Robyn Wiebe

Morden's Homebuyers Assistance Program had the first family move into their first home of their own, through a Morden's Community Development Corporation (MCDC) program, funded through a provincial Creating Opportunities for Affordable Homeownership Grant. The program gives first time homeowners up to $15, 500 for a down payment on a home less than $275, 000. 

MCDC Business Development Specialist Liz Reimer shared why the David family were successful applicants.

Have fun, celebrate the dancers and Irish culture were the goals of the Irish Ceili put on by Danceworks Instructor Cathy Savage last Friday night at the Kenmor theatre in Morden.  

According to Savage, 30 students from 5 different classes performed a variety jig and reels on stage, ranging in age and ability. 

TedX Morden is an event locally organized by the Morden Chamber of Commerce with local speakers presenting their stories at the Kenmor Theatre, Thursday March 30th.

Chamber Executive Director Clare Agnew described the theme of their event.

"The theme Morden has is the 'Wind of Change.' We have five different speakers that are going to be talking in their area of expertise on how things are going now and wind of change and they have their talks prepared to share with the audience."

Two familiar faces will step in to a pair of Vice Principal roles in Western School Division (WSD). 

According to a press release, WSD has hired an Interim Vice Principal for Ecole Morden Middle School (EMMS) effective April 3rd and running to the end of this school year.  

The Minnewasta Golf and Country Clubhouse project is a bit closer to the pin in fundraising with a cheque presentation on Thursday from Access Credit Union in Morden.

Access Credit Union Managing Partner Candace Collins shared the good news.

"Today, we presented a donation check for the Minnewasta Golf and Country Club for $50,000 to go towards their new building project. Access is wanting to be part of the communities that we're in and we think it's an important project. We're happy to donate and be part of our local community."

An Affordable Housing Strategy was presented by Scatliff + Miller + Murray, a consultant group, to Morden City Council last week. It was the result of an Affordable Housing Grant the city received from the Province in 2022. 

The meeting was well attended by service agencies, non-profit organizations, concerned citizens, and people with a vested interest in finding affordable housing in the community, according to Economic Development Officer Jason Dyck.

He shared how the funds were also used.

Last week, the Manitoba Government awarded Large and Small Capital Grants as well as Special Initiatives to Community Projects in Manitoba.  

It has been over a month since an earthquake shook Turkey and Syria killing over seven thousand people.  

Altona's Zein Hamam and his family came to Canada as Syrian Refugees in 2016, sponsored by Altona's Build a Village organization. 

Last day of filming of Maria and the Mennos took place last Friday at the Milt Olfert farm, where cast and crew of the Manitoba-Made TV sitcom has been in production for the last couple of months.

Co-writer of the show, Tina Fehr-Kehler shared what the last days of filming was like, looking back. 

On Thursday the Manitoba Government announced the recipients of the Community Celebrations Program part of the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund established in August 2022, according to a press release from the Manitoba Government on behalf of Manitoba, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan.  

The $100,000 funding will be distributed through three programs: large capital projects; small capital projects and special initiatives; and community celebrations, over the next three years.