Machin Messenger

Serving Minnitaki, Eagle River, Vermilion Bay And surrounding area Volume 19 issue 2 February 2, 2017

Mayor’s Message

Welcome to February. I like this month. Seems that by the time we get here, we have normally put the teeth of winter behind us and the sun is staying out later in the day noticeably now. The fishing gets better and bet- ter, it’s a short month and has a long weekend. It is also a time when many of us get away to the sun for a while. Spring is coming and some of the best parts of winter are happening now. I like February. If the weather is good, it’s a no hassle, low stress month.

So, what do we have to look forward to? The Kin Carnival is again coming and this is always fun. I normally get to take in the Ice Fishing derby at least. Its fun every year. I hope the weather cooperates and lots of people come out to enjoy themselves. 1 In other news, Ron Kujansuu and I will have attended the ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association) confer- ence by the time you read this. It’s a chance for us to learn about some of the issues/problems/possible solu- tions that are coming to the Municipality as well as talk to other rural municipalities and find ideas for problem solving that might work here. These conferences also always give us a chance to corner a Minister or top gov- ernment aid and let them know our concerns and needs. Getting face time with these people is important.

Later in February, Joe Ruete and I will be heading back to Toronto to OGRA (Ontario Good Roads Association) for much the same reasons as attending the ROMA Conference. There we will learn about new techniques in road building, funding opportunities, problems, and province wide issues that we can bring back and hopefully use to help our roads, which need the help as I’m sure you are aware. We will see what we can do to stir up help for our roads.

Machin will be holding the KDMA (Kenora District Municipal Association) Annual Conference on the 2nd and 3rd of this month. Many to most of the Councillors from Kenora, Pickle Lake, Ear Falls, Red Lake, Ignace, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Nester Falls/Sioux Narrows will be here, along with provincial and federal representatives as well as non-governmental organizations. It’s an honour to host them and to show off our Community.

Our new Machin Asset Management Plan has been written and Council and staff will be going over it and modi- fying it as necessary. The purpose of the Asset Management Plan is to track the state of our infrastructure and assets – such as the new grader and make recommendations about when and where to fix, upgrade or replace these things. It is also a record of what is needed in our Community so we can show the work we have done and what work we need some provincial support for, such as replacing or repairing bridges. It’s a mandatory document now and overall is a good thing to have as it will also help future councils see some of the history of the infrastructure work and needs we have now and into the future.

Finally, while we didn't get some of the funding that we applied for to upgrade the Eagle River Rink, that doesn't mean it’s not a great place to skate. With warmer weather coming and more light in the evenings, it’s a great time to use your rink, have some fun and get some exercise. We are experimenting with the rink this year to make it more accessible to you. For the next little while we have installed security cameras within the change hut at the rink so that we can leave it open for users on most days/evenings. If the access is not abused, we may try to do this all the time so more people can skate more often. Please use and look after your rink – and have fun on it.

Well, like February, this Mayors Message will be a bit shorter than last month. Have a great February, get out- side into the fresh air as much as you can, and be safe on the lakes, trails, roads and ice. And if you bump into some of our guests from KDMA early this month, please give them a warm welcome from the greatest place in the world to live.

Sincerely,

Drew Myers Mayor of Machin Machin Messenger—Page 2

MESSENGER DEADLINE MESSENGER ADS

Submissions for the Machin Messenger must now be in by If you wish to advertise in the Machin Messenger, the LAST WEDNESDAY of the month, by noon. Since the please call the Municipal Offices at 227-2633 to find out Messenger is published on the first Thursday of the month, the charge for your ad. Ads will need to be pre-paid. the deadline will change if the 1st is on Thursday. We will put reminders in the month before. The deadline for the March Messenger will be Wednesday February 22nd. Thumbs up Thumbs down Drop submissions off at the Municipal Office or email to [email protected], subject line “Machin Messenger”. Ads Thumbs up to the anonymous donor for will need to be pre-paid prior to insertion in the Messenger. $1000.00 to the Bus Committee. Please note that there are price changes for ads. Call the Municipal Office for details. Thumbs down to the people on snow machines that think the streets are there for them only. Slow down and watch out not only for traffic but the pedestrian’s that are out there as well. Municipal Notes Thumbs down to the person who stole gas Attention Machin Tax Payers. 2017 Interim Tax Bills were from the Seniors’ bus. mailed out January 20, 2017. The Interim Tax Bills are due February 28, 2017. If you have not received your tax bill please contact the Municipal Office at (807) 227-2633. Failure to receive tax notice does not relieve the taxpayer from pay- ment of taxes nor from liability or penalty for late payment.

Dog Tags are due March 31, 2017 at the cost of $10.00 a tag. We have been receiving several complaints of dogs wandering The Municipality of Machin Bus Fund Committee the streets and using people’s yards as their personal wash- would like to thank the Annual Harley Davidson room as well as causing other problems running around loose. Party Crew for their continued support to help keep We would like to remind the dog owners that under by-law our local seniors active by donating $10,000.00 to #38-2011 dogs must be on a leash when out of their yards, as purchase a New Accessible Bus over the last few well as in care and control of their owner. years. This support is very generous and is greatly

appreciated. Pictured: Tony Blair, Rose Blair, Louise

Trudeau, Joyce Poirier, Candi and/or Brad Elyk and Property owners in Vermilion Bay with Aqua Flow Units are sitting Leo Bruyere. reminded to turn them on to prevent your water from freez- ing. Please ensure that they remain on until the middle of April. Should you have any questions regarding your unit, please contact Mike, Environmental Services Manager at 227- 2064. We thank you in advance for your co-operation. Machin Messenger—Page 3 Apologies for not getting this into last month’s Messenger!

The Machin Area Helping Hands Committee would like to express their sincere thanks.....

 To all our Santa’s Elves who helped put the hampers together, helped at the CP Holiday Train and wrapped gifts  To everyone who donated food, money and gifts for the Christmas Cheer Hampers  To all the talented crafters for their sewing, knitting, quilting and all the beautiful handmade special items we received  To those individuals and community groups who adopted families  To those who collected donations at their businesses, churches and special events held in our community  To the Evangelical Church for the use of their basement  To our delivery volunteers  To everyone who supported us at the CP Holiday Train and Santa Claus Parade Your care, concern and generosity were greatly appreciated. Your generosity and support is truly what makes this possible. Without all of you, none of this would be possible eve- ry year We sincerely hope that we were able to reach all those in need and that the recipients of the hampers know there are many people who care in our community We hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and Wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year!

Machin Area Helping Hands Committee Machin Messenger—Page 4 Machin Messenger—Page 5

Employment Opportunity: Seasonal Arena Assistant –Municipality of Machin The Municipality of Machin is seeking a self-motivated, customer service-oriented individual. The successful candidate will be responsible for handling cash, dealing with the public, janitorial duties and maintenance for daily and long-term operations of the Woodland Arena, located in Vermilion Bay, Ontario This is a hands-on position that is be responsible for building maintenance and operations includ- ing: -canteen services and cash handling - assist with plant operations and ice making -janitorial and building maintenance duties -ordering supplies and equipment The successful applicant must have experience with facility operations, recreational programming, good communications and conflict solving skills. It would be an asset if the applicant would be willing to take the following courses: Basic Refrigeration and Ice Technology. A commitment to continuous skills upgrading and improvement, and excellent customer service are preferred attributes. Deadline: February 15th, 2017. An attractive wage offered. If you are interested in this challenging opportunity, forward your resume to: Tammy Rob, Clerk Treasurer, Municipality of Machin, P.O. Box 249, Vermilion Bay, On, P0V 2V0 Machin Messenger—Page 6 Machin Messenger—Page 7 Lions Lines Seven Lions members travelled to Grand Rap- ids Minnesota for the 5M10 Mid Winter conven- tion. Several Lions as well as our club received awards for their service by the District Gover- QUACKER’S DINER nor Mel Milender. The Vermilion Bay Lions Club was awarded the Club Excellence Award and the Centenni- FEBRUARY al Service Challenge for Youth, Hunger and Environment. Lion Al Koroniak was presented with the Melvin Jones Fel- lowship Award for his work on upgrading our hall over the CLOSED past five years as well as being a Director on the Manito- ba/NW ON Lions Foundation for which he is now Chair- MONDAYS & TUESDAYS. man. Lion Forrest Mann was presented with the 2016- 2017 Leadership Award for his work with the Machin Ca- det Program as well as Zone Chair. Lion Shirley Koroniak was presented with the Presidential Award for bringing new skills and ideas to revolutionize an older organization CLOSED through her IT Chairperson role in 5M10. We are all very proud of our Club and all members who give so much of there time and energy to promote our moto “We Serve”. FOR REMODELLING/SPRING CLEANING The annual Family Snow Machine Derby will be held Feb- “FEBRUARY 27TH – MARCH 29TH.” ruary 25 first hand leave at 9:00 am - last hand leave at 1:00pm. Lunch will be from 12:00-2:00. Come out and enjoy a fun time on the trails. Tickets for the Winter Raf- fle are on sale at local outlets. The draw will be held at the Lions Hall 5:00 pm OPEN FOR BUSINESS MARCH 30TH. February 11 Lions will be serving breakfast at the Lions Hall for a hockey tournament. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE. The Vermilion Bay Lions Club has their own website www.vermilionbaylions.org. Please visit the site as there are links to all the Lions Charities as well as Lions Clubs International. www.lionsclubs.org If you are interested in becoming a Lion’s member con- tact any Vermilion Bay Lions member. Meetings first and third Wednesday of each month. Hall rentals contact Al Koroniak 220-1107 Use of medical equipment- hospital beds, walkers, wheel chairs for information contact Gary Points North Family Health Team is pleased to offer Hutchison 227-2449 I Thought It Was Just Me (But it isn’t) Use of medical equipment- we have two stair climb- ers, hospital beds, walkers, wheel chairs for infor- by Brené Brown mation contact Gary Hutchison 227-2449 Making the Journey from “What will people think?” to “I am enough” Book Club meetings will be approximately one and a half hours , POINTS NORTH FAMILY HEALTH TEAM once a week for 4 weeks. Books will be provided and are yours to keep. Meetings will be relaxed, interactive and confidential; we will In order to do the best job we can, we need to be discuss the book and our thoughts on what we’ve discov- able to contact our patients from time to time. Please ensure that the Family Health Team has ered. your up to date phone number and address. As If you’ve never heard of the author check her out online at more and more people are getting rid of land lines Ted Talks- http://www.ted.com/talks - Search Brené Brown and switching to cell phones we are sometimes left and watch her 20 minute talks, she is as good of a speaker without the correct phone number to reach you. as she is an author. If you have moved, your phone number has Sessions are scheduled to run Thursdays changed or you have gotten a new health card from February 2nd though February 23rd at 1:30 pm in please contact us to update your information. the downstairs boardroom of the clinic. 807-227-2675 You do not need to be a patient of the clinic to enroll. There are only 5 seats available for this program; three peo- ple are required to run this program. Program will repeat if required. To register or for more information, please call the clinic or Brenda at 227-2675. Individual counseling is also available. Machin Messenger—Page 8 Machin Messenger—Page 9 Machin Messenger—Page 10

ON FEBRUARY 25TH MAKE TRACKS WITH BOREALIS SLEDDOG ADVENTURES. CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF DOGSLEDDING. 1:00PM TO 4:00PM *FREE DOGSLED RIDES FOR CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND UNDER* *WIENER ROAST* *HOT CHOCOLATE* JUST OFF HWY 17 WEST ON THE TRAPPER TRAIL.

The Nursery School “Community Calendars” will be in this month! We will give you a call when they arrive!

Calendars can be picked up at The Vermilion Bay Nursery School/Best Start Hub at Lillian Berg School Monday to Thursday 9 a.m.—3 p.m.

THANK YOU for all your support for this fundraiser! If you have any questions, please give us a call at 227-KIDS (5437) Machin Messenger—Page 11 Machin Messenger—Page 12

Happy Go Lucky Seniors A senior moment: Everyone thinks you’re deaf - but the truth is, you’re really not interested.  :) (Joey Green & Alan Corcoran) This time of year when the days can be either snowy or thawing and icy can be a hard time to deal with. It is difficult to get out for walks (we do not want any broken hips), and the days can be gloomy. One of the best ways to cope with difficult and depressing times is to talk to people you trust. Do not isolate yourself and if necessary seek profession help like the Older Adults Program. (See bulletin board poster.) It is important that we all take care of ourselves both emotionally and physically. It seems we are just getting the Christmas goodies gone and Valentine sneaks in! It never seems to end. Oh well there goes the diet again. :( Please check the calendar for upcoming events. A lot is happing this month to keep us all active. Check out the 4th, 18th, 26th and the Karnival on 24th-26th.

th Feb. 17 : Jamaican Pork & rice, veggies and desert. EVERYONE WELCOME!

To use the Senior’s Center contact Anita @227-2882 or Marnie @ 227-5310.

from all of us to the community.

Machin Messenger—Page 13

COMPLETE RENOVATIONS

G & G SPORTS

Box 309 Vermilion Bay Phone 227-2895 Repairs to most sports equipment Zipper replacement or repair Snaps & buckles Recover ski-do seats and bike seats Chairs—boat seats Re-lacing baseball gloves Skate repair/sharpening Machin Messenger—Page 14

Was your New Year’s Resolution to lose weight? Join the crowd!

Join us at 5:00 p.m. in the Reading Room (basement of the Municipal Office Building)

We’ll give you the support you need to lose those extra pounds!

UPCOMING MEETINGS Machin Council: Monday February 13th and Monday February 27th, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, Machin Municipal Office. Meeting minutes are now available online— www. visitmachin.com Public Works Meeting: Monday February 13th, 6:00 Building Permit Applications and general inquiries are p.m., Council Chambers, Machin Municipal Office. available at the Machin Office. Any questions on building, Recreation Meeting—Monday February 6th, 6:30 p.m., please call our Building Inspector Charles Tarrant direct at Council Chambers 1-709-884-9302 Lot Development Committee: Meeting TBA Lions Club—First and third Wednesdays of every month, 7:00 p.m., Lion’s Hall. Happy-Go-Lucky Seniors: Lunch meeting, Monday Area Church Services February 13th, noon, at the Happy-Go-Lucky Senior Cen- tre. Pine Tree Pathways: No meetings until spring. TOPS—Weigh-in at 5:00 p.m.. every Thursday. Short meeting follows in the Reading Room, Municipal Building. AA - Every Tuesday at 8pm. New meeting: Every Sunday at 7pm - Open meeting for anyone affected by Alcoholism. All meetings held in the Reading Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church Room at the Machin Municipal Offices. Hwy 17 Vermilion Bay Sew’n’Sew Quilters— February 7th and 21st, 9:30 a.m. Mass: Fridays at 5:30 p.m. at the Happy-Go-Lucky Seniors Centre. Kinettes—The first WEDNESDAY of each month, 7:00 p.m. in the Bayview meeting room. United Church 97 Spruce Street Community Gardens Committee— TBA Vermilion Bay Seniors Friendship Club of Eagle River—Second Closed for the winter Wednesday of each Month. Community Policing Meeting—TBA Eagle River (Ebenezer) Baptist Church Waldhof Wranglers— ATTENTION ALL Waldhof Wranglers Services at First Baptist Church Members: The IMPORTANT AGM (Annual General Meeting) 58 King Street, Dryden, Ontario is set for Feb 22, 2017, 7 pm at The Bayview Hotel. Voting Morning Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. for Executive Positions & an Amendment to The WW Con- stitution will take place as well as planning of another ex- citing riding season! C’mon down and provide YOUR in- St. Mark Lutheran Church put! Please try to set aside the date and attend to support Hwy 17 Vermilion Bay your Club. For more info call or text President Laurie Huff- Services: Sundays 11:30 a.m.

WINTER HOURS—WASTE DISPOSAL SITES Effective Oct. 1, 2016

TUESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY Evangelical Mission Church 55 Willow Street, Vermilion Bay Services: Sundays 11:00 a.m. Sunday School—10:00 a.m. VERMILION BAY 2 p.m.— 6 p.m. Closed 9 a.m.—1 p.m. 2 p.m.—6 p.m. Upper Falls Baptist Church EAGLE RIVER 9 a.m.— 1 p.m. Closed Hwy 105 North Worship: Sundays 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Bible Study: 10:00 a.m. (all ages) Copies of the water systems monthly summary, annual reports and the financial plan are available for viewing at the Municipal Office if any of the general public would like to re- view them. Also available at the Municipal Office the public may access the Water Quality System Policy for the Vermilion Bay water treatment plant and distribution system which forms part of the Operational Plan. Should anyone have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Manager of Environmental Services @227-2064.