Jennifer Laviolette
Trails Manitoba executive checks out Opasquia Trails
The Opasquia Trails Board hosted a very important guest to check out their recent developments on the Grace Lake Boardwalk and Boreal Trail. The executive director for Trails Manitoba was given a tour on July 17, and talked about the trail system in the area and what the organization can do to help promote it.
“Trails Manitoba is a provincial nonprofit charitable organization that serves as an umbrella group for recreational trail groups, with a focus on non-motorized trail activities,” said Trails Manitoba Executive Director Tim Coffin. “Our mission is to support and promote the development and use of recreational trails throughout Manitoba to enhance the overall well-being of our communities.
Bringing life on the farm to the SRPCH
Recently part of the Swan River Personal Care Home (SRPCH) walls got a whole new facelift that reveals a breathtaking view for the residents who live there. Valley artist Melanie Bird has painted a mural for the residents at SRPCH and their visitors to enjoy.
“A family of one of the residents reached out to me to see if I would be interested in doing a mural at the SRPCH,” said Bird. “This family knew me well and knew that I was an artist. They had also seen some of the mural work that my sister had been doing in care homes in Winnipeg and wondered if that was something that I could do as well.
“Once they knew I was interested they got the approval from the SRPCH to proceed.”
The scene painted on the mural had to be something that resonated with the Valley and the residents. It was decided that painting a farm scene would be best suited and draw out the best engagement amongst the residents.
“It was collectively agreed between the family that approached me, the residents, board and staff, that the painting should reflect the scenes of the Valley, as well as be something that the residents would connect to,” said Bird. “Something that would conjure up fond memories for them.
“From there we determined that a farm scene, which included several farm animals, that was set in a valley would be perfect. I did a couple of small mock-ups for them to choose from and with a couple of tweaks and additions, I was ready to get started.”
It didn’t take too long for Bird to finish the mural once she started. She even took extra measures to make sure the mural was well protected and could be enjoyed well into the future.
“It took me about seven days to paint,” said Bird. “Once the paint cured for a few days I did a few layers of a protective coating just to make sure the painting would be something the residents, staff and visitors could enjoy for many years to come.”
The feedback Bird has received about the mural at the SRPCH has been good. The residents enjoyed the process of watching her create it and have been engaged with it ever since.
“So far all the responses have been very positive,” said Bird. “The residents seemed to really enjoy seeing the animals begin to emerge as I was painting, I think that was what they connected with the most. People also commented on how much they liked the vibrant colours of the painting as well.
“It was such a joy to see the residents light up when they would see the painting as it progressed. It was also fun to hear their comments and suggestions along the way. I couldn’t possibly paint all of the things they suggested but it was neat to know that they were connecting with what I was doing and it seemed to be something that they truly enjoyed.
“A few of the residents would sit on their walkers or wheelchairs and watch what I was doing for hours, sometimes even fall asleep as they watched,” said Bird. “One of the favourite things that residents liked to comment on was what colour I was going to paint that tractor. Some thought it should be green and others thought red, in the end, I chose red simply because it stood out better against the green background, but it gave me a good chuckle listening to their opinions on the matter.
“It was also a pleasure to see some familiar faces from the community and connect with people who were once actively involved here in the valley and were now residents at the PCH.”
You Can't Touch This
Team Saskatchewan’s #80 is the Valley’s own Tyler Petelski, who travelled to Fredericton, N.B., to play in the National U18 Women’s Tackle Football Championships from July 20 to 28...
CPONW concerned about zebra mussels
The threat of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) such as zebra mussels is still very much a real threat to northern waterways in Manitoba. Riding Mountain National Park’s Clear Lake has unfortunately been exposed to zebra mussels and have had to take drastic measures of not allowing any watercraft on that lake, so they can try to determine and control the spread.
“The decision by the federal government to ban all public watercraft in Clear Lake this year was a bold move but was important to allow park staff to undertake further testing to confirm the presence or absence of zebra mussels in the lake,” said Citizens Protecting Our Northern Waterways (CPONW) President Chris Smith. “Of note, this additional recent testing confirmed the presence of adult zebra mussels at the boat launch area at Clear Lake that will result in further actions.
Town of The Pas welcomes new HR Administrator
The Town of The Pas recently filled the position of a Human Resources Administrator to help with the management of staff and dealing with HR issues. Mubarak Adewumi worked in Human Resources in his home country and furthered his education in that field at Assiniboine Community College (ACC).
“I am a Nigerian national, hailing from Oyo State,” said Town of The Pas HR Administrator Mubarak Adewumi. “I have a strong affinity for culture, music, and football, and in my spare time, enjoy spending time with my nephews and nieces.
“I earned my first degree in education, and most recently, I completed a postgraduate diploma program in human resources management from Assiniboine Community College in Brandon.
Town Council addresses capital project concerns
Town of The Pas Council held their regularly scheduled council meeting on July 22, at 6 p.m. in council chambers.
Town of The Pas Council received a letter of resignation from Councillor Ward, which Mayor Murphy presented to council.
“Councillor Ward has been a valid member of our community and still is,” said Mayor Andre Murphy. “He’s focused his time and efforts on the betterment of The Pas as a councillor for the last six years or so. Councillor Ward has shown dedication, wisdom, and a genuine commitment to serving the people in our community and the general area as well. He’s always been willing to share his experiences and provided valuable advice that had an impact on our community.
“Despite Councillor Ward facing some personal challenges for the last while, he’s been committed to fulfilling his duties and was dedicated to our community as a councillor and a community. On behalf of the community and the Town of The Pas Council, I would like to thank Councillor Ward for all his service and dedication to the north.”
35 years of fire service recognized by MAFC
Last month, one of The Pas Fire Department’s (TPFD) was recognized by the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs and presented with a 35-year Fire Service Award. Captain Keven Iles, has been serving and helping the community for longer than that.
“I’m on my 42nd year with TPFD,” said TPFD Captain Iles. “In 1982, a good friend, Ken Gurba, asked if I would like to join the fire department. I was already doing ambulance work with him. In those days you had to be voted in by the whole department.
“It was a natural progression of helping the persons of the community to help the whole community as a whole. As with the ambulance, there was a camaraderie that was unique and there was a lot to learn.
A first experience at Sundance for Antonio
An important and traditional Indigenous ceremony was held again in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Opaskwayak Sundance was from July 4 to 7 and brought forth many to celebrate Indigenous culture and healing. For Cheryl Antonio and some others, this was a first-time experience at Sundance, and it was a remarkable one.
Antonio knew a bit about Sundance ceremonies but never attended one until this year.
“Growing up as a Metis and Ukrainian person, I had very little knowledge of First Nation ceremony,” said Antonio. “Yet, at 10 years old, a book I picked up stands out in my mind, as it was about the Sundance. The story has stuck with me over the years and when I heard about a local event, I was very interested.
Coming together as a family within TPFD
When a place of work brings its employees together and they form a bond similar to family, it becomes a remarkable thing to be a part of. The Pas Fire Department (TPFD) has established this kind of bond with its members and has now rallied together to help a fellow firefighter during his time of need. Xander Wadelius is currently in a fight against cancer, and his fellow firefighters want to make sure he knows that he is not alone in this battle.
“TPFD is a family, and we support each other in our challenges,” said TPFD Firefighter Karen Gallagher. “Sometimes that looks like lending each other a hand with dump runs and home renovations and other times we show our support for much bigger challenges, such as the fight for another member’s health and well-being.
Fire leads to one-day closure in Otineka Mall
An unfortunate event happened in the Otineka Mall last week, that led to a small fire breaking out in one of the units on the main south floor. The fire was not caused intentionally or through vandalism, but rather a mishap.
“The fire started just after midnight on July 9,” said Otineka Mall Manager Gloria Asmus. “It happened in one of the units and was caused by an e-bike plugged in that had a battery explode while it was charging.