Robyn Wiebe

Morden's Many Hands Resource Centre held their annual general meeting Tuesday night to give an update on progress, programs and impact. 

MHR Executive Director Mariyam Tsygankova said they have been in the 500 Stephen Street location for a year now.  

After youth programming was identified as a need in the community of Miami, Tina Waldner and another couple decided to do what it took to put something in place to create a youth centre, especially following a difficult time during the Pandemic. The R.M. of Thompson had put out a newsletter looking for needs in the community last year to use grant money they had available, Waldner responded identifying the need for a youth centre, noting they would be able to set up the programming and volunteers, the biggest need for the project would be a space to house the youth centre. 

It was a full house in the P.W Enns Centennial Concert Hall for the Back Forty Festival fundraising concert, the 70s Show. 

Festival Board Chair Scott Bell said the crowd was funny and interacted with those on stage adding to the energy on stage by clapping, laughing, and singing along. 

This week, Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein announced $75, 800 in funding to coincide with Earth Day, April 22, 2023. According to a press release, three recipients shared the funding: Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Association Inc received $43,300 for delivery of new natural refrigerant training to new and experienced technicians, Manitoba Eco-Network received $25, 000 for the next phase of the Building Community Climate Resiliency Project with inner city neighbourhoods in Winnipeg and the Boyne Regional Library was the final recipient.

According to a recent survey completed by H&R Block, 37% of Canadians still need to file their personal income taxes, that from H&R Block Tax Specialist Yannick Lemay. 

He commented on what this week's Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) strike means for people in this category. 

Over eight thousand Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) workers are on strike and picketing in communities across Manitoba, with thousands more on the picket line across the country. PSAC has stated it has been without a contract for the past two years, and has reached an impasse. It is holding out for better wages to help with the rising cost of living. With the job action now underway, this will mean some federal services will have delays and interruptions.

From April 1st to 10th, the Candlelighters Online Auction took place on Facebook with items up for bid growing each day, in support of the Childhood Cancer Support Group. 

Candlelighters' Volunteer Board Chair Naomi Fehr shared how much was raised in 10 days. 

"Last year, we had about 800 members, 700 items, and $52,000 raised. And, we have 823 prizes, this year, over 1200 members, and $63,000 raised." 

Items are posted on the page, with more added each day. Friendly over-bidding is encouraged to support the important cause.

Morden's Director of Operations Tim Reimer isn't ruling out flood conditions, due to the Colorado low expected to bring more precipitation to the area over the next couple of days. 

He gave a brief recap of what has happened since the last Spring snowstorm earlier in April mixed with warmer temperatures last week, melting the snow in a short period of time. 

Back after several years of cancelled in person events, The Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) 6th "Dig Deep Gala" brought the community out for a fun evening learning about the past and present activities and future plans for the museum. 

CFDC Executive Director Adolfo Cuetara shared a special opening for the night. 

Mayor Brandon Burley spoke to an intimate crowd of Morden Chamber of Commerce (MCC) members on Thursday, following the MCC Annual General Meeting.  

He delivered a light-hearted speech after lunch in the Morden 55+ Activity Centre.