It’s hard nowadays for people to understand how vitally important it is to locally grow and source your own food. Many of us rely on the convenience of what the supermarket and grocery stores offer, but The Pas Helping Hands 4-H took in a more hands-on approach to putting together a meal.
“The 50-metre Meal has been done around the world in many different shapes and forms,” said The Pas Helping Hands 4-H Leader Cheryl Antonio. “Shawn, from Round the Bend Farm and I have had a great 4-H farm relationship for a long time and we will quite often join forces to host events and activities. We were brainstorming one day and Shawn said he had been thinking about the 50-metre Meal for some time.

The Rotary Club of The Pas President Don McKay and Rotary District Governor Sonja Susut, visiting from Moose Jaw, SK, recently presented the Paul Harris Fellow Award to six deserving community members. The Paul Harris Fellow is the highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow. It is presented to a Rotarian or a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. The individuals recognized recently are:

A new CAO has been hired for the Town of The Pas and she has been busy getting acquainted with the community and assessing the needs of the municipality. Bola Adedoyin started in her new role earlier last month and has settled into the community. She comes with vast experience in administration from a few different levels.
“I came from Brandon and before that I lived in Saskatoon before I came to Manitoba about 13 years ago,” said Adedoyin. “I’m originally from Nigeria in West Africa. I studied in Nigeria and the University of Manitoba up to the Ph.D. level. I worked at the Federal University in Nigeria, University of Manitoba, Manitoba Bureau of Statistics, Assiniboine Community College, and now the Town of The Pas. I have more than 20 years, of work experience.

A series of cabins in the Valley has had quite an extensive history in the community and surrounding area. They became part of a few different family businesses and upbringings for some of the former local residents. The Moon Glo Cabins were another set of cabins in the Valley that tourists frequented before it became part of the Crescent Park Motel.
The Fosters ran the Moon Glo Cabins and resided on the property while raising their children.
“My dad was George Arthur Foster and my mom was Muriel Lavina Foster (Johnston),” said Lynn (Foster) Hall. “They were both born in 1906 and my dad was born in England. He came over to Canada when he was three years old. My mom was born in MacGregor. There were eight children in our family: Merceda (Mickey), Wilfred, Raymond, Donald, Glen, June, Douglas and then myself.
“I was born in 1946, and that’s when my family moved into town from the farm. My father and his brother-in-law built the majority of the Moon Glo Cabins. The Birchwood Cabins used to be our competitors.
“From what I can remember, there were about 10 cabins, but I don’t how many there were originally when they first started,” continued Hall. “We lived right on site in a huge four-bedroom with a full upstairs and downstairs. The home had a huge stretch of property attached to it.”
The Moon Glo Cabins didn’t have private bathrooms within each cabin but still had a fair number of amenities for the time period.
“The cabins were red with white trim and, I believe, there was a central bathroom or shower house with the ladies on one side and men on the other, with a hot water tank in the middle,” said Hall. “People were able to shower and use the flush toilets, but in the winter, my dad had to drain the hot water tank so it wouldn’t freeze up. There may have been outhouses on the property earlier on, but I’m not entirely sure.
“There was no running water in the cabins, but there was a cook stove to keep warm and my dad supplied water. There was a little table with chairs, dishes, and utensils that families could use to eat. Each cabin usually came with two beds and I remember making lots of those beds over the years.
“A lot of couples first started off their married lives in those cabins,” said Hall.
There was a lot of space for other recreational activities where the Moon Glo Cabins were. The Foster family had tons of animals on site for kids to play with and lots of yards for them to play games.
“We had a nice big lawn area that had swings on it and kids played crokinole out there,” said Hall. “My dad kept an immaculate lawn, with the grass and trees well-trimmed. There was a stone archway that had a sign above it saying Moon Glo Cabins. He had that made, with the pillars made of big boulders or river stones cemented in. That archway was the entrance to the property. We had a great big Caragana hedge from the house we lived in right down to where the archway was. There was always lots of yard work for him to do and he loved it.
“We also sold fuel there, British American Gas, and the tourists, especially Americans, stopped in back then. Some would even stay.
“There was a barn behind that had lots of room for people to park their boats and stop,” continued Hall. “Dad always had Shetland ponies or horses in the barn for kids to ride on. There were other animals including rabbits, dogs, and cats and in the beginning, we also had a cow. We raised a lot of Collie and Labrador dogs. My dad really loved animals.
“Behind the first row of cabins, there was a summer kitchen that people could use to cook their dinner or meals.”
Running the Moon Glo Cabins was literally a full-time job for the Fosters. There was always lots of work to be done to get the cabins ready for the next round of guests and visitors to stay there.
“Both my parents had their work cut out for them in the mornings with the cleaning of the cabins and making the beds for the next guests,” said Hall. “For the longest time, my mother did all the laundry herself with a ringer washer and hung out on the line. Eventually, they got the linens sent to Dauphin when that service became available for some of the businesses in town.
“We still had to make the beds and have lots of stock on hand because you couldn’t wait for the clean linens to come back. It took about three days for the clean stuff to arrive back at the cabins.”
The Fosters built a new house closer to the cabins, with an office attached to it. This change began to reshape the business.
“Eventually our parents built a new house, down towards where the gas pumps were,” said Hall. “We had a sign up that said for customers to beep the horn when they wanted to get fuel. Customers would honk their horns and, if dad was in the office, he would tend to them, if not, we would come down from the house.
“So, when the new home was built closer to the pumps, it was a two-bedroom home with a basement, then an office attached to it for the business. There was another unit attached to it for guests; it sort of started to take shape and look like a motel.
“My parents became good friends with a lot of the guests who stayed there. I can remember a couple would look after the place if they went away somewhere. Then I believe my parents moved into a house in town around 1970 or 1971 and that’s when they sold the cabins to the Waltons and it became Crescent Park Motel.”

Members of the community joined with the Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee for a community walk on Friday (Sept. 8) to raise awareness about suicide prevention and recognize World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10. Participants also received information and materials to help them engage in personal awareness activities. Suicide remains a major public health problem in the world, with approximately 12 people in Canada dying from suicide every day. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death amongst youth and young adults between the ages of 15-34.

It’s coming down to crunch time for those players hoping to crack the roster of the Dauphin Kings.

Dauphin played three preseason games, last week, starting with a 2-1 shootout loss to the Neepawa Titans, Tuesday, in a game which feature all-rookie lineups for both teams.

Kings head coach and general manager Doug Hedley said the rookies on the ice in that game played very well and had a lot of energy.

“We directed over 100 shots and had 65 and lost in a shootout. But at the same time, both goaltenders were really good,” he said. “We saw some speed, some energy, some hard work. It was a great game by our young kids.”

The next night against the Swan Valley Stampeders saw each team dressed some veterans, along with prospects hoping to make the team.

The result was a 5-0 Kings victory.

Hedley thought the back pressure was outstanding, as well as the work ethic and compete level.

“I really liked our speed and our work ethic. And we were fortunate enough to get some goals half way through the game,” he said.

The final game of the week was a rematch in Swan River, Friday.

After a slow start, the Kings picked it up, erasing a 2-0 first-period deficit to skate away with a 5-2 win.

“I thought our back end controlled the game. The two American kids (Trey Gnetz and Karson Raymond), both were very good. And I thought Wicks (Nolan Wickham) and Brooksy (Aidan Brooks) were good. Baxy (Anthony Bax) and (Naaman) Hofer, I thought they controlled the game and really limited the opportunities,” he said. “I think they had five shots in about 35 minutes between the last five minutes of the first and five minutes left in the third. So I’m very happy with the effort.”

Even after falling behind 2-0 after the first period, the Kings still worked hard and created some opportunities and were rewarded for their efforts.

The veterans are starting to step up their play, especially on the blueline.

“I think it’s just a matter of getting into it. We’ve just got to get a little more urgency, a little bit more compete and using our speed the way they can,” Hedley said.

After skating over the weekend, Hedley hopes to cut down to about 28 players for the final two preseason games, Friday at home against the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Melville Millionaires, and Saturday in Virden against the Oil Capitals.

Defenceman Ryan Gower has been reassigned to the Kings from the Western Hockey League’s Prince Albert Raiders and will skate with the team this week.

Hedley said the two remaining preseason games will be a good test for those still trying to make the cut.

“The one thing that we really have to get back to from a couple years ago, and I really shouldn’t say we didn’t last year, but I think the consistency needs to be there with the compete and hard work. They’re both choices,” he said. “The skill you have to work at, but they’re individual choices on how hard you work, how hard you compete, how many stick battles you win. It’s all an amount of effort and decision to work hard. The exhibition season has shown that our vets have come back with a purpose and they’re working hard and it’s contagious. Our young guys are working hard and, you combine that with some skill that we have, it’s going to be an exciting year.”

Nearly 50 motorcyclists took part in the sixth annual Memorial Ride in late August 2023 and through their support, helped contribute towards identified needs at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC).

This year, the Memorial Ride, spearheaded by Tony’s Auto Electric and JDS Laundromat in Dauphin, made its way through Parkland communities along Highway 5 and Mountain Road and reached its final destination in Erickson.

The 300-kilometre return trip raised a total of $2,200 that was donated to the health centre, through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation.

The Memorial Ride is held in loving memory of those lost over the past year. It aims to bring people together in celebrating and recognizing the lives of those lost and it does not matter if people rode a motorcycle or just purchased tickets. The goal was to enjoy the day, visit with people, share memories and contribute to a worthy cause.

Organizers were very pleased with the support of communities and individuals along the way. The Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Dauphin Regional Health Centre sincerely thank the organizers, participants and all who contributed to this worthy cause.

The writ has officially dropped to send Manitobans to the polls.

Premier Heather Stefanson visited Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville, last Tuesday to kick off Manitoba’s 43rd provincial general election with polling day set for, Oct. 3.

As of press time there are two registered candidates in the Dauphin electoral district. Gord Wood is looking to retain the seat for the Progressive Conservative Party, while Ron Kostyshyn is hoping to win the constituency back for the New Democratic Party.

Advance voting runs for eight days, from Sept. 23 to 30.

To be eligible to vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old on election day and have lived in the district for at least six months immediately before election day.

Voters will receive a voter information card in the mail. This card confirms you are registered to vote and when and where to vote on election day and the advance voting period.

Voters who have not received their cards or received a card with incorrect information can visit www.electionsmanitoba.ca or contact their local election office to register or update their information before Sept. 14. Voting is faster and easier when registered before the election, but you can still register at the poll when you vote.

During all eight days of advance voting, Manitobans can vote at any advance poll in the province.

Advance polling in the Dauphin constituency at the Local Election Office in Dauphin at 1550 Main St S, and at Dauphin Market Place Mall at 1450 Main Street South every day throughout the advance voting period from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the exception of Sunday, Sept. 24, when voting can take place from noon to 6 p.m.

Advance voting will also be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 27 only at:
• Winnipegosis Elks Lodge at 337 3rd St., Winnipegosis.
• Waterhen Council Office at 104 North Mallard Rd., Waterhen.
• Rorketon Community Hall at 800 1st St. S., Rorketon.
• Sifton Community Centre at 115 2nd Ave., Sifton.
• Richardson Pioneer Community Hall at 201 Main St. N, Gilbert Plains.
• Grandview Kinsmen Hall at 435 Burrows St., Grandview.
• Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Nation Band Hall on Hwy. 5, Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Nation.
• Ste. Rose du Lac Curling Club at 555 Maillard St., Ste. Rose du Lac.
• Ebb and Flow First Nation Community Complex at 517 Arena Ave., Ebb and Flow.
• Royal Canadian Legion McCreary Branch at 431 1st. Ave., McCreary.
• Alonsa Community Centre at 10 PTH 50, Alonsa.
On election day, you can vote at any polling place in your electoral division.
In the Dauphin constituency that includes:
• Winnipegosis Elks Lodge at 337 3rd St., Winnipegosis.
• Skownan Hall at 1050 Skownan Rd., Skownan.
• Waterhen Council Office at 104 North Mallard Rd., Waterhen.
• Maurice Morrisseau Memorial Hall at 3207 Lakeshore Rd., Crane River.
• Rorketon Community Hall at 800 1st St. S., Rorketon.
• Fork River Community Hall at 105 1st Ave. W, Fork River.
• Sifton Community Centre, Sifton.
• Richardson Pioneer Community Hall at 201 Main St. N, Gilbert Plains.
• Grandview Kinsmen Hall at 435 Burrows St., Grandview.
• Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Nation Band Hall on Hwy. 5, Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Nation.
• Valley River Community Centre at 5 Hassard St., Valley River.
• Dauphin Friendship Centre at 210 1st Ave. NE., Dauphin.
• Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium at 304 Whitemore Ave. E., Dauphin.
• Happy Haven Home at 116 Whitemore Ave. W., Dauphin.
• Ochre River Community Hall at 401 Mann St., Ochre River.
• Ste. Rose du Lac Curling Club at 555 Maillard St., Ste. Rose du Lac.
• Westlake Community Centre at 16 Eddystone Dr., Eddystone.
• Ebb and Flow First Nation Community Complex at 517 Arena Ave., Ebb and Flow.
• Kinosota Community Centre on Kinosota Front Rd., Kinosota.
• Les Nouveaux Horizons Centre at 112 Fosbery St., Laurier.
• Royal Canadian Legion McCreary Branch at 431 1st. Ave., McCreary.
• Alonsa Community Centre at 10 PTH 50, Alonsa.
• Amaranth Memorial Hall at 12 PTH 50, Amaranth.

All polls will be open from 8 a.m. on election day.

All voters require ID to vote, either one piece of government-issued photo ID or two other pieces. There are many options. A complete list of acceptable ID is available on the Elections Manitoba website.

Voters are encouraged to bring their voter information card, which can be used as one piece of ID.

This election will see new technology at the polls, resulting in reduced wait times for voters and faster results reporting. This new technology includes:

• Laptops with secure access to the voters list;
• Scanners to scan voter information cards and quickly find voters on the voters list;
• Printers for printing ballots on demand in place of write-in ballots for advance voting; and
• Vote counting machines to scan and accurately record ballots and provide results at the close of polls.

It is expected that approximately 85 per cent of election day voters and 95 per cent of advance voters will see these tools in use in the 2023 general election.

MS Bike Riding Mountain made its triumphant post-COVID return this past weekend, but with a twist.

Rather than beginning in Dauphin and proceeding to Clear Lake on day one with a return to Dauphin on day two, the event involved a looped course beginning and ending at Elkhorn Ranch in Riding Mountain National Park.

What did not change, however, is the scenic views and diverse sightings of wildlife that come with a trip through RMNP.

Riders were able to choose from two loops, with a 71-kilometre option featuring a turn around at Moon Lake or a 109-kilometre round trip with a turn around at Northgate Trails.

Whichever ride they chose, riders celebrated their accomplishments with awards, food and fun. This year, the Riding Mountain event had a fund-raising goal of $85,000 with over $53,514 raised to date. MS Bike Riding Mountain is one of 12 MS Bike events happening over a four-month period across Canada with the goal of raising funds to support people living with multiple sclerosis.

On the morning of Sept. 2, Don Kobluk, an elder at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Lennard, noticed that the front door of his church was askew and the handle had been torn off.

He went inside and found the entire sanctuary covered in fine dust from a fire extinguisher.

More in this week’s issue.