THE Underground PRESS

Volume 9, Issue 1 SNOW LAKE, MANITOBA January, 2004 Library Renamed focus on the future

th STAFF Close to fifty people came out to a December 27 ceremony STAFF Several months ago, the Town of Snow Lake began planning held to commemorate the renaming of the community of for the possible closure of the New Britannia Mine. Part of Snow Lake’s library. The library, previously known only as the their preparation strategy is to organize for that prospect as well as try “school library” was renamed the Dorothy Salahub Library. Those in and determine the economic opportunities that would be best suited for attendance at this historic occasion included the late Mrs. Salahub’s the community if and when it happens. husband Bill, her four children Bill Jr., Doug, Cathy, and Ronald, as On November 29th of this year, Snow Lake’s Recreation Director, well as her Granddaughter Christine, other family members and Stephanie Foy, and the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), numerous close friends. Chuck Dunning, attended a training seminar put on by the Manitoba The ceremony got underway shortly before 3:00 p.m. with the Community Development Corporation. By their own admission, it was introduction of the family and delivery of a short history on the well worth the trip to Thompson and the chance to participate. community’s library, which was written by Dorothy Salahub herself. The Thompson session centered upon training attendees to facilitate Following this, Lynore Spruyt, Vice Principal of Frontier School focus groups, which in turn would be looking for community Division’s J.H. Kerr School, gave a heart warming and sometimes involvement in local economic development issues. Both Dunning and humorous account of her personal recollections during Mrs. Salahub’s Foy stated that the focus group process is simple; and that participation time in the library, and expressed her own as well as the division’s in the groups that they have facilitated thus far has been excellent. respect and admiration at having the library named in her honour. They also agree that the information garnered from the process will After Mrs. Spruyt’s address, Snow Lake’s Mayor, Garry Zamzow prove invaluable during the period of instability foreseen in the town’s was called upon to say a few words. Like Spruyt, Zamzow also knew future. Mrs. Salahub on a personal level and spoke from the heart in “We are allowing the residents of Snow Lake input into the changes memorializing her and acknowledging her contributions to the that will be occurring over the next couple of years,” said Foy during a community. recent interview. “The last time the town lost it’s main employer, Dorothy Salahub taught at Snow Lake’s school from 1958 –1960, and consultants were brought in to tell us what we needed. This time we also substitute taught in the 1970’s. She was Snow Lake’s community would like the people of our community to tell us what is needed.” librarian from early 1989 until retirement in January of 2000. Foy says that the sessions are informal and begin with the facilitators (SEE LIBRARY’ on page 7) (SEE FOCUS on page 4) An afternoon at the ballet Rcmp update Some time back, the Underground Press reported on STAFF: There are any number of places where an afternoon at the STAFF: several police matters that were waiting to go before the Ballet would be considered the norm. However, for obvious courts, and this past month further information was released reasons, tiny Snow Lake, Manitoba would not be included amoung on both. They involved an early morning accident on the Osborne Lake th them. Nevertheless, on the afternoon of December 4 , the entire school Road and a firearm incident. Corporal Bob MacKnight of the Snow population and over one hundred towns folk were treated to an Lake RCMP Detachment advises that as a result of there being outstanding performance by the world renowned Royal Winnipeg reasonable and probable grounds to make a blood demand from the Ballet (RWB). adult female, who was believed to be the driver of the single vehicle The production was entitled “Concert Hour Ballet” and was brought involved in the rollover accident, charges of driving a vehicle with over to the community under the auspices of the Aurora Borealis Arts 80 mgs/liter blood and impaired driving were laid. Council. The 25 members of the troupe arrived from a performance in “The required samples of blood were obtained and forwarded to the Thompson three hours before their Snow Lake show and immediately RCMP’s Winnipeg Forensic Lab, for analysis,” said MacKnight. “This got to work readying the Gordon Doak Gym for their presentation. determined that at the time that the samples were obtained, the driver’s Everyone from the 20 students in the dance troupe to the bus driver was blood alcohol content was in excess of the legal limit. As a result, her involved in setting up the school for the show. As stated in some of the drivers license was immediately suspended for 90 days, pending a court RWB’s literature, “No one is too precious to do their part.” appearance.” The corporal reports that the driver appeared in In addition to curtains, drapes, lighting and sound equipment, the Provincial Court in Cranberry Portage on October 27 and entered a plea company brought their own floor – a Harlequin studio dance floor. It is of guilty to Driving Over .08. She received a $1000 fine and a one year a vital element of the troupe’s gear and is comprised of linoleum strips prohibition from operating motor vehicles, anywhere in Canada. The rolled for transport. Once in the gym, it is laid flat on the floor, duct charge of Impaired Driving was stayed. taped together and when completely installed, provides an ideal surface Additionally, a young person (under the Youth Criminal Justice Act for dancers to move on. The entire set up was accomplished in under 45 young offenders are now referred to as young persons) involved in an minutes and after a lunch provided by the Arts Council and prepared by incident back in early September, was charged under Section 88 of the Home Economics students, the dancers began warming up before Criminal Code with possessing a firearm and under Sec. 121(1) of the dressing and applying their makeup and hairstyles for the performance. Liquor Control Act, with underage consumption of alcohol. This young (SEE BALLET on page 6) (SEE RCMP on page 6) Page 2 THE Underground PRESS January, 2004

E D IT O R IA L them delivered to their seats. Additionally, a new MTS-TV channel will be set up and will broadcast Manitoba Moose hockey games to ’ve changed my tune a bit on the idea that kids need more to do in home subscribers. Wow, isn’t that something? We can’t get cell phone Snow Lake. I’m beginning to think that we might be going just a service in our community and MTS is outfitting a sporting venue, so little bit overboard in drumming up things for them to take part in. that heaven forbid, people don’t have to get up and walk 50 meters for a The statement, “There’s nothing to do!” has evolved, and now actually beer or a hotdog. Yes, and those same people can enjoy Moose games means, “There’s nothing NEW to do!” sitting at home, viewing via MTS’s cutting edge technology, while A quick scan of the bulletin boards in the school, community hall, we’re still putting up with dial-up Internet service. Winnipeg arena, and stores would lead anyone to believe that children are our experiences and enjoys the wonders of the “phone booth”, while Snow community’s most valued assets. No doubt, they are. These boards are Lake continues to sit in the “outhouse”. covered with recreational ads for everything from basket weaving to ~**~ basketball. We spend a lot of time, a lot of money, and a lot of worry “Weird Web Site of the Month” honours goes to: http:// on activities to take up the leisure time that we assume our children www.clumsycrooks.com/. The site includes a pretty funny selection of have. It frustrates us when we think about all the trouble we go to in “True Stories” involving actual crimes committed by “Clumsy Crooks order to provide oppourtunities for our kids to take part and then they and Foolish Felons!” Lots of stories, amusing pictures, and news facts either tire of the activity inside a couple of weeks, or we have them so like: "Mexican Prisoner Juan Lopez escaped from jail January 1996 involved in things that their schooling suffers. after using acidic salsa sauce from six years of jailhouse dinners to When we think back to our own youth it was so much simpler. The dissolve the bars on his cell window." Or “Bank robber arrives early, facilities were all there and when we weren’t taking part in “basic” waits outside wearing face mask.” Check it out. activities within them, we were out making fun for ourselves. Scrub ~**~ hockey, road hockey, halushka, cards, board games, and marbles were Each day as I walk to work, I can’t help but notice snowmobile tracks all things that we did without the help, supervision, or urging of our all over the pedestrian walkway (pipeline path) to the subdivision. I’m parents. And we actually had a pretty good time. Contrary to popular left to wonder what would be on a sled driver’s mind as they crest that belief, most kids left to their own devices will choose to have fun hill only to meet and run down a pedestrian. Would it be, “How will I instead of get into trouble… unless of course one’s idea of fun is getting ever pay all the legal bills in my future?” It should be! into trouble. ~**~ The more things change, the more they stay the same. Although it is too early to tell at the time of this writing (the evening that power was handed from Chretien to Martin), my guess is that truer words were never spoken. I got to thinking about some of the differences between the two leaders and here’s what I came up with: A Lakeside by: Barrie With Chretien’s departure we’ve come to the end of an era of Taylor misspoken and garbled untruths and with Martin’s ascension we embark upon one of precisely phrased doublespeak. In comparison, NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS Chretien was a leader who made a number of gaffs, none of them We might as well start the New Year off right and stir the pot a little. planned, while Martin is a guy who’s every move, even his mistakes, Did you make a New Years resolution this year? If there is anything will be carefully choreographed. Chretien was always seen as the street that you want to do bad enough, or any goal you would like to achieve, fighter who would neither exist nor operate in anyone’s shadow; Martin all that is required is the determination to make it happen and it will, no has thrived in the shadow of great men. With Chretien there was never matter what time of the year it is. any putting on airs or cloak and dagger, what you saw was what you My view is; making a New Years resolution is only wishful thinking. got. Martin, on the other hand, has a “Phony Mulroney” way about him. Some of the biggest scandals that hit the news during Chretien’s tenure involved aircraft. First the Sea King fiasco, then the airbus debacle, then the Prime ministerial aircraft scandal, and closing out with a recurrence of the Sea King fiasco. Conversely, a quick glance into the crystal ball leads one to expect that Martin’s scandals will all involve

Ships. On the question of our relationship with the USA, they don’t Milton (Milty) Roberts differ much. Chretien mostly kowtowed, but occasionally took an Milty passed away on December 4, 2003 in the Snow opposing stance, and I’m sure Martin will do likewise. There’s the Lake Health Center, at the age of 67. A funeral service differences (as I see ‘em). For an example of how things stay the same, was held at 2:00 p.m. on December 8, 2003 in Snow try taking a look at your own personal situation six months from now. Lake’s Anglican/United Church. The Reverend Clare No need to say more? ~**~ Edwards presided and interment followed at the A “feel good” story in the Winnipeg Free Press caught my eye some Brookside Cemetery. weeks back. It involved MTS (Manitoba Telecom Services) and their willingness to part with $7 million over 10 years in a major sponsorship deal with Winnipeg’s new downtown arena complex, the True North THE Underground PRESS Center. Actually, it isn’t called the True North Center anymore, it’s is a monthly, independent newspaper, published in called the MTS Center… three guesses why! In fact they’ve already Snow Lake, Manitoba. got a nickname for the place. People are referring to it, good-naturedly, EDITOR: Marc W. Jackson as the “Phone Booth”. Isn’t that cute? Correspondence: P.O. Box 490, Snow Lake, MB., R0B 1M0 Do you sense a bit of cynicism in my words? If so, good, I’ve Phone: (204)358-2887 conveyed it perfectly. I read with interest that the money MTS spends email: [email protected] in the arena will outfit it with a state-of-the-art communications system that will allow patrons to order beer and hotdogs by cell phone and have January, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 3

Inside - Out by: Joan Currie Police Report by: Cpl. Bob MacKnight The Wisdom of the Ages During the past two months, the actual calls for police service have This article deals with the writer's understanding of spirituality and been minimal. With this in mind and as another year comes to a you are free to accept or reject it. conclusion, we all should be thankful for the "peacefulness" and What on earth is spirituality? I for one struggled with the meaning of "quality of life" that Snow Lake continues to offer. the word and I have noticed that others have the same problem. It does Investigations continue to be conducted into two harassing telephone not mean Religious dogma, séances, channeling, Quiji boards, or call complaints. In both instances, MTS Security has provided Psychics. When I say “What on earth”, I mean just that. I don’t want assistance in identifying the origin of the suspect calls, which has and to wait until I die to find heaven; I want it now. will lead to the identification of those persons responsible. Literature from all of the great prophets, sages, and masters of With the arrival of winter driving conditions, there has been an religion tells me that I can have it now. Jesus said, “The kingdom of increase in the number of accidents being reported. Drivers are heaven is within and around us. Seek and you will find. Knock and the reminded that any accident involving an injury or total damage in door will open.” Actually, I want it now used to be my favorite mantra. excess of $1000 must, by law, be reported to the Police, whereupon an Most things I wanted only gave me temporary happiness and some of it accident report will be completed. While reporting an accident to MPI was downright destructive to my whole being. I see now that it was all is optional, reporting an accident to the Police, under the noted part of that “seeking” that Jesus spoke of. circumstances, is a legal requirement. Failure to do so will result in a One of my favorite mentors was Bill W., author of the Big Book, charge under the Highway Traffic Act, which will then be made subject Alcoholics Anonymous (1935). He suggested through that book that I of your Driving Record. remove the negative aspects of my personality if I wanted to heal my During the past six weeks, members have participated in a variety of broken spirit. He said that I needed to rid myself of selfishness and self community events: School and Community Remembrance Day -centeredness. He said those two emotions were the root of problems. Services, National Child Day at the Family Resource Center, National Then he said that I was to rid myself of anger and resentment, which Addiction Awareness Week, noon-hour intramural sports activities and accrued in my past. After all that exhausting emotional work, he told Canvassing for the "White Ribbon Campaign" to promote awareness me that I needed to forgive those who had hurt me, then I was to regarding domestic violence. apologize to people who I had hurt or injured. At this point, being new Regardless of the winter driving conditions, traffic enforcement at this soul cleansing, I was tempted to sweep this part under the remains productive. Recently, a vehicle was detected, traveling on PTH spiritual rug – so to speak. 39 at 161 km/hr. The fine was $423 and due to the excessiveness of the I’m here to tell you that “seeking and finding” was the most difficult speed, the driver will be required to attend a driver’s license suspension thing that I have ever done. Jesus said, “Knock and the door will hearing. open.” Bill W. said, “You will be free of the past torments.” Different As well, members have and will be involved in Check Stops, with words, same meaning. When I began knocking on the right side of the other RCMP detachments and agencies. On December 12/Friday, a door, loneliness, depression, and hopelessness began to disappear and Check Stop was conducted at the junction of PTH 6 and PR 373 (Cross my whole outlook on life changed. I learned that finding happiness Lake/Norway House). Approximately 275 vehicles were checked and a really is an inside job. I sought happiness everywhere outside myself variety of tickets were issued. Fortunately, none of the drivers were and only found more of the same self-defeating stuff. impaired. So now back to my original question, “What on earth is spirituality?” Concerns continue regarding the operation of Off-Road vehicles, in I have come to believe that spirituality is emotional detoxification, with and around Snow Lake. The designated snowmobile routes are the end result being a personality change. exclusive to the use of snowmobiles only; ATV's (Quads) are not Health gurus are quick to tell us that our physical bodies need to be permitted to operate upon them. Further, Town Council has emphasized free of “toxic stuff”. I’m convinced that if we first started detoxifying that the designated routes are to be utilized for travel to and from Town the emotions, the body would take care of itself. Like the body, the and not within the community. The law(s) require that snowmobiles be spirit requires healthy food. registered, that operators under 14 years of age be supervised, that Like the body, the spirit requires healthy food. operators and riders wear helmets and that snowmobiles not be The following piece of literature is a favorite of mine. It is called operated upon the streets. Anyone having a concern or complaint Desiderata, which means “things to be desired” in Latin. regarding the operation of snowmobiles or ATV's is encouraged to Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace contact the RCMP, with their identity remaining confidential. there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good During the holiday season, police will be vigilant in detecting terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen impaired drivers and those operators and passengers who refuse or to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. forget to wear their seat belts or occupant restraints. Remember that as Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. of November 1st, a Seat Belt ticket will not only cost $100, but will If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; result in two demerits on your drivers license. Anyone charged with for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy Impaired Driving, will have their vehicle seized for a minimum of 30 your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own days and within seven days of the offense, their drivers license career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes suspended for 90 days and upon conviction a substantial fine (and of time. possibly incarceration), with an additional suspension of their drivers Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of license. As the Australian government has advertised: "If you drink and trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons drive, you’re a bloody idiot!" The local RCMP members and staff wish strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be everyone an enjoyable, peaceful and safe Holiday Season. yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. (SEE INSIDE OUT on page 7) "Crime wouldn't pay if the government ran it." ~ Anonymous Page 4 THE Underground PRESS January, 2004

“ACCORDING TO by: Darryl choice, I would continue to play women’s hockey over curling or glow DARRYL” Wooley volleyball. Well time to go, so for now keep your eye on the broom and “Hurry hard!” Darryl It saddened me today to read about the tragic death of hockey great Keith Magnuson in the Winnipeg Free Press. As a kid he was one of my favorite Chicago players. Another senseless death caused by a drunk driver. I only hope that this serves as a reminder of the horrific (FOCUS from page 1) consequences of drinking and driving. It is especially important to introducing themselves to the group and giving a little background on remember at this time of year with so many Christmas and New Years the mining situation in Snow Lake. Additionally, they explain that the celebrations and overindulgence in alcohol as common as a cigarette at purpose of the gathering is to look for ways to both retain and attract a bingo game. residents, with the motivation being to keep Snow Lake vibrant and Last months copy of the Underground Press arrived and I just viable. “We ask the group to look at Snow Lake as a successful couldn’t wait to open it and read Rick Leclair’s sports report. So you community, five years down the road,” said Foy. “How did we get can only imagine how upset I was when I read “Sorry no column this there? What do we have to do now to make sure we are that community month” under the heading of sports. I was about to call him when I got in five years?” an e-mail from a mutual friend whose name, to protect the innocent, In formulating ideas, the focus group participants are encouraged to will remain anonymous. He informed me that Rick has been practicing begin any statement expressing an idea with “I wish”. Foy says that curling. Yes you heard it right, PRACTICING CURLING! I guess he this opens up their imagination to big ideas. She and Dunning write was so busy practicing that he had no time to write a sports report. Or each wish on poster paper and hang them so that everyone can look maybe he is no longer interested in sports and is going to spend all his over, and possibly build upon suggestions that have already been made. time curling. Oh ya curling is a sport, I forgot. For some reason I was When ideas start slowing down they both work to help the group see getting it mixed up with bingo. main areas, such as transportation or education (but not actual ideas), Speaking of sports, I had the pleasure of witnessing some former which they haven’t touched upon yet. Realizing that not everyone feels Snow Lake sport celebrities tee up at the Carman golf course this past comfortable sharing their ideas out loud, the facilitators give summer. Tom, Ken, and Michael Dahle asked me to come golfing, participants a sheet from which they can pick out their own top five unfortunately I was working and was only able to stop by and visit for a priorities, or list five from their own thoughts. At the end of the session, brief moment. It was quite a show, they rented clubs, and then dug out a Dunning and Foy tabulate the group’s priorities and keep the list for plastic bag with some golf balls they got from Rocky McLeod, bought a comparison with lists from other focus groups. “This will all help us few beers, and headed for the tee box. As they waited patiently for their determine what ideas or concepts are important to the people of Snow turn, someone opted to check out Rocky’s gift. There were pink, Lake,” said Foy. “And it will give us a starting point,” she added. orange, green, range balls and a sorted collection of scared up They feel that it is very important to be open to any suggestion during Spaldings, so Ken quickly slipped back to the clubhouse and purchased the process. The facilitator says that she and Dunning like to keep the a sleeve of new balls. After there first drive, I had to leave, but from sessions very positive. “Everyone is encouraged not to be critical of what I could see I think Ken and Tom got into the plastic bag before anyone else’s ideas, however big they may be,” she said. “Sometimes they made shot number two. Before leaving the subject of golf, I must when you let ideas sink in, they bring about other ideas and if we can brag a bit about my own game. I knocked ten strokes off my handicap find a couple of ideas that we are able to put into action, it would be this year and I am quite proud of myself. Before you start looking in the great.” newspaper for my name in the PGA tour money list, I might mention Ms. Foy says that it is amazing how many ideas a group can come up that my handicap at the start of the year was 20 so I guess I am not that with in an hour. She said that the first groups they implemented the great after all. process with were several high school classes at J. H. Kerr School. As Leaving the summer behind, I will move on to hockey. Newly a team, she and Dunning were unsure of how the process would work married former Snow Laker Chris Yaschyshyn joined his old junior with teens. “Well, they shocked us,” said Foy in amazement. “The team, The Winkler Flyers, as an assistant coach. I’m confident that if he Grade 12’s came up with 114 ideas in an hour, and the Grade 11’s came can instill in them some of his playing day’s work ethic they will do up with a whopping 160 ideas in the same time period.” very well. After a ten-year sabbatical I have also got involved in “Obviously, when we ask people to dream big they do, some of these coaching again. I am assistant coach with my daughter’s Midget girls ideas, even if the whole community decided they were worthwhile, we team playing out of Manitou. It is a bit different than coaching boys, would not be able to accomplish,” said Foy with optimism. “But there they don’t seem to get discouraged as easily and winning is not as are many things that can be done, and if the people have their say and important as having fun. They are a great bunch of girls and I am are listened to, they will get behind a project, whatever it is.” having a lot of fun. Female hockey seems to have taken off down here, and there are more girls’ teams each year. This year I started my forth season as goalie for the ladies team. This of course is after a stellar year in 2002/03 where I received an award for having the best attendance record of all the girls on the team. The one real live female goalie we had last year moved to Brandon, so I even The Snow Lake Community get to go on the road now. My first road trip was a memorable one. We Library Hours traveled to Morris, where we played our archrivals, the Morris Stampeders. It was Skate with Santa night, so there were tons of fans Tuesdays: 1:00 - 4:00 & 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. hanging around after public skating. It was quite entertaining to see the Thursdays: 1:00 - 4:00 & 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. look on the fan’s faces when this big hulk in goal equipment skated onto the ice. I’m sure there were a few people thinking they wouldn’t Saturdays: 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. want to mess with the woman behind that mask. I know Ted Stabback Come on out to the Dorothy Salahub Library and wants to know who won, so here goes: We lost 3 - 2; I let in three goals from the same girl, and she used the same move on me. I said I played see what we have to offer! goal; I didn’t say that I played goal well. Nevertheless, I think if I had a January, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 5

THE CHAMBERS by: Marc areas for a given period of time. Councilor Mayer expanded on the idea Jackson and asked why we couldn’t just have a trailer painted in the same manner

nd as those which travel the province advertising festivals in The Pas and Mayor Zamzow opened the December 2 meeting of council at 6:30 Morden. Zamzow also reported that he’d been in discussion with several p.m. All members (other than Councilors Cairns and Fisher) and people from the Co-op in Flin Flon; they are interested in setting up in Administrator Dunning were in attendance. Snow Lake. Under Business Arising From The Minutes, Mr. Dunning explained ~**~ that there wasn’t a lot of information on the recent netting study on Mayor Zamzow opened the December 16th meeting of council at 6:30 Wekusko Lake that was available for release. The Province has p.m., with all members (other than Councilor’s Chrapun and Powell) completed their initial review and apparently it shows that the lake is in a and Administrator Dunning in attendance. depressed state. They are currently going over a management strategy. Under Business Arising From The Minutes, Council was informed Dunning has requested a meeting in early January to go over their that they have the final say in regard to where the Manitoba Liquor strategy. Control Commission (MLCC) outlet is established. Mayor Zamzow The Utility Maintenance Report was received for filing. Mr. Booth advised that there were two premises that were likely recipients of the commented on a November 4th sample that returned over the allowable outlet and that the MLCC was recommending that it be placed in Heterotrophic Plate Count limit. It is thought that the high count was Cornerview Enterprises. He asked if council wished to discuss their own caused by a water surge that released debris in the water line, also the fact recommendation now or later in the meeting. It was decided to discuss that the Hospital line is a dead end. Booth pointed out that the sample and vote on it at that time. A resolution recommending that the outlet taken farther down the line was well within limits. be allocated to Sweet Nothings was voted on. The result was, For: The September and October Recreation Director Reports were Councilors Jackson and Mayer. Against: Councilors Cairns, Fisher, and received for filing. Council agreed with Mrs. Foy’s assertion that Family Mayor Zamzow. The motion was defeated. A resolution Movies are the only ones that seem to draw an audience. She will only recommending that the outlet be allocated to Cornerview was then put show this type in the future. forward and voted on. The result was, For: Councilors Cairns, Fisher, The Protection Committee Report was received for filing. Council was and Mayor Zamzow. Against: Councilors Jackson and Mayer. The in favour of the recycling group receiving the GST rebate on the motion passed. Councilor Jackson asked that a letter be sent to the purchase (last year) of the bailer and pallet jack. The group requires a MLCC voicing council’s displeasure at the extremely unprofessional heater for the bailing room and a hydraulic tank heater for the bailer. manner in which the allotment of this outlet was conducted. The group has stated that the heater will only be used when they are The Mayor gave a verbal report to council on some of the things that bailing materials; it will be turned off at all other times. The heater is in he has been involved with during the period between meetings. Zamzow town stock and will be installed. Staff will get a price on the tank heater stated that the Norman Regional Development Corporation (NRDC) for the next meeting. The group also requested that funds be budgeted recently hired a new General Manager. He also informed council that for repair and maintenance on the bailer, glass crusher, etc., that a the NRDC would be holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in building at the dump be moved as soon as possible, and that the town Snow Lake on the weekend of February 27th. Several Government commit to continuing with a recycling program regardless of the effect Ministers are invited to the AGM and they have also invited Winnipeg that downsizing may have on the town’s operation. These items will be Goldeyes owner Sam Katz to speak at the supper. The suggestion was discussed further. made that the supper should be opened to the public. The Mayor will The Administrator’s Report was received for filing. Mr. Dunning bring this up. The Mayor also advised council that the Flin Flon Co-op’s advises that he has wording in place for the closing of the office (to the management would be discussing a Snow Lake store at a meeting the public) on Mondays. He also stated that the Manitoba Liquor Control following day. Commission had made a decision on where the local outlet should be The Administrator’s Report was received for filing. Mr. Dunning placed. They requested a resolution from council stating that they have updated council on several focus groups he and the Recreation Director no concerns with this. Council advised that they did have concerns and have been holding. The groups have been brought together in an attempt wish to meet with officials from the Commission. to come up with some grassroots direction for Snow Lake’s future. After Under Correspondence, a letter was received from the Snow Lake discussion on another item on the report, it was decided that the Mayor, Seniors expressing the group’s concern for what they felt was “the Administrator, and Councilor Mayer would meet with the Manitoba deplorable condition” of the community’s streets over the past two years; Water Services Board in Brandon on January 5, 2004. The meeting will it was accompanied by a petition signed by close to 100 people. As the focus upon a process whereby repairs can be made to the sewage petition didn’t request anything in particular, the concern was duly noted treatment plant without delaying the construction of the filter component and a copy was requested for the public works crew. for the water treatment plant. In Other Matters, Councilor Chrapun stated that a letter should be In other matters, Councilor Jackson asked that a sign be installed at the sent to the Family Resource Centre clarifying which portion of their taxes top of the pipeline path noting that the snowmobile route is to the left of is due. Apparently rented portions of their building are not tax exempt. the walking path. He also mentioned that he had a person bring the Councilor Powell stated that he’d had a few people voice concern about possibility of going after “Call Centers” (as an economic initiative) to his more than one council member at a time attending out of town attention and another who sustained a concussion in a fall near the conferences. The need for more than one attendee needs to be justified. Curling Rink. Both items were duly noted. Mayor Zamzow asked that Student Councilor Cann reported that there would be a school dance on th th Mr. Dunning have someone look at the lights at the airport. They Dec. 18 and Christmas Olympics on the 19 . Councilor Jackson asked should come on when the mike in an approaching aircraft is keyed. about progress on a water leak in front of a Crystal St. home and snow Presently they don’t. Zamzow also asked council their opinion of a being piled blocking a driveway off of Spruce St. Dunning advised that recent introductory meeting between agencies, which will be involved the water leak had been remedied and that there was nowhere else to pile when New Brit’ closes. the snow. Jackson also asked that Dunning check into spinoffs that may be available to the community in relation to the future construction of the Conawappa Dam. Mr. Dunning apprised council of a conference that he and Stephanie Foy had attended. Council was in favour of the tack they A wise man can see more from a the bottom of a well propose to take with discussion groups on the future of Snow Lake. Mayor Zamzow asked council what they thought of having signs selling than a fool can from a mountain top. cabin lots painted on the side of a truck trailer and placed in various Page 6 THE Underground PRESS January, 2004

Tech Talk by: Clarence Fisher (BALLET from page 1) Once the audience was in place and the lights were dimmed, the show began with staff member and show choreographer, Bruce Monk making Networked introductions and then providing narration during each component of How many plug-ins do you have in your house? If your home is like the performance. After an initial demonstration of how dancers prepare mine, you find that nearly every set of plugs in your house is growing and warm their muscles each day, the troupe performed several pieces power bars, so that you can have access to power when you need it. from their repertoire. The first of these was “White Swan Pas de Deux”; This is true for most homes across North America. Houses built twenty which was explained as a classic example of a dance for two people and or thirty years ago typically had two or three sets of plugs in a room. gave the audience a taste of pure balletic moves. The next piece was a On the other hand, new houses average a set of plugs every five feet to more modern composition called “Trekk”. It was current enough to make up for the bloom of electrical gadgets in our homes. encourage some swaying and toes to tapping in amoungst those Five years from now, a number of companies are hoping to have this viewing, and this in return warmed the dancers to the crowd. The final model changed. Research that is advancing into long-life batteries and two numbers were “Allegro Grazioso” and “La Folia”. Both were home-networking systems will change the way we deal with appliances lighthearted and humorous and had the younger children in the front in our homes. giggling throughout. The two pieces also exhibited the remarkable Ongoing research will let machines like laptops run a full day, and range of movement and precise timing required by and inherent in both soon a full week, on a single charge. When appliances only need male and female dancers. recharging once a week, it gives us a lot more freedom in how we use Before the presentation concluded, a demonstration was given on the them. An even better idea would be the ability to recharge items technique involved when a male dancer turns a ballerina while she is up wirelessly, with an electrical current being fed into a machine where it on her toe. After this display, Mr. Monk explained, tongue in cheek, sits. A laptop, for example, would simply “call” a recharging station that he’d heard a lot about the local hockey team and asked if one of and it could top the battery up no matter where it is in your home. their members would like to come forward to try executing a turn with This brings us to the second part of the scheme, a networked home the ballerina. Brad Selkirk, a defenseman with the Cranberry/Snow filled with gadgets that talk to each other. I saw a refrigerator a few Lake WinterHawks stepped forward and took the challenge. He did years ago that had a computer screen built into the front of it. The great and performed the turn… well, just like a hockey player. The fridge could be connected to a phone line, allowing you to search for show concluded with a long round of applause and a feeling of deep recipes or retrieve information from a running inventory of the items appreciation for this amazing dance troupe. inside your fridge. The next step would be for appliances like this to be able to either compile a grocery list for you based on what has been used from your fridge, or even place an order for you through one of the many stores which already offer online grocery shopping services. Networked homes could allow you to move from one room of your house to the next, which of course could mean that a pay-per-view (RCMP from page 1) football game could follow you from one television set to the next. person's first court appearance was on November 25th in Cranberry Networked appliances such as cell phones, Palm Pilots, laptop Portage. MacKnight reported that this case and other matters were computers, and even gadgets such as watches, or necklaces could all remanded without plea to December 16th in Cranberry Portage. talk to each other, sharing information stored on them such as Apparently legal counsel was not available and Judge Stewart was not addresses, appointment books, vital medical records, or photos. prepared to have any matters proceed without the benefit of legal A few changes like these could drastically effect how we use the advice being available to all present. technology we surround ourselves with. If we don’t need to think about electrical gadgets much and they maintain and recharge themselves, in addition to sharing information with each other, they quickly become a th vital part of our lives. Access to information, no matter where we are, The 50 Annual Cordwood Bonspiel is becoming vital for many people, and research like this will see it happen in only a few years time. will be held in March of 2004, and organizers Mary-Ann Otto, Karen Trudeau, Lola Leclair, Jacki Mihalicz, If cars had followed the same developmental path as and Gina Galiz are looking for computers, a Rolls Royce would cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside. information, pictures, lists of winners/participants, etc. from past The Dorothy Salahub Library Not only is it teaming with today’s best selling paperbacks and ‘spiels. Please contact one of these hardcovers, the library has: ~ Books on tape (For that seven hour trip to Winnipeg) ~ Children’s and specialty videos ~ Large print books ~ Cassette tapes - for kids and adults ~ How to books New Britannia Mine Supervision... ~ Monthly magazines For taking it upon themselves to organize and ~ Back issues of popular magazines, such as National Geographic arrange the Christmas Parties/Turkeys for their ~ Public Access Computers Check out the Dorothy Salahub Library... it’s in the school! various crews. Much appreciated by all who took part or received. January, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 7

(LIBRARY from page 1) by: Becky Subsequent to this, she served as a board member on the Community Life & Truth Ainsworth Library Board until her passing on July 13, 2003 at the age of 67. In reply to the addresses by Zamzow and Spruyt, both Cathy and These past few weeks have been full of heavy-duty doings for me. Doug Salahub took time to express the family’s gratitude for the kind There has been the struggle to make it to the end of Mr. A’s crazy-busy- words and the honour bestowed on this day. Following this, the family demanding school schedule. There has been, with much prayer and cut the ribbon opening the library and Bill Salahub Sr. unveiled a deliberation, my taking a job at a nearby A & W. The main reason for plaque marking the occasion. this is to have more contact with our neighbour lady who works full- The plaque was inscribed with the following: “In recognition of her time at the restaurant. (Of course the money comes in handy too, love and respect for the written word and the knowledge it conveys. although I work just one shift on Saturdays; they needed someone to do And for her many years of service, both as the community’s Librarian onion ring prep.) And, sadly, Milena our neighbour lady, told me on and as a board member, this library shall hereafter be known as the the second of December, “I am leaving my husband.” This is a Bosnian Dorothy Salahub Library. December 27/2003” family who has struggled through much together, but now husband and Once the applause subsided, those attending enjoyed coffee, dainties, wife are divided. (Their daughter, a young teen, now lives with her and fellowship and were included as the first patrons to set foot within mother.) In fact they moved out that same evening (we were able to the confines of The Dorothy Salahub Library. help a little with that), and therefore we now have two sides of a family to interact with. This definitely requires wisdom. Of course, I am now more thankful than ever for my contact with Milena “at work”. Anyone who thinks a mother does not work at home, too, has never been a (INSIDE OUT from page 3) mother. (This is one of my pet peeves, people asking a full-time Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do homemaker, “Do you work?”) not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of The other heavy-duty doing for me lately has been to move from fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with being a vegetarian to a meat-eater. I have come to realize, largely via a yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the book lent to me recently (and I didn’t even ask for it), that mere veggies stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, just haven’t done it for me, and it’s time to try something else. The no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. interesting/puzzling thing is that having no animal products works for a Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. lot of people, but not for me. Weight loss, for one thing, is not And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, something I have wanted or needed, but here I am about eight years into keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken this dietary choice, skinnier than ever. As well, my energy level has not dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. been great. From Liberty Savard’s teaching, I have been praying Max Ehrmann, 1927 against “strongholds” in my life, which definitely can cover a broad range of subjects, and have started realizing that this vegetarian thing may have been one of them. Truly, I’ve had a tendency, since day one, to “rebel” against anything considered mainstream. I think it’s good to question assumptions made by “the masses”, but I suppose God throws in these little twists to help keep us humble. Anyway, I intend to give this new way of eating a good trial run, which still does not include what “everyone” knows is bad for them, hydrogenated fats, for example. Nor does it exclude what everyone knows is good for them, like fresh fruits and vegetables, especially organically grown ones. So I’ll wait half a year or so and then report on my findings. ~ The idea that a rabbit's foot is lucky comes from the belief In the midst of all of the above, my friendship with God has been and that a rabbit is lucky. It comes to us from western Europe continues to be enriched. Dependency on His resources has become, before 600 B.C. This was a time when people believed that more than ever, a literal daily reality thing. Frankly, I can’t even draw once a person died, spirits would transfer into the bodies of my next breath (nor can you) without His sustaining power, not to animals. People believed the rabbit was particularly special mention having wisdom for the situations that come up. because they live underground and it was believed they could As I’ve been listening to the music of this season and thinking more communicate with those buried. Secondly, they are prolific about Jesus’ time on this earth, there have been both joyful and moving breeders. This was a symbol of health and prosperity. moments. Yesterday I was listening to Graham Kendrick’s words, ~ England, being old and small, years ago started running out “The One who strode among the stars, and called each one by name, lies helpless in a mother’s arms and must learn to walk again.” of places to bury people. So, they began to dig up coffins and Incredible thought or what? And then in Graham’s Easter music, also after housing the bones elsewhere they reused the coffins and listened to yesterday, “Hands that flung stars into space, to cruel nails graves. In reusing the coffins, it was found that one out of surrendered.” Majesty, meekness, love. twenty-five had scratch marks on the inside, and as a result they That is indeed Him, my Creator and yours. realized they had been burying people alive. So the idea evolved that they would tie a string on each corpse’s wrist, lead it through the coffin, up through the ground, and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night to listen for the bell. Hence, on the "graveyard shift" they would In case of atomic attack, the federal know that someone was "saved by the bell" or he was a "dead ruling against prayer in schools will be ringer." temporarily canceled. ~unknown Page 8 THE Underground PRESS January, 2004

What Ever Happened to... Boyd Rupp

Happy New Year from all of us to all past and present Snow Mom was always around the arena, looking after the concession. Lakers. In later years she starting ceramics and got a special room built for It’s been quite a while since we left Snow Lake – almost thirty people to do ceramics in. years, boy does time fly! It was in 1973, while I was working for HBM&S, that I met the We moved from Flin Flon to Snow Lake in early 1964, when girl of my dreams, Leslie. She had moved to Snow Lake (with her my Dad was transferred by HBM&S. We moved into a three- son Chris) to become the Figure Skating Instructor. We were bedroom house with a full basement; what a mansion compared married the following year and on our honeymoon in Vancouver to our house in Flin Flon. With three brothers and a sister, the we decided that was where we wanted to live. Leslie, Chris, and I space sure was needed. When we first got to Snow Lake our moved to Surrey, a municipality about 30 miles east of house wasn’t ready, so we lived with the Reeds (Jack and Laska) Vancouver, in 1975. I started working for the Greater Vancouver for a while. At the time my brothers and I thought it was a pain Water District. After working there for a couple of years, I bought to have to live with a house full of girls, but it all turned out ok. a truck and started my own trucking business, adding more trucks Back then, Jack was likely asking himself: “What have I gotten us over the years. Leslie continued to teach figure skating. into? Inviting these four hooligans to live with us!” They were no Our daughter Caryn was born in early 1980. Both Chris & doubt relieved when our house was finally ready. Caryn started figure skating at an early age, Chris quit when he As a kid growing up in Snow Lake it was great. In the winter was 18, Caryn is still skating. Chris played hockey up until Midget there was hockey, hockey and a little more hockey. When the year, and I helped out by coaching and refereeing. Caryn did all arena wasn’t open, there would be road hockey games on the the girlie things – tap dancing, jazz, and ballet, as well as skating, street, or skating on the lake. It didn’t really matter how cold it soccer, and brownies. Where did we find the time? Seems like we was, there always seemed to be a game going on somewhere. were always going to or coming from one event or another. Many nights the games would go right through dinner and up In 1993, serious health problems forced me to sell out of the until it was dark. I can still remember Mom calling us and calling business and I secured a job as a dispatcher for a large trucking us for the longest time and we would carry on as if we didn’t hear company in the Vancouver area. I am currently employed as her. But we always heard Dad the first time he called! dispatch / operations manager of a trucking firm in Langley B.C. It was during one of these winter seasons that Gordon Syms In 1996, Leslie and I bought property in Chilliwack (about 1-½ talked me into refereeing a hockey game, which is something I hours east of Vancouver) and had our dream house built on a still do. I’m currently a carded, level three, official and I work mountainside over looking the Fraser Valley. It’s a wonderful three or four games a week. What better exercise than trying to view! Chilliwack is a smaller city; it reminds me a lot of Snow keep up with 18 and 19 year old hockey players. Lake, with it’s friendly, helpful people. Every one seems to know Also, each winter everyone looked forward to the cordwood what every body else is doing. We spend our summers at Cultus bonspiel. A great time was certainly had by all during this event. Lake, which is not far from home. It’s very relaxing there with no Just take a piece of wood, put a bent nail in the top, decorate it TV or telephone. with a little paint and go curling, yes, what a fun time. Mom was Leslie still teaches skating. She got involved in the mid 80’s always involved in organizing and running this event. with Synchronized Skating. She currently has four teams We also spent time in the winter going ice fishing and trapping competing. These teams have competed in all the major cites animals to sell their fur (how barbaric). across Canada, as well as in Europe. She has been very successful Summers brought the best of weather and it was time to head with the teams, winning numerous B.C. and Western Canada to the lake (a whole five minutes from home). People who live in Championships! the city drive for hours for the pleasure of going for a swim. Chris is currently working and living in Surrey, he hasn’t found Fishing on Herblet and Wekusko Lake brings back fond the right girl yet, so is still single. memories of buckets full of Pickerel. Dad would spend hours Caryn is living in Brisbane Australia and skating on the cleaning fish after we got home; he didn’t think we did a good Australian National Synchronized Skating Team. They won their enough job. He always said we wasted too much meat. Thinking national championship in late November, so now it’s off to back, we may have done a poor job on purpose, knowing full well Croatia for the World Championships in April. We are so excited that Dad would clean them all. Camping at Wekusko Falls and for her. harassing the American tourist was another summer pastime (all Mom passed away in 1989, Dad left us in 1994. My brother harmless fun). Oh to be a kid again! Both of my parents were involved with minor sports. My Dad "Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a organized hockey, spear heading and supervised the building of the arena, and managed many provincial championship hockey dark side, and it holds the universe together...." teams. He was also instrumental in the building of the curling rink, which was later named after him. What an honour! My ~ Carl Zwanzig THE Underground PRESS

Volume 9, Issue 2 SNOW LAKE, MANITOBA February, 2004 Snow Lake’s Happy hunting Northern Store closes by: Sara-Lynne Foord My adventure all began when I was old enough to understand why my Dad went out STAFF The shelves were bare, hearts were heavy and memories were into the cold each year -- wearing orange and carrying a rifle. He was as vivid as the almost unfathomable fact that Snow Lake’s hunting! last Main Street grocery store wouldn’t open for business come Monday Mine was an adventure that I have anticipated ever since I held my morning. first rifle (at the range) and ate my first wild (meat) steak. My grandpa The community’s Northern store closed its doors for good at the end helped my adventure became a reality, when he showed me an of the business day on January 10th. Even though there wasn’t much left advertisement for woman only. It was titled 'Becoming an Outdoors to buy, a number of citizens came by to offer condolences, say their Woman', and was a weekend of skills and lessons on various things thanks to staff and just walk around and remember some of their own relating to the outdoors, fishing, hunting, rifle marksmanship, and history with the store. orienteering. It was there that I took my hunters safety and handled my “It was a sad day for me yesterday,” said Assistant Manager, Margie first big rifle. I had shot with a 22 before, but to shoot with a 300 Cockle. “There were a lot of people coming in to say thanks, some with Winchester Magnum was quite the experience, or should I say quite the flowers and baking. It certainly shows that you have done something 'kick'. I enjoyed my time and really wanted to further practice my over the years that people have appreciated.” accuracy with the big rifles. Cockle, a twenty-six year employee, said that she will certainly miss That summer, I went home to visit family and asked my grandpa and the people who frequented the store and working with the public. “But father to take me to the outdoor range to practice. Since I was no longer I think most of all; I’ll miss the staff,” she said with emotion in her tied to any academic responsibilities, I was looking forward to my first voice. “I spend more time with them than I do with my own family.” winter deer hunt. I thought the experience would be memorable, She says that as a staff they all worked very well together. “There are especially in having my grandpa along, who at 83 still loves the four of us who have been here quite a long time. We’ve worked as a adventure of a good hunt. team for many years. There was never any badmouthing or quibbling The adventure became a reality in November of 2003, when my amongst us. When there was a job to be done it got done,” she added. father, my grandpa and I set out to shoot ourselves a deer. My dad had Student employee, Ricki Henderson concurred that she will miss the shot a deer on both Tuesday and Wednesday of the week, but I had people she worked with and the atmosphere they worked under, but (SEE HUNTING on page 4) (SEE NORTHERN on page 4) Snow Lake songwriter has style of her own

STAFF: A small town girl, yearning for the said the gregarious songstress. “I love to make my writing and I am confident it will happen big city lights! Sounds like people beautiful, it is such a big part of who I again.” something right out of a song, doesn’t it? Well, am. And I also love music, so I can't think of a The songwriter, whose tunes fall into the it could be and someday it might be, but for better way to use my talents together. It would country category, has close to 70 lyrically now it is just a sentence used to describe Snow be my dream job!” finished pieces in her repertoire. She has about Lake Hair Stylist and Songwriter, Annette Lamontagne-Dawson says that she’s had twenty more started. Seven of her songs are Lamontagne-Dawson. some great reviews, both in Toronto with her what she calls rough demos and three of them Lamontagne-Dawson, who has always had a co-writer Roger Boychuck and in Nashville, are honed to the point where she feels confident gift for poetry and has been writing songs for with just her own lyrics. She was invited to a enough to pitch them to a publisher. When she as long as she can remember, looks forward to meeting at Nashville’s Music Row while there travels to Nashville, Lamontagne-Dawson co- the day that her lyrical talents take her to bigger last July. Her meeting was with the publisher/ writes quite a bit, but the problem is that she is and better things. “I've always written songs, promoter of the David Ball song “Riding with usually never there long enough to finish a but I think it was in '95 that the inspiration Private Malone” and she says that he loved her song. “I guess you could say time and money became stronger,” said the single mother of writing. “He told me I had God given talent are playing a big part in my progress,” she said. three. “And after some upheaval in my life in and that he wanted to help fix me up with Pro- “I am quite unusual for a songwriter because I 1998, I realized I didn't have anything left to writers to co-write with,” said Lamontagne- cannot sing or play. Yet I hear the whole song lose, so I figured, ‘hey, I might as well become Dawson. “But when he asked how long I when I write it. I travel to Nashville so I can co a songwriter.’” would be in town for, I had to tell him that I -write with others who do sing and play, then She’s made a number of trips to songwriting was leaving to go back to Canada as soon as they can get our music out there, and do our conventions both in Canada and the States, but our meeting was finished. I planned to get demo's...which saves me a lot of money.” the ultimate goal is to someday settle and ply back there in September, but money and car Many would think that coming from a small her trade in the home of the Grand Old Opera, problems prevented that. I was down in town in the middle of the great frozen north Nashville, Tennessee. “I am hoping to someday November and tried to get hold of him, but he would be a major strike against Lamontagne- incorporate my hairdressing and designing didn't return my call. That’s the music Dawson, but instead of being a drawback, she talent into becoming a stylist in Nashville,” business. You snooze you loose. But he loved (SEE SONG on page 6) Page 2 THE Underground PRESS February, 2004

E D IT O R IA L qualified. If the vendor had not been located at Cornerview, Snow Lake would have been left without an outlet until someone else took the ragedy has once again struck close to home. In early January a necessary steps to qualify. young former Snow Laker suffered a facial wound, while chasing We have received much support and many positive comments, both after a man who had just fatally shot his girlfriend. Trevor in the store and on the street. It is well known that for every individual Moncaster (son of former Snow Lake teachers Ross Moncaster and that is complaining, there are at least ten that are quite happy with the Beth Parr) was coming out of a Vancouver bar with three friends; one status quo, but are not vocal about it. Most people are happy with our of them his girlfriend Rachel Davis. Rachel noted three young men in a location and are looking forward to the extended hours that will be parking lot across the street putting the boots to another man who was available. down on the ground. She ran to his rescue, and in an attempt to bring an Sincerely, Lawrence Samborski end to the stomping, threw herself on top of the man receiving the ~**~ beating. Dear Editor: “This seemed to bring an end to the situation,” Trevor’s father, Ross, We at Sweet Nothings feel that the whole situation concerning the told me in an email he sent a couple of weeks back. That is, until the relocation of the community Liquor Outlet was handled very poorly by guy who was taking the kicking got up and began to walk away. He the powers to be in Winnipeg, as well as by some of the powers to be in suddenly turned, pulled a gun, and began firing. In the ensuing melee, Snow Lake. Rachel was shot, so were the three attackers and also one of the We are an independent business located on Main Street, a very sad couple’s friends. “Trevor took after the gunman, who fired at him with Main Street most would agree. It should be mentioned that when our the bullet grazing his left temple,” said Ross. He explained that Trevor building was purchased in 1998, council was very happy to have went back to the shooting scene only to find Rachel dying on the another closed building reopened on Main Street (tax base). ground. “He provided what comfort he could to her before the When the Northern announced that they were closing their doors, we ambulance arrived and took her to the trauma center, where she died felt that perhaps we could keep another service uptown. Unfortunately shortly after arrival.” Of the others involved in the incident, Trevor's not all of our elected officials felt the same way. friend was wounded in the arm and shoulder and one of the three We at Sweet Nothings had done our homework, totally, in attackers was killed, while the other two were wounded. preparation for having the liquor outlet situated in our store and on Ross says that he spoke with several of the police officers who were Main Street. We made arrangements for shelving, an alarm system and involved in the investigation of the shooting, and all of them confirmed its installation, help in setting up, ordering and books, up-front that the incident was in no way gang or drug related. Trevor and his financing, we had looked into insurance increases, prepared for friends were victims of circumstance. They did not know, nor had they increased hours of operation, and we certainly had the room. ever met, any of the other victims. Basically, Rachel was killed for her Unfortunately, once we had been told "unofficially" that we were kindness! Amazingly, without thinking of her own safety, she showed getting the outlet, we no longer pursued this matter and just waited for her compassion for a fellow human being like few others would in a it to happen. similar situation. Her attempt to possibly save a life was rewarded with We would like to say thanks to all Snow Laker's for their support, we the taking of her own. will serve you in the future; we still have a few ideas we would like to Ross flew out to Vancouver to be with Trevor during the initial (SEE LETTER on page 3) aftermath of Rachel’s death and Trevor’s own injury. His mother Beth and sisters Shaunta and Kara went out later in order to both be with Trevor, and attend a benefit concert for Rachel as well as her A Lakeside by: Barrie Celebration Of Life Service. Ross says that Trevor is doing as well as Taylor can be expected considering the emotional and physical turmoil of the past month. This was an extremely tough time indeed, for all of the Valentines Day family’s involved in the tragedy. Have you ever wondered how Valentines Day started? Apparently Personally, I’ve known Trevor all his life. He baby-sat for my wife there are three different explanations, but it is not quite clear which is and I, and he worked for me at the school, off and on over several the real one. The most commonly accepted version is as follows: years. He is a free spirit, a hard worker, and a great kid; I’m very St.Valentine was a Roman priest during the third century. This was happy that he’s okay. Although I was introduced to her last summer, I at a time when Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made didn’t know Rachel on a personal level. However, her selfless display better soldiers than married men. Therefore he outlawed marriage for of compassion illustrated exactly the kind of person she was and there young men. was one thing that Ross said that confirmed where she got the trait. He St.Valentine, realizing the injustice in this decree, continued to marry said that Rachel’s father spoke of the tragedy of the incident during her young couples in secret. However, he was caught and sentenced to Celebration Of Life. Rather than calling for justice or dwelling on the death. While in prison, the legend has it that St.Valentine sent a letter to senselessness of the situation, he suggested a way in which everyone a young lady, signed from your valentine. could remember his daughter. “Remember Rachel by never being My view is: If there was more love and understanding in the world afraid to stop and help those in need,” were the words that this today, it would be a better place to live. heartbroken father summoned in tribute to his precious daughter.

THE Underground PRESS is a monthly, independent newspaper, published in Snow Lake, Manitoba. The following was submitted as a Letter to the Editor: We regret that some of the councilors have received several EDITOR: Marc W. Jackson complaints about the relocation of the liquor vendor to our premises. Correspondence: P.O. Box 490, Snow Lake, MB., R0B 1M0 We are aware that several other locations applied, but it was explained Phone: (204)358-2887 to us by the liquor inspector, Mr. Barry Crackston, that after Dave email: [email protected] Mayer withdrew his application, our location was the only one left that February, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 3

Inside - Out by: Joan Currie REC. REVIEW by: Stephanie Foy

If we can’t take it with us why are we cramming for the finals? Winter is a Whoot in Snow Lake There is a new dis-ease invading the land, known as the “hurry Well, it’s hard to believe that it is almost February and the next month disease.” We can’t seem to squeeze enough time into 24 hours to do marks the winter month that everyone looks forward to. March is everything we want to do. The plaque that hangs in my kitchen reads, usually a warmer month (I say usually because it was unseasonably “the hurrier I go, the behinder I get”. I once suffered from the “hurry cold last year) and its presence means that spring is that much closer. It disease”, but I admit I still need a reminder to slow down. also marks the month that the Winter Whoot Festival is held (this year I swear that some of my friends and relatives suffer from the from March 12-14). honeybee syndrome. They are always so –oo busy. They relate their Preparations are well on their way for the 14th Annual Winter Whoot. activities breathlessly, and with such pride, I really think they expect This year the committee has made big plans to include new and me to pin a medal on them for a job well done. When I suggest that it different events. might be wise to slow down for the good of their health, their response The Ice Worm Hunt has been a trademark event of this festival since is “I don’t have time”, and they don’t make time until exhaustion (burn its inception and kids can be seen running all over town with shovels -out) brings them to their knees. digging frantically trying to find the ice worm. When found, it is traded Many illnesses are born of fatigue and a high pressure life style; high for a great prize package. blood pressure, migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, heart disease, We have a number of other confirmed events for this year. A new ulcers, etc., etc. Cause and effect is the name of the game. We are event will be Monster Basketball! Yes, you read correctly. For this using more energy than we generate and the effects are a weakened particular game, the basketball is four feet in diameter and the net eight immune system and illness. Our minds also run in high gear. Unlike feet in diameter. It is a real team sport, as it takes two people to bounce the honeybee whose survival depends on “concentrated the ball to ensure it is going in the right direction. Basketball has focus” (gathering pollen), our thought patterns are chaotic and become quite popular in Snow Lake in the past couple of years and we unceasing. would like those who play to have a new challenge. In many ways, the media is responsible. Instead of eating less and We will also have a nine hole indoor mini golf course set up. This is a exercising, we are presented with 101 diets. We all know that diets great family event, so come out and practice your short game. The golf don’t work. A food that is good for us one week is bad the next week. course will be opening in a few short months! This subject requires more space than I have, so I will move on to the There will also be a family hypnotist show on one of the evenings flip side of weight loss. over the Whoot weekend. This should prove to be quite funny, as I’m When we do decide to get real about losing weight, we buy a sure she will require some victims, (I mean volunteers) from the treadmill, advertised on TV of course. The “How To Use” panel on the audience. Is there someone you would like to see hypnotized into darn thing would put the flight panel of a Boeing 747 to shame. The thinking they are a chicken? stair master, the thigh master, and every other master of weight loss are Horse drawn sleigh ride anyone? This has been one of the festival making millions of dollars preying on our unfocused minds. Whatever highlights for the past couple of years. The horse and owners did a great happened to walking and climbing stairs, and other machine-less ways job last year. Rides will start at the Community Hall and proceed to exercise; like yoga? Just had to mention that one. around the uptown area. Why has simplicity gone out of style? We are living in an age when Snowmobile Radar Runs are ready to go this weekend as well. It is everything we could ever want is just a click away, but still we are amazing how fast these machines will go when they are tuned just right. unsatisfied, depressed, anxious, lonely, suicidal, angry and so on. The Winter Whoot Festival has always been a time for the community Why are we so restless? In our search for food for the hungry heart, to come together, and what better way to do this than by hosting we have become accumulators of stuff. Foodaholics, workaholics, community meals. The Seniors have volunteered to cook you breakfast alcoholics, drug addicts, gamblers, and worse, we have become during the festival. There will also be a community spaghetti supper. physically, mentally, and emotionally ill. This is a great time to visit with people that you haven’t talked to in Speed kills and that applies to our body and mind as well as cars. ages, and also a much-needed break for those of us who seem to make Maybe it’s time to take stock, but we can’t do that until we slow down the same couple meals all the time. long enough to reflect on what we really want out of life. It could add As a committee, we are also open to any other ideas that are presented years to your life. to us! We hope that you will come out and support the Winter Whoot Just remember you can’t take it with you. No one ever said on their Festival, which is put on by the community for the community. death bed, I wish I had spent more time at work! In conclusion, the Winter Whoot Committee would like to acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada in making this festival a success. The Dorothy Salahub Library Not only is it teaming with today’s best selling paperbacks and hardcovers, the library has: ~ Books on tape (For that seven hour trip to Winnipeg) ~ Children’s and specialty videos ~ Large print books ~ Cassette tapes - for kids and adults ~ How to books ~ Monthly magazines (LETTER from page 2) ~ Back issues of popular magazines, such as National try. Geographic Currently, we are awaiting clarification from the MLCC in regard to ~ Public Access Computers their reason (s) for our rejection. Main Street will SURVIVE! Check out the Dorothy Salahub Library... it’s in the Donna Wills and Sharon Stubbs school! Page 4 THE Underground PRESS February, 2004

“ACCORDING TO by: Sam was emptied. “The Co-op from Flin Flon was in to look at the SAM” Guspodarch building, but to my knowledge, nothing has resulted from that,” she stated. “I do hope something happens. I know this building does need This past October, my thirteen-year-old son Jared jumped off the roof some maintenance, but other than that it is a good, large building.” of the garage onto the fence and from there onto the ground. He was Meanwhile customers are also feeling the effect of the closing and heroically rescuing our stranded cat. Unfortunately he broke both wondering what they will do when they go to buy some of the things bones in his right forearm in the process, and was out of sports until that only the Northern had to offer. Long-time customer Vera Janovic after Christmas. He was in a cast for six weeks and out of the cast for a says that there has been a lot of great people work in the store over the further six weeks before the doctor would give his OK for him to return years. She and husband Joe make a number of trips each day up to the to hockey. Lucky for Jared, he has not had his growth spurt yet, which main street bastion and she says that they will miss everything about means his arm could be set into place without surgery and pins. He was the store. “I’ve come here everyday for thirty years,” said an emotional fortunate that he could mend quickly and is now back playing with his Janovic. There are many things that you can buy here and nowhere team. However, this shows how one little incident can result in missing else,” she said. She fears that they will feel lost without it. out on half a season of hockey. The great thing about being a kid is that Northern Store Manager Adele Sigurdur and Mrs. Cockle will remain they can bounce back quickly and get back into the game! on payroll tieing up loose ends until the end of January. The other staff The other day, I was playing a pickup game of hockey in a small town will remain for a week after the doors close, continuing to box goods 20 km from Saskatoon. My friend Noel innocently took a bad fall and up, readying them for transportation. Following that, all that will severely dislocated his elbow. He was in a lot of pain, but because a remain of this once great employer, meeting place, and shopping number of us had first aid training, we were able to get him stabilized experience will be the memories of the many Snow Lake citizens who and drove him to the hospital. will miss her. This leads me to my next point. What if he would have had a heart attack? This was a small town, with no hospital or doctor and at least 30-40 minutes away from a rescue vehicle. Old-timer hockey players suffering an on ice heart attack is happening more often. For example, a few months ago a lawyer from Melfort (approximately 47 yrs old) suffered a heart attack and died on the ice. A few years ago, a guy in (HUNTING from page 1) our league had a heart attack in the dressing room. Fortunately for him, only seen one in the distance, and according to my dad, it was too far his teammates were a couple of paramedics and were able to save his off to take a shot at. After two hours in the cold and without a hunting life. story to go home with, I was determined to take a shot at the first deer I At our last hockey meeting we were informed that our dues were saw, no matter how far away it was. Thursday marked the day my going to be increased by about $3.00/player to help pay for the purchase hunting story came to be. of a Heart Defibulator, which will be located in each of the arenas and In setting up, I thought I would position myself south of my blind, set up so that supposedly anyone can use them. That is somewhat since I had already seen a deer there the day before. My dad was scary, but also somewhat reassuring to me. I guess, as we get older we looking east over the hills and into the tree line, when he touched my should take our health more seriously and more importantly, we should arm to get my attention. I looked where he motioned and saw what all try to obtain some level of First Aid and CPR training… as we never appeared to be antlers. When I peeked through the scope, those antlers know when it will be needed! belonged to a really huge buck. The buck was facing me head on. All I Oh, by the way, just to let you know how low or desperate some could remember from my training and the quick instruction from my people are. The young guy who drove my friend to the hospital had his father was safety off, focus on the white patch, squeeze the trigger, and hockey gear stolen from his truck while it was in the emergency parking relax. lot (he forgot to put it in the cab while he assisted Noel inside). We all I was steady, focused and waiting for my father to prepare, in case I took up a collection to help him replace the equipment he lost. missed. I let him know that this buck wasn't going to stand around all Congratulations to Wylee Longmuir for achieving his Bronze, Silver, day and that I needed to shoot. I shot... it stood there for a minute, but I and Gold in the kneeling position for Junior Rifle. was too stunned to think about reloading, it bounded off into the bush. Sam My father asked me if I had watched the tail, but I hadn't noticed. However, I was really sure of my shot and I wanted so much for a kill. I also began to accept that I might have missed. Realistically, even the most experienced hunter could miss a 350-yard shot. Anyway, I took (NORTHERN from page 1) the shot, so at least I wouldn't be wondering “what if?” admits that once she is done work, she will have more time to I didn’t have to wonder, it was a kill. I shot my first buck on concentrate on her school marks during this, her graduation year. November 13, 2003, near MacGregor, Manitoba. I was not only proud The store, which is one of two grocery outlets in the community and of myself, but I made my grandpa and father proud as well. My first the only complete dry goods retailer, is believed to have first opened in hunting trip ever will never be forgotten, it was an adventure worth 1948. Over the years it has employed hundreds of people; however in remembering! I’m a very happy hunter! Editors note: Sara-Lynne’s the past ten years, along with the store’s business, staffing has father Greg states the buck scored 154.7. The Boone and Crockett dwindled. Once the store is cleared of stock, eight part-time and two record is 160. full-time employees will be out of work. Since the closing was announced, staff have been boxing things up and sending them to other Northern Stores. Cockle says that they did reduce prices on some of the groceries and dry goods in order to sell off items that will perish or become damaged in transit. “It has taken some "Expecting a carjacker or rapist or drug pusher to care time, but we are close to three quarters done,” she explained. that his possession or use of a gun is unlawful is like Also, when the November 2003 announcement of the closing was made, a rumour circulated the community that the Co-op out of Flin expecting a terrorist to care that his car bomb is taking Flon was looking at taking over the store. However, Cockle stated that up two parking spaces." -Joseph T. Chew she wasn’t sure what would happen with the store once it closed and February, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 5

THE CHAMBERS by: Marc Dunning were in attendance. Jackson Under Business Arising From The Minutes, Mr. Dunning advised that he was still awaiting information on questions council asked in regard Mayor Zamzow opened the January 6th meeting of council at 6:30 to cabin lots that are returned (in a mess) to the town and the fall 2003 p.m., with all members and Administrator Dunning in attendance. Wekusko Lake netting study. Council discussed the cost of painting an Under Business Arising From The Minutes, Mr. Dunning advised that ad for the Taylor Bay lots on the side of a trailer and decided that the he is close to wrapping up work on the cabin draw entry form for the price before them was too steep. Mr. Dunning was asked to get a price town’s web page. He is also still awaiting word about advertising the on such work from Gardewine, in addition to exploring prices on draw on the side of a truck trailer. mobile sign rentals. The Utility Maintenance Report was received for filing. Mr. Dunning Under Councilor’s Reports, Councilor Chrapun advised that the advises that the total water consumption for the town has declined by Family Resource Center had received their letter from the Assessment 50%. The consumption in 2001-02 was 322,000 gallons, while the Branch informing them of their partial non-profit exemption under the consumption during 2002-03 was 167,000 gallons. Municipal Act. Chrapun added that there are anywhere from three to The Recreation Director’s Report was received for filing. Ms. Foy seven children in the daycare and that it is running smoothly. The informed council that she has applied for grant money for the Winter center is financially sound for the 2004 fiscal year. Councilor Powell Whoot through Communications Canada. The application was 25 stated that the Communities in Bloom committee would be ordering pages long, but well worth the trouble as she secured $1000 for the their flowers in conjunction with the Town. Councilor Cann stated that festival. Foy also advised council that she has applied for two other several events from the Frontier Games would be held in Snow Lake. grants. One was for $3000 for the Winter Whoot (through Community There will be close to 140 kids attending and the student council plans Festivals) and another for a little over $400 for a wheelchair ramp to hold a dance while they are here. (through the Rick Hanson Wheels in Motion Foundation). She has Under the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Zamzow informed council that received approval for the Rick Hanson grant and is still waiting on word while in Thompson for a Norman Regional Development Committee about the other. meeting he did an interview with CBC’s Mark Szyslo. The topic of The Mayor gave a verbal report of his activities over the month. discussion was the Focus Group meetings that the town is holding. These included attendance at the ceremony to rename the Library, a Zamzow added that he also mentioned the upcoming 50th Anniversary staff liaison meeting, and the Legion’s district meeting and sports day. Cordwood Bonspiel and asked Szyslo to, at some point, consider doing Zamzow informed council that Tolko would be holding a public a remote show from the community. Zamzow also confirmed that he is meeting on January 22nd at 7 pm, at which time they will be putting presently waiting for a meeting with one of MTS’s VP’s in regard to forward their 2004 cutting plan. The Mayor noted that the plan would cell service in Snow Lake. The Mayor informed council that his include areas around Snow Lake. Councilor Mayer stated that he would appointment to the Norman Regional Health Authority will expire in be unable to attend, but asked that those who do insure that Tolko is March 2004. He also explained that the hold up on construction of the held to their assurance that Snow Lake will receive economic spin-off long-term care addition at the local health center has to do with the lack from any cutting that takes place in our area. of certification on the rafters. It appears to be cleared up and work will The Administrator’s Report was received for filing. Mr. Dunning resume immediately. reported that Cathy Stabback, Norma Johnson, and Millie McLaughlin The Administrator’s Report was received for filing. Mr. Dunning wished to have their concerns over the location of the liquor outlet reported on the meeting he, the Mayor and Councilor Mayer held with brought to the council’s attention. the Manitoba Water Services Board in regard to the Water Treatment In Other Matters, Councilor Chrapun stated that she has been (WTP) and Sewage Treatment (STP) Plants. With the costs of the WTP informed that the ambulance the community donated to St. Lucia has upgrade coming in lower than expected, this will allow the town to arrived there; however, she didn’t have any particulars on it. Councilor commission a study on repairs or an upgrade to the STP. Dunning also Fisher reported that he’d had a taxpayer voice concern about local men reported that during a meeting held with Mr. Santo from New Brit’, building homes without a business license. Mr. Dunning will inform although concerned about their liability, council expressed interest in them of the requirement. Councilor Powell said that he’d had a citizen surface buildings and the ski chalet road when and if operations are ask that Council consider holding open public meetings where citizens wrapped up. could come and ask questions of the council and Town Foreman. Under correspondence Mr. Dunning was asked why a letter to the Council felt that this already happens twice a month as it is. All regular town from Cornerview had showed up in the Snow Lake News before meetings of council are open to the public. The town foreman attends, council received it in their files. It was explained that it hadn’t been and if a person wants to question practices or policies, they need only copied until before the meeting. get on the agenda to be heard. Councilor Cann informed council of a In Other Matters, Councilor Chrapun complimented the town crew on sportsmanship award that the Sr. Girls Volleyball Team was presented the excellent work done in clearing the town after the recent snowfalls. by Manitoba Hydro. Councilor Jackson stated that he’d had over thirty All of Council concurred. Councilor Powell asked if the Rifle Range expressions of outrage over the recent change in the location of the staging area could be cleared the next time the equipment is out to do liquor outlet. He also asked if the person building ice shacks and a the airport. Councilor Jackson asked that a correction be placed in the business making chocolates could be approached to see if they were Snow Lake News in regard to the inference made in a story on the interested in some help in securing funding to increase the size of their Focus Group meetings, that taxes would not be collected after 2006. He operations. Mayor Zamzow asked that another letter be written to the also asked if: a) council had any problem with snowmobiles using the Highways Department requesting a light at the #39/#392 turnoff. Mr. road behind the Seniors center for parking, or accessing the parking Dunning was also asked to find out why there are lights at the areas of the Diamond Willow and Bluenose B&B; b) council had a Wabowden and Cross Lake/Norway House turnoffs and not Snow problem with quads using snowmobile trails during the months of Lake’s. The RCMP will also be asked to write a letter of support. November to April. No one spoke against the idea and Mr. Dunning Zamzow also stated that in light of MTS’s recent $630 million profit, he was directed to contact the RCMP and make the changes to the by-law. will begin to intensify his lobbying for local cell service. Council went Mr. Dunning said that the RCMP had provided him with a letter of in camera to discuss legal issues. support in having a light installed at the #39 - #392 turnoff. Council ~**~ went in-camera to discuss staffing, legal, and matters in the initial Mayor Zamzow opened the January 20th meeting of council at 6:30 stages of discussion. p.m. All council members (other than Fisher) and Administrator Page 6 THE Underground PRESS February, 2004

Tech Talk by: Clarence Fisher (SONG from page 1) feels her roots are her strong point. “Being raised in Northern Manitoba has been one of my biggest assets in this business,” she said. “Northern In the last two weeks we have seen two major annual events in the hospitality teaches us to smile and say hi to strangers, we don't assume computer world. The first was CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, everyone is an axe murderer. I’ve made most of the contacts I have which this year attracted over 130,000 visitors. This huge annual event because of my small town attitude... usually without even knowing they is held in Las Vegas and highlights the best new consumer electronics were big contacts. I talk to everyone; a smile goes a long way in this products. The show is usually an opportunity for companies to release world.” new products and grandstand things they will be bringing out over the Lamontagne-Dawson receives quite a bit of feedback on her songs. next year. As well, many companies showcase “concept products.” She belongs to a number of songwriting organizations and has attended These are products that are still a few years away from production, a fair number of music conferences. (She is presently trying to start an which they wish to highlight now. NSAI (Nashville Songwriting Association) group in Northern The second major event was Macworld Expo. This is another huge Manitoba.) These allow her to talk with professionals from all areas of tradeshow; however, this one focuses on the Apple computer market. the music business. “I have to say, I have met lots of wonderful people Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs has traditionally given the keynote speech (as who have helped me out a lot,” she smiled. The songwriter feels that it he did this year), and has often used this time in front of the cameras to is all about networking, this is why she travels so much. “It doesn't outline a new product or development in the Mac world. Both of these matter how talented you are if you can't get in the door to show the shows saw the release of thousands of new products and emphasized right people. They say it takes seven years to make it in Nashville and the direction that electronics and technology are heading. this is my fourth year at it,” she stated. “I hope to change the rules.” While nothing completely new and different was released this year, a This musical stylist, who feels lucky enough to be living her dreams, number of trends emerged. One highlight of both tradeshows was the admits that she writes fairly upbeat songs. “I'm a pretty sassy writer,” number of companies displaying television sets with an ever-greater she states. “I get a lot of comments in Nashville. People say that I level of definition, filled with built-in gadgets, bringing a sharper have a great turn of phrase, and they love my humor.” She also claims picture and better sound with them. Expect plasma televisions to get to write some very deep material, depending on what is going on in her even bigger over the coming year and continue to fall in price. life. However, there have been times when a trivial phrase that some As well, more companies are pushing the concept of home person says will give her an idea. It was a song based on one such idea networking. These systems, often wireless, hook together televisions, that got her the aforementioned Music Row meeting. “It was a ballad stereos, computers, DVD players, etc. allowing homes with a called "Fill ‘er up again" that got me that meeting,” she said. “The broadband Internet connection to download movies and play programs meeting resulted from the promoter hearing me sing it, and let me tell on command. High-quality digital video and audio (available through you… anyone who has ever heard me sing knows he must have really satellite or Internet radio stations) can now be easily channeled from liked the words,” she laughed. your computer, through your stereo and computer system. Also, by her own admission, Lamontagne-Dawson has some big Convergence continues to be a theme many companies are pursuing plans and she makes no apologies for harbouring them. “I often hear in their products. Increasing power, shrinking size, and the ability to that people say they think I'm crazy to have such big dreams and that “talk” to other products is what companies such as Sharp, Sony, and I'll never make it,” states the songstress. “I say, ‘the journey is so much Microsoft want to promote. We now have music, video, audio, photos, fun, who cares?’ My favorite quote is ‘Reality is for those who never etc., all coming together on one inter-connected home system. One dare to dream.’ This is my greatest adventure ever and I can't even new product a number of companies will release this year will be a describe how I feel when I am a part of this world… meeting the people personal player capable of not only playing music, but showing videos, I meet, having my talent validated by people I admire and aspire too.” displaying pictures, etc. More important to her than those who don’t believe in her, are those Macworld was not the splash it usually is. Apple often uses this who do. She counts among them a number of close friends, traveling platform to outline a new strategy or a new product. For example, partners, family, her Snow Lake hairdressing clients for staying loyal Macworld is where the overwhelmingly successful iTunes music store while she travels, and most of all her kids. “I can't believe how lucky I was released last year. This system allows residents of the U.S. to am to have kids who believe in me,” said Lamontagne-Dawson. “My legally purchase music online at 99 cents a song. Over the last year, the son Jordie and daughters Jade and Joellee make sacrifices willingly so company has had over 30 million files pass through their servers. that I can do this. They make me so proud and I love them so much.” Nothing that powerful happened this year, as the only product “You know I think I am actually lucky to have made so many released by Apple was a smaller version of the popular iPod Mp3 mistakes in my life because now I am not afraid to fail. I know I can player called the iPod mini. It’s expected to make a big splash and pick myself up and try again. It's not going to be easy, but if my life continue to lead the market, but it’s not very innovative. was easy I wouldn't have anything to write about.” Overall, a number of interesting products should rise this year as computing power continues to enter our lives from all directions. ([email protected])

Wille Holunga... Northern Staff... Willie passed away on January 10, 2004 in Lethbridge, AB., at the age For your years of faithful and efficient service to the citizens of of 84 years. Funeral services were held in Taber, AB., on January 14 and Snow Lake. in Snow Lake on January 17. Interment followed at Brookside The Town Crew... Cemetary in Snow Lake. There were quite a few lined up to complain about snow removal at Lois Chell... the outset of winter, so here’s a pat on the back for the excellent job Lois passed away on January 12 in New Glasgow, NS at the age of 74 done removing the snow we received in mid-January. February, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 7

by: Becky My Interpretation... By: John Kerr Life & Truth Ainsworth

Directed towards Christians… A series of thoughts, musings, intellectual meanderings and other For this next little while, a couple of months at least, what I write generally silly stuff. here will be directed toward Christians. It’s like I have this longing, Now the holidays are over and almost all of us have had a chance to this kind of pain in my heart, to see all siblings in God’s family living “recover” from what for many of us has been an endless string of in tune with His Spirit. Yes, I believe that is what our lives together on obligations, a good dollop of stress and only a little joy. The festive this earth are to be like: a beautiful symphony that draws the attention season sees so many of us cook, clean, travel, wrap, shop and worry not of those around us and helps many to desire what we have, a glorious for ourselves, but for others. We do it for our kids, our parents, the relationship with our Creator that lasts forever! I find myself awed, people we feel close to, but we seldom do it only for ourselves. We once again, by the reality of those last half dozen words. empty the tank and by the end of it, most of us are running on fumes. Our pastor here in Edmonton is currently speaking on freedom in Then, because sometimes that’s just the way life is, we’re hit with a Christ / being set free from bondage (using Neil Anderson’s stuff), and long dark month that seems to have so little to offer--snow, bills, and this kind of goes alongside with what I’ve been learning via Liberty cold. Truth is, frozen somewhere in the first month of the year is an Savard. In church yesterday, Pastor Ron quoted some statistics that opportunity to do something just for us and it couldn’t come at a more included the following: Only 15% of Christians are free (enjoying their opportune time. life with God). Sixty-five percent act free, but they struggle. The The month of January is named for the Roman god of gates and doors remaining 20% are in progressively worse shape. and beginnings and endings. The worship of Janus, who is represented For those interested in trying a little “experiment” in the next month as having two faces, one looking forward and the other looking or so, I offer a prayer here from Liberty’s book, “Shattering Your backward, can be dated to the earliest years of Rome and to some Strongholds.” This is based on the keys to the Kingdom given to us in extent continues even today. Why else would so many of us decide to Matthew. You should pray this prayer from your heart, every day if make January the perfect month for all of those New Year’s possible, and preferably out loud. resolutions, that by this time, may have begun to crumble like the jani “In the name of Jesus Christ, I bind my body, soul and spirit to the (gates) of ancient Rome? will and purposes of God. I bind myself to the truth of God. I bind Resolutions or not, many of us do pause and reflect on what has gone myself to an awareness of the power of the blood of Jesus working in by in the past year and what may await us in the year to come. It is my life every day. I bind my mind to the mind of Christ that I can have during this time that we stand in the midst of our own gate and it is here the thoughts, purposes and feelings of His heart in me. I bind my feet that we may be most hopeful about our potential for change. Whether to the paths you have ordained for me to walk, God, that my steps will that change is to lose some weight, quit smoking, become involved in be strong and steady. I bind myself to the work of the cross with all of our communities or even just to sing more (preferably in the car by its mercy, truth, love, power, forgiveness and dying to self. ourselves when we don’t have to torture anyone with our “practice”) “In the name of Jesus Christ I bind the strong man and I loose his this is a time of year when anything and everything seems possible. hold on everything he has ever stolen from me. I rebuke his works and You know better than I do about all of those New Year’s resolutions loose the power and effects of every deception, device and influence he that didn’t make it to the end of the week or the end of the month. So wants to bring against me. why do we bother? Why do we continue to think that this year will be Lord, I repent of having wrong attitudes and thoughts; I renounce different? What makes us think that this will be the year that we stick them now and ask your forgiveness. I loose every old, wrong pattern to our resolutions? Maybe it’s hope and maybe it is because January of thinking, attitude, idea, desire, belief, habit, and behaviour that may gives us the time and opportunity to pause and reflect, to consider still be working in me. I tear down, crush, smash and destroy every emerging horizons and remember those that have already passed stronghold I have erected to protect them. I bind myself to the attitudes behind us and are beginning to fade with the memories of the old year. and patterns of Jesus Christ. I bind myself to the overcoming behavior As our new century quickly emerges, it may be useful to remember and spiritual desires that line up with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. that the most famous jani in Rome were the Janus Geminus. These “Father, I loose any stronghold in my life protecting wrong feelings I massive double doors were left open in times of war and closed in have against anyone. Forgive me as I forgive those who have caused times of peace—open to the pursuit of new domains and closed for me pain, loss, or grief. I loose any desire for retribution or redress. In solace and introspection. Whether you are looking forward to the the name of Jesus, I loose the power and the effects of any harsh or beginnings of the new year or the endings of the old, I hope that your hard words (word curses) spoken about me, to me, or by me. I loose January has provided you with what its name sake entails— any strongholds connected with them. I loose all generational opportunity. bondages and their strongholds from myself. Thank you, Jesus, that you have promised whatsoever I bind and loose on earth will be bound and loosed in heaven. Amen.”

~**~ The month of February 2004 is “I Love To Read Month”. Various Libraries across the Province will be pitted against one another in a “Readoff”.

Come on in to the Dorothy Salahub Library take out a few books and help us become the Never trust a stockbroker who's married to a most well-read town in Manitoba. travel agent. ~ an observation Page 8 THE Underground PRESS February, 2004

parked outside. Looking Back through the eyes of... Darcy Munroe (who was the Butcher and store helper at the time) and another fellow were delivering the table and chairs they had looked at. with: Cathy Stabback Blanche Lesage Wellie glanced at Blanche and said, “You didn’t? We can’t afford it!” Of course she replied that she hadn’t, as she knew their financial situation. Fond Memories of The Bay/Northern in Snow Lake, Manitoba They then thought that perhaps her sister-in-law and husband had - Jan. 2004: bought it for them. They got busy and moved their homemade wooden table out of their With the closing of the Northern store on January 10th I was small kitchen and moved in the red arborite one, with its green chairs. A prompted to find out what this store has meant to the many short time later, Darcy Munroe returned and offered his apologies for people of our community. I know I will miss it terribly. If you making the delivery to the wrong house. They took back the table and have a story to share please email me at chairs. The new table went out, and Wellie’s homemade table was [email protected] or call me at 358-2270. returned to the kitchen. Looking back with Blanche Lesage, she tells an amusing story of her That Christmas, Blanche was surprised with a small gift, a bear with first kitchen suite. It was December of 1951 and she and husband honey pot ornament that she set in the middle of her table. Six months Wellie were wandering through The Bay, which was then under the later, Wellie’s sister came over to inform them that the family that had management of Mr. Borbridge. They were looking at furniture they bought the kitchen suite was moving and had their furniture up for sale. couldn’t afford, but hoped to have one day. Blanche came upon the They all set off on foot to see what was for sale. Blanche stopped off at kitchen suite she hoped to someday have. It was a gorgeous set, a red her Mom and Dad’s and left Wellie and his sister to do the shopping. arborite table with four green chairs. In the centre of the table sat a bear The table and chairs were for sale for $40, less than half of the original with honey pot ornament. The cost for the table and chairs was $99.50, price. Wellie hurried to tell Blanche. They checked their pockets and so needless to say they left the store without making the purchase. between them had come up with $20.00. Blanche decided to ask her A few days later, Blanche and Wellie were busy working in their new Mom and Dad if they could help them out. They managed to borrow house. Wellie was working on the cupboards and Blanche was busy at the rest of the money, some from Mom, some from Dad, and some from something in the living room. It may have been the day she starched Mom and Dad’s boarder (Jimmy Cheropita). It was money well spent. and ironed 75 shirts for her sister-in-law, who at the time had a very The table with its four chairs still sits in the Lesage kitchen and gets used successful laundry service. Blanche heard a truck pull up on the front every day. Many pastries have been rolled out on this table. The table is street. The Bay made deliveries back then and it was their truck that was in excellent condition; however, the chairs have been recovered three

that's what counts. What Ever Happened to... Ron and Gail Loren attended school in Snow Lake up until grade three. He is now married and is a project manager for a company that contracts for Nortel in Ottawa. He's doing well and his wife Paige (an Ottawa girl) works with computers as well. Scott attended kindergarten in Snow Lake. He Greetings to all present and former Snow Lake residents. We are became a dentist and has bought into a practice in Meadow Lake, SK. currently living on a farm near Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan, which is He was married to Jodi in the Turks and Caicos Islands last summer. located about100 miles west of Saskatoon. Backing up a bit in history, That was our first trip to the Caribbean and we loved it. Tamara is a we will let you know what has occurred since we arrived in Snow Lake in registered nurse and works at the cancer clinic at Royal University 1969. Hospital in Saskatoon. She and Curtis are getting married in July 2004. Gail and I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1969 We have one grandchild, Carter, born in Dec 2002 (Scott and Jodi's). and it just so happened that Snow Lake was looking for teachers from Gail is currently a teacher aide (sometimes teacher/principal) at a Saskatchewan and offered us positions. We moved to Snow Lake after Hutterite colony near here. I occasionally substitute teach there. getting married in August. We soon found that several others arrived at Teaching at a colony is like teaching in a one room school back in the the same time, including the Jamiesons, Huckerby, and Wilsons. 1950's. There are no computers or even radios allowed in the school and We had planned to stay in Snow Lake for two years, but ended up the kids leave school on their 15th birthday. The Hutterite farm is state- staying for nine. It was a tough place to leave, but we bought a small of-the-art, with all the latest gadgets in their tractors and dairy and hog grain farm near Tramping Lake (though she had been a town girl, Gail barns; a very enjoyable place to teach. even learned to drive a 3-ton truck), and I managed to get a job in Our memories of Snow Lake are numerous: Pickerel fishing on Tramping Lake School for the fall of 1978. I taught there for 18 years, Osborne Creek; teacher parties; golfing on that horrible cyanide lake by while we operated the farm. I actually managed to become principal for the ski hill; ball games; curling; living in four or five different houses the last several years. during our time there; and of course the people and students. I must I retired from teaching after 30 years (age 51); however, we still operate confess that my recollection of my Snow Lake students is very hazy our farm and have even rented more land, so it keeps us busy. Gail only (probably due to my advanced age - 60 next July). However, it would be taught for one year in Snow Lake, as our family began, with Loren born nice to hear from anyone who is interested in contacting us. We still in Cutknife, SK in 1970. Scott was born in Snow Lake in May 1972 receive Christmas letters from Doaks, and Paul Hawman so we've been and Tamara was born in Nipawin in 1975. Gail's mother was a nurse able to keep up with what has been happening in Snow Lake. Anyway, and the combination of Snow Lake not always having a doctor and her our memories of Snow Lake are all positive and we would like to visit mother working in various hospitals in Saskatchewan meant that I again some day. wasn't really present for any of the births. Even when Scott was born, I When Gail has completed her teaching career, we will likely sell the decided to get away from the hospital for a while and took a drive to the farm and move to Saskatoon, the Red Deer area or perhaps to Kimball falls. When I got back Scott had arrived, so Gail always says I wasn't Lake in Meadow Lake Provincial Park. We are presently building a around for any of them. However, I was there at the beginning so I guess cabin/house/ money pit on our lot and would love to spend more time THE Underground PRESS

Volume 9, Issue 3 SNOW LAKE, MANITOBA March, 2004 The North Star sparkles Forester discusses 2004 plan

STAFF Tolko Manitoba released their proposed 2004 Snow Lake STAFF The North Star Gold Project has come a long way; from some minor trench work done in the 1930’s to the now completed area cutting plan to a sparsely attended meeting in the portal that will allow contractors to ramp down to the first mining level. community’s Elks Hall on the evening of January 22. It was a meeting The claim that the North Star sits on is an old one, and up until the that was without the disagreements that have challenged past mid-1990’s it had been essentially forgotten. However, an inquiring gatherings, and this had as much to do with the use of Facilitator glimpse through a bag of his Grandfather’s old belongings started Al Sheldon McLeod, as it did with the community’s realization and Bassham on his quest to see this local gold property developed. acceptance that they would be better served working with the Forestry While looking through some of his Grandfather’s belongings, Company than by butting heads with them. Bassham came across a Manitoba Securities Commission stock The evening began with McLeod introducing Tolko staff in certificate, issued in 1938, for a property known as the North Star Gold attendance, before asking Snow Lake’s Mayor Garry Zamzow, who Mine. He checked the certificate out, and found that it wasn’t worth the sits on the community and area FRAC (Forest Resources Advisory paper it was printed on, but as he was involved in prospecting at the Committees), to summarize, from a community perspective, the town time, it grabbed his interest. He spoke to his uncle, Bart Kobar, about and company’s recent history. the property and found that H.B.M.&S. held claim to it. He kept an eye Mayor Zamzow stated, and fellow FRAC member and Trapper, on it, and when they dropped their claim, he picked it up and set about Gordon Cann, concurred, that the company had been open, finding a way to develop the site. accommodating, and accountable throughout their dealings over the The property itself, sits 36 km west of Snow Lake; about two past year. Both men agreed that Tolko has consulted and attempted to kilometers off the old Dickstone Mine access road - five kilometers accommodate many of the resource users within the area of the cuts southwest of the Dickstone mine site. In an interview back in February they propose in the immediate future. 2001, Bassham noted that there was some trench work done back in the Once the town’s perspective on the relationship was presented, 1930’s, which showed visible gold, and also three diamond drill holes, Tolko’s Divisional Forester, Doug Hunt, recapitulated from the which confirmed its existence. A small surface bulk sample that was forester’s viewpoint. He also endorsed the easy association the two taken at that time further confirmed it. groups had enjoyed over the past year. There was one false start on developing the property back in 2000; Once these formalities were out of the way, the facilitator introduced however, when Foran Mining Corporation took over option and (SEE TOLKO on page 4) eventual ownership of the property, progress proved to be steady and continually escalated. Once through an extensive environmental permitting process, the corporation set to work at developing the Water report indicates good compliance property. On January 12, 2004, a contract was awarded to Alex MacIntyre and STAFF: The Town of Snow Lake recently received a report on Snow Associates Ltd. to develop the portal and ramp for the North Star. Once Lake’s drinking water supply from Manitoba Water completed, the ramp will not only give access to the 725 foot long Stewardship’s Office of Drinking Water. Overall it was a very positive North Star Vein, but also give access to a parallel gold bearing vein report. located 20 to 30 yards west of the North Star Vein. Foran has stated that Although it was confirmed in an August 2003 precursory report that (with a production decision) the ramp will provide a jump-start on full the turbidity and THM’s (trihalomethanes) in the community’s water mine development and would form the main entrance into the potential supply continue to be high, this report focused more on compliance mine. with bacterial analysis and chlorination records. With the portal already blasted out, a 20-25-man camp has been set This report informed the town that compliance in regard to drawing up and the mechanic’s shop, generators and mine heaters have been set and submitting water samples was 100%. It actually exceeded the up near the portal. The company states that once down to the first requirements. Of the 52 treated water samples that the department mining level, the assay results from sampling the face and back required, the town submitted 77 and of the 26 obligatory raw water excavation of the 10,000 ton bulk sample (that will be taken along an samples, the operator, Cam Booth, (and Bob Southern) sent in 29. underground horizontal tunnel in the North Star vein) will determine if Further in the report, some minor glitches were observed. “The Foran will proceed with the next stage of development, which will be Snow Lake system had one case of unsatisfactory results with a high building a mill and mine complex. total coliform count at the treatment plant,” the report stated. It further Additionally, in a February 3, 2004 release, the corporation advised documented one sample was overgrown with bacteria and one was that they would begin a 5,000-foot diamond drill program on the reported with a Heterotrophic Plate Count (indicates the general property by mid-February. This program is being undertaken to sanitary quality of the water) higher than the allowable limit. However determine if the orebody’s continuity and depth extends down to the these anomalies were qualified with the statement, “No remedial 1000-foot level, as well as confirming its continuation along strike measures were necessary in all occurrences, as follow-up tests at the (direction of the host rock). sites did not show evidence of bacterial contamination.” In summary, the report advised that the town has been fulfilling its obligations with regard to supplying safe drinking water based on the (SEE WATER on page 6) Page 2 THE Underground PRESS March, 2004

E D IT O R IA L strategically positioned portion of Janet Jackson’s bodice away, reveling one of her breasts. here are some who say, “Violence begets violence.” And others In a never before displayed demonstration of purism, the network who state that “sparing the rod” will “spoil the child.” It appears voiced its disgust. Then proving he was in fact the biggest boob on the that the recent 6 – 3 Supreme Court decision on the country’s so- stage that evening, Timberlake said he had no idea that this was going called spanking law comes down firmly (no pun intended) between to happen during the show. Finally, the network announced that if those two opposites. Jackson didn’t apologize, she could not be a part of the Grammy It was recently stated in the Winnipeg Free Press that the country’s Awards production – where she was scheduled to hand out a special highest court ruled it unreasonable to use corporal punishment in award to Luther Vandross. What a pack of bloody hypocrites! They disciplining children under age two or for teenagers. Also found didn’t want Jackson on the show, but they had Marg Helgenburger, equally irrational was the use of implements (rulers or belts) other than Patti Labelle, Cristina Aguilera, and Timberlake’s own mother front the open hand or, striking a child on the face or head. and center in the lens of the camera. The only difference between Janet Rightfully so, I say. I’ll also add that by the court striking (again, no Jackson and these four ladies was that Jackson only had one of her pun intended) middle ground on this issue, they have somewhat boobs hanging out. reaffirmed my wavering confidence in our justice system. ~**~ I’m no Dr. Spock, but I’m a firm believer that a child has to know I mentioned several editorials back that our new Prime Minister’s that there are swift and stern repercussions for inappropriate behaviour. scandals would no doubt involve ships. Sure enough, the first one to Although I know many will disagree, I’m of the opinion that ‘time- beset the government involves Martin’s people saying that over the past outs’ don’t fall into that category. I’m sure punishment of that sort decade, his company, Canadian Steamship Lines (CSL), only received works for some, but I’ve noted many times where it doesn’t. It all boils about $134,000 in business from the Canadian Government. While the down to consistency. I’m sure that time-outs and withholding opposition has brought to light the apparent fact that CSL’s business privileges would work eventually, but most times those doling out the with the government over that period was a tad more. Like over $160 punishment are not consistent… and as we all know, kids pick up on million more! And all this while some of the line’s ships fly the flags inconsistency pretty quick. I’ve found a sharp swat on the rear usually of other countries – supposedly to take advantage of lesser tax rates. gets their attention. Eventually the child knows that this is what is Now isn’t that really setting an example? It’s a pretty sad situation, but considered punishment and many times this results in not even having then by the look of it, not quite as sad as the newest scandal that has to deliver the swat. I can’t remember having to discipline either of our just come to the forefront… the $250 million sponsorship scandal. kids in this way past the time they were nine years old. Like I said, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” On the other hand (there’s that pun thing again), in thinking back to ~**~ my own childhood, I received many a good ‘lickin’, and to be honest, My wife and I were talking over the loss of Northern and the pretty much all of them were provoked. Many were with the belt and I hardship that it will cause people without driver’s licenses and some of have to say that this solidified, not so much a deep respect for my the older, infirm people. This got me to thinking that this could evolve father, but a deep fear of him. That’s not a good thing because that’s into a great little part time job for someone: Custom Shopping and how I remember him. This leads me to the conclusion that belts, sticks, Delivery! Anyone needing groceries could phone the person, give skipping ropes, etc. are abuse and really don’t discipline a child so (SEE LETTER on page 3) much as batter, bruise and cut them – inside and out. I think that this decision is one of the most balanced the court has come down with. ~**~ I watched CTV’s W-5 several weeks back and if the lead story - on Dear Marc: abuse in Retirement Homes – wasn’t enough of a scandal, the story that On behalf of the Joseph H. Kerr School Committee, I would like to followed surely was. The second piece brought to light two facts 1) thank you for your many articles in the Underground Press and Flin There are 300 meningitis cases reported annually in Canada, five to 10 Flon Reminder that highlight Joseph H. Kerr School students, staff, per cent of which (even with treatment) are fatal. 2) More than 2,000 and/or activities. kids are hospitalized every year with Chicken Pox, up to a dozen of Through your articles, the community at large gets a very good them die from complications such as flesh eating disease. picture of life at the school and is informed about the many positive The sad part about this is that it doesn’t have to happen at all. happenings that students and staff are involved in. Through vaccinations, both Chicken Pox and some strains of We appreciate your interest in getting the message out about the Meningitis are preventable. The vaccines -- Menjugate and Prevnar, achievements of our students and staff and the positive way in which both for meningitis; Varivax for chicken pox; and one other, Adacel for you write it. adolescent whooping cough -- are available in Canada, but none of the Thank you, various provincial health plans cover them all. Some only cover high- risk groups and other provincial governments cover none at all. At a Colleen MacLean cost of $900 per child for all four vaccinations, this is no doubt out of Chairperson, Joseph H. Kerr School Committee reach to many families. (Manitoba covers vaccinations for Chicken Pox, and meningitis, but only for high-risk groups.) An even sadder postscript to all of this, is the fact that such bastions of socialism as Alberta and the USA lead the way in providing THE Underground PRESS coverage for vaccinations in relation to these childhood illnesses. is a monthly, independent newspaper, published in Alberta covers the three most expensive vaccines and the USA covers Snow Lake, Manitoba. them all. EDITOR: Marc W. Jackson ~**~ Correspondence: P.O. Box 490, Snow Lake, MB., R0B 1M0 I’m sure pretty much everyone is aware of the recent commotion Phone: (204)358-2887 during the half-time show at the Super Bowl. For those who aren’t, in email: [email protected] an obviously staged attempt at publicity, Justin Timberlake ripped a March, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 3

Inside - Out by: Joan Currie REC. REVIEW by: Stephanie Foy

Thought Provoking Words From Mother Theresa “Anyway” Making Plans for Summer Yet? There is a Fine Arts Dance and ~ People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them Drama Camp coming to Snow Lake!! anyway. This year, Snow Lake is fortunate to be able to host a Fine Arts ~ If you do good works, people will accuse you of having an ulterior Drama Dance and Art Camp. The camp will be open to ages five and motive. Do good deeds anyway. up and will be held July 27 - 29. ~ If you succeed you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed “X. Company” in concert with The Town of Snow Lake Recreation anyway. Department will be bringing this camp to Snow Lake. ~ The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the If you are interested, come out and learn the latest Hip-Hop and smallest people with the smallest minds. Think big anyway. funky Jazz moves with these high-energy instructors. ~ People favor underdogs, but always follow top dogs. Fight for the One instructor, Eddie Miller, was here last year teaching a hip-hop underdog anyway. dance workshop. All those who participated had a great time. Eddie has ~ What we have spent years building can be destroyed overnight. Build a lengthy background in dance, including 12 years performing, anyway. choreographing, and teaching. He has performed Polynesian, Jazz, Tap, ~ Honesty and frankness can make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank Hip-Hop, Hispanic, and other dance styles. anyway. The other instructor, Tim Webster, has been performing for over 25 ~ The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. years and got his start on children’s T.V Shows. He graduated from ~ Give the world the best you have and you may be criticized. Give the University where he majored in Theatre and is currently a big part of world your best anyway. the Winnipeg Fringe festival. He will be teaching stage combat and ~ If your kindness is not appreciated, be kind anyway. some drama with stage related movement classes. More information on the camp will be available as soon as details The following quotes are favorites of mine. have been worked out. ~ The mind is like a parachute. It functions better when open. For more information, feel free to contact me. Remember, space will ~ Tough times never last, tough people do. be limited in this camp, so register early. ~ You can’t solve a problem with the same mind that created it. Prices have been set at $50.00/child for the camp, or $20 if you are ~ Fear knocked at the door, faith answered, no one was there. only registering for one class per day. Students may bring their lunch ~ Shoot for the moon, if you miss you will be amongst the stars and stay to watch a movie, or go home for lunch. anyway. This is sure to be an exhilarating camp for all involved. Come out ~ Decisions are made in the head, commitments are made in the heart. and be a part of the SummerActive experience. ~ The sun always outlives the storm. ~ I sought my God, my God I could not see. I sought my soul, my soul alluded me, The Dorothy Salahub Library I sought my troubled neighbour and I found all three. Not only is it teaming with today’s best selling paperbacks and hardcovers, the library has: ~ Books on tape (For that seven hour trip to Winnipeg) (EDITORIAL from page 2) ~ Children’s and specialty videos them a list and money, and that person could shop for them and deliver ~ Large print books it to their door. ~ Cassette tapes - for kids and adults ~**~ ~ How to books I guess everyone knows about the partial power outage that was ~ Monthly magazines experienced in parts of the town on February 12th. I guess what you ~ Back issues of popular magazines, such as National probably didn’t know was how or why it happened. I asked our local Geographic Hydro guy what happened and he tells me Martians caused it. I was ~ Public Access Computers (understandably) skeptical, so I asked again. His answer the second Check out the Dorothy Salahub Library... it’s in the time was the same. So I guess either he actually believes this and this school! is the official corporate line, or they really don’t know. I can’t imagine someone giving an answer like that for any other reason. ~**~ Talk about someone who needs to grow up and perhaps get out a little Organizers and workers at the Frontier Games and Legion more. A guy by the name of Aale van der Veen has a web site devoted Provincials... to his water-gun collection. (http://www.sinasnet.nl/Watergun.HTML) ~ An excellent job was done on both of these events. It really helped He boasts of having the largest water gun museum on the internet. He to show what Snow Lake hospitality is all about. MJ says that he’s been collecting them for over 18 years now, and has more Brian Doak... than a 1000 in his collection. Bored! Check it out! ~ For, without fail, clearing our driveway of snow, usually before we have even realized that it has snowed - you’re a great neigbour Brian! Clancy and Lona Evans Christine Kerr... ~ For all the time and energy she put into making the recent Basketball Zones a resounding success. MJ

Out the 10Base-T, through the router, down the T1, over the leased line, off the bridge, past the firewall... nothing but Net. Page 4 THE Underground PRESS March, 2004

by: Barrie I urge everyone who reads this to forward it to all of their friends and A Lakeside relatives. Taylor

Customer Service at it's Best? On a trip to Calgary last month, I happened to watch a program on CBC TV and from it learned that General Motors have been putting event data recorders (black boxes) in all their new vehicles for the last several years. Being a Chev owner, I was quite upset and decided to (TOLKO from page 1) check with GM, to find out more about this Black Box once I got home. Tolko’s Highrock Area Planner, Andrew Forward, who spoke on the Back at home I went to G M's web page; found their email link and sent 2004 cut. Forward explained that beginning in February of this year, them a note asking for information on these black boxes. It took eight Tolko proposes to harvest several blocks of trees in the Osborne Lake days to get an answer, and when I did, all I received was a referral to a area. Through consultations, they are aware of the other resource users web site that explained what a black box is. Now, I’m quite sure that in proximity and admit that the cuts will affect these users. However, everyone already knows what a black box is, so I got the feeling that Forward stated that the company would endeavor to accommodate GM really didn't want to tell their customers about the ones in their concerns by adjusting the size of buffers (areas of trees left standing). vehicles. I went back to their web site and sent them another email, but He said that these buffers are flexible and the company could leave this time I asked more direct questions. What follows, word for word, is anywhere from 15 to 100 meters of standing timber around critical my request and their answer. areas outlined by trappers, tourism operators, and wild ricers. My request: In regard to harvesting beyond 2004, Forward said that there are year My name is Barrie Taylor and I have been a GM customer for years specific blocks of timber laid out in a large area to the north of Snow and still own 2 GM vehicles. I sent you an email a few days ago Lake, but confessed that the company’s plan was dynamic and as a inquiring about the event data recorder (black box) that I am told is in result cutting could shift from year to year. all GM vehicles after 1997.The information that you provided was Following Mr. Forward’s overview, Paul Chapman, the company’s vague and would lead a person to believe that you would sooner not tell Silviculture Forester addressed the issue of reforestation. He stated that your customers about it. there was only one location in the vicinity of Snow Lake where there In the event that I am wrong could you please provide answers to the would be any planting done in 2004. This was identified as several following questions: blocks of land around Mitishto Creek. Should it be cut in February, 1.) Do all GM vehicles have this black box in them? planting in the Osborne Lake area will take place in spring 2005. 2.) Who pays for the cost of this unit? Chapman also informed the group that there would be a late summer/ 3.) Can it be removed without affecting the operation of the vehicle? early fall application of herbicide within prior cuts around Herblet 4.) Why have you not informed your customers that it is there? Lake, Herb Bay, and Osborne Lake. This will be done in order to kill Thank you, I await your reply. off Aspen, which competes with the softwoods that Tolko harvests. GM’s Answer: At this point, the information portion of the meeting was wrapped up (It took 14 days for the reply, but here it is, again, word for word.) and a question and answer session began. Concerns were voiced in Mr. Taylor: relation to buffers around spawning creeks, soil erosion in cutovers Thank you for your return email. We have researched your questions done in the past and road networks once harvesting begins. However, and are able to provide the following responses. the question that received the most interesting answer of the evening All General Motors vehicles since 2001 are equipped with an event was one querying the economic prospects that the community could data recorder, or black box. expect from Tolko’s ventures into the bush around the townsite. Ultimately the customer pays for the unit, as it is part of the vehicle. Tolko’s Woodlands Manager, Dave Neufeld, stated that Tolko had a As required, it may be accessed to download information, by vision for Snow Lake. “Our goal is to see a year round (10 months) authorized personnel. operation based out of here,” said Neufeld. “It could employ local However, any other removal would be considered a modification to people or bring contractors into the community and involve trucking, the vehicle, which would affect the warranty of the vehicle as described road work, and work in the bush.” in the warranty booklet on page 9. Moreover, Neufeld maintained that Tolko would work with the We thank you for the opportunity of providing this information. community in order to train workers if that was what was needed. He Should you wish more information you can call us at 1-800-263-3777 disclosed the fact that he had recently met with KCC in respect to Marianne Pelletier creating a course that would address that very idea. Neufeld added that Internet correspondent he’d also discussed the concept at a meeting with contractors. As a www.gmcanada.com group, they felt that a course based on work performed in the forest Needless to say, I felt that my questions had not been answered, so I would be met with enthusiasm by most in the business. “Osborne Lake phoned the number provided. is the short term, but in the long term this is what we’d like to see,” I was informed that my questions had been answered and when I Neufeld said. suggested that they had not answered my questions I was informed that my questions were answered as best as they were going to be answered. MY VIEW IS: First of all let me make it perfectly clear that I do not object to the black box being in my vehicle. What ticks me off is that GM puts this in the vehicle without the knowledge or consent of the consumer, and Have you got any old Cordwood that it serves no purpose in the operation of the vehicle. However, the Bonspiel pictures? consumer still pays the cost of the unit, and to make matters worse, —> If you do, please phone Gina Galiz before March 14th. The GM does not even inform them that it is there. So what, some might organizers of the 50th Anniversary Cordwood genuinely say! require and would sincerely appreciate your help in adding Well, would you care to guess what is meant by, “as required it may to their Memorabilia display. be removed to download information, by authorized personnel”? March, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 5

THE CHAMBERS by: Marc Under Business Arising From The Minutes, a question arose in regard Jackson to when the street signs for Memorial and Dunlop Drive and “Idle Free Zones” would be installed. Mr. Dunning replied that they would be put Mayor Zamzow opened the February 3rd meeting of council at 6:30 up in the spring. Several other questions were asked: 1) had the p.m. All members (other than Councilor Fisher) and Administrator Governor General been contacted with an invite to visit Snow Lake? 2) Dunning were in attendance. had any headway been made on advertising Snow Lake as a retirement Under Business Arising From The Minutes, Mr. Dunning advised that center with Armed Forces personnel? Dunning answered that he would he has been in discussions in regard to the fabrication of a trailer fitted check into both queries. with a sign that could be used to advertise the sale of cabin lots. He has Under Councilor Reports, Councilor Jackson asked that the auditor be also discussed the possibility of a former Snow Lake resident having an asked for a better price for doing the Community Library’s books – in ad for the lots painted on the side of his tractor-trailer rig. He further 2003 there was a 300% increase in the fee over the previous year. advised that a meeting with Cochrane Engineering in relation to the Councilor Cann informed council about “Reading Month” activities at water plant addition has been set for February 6th in Winnipeg. The the school and the recent Frontier Games. Councilor Mayer apprised Mayor, Public Works Chairperson, and Dunning will attend. The cost council of discussions at a recent Greenstone meeting. Some debate of the new plant has been set at $2.8 million and yearly operating costs centered around trying to have the South Main Mine shaft in Flin Flon will be approximately $108,000. used as a Zero Gravity Drop Shaft (using a weightless environment to The Administrator’s Report was received for filing. Council form crystals, etc.). In light of recent developments in the Snow Lake discussed a financial/budget analysis document put forward by Mr. mining industry, Mayer asked that consideration be given to the Dunning. It is anticipated that there will be a $40,000 surplus in the community on this item (this was also proposed for Anderson Lake General Operating portion of the budget for the year 2003; however, mine back in the early nineties). there will be a $63,000 deficit on the Utility side of the budget. This Under the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Zamzow informed council of deficit was due to a breakdown at the Sewage Treatment Plant this past several items. He states that he expects to have a meeting with MTS in summer and increased operational costs. Dunning expects that the regard to cell phone service in the coming week. He also advised that Public Utilities Board will demand that the deficit be made up from Native Communications Inc. (NCI) presently has an application to taxes over the next three years and that the town complete a water rate broadcast in Snow Lake before the CRTC. They are seeking letters of study. Council decided that the portion of the deficit relating to the support from Snow Lake organizations and businesses. If approved, the breakdown will be recovered through taxation in 2004 and the broadcaster would locate their equipment on the old water tower and in operational deficit will be recovered through taxes over the years 2004 the building beneath it, and their broadcast power would run between – 2006. 13.3 and 24.7 watts, which should offer a decent signal to the cabin In Other Matters, Councilor Powell asked if Communities in Bloom subdivisions. had been paid for the town cleanup last year. Dunning stated that they Under Correspondence, a letter was received from the Office of hadn’t. Powell advised that they should be. There was discussion in Drinking Water. The Water Plant staff are to be commended for their relation to gravel, sand, and black dirt delivered to the group and work on the utility. whether that was part of the payment. Powell also asked why #392 In Other Matters, Councilor Jackson asked that the Addictions highway appeared to be always snow-covered while other highways in Foundation be contacted and asked why there hasn’t been a worker in the area were clear. Councilor Mayer explained the priority basis under town in months and suggest that they should be in on a regular basis. which highways are cleared and noted the uneven and curved nature of He also brought up concerns about Aqua-flos, the recent power outage the roadbed may precipitate poor contact with blades on snow clearing and the timeliness of reports, etc. being put in councilors mailboxes. machinery. He also asked that the Winter Whoot Committee be advised that Kim Councilor Cairns stated that she had received several complaints Stephan has books from when the past committee operated. Councilor about the town office being closed on Mondays. Only one other Mayer stated that he had a concern raised about the noise of allowing councilor had received a complaint. Cairns also asked that a printed quads/trikes access to snowmobile trails. Council felt they were not as package be available to those inquiring about cabin lots. Council felt it noisy as snowmobiles and if the citizen had a problem with noise they would also be beneficial to have handouts publicizing the golf course could lay a complaint against the offenders under the noise by-law. and snowmobile trails. Mayer also asked council if they felt that J.H. Kerr School should be Councilor Cann informed council of the Frontier games which will using the town van to ferry staff members. Most felt that if it saved the take place in Snow Lake on the 10th and 11th of February. She stated taxpayer some money, it was all right. Council agreed that the town that there will be close to 140 students in for them and that they would should initiate discussions with Frontier about joint use of a single van. be housed in the school. Cann also told council of the upcoming 100th The Administrator stated that with the workload of the present meeting day of school and several upcoming school dances. there would not be time to research and submit recipients for the Councilor Jackson advised council of a complaint he’d received from Premiers Volunteer Service Award. Council asked that submissions a Parres Ave. resident. The resident asked that snow be kept cleared from the public be collected next year. Mayor Zamzow asked if there from the area in front of homes on the street, so that water wasn’t such a was a firm date for the meeting that will be set to discuss the Wekusko big problem in the spring. Lake netting study. Dunning replied that one had not been set, yet. The Administrator informed council that Conservation Manitoba During the meeting, council also discussed how to deal with people would be holding a public meeting in relation to the most recent netting who don’t wish to pay user fees, but continue to use the recreation survey on Wekusko Lake. Eight or nine of the department’s personnel facilities. The town’s lawyer will be consulted in regard to bringing would be in for the late March/early April meeting. charges of trespassing against people who wish to persist in this way. Mayor Zamzow wondered, what, if any, money Snow Lake would realize as a result of the federal government’s latest commitment to municipalities. He also asked which agency or department could advise what situations should or shouldn’t necessitate a call to 911. ~**~ Mayor Zamzow opened the February 17th meeting of council at 6:30 p.m. All members (other than Councilors Powell and Chrapun) and Administrator Dunning were in attendance. ~**~ Page 6 THE Underground PRESS March, 2004

Tech Talk by: Clarence Fisher (WATER from page 1) Guideline for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. It added that the department understood that the new water plant would address the Safe Online problems with turbidity and high THM’s. Not long ago, a teenage girl living in Tokyo, Japan was wondering why The problem with THMs and turbidity can only be addressed through her neighbours were looking at her strangely as she walked through her filtration of the town’s water supply. This is why the addition to the neighbourhood. She also noticed that there seemed to be a lot more car community’s water treatment plant is required and in the process of traffic around her house. Her school friends were treating her strangely being built. and soon began avoiding her. A bit of investigation on the girl’s part allowed her to solve the mystery. A boyfriend, whom she had recently broken up with, had posted her name, her telephone number, her home address, and her picture on a number of pornographic websites. Her cell Police Report by: Cpl. Bob MacKnight phone constantly rang and her life was in a shambles. Unfortunately, this young girl felt there was no way out of this situation, and tragically, Provincial Court was held in Snow Lake on Jan. 27th, with Judge she took her own life. Stewart presiding. Five Young Persons appeared, charged with Minor Tragedies like this one, involving children and computers, are Consume - Sec. 121(5) of the Liquor Control Act. One of these Young becoming almost commonplace in our society. Recent research shows Persons was also charged with Possessing a Weapon (Firearm). Judge that over 70% of Canadian teens are online at least once a week; most Stewart, with the agreement of the Crown and Defense counsels, often unsupervised by adults. Most teenagers have private email referred all matters to the local Youth Justice Committee (YJC), for addresses of their own, and most parents say they are unaware of where resolution at their discretion. Judge Stewart also met with members of their kids go when they are on the Internet. Yet most kids have not been the YJC, who were in attendance, and clarified his full support for this taught any basic forms of keeping themselves, their information, and process of restorative justice. I am aware that the YJC will soon be their families safe when they are online. meeting to consider options regarding community service, etc. Cst. Parents would do well to teach their kids a few basic Internet rules. Randy Wittig will remain involved with the YJC throughout this process. 1.) Passwords are meant to be secret – This sounds basic, but it’s very Complaints continue to be received regarding the unsafe and unlawful true. Kids have to be taught that various types of passwords, including operation of snowmobiles and ATV's, particularly within Snow Lake those to their email accounts should not be given out, even to their best Town limits. One adult male was charged with failing to wear a helmet - friends. a $130.00 fine. 2.) Family and personal information is secret – There are many stories The RCMP has agreed with a proposed amendment to a Town By- about kids being coerced to give out their parents’ Visa numbers, bank Law, which would permit the operation of ATV's - during the winter account PIN numbers, or other personal information, destroying family months - upon the routes currently designated for the use by finances. Children should be taught to never give out information about snowmobiles only. Those persons operating ATV's are expected to have their homes, their family, school, or even their real name online. them registered, wear helmets, and if under the age of 14 years, must be 3.) Never agree to meet anyone you have met online unless you are supervised. with an adult – Approximately 1600 North American kids go missing A complaint of a possible domestic disturbance was received. Police every year after going to meet someone they have previously met online. attended a local residence, locating one of the parties, who indicated Terrible stories circulate about adults posing as kids in chat rooms and that nothing of a criminal nature had occurred. The other party was convincing real kids to run away from home in order to meet them. located shortly thereafter, indicating as well that nothing criminal had Many of these stories are true. Kids cannot travel to meet someone transpired. No further concern was received. without telling an adult or taking one with them. A complaint was received of a tractor-trailer unit having failed to stop 4.) Finally, kids have to be taught to handle websites and email at the junction of PR # 392 & PTH # 39. Fortunately there was no properly. Viruses, spyware, tons of spam, etc. are all the result of sloppy traffic on PTH # 39 at the time, otherwise fatalities could have resulted. and careless habits online. Teach kids to tell reality from fiction online, The driver of the truck has been charged with Imprudent Driving under and teach them how to protect your family’s computer. the HTA. A company representative advised that considering the severity There are a number of good resources online that parents can look of this matter, the driver would be dismissed from their employ. into if they want further information about these topics. The A theft of money complaint was received. The cash had been left in a Government of Canada has a great information site about keeping kids jacket pocket at the curling rink. Anyone having information regarding safe online. As well, the Media Awareness Institute is a Canadian site this matter is encouraged to contact the RCMP at 358-7723. The identity of anyone providing information will be protected. RCMP members have assisted MB Conservation regarding investigation(s) concerning unlawful moose kills. Several incidents regarding child neglect/abuse have been investigated Lois Sayies... in conjunction with Child and Family Services and local health Lois passed away Thursday February 5th at the Snow Lake Health personnel. Center, at the age of 67. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Complaints continue to be received concerning harassing telephone February 11th at Our Lady of the Snows, Roman Catholic Church in calls. Calls received at the same time, on a daily basis, are believed to Snow Lake, Manitoba. Father Ed McSheffrey officiated. Interment will originate from telemarketers. If you are experiencing a similar problem, follow at a later date. contact MTS Security. Sarah Gray... A complaint was received of a theft of a personal item, which had Sarah passed away at the Snow Lake Health Center on February 8th at occurred, within the school. A school staff member recovered the item the age of 89. A Memorial Service was held at the Anglican-United and the two students responsible were identified, and admitted to the Church on Friday, February 13th. The Reverend Claire Edwards theft. Further action is pending regarding the matter. presided. March, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 7

“ACCORDING TO by: Ted by: Becky Life & Truth Ainsworth TED” Stabbac These past few days, I’ve been really feeling the pinch of It’s been an interesting few weeks around town, with lots of curling responsibilities and the trick of fitting them into available hours. I have and hockey action taking place at both rinks. this delectable dream of crawling into bed in the daytime and staying At the curling rink, Snow Lake hosted the High School Zones. The there until the next day. Even more effectively, I can dream of warm rink of Jacqueline Borchardt, Tyne Campbell, Sara Ladouceur and Caribbean beaches, having reposed on them in the past. But ah; the Jennifer Rolles won the senior girls and will go on to the provincials in reality: Edmonton, wintertime, student husband, growing active Gimli in early March. The senior boys team of Lief Forsyth, Tyson daughters (now ages sixteen and thirteen, by the way), two outside jobs, Klyne, Stephen Foord and Micheal Borchardt finished third in their church involvement (great, but it takes time!), and a me who, as sixteen division. The junior team of Bailey Galiz, Tori Campbell, Amy Otto, -year-old-daughter hints with some sighing, is not exactly a “multi- and Jamie Deduke competed well, but because of their age, were tasking” person. Philippians 4:13 contains a truth that I cling to daily. unable to advance to provincials. And God is faithful! There is absolutely no doubt about that. Just this The Ladies Bonspiel was held the first weekend of February, morning (February 19) in my time alone with Him, I was reading in 2 unfortunately no local teams won an event, but by all accounts Snow Corinthians chapter four, and wow, those last three verses (read them in Lake women finished first in the party category. the Amplified Bible) came shining forth with such radiance. Tears came The Men’s Bonspiel, held on the weekend of Feb 20 - 22 was made to my eyes and, in a sense, all time stopped for some moments of … all the more interesting because we got a chance to watch Rick Leclair freshly “seeing.” thrill us with his shot making ability. I guess the reason he could never Well, for those who were with me here last month, I have a question hit the net in hockey was… we weren’t allowed to sweep his shots, but or two: Did you consistently pray that prayer? Have you noticed any heaven knows we should have. The only local team to win an event in changes yet? None of us, really, know how many layers we have to be this spiel was the Mike Wiwcharuk foursome. “loosed”; but, as noted above, there is an unseen world and God is at The curling rink also hosted two New Brit’ fun spiels in January. work. It may be time - or perhaps not quite yet - to pray for others this These are lots of fun and usually very well attended, with prizes for way too. At any rate, I will now include one of Liberty Savard’s everyone. Thanks to the New Brit’ social committee for hosting these “training wheel” binding and loosing prayers, to use regarding those events. you know and love who remain in enemy territory. (This is from As well, the curling rink was host to the Legion’s Provincial Curling Shattering your Strongholds, pages 171-173.) Championships. Our Legion had previously hosted the district “In the name of Jesus Christ, I bind ___’s body, soul and spirit to the bonspiel, so our representative was a rink from Flin Flon. A Dauphin will and purposes of God for his/her life. I bind ___’s mind, will and team won the ‘spiel and will represent Manitoba at the Dominion emotions to the will of God. I bind him/her to the truth and to the blood playdowns later this year. of Jesus. I bind his/her mind to the mind of Christ that the very Over at the other rink, we saw lots of action, as the Bantams hosted thoughts, feelings and purposes of His heart would be within his/her the Regional Playoffs and then hosted a four team tournament the next thoughts. day. “I bind ___’s feet to the paths of righteousness that his/her steps In the Regionals, there were only two teams competeing for the would be steady and sure. I bind him/her to the work of the cross with chance to move on to Provincials. Gillam brought in a big fast team all of its mercy, grace, love, forgiveness and dying to self. and although the boys from town gave it their best shot, they came up a I loose every old, wrong, ungodly pattern of thinking, attitude, idea, little bit short in both games. I’m afraid our boys were outcoached, desire, belief, motivation, habit and behavior from him/her. I tear Glen Young seemed to have a good handle on things, but Rick Leclair down, crush, smash and destroy every stronghold associated with these was right out to lunch, good thing he’s a curler now. Everyone in the things. I loose any stronghold in his/her life that has been justifying stands also agreed that Lyle Leclair has a much harder shot now than and protecting hard feelings against anyone. I loose the strongholds of his old man did in his hay day. This is probably a good time for another unforgiveness, fear and distrust from him/her. true Leclair story. “I loose the power and effects of deceptions and lies from him/her. I In the late 70’s or early 80’s the Snow Lake Intermediate team was loose the confusion and blindness of the god of this world from ___’s playing off for the Provincial Championship. It was a close hard fought mind that has kept him/her from seeing the light of the gospel of Jesus series and one of the bright young stars was Rick Leclair. Rick had the Christ. I call forth every precious word of Scripture that has ever puck in our end and decided the best way to get it out, was to shoot it entered into his/her mind and heart that it would rise up in power within around our net and out the boards. Sounds good right? Well Rick’s him/her. shooting ability was never great and of course he fired it right in the In the name of Jesus, I loose the power and effects of any harsh or corner of our net. When Hound, our netminder, asked what the hell he hard words (word curses) spoken to, about or by ___. I loose all was doing, Leclair said, “ You gave me the whole side of the net.” generational bondages and associated strongholds from ___. I loose all How can you argue with logic like that? This was a critical goal as it effects and bondages from him/her that may have been caused by swung the momentum in the other teams favour and we lost the game mistakes I have made.” [Oh oh. Out of space, so more continuing and series. next time, but this gives you a good start. ] J.H. Kerr was the place to be to catch some basketball action, as they And to conclude with: “I bind and loose these things in Jesus’ hosted the Zone Championships. The girls won a very close final game name…” to emerge as the Zone reps and will travel to the Provincials in Treherne on March 18th. Although the boys didn’t enter a team they were represented by Tyson Klyne who played with Wabowden.

"We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses." - C. G. Jung Page 8 THE Underground PRESS March, 2004

Looking Back through the eyes of... Adell Sigurdur with: Cathy Stabback

In 1969, Adell Sigurdur was 19, married with a 3-month-old daughter, McLaughlin, Shirley Simpson, and Wally Goodman. and desperate to find a job. Her husband Bob was 22 and working as a In 1978, Adell recalls there being pictures taken of 28 staff members. miner for H.B.M.&S., but they needed some extra income to survive. The pictures were then placed in their Christmas greetings advertisement That fall, Adell applied for work. She applied at The Bay and at the in the Snow Lake News. Many of the staff had management positions. Post Office with then postmaster, Cliff Casselman. She waited two days There was the manager, assistant manager, grocery manager, department and when she did not hear from either Mr. Casselman or Cal Jewison at managers, produce manager, and a butcher. As well, there were as many The Bay, she went to HBM&S’s cafeteria to apply there -- even though it as eight students employed at one time. was a place she did not want to work. The busiest year that she experienced while working for The Bay/ That afternoon when she went to check her mail, she found that Mr. Northern was 1980. (That was one of the years that forest fires Casselman had left a note in her mailbox that said he would like to offer threatened the community.) However, over the last few years Northern her a job, but Cal Jewison also wanted to see her. Mr. Jewison hired her struggled to stay profitable. Giant Tiger in Thompson and Wal-Mart in at The Bay. So in September of 1969, she began working there on both Thompson and Flin Flon affected its sales. Adell found that when Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays as a grocery packer. “braces” became popular and families began making frequent trips to the Shortly thereafter she became their part-time person, working part- orthodontist in Thompson, business started to slow down. time in all areas of the business for about two years. Her second A reprofiling was done in 2001 and business picked up for a while, but daughter, Sherry, was born and Adell took a 3-year leave from work. at the same time the Wal-Mart opened in Flin Flon. In November 2003, However, she returned to do a few inventory counts over that period. the decision was made to officially close Northern Store 604 in Snow When Adell returned to work on Jan. 6, 1978, Sherry was four. Lake, Manitoba. The staff was informed on November 16th. The In 1979, Adell was hired full-time by then manager Gary Webb. She announcement was made that on January 10, 2004 the Northern would went to work in the office. During her employment with The Bay she close its door for the last time. This was heartbreaking news, yet not worked for many managers, Gareth Mills and Paul Smith to name a few. unexpected. This was a store (a company) that was been very good to When The Bay became Northern in 1987, Kirk Coates was the Adell. When asked why January 10th, Adell felt that they wanted to wait manager. As well, there were five other Northern Managers before her: until after Christmas, but wanted to be closed and cleaned up before Colin Lawry, Paul Dolby, Jeff Sullivan, Don Rothenie, and Jeff Mills. their year-end of January 30th. Adell became manager in 1998. On January 10th, amidst the bare or scantily clad shelves, and among She has fond memories of some of the following people she worked the last of the loyal customers who had come to extend best wishes, Adell with over the years: Irene Benoit, Mary Semaniuk, Dora Brown, Irene received a phone call from her Area Supervisor, Peter Brown. Mr. Byers, Joyce Gehon, Lorraine Lenartowich, Michelle Simpson, Debbie Brown thanked her for her years of service and for those of her staff. Stevenson, Trudy Foy, Betty Rudd, Norma McAuley, Shirley Chell, Joan (There were seven full-time and two students employed at the time of the Marsollier, Pam Wiwcharuk, Margie Cockle, Norma Johnson, Audrey closure.) He also informed her that ten years ago the budget was set to

1996, here in Flin Flon. He had applied in the spring of 1996 to get into What Ever Happened to... Elaine and Oscar the military, but hadn't heard anything by the time he graduated, so he went off to cadet camp in Whitehorse for six weeks. Well, as it happened, the call telling him that he had been accepted came four weeks into his cadet camp; they wanted him to report for his basic Hello to everyone in Snow Lake. It has been a long time. It will be 10 training within the week. The mad scramble was on! He returned home, years in June since we left the community and it sure doesn't seem like it packed all the belongings he was allowed to take to basic training, and he has been that long. was off. Adam completed his basic training and battle school in March We moved to Snow Lake in November of 1980, after our youngest son of 1997, and was then stationed in Edmonton with the Infantry, having Sean was born. We lived there until June of 1994, when we moved back been there since. Adam has done two tours with the military, one in to Flin Flon (as a result of the downsizing with HBM&S) after our oldest Bosnia, and one in Kosovo. son Jason's graduation. We spent 13 1/2 wonderful years there. We Both Adam and Jason are currently awaiting orders in regard to still talk about the people and the closeness of everybody in the whether or not they will be going to Afghanistan later this summer. community. It was certainly a wonderful place to raise a family, and we Sean also graduated here in Flin Flon. He has tried a few different wouldn't have traded those years for anything. Like many of you, our jobs. He even went to Edmonton to try and see if things were different families have grown and started families of their own. Some of them out there, but wasn't quite happy, so came back home. He is currently nearby, and some a little bit farther away. working as a mechanic's helper at a garage here in Flin Flon, and really After his 1994 graduation, Jason moved to southern Alberta and enjoying it. worked for a construction company for a while. He then moved back to As for Oscar and I, well we are still plugging along, waiting for the day Flin Flon, did a couple of different jobs while he was here, and then he that he can retire. He is still working for HBM&S (34 years later), but is met Lotus. They have two daughters, Sydney and Chelsea. At this point still too young, so we will probably have to work a few more years yet. As Jason decided that a career change was in order, and decided to follow for me, I have been working as a secretary in a law firm for the past seven his brother, Adam into the military. He enlisted in October of 1999, years, and really enjoying it. with the armoured vehicle section of the Army. After completing his So that is what has happened in the lives of the Oswalds. We still miss basic training and battle school, he was stationed in Edmonton. Jason the people, that sense of closeness that is unique to Snow Lake, the has since done one tour overseas in Bosnia. beautiful sunsets, the loons calling on a summer's night, and of course… Adam was in grade 10 when we left Snow Lake, and he graduated in all the great fishing. THE Underground PRESS

Volume 9, Issue 4 SNOW LAKE, MANITOBA April, 2004 Mine of many milestones Born to run th STAFF With the start of the day shift on February 27 , Snow Lake’s STAFF Hard work, determination and dedication; these are three New Britannia Mine attained one-year with no lost time traits that distinguish 18 year-old Snow Lake track prodigy accidents (LTA). A feat that has been accomplished in the past, but this Ashton Lief. It is seldom a person of her scant years shows both the time it is a much more significant milestone when one considers the perseverance and potential to be the best that they can possibly be, at uncertainty that has faced the mine’s workforce over the same period, all that they do. says New Britannia’s General Manager, Mike Kelly. Lief, a grade 12 honours student at J.H. Kerr School, participates in a “One of the key things that everyone is well aware of is that over the number of sports. She is an accomplished figure skater, the co-captain last year we have been experiencing pretty tough times at New and middle hitter on the Zone Champion Sr. Girls Varsity Volleyball Britannia,” said Kelly. “There has been a lot of uncertainty and stress, team, the captain and high post on the Zone Champion Sr. Girls making it difficult to focus on the job, so when you look at what has Varsity Basketball Team, a cross-country runner, a middle distance been achieved in that same period, it becomes quite an runner, and a hurdler. In her sixth season of running for J.H. Kerr, she accomplishment. Hats are off to the employees for being able to stay has won zone competitions a number of times in the track and cross- focused and not becoming complacent. It’s hard when you don’t know country events that she participates in and has progressed on to both what the future will bring.” the rural and city championships where she has performed on even par In discussing this latest safety success, it is obvious that Kelly feels with the best the province has to offer. the majority of the credit for the achievement, and other safety Just back from the Boeing Inter-provincial Track Meet in Winnipeg, milestones the mine has attained, should be placed solidly at the feet of Lief hasn’t skipped a beat. In heavy training since September of 2003 the employees. “You have to give the credit to the workforce and for this event, she continues with lighter workouts in preparation for certainly the supervisory personnel. It’s a two way street there,” he the upcoming outdoor track season. said. “You also have to have a very strong safety program,” he added. Her training for the Boeing Meet consisted of endurance training (a “Not just something that is written down, but a program that is actually one to two hour run) for about a month before the event, followed by implemented in the workplace. Certainly (Human Resources and long slow intervals (5 – 8 km runs), speed intervals (30 x 100meter – Safety Officer) Norm Ladouceur has done an exemplary job there, in 15 x 200 meters) and power intervals (running up hills). She would terms of getting our programs off of paper and into the workplace.” alternate the speed and power intervals for the week leading up to the (SEE LTA on page 4) (SEE LIEF on page 2) A tale from the wild… or just a wild tale? Blizz rookie has banner year

STAFF: In a community that prides itself on the telling of tales about STAFF After a couple of years of impressive play with the “AAA” the amazing fishing and hunting the area provides, Snow Midget Norman Northstars, Snow Lake’s Lem Randall had Lake’s Rupert Klyne has a remarkable story to relate about a moose a banner rookie season with the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL (Manitoba that, rather than being marked for certain death, was saved from it. Junior Hockey League). st It happened back on the 21 of February, when a young moose In 47 games with this year’s Blizzard, the 17 year-old centerman traveling with its mother went through the ice on a drainage ditch picked up an impressive 22 points, consisting of 11 goals, 11 assists, crossing under the area’s Chisel Lake road. “I guess the ice was kind with 57 penalty minutes. His statistics would have been even more of thin where the water comes out at the culvert, and he went through,” notable had he not missed eight games at the beginning of the season said Klyne. “There wasn’t enough (thick) ice around the hole for him with a shoulder injury. to get back up onto good ice, but he kept trying, and I guess his mom Staff, teammates, and directors of the five-time league champion hung around with him, urging him out, for the better part of the day.” Blizzard have also taken notice of the unassuming first year power Chisel North’s Mine Foreman, Jim Mihalicz, eventually found him forward. At the team’s year-end Awards Dinner, Randall was when he went to investigate why the cow moose was just hanging presented with the “Rookie of the year” award. And in a fitting tribute around in the area. One look over the bank and Mihalicz had his to his style of play, he received one other honour. “I also received a explanation. There was the nine-month-old baby (350 lbs.) moose new award that they just brought in this year called ‘the human down in the ditch, up to its haunches in four to five feet of water. wrecking ball award’,” said Randall. “It was for the most crunches of Mihalicz left and came back a little later to check and see if the baby the game throughout the season.” had managed to get out. He hadn’t, so he contacted Snow Lake’s After playing two years of Midget Hockey, Randall says that he Conservation Officer Greg Shaw. He, Mihalicz, and mine electrician noticed some big differences in the junior ranks. “Definitely the Brian Schuman then formulated a plan to rescue the stranded and biggest difference is the speed of the other players,” he said. “Junior thoroughly exhausted young moose. players are a lot bigger, stronger and faster.” He adds that he adjusted They went back to the mine, got a front-end loader, a Toyota winch to the difference by working harder, and judging by his stats, certainly truck, some rope, and a blanket. When they got back to the ditch, they no one could take issue with that. threw the rope around the baby’s neck and winched him up out of the In a whirlwind first year of Junior Hockey, Randall also says that (SEE MOOSE on page 6) (RANDALL on page 7) Page 2 THE Underground PRESS April, 2004

E D IT O R IA L the members enrolled in the given recreational activity, one look around any of the facilities you use should offer up a number of ways in which heard from Ross Moncaster earlier in the month. He gave me a bit your outlay of cash could benefit everyone in the group. And if it of an update on the progress of he and Beth’s son, Trevor. For doesn’t, just ask. those of you who were unaware, in January of this year, Trevor ~**~ was grazed by a bullet while chasing after a man who had just shot and Did you know that Conservation Manitoba is holding a meeting in the killed his girlfriend. Trevor and his girlfriend, Rachel Davis, had just Community Hall Reading Room at 1 p.m. on April 14th? The meeting come out of a Vancouver bar, when Rachel rushed across the street to is being held to discuss the Wekusko Lake fish stocks. However, not the aid of a man who was being beaten by two others. Her payment for just anyone can go to it. For some reason or another, specific groups or this Good Samaritan deed was a bullet, when the man she had just individuals attending have to be invited? Although I was invited, I rescued turned and shot her. won’t attend. I’m of the opinion that if Conservation Manitoba has Ross advises that Trevor seems to be doing much better. He was on anything to say about the fish stocks in “OUR” lake, they can say it to his way to the Moncaster/Parr home in Pinawa for a couple of days stay “ALL” of us. on the weekend March 13th. Ross also added that Trevor would be ~**~ starting his level three carpentry on March 29, at a school in Weird Web Site of the month goes to “Excuses for everyday life.” Vancouver. This site (http://www.excuses.co.uk/everyday/index.html) boasts that it Further to the tragedy that took place in January, Ross says that a new has an excuse for every occasion. “We all need excuses, for when we skateboard park is being opened in North Vancouver on May 1, did something, didn't do something, were late, broke something, didn't 2004. The North Vancouver City Council has decided that a section feel like it, felt like doing something else. We all know the feeling.” of the park will be dedicated in Rachel Davis’ memory. That same Some gems from the collection are: “Fingerprints can be faked, I was weekend, there will be a National Skateboarding contest in the new raised by wolves.” And, “I drank milk after the expiration date.” park and Trevor will be competing in it. Beth and Ross plan on being in Vancouver that weekend for the dedication and competition. For those of you who watch CTV’s new comedy, Corner Gas, Emma from that show is Rachel's mother. ~**~ A Lakeside by: Barrie I wonder if anyone else noticed the number of people that the Sno- drifters, March 6th Drag Races brought into Snow Lake? Rupert Klyne Taylor told me there were over 40 sleds at the event. Robert Stoupe added that they were from across Northern Manitoba and some from as far away Income Tax... as Saskatoon. Well, it's that time of the year again… when everyone has to shell out I was amazed when I drove down to the English Bay Boat Launch to a little more money just to make sure that they paid enough income tax. take some pictures of the event; I couldn’t believe how many vehicles Are taxes really necessary? Of course they are. I guess the big there were out on the ice and lining the Access Road. question is, does everyone pay their share? Or do the poor stay poor This certainly must have been a good day for the hotels, restaurants, and the rich get richer, while in the middle the workingman gets it in and gas stations. I noted while out for a short drive around 8:00 p.m. the arm. that night, that all of them seemed to be bustling with activity. Hats off My view is that our tax system is antiquated and is in dire need of an to the Sno-drifters for bringing some much needed winter tourism overhaul. Although we are in the age of computers, where vast amounts money into Snow Lake. of information can be stored and correlated at the push of a button, the ~**~ method of determining income tax hasn't changed. I think it's high time Still on the Sno-drifters, I noticed that they have the condition of their that our government spent a bit of the “research money” and try to trails listed each week in the Winnipeg Free Press’ Manitoba come up with a more realistic form of determining what is a fair share Snowmobile Trail Report. Right on, another great tourism initiative for everyone. from this club! ~**~ (LIEF from page 1) Who or what is “The Town”? You’d think by the way “some people” event. In addition to this training, she continued working on strength talk about it that “The Town” was the most thoroughly despised entity (weight training) and stability. this side of al-Qaida. Stop and think about it… “The Town” is YOU! At the Boeing Meet, Lief participated in three events: 1500 meters By way of an explanation for the above statement, I’ve heard rumours (5th place), 3000 meters (7th place), and hurdles (4th place). This meet that “some people” in several clubs within the community feel that appears to be one of many that the talented young runner will compete these clubs should be spending their money – perhaps frivolously – just in and do well at; she states with a concentrated conviction that she for the sake of spending it, or so that “The Town” doesn’t get it. Again, envisages carrying on at the University level once she graduates. “My think about it, even in the unlikely event that a current Snow Lake goal is to graduate and go on to University to take Athletic Training, recreational group did fold, that money wouldn’t go to any one person, (SEE LIEF on page 7) or a single group. It would go to ALL OF US, because all of us are the town. A perfect example of what happens to the money of a group that folds has been around for a number of years. When was the last time anyone THE Underground PRESS remembers a Canoe Club operating in Snow Lake? Gotta be at least ten is a monthly, independent newspaper, published in or fifteen years, wouldn’t you say? When they folded, they had Snow Lake, Manitoba. $874.48 in the bank. If they ever start up again, that money is still there EDITOR: Marc W. Jackson for them. If you care to check, it shows up every month on the first Correspondence: P.O. Box 490, Snow Lake, MB., R0B 1M0 page of the Town of Snow Lake’s financial statement under the Phone: (204)358-2887 heading, “Payables”. email: [email protected] If the intention is to spend some accumulated money for the good of April, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 3

Inside - Out by: Joan Currie Police Report by: Cpl. Bob MacKnight Life is risk, adventure, and dynamic activity – Jean Vanier The world famous RCMP Musical Ride will be in Flin Flon on A dream remains a dream until you add intention and a goal. The August 3rd and The Pas on August 6th. What a great opportunity to see dictionary definition of intention is “to have a plan and aim for it.” what is, admittedly, one of our most recognized national symbols. Why is it that so many of us get stuck in the dream stage? Is it because During the past month, RCMP and Conservation personnel have we’ve been led to believe that we are underachievers and all the experts combined efforts regarding illegal moose hunting activities and ORVA/ tell us that it can’t be done? Too often we let the voices of the past and Fisheries enforcement initiatives. Recently, a joint snowmobile patrol the voices of today (who don’t really have our best intentions in mind) resulted in a number of persons being detected operating unregistered discourage us. It is time to stand up and walk away from the external snowmobiles and another in possession of open liquor. noises that hold you back from turning your dreams into reality. During Trappers Festival, a Snow Lake member attended The Pas to There was a time when the moon was something we gazed at during a assist with traffic enforcement. As a result, during two shifts, the romantic interlude. Today, in the minds of space scientists, it will be a members conducting traffic enforcement issued a total of 42 tickets. refueling stop on the way to Mars. There are still some who say it can’t During the past month, several reports of vehicle accidents involving be done. They said the same thing about going to the moon. damage to property have been received. The required reports were Then there is the example of the Wright brothers and their dream of completed and forwarded. flying. The masses said, quite righteously, “If humans were meant to Police responded to a complaint of a person who was found deceased fly, God would have created us with wings.” Orville and Wilbur in their residence. Investigation determined that foul play was not disagreed, and the rest is history. involved. In consultation with the Office of the Chief Medical Did Edison know what he started when he tried dozens of ways to Examiner, the investigation continues. capture electricity in a light bulb? His perseverance energized the The detachment received a request from Thompson RCMP to provide world. It usually takes ten to fifteen years to become an overnight assistance regarding a sudden death investigation. success. Gold medals, Junos, and Oscars are awarded to those who Officers received a request for assistance from Winnipeg Probation kept their eye on the goal. People who succeed are totally committed to Services, regarding a young person who had failed to comply with a their intentions. They take risks and they never let anyone tell them “it court order and as a result was being returned before the court. can’t be done.” RCMP received a complaint of nuisance telephone calls. MTS We can’t all be Rocket Scientists or Inventors, but it has been proven Security has been contacted and is providing assistance in determining many times that it only takes one person to change the world. As the the origin of the suspect calls. slogan goes, if you want to be a success, “ Find a need and fill it.” During the Winter Whoot Festival, assistance was provided at the We all have our own ideas about what the world needs. From where FRC Family Social. As well, the RCMP provided a radar unit to the I sit, the need that is most obvious is the need for peacemakers. In SnoDrifters. It was utilized during the Radar Runs. order to have an overnight success fifteen years from now, we need to Police received a complaint of an intoxicated male attending a be more committed to teaching our children how to be peacemakers residence, uninvited, whereupon a window was broken. The suspect both in school and at home. Perhaps we should add a new subject to departed prior to the arrival of police. the curriculum: Reading, Writing, Math, and Peacemaking. Just a The detachment received a complaint of a domestic assault. Police thought. attended the scene and confirmed that a male suspect had If one man can light the world and two men can fly around it, surely a allegedly assaulted a female, with whom he shared a relationship. As a few thousand peacemakers can make a difference. result, the male suspect was located, arrested and lodged. The subject was then transported to The Pas Correctional Institute, where he appeared before a Judge and was released, with a number of conditions being imposed, upon him: Keep the peace and be of good behavior, have no communication with the victim, he is not to attend residence or The Snow Lake Community place of employ of the victim, he is not to be in Snow Lake, and he Library Hours must abstain form alcohol and drugs and provide samples upon the Tuesdays: 1:00 - 4:00 & 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. demand of a peace officer. Thursdays: 1:00 - 4:00 & 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. During the past month, in an effort to divert them from the punitive Saturdays: 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. court process, the Youth Justice Committee (YJC) has been busy Come on out to the Dorothy Salahub Library and see what we have to dealing with a number of young persons. To date, the efforts and offer! commitment of the YJC members, in particular Chairperson Grace Young, have been significant and are greatly appreciated. Anyone having an interest in this restorative justice process is welcome to contact the RCMP.

The SnowDrifters... The Drag Races and Radar Runs were both something else. Snowmobiling is the tourism factor that could make Snow Lake winters profitable. You guys certainly bring a lot of money into town. Looking Back through the eyes of... Cathy Stabback The Winter Whoot Organizing Committee... Another great celebration. Your hard work and enthusiasm paid off once again. It’s time to think about “spring” and spring activities. Do you The Cordwood Organizing and JHK Climate Committees... remember jumping to the following “jump rope rhymes”? The 50th Annual Cordwood and Adult Cordwood were both great Grace, Grace, dressed in lace. Went upstairs to powder her face. How events that offered a weekend of entertainment and laughs for young many boxes did it take? 1,2,3,4,5… and old. Big thanks to these two groups. Hello, hello, hello, sir. Tell me where you were, sir. Fishing in the (SEE LOOKBACK on page 6) Page 4 THE Underground PRESS April, 2004

(LTA from page 1) A QUESTION OF HEALTH by: Lola Leclair The General Manager realizes that talk can be cheap in terms of safety and says that anyone can pay lip service to a program, but if it isn’t actually implemented, followed through with, and harped upon, it Alcohol and your health - are there benefits from a drink or a glass of just won’t be successful. “From day one at New Brit’, the success of our program has been very proactive and has involved contributions wine? from both the staff people and the workforce,” said Kelly. Alcoholic beverages are an important part of many cultures and The mine’s program follows the Neil George five-point safety economies. In some cultures, alcohol is consumed with meals and is system, which involves: Checking the entrance to the place of work. part of religious ceremonies. Other cultures forbid the use of alcohol. Asking one’s self, if the workplace and equipment is in good order. Just as there are varying attitudes about alcohol among different cultures, Determining whether they, themselves, are working properly? there are varying opinions about alcohol and its effects on health. While Correcting safety deficiencies. And rechecking to make sure drinking may be an activity we enjoy, it can be difficult to know which everything will continue to work properly. The mine also conducts habits may be good for us and which are unhealthy. routine safety huddles at least once on every working set, as well as We all know that drinking too much alcohol can lead to many involving employees in discussions of mishaps in other operations as problems. Heavy alcohol drinkers put themselves at risk for long-term well as their own. chronic liver disease. As well, heavy drinkers are at increased risk of Achievements such as one year no LTA are not uncommon for New certain cancers, such as cancer of the throat or esophagus. Brit’, which is the only operating gold mine in Manitoba. The summer Since alcohol can lessen our physical and mental functioning, people of 2004 marks the tenth year of operation for the mine and to have been who are intoxicated are at a higher risk of injuring themselves. Injuries able to set the kind of records that they have without any fatalities, is can range from minor to grave, from cutting yourself with a kitchen impressive. knife while cooking to being killed or killing someone while driving The mine gained their first safety record, working one year without a drunk. As well, it can be addictive, causing physical problems like LTA in November of 1996. (A lost time accident is a mining accident cirrhosis of the liver. It also causes social problems such as family of a serious nature, when an employee is unable to return to work for violence and poor job performance. Some people, though not addicted, his or her next shift because of injury.) Two years later, New Brit’ become violent when intoxicated. This can result in abuse of family celebrated three years without a LTA. They also attained one million members or bar room brawls and assaults. man-hours without a LTA and two million man-hours without a LTA, On the other hand, recent research suggests that moderate with that ongoing record eventually ending at 1,386 days. In the past consumption of alcohol may be good for you. People who drink an seven years, New Brit’ has also been awarded the Western Canada Regional John T. Ryan Trophy for low accident frequency three times average of one to two drinks per day have lower death rates than non- in addition to the All Canadian Metal Mine National John T. Ryan drinkers or heavier drinkers. These results must be interpreted with Award in 1997. caution, because sometimes people quit drinking due to health To acknowledge this latest one-year accomplishment, all employees problems. However, they do seem valid as the same results have been will be receiving jackets. Kelly says that considering the financial found in a number of studies. difficulties that the mine has been suffering, this is no small cost. In particular, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce the However, he asserts that it is well worth that expenditure for their risk of heart attacks; this is probably because alcohol can increase HDL excellent performance over the year. (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. HDL is There are some potential savings to the company as well. The thought to carry cholesterol away from your tissues, so the higher your General Manager explains that if an employee has a serious injury and level of HDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart disease. is off work for an extended period of time, the company’s Workers Experts agree that all alcoholic beverages may benefit health if taken in Compensation (WCB) premiums for the following year are reassessed moderation. Some believe wine, particularly red wine, is healthier since to reflect major payouts that may have been made to that employee. helpful substances are natural to it. This may be true, but as wine “So it is also a big incentive to the company to be safe from a financial drinkers tend to drink more moderately, drink with meals and eat more standpoint,” said Kelly. “It’s a win – win for everybody when there is nutritiously; it is difficult to separate the effects of the wine from these no lost time.” other influences. And no, a glass of wine doesn't count as one of the daily five servings of fruits and vegetables recommended as part of the healthy diet. In spite of the healthy substances, wine lacks fiber and contains little in the way of vitamins or minerals. Alcohol also appears to decrease the "clottability" of your blood, making it less likely that your The Dorothy Salahub Library arteries will clog up. Not only is it teaming with today’s best selling So, should you "drink to your health?" The answer is not paperbacks and hardcovers, the library has: straightforward. If you are at risk of addiction, then the answer is clearly ~ Books on tape and CD (For that seven hour trip to no. It is also no if you have some health problem for which you should Winnipeg) avoid alcohol. Check with your doctor if this is the case. If you can't ~ Children’s and specialty videos ~ Large print books curtail your drinking - that is, once you start you can't stop at one or two ~ Cassette tapes - for kids and adults - then, again, you should not start drinking. ~ How to books Here are some tips to consider: ~ Monthly magazines 1) Since binge drinking (5 or more drinks at one time) is not healthy, ~ Back issues of popular magazines, such as take a small amount daily, not heavy drinking on the weekend. Try to National Geographic have at least one day per week when you do not drink ~ Public Access Computers 2) To avoid injury to yourself or others, don't drink and drive a car, Check out the Dorothy Salahub Library... it’s in the boat, bicycle or do anything that requires alertness and coordination. school! 3) Don't drink to relieve depression, insomnia or to deal with stress. 4) Don't mix alcohol and medication without checking with your April, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 5

THE CHAMBERS by: Marc industry would have been more appropriate to ask of the Prime Jackson Minister, than one on cell service and high-speed Internet. ~**~ Mayor Zamzow opened the March 2nd meeting of council at 6:30 Mayor Zamzow opened the March 16th meeting of council at 6:30 p.m. All council members and Administrator Dunning were in p.m. All council members and Administrator Dunning were in attendance. attendance. Although only one was on the agenda, two delegations appeared Under delegations, Kim Burton appeared before council in regard to before council on this evening. The first was the Northern Tykes damage that was caused to the undercarriage on her van while crossing Daycare and their Chairperson, Michelle Hanks, represented them. Ms. over a ridge left in the middle of her traffic lane by the sidewalk plow. Hanks informed council that as a private business, the daycare did not Burton argued that, due to negligence on their part, the town should pay wish council discussing them at their meetings. Their concern arose the cost of repairing her van (approximately $150). Mayor Zamzow over a report council’s representative on the Family Resource Center’s thanked Burton for attending and explained that council would discuss board gave at a council meeting and the subsequent account of it in an the case under legal matters in an in-camera session later in the edition of the Underground Press. The second delegation was Mr. meeting. Kent Santo, who wished to confirm which of New Britannia’s buildings Under Business arising from the minutes, Mr. Dunning advised and assets (other than production buildings) the town was interested in, council that the only expression of interest in relation to the town’s ad when and if the mine closed. Later in the meeting, council decided that for an electrician/plumber was from Brian McDougall. Pending they would be interested in the Ski Club road, the waste rock pile, the confirmation of an hourly rate, Dunning was instructed to secure parking lot, the warehouse and dry and two storage buildings, one McDougall’s services. The administrator informed council that the cost behind the hoist-house and one behind the mill. to paint an advertisement for the Taylor Bay Cabin lots on Hubert Under Business Arising From the Minutes, Mr. Dunning advised that Wiesner’s tractor-trailer was $185. In reply to a suggestion from staff, the Taylor Bay lot raffle was up and running on the town’s website and council asked Mr. Dunning to inquire to see if several other former that as of that evening there had been four entrants. Dunning also Snow Lakers who operate their own tractor-trailers would be interested reminded council of a March 16th meeting with Cochrane Engineering in painting the ad on them. Mr. Dunning also advised that he contacted in relation to the status of the Water Treatment Plant. In relation to a a number of Armed Forces Bases and forwarded ads about the suggestion originally made by Councilor Powell, Dunning was asked to retirement possibilities Snow Lake offered. contact a number of Armed Forces Publications, relaying the fact that Under Councilor Reports, Councilor Chrapun asked who held the Snow Lake would be an ideal spot for personnel to consider upon permit for the old Erickson/Guiboche sand pit. Dunning replied that retirement. The Administrator was also asked to contact Foran and ask Strilkewski did. Councilor Powell informed council that there was a if they could attend a council meeting in order to give an update on the possibility that Snow Lake could get a Junior Rangers unit. He North Star property. apprised council of what the process and unit entailed. Councilor Cann Under Councilor’s Reports, Councilor Chrapun advised that there has updated council on the happenings at J.H. Kerr School. The senior been a intermittent problem with Ambulance pagers being unable to classes will spend the day before Spring Break enjoying activities in the receive 911 pages. Pagers occasionally squeal and the message doesn’t Curling Rink and the Student Council will put on a Spring semi-formal come through. When this happens, they have to phone in to the 911 dance on April 22nd. center and receive the message manually. The problem is apparently The Mayor updated council on his activities. He attended the environmentally caused. Councilor Powell advised that the Toronto Prospectors and Developers Association Conference (PDAC) Communities and Bloom Committee held their organizational meeting and felt that he made a couple of important contacts. The Mayor also and that the new executive is almost the same as last year. Powell advised Snow Lake will host the Association of Manitoba explained that one of their projects will be an operating waterfall at the Municipalities Northern District Meeting on March 22nd. walkway site at the end of Main St. (behind the Seniors Center). The Administrator’s Report was received for filing. Mr. Dunning Councilor Fisher stated that the last District Health Advisory advised that Conservation Manitoba has asked interested council Committee meeting had no quorum; however, Alan Beilman advised members to attend a meeting at 1 p.m. on April 14th. The meeting is that he will be stepping down from the chairman’s position in May. closed to all other than those who are invited and is being held to Councilor Cann informed council of a staff breakfast that the student discuss Wekusko Lake’s fish stocks. Councilor Jackson voiced council will be preparing for the school staff on March 8th. Mayor concern over why the meeting was closed to the public. Zamzow updated council on a host of activities he had been involved in In Other Matters, Councilor Powell asked that a letter be sent to the over the past several weeks. Highways Department asking what their area snow clearing priorities In Other News Councilor Powell thought that council should gravel are. He stated that he was tired of traveling poorly cleared area roads, the area beneath Honkers Hill and allow people to park RV’s there in only to find them in much better shape once you got to Ponton or Reed the summer. He also stated that a fish cleaning shack near the dock Lake. Powell also asked that during budget talks the proper committee across from this location would help out on the tourism front. This will (Public Works) look at RV parking and a fish-cleaning shack for the be looked at during budget deliberations. Powell also asked if the Ang/ Access Road . Councilor Fisher asked that Hydro be contacted about United Church could be asked if they would be interested in a trial blue the number of lights out around Snow Lake and that council seriously box program. It was thought that they wouldn’t have enough consider dropping the number of councilors from six to four during the volunteers for this, but they will be asked. Councilor Fisher asked next election. Council was in agreement that both should be looked when workers at New Brit would find out what the government will do into. Councilor Cairns asked that local tourism information be sent to for them. Dunning explained that this would be done through a Destination Manitoba before their deadline. Cairns also stated that Workers Advisory Committee. He will have the government contact she’d had someone complain about the Mayor’s trip to the Toronto person get hold of those on New Brit’s Peer Committee. Councilor PDAC conference. Zamzow stated that the Town did not pay the costs Jackson asked if the snow plow could do the path to Brentwood. It was of his trip. Councilor Jackson advised that he’d had two concerns. The explained that someone with a quad normally plows it as the sidewalk first was about the town using the Elks Hall for meetings instead of the machine is too big. Jackson also advised that he had someone complain Community Hall. (Dunning advised that this was to keep from that the town didn’t have a cabin lot ad in the last Cottage North, and bumping regular user groups.) The other was whether the town still that he had several citizens tell him that they thought a question from cleared snow from the driveways of the Doctors and the Hospital the Mayor on what the Liberals would be doing for the faltering mining (SEE CHAMBERS on page 6) Page 6 THE Underground PRESS April, 2004

(LOOKBACK from page 3) (MOOSE from page 1) creek, sir. I go every week, sir. Did you catch some fish, sir? Yes, I water and onto the road. caught a batch, sir. How many did you catch, sir? One, sir, two, sir, “When they got him up onto the road, he was completely encrusted in three, sir… ice,” said Klyne. “He probably had about an extra 100 lbs on him, from Cinderella, dressed in yella. Went upstairs to kiss her fella. By trying to get out of the water all afternoon. Shaw figured he’d been in mistake she kissed a snake. How many doctors did it take? 1,2,3,4,5… the ditch about eight to ten hours.” Fortune-teller, please tell me, what will the name of my husband be? With the young moose saved from the death grip of the icy drainage A, B, C… ditch, the rescue crew laid out the blanket in the loader bucket, put him I eat my peas with honey. I’ve done it all my life. It makes the peas in the bucket and hauled him to the Chisel North Mine. Arriving there taste funny, But it keeps them on my knife. How many peas can I get at approximately 6:00 p.m., they put him in the Surface Shop and left on my knife? 1,2,3,4,5… him to see if he could recuperate. I took a trip around the world, and this is where I went: Atlanta to Klyne says that he and the others went out to check on the little Boston, Boston to California, California to Denver, Denver to England, fellow around ten that night. “By this time, pretty well all of the ice England to France, France to… was melted off of him, but he was very weak and seemed like he Jack, be nimble, Jack, be quick, Jack, jump over the candlestick. couldn’t move,” said Klyne. “We got him some water and I walked Sixty-one, sixty-two, How many mump-ups can you do? 1,2.3,4,5… around him a bit, getting him up on his front legs, but that was it, he Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief. Doctor, lawyer, merchant, was still exhausted.” chief. Silk, satin, calico, yarn, Little house, big house, pigpen, barn! The next day, C.O. Shaw, Corporal Bob MacKnight of the Snow Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Lake RCMP, local game and fish enthusiast, Greg Foord and Klyne touch the ground. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, tie your shoes. Teddy Bear, went back out to the mine to check on the young bull. “He didn’t Teddy Bear, read the news. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, go upstairs. appear to be moving too well, so I tried walking around him again as I Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, say your prayers. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, had the previous evening,” explained Klyne. “He wouldn’t budge for turn out the light. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, say good night. G-O-O-D- me, but when Shaw got close to him, he stood right up.” The moose N-I-G-H-T! just stood there for five or ten minutes trying to get its bearings, until If you know of other “jump rope rhymes” and you would like to share one of the group opened the shop doors and Greg Foord positioned them, please email them to lookingback_Stabback “at” hotmail “dot” himself outside and began calling. Foord seemed to have the little com. guy’s attention, because eventually he wandered outside. Once outside, the men tried to herd the little bull down the road to where they believed his mother still was. “But he must have remembered Shaw from the day before, because, boy, he sure didn’t like him,” laughed Klyne. “The hair just stood up on his hump and he turned on him, came right after him. We all ended up running. Good thing he wasn’t that stable yet, but after this little run; he was pretty stable.” Klyne says that they watched him for a little while until he finally just wandered off into the surrounding bush. “When we first went out there, Angeline Patterson... I didn’t think he was going to make it and we were going to have to put H. Angeline Patterson, 25, passed away February 2, 2004 at him down,” Klyne admitted. “But we gave him every chance to live Winnipeg’s Health Science Center. and he did. And after the ordeal that he went through, he definitely Funeral Services (Integration of Aboriginal and Christian Teachings) deserved to.” were held at 1:00 p.m. on February 6th at the KeNaNow Centre in “A great story about persons who cared enough to make an effort Wabowden, MB., with Rev. David Maynard, Laara Fitzner, and Linda ‘above and beyond’,” is how Corporal Bob MacKnight summed up the Chartrand officiating. Interment followed at the Wabowden Cemetery. rescue. Many in this small community would agree that Chisel North Mine, Jerry Hughes... Conservation Manitoba, and RCMP officials, as well as those Jerry Hughes, 55, passed away suddenly on February 24, 2004 at his concerned citizens who were involved, certainly deserve recognition for home in Snow Lake. Funeral services were held on March 1, 2004 at reuniting this wilderness family. 2:00 p.m. at the St. James Anglican Church in Rainy River, Ontario. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or Northern Cancer Research (through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON, P8N (CHAMBERS from page 5) 2X3). entrance. (The town Foreman stated that the crew did do this when Ted Deduke... they were called and in the case of the Doctor’s driveway, actually had Ted Deduke, 44, passed away February 27, 2004 in Thompson, done it as early as the previous snowfall.) Mayor Zamzow advised that Manitoba. Funeral services were held on March 1, 2004 at Snow Lake’s the local Volunteer of the Year awards would take place in April. Christian Center. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Schizophrenia Society of Manitoba, 3 - 100 Notre Dame Ave., Wpg., MB., R3E 0N3 or Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 21001, RPO Charleswood, Wpg., MB., R3R 3R2. Carol Papunen (nee Pernicelli)... Carol Papunen, 53, passed away Saturday March 6, 2004 at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Center. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on March 10, 2004 in the Snow Lake Anglican/United Church, Doughnuts, is there anything they can't do? Rev. Clare Edwards presided. Interment followed at the Brookside ~ Homer Simpson April, 2004 THE Underground PRESS Page 7

“ACCORDING TO by: by: Becky Life & Truth Ainsworth RICK” Rick For starters, a little unfinished business from last month: My Just to set the record straight, I had my last article ready on time. Our youngest daughter is fourteen, not thirteen. Lindsey and Carly are just editor went by the book (lawsuit) and chose not to print it! As I write twenty-two months apart. And, I need to finish writing that “training these articles, I’m feeling like the guy on CBC radio “now you’ve heard wheel” prayer from Liberty Savard. “…mistakes I have made. Father, the rest of the story”. To defend myself on Stabback’s bit of trivia, he in the name of Jesus, I crush, smash and destroy generational bondages was my defence partner and usually was sitting at the red line talking to of any kind from mistakes made between generations. I destroy them Schuman. Also, it was 13 – 3 for St. Lazare, so I thought maybe our right here, right now. They will not bind and curse any more members goalie, Hound, could use a confidence shot. I was wrong! As far as of this family. “I bind the strong man, Satan, that I may spoil his house, Mr. Wooley, well from what I got out of his article, he’s showering taking back every material and spiritual possession he has wrongfully with a ladies “old timer team” and MTS is building a “phone booth” in taken from. I loose the enemy’s influence over every part of his/her downtown Winnipeg just for him! You figure it out! body, soul and spirit. I loose, crush, smash and destroy every evil At the rink, our midgets had a rough go playing in the “AA” league device he may try to bring into his/her sphere of influence during this with the Cranberry Portage Winter Hawks. In provincial play they day. I bind and loose these things in Jesus’ name. He has given me the traveled to Morris, losing two games and winning one. The Bantams keys and the authority to do so. Thank you, Lord, for the truth. Amen” had a fair year, but they lost to Gillam in the Northern “C” Regionals. Some who read this column may think: “That lady sure is stuck on Our PeeWee’s went south in Provincial “D” and placed ninth. Our religion.” That lady, if you were to talk with her, would say, “Not so. I Novices combined with Flin Flon in a couple of tournaments winning am stuck on truth.” Truth fascinates me. Once I got past the blindness “The Pas Hercules”, they placed second in Thompson’s tourney, and of thinking I could run my own life just fine, thank you very much, I they won the Snow Lake tournament on their own. The Squirts had knew I had to search out a basis for my existence and the on-going their usual great year, playing in a friendship tournament, where they living out of my days on earth. mix all the kids from in town and out of town and pick teams. Mr. A and I are currently leading a Thursday evening study, (I should Everyone wins. Lem Randall, Joel Jackson, Scott Tychinski, and Riley say that he, the ever-capable teacher, is leading), in the New Testament Eastman are back. Lem won “The Rookie of the Year” for the O.C.N. book of Romans. One thing that hits you right in the first chapter is Blizzard, Joel played with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, Scott and this: “ …the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has Riley with Thompson’s “AAA” Midget Northstars. put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was Player of the month – Ashton Lief! Which sport isn’t she involved created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. with? Basketball, volleyball, figure skating, track, X-country, They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and badminton, Morden’s Old Timer Women’s Hockey Team! Besides divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing these and school, Ashton delivers pizza, etc. for Angelina’s, runs all God.” (Verses 18-20, The Book) over the place training and walks this giant dog in the evenings. This morning, I was walking to get groceries and a magpie flew low, How many times do we have to watch the Bertuzzi /Moore thing? I right across my path. One could get the idea that magpies are a bet if it was just his nose that was broken, he would have been common nuisance, but recently I’ve started seeing them in a different suspended for two, maybe three games. I wonder how many games in light. Today, again, I saw the beauty in this bird’s colours and design. today’s N.H.L. Bobby Clarke would have got for breaking that How did we get magpies on this earth? How did we get any birds? Russian’s ankle in ’72? Which reminds me of fish…. In 2001, when travelling back here from Rick Nigeria, we went via London and did a little sight seeing; one stop was at the aquarium. My biggest impression remains of a little sign I saw posted: “There are 20,000 species of fish in the world.” To me that’s a bit mind-boggling. And this is only fish! (RANDALL from page 1) there were some high and low spots. His low spot of the year would So again, in getting to the bottom of things, we see we have a very likely mirror a low point for all of his OCN teammates – being Creator, a very interested-in-us Creator. A current, much-talked about swept by Portage in the first round of the playoffs; however, his high movie, “The Passion of Christ,” lines up very well with this subject. If spot was being selected to play for the Sherwood division in the MJHL you watch this movie and seriously think about it, you will get a better- League Prospects game. In that January 30th game, Randall assisted on than-ever idea of just how much He loves us. It’s quite incredible, to a goal scored by his OCN teammate Matt Summers in their 2 – 1 say the least! victory over the prospects of the Addison division. “I felt that the game We who have become children of God have a huge responsibility on went very well for me,” said Randall. “It was great because I got to this earth, as well as a privilege (And we will be held personally play against the best rookies in the league and I was able to see where I accountable for what we’ve done/not done.) I’ll finish here with a fit in.” question our Edmonton pastor posed just this past Sunday, in his usual Although Randall says that he’s unsure of which career path he will direct but humorous way, “What would happen if all those who are follow at this point, he states that for the immediate future he would Christians were to actually take the Bible seriously?” like to continue to play with OCN and eventually pick up a scholarship.

(LIEF from page 2) When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, Sports Medicine, or Physical Therapy,” said Lief. “My love for running, competing, and desire to be the best, keeps me focused. I hope to make the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our the track/cross country team wherever I end up.” souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight. --Michael Bridge Page 8 THE Underground PRESS April, 2004

What Ever Happened to... Rick Robinson

After many years of diligently reading the Underground Press, I was ever since. Cindy and I got married in 2001 (see photo). And, wouldn’t thrilled when Marc asked me to take my turn at contributing to the you know it, my old friend Tom was my best man (see photo on web “Whatever Happened To…” section. And, after sitting here staring at page)! a blank computer screen for the last half an hour, I can tell those of you I moved to Calgary to take a position as an environmental consultant who haven’t had the experience yet that it’s a lot harder to write stuff with a company called Golder Associates Ltd. (www.golder.com), and about yourself than you might think! am now an Associate and Senior Environmental Scientist with Golder. I moved with my parents Fred and Vi, and sisters Doreen and Alice, Being a nerdy biologist who worked in mines when he was younger has from Flin Flon to Snow Lake when I was only two years old, back in served me well, as I now provide environmental advice to my clients in 1965. My older siblings had already left Flin Flon for university, so the mining, oil and gas, and power industries. When I’m not working, never lived with us in Snow Lake. We lived in a green house with I’m visiting my son in Quebec, playing the drums, kayaking, running, yellow trim on Kerr Avenue, with the Johnson’s on one side and the working on the house or yard, or fiddling with my latest hobby – digital Rupps on the other. photography. Like many who read this, I went through elementary, junior high and Writing this article gave me a chance to think back on some of the senior high in Snow Lake. In fact, my high school graduating class in times I had as a kid in Snow Lake. One of the often-unmentioned 1980 had the honor of being the first graduating class in the “new” unique things about growing up there was that a lot of the houses in JHK School. Those of you who remember me will recall that I was a town were identical, so if you went over to a friend’s house you bit of a, well, shall I say “nerdy” kid, always into doing science automatically knew where the bathroom was. Very handy! I remember experiments with my pal Tom Hobman. Of course, biology and the day pavement arrived in our neighborhood. No more riding through chemistry/physics were my favorite classes. I also liked English and the foot high ruts on my bicycle – at least, not for a couple of years, phys. ed. I struggled in math and hated French – which is ironic, given until the winter weather made even bigger ruts in the pavement! I where I ended up a few years later. I was also the Student Council remember that for many years we had a mysterious box in the corner of President for two years in Grades 11 and 12 – during which time we our living room (a remnant of the move from Flin Flon) that when you had great fun running the school, at least as much as Mr. Jamieson, the turned a switch, you could watch a “snowstorm” inside the house, in Principal, would let us. addition to the one that was often happening outside the house. I also After graduating from high school, Robyn Walsh, Ken Friesen, and I remember the furious race in 1969 to get the TV tower up and running, headed off to the University of Manitoba, joining Tom Hobman, Hilton so that we could watch the first lunar landing, instead of the usual Wood, Tom Bunn, and others who had cleared a path for us the year snowstorm, on that box in the corner. I tell my son about the fact that at before. I went to the U of M under the somewhat disillusioned dream his age, not only did we not have a Nintendo game cube to play with – of becoming a medical doctor. Soon, however, I realized that I liked we barely had a TV that we could plug it into! He gives me the same biology a whole lot more than medicine – and graduated in 1985 with a look of quizzical disbelief as I probably gave my dad when he used to Bachelor’s degree in ecology. This was actually kind of convenient, as tell stories about having horses instead of cars. there was a lot less math required in biology than in medicine (to this All kidding aside, Snow Lake was a great place to grow up. Oddly, I day, I still can’t figure out what the heck calculus has to do with remember being a teenager there, and at the time thinking I couldn’t poking around with people’s insides). wait to get out of that tiny isolated town to experience the “big” city of My first summer back to Snow Lake from university, my parents Winnipeg. Now, after being away from Snow Lake for many years and moved to Kelvington, Saskatchewan, where my Dad’s family had living in many different places, I've realized more and more how lucky I homesteaded when they moved from England many years before. I was to have spent time there. I’ve never had closer friends then those I spent the rest of the summer living in the dorms. Mom and Dad stayed had back then, and honestly have never lived in a more beautiful place. in Kelvington, until sadly Dad passed away in November 1998, I haven’t done a very good job of keeping in touch with many of my old followed by Mom in April 2000. I continued to come back to Snow friends, but hey – since you’ve now read all about what I’ve been up to, Lake to work in the mill and at Chisel Lake mine the first few summers feel free to fire me off an email comhay”at”shaw”dot”ca to let me know while I attended the U of M. Eventually, I had to give up the good pay what you’ve been doing! in the mines for summer work in biology – which although was less Before I sign off, I’d like to extend a warm thank you to Marc and his pay, was better for my career plans. team at the Underground Press for all your efforts over the past many After graduating from the U of M in 1985, I worked for a couple years. You make it possible for so many of us, who don’t have the years as a biologist in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and South Carolina. I opportunity to get back to Snow Lake, to keep in touch with the eventually ended up at McGill University in Montreal to do a Master’s happenings around our old hometown. degree in renewable resources, which I completed in 1989. I also met Wow, I guess it wasn’t that hard to write about myself after all! my future first wife there; a fiery French-Canadian girl named Marie- Hélène (that French would have come in handy). From there, Marie- Cheers, Rick Robinson, Joseph H. Kerr School Graduating Class of Hélène and I moved to Guelph, Ontario, where I started my Doctoral 1980. degree in environmental biology. We got married and had a son, Mathieu, who is now almost 12 years old (see photo). Unfortunately, to make a long story short, after six and a half years of being together, Marie-Hélène and I split up and she and Mathieu went back to Quebec to live. I stuck around Guelph for a few more years, eventually finishing my Doctoral degree and moving on to a position as a research A priest, a minister and a rabbi walk into a bar. associate at the University of Guelph. During that time, I met my present wife Cindy, who originally hailed from Windsor, Ontario. In The bartender says... What is this, a joke? 1996, Cindy and I moved out to Calgary, Alberta, where we’ve lived ~ Unknown