More than twenty community residents including students, parents, school administration and a child and family services representative came out to a recent Parent Information Evening with a focus on Kids, Alcohol and Drugs. The meeting was hosted by the Springfield Regional Committee who, as a friend of Child and Family Services, felt that families could benefit from the information provided and presented by Miguel Lecuyer, a Prevention and Education Consultant from the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM). This same committee hosted a Crystal Meth presentation last year which was very well received. [continues 358 words]
Do We Really Know What Methamphetamine Is and How It Effects Us? Do You Know the Signs, the Damage, and the Addiction It Causes? The Springfield Regional Committee hosted a Crystal-Meth and products awareness presentation at the Springfield Collegiate Library on November 2nd. More than 40 individuals from the community came to listen as Sargent Marc Samson of the Drug and Organized Crime Unit presented some very interesting information to those in attendance. Children, parents, grandparents, EMS workers, and several others came to listen as Samson explained what Crystal-Meth was, the short and long term effects on those using this illegal substance and the production methods used today. [continues 402 words]
In July of 1976 the Crime Stoppers program began as an effort to use the media to help solve the brutal slaying of a young gas station attendant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The two criminals who shot down Michael Carman at point blank range with a 12 gauge shotgun, did not realize that as a result of that cold-blooded killing, a world-wide anti-crime movement would materialize and would later become known as Crime Stoppers. Manitoba Crime Stoppers was incorporated in 1985 and in 1993 a group of community minded citizens of Beausejour took up the challenge and launched the program in our community. [continues 544 words]
The D.A.R.E. (drug abuse resistance education) graduation took place last week at Edward Schreyer School in Beausejour. 126 students from the grade 6 classes at ESS and Gillis Schools were present at the ceremony as RCMP Constable Corey Larsen welcomed everyone and spoke briefly on what the D.A.R.E. program teaches youth. The program, with the motto "dare to resist drugs and violence," focuses on teaching youth ways to say "no," helping youth build self-esteem and to speak out and not be afraid. Their aim is to teach skills and cover subjects relating to drugs and violence. [continues 212 words]
On Saturday, April 2nd, the Oakbank RCMP and the Springfield Fire Department gathered together with their family, friends, residents and neighbors as a small committee of determined individuals organized a dinner and dance fundraiser in Dugald. Approximately a year ago, Oakbank RCMP officer Rosanne Ross, approached the Springfield Fire Department with the idea of organizing an event so that she could continue raising funds for the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program she commits herself to each year. It didn't take much convincing before plans were underway and the very successful fundraiser was scheduled. [continues 358 words]
A graduation of sorts took place at the Ecole Dugald School on Wednesday, March 9th as students participating in the D.A.R.E. program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) graduated amongst their peers, parents and some fellow students. Constable Rosanne T. Ross, from the Oakbank RCMP Detachment, acknowledged and presented these Grade 6 students with their awards and certificates. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is in its third year in Springfield, teaching students how to live productive drug and violence free lives. The program is targeted at eleven and twelve year olds, and goes beyond the traditional drug abuse and violence prevention programs. It gives children the skills needed to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved in gangs or violent activities. [continues 249 words]
A Lac du Bonnet business was raided last Wednesday morning in conjunction with a Canada-wide drug bust that netted police officers large quantities of ephedrine (the main ingredient in crystal methamphetamine), cash, firearms and assets valued in excess of $1 million dollars. Members of the Lac du Bonnet and Winnipeg RCMP executed search warrants on Wednesday, September 15th, at two Trans-Canada Fitness centres, in Lac du Bonnet and Winnipeg, as part of a sting operation against an alleged smuggling ring that police believe was linked to a drug pipeline to the United States. [continues 453 words]
RCMP in Lac du Bonnet seized a small quantity of cocaine from a vehicle on July15th. Lac du Bonnet Staff Sergeant Mel Mitchell said the vehicle was checked in the downtown area of Lac du Bonnet. According to Mitchell, three occupants of the vehicle were behaving in a suspicious manner and that led the member to conduct a search of the vehicle. Approximately 1/8th of an ounce of cocaine was seized in addition to marijuana buds. The three occupants of the vehicle, one male and two females are approximately 20 years of age and are all from the local area. [continues 297 words]
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program held its Graduation Ceremonies last week at Edward Schreyer School. A total of 112 ESS and Gillis School students, all donning their bright orange caps, proudly marched in front of the audience lead by RCMP Constable Guylaine (Gil) Berube. Cst. Berube has been their D.A.R.E. teacher/instructor/mentor throughout the program and is as proud as can be of each and every one of them. Cathy Tymko of ESS and Kim Semonick of Gillis School relayed very strong positive messages from their respective schools regarding the program and also how proud their schools are of the students in the D.A.R.E. class this year. [continues 252 words]
Are You A Teacher? I have recently received training to become a DARE officer. The DARE program teaches kids at the grade school level the realization that drugs are among us and the resistance to know which are good drugs and which are bad. In essence I have received some training of a teacher. A lot of my high school friends have become teachers. I began to think on what it would be like if I became one. Then I realized I am a teacher! [continues 240 words]
With the acclamation of Mary Ann Austman as Vice-Chair at the last meeting, the executive positions for the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) at Edward Schreyer School have been filled. Ed Greenburgh is Past-Chair, Donelda Long is secretary, and Jeff Kilmartin is now the Chair. There are still openings for people interested in being voting members of the Council, and three of these may be community members with no children in the school. If you are interested please let Jeff Kilmartin (268-3305) know, and be prepared to come to the next PAC meeting. [continues 242 words]
