding being matchedby the Joint EmergencyPreparedness Program (JEEP). Therequest turned into an issue whensome members of councilquestioned the programs necessityand the safety of the fire fightersduring a water rescue. Fire Chief Troy Ash told councilthe importance of the program,especially since the nearest waterrescue team to the area is two hoursaway in Dominion City. “The RM of Ritchot has beenclassified by the Office of the FireCommissioner as being high risk forwater emergencies,” Ash said.There are at least six rivers, threediversions, and a number of retentionponds and bridges. “There are 13retention ponds along LeClaire Roadalone.” Ash said the water rescue team hasbeen called out sixteen times in thelast three years. Calls range fromremoving stranded drivers fromflooded vehicles to movingequipment to fires, helping peopleleave flooded homes and medicalevacuation. “Some people have themisconception that STARS will goanywhere but they will not even landuntil we secure them the site,” Ashcontinued. The team was alsoinstrumental in the search forRaymond Stott, who died after histruck washed away during floodingand was found under 15 feet of water. “Without the water rescue team wewould be able to respond to anincident as a fire department but wewould have to stand there and waitfor help to come from two hoursaway,” Ash continued. “We do notwant to do that; we can get there ina few minutes.” The RM of Ritchot fire departmentmembers have already been trainedfor water rescue and themunicipality is already fullyequipped, except for the boat, whichAsh said was “not safe enough touse.” In the matter of risk, Ash assuredcouncil that he placed the safety ofhis men first and foremost and nomatter the situation, they areprotected by their equipment andtraining. “I look after my men first and waterrescue is the least dangerous thingthat this department does,” Ashadded that the department’s majorityof dangerous calls included motorvehicle accidents and structure fires. After taking in the fire department’spresentation, the RM of Ritchotcouncil changed their mind andgranted the department’s request.Ash says they expect to receive anew boat and motor by the middleof April. The Ritchot Fire Department’swater rescue team has been in

By Marianne Curtis

The Optimist Park in Ile des Chênes will see some major upgrades thanksto funding from the federal government. On March 14, $58,487 was made available to the Seine River Minor BallLeague for improvements to the community’s Optimist Park. Located in Iledes Chênes the park has five diamonds, three softball and two hardball. Jennifer Woodward, Treasurer of Seine River Minor Ball, is grateful forthe funding. “Seine River Minor Ball has been fortunate to have many dedicatedindividuals who, over the years, have contributed countless hours tomake our club and park what they are today,” said Woodward. “The fundsprovided will ensure that we can renovate our facility, making it ascomparable to any in the province, benefiting the sport, our communitiesand all the kids that play here.” The funds will be used to upgrade existing washroom facilities, fivebaseball diamonds, and renovate the tennis court into a multi-use playspace. These renovations are expected to extend the life of the park by 25years and ensure that it continues to safely meet the growing needs of thecommunity and the surrounding areas. Funding for this project was made possible through the Economic ActionPlan 2012. The Optimist Park is home for Seine River Minor Ball for children aged 4-18, who play in the Bonivital League in south Winnipeg and the hardballclub, plays in the Carillon League in the Steinbach area.

Construction on a new RM of Ste. Anne municipal office has been movingalong quickly over the past month and residents can now get a good ideaon its size and location. The $700,000 building is being constructed on the south-west side ofSte. Anne outside the Town of Ste. Anne boundaries by VonAstConstruction of Niverville. “We are very excited,” stated RM of Ste. Anne Reeve Art Bergmann.“This will be a turnkey building. We expect to be able to just move in.” The RM of Ste. Anne has moved forward with a $525,000 borrowingbylaw that will be repaid over 10 years. With a repayment plan of $60,000per year, residents could see a .25 mil increase on their tax bills. The RM of Ste. Anne does not have any concrete plans on how they willbe disposing of the current structure, which is over 100 years old. However,RM of Ste. Anne Reeve Art Bergmann said council is considering puttingit up for sale once they move into the new office. Despite recent inclement weather, construction is on schedule. The new3,100 square foot building is expected to be complete and ready foroccupancy by the end of summer 2013.

Ritchot Fire DepartmentRetains Water Rescue

operation since 2002. By partneringwith the Joint EmergencyPreparedness Program themunicipality received 50 percent of

The RM of Ritchot Fire Department’s water rescue team is ready to respond to any wateremergency in the area.

the funding needed to purchase azodiac boat, motor, trailer, wet suitsand other necessary gear for waterrescue.

Ile des Chênes SoftballGets Funding Boost

Provencher MP Vic Toews met with members of the RM of Ritchot Council and Seine RiverMinor Ball to discuss funding for the Optimist Park.

Walls Go up on NewMunicipal Office

Over the past month, there has been significant progress on the construction of a new RMof Ste. Anne municipal office.



Steinbach 55 Plus at the Pat Porter Centre offers programs, activities,services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy andactive living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you tocome and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs.For more information drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm,call 204-320-4600 or online steinbach55plus.com. Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $25 per year due in January ofeach year for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reducedprogram rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights, and eligibilityto serve on the board or committees.

Monthly Programs and Up and Coming Events April Birthday Celebrations – 2nd Wednesday of every month at 2 pm.Come celebrate with us! Bring your friends! Guests pay $2 for coffee andcake. April Pot Luck - The second Thursday of every month at 6 pm on April11. If you know, you would like to attend please call ahead and let us knowwhat you would like to bring. Call 204-320-4600. As always, needed aresalads, casseroles, desserts and buns. Cost is $5. The choir will beentertaining us for our Easter celebrations and ham will be served. The Afternoon Country Jam - On Thursday, April 18 from 1:30 - 4 pm.Cost $2 for members, $3 for non-members and $4 at the door. Bus Trip to Warroad Casino - On Thursday, April 25th. Cost $35 formembers, $40 for non-members. Call ahead to reserve your seat. Paymentsrequired on or before Friday, April 19. Call the centre at 204-320-4600. Old Time Country Dance - On Friday, April 26 at 8 pm - Midnight withlive band, the Steinbach 55 Plus Old Time Country Band. Tickets availableat the centre. Advanced tickets $10 for members, $12 for non-members and$14 at the door for everyone. Lunch is served at 10 pm. Foot Care - The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9:00 am - 3:00pm. Run by a professional Foot Care Nurse. Cost $30 bring your owntowel. Call for appointments for Tuesday April 2, 16 and 30. Beltone Hearing - The third Friday of each month - call 1-800-661-2653for an appointment. Brain Injury Support Group - Last Monday of the month at 7 pm onMonday, April 29. Parkinson’s Support Group - 4th Wednesday of the month at 1pm onWednesday, April 24.

Weekly ProgramsMonday 9:30 - 10:30 am Fitness (with instructor)

12 - 4:30 pm Drop-in Pool1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains1 pm Canasta6 pm Wood Carving7 pm Tai Chi Beginners7:30 pm Tai Chi Continuing

Tuesday 9:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends Adult Day Program12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool

Wednesday 9 am Tai Chi Beginners10 am Tai Chi Continuing10:30 am Choir Practice12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool1 pm Floor Curling1 - 4 pm Cribbage1:30 pm Floor curling7 pm Old Time Country Band Practice

Thursday 9:30 - 10:30 am Fitness Class (with instructor)12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool1 - 4 pm Whist

Friday 8:30 am - 3 pm Circle of Friends Adult Day Program12 - 4:30 pm Drop in Pool

Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5. Call 204-320-4605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticketat the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at theoffice or in the newsletter. Bring a friend. Computer Lab from Monday to Friday, 9 am - 12 pm and 1 - 4 pm. Cost $1.Lessons with Alex Cupples every other Wednesday from 9 am - 12 pm. Callthe Centre for more information and to book an appointment. Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and settingtables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up,greeters, receptionists.

Tim Rogalsky, the JV BoysBasketball coach at LandmarkCollegiate, was selected as theFebruary Rural SUBWAY HighSchool Coach of the Month.

By Marianne Curtis

Southeast residents requiringmedical attention on weekends nolonger have to suffer longemergency room waits now that anew medical centre has opened inSteinbach. Giroux native Dr. JaysonBarkman is the owner of the newlyopened Oasis Medical Centre,which is located in the newWalmart located in Steinbach. For the past five years, Barkmanhas worked as an emergency roomdoctor and anaesthesiologist atBethesda Hospital in Steinbach. “I’ve seen our emergency roomquite strained, especially onSundays,” Barkman explained. “Ibelieve that anyone can see adoctor within an hour.” Barkman said that is why hisclinic is open seven days a week.With five examination roomscomplete with access to electronicmedical records, a lab that offersbasic services, and services suchas suture removal, the 1,500square foot Oasis Medical Centreoffers complete medical services. Since the clinic opened at theend of January, 3 full-time and fourpart-time doctors have joined thestaff to provide service seven

SteinbachWalk-inOffersSundayService

Dr. Jayson Barkman and Manager Colleen Chariere welcome patients to the new OasisMedical Centre, the region’s first medical walk-in clinic to be open seven days a week.


days a week. Two of the doctors areaccepting new patients. “I believe in family medicine and Iwant to provide a solid walk-insystem,” Barkman explained. “Wehave several family doctors here andI have been trying to recruit more.” The Oasis Medical Centre is thefirst clinic in the region to offer 7-day-a-week service even thoughWalmart, which contains apharmacy, remains closed onSundays due to a City of Steinbachbylaw. While the clinic is openSundays, prescriptions cannot befilled locally. Barkman acknowledged that it maybe inconvenient for patients to travelto Winnipeg to fill a prescription, butas a parent, he could see thetimesavings.

“As a parent, I would soonerspend less than an hour in amedical clinic and drive toWinnipeg to fill a prescriptionthan sit in an emergency room forthree hours,” Barkman added. Dueto a city bylaw, it is unlikely that apharmacy will open on Sundaysin the near future. Unlike other walk-in centreswhere patients take a number andcannot leave the site, Barkman hasalso introduced a unique pagingsystem. The pagers allow clientsto either go for coffee or completetheir shopping until a doctor isready to see them. The Oasis Medical Centre isopen Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8 pm and 1 pm to 6 pm onSundays. Sunday hours are in theprocess of being extended.

LandmarkCoach

Recognized

For the past four years, Rogalskyhas been coaching at LandmarkCollegiate. He has been coachingthe same group of boys that he nowhas in Junior Varsity since they werein Grade 7. This season his JV Boys team wentundefeated in league andtournament play at the A/AA level.His team remained at the top of theJV rankings for the entire season andqualified for A/AA Provincialswhere they took home the Silvermedal.

Landmark Collegiate’s TimRogalsky was awarded RuralSubway High School Coach of theMonth.


The Federal Budget was released on March 21 and the Province of Manitoba willrelease its budget in April, so I’ll hold my comments about those two for my May article. They don’t affect the current 2012 Personal Income Taxes that everyone has justrecently filed, or is in the middle of getting ready to file. Remember that if you owe, youhave to file by April 30. Even if you cannot pay it, get it filed so you avoid expensivepenalties. The interest is “only” 5 percent, so even if you owe money to the government,the interest rate isn’t too bad. If you are expecting a refund, you can wait up to three years to file, but not manypeople do. I am expecting a refund this year (I overpaid my quarterly instalment payments)so I might wait a while; they will pay me 3 percent interest on the amount they owe meand I can’t get that at the bank! Remember, those of us that are self-employed have until June 15 to file our taxeswithout penalty. But, if you owe, the interest does start ticking on May 1! Most personal tax returns are straight forward, but there are a couple of items that Isometimes ask for and I should explain why.

Pay Stubs Your pay stubs contain some interesting information. First of all, you should alwayscompare your last pay stub of the year to the T4 you receive. Mistakes can happen andmay not be detected. Have a look and see what your deductions were. I will ask forpremiums paid for a health and dental plan (not often shown in box 85 of a T4 -Employment Income). If you see on your pay stub an amount for “total benefits”, youneed to find out from your employer, HR or payroll department what is included in thattotal. From a tax point of view, I’m looking for mostly the medical expenses such as healthpremiums and dental premiums. These can be claimed as a medical expense credit.Remember that your total medical expenses need to exceed 3 percent of your net incomebefore you can make a claim. And those of you who no longer have employment incomeand have no taxes payable, it won’t help you as they are considered a “non-refundabletax credit”. It will help reduce your taxes payable, but if it’s already at zero, it won’t helpyou. If you are working and have low income (but more than $3,268), claiming medicalexpenses may also help you get the refundable medical expense supplement. Also, look to see if you are paying for short and/or long-term disability benefits. If youare, I recommend you keep your last pay stub of each year that shows the total year todate. Keep these forever. Create a folder or envelope and label it “disability premiums”. If you are ever on disability income, you can deduct any premiums you paid into thatplan. This is not a well-known tax deduction, but as soon as I see someone receivingtaxable disability income, I ask them to find out how much they paid into the plan. Mostemployers have this information, but not all. Best to keep this information all the time:keep your year-end pay-stub. I had one client a few years ago that fortunately had kept all her pay stubs since shestarted working more than 25 years earlier. We managed to get a sizeable refund for her bydeducting the disability premiums she had paid all those years. Also look for box 40 on your T4 from your employer. If it’s extremely large, make sureyou understand what it is. I had a new client last year that was in that position and uponasking about it, we determined the employer’s accountant had made a mistake (it was ataxable benefit based on vehicle use); it could have cost the employee thousands in taxespayable if we had not inquired about it.

Property Taxes Property taxes don’t have much to do with income taxes, but sometimes they do. Some of my clients live on property that has more than one home so neither homeownerreceives the $700 Manitoba Education Tax Credit. We claim it on their income tax return. If you move to a new property, you may not get the $700 education credit (themunicipality doesn’t know if you are living there as your personal home or if you planto rent it out). You may need to apply for it through your municipality (check with themearly summer). If you were renting part of the year and owned a home part of the year, we may needto get part of the education credit through your income taxes. There are a few people that can get more than the $700 education credit, depending onhow much their property taxes (school taxes) are and if they have fairly low income. Thiscan only be determined at the time your taxes are calculated (my first clue is if you arepaying only $250 for your property taxes - that’s the minimum everyone must pay).

Farmland School Tax Rebate Finally there is one more item I’ve started looking for recently. It has nothing to do withincome taxes, but not everyone is aware of it. If you live on rural property, check your property tax bill. Do you see the term“farmland” in the assessment part? If so, you are eligible for the Farmland School TaxRebate. I only learned about this less than two years ago accidentally from a client whoasked to have photocopies made of her previous three years of property tax bills andreceipts. I then checked my own property taxes (we live on some rural land) and saw the“farmland” assessment. Unfortunately, the Government of Manitoba only allows you togo back three years. You can get the applications on the Province of Manitoba website,or give me a call, or drop in to see me. I am disappointed that the municipality did not advise everyone of this tax rebate.Most people are unaware of it (like me) and think you can only qualify if you actually“farm” (which we do not). You qualify whether you farm or not. Like most items tax related, you don’t know what you don’t know. Another month of taxes and then I can relax a bit. I’ve seen hundreds of you already, andI expect to see many more of you during the month of April, leading up to the April 30deadline. Moreover, the self-employed before June 15. Anni Markmann is a Tax Professional and owner of Ste Anne Tax Service. She lives,works, and volunteers in our community. Contact her at 204-422-6631,[email protected] or 36 Dawson Road in Ste. Anne.

By Marianne Curtis

If you enjoy the challengeof building something fromscratch that runs and thenspeeds around in circles toraise money for organizationsin the region, then the St.Labre 200 is the event for you. Organizers of the St. Labre200 have put out a call forteams interested inparticipating in this year’sevent that is taking place July12-14. This will be the fifthconsecutive year for the eventthat started out as a friendlycompetition betweenbrothers. Now, hundreds ofpeople come out to the tinycommunity to witness theaction and cheer on theirfavourites. The annual St. Labre 200 go-kart build off competition is achallenge where 14 teams buildtheir own go-karts within 24hours. Each team is given basicmaterials along with their ownbasic framing materials. Theyare then challenged to build go-karts from scratch on the firstday and race their newcreations the next day in afast-paced nail biting 200-laprace on a quarter mile dirttrack. “Businesses use this eventas a team building exercise,”said Grenier, “It really getsteam mates working togetherunder pressure in hopes ofwinning the Best Sleep CentreSpark Plug Trophy.” The St. Labre 200 has alsobecome a successful annualfundraiser. Over the past fouryears over $20,000 has been

Pay Stubs andProperty Taxes

St. Labre 200 Prepares to Rev Up

Last summer, over 100 people came out to St. Labre to watch 14 teams challenge eachother with homemade go-carts in a 200-lap race to raise funds for charities in theregion.

donated for community organizationsin the region. Last year funds weredispersed in support of EastBorderland Community Housing inSprague and two daycares includingTreasure Keepers Children’s Centreand Les P’tits Brisous. Applicationsare still being accepted for this year’sorganizations. Teams are accepted in order of fullypaid registration of $800 with adeadline of June 15. The registrationfee includes most parts needed tobuild a cart (engine, sprocket, wheels,bearings, clutch, etc.) but does excludethe framing material. The whole listof material can be found on theirwebsite stlabre200.ca. At the end ofthe weekend, teams keep their go-cart. The main race takes place Saturdayevening but there are many other freeactivities for the family such asexcavator rodeo, bounce castles, R/Cracecars, Rubber Boot Toss, livebands, firework show, and manyothers.

To register or if you have, questionssend an email too:[email protected] with yourName, Team Name and phone number.

The RM of Tache is trying to securefunding towards a recreation study inorder to take advantage of a fundingopportunity from the province. According to council, the provincialgrant program could provide 70 percentof funds, up to a maximum of $25,000to conduct a recreation feasibility study.The estimated cost of a feasibilitystudy is approximately $35,000. By resolution of council, the RM ofTache supported a recreation feasibilitystudy and is prepared to cost share atabout $10,000. The RM of Tachecouncil agreed to apply for the grantand establish a steering committee towork on the project.

Tache Agrees toRecreation Study


By Marianne Curtis

Thousands of used books found newhomes during the Bethesda HealthCare Auxiliary’s annual spring sale thattook place in the middle of March. Hundreds of book lovers throughoutthe region came out to support theBethesda Health Care Auxiliary. Thisyear’s event took place from March20 to 23 at the Clearspring Centre inSteinbach to raise over $14,500. In the months prior to the sale, theladies from the Bethesda Health CareAuxiliary collected books and otherreading materials for resale. The moneyraised during the resulting four-daybook sale is earmarked to purchase ofa bedpan washer for the BethesdaHospital. Verna Thiessen from the BethesdaAuxiliary is pleased with this year’sevent. “We are very pleased with this year’ssale. We had more people come throughthis year,” stated Thiessen. “We areextremely grateful to our manyvolunteers who spend countless hourssorting and at the sale itself. We wouldnot be able to get this done withoutthem.” The Bethesda Health CareAuxiliary’s book sale has become the

The Mennonite Heritage Villagerecently received federal monies of$17,080 to enhance servicesprovided by the facility. The funds will be used for airconditioning in the auditorium thatwill protect the artefacts and make itmore comfortable for visitors.

By Marianne Curtis

The community of St. Malo is expected to swell by a few thousandpeople when the community plays host to the 2013 Keystone CupWestern Canadian Junior B hockey tournament. The highly anticipated event is taking place from April 17 to 21 atthe St. Malo Arena. Ralph Collette, head coach of the St. Malo Warriors cannot waituntil the tournament. “We are very excited,” stated Collette. “We have been part of fivechampionships and we think our community, along with the region,has a lot to offer to make this event a success.” As host team, the St. Malo Warriors are guaranteed a place in thetournament and the team is anticipating taking to the ice. The lasttime the community was represented at the Keystone Cup was in2009 in Thunder Bay. In 1998, the Warriors took home the silvermedal at the end of the tournament. The community expects to be busy during the four-day tournament.Around two hundred volunteers have been working to prepare forthe weekend and many will be volunteering during the actuallyevent. “We are hoping to get a couple thousand people into our regionper day over five days,” Collette added. As part of the preparations, renovations have been done to thearena including the construction of two new dressing rooms andupgrades to lighting and installing heaters. “Our facility is more than ready,” Collette stated. The Keystone cup is a 6-team competition that brings togetherthe provincial champions from across Northwestern Ontario,Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, along withthe host team. It is a 4-day round robin tournament with the topfour teams advancing to the Gold and Bronze medal games.

MHV tobe Cool

Provencher MP Vic Toews announced thefunding to members of the City of Steinbachcouncil and members of the HeritageMuseum Board of Directors.

Bethesda AuxiliaryHosts Successful

Spring Sale

There was something for everyone at theBethesda Health Care Auxiliary’s annualspring book sale.


Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary’s mainfundraising event. Over the years, theorganization has raised nearly$300,000 for medical equipment thatis not funded through Manitoba Healthfinancial programs.

St. Malo Expects a Few ThousandVisitors During Keystone Cup

The community of Niverville is gearing up for spring by invitingresidents to participate in three community events that geared tospruce up the neighbourhood for summer. The first event, the Niverville Spring Community Garage Sale, istaking place April 27 and 28. Residents can register their garage saleswith the Community Services office at (204) 388-4078 [email protected] to have their sale address added tothe map. Participants can pick which days they want to hold theirgarage sale and their hours of operation. The following weekend the community is hosting their annual freeday. On May 4, anyone can put unwanted, yet useable items at theend of their driveway. Participants are asked to clearly mark unwanteditems as free to give them a new home. The final cleanup event takes place from May 6 to 8, when theCommunity Clean Up takes place. Public works employees will pickup any large items that cannot be disposed of with regular garbage.Items can include couches, refrigerators and wood. Items placed atthe end of the driveway will be picked up by the town’s employees.

Mosquito season may still be a couple ofmonths away but on March 19, the City ofSteinbach released information on the upcomingsummer season’s larviciding program. According to the public works department, thecity will be using an environmentally friendlyproduct called VectoBac, a granular substancedistributed by hand or with a backpack blower.The product is safe to humans, pets, fish, andmost other insects, including dragonflies that playan important role in keeping the mosquitopopulation down. The City will be conducting larviciding withina 3 km buffer zone of the city throughout thesummer as needed depending on stagnant waterand rain. Steinbach also plans to conduct adult mosquitocontrol (ground-based ultra low volume spraying)if the number of mosquitoes counted in the areareaches a high level. Spraying would occur fromstreets and road allowances, and in parks andgreen spaces within city limits. Ground spraying with Malathion will takeplace, weather permitting, during the late eveningor night up to twice a week. Residents can help out by taking action to helpkeep the mosquito populations down byeliminating standing water, keeping yardstrimmed, clearing anything that may collectstanding water including bird baths, eavestroughs, pool covers, rain barrels and tires. Homeowners that objected last year are requiredto register again this year. Any objections receivedless than two days before a scheduled foggingwill take effect for the next fogging. Residents can voice their concerns or object tothe City’s mosquito program in person or bymail: City of Steinbach 225 Reimer Ave,Steinbach R5G 2J1 or email [email protected].

Steinbach Preparesfor Mosquito Battle

Niverville Ready forSpring Cleaning


By Marianne Curtis

Over 100 attended the Raise the Woof fundraiser thattook place on March 24 in the Niverville CommunityFellowship Church. Sponsored by the Niverville Dog Adoption Fair’sfundraising comedy night, the sell out crowd enjoyed anentertaining night of clean comedy while raising moneyfor a good cause. The event raised $1,700 for dog rescuesin the province. The sold out crowd was entertained by comediansJames Uloth and Lamont Fergeson, who has performedon stage with Jay Leno. Uloth is the founder of Raisethe Woof. Raise The Woof is a stand up comedy event that workswith animal shelters and rescue groups to help withmuch needed monetary support. Raise The Woof wascreated by comedian and producer James Uloth, whohas raised over $300,000 for various charities. Organizer Barry Piasta was pleased with the successof the event. “These events are important to raise awareness thatthousands of dogs die needlessly every day,” statedPiasta. “Instead of buying a pet, adopt from a shelter orrescue.” With the Raise the Woof comedy night complete,Piasta is working on his next event. On May 11, thesecond annual Niverville Dog Adoption Fair will takeplace at the Niverville arena. Last year over 1,000, peoplecame out to meet pets that were looking for their foreverhomes. Over 40 dogs found new homes as a result. This year Piasta promises even more vendors, rescuesand animals to be available for adoption at the event.

Raise theWoof

ComedySupportsAnimalRescues

Comedian Lamont Fergeson told a Nivervillecrowd that he has performed on stage with JayLeno but he was excited to have “finally arrived,by performing in a church basement inNiverville.”


With spring fast approaching, the snowwill soon be gone and yards will begin toemerge in our sights again. The RM of Piney council is issuing areminder to everyone who owns propertyin the municipality to be considerate oftheir neighbours. The reminder goes outto residents that have items that could beconsidered unsightly or unmanaged. “We want residents to be mindful andconsiderate of their neighbours and keeptheir properties tidy and clean at alltimes,” stated council. “Everyone needsto work together to diminish this issue.” The request comes because of numerouscomplaints to council about propertiesthat have been ignored or left unkemptwithin the municipality.

Piney WantsClean Yards


By Marianne Curtis

The first annual South East Home Inspirations Show 2013 took place atthe Niverville Heritage Centre on March 8 and 9. Ninety-one booths for companies in the home improvement business,including framers, landscapers, painters and hardware stores, along withdisplays from organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse and the NivervilleDog Adoption Fair. John Falk, show Coordinator, was pleased with the event’s inaugural show. “It was a great success and we look forward to next year,” stated Falk. The purpose of this show was to promote local businesses withinsoutheastern Manitoba, generate inspiration for those interested in homerenovating and to provide excellent service to all who attend. There were also several local developers on hand showing off their latestofferings in subdivisions and condominiums currently being constructed inthe community.

A La Broquerie hockey enthusiast wasone of 100 finalists competing for a$100,000 donation towards hockey inthe community through a new Kraftcontest called Hockey Goes On. From March 23 to 24 people couldcast their votes in support of 100dedicated hockey volunteers, includingLa Broquerie’s Pat Tetrault. Nominated by La Broquerie MinorHockey, Tetrault has been involved with

La BroquerieMan Nominatedfor Kraft Contest

the Le Club Sportif De La Broquerie/LaBroquerie Minor Hockey for over adecade. He joined the organization at 21and is now the current club President.He also coaches his three daughters andplays with the community’s SeniorHabs. Tetrault has been involved with manyinitiatives including the Habs AlumniTournament, which takes place annuallyin the community. The tournamentbrings together players from 18 to 70and draws about 100 former and currentplayers from La Broquerie to playhockey. It also helps raise money to keepfees at a reasonable level. He is also behind the “Free HockeyClinic” which takes place each spring tointroduce kids not registered in hockey

to the game. Tetrault also introduced“Hockey Day in La Broquerie” whereall teams play a home game during theday and participate in communityactivities. He got the communityinvolved with Kraft Hockeyville 2009when the community made it to the topten finalists. Voting is closed and winners of theHockey Goes On contest will beannounced April 3. The top ten winnerswill receive $100,000 for their localorganization. In this case, the fundswould go to Le Club Sportif De LaBroquerie/La Broquerie Minor Hockey. Tetrault was one of only twoManitoban volunteers who made it tothe top 100 volunteers across thecountry.

Nearly 100 home improvement vendors were on hand in Niverville during the firstannual South East Home Inspirations Show. Photo by Marianne Curtis

Home Inspirations ShowWell Received in Niverville


Question: What is Truth?Answer: The world is overflowing with knowledge and everyone seems to be vying forour attention. A common question that people ask today is “What is truth?” Colleges anduniversities are full of students, desperately searching for that elusive concept called“Truth.” They study their books and notes hoping they’ve learned enough to pass theirfinal exams and graduate or advance to the next term. Many do well in our educational system and often get jobs and make a good life forthemselves and their families. But, they never find “Truth.” Until you find Jesus Christand have a personal relationship with Him, you will never know “Truth.” In John 14:6,Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” When Jesus Christ was being examined by Pilate before His crucifixion, Pilate looked atHim and asked, “What is truth?” Pilate was looking right at Truth and didn’t recognize it.There are many people today just like Pilate. God has given us a Book called the Bible and John 17:17 says that this Book is “Truth.” God has also given us His HolySpirit and He is called the “Spirit of Truth.” So, God has given us three sources of truth: Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and theBible. If you really want truth, then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the Son of God to you from the Bible as you read it. John 8:32says, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Truth sheds light on a problem and then it’s up to us whether we act on that truth or not. Some people reject truth. Theywould rather believe a lie. Some people don’t recognize truth and are being deceived. David, the Psalmist, wrote in Psalm119:18 “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” This is a good prayer for anyone to prayjust before you read the Bible. God often uses His Word, the Bible, to shed light on your personal problems, no matter how impossible they may appearto you or me. I operated a veterinary practice for over 30 years and I can testify that when problems surfaced (personal, family orbusiness) God always gave direction through prayer and reading the Bible. It has become a tremendous source of truth overthe years and continues to guide me into all truth. God bless you as you go to Him and seek for truth. John 6:37 says, “…him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Keep searching for truth from God until you find it. If I can be of help to you, contact me thru my email address. Galatians4:16 says, “I tell you the truth.” David Millar has been involved with pastoral work for the past 22 years and is currently pastoring First Baptist Churchin Steinbach. Any questions are welcomed and can be sent to [email protected].

On March 11, the Steinbach Arts Council wasthrilled to receive a financial commitment of $24,000from the Federal Government for culturalprogramming in the community. Steinbach Arts Council Executive Director CindiRempel-Patrick is grateful for the grant because thefunds will help the organization present their ConcertShow Series. The concert series includesapproximately 17 performances and artist-ledworkshops on literature, world and classic music,theatre and puppetry. “The Steinbach Arts Council is thrilled to receivethis funding as it allows rural arts councils, such asours, to present a high standard of concertprogramming, and bring local and internationalartists to our home stage,” said Rempel-Patrick. “Itencourages us to build upon the diversity of artsdisciplines, and gives opportunity for emergingartists as well. Our community benefits greatly as itenhances our quality of life through this celebrationof the arts.” The Steinbach Arts Council can expect to receive$12,000 this year and $12,000 next year for a total of$24,000. The funding was made available through afederal program called the Canada Arts PresentationFund.

Discovering TruthLocal Arts and CultureReceives Funding


What is out there … wayout there in outer space?Why can I not just zoom intoouter space free from theearth’s gravity and gowherever I want to go? If mymind could propel or thrustme into another universeinstantly, I would travel to the outermost reaches of the knownuniverse, possibly heaven itself. But, where is heaven? Ormaybe I should ask the question … What is heaven? Can it bea place? Perhaps it is a spiritual life form. Is it possible that it isa different dimension of living? Is it far away or nearby? Howcan I, as a human being enter heaven? These are validquestions, which we ought to have open and honest answers. Everyday people in every corner of the world have been, orare struggling with, the thought of going to heaven. Or whatheaven is like. People today have so much information at theirfingertips. We have the Bible, spiritual literature, books thatcover every possible area of Christian debate, and yet Ibecome silent during the discussion about what heaven is like.Many times I must admit that I am far too vague in my ideasabout certain spiritual realities, spiritual truths. If God were inheaven, you would think that we should know somethingabout heaven. Scripture describes three very different thoughts regardingheaven on a level that you and I can understand: Look atIsaiah 55:10. “As the rain and the snow come down fromheaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth andmaking it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sowerand bread for the eater.” Here the prophet Isaiah shows thatwhat you and I call the first heaven is the sky above us. Theearth’s atmosphere is mentioned many times in Scripture. Weknow that it surrounds the earth with the air we breathe; itchanges our climate. There is rain, snow, and hail, all whichcome down from heaven above. Secondly, the Psalmist talks about the second heaven byreferring to outer space, Psalm 19:1-2, 6. “The heavens declarethe glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.Day after day, they pour forth speech; night after night, theydisplay knowledge. It rises at one end of the heavens andmakes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.”The Psalmist talks about the sun, our moon, countless numberof stars and galaxies and the depth of the universe now notfully understood by the human mind. It is said astronomershave discovered countless number of stars as far away as 13.7billion light years from this earth of ours. What is heaven like? Paul talks about the third heaven asbeing the kingdom of God, a special place for the children ofGod: 2 Cor. 12:2-4… 2) I know a man in Christ who fourteenyears ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it wasin the body or out of the body, I do not know, God knows. 3)And I know that this man-whether in the body or apart fromthe body I do not know, but God knows— 4) was caught up toparadise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is notpermitted to tell. Wow, no wonder our minds are flooded withquestions as we do our utmost to understand. The Bibleassures us that God, our Heavenly Father, is in heaven. Godcan be in the atmosphere, in outer space and in heaven itself.God is Spirit and He can be anywhere and everywhere all atthe same time. John 15:13. Greater love has no man than this that he laydown his life for his friends. This verse is quoted often duringRemembrance Day services and rightfully so. Perhaps Jesuswants us to understand that He gave his life for the humanrace. He came to open the gate, so to say, to another placecalled Heaven. He reminds us that all we have to do to enterheaven is acknowledge our sin condition and ask for Hisforgiveness after which He will provide us with indescribablefreedom. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what wecan manage. When our life on earth is done and we enterheaven, we will feel at home in heaven where Christ and ourHeavenly Father live. Where is heaven? It is the place where God our HeavenlyFather lives. It is a place of eternal rest. No more death, Nomore blame. It is a place far greater than I could even attemptto describe in so few words as this column. It is a place wherewe will accept by faith what God in His Word says it is. Hegave us His Word and His Words are our assurance that weshall someday share Heaven with Him. Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, comeinto my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. Mythoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have thepeace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joyand happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let theHoly Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honourYour Name.” Amen.

The ThirdHeaven?


Hundreds of pieces of local art! You are invited to the highlight ofour Visual Arts Season, featuring over 100 artists from southeasternManitoba. Come celebrate with us from 7-8 pm at the Cultural ArtsCentre, Steinbach. The Adult Opening Ceremony is Wednesday,April 3 and the Juvenile Opening Ceremony is Friday, April 5.Enjoy live entertainment by Zack Schinkel, magic tricks, juggling,refreshments and balloons. The exhibit runs April 3-25. Up Next…“Students Creations” by Ste Anne Collegiate opens May 1st.

Summer Arts Day Camps Summer Fun for ages 5-12 with Summer Arts Day Camps. Havea blast this summer with Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Sportsand Field Trips, all a part of our themed camps running 9am-4pmdaily at the Cultural Arts Centre. Limited spaces available. Call nowto register.

Dance Classes New dances for April and May with The Dance Floor - Waltz andEast Coast Swing. Whether you have never danced a single step oryou have been dancing for years, try our Thursday night classes.Call to register.

Fitness Classes Upcoming Fitness Classes at the Cultural Arts Centre - GentleHatha Flow Yoga starts April 2nd. Develop a well balanced youwith instructor Bettianne Jolicoeur. Classes run 8 weeks on Tuesdaynights. Or try Power Pilates starting April 29th. Get in shape andhave some fun with instructor Christel Flaming. STOTT Pilatesimplements the five basic principles of breathing, pelvic placement,ribcage placement, scapular movement, and head and cervical spineplacement. Classes run twice a week, Monday and Wednesdayevenings.NEW! Plans are to offer Pre/Post Natal Pilates and On the BallPilates. Both classes run on Thursday mornings starting May 2nd.

Watercolour or Acrylics? With Mix ‘n’ Match, you can choose both. Classes start April4th, running Thursday nights for 8 weeks with instructor GabrielleDoll.

Absolute Abstract Starts April 15th. Join instructor Colleen Watchorn for a lesson inexperimentation on Monday nights. Classes run 6 weeks.

Arts4Tots Register Now for next season! Arts4Tots is the most creative wayto learn. Ages 3-5 will love learning early childhood education throughthe Arts - Music, Dance, Drama, Culture and Crafts. What makesus unique? All your questions can be answered online atwww.steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Gala Early Bird Tickets Gala Early Bird tickets available until April 15th for the ‘Celebratethe Arts’ …in Broadway Style Fundraising Gala on Friday, May 3at Friedensfeld Community Centre. You are invited to a night onBroadway featuring our local ‘celebrity singers’, Broadway artists,jewellery tombola and Fine Art auction. Where does the money go?Your support will help to finance our operations. Our mission: Toenhance the quality of life through the Arts. Call now to reserveyour seats.

Backyard Theatre Company Your favourite green ogre is back for his debut role on the Steinbachstage. Join the Backyard Theatre Company for their final recitalperformance including ‘Shrek,’ ‘The Princess and the Pea,’ ‘Who’son First?’ and other comical stories. Come out to support localstudents on Friday, April 26th at SRSS Theatre, 7:00 pm. Pleasecall for tickets.

Sold Out The Sound of Music sold out - 5 shows! Bravo to our cast andcrew!

Chair covers for rent Beautiful white chair covers to add that extra touch to your specialevent. Best prices in town - only $1.50/cover. Call for info.

Photo Contest See this month’s theme on the Century 21 Gold Key RealtyFacebook page, then submit your photo (don’t forget to tag‘Steinbach Arts Council’) for your chance to win $50, plus a taxreceipt in your name for $100, donated to SAC.

Get Involved Get involved with the Arts and make a difference in yourcommunity! Steinbach Arts Council is looking for volunteers forour Board of Directors, Exhibit Committee and Southeast VisualArts Committee. Teens and youth - check our website for info onthe Creative Youth Council.

Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg The Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg presents Kornel Wolakand Chris Donnelly. Armed with a clarinet, a piano, and theirpersonable stage presence, this duo’s remarkable blend of classicaland jazz music continues to captivate audiences with music rarelyheard in live performance. Enjoy Kornel and Chris in concert onSunday, April 7th at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2 pm. Tickets areavailable at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg or at thedoor. Students only $5.

View all our events on steinbachartscouncil.ca

On March 12, the federal governmentannounced that the New Bothwell RecreationCentre would receive $26,375 towardsimprovements at the facility. The $26,375 in funding is expected to enhancethe services provided at the New BothwellRecreation Centre. Under the project, newcounter tops, cabinets, flooring, and a furnacewill be installed. In addition, the electrical willbe upgraded, the building’s overhang will berepaired, and the shelter for the outdoor rinkwill be enclosed. RM of Hanover Reeve Stan Toews is gratefulfor the federal government’s support. “We are thankful to receive this funding torepair and upgrade interior components of therecreation centre such as the flooring, electrical,hot water tank and cupboards, in addition tothe east side exterior of the building, which hasbeen deemed critical repair,” stated Toews.“This will allow the Town of New Bothwell tocontinue to provide quality recreation toresidents at this very important time ofcommunity growth and development.”

Campers and visitors at the Parc Sir George-Etienne Cartier Park in Ste. Agathe will bepleased to know that the community recentlyreceived money to improve the washroomfacilities. Thanks to the federal government, the $7,395will allow the Ste. Agathe CommunityDevelopment Inc. to renovate the park’swashrooms. Jacques Courcelles, President of Sainte-Agathe Community DevelopmentCorporation, is pleased with the contribution. “We greatly appreciate the Government ofCanada funding for the renovations to ParcSir Georges-Étienne Cartier Park,” saidCourcelles. “The purpose of the CDC is todevelop local economies that in turn createopportunities to enhance the quality of life forour residents and visitors.” The funding was provided through theEconomic Action Plan 2012. The improvements are expected to extend thelife span of the park and provide a morecomfortable experience for residents andvisitors.

Booklovers are encouraged to come out and support a book sale in the regionwhen the East Borderland Community Housing Committee hosts their fifth annualfundraising book sale. The 4-day event, which takes place from May 1 to 4, will take place at the ClearspringCentre. The event is being planned by the East Borderland Community HousingCommittee to help the group raise money for a proposed personal care home inSprague. Elsie Laing, chairperson for the East Borderland Community Housing project, saidproceeds from the book sale would be added to the funds already raised by thegroup. The group hopes to raise about $3,500 during this year’s book sale. Over thepast four years, about $14,500 has been raised during the event. “Funding in the past has gone towards opening the apartments but that was donein September. Now the focus is on additional personal care home beds,” Laingexplained. With the 15-suite assisted living apartments complete, the group hasturned their focus to raise the community’s portion of a $4 million project consistingof the construction of a 20-bed personal care home/supportive housing unit. “We continued to collaborate with Southern Health and the community needs toraise ten percent,” stated Laing. “We, as a community, are pretty close to being ableto put the money on the table.” Laing estimates that the group is about $50,000 short of their fundraising goal. The East Borderland Community Housing Committee hopes to raise about $3,500during this year’s book sale. Over the past four years, about $14,500 has been raisedduring the event. To ensure the success of the sale, gently used books can be donated by droppingthem off at the East Borderland Community Healthcare Centre during regular hoursor by contacting Elsie at 437-2843. Volunteers are also needed for the event.

The RM of De Salaberry hasdecided to spend $193,000 on a newgrader for the municipality afterputting out a call for tenders lastmonth. The municipality received twoquotes, including one for $200,000from Toromont Cat. The RM of De Salaberry decidedto trade in their 2005 John Deeregrader originally purchased fromBrandt Tractor for $138,000 for a 2013John Deere 772G grader from BrandtTractor for $193,000 plus taxes.

Feds Fund New BothwellCommunity Centre

Provencher MP Vic Toews along with the New Bothwell Community Centre’s Board ofDirectors.

Park Potties Receive Upgrades

The Ste. Agathe CDC met with Provencher MP Vic Toews to discuss community parkimprovements.

The Parc Sir George-Etienne Cartier Park in Ste. Agathe is a municipalcampground with baseball diamonds, horseshoe pits, sheltered areas andbarbecues. On the third weekend of July, the site becomes home toCheyanne Days, which brings hundreds of people to the community foran annual ball tournament and family weekend.

Sprague Housing Groupto Host Book Sale

De Salaberry ReplacesEight Year Old Grader


Local Trades and Suppliers canhelp you through any projectyou want to tackle.

Did you know? More and more homeowners embracing arelatively new way to shower. Walk-in, or walk-behind, showers are doorless structures that aredesigned to give the shower a more open look.Walk-in showers are often appear larger thanmore traditional showers, and those that do takeup more space do so to prevent water fromspraying around the room. Though walk-inshowers do not have doors, they do employ aglass partition to keep water in. Walk-in showersoften give a bathroom a more modern look, buttheir role is more than aesthetic. In fact, manyseniors find it is easier to get in and out of a walk-in shower, something that could reduce their riskof falling and suffering an injury.


When a young adult leaves the comforts of home to setout on his or her own, homeowners are left with a bedroomthat just calls out to be made over. However, the experienceof a child leaving the nest can be bittersweet, and someparents struggle with the decision to renovate or leave theroom intact. Converting a room can be an emotionalprocess, but there are several different ways to put a newlyvacated room to good use. What to do with a room may hinge on who still lives in thehouse. Another child, for instance, may be interested in“upgrading” to the room if it is larger or has amenities thatthe previous bedroom does not offer, like a better view or abigger closet. Some have plans for a craft space or a library.Perhaps the room would be perfect for a “man cave” or aquiet sitting area. Keep in mind that the room may hold sentimental value forthe child, so converting the space is not something thatshould happen abruptly or without prior notice given to theformer occupant. Communication is key before the roomcan be permanently changed into a new room. To getstarted, follow these guidelines.* Start slowly. Broach the subject with the former occupantof the room to gauge his or her reaction to the idea. If yourchild is supportive, then the process may move along morequickly. If not, you may need to wait a little longer beforestarting the renovation.* Go through the room’s contents together. Your child mayfeel his or her private sanctum was violated if you simplybox up belongings and ready them to be taken away.Instead, go through the room together and allow your sonor daughter to pack away items of sentimental value. Otheritems can be donated. Consider which pieces of furnituremight be kept and repurposed.* Keep some items of value. Remember, you don’t want yourchild to feel like his or her identity has been erased from thehouse. Find a way to incorporate something from thebedroom into the new design to pay homage to the personwho lived and grew up in the room. Keep a square ofremoved wallpaper and frame it. Put some well-readchildhood books on a shelf. Have a place of honor for thefirst soccer trophy. This way when your child returns homethere will still be a piece of the room’s former identity.* Work through your new design plan. Before removing

Converting a kid’s roominto an adult space

Parents often renovate a child’s room whenthat child moves out.

furniture and any items, draw up adetailed renovation plan and establisha budget. If the room will become aguest room, the basics may alreadybe there and you simply need tointroduce new linens and a new paintcolor to transform the space.Consider keeping the room functionalas a sleeping space in some way —whether moving in a sleeper sofa ormaking a regular bed into a daybed— so when your son or daughtercomes to visit, he or she will have acomfortable space.* Make it sophisticated. Adult spacesdiffer from children’s spaces in theirsophistication. Starting fresh withmore streamlined furniture and boldercolors in the room will give it agrownup look. Converting a child’s formerbedroom into a new and excitingliving space for adults takes someplanning and sensitivity. Acollaborative effort between parentand child can make the process cango much more smoothly.


Remodeling a basement is a popular home improvement project. A finishedbasement makes the space more functional and, when done correctly, can adda considerable amount of living space to a home. Finishing a basement pays dividends in additional space in a home thatdoesn’t require the same level of investment as putting an addition on thehouse. Also, the groundwork for a finished room is already there, as mostbasements are already set up with a poured concrete floor and some walls,usually cinder blocks. Some electrical components, plumbing and the creaturecomforts of drywall and a more inviting floor might be all that’s necessary tofinish a basement. The process can be labor-intensive, and many people preferto leave it to a professional contractor. Whatever finishing method is chosen,homeowners should follow the proper procedures when doing the work. DODODODODO start with a detailed plan. Measure out the basement and mark anyitems that cannot be moved, such as a furnace, water heater or pipes. Create adesign board that showcases the materials you plan to use on the project.Think about ways you plan to arrange furniture and consider all of the possibleuses for the room. Will it be a home theater? Will someone be sleeping downthere? Each scenario will require certain amenities and safety requirements. DON’T DON’T DON’T DON’T DON’T plan to finish the entire basement. Doing so will leave you withouta storage or utility area where you house holiday decorations, tools, luggageand similar items. DODODODODO get the scoop on building codes. Knowing what the municipality allowsin basement remodeling will help you to customize a plan that is functional,safe and legal. No one wants to be slapped with fines for failing to follow therules. Plus, failure to meet building codes could mean the work that has beendone must be torn out and redone. It pays to follow the chain of command andsecure permits while having all work inspected. DON’TDON’TDON’TDON’TDON’T overlook adequate lighting in your refinishing plan. A basement islikely one area of the house that has limited natural light pouring in. Withtraditionally small windows, or no windows at all, a basement needs amplelighting in its design scheme. This may include a combination of overhead andtask lighting. Ample lighting will help the room feel like part of the house andnot just a forgotten storage area. DODODODODO take into consideration moisture issues in the basement. Manybasements are plagued by moisture issues ranging from water seepage tocondensation forming on walls. These situations may vary depending on theweather throughout the year. Certain materials may need to be used tomitigate water issues before finishing can take place. The installation of water-barrier systems, drainage, sump pumps, or encapsulation products could driveup the cost of a basement renovation. It is essential to have a professionalassess the basement water issues prior to starting any finishing work. DON’TDON’TDON’TDON’TDON’T simply cover up potential hazards, such as mold or mildew. Havethem treated instead. Otherwise, you could have a breeding ground behinddrywall that could lead to unsafe conditions in the home. DODODODODO have a radon test. Radon is a hidden killer that can cause lung cancer.Because it occurs naturally in the soil and water surrounding a home and is

An unfinished basement allows homeowners to transform the room into anything theydesire. But there are some dos and don’ts to finishing a basement, including ensuring theproject adheres to local building codes.

The dos and don’ts of basement finishingimpossible to detect without a specialized test, manypeople are unaware of the presence of radon until it istoo late. Radon may be more concentrated in thebasement, where the foundation is touching the soil.Therefore, rule out radon before consideringrenovation of a basement area. DON’T DON’T DON’T DON’T DON’T limit furniture choices to one type. Youmay need to be flexible in your furniture choices, evenselecting modular pieces, like sectionals, becauseentryways to basements may have small doorways orobstructions that make adding furniture morechallenging. DO DO DO DO DO keep the possibility of flooding in the back ofyour head. Homes that are near waterways or at lowelevation may be at risk of flooding. Basements areespecially susceptible to flood damage. Therefore,think about the practicality of finishing a basement ifyou are prone to flooding. If you decide to moveahead, take certain precautionary measures, such askeeping electrical wiring up higher and using a morewater-resistant flooring material, like tile or vinyl.House important electronics and items on shelves sothey are not at ground-level. Finishing a basement is a job that can add a lot ofusable space to a home. Go about the project in theright way to keep within budget and have a room thatis safe and functional.

Spring marks the arrival of buds and shoots, andthe start of plans for landscaping, gardening, andbuilding projects. If you’re planning a project thatinvolves excavation, such as drilling for a well,digging postholes, or even putting in a new gardenor flowerbed, call Manitoba Hydro ahead of time. Before you start your project, call us to arrangean appointment so that we can check and markyour property for buried electrical and/or naturalgas lines. The service to locate Manitoba Hydro-owned underground facilities is free. ManitobaHydro’s trained personnel will mark the locationsof underground power lines and gas lines andburied installations such as vaults containingtransformers or electrical switchgear. Calling before you dig can prevent:- service outages;- equipment damage;- costly repairs;- environmental pollution;- personal injury or even death. Don’t forget to call other utilities to receive theirclearance too. Remember that overhead powerlines also need to be respected on any job site. Call 204-480-1212 in Winnipeg or 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) to book yourappointment.

Call ManitobaHydro Before You

Dig Outdoors


What homeowner has not lamentedthat they have many more belongingsthan they have storage space? Insome homes, particularly in olderhomes, closet space and other areasto store items may be lacking.Apartment dwellers often find they’relacking in storage space as well. Butsavvy homeowners can find bothpermanent and temporary solutions

Increase storage possibilities

Messy closets and clutter elsewhere in the home may be indicative of a storagedeficit. But there are ways to easily increase storage space.

to their home storage problems. One of the easiest ways to createstorage space is to simply removesome belongings from the residence.Go through closets around the houseand pick through the attic and/orgarage to see if there are any itemsthat can be discarded or donated.Items that are broken can bediscarded, while those things that still

have utility can be donated or sold. The next step is to maximize the space ofyour existing closets. Many closets areequipped with just a shelf and a clothing rack,greatly limiting the storage potential.Investing in a closet organization system isone way to transform a poorly utilized space.These systems can be purchased, ofteninexpensively, from a home improvementcenter. Compiled of modular racks andshelving, the positioning can be customizeddepending on the size of the closet.Oftentimes, the addition of shelving oranother rack for hanging clothes can solvesome storage issues. These closet systemsalso are ideal for renters because they can beinstalled with minimal damage and beremoved when a lease expires. Homeowners may have to think vertically tosolve storage solutions. Wall space may beabundant in a home where closets are not.Therefore, shelving and cabinets can beplaces to keep items neatly off the floor. Aseries of shelves can be installed next to awashing machine to keep laundry suppliesorganized. In children’s rooms, buildbookcases the height of the room so childrencan store frequently used reading materialand toys on the lower levels, and adults canput collectibles and mementos near the top.Hang hooks to hold hats and robes.Whenever possible, look to store items onthe walls where they will keep clutter off thefloor. Storage can even be created in thebathroom, where the space over the toilet canbe used to hang a cabinet to store handtowels and other toiletries if the space under

the sink has already been claimed. Many apartment dwellers recognize the advantage of having itemsthat serve double-duty in their living spaces. For example, aconvertible sofa can be used for sitting and then turn into a bed forovernight guests. Ottomans that have a storage compartment canhouse anything from throw blankets to magazines. An armoire mayhouse the television but also have a pull-out shelf that can hold alaptop computer. In the kitchen, move food items out of cabinetry and into a “pantry”you create elsewhere in the house, such as a laundry room orgarage. This frees up more room for pots and pans. Cabinets thathave pull-out shelving help maximize tight recesses of cabinets andkeep things organized and in sight. For those with limited cabinets,pots and pans can be hung from a pot rack suspended in the kitchen. Even when there is a small amount of storage space, individuals canfind clever ways to neatly store items.

Pros and cons ofopen floor plans

Open floor plans have evolved to be the floor plan of choice in new homesand current home renovations. Turn on a home renovation show, and you’relikely to see eager homeowners knocking down walls to open the kitchen tothe family room. Walls have become anathema to homeowners. There are many supporters of the open floor plan, particularly those whoentertain frequently or like to keep an eye on children throughout the house.Although open floor plans are touted, there are plenty of people who havenever been enamored with having all of their rooms flowing into one. Therealso are some people who prefer a different style. For those who are not fans of the open floor plan, blame the excess of the1980s for their inception. In homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, roomswere compartmentalized and isolated for specific activities. During the 1980s,an era of “bigger is better,” when entertaining was widely popular amonghomeowners, designers noticed that many homeowners preferred an openfloor plan in which rooms merged into one another, creating the illusion ofmore space. These floor plans also enable people to be in separate roomsand still interact with one another across the space. A home’s floor plan largely depends on the preference of the homeowner.There are many advantages to having an open floor plan versus one that ismore compartmentalized. Here is a look at some of the pros and cons.ProProProProPro: Open floor plans can besafer for parents of youngchildren. If the home opens upwith the living spaces branchingoff from the kitchen, parents cankeep an eye on children whilethe parents prepare dinner.ConConConConCon: Privacy is reduced in ahome with few walls. Much inthe way that an open floor planenables children to be seen fromevery angle, it also enables youto be seen — and all of yourbelongings as well. There’s also no place to retreat to if you need a minute tocollect.ProProProProPro: Entertaining can be easier in a home with an open floor plan becausehosts and hostesses are not separated from their guests or holed up in thekitchen the entire time. An open space enables everyone to mingle andconversations to flow.ConConConConCon: Those who like to host events without showing guests all of their dirtydishes or secrets of the kitchen may dislike an open floor plan.ProProProProPro: Light can flow effectively through an open space, minimizing dark roomsand reducing the need to install more windows.ConConConConCon: While light can flow easily, so can sound. Noises through the housemay be amplified. A student doing homework in the dining room may bedisturbed by the television blaring in the family room. Talking on the phone oreven finding a quiet nook to read a book may be challenging.ProProProProPro: Open floor plans allow for more family time together in one space thana home with a more compartmentalized layout.ConConConConCon: People who are collectors or who have a lot of furniture or accent itemsmay find that open floor plans do not work well with this type of designmantra.PPPPPrororororo: Because several rooms run into one another, color choices for walls andfurnishings in a home with an open floor plan can be limited and cohesive,making choices easier.ConConConConCon: On the flip side, those who want to incorporate different color schemesand eclectic styles may have difficulty deciding on where to “end” rooms orhow to co-mingle furniture.


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

FriedensfeldCelebrate the Arts’…Broadway Style – On Friday, May 3 at6:30 pm at the Friedensfeld Hall. Join us for an exquisiteevening fundraising gala in support of the Arts. Call for tickets204-346-1077.

GardentonCraft and Bake Sale - The Ukrainian Museum and VillageSociety on Saturday, April 27 from 10 am – 3 pm. Silent Auction50/50 Draw Hot Perogy & Sausage Lunch. Contact to rent atable or more information Kelvin Chubaty 204-425-8197, RuthAdolphe 204-425-3395, or Amanda Bente 204-425-7784.

GrunthalMennonite Evening Fundraiser - Supper & Entertainment bythe “New Fields” on Friday, April 5 at Elim Mennonite Church,Main St. Supper from 5 – 7 pm. New Fields performing country,gospel and plautdietsch (low-German) music. Reserve prior tothe event. Contact Mary 204-371-6155 or Maria 204-434-6566. Fundraiser for youth for a Mennonite Disaster ServiceTrip to the USA.

Corporate Farms and Farm Estate Rollover - On Thursday, April5 from11:30 am -1 pm at New Horizons Centre. Have lunch,sponsored by Tim Driedger and John Mahi from Investors Groupwith Marke G Dally on tax efficient methods that help corporatefarms and aid in farm estate transfer. Contact John Mahi 371-2967 or Tim Driedger at 371-1081 to register. Door prizes forearly registrations.

Spring Stop & Shop – On Saturday, April 13 at 9 am - 3 pm atthe New Horizons Centre. What’s new and Who’s new in home-based businesses, sales, door prizes and coffee while youshop. Looking for vendors to participate call ASAP.

Grunthal Meals Committee - seeking volunteers for committee,on Friday, May 3 at 238 Park St., Positions available are Chair,Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Community Representative.Consider submitting your name or that of a colleague to thenominating committee for review. Contact Carrie Bilawchuk,Community Resource Coordinator Steinbach 55 Plus 204-320-4604 or email [email protected].

Roughstock Riding School - On Friday, May 17 and Saturday,May 18 at the Hanover Ag Grounds. Providing safe instructionin bareback riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, SteerRiding and Bullfighting, from Beginner to Intermediate levels.Space limited to 12 per event. Cost $200 confirm your spot witha non-refundable $100 deposit by April 1. Fill out form out,email it back to [email protected], and drop your depositin the mail to Hanover Agricultural Society, Box 441, GrunthalMB, R0A 0R0.

High School Rodeo - The MHSRA comes back to the HanoverAg Grounds for two days of full event Rodeo. High schoolstudents competing in timed events, rough stock riding, andracing events. From Sunday, May 19 - Monday, May 20 at 11am. With a Jackpot Gymkhana on Saturday at 7 pm., Admissionis just $8 per day. Children 10 and under are free.

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 or e-mail [email protected].

KleefeldCommunity Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and childrenages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs andsnacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the KleefeldRec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 377-5013.

La BroquerieSoutheast Summer Day Camp – Registration day at the arenaon Tuesday, April 30 from 6 -8 pm. Programs for children aged5 – 12. 9 weeks of fun from 9 am -4:30 pm (early drop off 8:45,late pickup 5:15) $125 for 5 day programs -$100 for 4 dayprograms - Early drop off/Late pick up option available $10/day -10% Sibling Discount. Contact 204-392-6525 [email protected].

Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santéfrom Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Offers services andprograms for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobilityequipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, homemaintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, the E.R.I.K.program, puzzles and games. Contact Community ResourceCoordinator Juliette Rowan at 424-5285 [email protected] Trips - 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, leaving at10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10.

LoretteAnnual Métis Cultural Event - Lorette Metis Local presents PattiLamoureaux. Buy tickets by March 30 to be entered for freedraw. On Saturday, April 13 from 7:30 pm -12:30 am, at theLorette Parish Hall, Dawson Rd. A 3 time Canadian Grand MasterFiddling champ, 3 time North America Fiddling Champ, 1stWomen & 1st Western Canadian to win Grand Master. Ticket$12.50 ea. Contact Lorraine (204)878-3704 Cell (204) 771-2101, Emile (204) 422-6040 or Merle (204)878-3213.

Spring Luncheon/Dessert Concert & Visual Arts Display - SeineSingers/Arts Lorette featuring the Seine Singers (Lorettecommunity women’s choir), Local String Quartet Plain Salt(Celtic Band), Kim Gordon (Flutist) and Local Visual artists. OnSunday, April 21, 5 pm at Notre Dame de Lorette Parish Hall.Tickets $15 - Not available at the door. To buy tickets, contactArlene 204-878-2016 or Iris 204-878-3314 or a choir member.

Lorette Métis Local Membership Drive - On Tuesday, April 30at 7:15 pm at Le Club Des Blés D’or, 1254 Dawson Road, Lorette.

MitchellBreakfast and Social - every Tuesday morning, 7:30 - 9:00 amexcept the last Tuesday of the month when the social is heldinstead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area SeniorsCentre. Contact 204-326-6944.

NivervilleRugby - Still some spaces available. For ages 4-16. Contact204-388-4078.

Veterinary Vaccination Clinic – On Saturday, April 6 from 10am – 3 pm at 309 Main Street Public Works, wash bay withGraydon Veterinary Services.

Niverville Chamber of Commerce AGM – On Thursday, April 11from 7 -8:30 am at John Henry’s Banquet Hall. Contact CaraDowse 204-388-4600 [email protected]

Community Garage Sale – From Saturday, April 27 –SundayApril 28. Registration deadline Wednesday, April 24. Contact204-388-4078.

Spring Craft & Vendor Sale - On Sunday, May 5 from 11 am –4 pm at Niverville Heritage Centre. Free Admission. ContactKristina, [email protected].

Niverville Dog Adoption Fair - FURever Homes 2 – On Saturday,May 11 from 12 – 4 pm at the Niverville Arena, Curling Rinkand Grounds. Manitoba’s largest dog adoption event. If youare thinking about getting a dog, there will be over 12 rescueswith dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds. These dogs will be upfor adoption and looking for a FURever home. There will bedisplays of pet products and services from as far away as theUK and Bronx New York. There will be dog drill team shows,ask the vet, ask a trainer and dog obedience demos. ContactBarry 204-510-4229 or 204-388-9676 [email protected].

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].

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.

RicherSeine River Services for Seniors AGM – On Thursday, April 18at the Richer Young at Heart Community Center, 22 DawsonRd. Doors will be open at 10 am. Lunch served at noon followedby an opportunity to try Wii Bowling. Please contact JulietteRowan at 204-424-5285 if you plan to attend.

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 in Richer. MGCC License# BI/BO4164. Contact: Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or [email protected].

St. AdolpheThe St. Adolphe Couvent/PCH Historical Book Committee -publishing a bilingual book about the St. Adolphe Couventrebuilt as a Personal Care Home. The Committee is looking forstories, pictures and related documents when it was a Conventand school for local students and boarders. We are looking forinformation from family and friends of former residents of thePersonal Care Home and former employees. Contact andreceive a questionnaire Rhéa Trudeau 204-883-2181 or sendinformation to St. Adolphe PCH Heritage Group Book 420 MainSt. St. Adolphe, Manitoba R5A 1B7.

St. Pierre-JolysSugaring-Off Festival – On Saturday, April 13 and Sunday,April 14 from 10am - 4 pm. Traditional food & music, MapleTaffy, Horse drawn rides, Children activities at 1- 3 pm. HistoricalInterpretations and displays 11 am - 3 pm, much more. FreeAdmission. At the Musée de Saint-Pierre-Jolys Museum, 432rue Joubert Street.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression supportgroup meetings held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7pm. Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. ContactJudy Dunn 444-5228.

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

Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite all seniors interestedin the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out, and have fun.Monday afternoons, at Le Club Jovial. Contact Juliette Rowanat 204-424-5575 Community Resource Coordinator for localservices or e-mail [email protected].

Purses Symposium - On Wednesday, May 8 – Friday, May 10,from 12:30 to 2pm at the Salon Margerite d’Youville VillaYouville 210 Central Ave. Prizes will be awarded at 1 pm onFriday, May 10. Entrants are invited to create an original pursewith personality and attitude, name for your purse, shortdescription and your name on the back of the entry. All entriesmust be submitted to Carmelle Bernard 204-422-5624 ext.234 no later than April 30, 2013.

Ste. GenevièveLibrary Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the CommunityCentre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 6:30- 8 pm. Selection of books in both French and English, allages. Over 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs,large print books and magazines plus they can import booksfrom any library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made tothe librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488,bibliotachelibrary.com or in person.

SteinbachHealthy Eating Cooking Classes - At South East Helping Handsa free workshop Thursdays, April 4 from 11 am – 1 pm andApril 18 from 5 - 7 pm. Enjoy a meal with other communitymembers as you learn how to plan and prepare healthy mealson a budget. Contact Carol Vogt Funk at 204-326-2599 [email protected] to register.

Southeastman Rotary Club Fundraiser - Fabulous beeftenderloin dinner on Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 pm at theMennonite Heritage Village. Tickets $75 ea or a table of 8-$600. Proceeds to purchase a blanket and fluid warmer for theSteinbach Medical & Palliative Care Areas. Contact Cornie orHelen 204 326 4514.

Wii Gaming Nights at the Jake Epp Library – On Friday, April5 from 7 – 9 pm for children, youth and families on the first 3Fridays of every month. 1/2 hour slots to sign up for with yourlibrary card. Contact Tracey Pankratz 204-326-6841 [email protected].

Steinbach & Area Garden Club meeting - On Monday, April 8at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Sherrie Versluis ofThe Preferred Perch presents ‘All About Our Backyard Birds’ –how to attract and feed our feathered friends. Everyonewelcome, refreshments and door prizes. Walk-in admission$5. Contact sagardenclub or 204-326-2396.

Will and Estate Planning – the Importance of Wills andGuardianship. April 16, 6:30 pm at Eastman Immigrant Servicesoffice, D4 – 284 Reimer Ave., Contact 204-346-6609 or [email protected].

Women’s Networking Breakfast – On Wednesday, April 10from 7:30 - 9 am at Uncle Jake’s Restaurant. Breakfastavailable. Table Topic- Ideas to attract new customers andcelebrating International Women’s Day. Contact Tracey Drabyk-Zirk, tracey.drabyk-zirk @ gov.mb.ca or Jeannette Brigit info@ turning-points.ca.

Bethesda Auxiliary Weekly Book Sale - Weekly book sale,every Tuesday. Cost is 50 cents each. Contact Verna Thiessen204-326-3028 at the Clearspring Centre (across from BlueNotes).

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].

Ladies Get Fit Classes - Sponsored by Eastman ImmigrantServices, every Wednesday at 7:15 pm at the Woodlawn Schoolgym. Aerobic, circuit training, weights, mats and stretchingexercises. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Registercontact Lois 204-346-6609.

Hockey For Seniors (60+) - One hour of fun, exercise,friendship at the Steinbach Arena on Mondays from 10:30 -11:30 am. Contact Bob Barrow, 204-392-3596,[email protected] or Darrell Delong, 204-371-0229,[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 LBees, 5-275 Main St. Graba coffee and discuss sustainable living. [email protected].

Seniors (60 +) Shinny Drop-in Hockey - every Monday from10 -11 am at Centennial Arena. Contact Bob Barrow at 392-3596 or email [email protected].

The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon atSteinbach 55 Plus Centre. Contact Cornie at 326-3155.

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 Eden Eastbuilding, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or [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 fourth Thursday of every month, from 12– 1 pm at the Village Green Restaurant. Contact Nadine Konyk,Rural Client Services Coordinator 326-1434 or [email protected].

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and supportgroups - for persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress,bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns.Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Jake EppLibrary 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. Thursdayevenings starting at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255Elmdale Street, Contact Doreen 204-326-7525.

Steinbach AA 12 Step Recovery Program - Meetings are heldon Wednesdays at 7 pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 MainSt. Ring the front door bell.

Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pmat Anna’s House B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 346-0413.

WhiteshellGPS Spring Egg Hunt – On Wednesday, April 13 at the AlfredHole Goose Sanctuary. Contact Sloan Cathcart, Senior ParkInterpreter 204-369-3157 or [email protected].

WoodridgeBingo - Every 2nd Sunday night at 7 pm.

GeneralThe Super Start Program, A Healthy Baby program with theSouthern Regional Health Authority. Program for pregnantwomen and families with infants up to one year of age. Sessionsinclude song and rhyme time, discussions and games on topicsrelated to healthy babies and healthy moms. Door prizes,nutritious snacks and milk coupons for all participatingexpectant moms or mothers who have babies up to six monthsof age. Contact: Terry from Super Start at 346-7021 or just dropin.Blumenort - EMC Church on Thursday, April 4 and May 2 at 10am – 12 pmNiverville - Community Fellowship Church on Tuesday, April 9and May 14 at 10 am - 12pmSte. Anne - Dayspring Fellowship Church on Wednesday, April10 and May 8 at 10 am – 12 pmKleefeld – EMC Church on Thursday, April 11 and May 9 at 10am – 12 pmSt. Malo -St. Malo School on Wednesday, April 17 and May 15at 10 am – 12 pmSt. Pierre-Jolys - St. Pierre Health Corner on Thursday, April 18and May 16 at 10 am – 12 pmSte. Agathe - Community Hall Centre on Tuesday, April 16 andMay 21 at 10 am – 12 pmLorette - Seine River Church on Tuesday, April 23 and May 28at 10 am – 12 pmMitchell - Fellowship Church on Thursday, April 25 and May 23at 10 am – 12 pmGrunthal - Family Hut South Oaks School on Tuesday, May 7at 10 am – 12 pm

The next two months will be bothexciting and challenging for DeanCarriere as he takes on the world’shighest mountain, Mount Everest. On March 26, the Ile des Chênesman set out on his journey, which isexpected to take about two months.The actual climb takes less than twomonths but due to high altitudes,climbers must spend a few weeks atbase camps to give their bodies achance to acclimatise. Once he completes this climb,Carriere will officially become the firstperson from Manitoba tosuccessfully climb all seven of thehighest mountains in the world. Readers are invited to followCarriere’s progress through his blogat deancarriere.wordpress.com.

By Marianne Curtis

The fifteenth annual SoutheastOpen Judged Art Exhibit openedApril 3 and this year’s event hasattracted over 100 displays createdby adult and juvenile artists.

During the month of April, theannual sugar festival will take placeheld in St. Pierre-Jolys at the Cabaneà Sucre. The annual Festival des Sucres isbeing held on April 13 and 14 from10 am to 4 pm in the Cabane à Sucre,at the Musée de Saint-Pierre-JolysMuseum. Each year visitors from all over theprovince come to the festival, whichis designed to celebrate the traditionof tapping maple sap to make syrupand maple butter. As part of thecelebrations, visitors are shown howto properly tap maple trees for thesweetness inside, then thedehydrating process and given theopportunity to sample the finishedproduct. This weekend event promises tobe full of activities, including taffyon snow, an interpretive centredemonstrating the production ofmaple syrup, horse wagon rides,museum tours, traditional French-Canadian dining and localentertainment. There is no admission fee.

St. Pierre-JolysGoes Sweet

DuringFestival

Carriere HeadsOff for the

Everest Climb

Open ArtExhibitDraws

Students

When the Steinbach Arts Councilput out the call for pieces for thisyear’s Open Judged Art Exhibitapproximately 115 entries werereceived. Seventy-five pieces weresubmitted by students and therewere nearly 40 adult entries. “This year shows a surge in schoolinvolvement with several schoolsparticipating,” explained ShannonNeufeld, with the Steinbach ArtsCouncil. “This is also the largestnumber of juvenile entries in thehistory of Southeast Open Judgedexhibits with some exceptional worksof art.” There are over 75 juvenile entriesand nearly 40 entries featuringphotography, paintings, crafted artand more. The exhibit runs until April 25 atthe Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.

Free monthly bus trips to the casinos of Winnipeg for a fun dayat the Casinos. Pick up in Steinbach at 8:30 am, Ste. Anne andParadise Village at approximately 9 am. Must be 18 years ofage or older. Prizes and $10 cash for everyone. Bingo on thebus. Call Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for date information and toreserve your bus seat. Next scheduled trips Tuesdays, April 16and May 21.


Documents

Dawson Trail Dispatch April 2013