Grand Marais News Archive for 2006

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2006

Santa Claus Parade - J. Meagher - The third annual Santa Claus Parade was held in Grand Marais on Saturday, December 2. Fifteen floats and numerous marchers handing out goodies made their way from the Grand Marais fire hall to the Grand Marais Recreation Centre. Following the parade, Santa chatted to and had his photo taken with the kids at the Rec. Centre. Special thanks to Tom Thomas and his volunteers for coordinating the parade, to all the organizations and volunteers that created the floats, to the Grand Marais Seniors for operating the canteen and to all those who came out to view the parade. Thanks to the RM of St. Clements for participating, for donating the use of a truck and flatbed trailer for Santa's sleigh and reindeer and for sanding the parade route. Thanks also to the RCMP, Manitoba Conservation and the Grand Marais Fire Department for ensuring all were safe.

Youth Drop In Centre - J. Meagher - The Youth Drop In Centre opened its doors at the Grand Marais Recreation Centre on November 10. It operates every Friday, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Youths and volunteers are always welcome. This is a work in progress. Informal surveys of the youths in attendance indicate they would like some extra amenities such as couches and a karaoke machine. If you have an old couch (in GOOD condition) or a functioning karaoke machine that you no longer use and would like to donate, please contact Jerry at 754-2746.

Hall Walking - J. Meagher - In the city, they walk the mall; in Grand Marais, we walk the hall. Come join us at the Grand Marais Recreation Centre for some fitness and/or some camaraderie and some coffee. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Curling Curriculum - J. Meagher - Walter Whyte students are now curling at the Grand Marais Recreation Centre as part of their education. Congratulations to the school for thinking outside the box and teaching the kids a life-long leisure skill that will contribute to their better health and fitness.

Frozen Wonderland - J. Meagher - The lake has been flirting with freezing all November. Warm temperatures and high winds kept the ice away for most of the month, but when the wind settled the night of November 17, the lake iced over. Small patches of water appeared the next day and the patchwork of ice and water combined with the setting sun to provide a spectacular scene.
A few days later, winds broke the thin layer of ice and pushed the pieces toward shore, where they piled up. The last open water iced over on November 24th and during the last week of November, a blanket of snow covered the ice. On December 10, three individuals were observed enjoying a beautiful day of ice fishing out on the lake.

Shoreline Preservation - J. Moxley - Shorelines provide essential habitat for numerous plants, fish and animals. When the shoreline is eroded, habitat disappears and the quality of the lake water deteriorates. The addition of soil and plant material to surface water increases the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water, leading to more frequent algal blooms. Increased siltation causes turbid waters that affect aquatic species. For example, when silt settles, it collects between rocks and pebbles reducing fish populations by making it more difficult for fish to find aquatic insects on which they feed.

Human activity can have negative impact on shorelines. Some property owners remove rocks, trees and other vegetation from the shoreline to create a better view. Some property owners dump yard waste (grass clippings and leaves) onto the sloped shoreline. The yard waste prevents natural vegetation from growing and forming deep root systems that stabilize the shoreline. These practices can result in shoreline erosion and bank slumping when wind, water and waves assault the unprotected shore.
(Shoreline trees downed
to create a better view.)		 (November's waves damage stairs
and cause the bank to slump.)
(More shoreline slumping caused by wave action.)
Natural vegetation should be allowed to grow along the shoreline. To prevent further erosion, more trees and shrubs with deep root systems should be planted. On steep slopes, vegetation can be re-established by holding groundcover seedlings in place with mulch and loose-weave mesh or burlap.

Grand Marais Seniors - J. Meagher - The Grand Marais Seniors have moved to the Grand Marais Recreational Centre. The extra space, the large kitchen, washrooms, etc. make it a very enjoyable place to be. The annual Christmas bake sale was a success once again. Thanks to all those who contributed time, baking and prizes.


OCTOBER 2006

Lake Winnipeg Lashes Out - The second and third weeks of October featured howling winds that pushed water deep into the south basin of the lake. It was reported that levels had risen two meters! As a result, much of the work done last year to protect the Grand Marais Sand Spit and the road leading to it has been undone.

Grand Marais Rec Centre Annual Fall Supper - The fall supper was extremely well attended again this year. Two sittings were offered this year and many positive comments were heard regarding this initiative. Many thanks to those who volunteered; your efforts make the fall supper such an enjoyable event!

Spirit Walk - The students of Walter Whyte School celebrated Manitoba In Motion's one-year anniversary by participating in Spirit Walk on October 5, 2006. The walk attracted over 300!! Walkers started under a beautiful sunny sky at the MMF office in Grand Marais and hiked to the end of the Grand Marais Sand Spit. Some kite boarders joined in the festivities and exhibited their sport to those assembled.

Local Character Made Over - Patrons of the Sand Bar Motor Inn were treated to the spectacle of Howie Binner getting spiffed up. After his mother had the honour of cutting off his ponytail, patrons were given the opportunity to trim a lock in return for a donation to Walter Whyte School. The ponytail will be used to make a wig for a cancer patient/survivor.
(Mum and the Infamous Ponytail.)

Grand Marais Seniors (by S. Pelletier) - Grand Marais Seniors lost one of their oldest members recently. Florence Elizabeth Blake-Knox (Betty) passed away on the 28th day of September 2006. She was a wonderful lady who was known for her gentleness and for her generosity towards the children of our community. Betty was the president of the Grand Marais Seniors for many years and was still attending meetings. A memorial mass was celebrated by Father Gerry Sembrano at the Ste. Theresa Roman Catholic Church on the 3rd of October and a reception followed at the Grand Marais Rec Centre. We say goodbye to our dear friend who was inspired us all.

Other Seniors news:
  • The Sand Bar Motor Inn Cribbage Club donated $1922.00 to the GM Seniors. We thank them for their continuing support.
  • We donated $500.00 to the Fire Fighters Thermal Imaging Camera Fund.
  • We donated $270.00 toward the purchase of sports water bottles to celebrate Manitoba In Motion's first anniversary. The bottles were presented to the students of Walter White School who participated in Spirit Walk on October 5.
  • Grand Marais Seniors is moving from their present quarters to the Grand Marais Recreational Centre. We hope to be moved before the first of November. The new telephone number will be 754-2325.
  • We will make perogies on November 12 and 13.
  • We will make tourtiéres on November 1.
  • We meet every Wednesday morning for crafts; new faces and new ideas are always welcome.