Arena parking lot to get $25,000 upgrade
Lac du Bonnet volunteer effort results in winning Red River Mutual contest
Lac du Bonnet community spirit and volunteerism received its just rewards on July 10 when Red River Mutual presented community members who collectively entered their Spruce Up Your Story contest with $25,000 for the paving of the Lac du Bonnet Arena parking lot.
Red River Mutual (RRM), an insurance company based out of Altona, posted details on its annual Spruce Up Your Story contest (SUYS) online, which caught the eye of Megan Schwabiuk, a volunteer with the local Lunch is On Us program. She forwarded the details to Gay Kirby, another volunteer with the lunch program, thinking maybe they could apply for some of the available funds.
SUYS funds up to $25,000 in cash for select community spaces across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with $150,000 in total to be awarded. Funds are to be used to spruce up a space or building that is “well-worn and well-loved” rather than helping build new projects.
Kirby eventually passed the contest information on to Tracy Neurenberg, the coordinator of the lunch program and board member of the Lac du Bonnet Arena. After researching the contest, she determined that paving the arena parking lot would be a better fit and something that has been a need for quite some time.
Kirby offered to spearhead the application process, and she and Neurenberg assembled a cast of other volunteers to assist. Off the top, they needed someone who had the knowledge and time to be in charge of the creation and editing of a video, a key component of the application. Neurenberg’s daughter-in-law, Kelsey Ellis suggested her sister, Karissa Ellis who lives in Brandon.
Neurenberg and Kirby started taking videos and photos and sending them to Karissa, who assembled all of the footage and shots into a coherent video. She added some of her own ideas including a snippet showing Kelsey Ellis’ Grades 1/2 class recording a message and Ellis reading a script that Karissa provided.
Neurenberg was blown away by the finished product.
“I can’t emphasize enough the extra effort that Karissa put into the video,” Neurenberg said. “She has never met any of the individuals and doesn’t have any experience with any of the programs or facilities in Lac du Bonnet other than a couple of times walking through the Farmers Market.”
The efforts were rewarded when RRM awarded them $25,000 cash towards the paving project. Neurenberg said the crew at RRM said that they were really moved by Kirby’s determination to complete the entry even after her evacuation from a wildfire. The fact that just days after being airlifted from her property, she made a point of obtaining a new laptop (the original was burned in her vehicle when she had to abandon it to escape the fire) and contacting RRM to try to gain access to finalize the application before the May 31 deadline told them a lot about her commitment and our community.
RRM told the winning group that they have been running this contest for several years and this is the first time they were moved enough to come out to a presentation in person. They showed up with two carloads of staff, banners, balloons and a cake.
The arena and its parking lot is a hub for Lac du Bonnet. Besides the various sports, the parking lot is also home to the Food Bank, the Legion, meal programs, the Farmers’ Market and the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre.
Others on hand for the presentation included Tara Scott of HUB Insurance, long-time arena manager Jeff Seifried, Norman Lussier of the Farmers’ Market, Greg Short of the Lac du Bonnet Lions and local dignitaries.
Neurenberg summed up the whole experience, saying,
“I cannot emphasize enough the importance and benefit of collaborating and working together as a community,” Neurenberg said. “We can accomplish so much more when we are all rowing together in the same direction. Many of the things we are lucky enough to enjoy in our community are all because of the efforts of volunteers.”
Harvest and Share to help curb food insecurity
Morgan Maguet
Resident Mireille Clark recently created the Beausejour and Area Harvest and Share program to help curb food insecurity and reduce produce waste in the region.
The program encourages gardeners with a surplus of fruits and vegetables to donate their extra harvest to be redistributed in the community.
Clark has coordinated a drop-off and pick-up process designed to be convenient for both donors and recipients.
“Gardeners drop off their extra produce at my home on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with no appointment needed,” she said. “I pre-package and portion everything. On Thursdays, I place the bags at a table which is set up outside the Community Threads clothing thrift store at 606 Park Ave. so anyone interested can stop by and grab some food.”
Clark believes summer is the perfect time to help those in need, as the growing season is at its peak and many gardeners often have more produce than they can use.
“At the moment, we mostly have salad mix, radishes, spinach and Swiss chard. But in a week or so, beans, peas, zucchini and cucumbers will all be coming in all at once, and it’s sometimes more than we can eat or process for our own family,” she said. “Hopefully, fall will bring us beets, carrots, pumpkins, potatoes and apples that we can share.”
The idea for the program came after Clark saw how much fresh produce was ending up in compost bins.
“Can you imagine how many people would love to have access to that fresh produce, which often ends up in the compost pile or the garbage!” she said.
Clark hopes to see Beausejour continue growing as a supportive and compassionate community where neighbours lend a hand during challenging times.
“I will always remember when we first moved to Beausejour some 15-plus years ago,’ she said. “I had placed an ad on the community bulletin board on Park Avenue asking if anyone had a surplus of garden apples, only to see the remark, ‘It is called Co-op.’ It left me speechless and feeling humiliated. No one should feel ashamed for asking for a handout.
Clark believes all people should have access to local, fresh, nutritious foods.
“Food insecurity in our area is prevalent, although we don’t always see it. There is no one solution to ending food insecurity, but we can all do a small part by helping those in our area if we have the means to do so.”
Although people have access to the Beausejour and Area Food Bank, she said it may not be enough or convenient for many. She hopes Harvest and Share can help fill a gap for people in the community and grow into a sustainable initiative that helps promote the health and well-being of residents in the area. She is optimistic that with continued community support, Harvest and Share can expand its reach and impact even more lives in the area.
Clark has also arranged for a list of available produce to be posted each week on several Beausejour-area social media pages. For more information or to arrange a produce drop-off, contact Clark via email at m1967clark@gmail.com or call 204-250-2501.
Province continues contract with STARS
The Manitoba government has signed a contract with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) to continue emergency patient air transport to critically ill or injured Manitobans.
“STARS is one way we are investing in rural health care and strengthening services for Manitobans,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “In an emergency, every second counts. STARS delivers 24-7 emergency care that can help stabilize patients and get them to a hospital as fast as possible. We know STARS gives rural communities the comfort and peace of mind they deserve that emergency help is always available.”
Under the new contract, the STARS Airbus H145 helicopter – equipped as a mobile intensive care unit and staffed by a minimum of four crew members – will continue to provide primary scene response to patients with critical acuity levels and time-sensitive needs, as well as interfacility transport for patients requiring specialty care, the minister noted.
STARS has provided more than a decade of continuous service, providing critical care rotary-wing services in Manitoba since 2012, noted the minister.
“We are deeply grateful to the Manitoba government for its steadfast commitment to the health and safety of Manitobans,” said Dr. John Froh, president and CEO, STARS. “Since our first mission here in 2012, STARS has proudly served the province. This funding agreement is a powerful endorsement of the life-saving work we provide, together with our partners on the ground. It ensures we can continue to deliver critical care when and where it’s needed most – bringing hope and help to those facing the most serious emergencies. On behalf of our entire team, thank you for standing with us in our mission to providing critical care, anywhere.”
Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals president Jason Linklater was critical of the announcement saying that although renewal of the STARS contract is important, rural Manitobans do not have ‘peace of mind’ when they call 911 due to the continuing paramedic staffing crisis, and STARS can’t make up for that because they can’t respond to every call.
“Manitobans want to see the government hire the 200 paramedics that they promised,” Linklater said. “Unfortunately we heard no mention... of a plan to get us there. Manitoba needs a plan to invest immediately in retaining, recruiting and training paramedics.”
Beausejour Pride Walk a colourful celebration
By Edna Barrie
Several rural Manitoba communities have been celebrating their first Pride Month events this summer, and Beausejour-Brokenhead joined that list on June 29 with a vibrant and joyful Pride Walk hosted by Eastman Pride.
Approximately 250 people, including members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community and their allies, came together to show their support and solidarity.
The day was filled with colour, music and community spirit. The celebration featured guest speakers, performances and a surprise visit from a Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator. Dykes on Bikes made a powerful entrance, and there was even an alpaca joining in the walk through town.
The walk concluded with a picnic at Train Whistle Park. The Over the Rainbow 55-plus group at the Rainbow Resource Centre made the trip from Winnipeg to join the celebration, as well as representatives from unions, Haystack Productions, Family Advocacy Network of Manitoba and guests from surrounding communities. Local authors, crafters, and community organizations set up tables and booths, giving event participants opportunities to learn more about their neighbours and programs that are available in the area.
“We’re trying to make things more inclusive and welcoming in the rural communities,” said Kathy Majowski, one of the founding members of Eastman Pride.
RM of Brokenhead Coun. Jack Kowalchuk also brought greetings on behalf of the municipality, underscoring the importance of local leadership in building inclusive communities.
Zion Lutheran celebrates 125 years
By Morgan Maguet
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beausejour recently celebrated its 125th anniversary – a milestone that marks more than a century of faith, fellowship and service.
The church celebrated its long history in the town with clergy and community members alike on June 1. The events included a worship service, historical displays tracing the church’s evolution through the decades, and a congregational meal that honoured past and present members, as well as all those who have contributed to Zion over the past 125 years.
The church has stood as a place of worship and gathering for generations of local families. Its location on the corner of Gertrude Avenue and First Street North has been a welcoming space for decades.
As lifelong parishioner, Dennis Fuerst explained the church has a rich history. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beausejour began in 1898 when German-speaking Lutheran immigrants from Prussia (today’s Poland), Russia and Ukrainian farmlands met in their homes in the Beausejour area and held church services with pastors supplied by Lutheran churches from Winnipeg.
In 1900, he congregation was organized into Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church by Pastor F. Beer.
Three years later, Pastor J. Burgdorf came to Beausejour to be the first resident pastor of Zion congregation, with a parsonage provided. The property on the corner of Gertrude Avenue and First Street North was purchased from Ludwig Jarsky. Construction began on the first Church building and on June 4, 1904 and a roughed in building was dedicated.
A bell tower, a bell and eight stained glass windows were installed in 1911.
While services were originally held in German, an English service was added once a month starting in 1927. As the German speaking segment of the congregation diminished over the decades, this German service was eventually discontinued.
“Planning of the current building began in 1962, but it was officially dedicated as the new church building on Palm Sunday 1966”, said Fuerst.
Fuerst explains that his devotion to the church comes from his family.
“My grandfather’s family were pioneer members, and our immediate family came over from Poland to Beausejour-Brokenhead in 1927. They attended Golden Bay Lutheran Church until they were transferred to Zion in 1953. I’ve been a member since I was a child and I still attend today.”
Even after 125 years, the church continues to find new ways to offer services to the community.
“Our recently hired half-time ministry, led by Pastor Terry Gudmundson and his wife Susan from Pinawa, work alongside our worship team to sustain weekly Sunday services. We also have an active Sunday school, vacation bible school (Aug. 5-8), and youth confirmation study classes,” said Fuerst.
As Pastor Terry explained, the anniversary means a lot to those who work at the church.
“Being involved in an anniversary celebration like this one makes me think back into the past and to all of the people who worked hard, volunteered their gifts, and dedicated themselves to this church and the Gospel,” he said.
Pastor Terry values the church’s long history and commitment to community service.
“Zion has opened its doors to host many community events over the years and donated time, money and talent to support local initiatives,” he said. “We gather in worship to give thanks to God and to be comforted, strengthened and spiritually ‘filled up’ so that we may go out into our everyday lives and empty ourselves for others.”
As Zion marks its anniversary, it’s also recognizing the people who helped build and maintain that foundation, including its members, council, volunteers and staff.
“I think of all of these people and all of the pastors who served here over the years. I am both honoured and proud to have a chapter in the history book of Zion Lutheran Church. I enjoy every moment here as I work alongside these wonderful people doing our best to share the love of Christ in our world,” said Pastor Terry.
Dugald’s Grey Wolf Cafe open and inviting
For owner Tanya Clarke, the Grey Wolf Cafe in Dugald is more than just a place to get a great cup of coffee and a bite to eat. It’s a tribute to her elders and offers hope for the future.
Clarke, from Hollow Water First Nation, has lived in Springfield for three years. A long-time entrepreneur, she is a leadership coach, mediator and conflict resolution coach for Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations.
Last July, Clarke was walking her dog and stopped at the then vacant Dugald strip mall. She was seeking a job transition that would allow her to stay closer to home. With her youngest child graduating from high school, the time was right for a change.
“I saw the ‘for lease’ sign and it got my wheels going,” Clarke said. “I just decided to do it.”
When Clarke used to drive into Winnipeg for work, she lamented that there was nowhere in town to stop for a quick breakfast and a good cup of coffee.
She learned that many others wanted the same.
“That’s what the community was asking for,” Clarke said.
She hired a Red Seal chef, 28-year-old Dana Constant from York Factory First Nation, to design the kitchen and menu, and to teach staff how to make bannock and other dishes.
The results? Three delicious breakfast sandwiches and two lunch ones, made with meat from Timothy’s Country Butcher, along with a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. In the recent heat, the three varieties of ice cream have been a hit. Bannock cinnamon clusters are popular, too.
Every step so far has been a deeply personal experience for Clarke, beginning with the name. Her father, Grey Wolf Man, is a residential school survivor. That has long influenced Clarke’s work, which pursues Truth and Reconciliation and advances its Calls to Action. She provides lateral violence and kindness training along with grief and loss coaching that acknowledges the effects of colonization and residential schools.
“I thought that this would be a nice tribute and honour to not only him but all the other survivors,” Clarke said.
A Grey Wolf Cafe trademark is the house coffee blends that are locally roasted. Two, Caribou Landing and Silver Falls, are named after her father’s favourite places. A third, Buddy’s Blend, refers to his nickname.
When you walk in the door, the environment encourages you to stay. Wood, tree and brick remind Clarke of the beauty she grew up around. Destiny Greyeyes designed the chairs.
“I wanted to bring a piece of home into the cafe,” Clarke said. “My goal was to create something cozy enough where people can sit, talk and visit.”
Indigenous art is on display and available for purchase, including soapstone carvings by Louie Powderhorn from Tadoule Lake, Manitoba Sayisi Dene First Nation.
“There’s a lot of beauty in these First Nation communities that I’d like to highlight,” Clarke said.
Even though Grey Wolf Cafe has only been open for a few weeks, Clarke is making plans. An expanded menu with soup and salads is on the way, as are monthly special events like paint nights and workshops. An elder will teach while attendees create.
Clarke thanks the community for its support, saying the first few weeks have been amazing. She also credits her partner and children for their contributions.
Great food and a warm atmosphere make people feel welcome. That, Clarke hopes, leads to important conversations, where people learn and grow together.
“I thank people for supporting us as a First Nations-owned business,” Clarke said. “When you support us, you’re actively participating in reconciliation.”
Grey Wolf Cafe is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with breakfast served until noon. Weekend hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with breakfast until noon. Learn more at greywolfcafe.ca
Hawks fly to provincial U11 baseball title
Whether they won or lost, the U11A Springfield Hawks Grey Team were determined to have a season. They succeeded, with a provincial championship the icing on the cake.
Owners of antique tractors displayed their power in Beausejour over the weekend in the inaugural Eastman Vintage Power Pull.
