Ty Hildebrand

It all started with a single question in a Belize church: “What did we just sing?”

Dietrich and Nettie Friesen had just led a congregation through a hymn in High German when an older man spoke up, puzzled. He could pronounce the words but had no idea what they meant.

“That moment just hit us,” says Dietrich. “Right there is where we knew there was a huge need. People could say the words, but it wasn’t in their heart language. We had to do something about this.”

A simple bottle of shampoo can make a world of difference.

Genesis House, a local shelter supporting women and families in crisis, is running low on bathroom essentials and is inviting the community to take part in a new kind of donation initiative: a “drive-by donation drive.”

The Pembina Hills Arts Council is stepping into fall with a lineup that blends creativity, community, and even a little bit of spookiness. From hands-on classes to drop-in opportunities and seasonal ghost tours, the Morden-based arts hub is making sure there’s something for everyone.

“Delivering high quality and accessible art to the community is very important,” she said. “Art is healing—you can de-stress, heal your mental wounds, and connect with the community. Arts are the best way to connect.” - Director of Pembina Hills Art Council Anna Ishkhanyan

Morden will be home to one of only two Parkinson’s Canada SuperWalks in Manitoba this year, and organizers are inviting everyone to take part. The walk takes place tomorrow, Saturday, September 6, starting at the Morden Mennonite Church, with program activities beginning at 10 a.m. and the walk officially starting at 11:30 a.m.

The Pembina Threshermen’s Museum is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends of the year, Reunion Days, happening Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6. This annual celebration brings history to life with threshing demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, live entertainment, incredible food, and a whole lot of old-fashioned fun.

As summer winds down, Winkler Arts and Culture is bursting into a new season of creativity, connection, and community. From after-school art classes that spark imagination to monthly newcomer gatherings and fresh exhibits, fall promises to be one of the busiest and most exciting seasons yet at the local gallery.

After-school art programs filling up fast

Two after-school art classes are already open for registration, and spots are limited. Jered Hildebrand, Director of Winkler Arts and Culture, says kids looking for a creative outlet should sign up soon.

For one night in September, Winkler will become the stage for a national comedy milestone. Local audiences won’t just be watching comedian Matt Falk perform — they’ll be part of the live taping of his next comedy special at the P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall. Tickets are $22.50 in advance ($26 at the door), recommended for ages 14+. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Greenvalley Equipment is inviting the community to sing loud and proud this fall with the launch of the GVE Anthem Contest, starting September 1. The contest, called “Your Voice, Our Song,” encourages local musicians, families, choirs, and anyone who loves music to put their own spin on the official Greenvalley Equipment anthem.

Local healthcare needs more than doctors—it needs community support to keep doctors here. That’s the driving force behind the first-ever Menzies Medical Centre Community Board Golf Tournament, set for Wednesday, September 18th. The event will pair a fun nine-hole round of golf with dinner, prizes, and a bigger purpose: strengthening physician recruitment and retention in the Pembina Valley.

The roar of engines, the smell of dirt, and the excitement of side-by-side racing return to the Pembina Valley tonight and Saturday as Deadhorse Creek Speedway hosts the final races of the season. With food trucks, family fun, live music, and a pit full of cars ready to battle it out on the west-of-Morden oval, it is the last chance this year to experience the thrill of dirt racing under the lights.

Races start at 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 22 and 6:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23. The Beerjammers will be playing both nights, bringing music to the mix alongside the roar of the cars.