living - The Clipper Weekly

Transcription

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Bo
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Lac
LIVING
2016
A Salute to Service
FRE E
Please take one
YOUR WINNIPEG - NORTHEAST MANITOBA CONNECTION
WENDIGO REALTY
Linda Hapko
[email protected] 204-345-0056 | Mike Smith [email protected] 204-340-2553
www.wendigorealty.ca 40 Park Avenue, Lac du Bonnet 1-888-345-0056
Beautiful IN TOWN WATERFRONT with
full finished walkout basement. Fit for a
king, family home w/4 bedrooms, 3 1/2
baths, fireplace in family room, amazing
views from full length deck on waterside,
dock and stoned patio/firepit at waters
edge. Dbl. Att. heated garage 499,900
Amazing WATERFRONT in exclusive subdivision. Open concept with beautiful large
kitchen overlooking the dining and living
room. Surrounded by windows there is an
abundance of natural light and views from
all angles. 2 bedroom guest house, att garage, metal storage shed, gazebo, dock and
deck at water. 499,000
WATERFONT with fantastic sunsets. This
sprawling 1800 s.f. bungalow has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Very large kitchen with
tons of cabinets. Main floor laundry. Tyndal
stone fireplace in living room. Outside is a triple sized insulated garage with an additional
workshop and storage. At the water is a dock
and pontoon boat lift. Great price at 399,000.
Perfect family WATERFRONT home just 2
minutes to town. This lovely home is located on a mature yard with over 200’ on the
water. Master on 2nd floor overlooking
water, separate family room for the kids.
Great room w/patio doors to sunroom.
Full finished basement with bedrooms, rec
room, laundry etc. 3 car garage. 489.900
Seldom found 246’ of WATERFRONT
2 min. from town. This 3 bedroom bungalow with full basement is situated on one
of the most beautiful lots. Dbl det. Garage
with insulated workshop. Large metal storage building for all your toys. Great price
at 379,900
Fantastic LARGE WATERFRONT LOT with
lovely home just south of town. Beautiful
mature trees with gentle slope to the water.
Open concept with loads of windows. 3 bedrooms/2 baths, main floor laundry, lge garage
with heated workshop, several outbuildings,
playstructure and more. 459,000.00
Yr round 3 bedroom GETAWAY on large
treed lot plus garage. This cute as a button
home/cottage comes with all the furniture,
appliances and yard tools. Located in a very
nice subdivision just 10 minutes from town.
Available for use is large dock just a 1 minute walk away. 139,900
WONDERFUL year round 2 bedroom cottage/home with many upgrades. Well
treed lot. Wood fireplace in the family
room makes for cozy evenings. Located in
a mature subdivision and just around the
corner from the boat launch. 149,900
CREEK WATERFRONT 4 bedroom yr round
home with full basement. Double detached
garage and a dock on the water. Very close
to the mouth of the creek that takes you to
the Winnipeg River. Massive deck to enjoy
the summer sun. Price below tax assessment and owner open to offers. 174,900
YEAR ROUND 3 bedroom home in one of
the most popular subdivision of the area.
Large private well treed back yard. Lovely
wood burning fireplace in the living room
to warm you all year. Within walking distance to your dock in a great marina. Sunroom and attached single garage. 199,900
PERFECT family or retirement home in
town. This lovely 3 bedroom home with full
basement has had many upgrades both inside and out so all you need is your personal
touch. Attached single garage. You are within walking distance to all amenities, schools
and churches. Great price at 199,000
AFFORDABLE seasonal getaway on titled
land. This mobile home has a large addition
with wood burning fireplace. Detached single garage. Travel trailer included for your
extra guests. Subdivision has a marina with
available dock space. Cheaper then renting
a seasonal space. LOW TAXES. Only 79,900
PINAWA home in need of your TLC. 3 bedroom plus a full basement. Attached single
garage. Oversized yard backing onto green
space. No neighbors here. If you are handy
this would be a great investment. You can’t
beat the price. 139,900
SOLID 3 bedroom bungalow on well treed
private lot. Cottage is currently seasonal
but would easily convert to year round.
Great open concept space with 3 bedrooms
and 1 bath. Sunroom off dining area patio
doors. Subdivision has boat launch and marina. Great price at 119,900
In TOWN home with commercial addition.
This is a cozy 2 bedroom home with plenty
of space. Attached to the home is a large
commercial space and the business is also
available for sale. Have a business idea of
your own? Check out this space. Walk out
you door directly to the job. No commuting!!
WATERFRONT on the Pinawa Channel. Located at the end of the road, you will find your
privacy on this oversized lot with boat launch
and dock at the water. This year round home
or cottage has 3 bedroom and 1 bath. Dbl det
garage for all your toys. 329,000
2015 Lac du Bonnet LIVING
1
BUYING / SELLING
When YOU Need Information about
the Current Real Estate Market
Susan Musey
REALTOR ®
Cell 204-340-5030
Office 204-268-8066
email [email protected]
www.crognalirealty.ca
Brochures
Business Cards
Calendars
Certificates
Coupons
FOR YOUR NEXT CUSTOM PRINT JOB CONTACT
THE CLIPPER FOR FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE
Phone: 204-268-4700 or 204-345-8459
[email protected]
27 Third St. S., Beausejour
74 Second St., Lac du Bonnet
2
Lac du Bonnet LIVING 2015
Envelopes
Flyers
Invitations
Labels
Laminating
Letterhead
Magazines
Menus
Newsletters
Office Forms
Placemats
Postcards
Posters
Programs
Welcome to Lac du Bonnet Living!
Welcome all local and international readers to
the third issue of Lac du Bonnet Living.
Tourism is an important component of Lac du
Bonnet’s development and economic growth. Three
years ago, we at Clipper Publishing Corp. – publishers of the Lac du Bonnet Clipper newspaper – took
the opportunity to print a full-colour tourism guide
focusing on the ‘four-season playground’ that encompasses Lac du Bonnet while highlighting places of
interest, recreational opportunities, events, culture
and local history.
The 2016 edition of the magazine however, has
taken a slight detour as we have made an effort to
highlight the community’s service groups and nonprofit organizations.
We would like to give special thanks and recognition to all those individuals who volunteer their time
with local organizations and those who use their
great skills, knowledge and professional experience
to shape this great community.
Once again, we were very pleased with the number of story ideas, photos and write-ups passed our
way by local citizens wanting to help create a publication that truly represents Lac du Bonnet Living.
Kim MacAulay Publisher Mark T. Buss
Editor
“Veteran
George
Hampshire at
the Canada Day
Parade” by Gail
Conrad Davey
“River at Old
Pinawa Dam”
by Jeff Cowan
nnet
Lac du BoLIVING
2016
A Salute to Service
“Evan’s First Fish”
by Denis Paulhus
HONOURING OUR HERITAGE
Lac du Bonnet Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee. . . . . 5
Lac du Bonnet Historical Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ARTS & CULTURE
Canada Day Celebrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fire & Water Music Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Winnipeg River Arts Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
WHO WE ARE
Agassiz Garden Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lac du Bonnet Children’s Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Little Day Buddies Nursery School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Lac du Bonnet Farmer’s market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lac du Bonnet Food Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Winnipeg River Car Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lac du Bonnet Community Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 164 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Lac du Bonnet Regional Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lac du Bonnet Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Mrs. Lucci’s Family Resource Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lac du Bonnet’s Pioneer Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Lac du Bonnet Youth & Recreation Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SPORTS & RECREATION
COVER PHOTO CREDITS:
“Northern Lights
Over the Lake”
by Stan Kelly
TABLE OF CONTENTS
“Allan McArthur serves
MP James Bezan a
pancake breakfast at the
Pioneer Club”
by Arlene Davidson
Winnipeg River Recreation District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lake Sturgeon Sport Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Lac du Bonnet Trails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
BUSINESS & EDUCATION
Lac du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . 50
j.u.s.t. training corp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
New Directions School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Lac du Bonnet Living 2016 is brought to you by Clipper Publishing Corp.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the
publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Clipper
Publishing Corp. cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that
may occur. The Publisher and Clipper Publishing Corp. will not be responsible
for injury, loss, or damages which result from readers’ participation in any
event or activity featured in this publication.
PUBLISHER: Kim MacAulay SALES: Marlene Hrysio “Blueberries”
by Shirley Kurian
EDITORS: Mark T. Buss & Dianne Hamill
LAYOUT & DESIGN: Clipper Publishing
Lac du Bonnet Clipper
74 Second Street, PO Box 218, Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0
Phone 204-345-8459 • Fax 204-345-0380
Email [email protected] • Website www.clipper.mb.ca
4
Honouring Our Heritage
Municipal Heritage
Adivsory Committee
striving to maintain
local history
By Arlene Davidson
The Lac du Bonnet Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) has some lofty goals.
Their mission to identify, protect, promote,
develop and interpret Lac du Bonnet’s heritage
is a task which has bravely been tackled by the
most dedicated, community minded individuals
this region has to offer.
This Canadian Vickers
Vedette sculpture, erected
at the Lac du Bonnet
Boat Launch, celebrates
Lac du Bonnet’s rich
aviation history.
5
The Lac du
Bonnet region
has a vast
immigration
mix with
settlers
arriving
from over
25 countries.
6
The MHAC was established by the local
municipal councils under the authority of the
Heritage Resources Act to act as advisers on
local heritage issues within their municipalities.
Their mission to identify, protect, promote,
develop and interpret the heritage of the community of Lac du Bonnet is facilitated through
the exchange of information and communication of activities among its membership and the
Winnipeg River community at large.
The committee has identified that the Lac du
Bonnet region has a vast immigration mix with
early settlers arriving from over 25 countries
including Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Poland,
Ukraine and Germany.
French settlers from Quebec were attracted
to the region for work in the lumber industry
and the Hutterites were enticed by the abundance of available farmland the region had to
offer. Scottish and English settlers established
many of the services and businesses required to
support the needs of the growing community.
The committee has identified and established over 20 sites that serve as reminders of
the past and celebrate the heritage of the Lac du
Bonnet region. Some of these sites include the
Canadian Vickers Vedette sculpture erected at
the Lac du Bonnet Boat Launch as part of Lac
du Bonnet’s rich aviation history and the Ylatala
Log House. The house was purchased by MHAC
in 2007 because of its unique log construction.
Many traditional artifacts that have been
preserved including the power plants at Old
Pinawa, Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls and old
homesteads in the Bird River and Brightstone
areas have been left in their original locations
due to size.
Memorial informational plaques have also
been commissioned and erected to preserve the
memories of Riverland School, St. Mary Polish
Church Cemetery, Lac du Bonnet Brick Plant,
the Inter-West Fuel and Peat Company, the Lac
du Bonnet Saw Mill and Locomotive No. 2 that
ran on the Pointe du Bois Tramway.
Prominent people from the region have also
been recognized with memorials including
community founders John Duncan McArthur
and Walter Wardrop and Lac du Bonnet’s first
physician, Dr. W.J. Wood.
For more information about the Municipal
Historical Advisory Committee, please contact
Gordon Emberley at 204-345-8916 or visit their
website at www.lacdubonnet.com/mhac n
Lac du Bonnet
Historical Society:
Preserving the Past
for the Future
Photo by Arlene Davidson
Historical Society members Terry Tottle, Hallie Lavoie
and Leon Clegg stand by an aviation display at
the Lac du Bonnet and District Museum.
By Arlene Davidson
The Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society is ‘working in the present
while preserving the past for now and
the future.’
Members of the Society recognize that
recording and preserving the past is critical for passing on knowledge and history
of the Lac du Bonnet area.
The Lac du Bonnet and District Museum opens every May long weekend with
an afternoon of celebration, social mixing
and the sharing of stories from days gone
by. The season ends with an outdoor event
at the museum grounds during the Labour
Day weekend.
Members of the Lac du Bonnet and
District Historical Society have converted
an old log cabin into a museum, which
is located near the bridge close to the
junction of Hwy 11 and PR 502. Inside
this charming and welcoming building,
visitors will find a vast array of exhibits
highlighting past activities, cultures and
pioneers of the region.
Members of the Society spend a great
deal of time researching the history of
the region and welcome donations of
old photographs and stories from the
past. They do this by engaging the community in a variety of events including
public forums, historical tours, regular
submissions to The Lac du Bonnet Clipper
and by hosting an annual fund raising
event that celebrates a component of the
region’s ethnic heritage.
During the past three years, the Historical Society has featured the history of
Latvian, French and Finnish settlers with
the help of descendants of local pioneers
who donated items and photos that are
now on permanent display at the museum.
7
John Angus Realty
204-345-2425
9 Park Ave, Lac du Bonnet • Fax: 204-345-2809
www.johnangusinfo.com
COTTAGE RETREAT • RETIREMENT HOME • FAMILY HOME
INVESTMENT PROPERTY • VACANT LAND
Kevin Edwards
Sales Associate
204-340-1009
CELL:
EMAIL: [email protected]
Cam Harland
Cam Harland
Sales Associate
204-340-1666
CELL:
EMAIL: [email protected]
Kevin Edwards
Discover Lac du Bonnet Cottage Country
Spectacular Golf, Fishing Galore, Boating, Camping, Hiking
Adventure, Skiing, Sailing, and tons of 4 Season Fun!
WATERFRONT SPECIALISTS
8
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Dock, Purgola, Patio and More...
Under $460K
Neat as a Pin, Well Maintained 2 BR,
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Under $620K
In 2015 the Shand Family of Pointe du
Bois donated a collection of lithic artefacts collected in the region, some dating
back 7,000 years. The collection of arrow
heads, scrapers, blades and pottery can
be viewed on site along with displays of
the fur trade era and an extensive display
of Lac du Bonnet’s rich aviation history.
The Museum sees its share of visitors. In addition to regional viewers and
those from across Canada, the staff have
had the pleasure of welcoming people
from around the world including New
Zealand, Ireland, China, Japan, Jamaica
and Saudi Arabia.
Historical Society activities are overseen by a volunteer board of directors
which includes representatives from the
Town of Lac du Bonnet, RM of Lac du
Bonnet, the Municipal Heritage Advisory
Committee, Lac du Bonnet Lions Club,
Pioneer Club and the Lac du Bonnet and
District Chamber of Commerce
Local history is always fascinating
and members of the Historical Society
believe that being aware of community
roots gives people a foundation on which
Mariam (Tuokko) Simoens provides family
artefacts for a display at the Historical Society’s
event celebrating the Finnish settlers of Lac du Bonnet.
to build for the future. Events and people
from the past can be seen throughout the
community where buildings and streets
are named after prominent figures. The
Historical Society believes that learning
about these people lends depth to the
character of the community, and that
this depth is worth preserving.
For more information about the Lac
du Bonnet Historical Society and Museum, please contact Terry Tottle at 204345-6329, or visit their website.
n
9
LAC DU BONNET LIONS CLUB
Canada Day
Celebrations
JULY 1-3 2016
COME JOIN US AT LAC DU BONNET
FOR CANADA DAYS!
WONDER SHOWS – Friday - Sunday, July 1 - 3, noon to closing
PANCAKE BREAKFAST – Friday & Saturday, July 1 & 2, from 9-11 am
CAR SHOW ’N SHINE – Sunday, July 3 on Second Street, overflow at the Community Centre Parking Lot
MIXED SLO-PITCH TOURNAMENT – Friday & Saturday, July 1 & 2
MISS MINNEWAWA PAGEANT – Sunday, July 3, 2 pm at the Community Centre
PARADE – Sunday, July 3, noon start time
FIREWORKS – Friday, July 1 at dusk, town dock (rain date Saturday, July 2)
FAMILY FUN ZONE / LIONS OASIS - Friday & Saturday, July 1 & 2 at the Community Centre
CHILDREN’S EVENTS – Saturday, July 2, 1-4 pm, petting zoo, face painting, barrel train rides - all free
BEER GARDEN & ENTERTAINMENT – Friday & Saturday, July 1 & 2
www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/lacdubonnetmbca/
https://www.facebook.com/LdBLionsClub/
FESTIVITIES ALL WEEKEND
10
Fun for the Whole Family!
Arts & Culture
Alina Vanderkerckhove
of Winnipeg enjoys
spending some time
at the Canada Day
Celebration’s
Petting Zoo.
Celebrating our
National Pride
By Mark T. Buss
Looking for a fantastic event for family and friends? Celebrate Canada Day weekend in Lac du Bonnet.
Put on by the Lac du Bonnet Lions Club, the July long weekend is packed with activities drawing people from around the
region. Over 120 volunteers take part in the three-day event
that is celebrated as a home coming for many local families.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, people can visit the
parking lot by the Lac du Bonnet Arena and Community Centre
to check out the farmer’s market, featuring a variety of home
grown food, arts and crafts from dozens of vendors.
Throughout the weekend, a midway located in the parking
lot by First Street offers a variety of rides and games for the
young and young at heart.
Across from the midway is the Lions’ beer garden, which
helps satisfy your thirst for a cold beverage on a hot summer day.
At dusk on Friday, the crowd gathers at the Lac du Bonnet
beach to watch what has become known as one of Canada’s
best fireworks displays. During the show, the crowd gazes in
awe as the sky and the water below flashes with almost 40
minutes of spectacular colour and light.
The Captain Canada Crew supervises boats on the water
keeping them at a safe distance with members of the Lac du
Bonnet and Pinawa fire departments carefully overseeing the
safety of the beach spectators.
The annual parade takes place on Sunday noon where children go the extra mile and celebrate the festivities by decorating
bicycles to ride among the floats and participants.
Following the parade, the Winnipeg River Car Club holds
its annual Show and Shine for visitors on Second Street and
beyond. The car show is on the grow and often spills over into
the Community Centre parking lot.
If your hungry, members of the Pioneer Club come out in
full force to cook and feed over 200 people at their Friday and
Saturday pancake breakfast. Vendors set up around town on
the parking lots to help compliment local restaurants with
a wide variety of tasty treats and provide a unique outdoor
shopping experience. There is also face painting and an animal
petting zoo.
For the sporting fan, a slo-pitch tournament takes place
on the long weekend behind the Lac du Bonnet Arena, where
parking is set up for teams to pitch a tent or trailer.
n
Buy or Sell
Real Estate
•COTTAGE RETREAT •FAMILY HOME •RETIREMENT HOME
•INVESTMENT PROPERTY •VACANT LAND
11
Fire & Water
Music Festival
By Arlene Davidson
The Fire & Water Festival doesn’t
play favourites reserving stage
time for all genres of music like
Winnipeg metal band Dark Mourning.
12
Lac du Bonnet’s Fire & Water Music Festival offers visitors an eclectic mix of some of Canada’s finest and upcoming
musical talent as well as the best the region offers in visual art,
over a three-day weekend truly designed for the entire family.
The grounds of the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre flood
with people during the August Long weekend as locals and
visitors arrive on the scene. The atmosphere of the festival is
open and friendly, and first time visitors are often amazed to
see musicians who have just came off stage, take a seat in the
audience to cheer on fellow performers. Over the years, this
lively event has provided a venue for independent artists to
showcase their talents and collaborate with musical peers in
a variety of workshops and impromptu performances.
The festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016
and organizers will no doubt add a few extra surprises to
their schedule.
The signature performance of the Wendigo Sol Barrage
draws a large gathering on Saturday night as the Sacred Flame
fire dancers and fellow festival performers tackle and conquer
the Wendigo – a mythical incarnate of greed – and restore
goodness to the world. The epic battle wows the audience
with daring feats of fire accompanied by haunting melodies
and exciting bursts of visual delight.
The Fire & Water Music Festival is a non-profit organization run by a dedicated group of volunteers who commit
countless hours to plan, organize and execute all aspects of the
festival. For more information, visit http://firenwater.ca n
Photo by Stu Iverson
A Children’s Pavilion with activities and performers geared
to the youngsters is a big hit with families with half price
admission for youth aged 13-18 and free admission to children
under 12.
Film buffs will enjoy the Short Film Festival films featuring the work of Manitoba cinematographers that has been
incorporated into the event, courtesy of former Lac du Bonnet
resident Dieter Stadnyk.
An Artisan Square is set up in the Children’s Pavilion, where
parents can do some shopping and try out a variety of craft and
artistic based activities as kids engage with the performers.
The Sacred Flame Dancers play a major
role in the signature performance of
the Wendigo Sol Barrage.
13
Young photographer,
Tyler Lemire, at
the Green Water
Art Show.
Winnipeg
River Arts
Council
By Donna Besel
In March of 2009, a group of interested individuals met to figure out how
to develop a regional arts council. This
group determined the Winnipeg River
corridor could benefit from an organization designed to promote local visual,
performing and literary arts.
After several months of consultation
and presentations, the Towns of Powerview/ Pine Falls and Lac du Bonnet, the
RMs of Lac du Bonnet and Alexander
and the Local Government District of
Pinawa agreed to support the concept
and provide funding.
By May 2011, a 10-member board was
Photo submitted by Donna Besel
formed, composed of two individuals
from each of these five municipal governments.
In July 2011, the WinROYAL MANITOBA
nipeg River Arts CounTHEATRE CENTRE
cil Inc. was incorporated.
PRODUCTION
WRAC’s stated goals include supporting and proThe Last
moting local artists and
Train to
arts organizations. It also
connecting people through art
seeks to raise awareness
Nibroc
of arts events, services,
Thank You to:
Sunday, Feb. 12
partnerships, workshops,
Town
of
Lac
du
Bonnet
• Promote awareness of the value and benefits of
2017
Local Government District of Pinawa
grants, talent developarts/culture
Rural Municipality of Alexander
ment opportunities and
• Market local artists and arts/culture programs,
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Town of Powerview/Pine Falls
events, services, resources and businesses
TO JOIN!
the many economic, health
Manitoba Hydro
• Provide arts education and talent development
and social benefits of arts
for
their
continuing
support.
for existing/emerging artists
and culture.
• Facilitate workshops and networking/partnership
Visit our website or OFFICE & GALLERY at
opportunities for artists and arts/culture groups
The WRAC board of
4
Park
Avenue
(Community
Futures
Building)
• Establish central contact and support agency for
directors
provides strategic
Open Tuesday & Thursday 9am - 12pm
communities, arts groups and artists
direction to advance the
arts council’s mission and
holds monthly meetings.
Our Function
winnipegriverarts.com
14
Since its formation, the board has worked hard and shown
much progress. They have developed organizational structures
and a constitution, conducted a regional arts inventory, set up
a website and Facebook page featuring local artists and arts
news and designed a logo.
They have also hired a part-time administrator, Jennifer
Hudson Stewart, who works in the Winnipeg River Community Futures Office in Lac du Bonnet and is there on Tuesday
and Thursday mornings.
In the future, WRAC hopes to expand into an even larger
area, including adjacent municipalities, First Nations communities and provincial parks located along the Winnipeg River
and the east shore of Lake Winnipeg, including provincial
parks east of Hwy 11 and north of PR 317.
WRAC artists create quilts, books, paintings, theatre, plays,
music, crafts, photography, woodcarvings, sculpture, needlework, pottery and much more. And if local people aren’t busy
making art, they are buying, viewing and collecting it.
Here are some of the projects WRAC has supported and
promoted: 4P Festival, Fire and Water Festival, Eastman
Judged Arts Shows, Green Water Art Show, Pinawa Art Gallery, photo exhibits, art tent show and sale on May long weekend, library events and displays, Pinawa Players, Eastern Manitoba Concert Association, school drama productions, musical
events, workshops, author readings and youth mentorships.
Every month, a WRAC artist or arts organizations is featured in the Lac du Bonnet Clipper and in the arts newsletter and
on the website.
In partnership with Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre,
WRAC brings professional theatre to Eastman. Touring
productions of MTC plays have been presented in Great Falls
(Miracle on South Division Street), Pinawa (Armstrong’s War)
and Lac du Bonnet (Hound of the Baskervilles).
Membership is open to artists, citizens, arts organizations
and businesses. They pay annual fees and have voting privileges
at annual general meetinga. Privileges include a subscription
to the WRAC newsletter and reduced rates for programs.
Membership forms are available on the WRAC website at
winnipegriverarts.com
Membership categories include individual, family and
student/senior (age 60-plus). Associate membership includes
tourists as well as non-resident users.
The non-profit organization category includes community arts organizations, schools, community centres, seniors
and other groups. Business membership includes for-profit
organizations.
The Winnipeg River corridor needed a regional arts council
- and now it has one! n
WRAC artists
Shirely Kurian and
Mary Louise Chown
in the Art Tent
May 16, 2015.
Photo submitted by Donna Besel
15
16
Who We Are
A Passion
for Plants
By Arlene Davidson
The iconic Manitoba Crocus.
Photo by Stu Iverson
The Agassiz Garden club attracts members from
throughout the region who share a love of plants and a
passion for gardening.
Members enjoy a fellowship founded on a common love
of gardening and all things green. They share their experiences and expertise at social gatherings, group tours and
workshop presentations.
This active group hosts a number of fun and informational
events during the year including an elegant garden show in
August where gardeners can enter plants, vegetables, baked
17
The Agassiz
Garden Club
creates a
colourful and
whimsical
atmosphere
at all their
events.
goods, preserves and hand crafted items in
competition for a coveted blue ribbon. This
two-day flower show is held at the Lac du
Bonnet Community Centre, and each year a
colour theme is selected to encourage local
and regional gardeners to compete.
Visitors will see over 400 entries at the
exhibit, providing an abundance of visual
delights. The club members set up a Court
of Honour for the best exhibit in each major
category and special Junior Gardener sections
for children aged 16 and under.
The members of the Agassiz Garden Club
create a colourful and whimsical atmosphere
at all their events, using their creative skills
to adorn the venues with décor appropriate
special touches to compliment event themes.
In July, the club sets up a Flower Display at
the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home.
In September, the members gather for a Pot
Luck Dinner and Plant Exchange. Gardeners
who would like to join the club are invited to
attend this event and learn about the organization and its programs.
A spring plant sale is the one annual fund
raiser that the club hosts. Proceeds collected
at the event help cover the cost of club activities. In addition to greenery, club members also
offer shoppers a selection of baked goods and
added a small flea market table to the 2015
event.
The Agassiz Garden Club meets the second
Wednesday of every month throughout the
winter at 6:30 p.m. at the St. John’s Anglican
Parish Hall in Lac du Bonnet. Gardeners in the
region who would like to become members
are welcome to attend. For more information,
please call 204-345-8419.
n
Renee Butchart delights the audience as
one of several models in a fashion show
at an Agassiz Garden Club workshop at
the Pioneer Club in Lac du Bonnet.
18
Owen Hirst
assists magician
‘Mr. Ken’ during
a performance
organized and
presented by the
Lac du Bonnet
Children’s Centre.
A Place
for Kids
By Arlene Davidson
The Lac du Bonnet Children’s Centre, located at
285 McArthur Avenue in Lac du Bonnet, provides
daycare and after school programs for children and
families in Lac du Bonnet.
The Centre provides space for 70 preschool and
school age children, and is open from 9 a.m. until 6
p.m. Monday to Friday.
Director Arlene Rollins oversees activities and
provides guidance to 15 staff members, who keep
the young participants active and engaged in a
variety of activities while at the facility.
The busy Preschool and Infant Care programs
run at full capacity with waiting lists, but space
is generally available for the after school program
providing students a safe and fun place to wait to
be picked up by parents and guardians.
“The children play outside every day - weather
permitting - do Kindergarten readiness, crafts,
water/sand play, imaginative play, go to the various parks and take walks to community places or
events,” said Rollins.
The staff members also plan special events
including a spa day and performances by visiting
entertainers.
The centre is located within Centennial School
in Lac du Bonnet, providing many opportunities
for the youngsters to participate in activities with
the Kindergarten and Grade 1 and 2 students.
This overlap of activities helps promote an easy
transition from preschool to Kindergarten since
the children are already familiar with the facility
and many of the school staff members.
Last fall, the Lac du Bonnet Children’s Centre
treated youngsters to a performance of the Mr. Ken
Show in celebration of National Child Day. The
performance took place in the Centennial School
Gym and the Grade 1 and 2 classes were invited to
join the preschoolers for the entertaining show.
“The staff at the Centre work hard to create a
fun, educational experience,” added Rollins.
For more information about the Lac du Bonnet
Children’s Centre, call 204-345-2608 or e-mail
[email protected]
n
19
Children enjoy story time at
Little Buddies Nursery School.
Little Day Buddies
Nursery School
By Arlene Davidson
Since 1993, the Little Day Buddies Nursery School located
at 40 Park Avenue has been providing a safe and stimulating
environment for Lac du Bonnet children aged two to six by
fostering creativity, exploring and learning. The busy nursery
school has over 250 past and present member families.
“Our early childhood program is designed to encourage the
social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development of the
children and families it serves in the community,” said Janice
Enright, director of Little Buddies Nursery School.
The facility is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,
offering half day sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and from 12:30
to 3:30 p.m. Full day programs are also available. The Day Care
is open during the months of September through June and is
closed July and August.
20
During their time at the program, children participate in
arts, crafts, games, Kindergarten readiness, and enjoy guest
speakers and outings.
“Our nursery school program is based on the understanding that through play, children will learn and retain concepts
more readily,” said Enright, explaining that these concepts
will help children develop a positive self-image and school
readiness skills.
“Our goal is to provide a healthy foundation in life for the
children and families of Lac du Bonnet and the surrounding
area,” she said.
For more information about Little Buddies Nursery School,
please contact Enright at 204-345-2861 during Nursery School
hours.
n
Lac du Bonnet
Farmer’s
Market
By Dianne Hamill
The motto says it all… “If you make it,
bake it, grow it or pick it, you can sell it.”
For 26 years, vendors at the Lac du
Bonnet Farmer’s Market have been doing just that. Offering traditional market
fare like farm fresh vegetables and baked
goods, the market also serves as a showcase for artists and artisans from Lac du
Laurie Jamieson of Whitehorse,
Yukon looks over vegetable offerings
at the Two Peas in a Pod at the
Lac du Bonnet Farmers’ Market.
Photo by Keith Borkowsky
Bonnet and surrounding communities
– even Winnipeg.
“There’s absolutely everything here,”
Angie Arthur, president of the Lac du
Bonnet Farmer’s Market, said about the
variety of items available. “Honey, crafts,
clothing, meat, outdoor furniture – you
name it, it’s here.”
In keeping with the market’s philosophy, everything available at the market
must be either home grown or handmade
– no commercial products can be sold.
Started in 1990, the market has expanded over the years from five vendors
to over 40.
Running Saturdays beginning the
May long weekend to mid-October,
Arthur said the market can see over 1,000
visitors on long weekends throughout
the busy summer months.
“Once the vegetables start coming in,
it gets crazy.”
While many people have their ‘must
have’ items – heading straight to a favourite vendor to pick up a coveted loaf
of homemade bread or jar of jam – once
on site, many visitors will discover a
new expected ‘must have’ while strolling
through the various stalls and displays.
“Almost everyone has their old favourites they zone in on, but there’s always
something new to see,” Arthur said.
But the market offers more than just
a chance to do a little shopping.
“It takes people back to their roots,”
Arthur said about the continued appeal
of the farmer’s market. “It’s a meeting
place… it’s about meeting people and
getting together. It’s the whole feeling
you get when you’re there.”
The Lac du Bonnet Farmer’s Market
runs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
in the parking lot of the Lac du Bonnet
Community Centre beginning the May
long weekend and running until midOctober.
n
21
Lac du Bonnet Food Bank
Feeding the Region
By Arlene Davidson
In operation since 2001, the Lac du
Bonnet & Area Food Bank is an important charitable organization that receives
donated food and money and distributes
it to those in need in Lac du Bonnet and
the communities of Great Falls, Hollow
Water First Nation, the RM of Lac du
Bonnet, Little Black River First Nation,
Manigotagan, Pinawa, Powerview-Pine
Falls, Sagkeeng First Nation and Seven
Sisters Falls.
The dedicated volunteers are on duty
every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at
55 McArthur Street. The Food Bank’s
services are also available to families
experiencing temporary emergency situations and to stranded travellers.
The Food Bank receives support in
donations of cash and non-perishable
food items. Monetary donations are used
to purchase extra food and to pay rent,
utilities and operating expenses. All the
work in coordinating donations and
distribution is performed by volunteers
- there is no payroll involved.
The Food Bank is well supported in
the community and board members acknowledge the many volunteers whom
they rely on to help deliver this important
service including local churches, schools,
Olan Zirk, Boden Scott and Andrea
Maxwell unload nonperishable
items collected for the Food Bank by
students and staff of Centennial School.
22
service clubs, town councils, local businesses, newspapers and resource centres
that rally together.
The Lac du Bonnet Lions Club coordinates two annual Food Drives with
the help of local students and studentage organizations such as the Royal
Canadian Air Cadet Squadron No. 249
Beausejour, providing regular boosts to
the Food Bank inventory.
In October, students from the Lac du
Bonnet Senior School and Centennial
School partake in the We Scare Hunger
initiative, contributing hundreds of
pounds of nutritious, non-perishable
food items for the cause.
Just in time for Christmas, the CN
Holiday Train makes its regular stop in
Whitemouth where the local Lions Club
organizes the celebration and collects
donations of cash and non-perishable
food items. All private and corporate donations collected at this event are shared
equally between the Food Banks in Lac
du Bonnet and Beausejour.
Past treasurer Gil Godin reported that
in 2015, the Lac du Bonnet & Area Food
Bank provided food to 3,378 people; an
increase of 560 adults and children as
compared to the previous operating year.
The largest increase in statistics was
seen in the communities of Sagkeeng,
Great Falls, Powerview-Pine Falls, Fort
Alexander and Little Black River, where
an additional 261 adults and 224 children
received service.
During this same time period, the
Lac du Bonnet & Area Food Bank distributed over 39,500 pounds of food over 3,400 pounds more than last year,
Godin said.
Last year, the Lac du Bonnet & Area
Food Bank received a Health Promotion
Recognition Award from the InterlakeEastern Regional Health Authority for
a joint project coordinated with a local
nutritionist and Mrs. Lucci’s Family
Resource Centre. The project was funded with a grant from
Healthy Together Now to enable clients to make delicious
and nutritious meals using Food Bank supplies.
“The clients prepare a meal together, set a beautiful table,
eat together and learn about safe storage of food as well
as simple, affordable recipes. It’s a good place for them to
socialize and receive moral support,” explained past chair
Barbara Sabanski.
Patricia Terra currently holds the position of chair of
the Food Bank, serving with vice chair Marie Metselaar,
treasurer Eva Lussier and secretary Carol Lesko. Additional
volunteers provide valuable support services including the
keeping of statistics, coordinating in-take and distribution,
ensuring healthy protein sources, facility management and
volunteer coordination.
For more information about the Lac du Bonnet & Area
Food Bank, call 204-345-9807.
n
Pat Terra
and Marie
Metselaar sort
through the
Whitemouth
Lions Holiday
Train donation.
23
Winnipeg River
Car Club
By Arlene Davidson
The Winnipeg River Car Club is a registered
non-profit organization that was established
in 2002 when Daryll Hyslop and Dale Hiscock
chipped in for an ad to see if other people like
themselves had a passion for automobiles. The
ad brought immediate returns, confirming that
many like minded enthusiasts supported the
idea of forming a club.
Hyslop and Hiscock did not want to restrict
membership, so they chose their name to embrace all of the Winnipeg River communities
including Whitemouth, Seven Sisters Falls,
Pinawa, Selkirk and Powerview-Pine Falls.
The Winnipeg River Car Club is registered
with the Manitoba Automobile Association,
and there are currently 23 group members who
either own antique or classic vehicles, or have a
general interest in club activities. The purpose
of this organization is to promote the preservation, restoration and admiration of all vehicles
by showing vehicles in tours and displays.
This avid group of automobile enthusiasts
is committed to supporting the community as
well. Members of the Winnipeg River Car Club
24
travel the region for shows and participate in
organized events to raise money for a variety of
causes. The money they raise through events is
allocated to special projects and to charitable
organizations in the region.
The club has made many donations over
the years to numerous organizations in the
region including the Lac du Bonnet Food Bank,
Fire Department, Canada Day Fireworks and
Christmas Hamper Program. The youth centres in Lac du Bonnet and Pinawa have also
benefited from financial contributions from the
club and other notable support has been provided to the Pinawa Hospital Ladies Auxiliary,
Great Falls Recreation Hall, Community Family
Committee and the Lac du Bonnet Personal
Care Home.
The barbecue at the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre was built by members of the
Winnipeg River Car Club, who also contributed funding for the outdoor skating rink at
Centennial School. The club has established
an annual scholarship for a graduating student
from Lac du Bonnet Senior School who will be
pursuing a career in the automotive trades.
The Winnipeg River Car Club recruits mem-
bers by word of mouth and through their presence at Show
and Shine events and competitive car shows throughout the
region. Anyone with an interest in automobiles is welcome
to join, owning a classic car is not a requirement.
The club has two car shows in this area confirmed for this
year - one in Lac du Bonnet on 2nd Street on Sunday, July
3 and one in Pinawa on Saturday, July 16 on Marine Drive.
The big event of the year takes place on the July long weekend in conjunction with the Lions Canada Day Celebrations.
Over the years the show has grown substantially with well
over 100 vehicles entered.
The car shows are competitive events and all entries must
pay a registration fee to participate. Friends and family support the members by providing food booths and help out with
raffles at the events. Proceeds from sales are generated back
into the community.
The 2016 executive is led by president Jim Pusiewich,
secretary Armand Juenke and treasurer Allan Holm. Club
founder, Daryll Hyslop represents The Winnipeg River Car
Club at the Manitoba Association of Auto Clubs meetings
held in Winnipeg. The club members are in the process of
confirming other events for 2016, and updates will be posted
on their Facebook page.
The Winnipeg River Car Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first
Tuesday of each month from March to December at Brookfield
Auto Body on McArthur Avenue in Lac du Bonnet. For more
information about the club contact Pusiewich at 204-3452742 or [email protected]
n
Andy Clark shows off his 1946 Chevy
truck at the Winnipeg River Car Club
Show and Shine at the 2015 Canada
Day Celebration in Lac du Bonnet.
25
26
27
Sobering
Funeral Chapel & Crematorium
1035 Park Ave E., Beausejour, MB
Phone: 204-268-3510 or
MB Toll Free: 1-877-776-2220
On Site State-of-the-Art Crematorium
450+ Seat Chapel • Wheelchair Accessible • Ample Parking
Personal and Professional 24 Hour Service
Pre-Arranged Funerals ~ Licensed and Bonded
Serving All Faiths in Lac du Bonnet, Beausejour,
Pine Falls, Oakbank and North Eastern Manitoba
28
Photo by Michelle Grimmelt
Lac du Bonnet
Community Centre
By Michelle Grimmelt
The Lac du Bonnet Community Centre embodies the heart
and soul of Lac du Bonnet, and is a remarkable testament to
the vibrant spirit of the people who live, work and play here.
Situated in the Town of Lac du Bonnet, the Centre, a
registered non-profit organization, relies on a core group of
volunteers, along with a small staff, to keep it humming. It
houses a four-sheet curling rink, complete with upstairs lounge,
a four-lane bowling alley, and the community hall. With both
the bowling alley and the curling rink operating as individual
clubs under a “shared-use” agreement, it is the hall which is
the mainstay of revenue for the Centre. With a seating capacity of 539, it is able to offer a public venue unlike any other in
the community.
The hall springs to life sponsoring events such as the Polar
Bear Dare, the Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting, and the
Eastman Juried Art Exhibit, to name just a few.
With the focus being on ‘all things community,’ the Centre
is also home to such annual events as the Lac du Bonnet Ice
Fishing Derby, the Ducks Unlimited fund raising dinner and
the Wildlife Association fund raising banquet.
“We keep our rates reasonable, as it is our mission to partner
together with organizations that give back to the community,”
said Kim Buhay, facility administrator for the Centre since 2010.
Numerous non-profit organizations that fit a certain criteria, such as the Lac du Bonnet Centennial School Christmas
Concert, the Historical Society’s annual wine and cheese event,
and the Lions Club are also given the advantage of the reduced
‘community event’ rate when promoting community spirit or
hosting fund raisers.
The hall is often utilized for weddings, socials, meetings,
funerals, forums, training classes, shows and multi-day events.
It boasts a fully equipped kitchen available for caterers, coffee
service, a stage and sound system, tables and chairs, and ample
free parking. As the option to offer bar service is on site, renters are able to apply to the MLCC for their own event liquor
permit.
As well, the hall can offer smaller venues within the premises
to accommodate smaller groups at reduced rates. The bowling alley is also available for rent for bowling parties, and the
curling club can be made available in off-season.
The Lac du Bonnet Community Centre’s most recent acquisition for off-setting some of the costs of operating and
maintaining the large facility, is an electronic message centre.
Not only does the new sign promote the in-house facilities, but
it is also available for rent through the Centre as an advertising
medium for businesses, community groups or other ventures.
“Operating costs to run the facilities are quite high, and
Facility administrator
Kim Buhay fronts
the Lac du Bonnet
Community Centre stage.
important fund raising initiatives, as well as donations, are key
to running the Centre efficiently,” explained Buhay.
The Centre was completed in March, 1999, as a result of
a collaborate vision among residents and volunteers. With
a community phone survey spearheaded by Marlene Rollins
in 1997 on the need for such a facility, 88 per cent of the 780
households called were favourable, with 98 per cent agreeing
the centre should include a hall, bowling lanes and a youth
centre. Over 91 per cent said they wanted the hall to have a
capacity for 400 to 500 people.
The effort then kicked into high gear with the first organizational meeting taking place in November 1997. A core
group of 36 people, headed by former Cabinet Minister Ken
MacMaster, included volunteers, local governments and community residents.
By August, 1998, the 1.2 million dollar tender was awarded
and the completion of the facility was celebrated by an inaugural dinner in March 1999.
“Without the never ending hard work and commitment
from the board of directors and it’s fund raising committee,
along with numerous community volunteers who donated
their time and effort throughout the years, the Centre would
not be the success it is today,” said Buhay.
With tens of thousands of people enjoying the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre every year, it is more than just a success
- it is the fabric that binds the community’s vibrant spirit! n
29
30
Founding a
Community
By Arlene Davidson
The Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation, Inc.
was established in 2008 to create a better community for today,
tomorrow and forever by investing in nonprofit organizations
and service clubs throughout the region.
The Foundation invests and manages gifted funds and distributes the generated annual earnings to qualified groups for
local charitable purposes.
The Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation was
established by a number of community-minded people who
recognized how hard volunteer organizations work to provide
and raise funds for important charitable purposes within the
community. These founding members took the lead from other
communities that started foundations knowing the investment
earnings could be used to support community projects.
The Foundation consults with citizens and community
based organizations to fully understand the needs of the community and to share their vision. Grants from the Foundation
have helped fund important community projects including
the Lion’s accessible play structure in Leslie Park, the Lac du
Bonnet Wildlife Ponds Development and the Lac du Bonnet
Community Centre outdoor sign.
“Recently-established donor directed funds are providing bursaries to assist deserving students in furthering their
post-secondary education,” said John Barnard, Foundation
president, adding the caring and generous spirit of the citizens of Lac du Bonnet play a role in making it a more livable
community.
For more information about the Lac du Bonnet & District
Charitable Foundation visit their website or call Barnard at
204-345-2118.
n
Lions Mike Roy and Roland Simard are grateful to belong to one of many local
organizations to have received grants from the Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable
Foundation, Inc., represented here by Michelle Wazny and Maury Rutherford.
31
By Mel Stefaniuk
For over seven decades, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch
No. 164 Lac du Bonnet has been serving the veterans of the area
and it remains a vital cornerstone of the community.
The Royal Canadian Legion as a whole came to be in 1926 to
help cope with the aftermath of the First World War. Between
1914 and 1918, roughly 61,000 Canadians were killed, 172,000
wounded and 130,000 medically discharged as a result of their
military service.
Several veteran organizations had existed before the war
and many were started after it ended, but they were scattered
throughout the country and were too regimented to meet the
mass demand for veteran support that post-industrial revolution war would require.
In November 1925, 12 of these veteran organizations met
32
Royal Canadian
Legion Branch
No. 164
Lac du Bonnet
in Winnipeg for a Unity Conference. By the following summer, the Royal Canadian Legion had formed and became a
self-supporting organization fighting on behalf of veterans
and their families.
Today there over 300,000 members of the Royal Canadian
Legion in more than 1,400 branches across Canada.
Lac du Bonnet’s Branch No. 164 received its charter on
Sept. 26, 1945 with the Ladies Auxiliary unit forming in 1946.
During these years, the Royal Canadian Legion advocated
Photo by Mel Stefaniuk
for improved pension legislation and other benefits for veterans
and their families, helped prepare serving men for their return
to civilian life and helped bring veterans together in close
comradeship.
On a local level during this time, Branch No. 164 was in
charge of the outdoor skating rink, sponsored hockey teams
and other skaters. The Ladies Auxiliary canvassed for local
charities and annual Christmas parties were held for members
and their families.
In 1948, the Royal Canadian Legion was given the responsibility to safeguard the Poppy as the sacred symbol of the sacrifice
of our veterans and have been in charge of distributing them
through communities annually ever since.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 164 Lac du Bonnet
of today proudly carries on those traditions that were started
70 years ago and has managed to remain one of the largest and
most active branches in the province with over 300 members
in their ranks.
Found at 45 McArthur Ave. in the centre of Lac du Bonnet
for the majority of its time since forming, a massive overhaul in
the 1980s saw the addition of a lounge, office space and catering
kitchen to the building.
These additions have not only benefited the members of the
branch and veterans of the area, but nearly all residents of Lac
du Bonnet as they have cemented the building as one of the key
locations for community happenings.
Branch 164 president Gail Conrad Davey is hopeful that the
branch will continue to thrive as the Legion always has something to offer any prospective member.
“Everybody joins the Legion for different reasons. I became a
member because both of my parents were veterans,” Davey said.
“I believe the Legion will continue to evolve to meet the needs
of anyone who might show interest in joining.”
In recent years, the Legion has recognized RCMP and Peace
Officers as veterans. Being a veteran isn’t required for membership, and anyone is welcome and encouraged to join.
“Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of veterans
and their families and that’s a mission open to anyone,” Davey
said. “We’re the Keepers of Remembrance and that’s an important role to continue.
n
Branch 164 president Gail Conrad
Davey, Sergeant-at-Arms Trevor
Jenvenne and Ladies Auxiliary
President Jackie Hampshire.
33
34
Lac du Bonnet
Regional Library
By Michelle Grimmelt
One of the many jewels in Lac du Bonnet’s crown is
her Library. Located on Third Street, this contemporary
3,800-square-foot building offers patrons more than 21,000
titles, both current and classic, as well as many more through
its Provincial Inter-Library Loans Program.
In keeping with the technologies of the 21st Century, it
has grown to provide much more than literary publications.
The Lac du Bonnet Regional Library also boasts Wi-Fi, public
computers, eBooks, and applications on their website such
as Global Road Warrior (a travel database), and EBSCOhost
(online general research database).
It also supplies a warm and inviting atmosphere in which to
relax and catch up on current events, re-read one of the classics,
or indulge in brand new fiction, either on the premises or by
borrowing the material.
As a hub in the community, the Lac du Bonnet Regional
Library is also host to numerous annual events such as Celebrating Stories, Pyjama Night, Artists off the Avenue, Summer
Reading Programs and Family Literacy Night to name just a
few.
35
Photo by Michelle Grimmelt
Head librarian
Vickie Short (left)
and Janice
Hoffman, Library
public services
coordinator.
This past January, the Library held
a celebration commemorating the 25th
anniversary of being housed in their building at 84 – 3rd Street.
The arduous road that led to
the realization of this dream
had humble beginnings in 1956,
when Mrs. Helen P. Smith,
a resident of Lac du Bonnet,
began what she dubbed “a travelling library” in her own home. Mrs. Smith
graciously gave liberally of her time and her
home in order to offer free literary material
to the area residents of Lac du Bonnet. At
that time (and still to this day), many
books were generously donated. Before
long, Mrs. Smith’s home was bursting
at the seams with books and magazines.
After 15 years, illness made it impossible for Mrs. Smith to continue to house the
library in her home. It was subsequently moved
into the Northern Store in the early 1970s.
The ensuing seven years saw a vast collection of volunteers present surveys, organize
petitions and lobby to secure library space.
Their efforts, up to that point, resulted in
the library being given a room in the Seniors
School.
With the continued vision for a
Public Library in Lac du Bonnet,
volunteers persisted in their campaign. Through tenacious hard
work, dedication and commitment,
their goal was finally realized. The
Government of Manitoba recognized
the Lac du Bonnet Library and began
funding it in 1980.
By April 1, 1981, the Library was on
the move again, and opened the next
set of doors in Suite 1 - 70 Park Avenue. As the
Library’s collection grew, and more space was
required, it expanded into two suites.
By October 1989, with both the growing
public interest and growing collection of items,
the Library Board made the essential decision to
build its own custom designed facility. With an
initial price tag of $285,000, fund raising began
in earnest. The Town of Lac du Bonnet provided
the property on 3rd Street, and the present-day
facility was completed in January 1991.
The Lac du Bonnet Regional Library is a recognized non-profit organization with a small
staff of six employees, five of which are parttime. It is funded by the Town and RM of Lac
du Bonnet and the Province of Manitoba under
Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport & Consumer
Protection. The Library also relies on grants,
fund raising, donations and the continued (and
much appreciated) cache of volunteers.
“It is the patrons and the volunteers who
are the spine of the Library,” said head librarian
Vickie Short, who began her tenure with the
library 20 years ago as a volunteer.
Short moved to Lac du Bonnet in May of
1991, a few months after the library opened its
doors on 3rd Street. She said signing up for her
library membership was one of her first priorities after settling in.
“I feel fortunate to be a part of the library
in our community and what we offer residents
and visitors,” Short recounted. “I love coming
to work every day. I have a hard working staff
and it’s a great place.”
Membership to the library is free for all residents of the Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet,
as well as taxpayers in the RM of Alexander/
Bird River residents. Non-residents are offered
membership at a nominal fee. n
R.V. PARK
Lac du Bonnet
Manitoba
36
Reservations Call:
204-345-2414
Lac du Bonnet
Lions Club
The Lac du Bonnet Lions Club supports and enhances life
in Lac du Bonnet in immeasurable ways.
Members give their continued and gracious donation of time
to many annual Lions Club events and support countless other
community groups in their activities and causes. Their motto
‘We Serve’ is taken very seriously and is evidenced by the high
level of club service within the community for over 52 years.
Although their support and contributions have been significant, their accomplishments often go unnoticed. Club members
work tirelessly behind the scenes and ask for little recognition.
The Lions coordinate a variety of activities for the Lac du
Bonnet Canada Day Weekend Celebration and orchestrate one
of the best fireworks displays in Canada. They have also kept
busy in recent times with projects like converting Leslie Park
into a wheelchair accessible green space with a playground to
accommodate children with physical limitations, and hosting
their annual Seniors Christmas Dinner.
The Lions Club also initiates Spring and Fall Food Drives
with local students, collecting non-perishable items for the Lac
du Bonnet and Area Food Bank. They provide essential vol-
unteer support at
Blood Donor
Clinics, the
annual Polar Bear
Dare, the Lac du Bonnet Ice
Fishing Derby and the Community Christmas Tree Lighting.
Our local Lions also help the broader community through
initiatives such as the Lions Eye Bank and the Lions Dog
Guides programs.
Family events hosted by Centennial School and organizers
of the Rod Demoline Golf Tournament can count on the Lions
Club to feed visitors by setting up their barbecue and serving
hotdogs to event attendees.
The Lions make time for seniors by paying regular visits and
by providing entertainment at local facilities and are actively
involved in fund raising for a new Personal Care Home for the
region. Club members also serve as regular volunteers at Mrs.
Lucci’s Family Resource Centre and international projects such
as sponsoring a Medical Fund to assist those less fortunate and
to assist with disaster relief.
The Lions Club experienced growth in 2015 with the induc-
Lions
volunteers
regularly
set up their
barbecue and
cook hot dogs
at community
events.
Photo by Brian Choptain
By Arlene Davidson
37
Dispensory
204-345-2232
Front Counter
204-345-6154
38
The Lions Club engaged community
volunteers in a project to install
a wheelchair accessible play
structure at Leslie Park.
tion of many new members
who recognized the importance of the work performed
by the club. One of the busiest
volunteer organizations in Lac
du Bonnet, new members say
they have been attracted to
join for many reasons including a desire to give back and
support their local community in a variety of ways.
“The very welcomed new
members are most appreciated as they bring a renewed
life and energy to the club, ”
said Lion Rolly Simard. “As
well, new points of view mean
diverse and creative responses
to helping meet the community’s needs.”
Hanna Juenke was inducted into the club on April 26,
2015 stating that service provides a spiritual connection
between the community and
the community minded group.
“You may not have to be
a Lion member to have this
kind of connection with the
community, but for me, there
is nothing better than sharing
the connection with those
who are focused, community
minded people like the Lac
du Bonnet Lions club,” said
Juenke. “Sharing pride in our
PRESCRIPTIONS
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PHOTO SUPPLIES
GREETING CARDS
GIFTWARE
29 Park Avenue
MAGAZINES
Lac du Bonnet
Store Hours:
Monday to Saturday 9:30 am- 6:00 pm
Closed Sunday
community and working together to achieve the best for
all people in our community
makes the world a better place
by taking leadership roles to
improve our community one
project at a time.”
“The Lions have me in
awe for all the years of doing
for our community and for
the difference that each and
every one of them makes for
us,” said recently inducted
Lion, Lisa Plischke. “I joined
so that I could be an example
for future generations and
to also encourage my own
generation to join and help to
make Lac du Bonnet a thriving
community with something to
offer every age.
For more information
about the Lac du Bonnet Lions Club, please call 204-3459910 or visit their website.
n
Mrs. Lucci’s
Family Resource
Centre
By Arlene Davidson
Mrs. Lucci’s Family Resource Centre has been an integral
part of Lac du Bonnet since August 1998, providing a variety
of programs and services to residents in the community and
surrounding area.
Developed through a partnership of the public health branch
of the North Eastman Health Association (now the Interlake
Eastman Regional Health Association), Centennial School
(then part of the former Agassiz School Division) and the Lac
du Bonnet Chamber of Commerce, the multi-service resource
centre was developed through the identification of various
needs within the region.
When the Chamber of Commerce saw a need for a second
hand store to draw the cottagers into the community, the
school needed a place to teach practical living skills in a real life
setting. At the same time, the public health nurse had clients
in need of affordable clothing and a place for clients to go and
feel a part of the community.
Mrs. Lucci’s came to the rescue opening a used clothing
and accessories store from their 76 Third Street location. The
facility also houses staff offices, a teaching kitchen, cafe space
Deb Schweder (left) and Torrie Ferens help coordinate and deliver
a variety of services through Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre.
39
Mrs. Lucci’s
has given
over $170,000
back to the
community
and has been
the recipient
of several
prestigious
awards.
and a large multipurpose room.
In May 2015, Mrs. Lucci’s added a used furniture store to their list of services. Located at
67 Park Avenue (at Fourth Street), Lucci’s Too!
Fabulous Finds on Fourth provides gently used
household items at affordable prices.
“We are very excited about this new
project. My program supports adults that face
barriers in life, and the furniture store will
provide an environment where employmentrelated activities and life skills can be taught
and developed,” said Deb Schweder, program
coordinator and store manager.
In addition to selling used furniture, the
outlet also up-cycles furniture, providing clients experience in refinishing, repairing and
painting donated items.
Clients also develop skills such as handling
cash, inventory, communication, socializing
and being part of the community-at-large
while working in the store.
“Lucci’s Too! provides our clients the opportunity to integrate more fully into the
community,” said Schweder.
Torrie Ferens, community outreach worker,
said that a furniture store was an obvious expansion for Lucci’s.
“We get a lot of calls from people looking
to donate furniture, but we just do not have
room for it in the second hand store,” explained
Ferens.
In the past, Lucci’s staff members have coordinated these donations by contacting specific
clients who they know are in need of certain
household items, and help organize pick up
and delivery on their behalf.
Mrs. Lucci’s provides services and supports
to over 300 individuals in the community
and actively participates in several community events such as hosting Safe Kids Week,
a wellness clinic, and is a partner in a pre-
Kindergarten event for children aged three to
four years old called Ready, Set, Grow.
A variety of Healthy Child Manitoba programs also run out of Mrs. Lucci’s Resource
Centre including a babysitting course, the
Home Alone program, After School Friendship programs, Grade 6 Girl’s Club, Kid’s in
the Kitchen and parent/child coffee groups.
Mrs. Lucci’s also supports early years students at Centennial School providing funds
to purchase school supplies and covering the
costs for a skating program at the Lac du Bonnet Arena.
Adult programs include a supported
living program for individuals with cognitive disabilities and an educational program
designed around the particular strengths of
each student.
In partnership with the Sunrise School
Division, Mrs. Lucci’s provides an alternative
classroom to support students who are not
achieving success in the regular high school
program.
The community generously donates all
merchandise sold at Mrs. Lucci’s. As a way for
them to give back to local service groups, they
are given the opportunity to work the store for
six days within a two-week period, receiving
up to $500 for their charity as part of a profit
sharing program.
Since inception in 1998, Mrs. Lucci’s has
given over $170,000 back to the community
and has been the recipient of several prestigious awards including The Peter Drucker
Award for Canadian Non-Profit Innovation,
The Minister’s Award for Excellence and
Innovation and a Heroes of Mental Health
Award in 2011.
For more information on Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre please visit www.mrsluccis.com
or call 204-345-9909. n
204-345-8666
Monday to Friday
8am-5:30pm
Saturday 9am-2pm
SERVICE IS THE DIFFERENCE - WE GET IT
#148 PR 317 • LAC DU BONNET
40
Lac du Bonnet’s
Pioneer Club
Skip Shirley
Goerzen lines up a
shot at the annual
Floor Curling
Tournament at
the Pioneer Club.
By Arlene Davidson
The Pioneer Club offers a gathering place for coffee and a
chat, and also provides organized, healthy living opportunities
for residents in the area.
Located at 32 Park Avenue in Lac du Bonnet, the club offers
a wide-variety of activities and services for members and guests
aged 50 years and up.
Floor curling is a popular and fun activity that provides
some low impact exercise for the Pioneer Club members. The
club hosts an annual floor curling tournament and is known
in southern Manitoba as having one of the best facilities in
the province for this enjoyable pastime. The Pioneer Club installed Wi-Fi service last year to provide internet access to its
members and guests. Home to a full service kitchen, the facility
offers light, affordable meals over the lunch hour.
In addition to providing a drop-in centre for members, the
Pioneer Club is a wonderful venue for other community groups
to host events. The age-friendly facility offers no restrictions
for people with mobility issues and the kitchen facility and
home cooked meals are an added attraction.
Club members hold an annual bake sale to raise funds for the
facility and the event is highly regarded and well attended by
people from the region. The generous display of home cooked
sweets, and the Pioneer Club’s signature perogies, cabbage
rolls and other prepared entrees, are generally sold out within
the first two hours of the event.
The members of the Pioneer Club offer volunteer support
to other service groups
in the area by providing
facility use and meals at
their events. The popular
pancake breakfast served
during Lac du Bonnet’s
Canada Day Weekend Celebration organized by the
Lion’s Club, is one example
of their many community
partnerships.
Residents and visitors
to the region 50 years of age
and older are welcome to
drop in at the Pioneer Club
and take part in the activities. Annual memberships
are also available.
For more information,
call the Pioneer Club at
204-345-8333.
n
41
Lac du Bonnet
Youth and
Recreation Centre
By Arlene Davidson
The Lac du Bonnet Youth and Recreation Centre, located
on the upper floor of 55 McArthur Street, provides a safe,
supervised environment where local youth can gather and
participate in a variety of leisure activities.
Participants in the program can share some physical fun
playing pool, foosball, table tennis, table basketball or enjoy
more sedentary activities such as video games or movies in the
computer lab set up at the facility.
In March 2015, the Town of Lac du Bonnet invested $35,000
into The Lac du Bonnet Youth and Recreation Centre including
bathroom and kitchen renovations, the addition of an office,
electrical upgrades, new paint and the installation of sound
barrier carpets among other things.
In addition to the structural improvements, several new
pieces of recreational equipment were purchased to provide
youth with a larger variety of activities.
“The town obtained grant funding in the amount of $11,000
through the Community Places Program and the remainder
was borne by the town,” explained Michelle Wazny, CAO of
the Town of Lac du Bonnet.
The new office provides a quiet workspace for facility staff
members and serves as the headquarters of the regional Student
Employment Centre during the summer.
In addition to bringing youth and employers together for
summer jobs, this service also coordinates and schedules placements for Lac du Bonnet’s Odd Job Squad.
“This nice, bright, clean space has lifted our spirits and we
thank everyone who made it possible,” said Linda Wodchyc,
youth coordinator at the rec centre.
The Lac du Bonnet Youth and Recreation Centre is open
on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., and
from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and is available to youth
ages 12-18.
For more information, please contact Wodchyc at 204345-2792.
n
Staff and youth participants enjoy a lively game of foosball
at the Lac du Bonnet Youth and Recreation Centre.
42
Sports & Recreation
Winnipeg River
Recreation District
By Donna Watts
The Winnipeg River Recreation District (Lac du Bonnet/Pinawa Recreation
Commission) is a non-profit community
based organization that was developed in
1981 by the Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet, LGD of Pinawa, Agassiz School Division (now the Sunrise School Division),
and the School District of Whiteshell.
The board is comprised of representatives of these partner organizations and
community members from the three
municipal areas. The Winnipeg River
Recreation District (WRRD) also employs two year-round staff members. The
board and staff work together to provide
community recreation services to residents, visitors and recreation groups in
the Winnipeg River area.
Specifically, the WRRD:
- Ensures a wide variety of recreation
opportunities for residents and visitors
of all ages and abilities;
- Serves as a community resource to
support and enhance recreation in the
region; and
- Aids in and promotes the development of healthy residents and communities.
By:
- Coordinating and promoting sport,
recreation, leisure and culture programs,
events and services;
- Fostering partnerships and communication between the communities
and recreation stakeholders;
- Providing required advice and resources to recreation groups;
- Partnering with recreation groups to
provide events and programs;
- Increase public awareness of recreation and healthy living services and
important information; and
- Participating in local, regional and
provincial recreation organizations.
Winnipeg River Recreation District
offers a variety of different classes and
courses throughout the year, including
cooking, painting, moccasin making,
French and Spanish language lessons,
jewellery making, adult exercise, stained
glass classes, yoga, bead art and many
more. WRRD also runs the Lac du Bonnet Christmas Craft Sale and the Pinawa
Town Markets.
The WRRD helps promote local
sports groups, partners with and/or
promotes local community organizations
and events, and organizes some smaller
community events including the 2015
Pinawa Winter Family Fun Day, Family
Recreation Month and Halloween Skate.
WRRD also offers swimming lessons in
the summer in Lac du Bonnet at the town
dock and summer camps in both Pinawa
and Lac du Bonnet.
Winnipeg River Recreation has a
variety of recreation and sports equipment for people to borrow including
everything from pedometers and small
exercise equipment to snowshoes and
bikes.
Winnipeg River Recreation is based out of two
offices – one located in the
LGD of Pinawa office and
one located in the Lac du
Bonnet Community Centre. You can reach us by
phone at 204-335-8816 or
204-753-5104.
Winnipeg River Rec is
online! Visit us at www.
wrrd.ca, find us on Facebook (https://www.
facebook.com/winnipeg.
recreationdistrict) and Instagram (@WinnipegRiverRec), and make sure to
sign up for our e-news by
emailing us at wrrdcom@
gmail.com n
43
$
40
1 Year Family
Membership
CONTACT: Art St Amant
Membership Director
204-345-2161
Gerry Arbez
President
204-213-0898
Who we are
400+ members who share a common interest in angling,
hunting, conservation
and wildlife habitat
What we do
• Developing
the “Lac du Bonnet
Wildlife Association Ponds”
• Annual Wildlife Banquet
• Family Ice Fishing Derby
• Reel Solutions for Youth
• Moose Management Action Plan
• The voice of progressive management of Manitoba’s
Natural Resources
44
du Bonnet
w Lac
w w.
l d bLIVING
w i 2015
ldlifeassociation.com
Why you
should join
Membership also automatically
includes membership to the
Manitoba Wildlife Federation,
the province’s oldest & largest
conservation organization.
Membership also includes the
Canada Outdoors
West
Magazine
with special
Manitoba
supplement
and free insurance
plan.
The Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association Inc. (LdBWA) was
founded in 1975 and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2015. To
date, the association has well over 450 paid members.
As outlined in their strategic plan, the mission of the Lac du
Bonnet Wildlife Association is ‘to provide a structured business setting, where hunters and anglers can gather in a spirit
of fellowship and support the ethical harvest, conservation and
understanding of wildlife and fishery habitat and resources.
The LdBWA’s vision statement is ‘make north east Manitoba a better place to live, hunt and fish by protecting and
enhancing our wildlife and fishery habitat and resources.’
It was with these two guiding principles in mind that the
non-profit club decided to undertake a major project to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The LdBWA obtained a General
Use Permit from Manitoba Crown Land and Property Agency
to develop a 75-acre parcel of land, located 1.5 kilometres north
of the Town of Lac du Bonnet, which is now known as the Lac
du Bonnet Wildlife Association Ponds.
This area contains several ponds, diverse treed areas, grasslands and rock plateaus, which serve as habitat to wildlife,
numerous migratory and other birds and a wide assortment
of wild flowers and vegetation. The largest of these ponds is
12 acres in size.
The project made significant improvements to the area,
Lac du Bonnet
Wildlife
Association
Paige Hobbs
helps stock
the Lac du
Bonnet Wildlife
Association
Ponds in 2015.
thereby enhancing public use of this tremendous, but vastly
under-utilized resource, with minimum impact on the environment.
Open free to the general public, the area has become a huge
asset and tourist attraction to the Lac du Bonnet area. It now
features 1.2 kilometres of walking trails that wind their way
around the main LdBWA pond. A total of 12 colourful and
interpretive signs are ready to be installed along the trail in
2016 to facilitate self guided walks. Guided tours of the nature
trail system will also offer outdoor educational opportunities
for local school classes.
The other main feature of the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association Ponds is a stocked, aerated trout pond. Manitoba
Conservation and Water Stewardship stocked the main pond
with 2,000 brown, rainbow and tiger trout, plus 140 Master
Angler sized brown trout in 2015.
Needless to say the trout fishing there has been spectacular,
with several reports of catching more than one Master Angler
per outing! Of course ‘catch and release’ is highly encouraged.
An aeration system operates throughout the winter to ensure survival of the fish stocks. Two angling/observation areas
provide access to the main pond, as well as a large platform
located at the edge of the improved parking lot. The pond has
become a favourite ice fishing spot.
Plans for 2016 include the installation of much needed
washrooms.
Consider this your invitation to come and explore the Lac
du Bonnet Wildlife Association Ponds in 2016.
n
45
Lake Sturgeon
Sport Fishing
By Don Lamont
This past summer I once again had the chance to participate
in a youth fishing day on the town dock in Lac du Bonnet.
Supported by the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association we had
a special guest appearance this year from long-time friend
Ken Kansas.
I first met Ken back in 1987 at a fishing event on Lake of the
Prairies. Since that time Ken and I have had many adventures
together. While Ken plays some mean bluegrass music, he has
recently retired from his main occupation as a fisheries biologist
for the eastern region of Manitoba.
Kansas and Ken Dyck were on hand this day to show the
Grade 6 students from Lac du Bonnet’s Centennial School the
work he and his department are doing collecting data on lake
sturgeon in the Winnipeg River. What amazed me was the
number of adult sturgeon they collected for tagging during
that day.
Kansas says the stocks in the downstream from Pointe du
Bois to Pine Falls are stable and even improving. They have been
conducting various surveys since 2007 and recently completed
a pilot study looking at catch and release (angling) survivorship
of Lake Sturgeon below the Pointe du Bois Generating Station.
They documented everything involved from hook up to release
(length of fight, time out of water, water temperature, gear type,
etc.) with anglers willing to participate in the study. The fish
were released into a large in-river catchment area and held from
40 to 80 hours. The object was to observe if there was any post
release mortality following
the angling event. They had
no mortalities in almost 30
cases.
CATCHING A STURGEON: Lake Sturgeon are
relatively easy to catch as
long you can find them.
Dropping anchor in current is usually a good starting point. I like to use a
walking sinker with about
a three foot snell with a No.
2 hook on which worms,
leeches and minnows are
globed. These fish are spectacular fighters and when
hooked will jump more
than 50 per cent of the
time.
46
Lake Sturgeon are on the rebound
in the Winnipeg River.
CATCH AND RELEASE: It’s illegal to possess a Lake
Sturgeon, so carefully release the fish as soon as possible. In
the Winnipeg River, it is quite possible that the fish will have
an external tag attached to it. While the fish is still in the
water and if possible in a safe manner, the tag colour, shape
and number could be recorded (and a fork length if possible)
and the fish released promptly. Do not remove the tag. Later,
the angler could send this information, along with the location
and date, to the fisheries office in Lac du Bonnet. Kansas says
that kind of information is vital to their research.
What does the future hold for lake sturgeon? Kansas says
populations seem to be rebounding since a no-kill policy was
adopted in 1995. This was especially important given the Lake
Sturgeon’s unique biology (do not become sexually mature
until 20 to 25 years old and only spawn once every three to
five years) allows them to be exploited easily with harvest. It
seems the Winnipeg River has the right combination of habitat
and forage to allow them to flourish. n
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby held annually in
March has grown to be one of the most popular fishing events
in the region.
Held on the ice near the Lac du Bonnet beach, the derby is a
community event to enhance family fun fishing and to provide
an anticipated diversion during the long Manitoba winter.
Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby draws anywhere from 800
to 1,100 enthusiastic anglers from across the province every
year with the lure of hooking their portion of the more than
$25,000 in prizes.
The first place winner takes home $10,000 for catching a fish
most closely corresponding to the hidden time and length. The
second place winner will receive $2,500, and a fishing trip for
two at Eagle Nest Lodge is awarded to the third place winner.
Cash prizes of $1,000 and $750 will go to the fourth and fifth
and place winners, with $1,000 earmarked for the longest fish
caught during the day. Random draws are also awarded for
Lac du Bonnet
Ice Fishing Derby
Colby and TL McGill spend a family day at
the 2016 Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby.
sixth to 50th place winners.
The derby encourages the sport of ice fishing for seasoned
and novice anglers alike as experience and expertise is irrelevant at this noncompetitive event. With a focus on family
fishing fun, children on the ice are presented with goodie bags
containing fishing tackle, and every angler that caught a fish
receives an on-ice prize.
The derby has also become an important venue for raising
money for local groups and organizations. It is unique as it is
run by volunteers and the profits go back into the community
by way of payment for volunteer hours and grants.
Each year students of the Lac du Bonnet Secondary School
drill 1,500 holes on the ice and payment for their time is directed
to their graduation fund.
In 2016, organizers reported a total of 1,037 holes were fished
during the three-hour derby with 127 fish caught.
Also in 2016, the Derby allocated almost $14,000 in community grants. Main recipients included $2,550 for the Royal
Canadian Air Cadet Squadron No. 249 Beausejour, $1,935 for
the Winnipeg River Recreation District, $2,000 for Centennial
School and $2,515 for the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association.
An additional $4,845 was disbursed to the 13 community
organizations that volunteered and helped out at the derby.
Over the last two years the derby has poured approximately
$34,000 back into the community.
The board remains dedicated to this event and look forward
to hosting the next derby on March 4, 2017.
n
47
Photo by Kathy Picard
Lac du Bonnet
Trails
A lookout tower stands on a granite rock
ridge on the Blueberry Rock hiking trail.
By Arlene Davidson
Travelling through the Rural Municipalities of Lac du Bonnet and Alexander, the Blue Water South portion of the Trans
Canada Trail was developed and is maintained by the Lac du
Bonnet Trails Association.
“Blue Water South is part of the Border to Beaches project,
a trail completion initiative of Trails Manitoba, supported by
the Trans Canada Trail Foundation and local trail organizations,” explained Kathy Picard, Lac du Bonnet Trails Association president.
Making up a spectacular 37 kilometres of the 23,000 kilometre Trans Canada Trail, the Blue Water South portion of the
trail travels from the Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park and
follows the edge of the Lee
River Wildlife Management Area to connect the
trail to Old Pointe Road.
“Construction of this
portion started this winter,
and is expected to be completed by the end of March
2016,” said Picard, adding
that some construction is
required to link short sections of the trail to provide
a continuous route.
Watertown Inc.
The trail crosses PR
Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba
313 to the Winnipeg River
Bridge, then west to the
Blueberry Rock hiking
trail system. From there,
the trail travels over a dike
alongside the wide expanse
204-345-6663
watertown.mb.ca
48
of the Winnipeg River and ends its journey at the community
of Great Falls.
The Blue Water South trail offers a haven for hiking, mountain biking, backcountry cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
and horseback riding enthusiasts. The trail challenges hikers
with a variety of walking surfaces including gravel, grass, pavement and dirt. Stamina and endurance are required on some of
the more difficult sections. In the winter months, snowmobile
access is limited.
Trail visitors will find picnic amenities and an abundance of
opportunity to enjoy a swim, hike, paddle and explore history
through self-guided walks at established parks along the route.
The scenic vista of boreal forest with rock outcroppings and
black spruce provide a perfect window for viewing wildlife.
The Blueberry Rock hiking trails are favoured by locals, offering granite rock ridges, picnic tables, fire pits and a lookout
tower that provides a majestic view of the Winnipeg River.
With development of their trail all but complete, the Lac du
Bonnet Trails Association will have done their part in meeting
the national goal to have the Trans Canada Trail fully connected by 2017. The event will be celebrated in the Eastman
region in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the trail,
Canada’s 150th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the RM
of Lac du Bonnet.
Photo by Kathy Picard
Winter on the Blueberry Rock hiking trail.
The Lac du Bonnet Trails Association is a volunteer organization committed to the development, marketing and
promotion of recreational trails in the Lac du Bonnet area.
For more information contact Picard at 204-345-8422 or
email to [email protected]
n
49
Business & Education
Lac du Bonnet & District
Chamber of Commerce
By Arlene Davidson
The Lac du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce is an association of
business people, community organizations and interested individuals from
the Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet. The
Chamber acts as a resource to member
organizations providing services to help
with marketing and promoting local
business, groups and the community.
The goals of the Chamber are to help
create a better place for families to grow
and flourish, and to give local youth an
opportunity to work and prosper in our
community while producing positive
impacts on the local economy.
The Chamber is a non-profit, membership funded organization working
for the businesses and community of Lac
du Bonnet, and members firmly believe
that their success is dependent on a
commitment from everyone involved, to
work together and promote growth in
Lac du Bonnet.
Evidence of how the Chamber of
Commerce serves the community can
be seen throughout the area in highway
signage providing direction to the community and enticing travellers to experience Lac du Bonnet as the Four Season
Playground it has become known to be.
A tourist information kiosk located
at McArthur Avenue and Smith Road
and the annual production of a Lac du
Bonnet area map are two other Chamber
initiatives that assist travellers in exploring the many attractions the region has
to offer.
CUSTOM
FRAMING
&
FOUNDATIONS
Dwight Hirst
CERTIFIED JOURNEYMAN CARPENTER
PO Box 1816, Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba R0E 1A0
204-345-0035
Cell 204-345-5054
Business
50
INC.
y
e
K
n
Tur peration
O
Image and first impressions make an
impact on visitors to any community,
and the Chamber encourages businesses
to participate in beautification contests
to decorate and beautify their establishments for curb appeal. In addition to
these challenges, the Chamber is responsible for the decorative and informative
banners suspended on poles along the
main roadways of Lac du Bonnet.
Chamber members organize and host
a number of events through the year
including a Moonlight Madness evening
in December, where Christmas shoppers
are encouraged to shop locally and are
given the opportunity to do so.
The Chamber partners with community groups to assist with projects that
benefit the community. Two notable
projects involve the development of the
Look Out Tower at Blueberry Rock, located on the Lac du Bonnet Trail system,
and playing host to the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting event.
The Lac du Bonnet Chamber of Commerce is operated by a volunteer board
of directors and Chamber administrator Jennifer Hudson Stewart. For more
information call 204-340-0497 or visit
lacdubonnetchamber.com
n
j.u.s.t. training corp.
By Dianne Hamill
For 25 years, j.u.s.t. (jobs upgrading
skills training) training corp. has been
helping North Eastman residents get the
skills and assistance they need to reach
their employment goals.
From their office on Lac du Bonnet’s
Park Avenue, employment counsellors
Bonnie Popowich and Brenda Kilmury
work with clients, helping them to gain
the skills they need to get where they
want to go.
“In a nut shell, we help unemployed
and underemployed people find enjoyable and sustainable employment – a
half-decent job that will get them what
they want in life,” Barry Vokey, j.u.s.t.
manager, said about the services he and
his staff offer.
Working together, counsellors help
to lay out a step-by-step plan to get clients from where they are to where they
want to be.
“We help the person figure out how
to get from point A to B. We help them
get where to they want to be in the most
economical and efficient manner possible,” Vokey said.
Whether it’s upgrading education
skills to get a high school diploma or
earning the prerequisites to enter a
college program, j.u.s.t. staff work with
clients to get them on their way to better employment – offering support and
encouragement along the way.
But Vokey cautioned, success ulti-
mately depends on the client.
“We don’t do it for them, we work
with them and we’ll give them a kick in
the butt if they need it.”
Because the road to a better life can be
a long one, sometimes up to three years,
staff also work with various government
and community agencies to ensure a
client’s basic needs are met while they
are upgrading their skills and education.
“We make sure they have a roof over
their head and food on table while they
are working on their plan,” Vokey said.
Along with skills training, j.u.s.t.
staff also help clients find sustainable
employment – offering assistance on
resume and cover letter writing, job
search techniques and interview skills
as well as information on training and
apprenticeship opportunities.
“There’s a lot more to finding a job
than just looking in the newspaper,”
Vokey said, adding it can take up to eight
hours to craft the perfect resume. “We
walk them through the whole process
to help them properly focus their skills.”
And although the road to finding
rewarding employment can be long, in
the end, Vokey said the struggle is well
worth the effort.
“It’s an unbelievable difference,” he
said about the impact involvement with
j.u.s.t. has had on clients throughout the
years. “You see a person who’s down on
their luck, having a tough go and then
bump into them four years later and you
see them happy and in a good place. It’s
Barry Vokey, j.u.s.t. manager.
a remarkable difference.”
Open to all North Eastman residents,
18-years and up, j.u.s.t. services are available free of charge.
“They just need to commit their time
and effort,” Vokey added.
Along with its employment services,
j.u.s.t. training corp. offers assistance to
employers – including finding skilled
workers, establishing training programs
and wage subsidy programs.
Along with the Lac du Bonnet office
located at 4 Park Avenue, counsellors
also work out of satellite locations in
Pine Falls.
For more information, call 204-3452686 or visit www.justtraining.ca n
51
New Directions
School
By Dianne Hamill
Since 1991, New Directions School has been transforming
lives through the power of education.
Located at 40 Park Avenue, the Lac du Bonnet school is just
one of four adult education centres operated by the Sunrise
School Division.
Offering students the opportunity to earn their high school
diploma, the division also operates adult learning centres in
Oakbank, Beausejour and Powerview-Pine Falls.
“It’s a game changer,” Glen Brouwer, principal of the Sunrise
Adults Learning Centres Program, said about the impact the
Lac du Bonnet centre and its counterparts have on students.
“You can’t get into anything without a minimum Grade 12
education.”
Offering a wide-range of high school courses, including the
basics such as math, language arts, sciences and computers,
many students can complete their Grade 12 in as few as eight
credits.
Most courses take an average of 120 hours to complete and
include at-home study as well as guidance from teacher Fran
Vanstone, who is available to provide one-on-one support to
help students achieve their goals.
While New Directions does not offer online courses, the
centre is committed to ensuring success for all of its students.
“We aim to eliminate, if at all possible, any barriers to your
success,” Brouwer said.
Along with earning a high school diploma, Vanstone also
works with students to
help them choose the right
courses to go on to higher
education, including courses at Red River College or
university.
“We provide career
counselling and work with
community agencies to
help get them on the right
path,” Brouwer said, explaining New Directions
works closely with j.u.s.t.
training corp. and other
North Eastman agencies.
While enrolment
at New Directions has
dropped in recent years
as more residents move to
the city, the school sees
an average of about 30
52
New Directions teacher Fran Vanstone.
students per year.
“We typically see two groups of people,” Brouwer explained.
“Those between 30 and 40 (years old) who have been laid off
and are looking to re-enter the workforce, and younger people
who left school and are stuck in dead-end jobs.”
After obtaining a high school diploma, graduates can go on
to pursue higher education and training opportunities – often
leading to higher paying jobs.
“It makes a huge difference in people’s lives,” Brouwer said
about the power of a high school diploma. “It helps to open
so many doors.”
Open to those aged 19 and up who have been out of school
for at least six months, New Directions is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tuition is free to Canadian residents
with an annual registration fee of $35.
For more information on New Directions School and its
programming, call 204-345-2867. Information can also be found
under the ‘schools’ tab on the Sunrise School Division website
at www.sunrisesd.ca
n
Dancyt’s
Foods
FULL LINE
Grocery Service
60 Second St, Lac du Bonnet
We Also
Carry
Gluten
Free
Foods
204-345-8720
Monday-Friday 8:30am-8:00pm
Saturday 8:30am-6:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm
19 Pine St, Pine Falls
204-367-2473
Monday-Friday 8:30am-7:00pm
Saturday 8:30am-5:30pm
Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
GARDEN FRESH PRODUCE
QUALITY CUT MEATS
PINEY FINE WATER
FULL GROCERY LINE
CUSTOM SAUSAGE MAKING
CUSTOM MEAT CUTTING
WEEKLY SALES
MONTH LONG SPECIALS

living - The Clipper Weekly

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