Rural Roundup — Feb. 22, 2024

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This article was published 22/02/2024 (574 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MINNEDOSA

The Minnedosa Library has a colourful new improvement to the interior of their children’s corner, located just beside the main reception desk.

A mural depicting a scene from the children’s book “The Gruffalo” is front and centre and invites a comfy reading area for children and their families. Local artist Stefanie Bretecher was thrilled with the opportunity to complete this vision.

Moving just outside of Minnedosa 10 years ago, Bretcher is originally from Germany. She is now a self-taught artist and has been creating art under her brand “Rugged Trail Art” since 2017.

When she was approached by head librarian Lisa Bilcowski, Bretcher jumped at the opportunity to provide her services and aid in the betterment of the library.

“The library is a frequent place my children and I love to visit on Saturdays. There is something for everyone, but they especially love the kids’ corner where we spend time to look through books and lounge to read a few right there. One Saturday last fall, Lisa mentioned that the library had a budget for a mural painting and asked if I would be interested,” Bretcher said. “Lisa is familiar with my artwork because I had paintings featured in the Westman Travelling Art Gallery that also stops at the Minnedosa Library every year.”

Bretcher’s art revolves around nature and wildlife, capturing its beauty and bringing awareness to wildlife conservation. But apart from her twins’ nursery, she had never painted a mural, especially not with so much detail.

“Despite my lack of work in this area, I believe that to grow, one has to step outside their comfort zone every once in a while. So I was up for the challenge,” she said.

Deciding on what her finished masterpiece would entail, Stefanie landed on one of her family’s beloved stories, “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson. The story revolves around a mouse taking a walk in the woods and deceiving different predators, including the Gruffalo himself.

“The story of ‘The Gruffalo’ is a favourite in our home,” Bretcher said. “I love the book’s illustrations and it is such a witty and well-written story, plus it fit the bill for a mural forest scene perfectly.”

The mural took Bretcher two days to complete.

» Minnedosa Tribune

MINNEDOSA

“Snowflake” the little lamb made a visit to the residents at the Minnedosa Personal Care Home recently for one of the monthly “pet visit” nights, organized by employees of the Recreation Department.

Coming up with the idea in order to bring more smiles to the residents’ faces, the department invites local pets to come and wander around and give a love only a pet can provide. To date they have had several dogs, cats, a bird, and now a little lamb wearing a diaper visit.

The residents look forward to this monthly event and pack into the main common room in order to pet, play with and share the love of the animals.

Several studies have shown that the presence of animals can significantly impact the health and well-being of some care home residents. Residents had meaningful relationships with animals and derived pleasure and comfort from them. Interacting with animals offered residents a way to maintain a sense of self in the care homes, and with support, residents with dementia could also express their identities. Facilitating residents to interact with animals as part of person-centred care may also help residents to feel “at home” in the care home.

» Minnedosa Tribune

NEEPAWA

Grant Lazaruk is stepping down as president and chief executive officer of HyLife, one of the largest pork-producing companies in Canada, at the end of February.

The global food company, and one of Neepawa’s largest industries, has grown immensely since Lazaruk joined HyLife in 1997. He has been serving as CEO since 2010. When Lazaruk joined the company, 65 employees were at his first Christmas party, growing to 2,800 today.

Back then, weaned pigs were sold into U.S. markets, and now in 2024 HyLife sells meat around the world.

Now 60 years old, Lazaruk said it is time to step back and put the focus on other avenues important to him.

“Much thought has been put into this, and I am ready to focus more on family, being a grandfather to my two grandchildren, and supporting community initiatives in Steinbach, home since 1994, such as the Southeast Event Centre and the Steinbach Pistons of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League,” Lazaruk said. “We have a solid leadership team at HyLife. I feel the timing is right for me to transition.”

Karan Sangfai, current HyLife chief strategic officer, will be Lazaruk’s successor as of March 1. Sangfai has been a major part of HyLife leadership team since 2022 and has immersed himself in the Steinbach community, the location of HyLife’s headquarters over the past two years.

The company said that Sangfai, who grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, is a seasoned global leader who harbours a deep understanding of the business and embodies company values.

“Karan was a natural fit,” Lazaruk said. “He knows our company, people, and operations. He has a successful track record … HyLife is in good hands.”

Sangfai said he is honoured to take on Lazaruk’s role.

“It is a privilege to lead a company with such a strong reputation. On behalf of the shareholders, I would like to thank Grant for his many years of service to HyLife,” he said.

» Minnedosa Tribune

NEEPAWA

This July, Neepawa will be home to a two-year medical residency program, under the guidance of program director Dr. Brian Milligan of the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic.

Program administrator Jenna Kilburn will be assisting Milligan in administering the program.

“The residency program is funded by the University of Manitoba and is held to the standards set by the College of Family Physicians of Canada as well as the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba,” Kilburn said.

As soon as they know which resident doctors are coming to Neepawa, that information will be released, she added.

Once the program starts, Neepawa will have two resident year one students, who will then move on to resident year two students in the community, with two more year one doctors joining them the following year.

» Neepawa Banner and Press

GLADSTONE

The Gladstone Chamber of Commerce says that The Galloway building, also as the Gladstone Hotel, will soon be taken down.

The building has supported the town in many different capacities since opening as a general store in 1881 under owners Roper and William Galloway, the chamber said.

Building owner Mike Vercaigne of Gladstone put a lot of time and effort into its restoration of the historic building, turning it into rental business space and housing.

After the disastrous fire that occurred on Christmas Day 2022, a mutual agreement was made with the insurance company, Vercaigne said.

“Because the interior walls and floors were insulated in the renovation, the damage was so extensive that repair wasn’t feasible.”

Vercaigne has no plans for the land, he added.

» Neepawa Banner and Press

VIRDEN

The Virden Branch of the Border Regional Library held a luau in recognition of Family Literacy Day on Jan. 27.

Patrons took part in a variety of Hawaiian-themed crafts and games during the afternoon, learned about the island and enjoyed some pineapple sorbet. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Family Literacy Day.

The event takes place every Jan. 27 in an effort to raise awareness and celebrate the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family, the ABC Life Literacy Canada website states. Since its first year in 1999, many schools, libraries, literacy organizations and other community groups across the country have taken part in the celebration.

» Virden Empire-Advance