Index of Langruth News:
Pancake Supper & Talent Auction
The Langruth United Church and Grace Lutheran Church will
once again be holding their annual fund raiser: the Pancake Supper &
Talent Auction.
Admission is $3.50 for adults, #2.50 for children twelve
and under and preschoolers eat free. Come out, enjoy the food and be entertained
by or take part in the talent auction. Baking, crafts, talents and assorted
items will be put on the auction block.
Come early to get a good look at the items to be announced.
Supper starts at 5:00pm followed by the auction. A movie will be provided
for your children to watch during the auction.
Please call in your talents, baking, etc to Phyllis at
445-2323 or your group leader by Feb 25th so that a list can be made up
ahead of time stating the donated articles, etc. to be auctioned. If you
are not sure what you are donating (i.e. fish depending on the catch) please
let Phyllis know so she can leave extra spaces throughout the list.
Viola Wild is to be contacted for the Lutheran Church
donations and Phyllis for the United Church donations.
Skating and Hockey News
Skating lessons have started again at the Langruth rink
on Monday afternoons from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sig McRorie is the volunteer
instructor. Fees are $30 for the lessons. Lesson times are as follows:
Learn to Skate 5:00 p.m., Power Skating 5:30 p.m., CanSkate #1 6:00 p.m.
and CanSkate #2 6:30 p.m. Call Linda Johanson for more information.
Recreation Hockey takes place every Wednesday night. 11
and Under skate from 6:15 - 7 :15 p.m.. 13 and Under skate from 7:15 to
8:15 p.m.. Fees are as follows:$12.50 per player for 10 and Under, $25
per player for 13 and Under.
Public Skating takes place on Tuesday and Thursday nights
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Fees are as follows: Family season pass is $65, individuals pay a fee of
$35 for a season pass or $2 for daily public skating.
Ladies hockey games and practices are on Friday nights
from. 7:30- 8:30 p.m.
The Lazers play Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:30 p.m..
The Selects play Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. and Friday night at 9:30
p.m.
The Ice Rental Fee is $40 per hour.
Beach By-Law Not Destroyed !
Although the original by-law # 920 was destroyed in the
municipal fire, a copy of the by-law does exist. A fine up to $1000 or
a jail term of up to three months can be enforced. By-Law 920 states that
the Highway Traffic applies to the Hollywood Beach area as well as a 30
km speed limit. Driving is not allowed on the recreation area.
The By-Law states “that no person shall drive, park, or
leave standing any motor vehicle or any other terrain vehicle” on the legally
described recreation area “that lies between the waters of Lake Manitoba
and a line drawn south westerly therefrom two hundred feet and parallel
thereto.” Dogs must be leashed or contained within a vehicle.
The Hollywood Beach Citizens Committee requested that
council work on new by-laws and signs for the beach for control measures.
The council has been very co-operative in agreeing to work on a new by-law
. Certain amendments and additions will still have be made to the present
by-law in order to ensure safety and control at Hollywood Beach. The present
by-law states that the placing and maintaining of signs, etc. regarding
restrictions is a municipal responsibility.
Kick Up Your Heels
Get rid of the winter blahs by getting out and kicking
up your heels and line dancing. Line dancing lessons are being taught every
Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Langruth School. Just show up and
have some fun!
Giant Liquidation Sale!! 50 lb. bag only $28 Liquidating Langruth Warehouse Stock Buy now before stock runs out! Available from your local distributor or Thordarson Health Inc. 445-2236 2 Road 18 Langruth, Manitoba |
Lakeview Initiatives to Hold AGM
The First Annual General Meeting of the Lakeview Initiatives
Community Development Corporation will take place on Thursday, February
22 , 7:30 p.m. at the Community Hall.
At the meeting we will explain the purpose of Lakeview
Initiatives CDC and talk about past (as the Langruth Business Council),
present, and future projects of the organization.
We want you to come out, hear what we have to say and
hopefully get involved. This is a community organization and the board
members will be elected/appointed by those who are in attendance at this
AGM.
So drop in, hear us out, ask some questions and help us
set some goals for the future. We currently have several projects on the
go (or in the planning stage) that will be presented at the AGM and we
would appreciate your suggestions or feedback.
GAME & FISH ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING February 6th, 2001
“The World is Run by Those Who Show Up” |
The following article was submitted by Kristin Arksey. Part One appeared in the December 2000 issue of the Views. This is the conclusion.
~Part Two~
We were further honored by being allowed to go into the
Speaker's Chambers. This is usually reserved for official dignitaries,
such as ambassadors, diplomats, or the Queen herself. The Senate is the
area where the Queen visits if she is in Ottawa. A buffet luncheon of fancy
sandwiches, cheese and crackers, fruit plates and dainties was spread out
on a table with beautiful floral centerpieces and shining silver trays.
Gentlemen in suits with white gloves poured the tea or coffee and even
opened your can of pop for you. All of this took place in an atmosphere
of wood panelling, brocade draperies and glowing chandeliers.
Senator Molgat was very pleased to meet Kristin as well
as Susan and Lloyd because he's also a fellow Manitoban who at one time
represented the St. Rose Constituency and his heart remains here. He graciously
stood with us so that we could get our picture taken with him in front
of the roaring fireplace. It was certainly a cozy and welcoming, yet elegant,
area for visiting dignitaries to enter and get a warm introduction to Canada.
Following the morning events Kristin and her family visited
"The Famous Five" sculpture installation which is just east of the Senate
on the Hill. These five separate statues represent Nellie McClung (who
lived in Manitoba for awhile) and 4 other women from Alberta who fought
to have women declared as persons. In 1929, when their battle was won,
women's lives throughout the British Empire were changed. The tour of Parliament
was brief, as both the House of Commons and the Senate were sitting. We
did ascend the Peace Tower and enjoy a beautiful view of the city. While
in Ottawa we also visited the National War Memorial, The Tomb of The Unknown
Soldier and the Byward Market. The fresh flowers and produce in the market
were unbelievable as well as fresh maple syrup and pumpkins galore.
We took a bus tour past the governor-general's residence,
the RCMP musical ride stables, the Rideau locks, the prime ministeis residence,
a brief trip into Hull and out to the Agriculture Canada Research Station
in Ottawa. We visited Melanie on the campus of Carleton University and
she gave us a brief tour of her school. It was a whirlwind trip with Kristin,
Susan and Lloyd returning home late Friday evening.
Melanie is in the second year of a four-year Bachelor
of Arts(Honours) in Political Science with a concentration in Canadian
Politics and a Mention Francaise. She was recently a recipient of a scholarship
through the IODE of Manitoba-a scholarship that she applied for through
the Icelandic newspaper.
Grandma is very proud of you Melanie!!
One used electric furnace. Price: $200.00 or best offer Phone 445-2357 or 445-2171 for more info |
We thought our readers would be interested in knowing about all the good work being done by local organizations. This month we are happy to feature the Legion Auxiliary Report submitted by Rena Arksey. Watch for the Langruth Seniors report next month.
Legion Auxiliary Annual Report
Another year has come and gone. We are still very much
alive in our Auxiliary. We are down to sixteen paid-up members and four
life members. Only eight of these are residents, the rest live elsewhere
and two are out of province.
In January we helped at the Legion Bonspiel and a carload
of us attended the January Zone meeting in Portage. In March we drove to
Shoal Lake for the District meeting.
We hosted the birthday party at the Third Crossing Manor
in Gladstone again this year. We have five residents there now. As you
know we lost Archie Johnson in October. The others in residence are Thura
Boivin, Sveina Johnson, Olive Smith, Bill Smith and Mr. Brass. About ten
years ago a family by the name of Woolford (Barb & Ken) moved to Langruth.
They bought George Hanneson’s house. Mr. Brass is Mrs. Woolford’s father
and he lived with them until two years ago. He then moved to Gladstone
(now you know who Mr. Brass is).
We sponsored two boys to the Peace Gardens; Lucas Armstrong
for soccer and Denton Callander for music (Denton is a very talented piano
player and he played for us at the Legion Banquet).
Four of us attended the 70th Anniversary Banquet of the
Portage Ladies Auxiliary. We took them a potted plant for the occasion.
Three members went to the Plumas Legion Banquet and when
the book “Women of the War Years” was published in Gladstone we purchased
one and presented it to the elementary school for the children to read.
We have made good money at the Bingos selling chips, bars,
drinks, coffee, etc. We do not pay any rent to the Community Hall, so as
a gesture of our appreciation the Auxiliary gave them a cheque for $500
towards a new roof for the hall.
We donated to the University Scholarship, Gladstone Music
and Arts Festival (our kids from here take part in this), Joint Hospital,
Terry Fox, Arthritis Society, and we still give a $50.00 scholarship to
a Grade XI student. This year Dana Gardiner was the winner. We also gave
our Branch a cheque for $2,000 to help with their renovations. The whole
inside of our building is getting a facelift, starting with new drywall.
We did the Auxiliary rooms two years ago.
We were very fortunate not to have many to send cheer
to this year. The only one I have is to Leona Carson when she had surgery
in Winnipeg. We are pleased to see how well she is doing.
That’s it for another year. Last year we did not have
a Christmas party but we are planning one for this year. All the best to
everyone and if you ever get a chance come and visit us at one of our meetings.
~Merry Xmas, Health & Happiness for 2001~
Your Auxiliary Correspondent, Rena
Editors Note: . . . and you thought all they did was drink tea! Who says nothing goes on in a small community? Just look at this month’s calendar; there isn’t room for everything that takes place. If you would like to submit a report detailing your group’s activities we would love to have it. Come on, blow your own horn a bit, let the world know about the good works you’ve done or the interesting times you’ve had.
SNOWMOBILE
DERBY
FEBRUARY 3, 2001
LANGRUTH, MB
REGISTRATION AT
SKATING RINK
11 AM TO 1:30 PM
FEES: $10 PER DRAW OR
$25 FOR 3 DRAWS
50% OF GROSS TAKE
WILL BE GIVEN
AWAY IN PRIZES
ERIC MACMILLIAN INSURANCE AGENCY
110 BROADWAY AVE. WEST
BOX 241 PHONE 445-2379
LANGRUTH, MB R0H 0N0
HALL RENTAL RATES
Effective January 1, 1999
Bingo
|
$65.00
|
Bazaars
|
$65.00
|
Concert Shows
|
$65.00
|
W.I. Fall Fair
|
$65.00
|
Meetings-Day/Evening
|
$65.00
|
Teas
|
$65.00
|
Showers
|
$65.00
|
Socials
|
$125.00
|
Bartenders
|
$50.00
|
Wedding Receptions: | |
Afternoon lunches or banquet
|
$100.00
|
Banquet & Dance
|
$125.00
|
Banquet & Dance & liquor
|
$200.00
|
Damage deposit for socials
|
$500.00
|
The Lakeview Fire Departmentperiodically receives safety bulletins from the Office of the Fire Commissioner. The following is a reprint of the most recent advisories. As you can see most of the items are commonly used in households or shops (coffee makers, lighters, cordless tool rechargers, etc.) so we wanted to pass this information along to our residents.
Recalls/Advisories
Warning about potentially hazardous coffeemakers - certain
models of Phillips brand drip style countertop coffeemakers may
present a fire hazard. These coffeemakers are manufactured by Ever Splendor
Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taiwan. The model numbers are HD5260, HD5270, HL5286
and HL5330. These models are NOT UL listed. For further information, please
contact Philips Electronics Ltd., at (416) 292-5161.
Voluntary Recall of DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. Battery
Chargers Models DW9107, DW9108 97-15 and 97016. Under certain circumstances,
the charger may continuously charge a battery pack, which may present a
potential for a fire or electric shock hazard or battery burst incident.
If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Langlois at (416) 747-4266
- CSA International.
Voluntary Recall by DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. to upgrade
DW872 Type 1 Multi-Cutters. The positive drive system on the saw prevents
the blade from slipping which creates the potential for the work piece
to come loose from the vise jaw and fence and may present a possible risk
of personal injury. If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Langlois,
(416) 747-4266 at CSA International.
Voluntary Recall of KitchenAid Home Appliances Food
Processors. KitchenAid is recalling approximately 10,000 food processor
blade units. A cap on the blade unit can become dislodged during use. When
dislodged, the cap can get mixed with food, presenting a choking hazard.
Affected model numbers are KFP300, 4KFP300 and RRKFP300, KFP350, 4KFP350,
RRKFP350, KFP450 and RRK450. The food processors are white, almond, blue,
red, green, yellow or black. Please call KitchenAid at 1-866-444-3574 for
more information.
Warning - grain-filled pillows - heating in a microwave
oven can pose a fire hazard. Testing by Health Canada showed that flameless
burning can occur if a pillow is heated longer than the manufacturer's
maximum recommended heating period. Tests were conducted on two materials:
buckwheat husks and oat grain. The buckwheat husks are more flammable but
oat-grain filled pillows will also ignite if overheated. A further risk
is increased by heating the pillow several times a day without allowing
it to cool between each use, or by storing it in a hot or dry location.
For further information, please contact the nearest Health Protection Branch
at (204) 983-5490.
Voluntary Recall to Repair DeWalt Industrial Tool DW9116
Battery Chargers - these chargers are for 9.6 to 18-volt batteries
used with DeWalt cordless tools. Metal clips inside the charger could come
loose and stick through the charger's vents, possibly resulting in consumers
receiving an electric shock. For more information, please contact DeWalt
at 1-888-388-3273.
Warning - Dangers associated with certain Disposable
Lighters - The following brands of lighters are being seized: ACTX,
AMERICAN MATCH, AM, BEST, C-LITES, EVERGLIDE, GIL, HAPPY, HARRY, KING,
LIBERTY LITES, LIVING PICTURE AG, MAZLITE, ROLLNLITE, SNAPLITE, SPIIN-LITE,
STRIK'N'LITE, SUN, TOUCH LITE, VIVA, WAX. These lighters do not meet Canadian
safety standards. These lighters present fire, injury and burn hazards
because they have been known to explode or leak gas when dropped. For more
information, please contact the Product Safety Office of Health Canada
at (204) 983-5490.
Voluntary Recall to Repair Variable Speed Portable
Electric Band Saws - Milwaukee Electric Tools Corporation are recalling
the band saws that were sold from January 18, 2000 through September 15,
2000. They have a switch that may stick in the "ON" position. Please call
Milwaukee Corporation at 1-800-274-9804 or 1-888-889-5045 for more information.
Voluntary Corrective Action Program for Rheem PV40
and PVV50 Power Vented Water Heaters - cracks have developed in the
ABS fitting at the power-vent blower connection to the plastic vent piping
on certain units. For more information, please contact Ted Clark at 1-800-371-4955.
Langruth Views ~ February 2001
February 2001
Distributed by the Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation
Talented People Needed!
Can you play the kazoo,
carry a note. or bang out a great version of chopsticks on the piano? Then
the Langruth Talent Show WANTS YOU ! Sing, play an instrument or entertain
in some other way that plays well over radio and help raise money for a
new floor in the Langruth Community Hall. The broadcast will take place
from the Community Hall on March 10th at 8:00 p.m. on CFRY. Please call
Linda Hackywicz at 445-2371 to register.
We know there are
many talented musicians and singers, both young and old, in our area and
this is an opportunity for them to help out the community (and show off
a bit). Of course everyone can help by calling in a pledge for their favorite
entertainer. Don't forget to let friends and relatives in the CFRY broadcast
area know about this event as well.
Parents & Tots (Moms & Tots)
Held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lakeview Children's
Centre on:
- Wed. March 14th, Come out with your preschool children
and join the playgroup.
- Wed. March 28th. Let the C-FAN staff care for your preschool
children while you hear a guest speaker and have coffee and cookies with
other parents. (These sessions are FREE)
Library Closed in March
The Langruth Library will be closed
for renovations from March 8th to mid-April (approximately). Watch for
further updates and date of reopening.
Exterior renovations
are planned for the summer and should not interfere with the operation
of Library.
A Special Thank You
Thanks to friends and neighbours for the phone calls, flowers, food
and donations received during the recent loss of our Mother, Gladys Isfeld.
It was very much appreciated.
~ Clarence & Ann ~
Crowd Enjoys Annual Talent Auction
After a pleasant pancake supper a large crowd was on hand for a bit
of good natured competition during the Grace Lutheran and United Church
talent auction. Pies, bread, handmade crafts and numerous other items went
to the highest bidder, all under the careful control of volunteer auctioneer
Cecil Robertshaw.
When all was over everyone had enjoyed the evening and the chuches each realized a profit of approximately $1,900.00.
Thank You For a Job Well Done
The Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation
has evolved from the Langruth Community Business Council which began seven
years ago. Their vision, insight, tireless hours of volunteer effort, and
their many projects and events have made this community a better place
to live, and are greatly appreciated. The community has benefited from
your dreams and your successes.
Thank you to all who have been members of the Langruth
Community Business Council over the last seven years. The Lakeview Initiatives
Community Development Corporation would not have evolved to what it is
today without your valuable efforts.
INCOME TAX SERVICES
DROP IN OR PHONE
ERNA WIEBE
110 BROADWAY AVE. WEST
LANGRUTH, MB ROH ONO
PHONE: 445-2059
Central Plains Cancer Care Seminar
Everyone is invited to attend an informative meeting regarding the
services offered by Central Plains Cancer Care. The meeting will take place
on April 10, 2001 at 2:00 pm in the Legion Auxiliary Rooms.
Langruth School Says "Thank You!"
Thanks to everyone who supported the Langruth School used
book sale. The donatations were tremendous, with nearly 1500 books sent
in! Lots of readers came and bought reading material, profiting the school
with over $300.00. The money will be used to enhance our own library collection.
The unsold books are going to another worthwhile cause
- The Winnipeg Children's Hospitial booksale, which takes place every spring.
The Langruth Seniors
Today, Tuesday, January 16th, 2001, a group of older persons known
as the Langruth Seniors will hold their first business meeting of the New
Year.
A New Year may be an emotional time, for it is then that
the concept of time takes on new meaning: a time to reflect - to laugh
or even perhaps to shed a tear, as we look back, look forward and wonder
what a New Year holds for us.
Langruth Senior Citizens formed a group "The Happy Gang"
on April 14th and it continues to survive. We are grateful for the dedication
of those former members and for those who continue to support the Seniors
efforts of promoting, sharing and caring in a rich bondage of Community
Spirit.
For 2001 Meetings will be held in the Ladies Auxiliary
to the Langruth Royal Canadian Legion club Room at 2:00 p.m. each Tuesday
of the month (except the fourth Tuesday, when that week on Thursday at
6:00 p.m. a delicious dinner will be served and a social time enjoyed.
At present every Friday is whist night. Come and meet
your neighbours - enjoy entertainment, coffee and cookies at a Depression
price of one looney per player.
Looking back on the year of 2000, we remember with pleasure
hosting the North West Region Meeting on April 17th. At this time, a group
of Langruth Elementary pupils presented lively mucical items under the
direction of Mrs. A. Sigurdson. The following day, April 18th, we attended
The Central Region Meeting hosted by the Gladstone Seniors. Here we elected
a new slate of officers and enjoyed a lovely dinner and a time of card
playing.
At our June Meeting, Mrs. Jenny Cooper of Amaranth Seniors
taught us the art of using pressed dried flowers for the making of greeting
cards.
We attended the Langruth Decoration day Service,
placing a spray of fresh flowers at the Cenotaph.
A bus trip was fun for everyone as we celebrated The Gathering
of Nations held at Swan
Lake, MB.
Cars were provided for transportation to Portage
la Prairie to enjoy supper out and then view and enjoy the RCMP Musical
Ride.
The North West Meeting was hosted by Glenella
Seniors. The weather was fine and provided for good attendance to discuss
the business, wholesome dinner, entertainment and a great opportunity to
meet old friends and make new ones was enjoyed by all. A few of our seniors
journeyed to pay the McCorrachie Homes a visit, and were very pleased with
the collection of antiques.
With all our fun and travels at the end of
November, our thoughts turned to a future need for funds. We complied with
selling articles from a table at the Langruth Craft Sale.
We hear the count down for Christmas
and make plans fur our Christmas party. Everyone helped with games and
prizes and a festive lunch.
I would be amiss if I did not tell you
how much we enjoyed dress rehearsal of the Amaranth Elementary School Christmas
Concert. A big bouquet to Mr. Tom Bales, his staff and those performers:
"The Pupils".
Langruth Seniors appreciate the friendship
established with Amaranth Seniors by each month sharing our suppers and
programme of games.
As we begin a New Year, we say "Thank
You" to all who helped make the past a pleasure.
We look forward to our New Year,
For Yesterday is History,
Tomorrow a Mystery,
Today is a Gift.
Come. Enjoy an afternoon with us.
- The Langruth Seniors -
The following letter was submitted to Logberg-Hemskringla by John Johannson. We felt it would be of interest to our readers. It will appear in two installments.
~Part One~
Here is a story about another Icelandic family in Canada which I think will be of interest to several of your readers.
My paternal grandparents were Johann Johannsson and Katrin Sigridur Olafsdottir.They came to Canada from Glaumbae on Skagafjordir in 1888 with 2 children, Johann, 3 and Sarah, 1.
Grandfather Johann was born July 9, 1856 at Husabakka i Seluhreppi i Skagarfirthi.
Sigridur was born July 16, 1854 a Hofs Stathum I Vinhalishreppi I Hunavatnasyslu.
They made their first home in Canada in Churchbridge , Saskatchewan where grand dad got his first job - on the railroad. I believe the reason he did not go to Gimli when they came to Canada was because his sister and her husband, Gunnar Hallson had gone to Gimli with their four children in 1875.She and her four children all perished in the smallpox epidemic in 1877. Gunnar moved to North Dakota after this disappointment where he was one of the first settlers in what is now Hallson, North Dakota.
Johann and Sigridur stayed in Churchbridge for five years and moved
to Manitoba in 1894. . During this time three more children were born,
Helga, Arni ( my father ) and Annie (Gudmundina ).
The trip to Manitoba took over two weeks. They travelled by oxen and
covered wagon and slept under the wagon at night. They took a cow with
them to have fresh milk for the baby Annie.
They were looking for land that would be suitable for cattle farming, close to the lake for fishing and near timber for house building . They did not know at the time it would be seven years before they found what they wanted. They stopped at Leifur from 94 to 96, (their sixth child, Runa was born there in 1894), at Siglunes from 96 to 97, at Olafson’s farm east of Amaranth from 97 to 99, at Valdimarson’s farm at Big Point from 99 to 01 and finally homesteaded in Hollywood in 1901. This farm became the base from which his grandson, Steini built a very large farm which is very successfully operated today by his son Murray. The original homestead is still in the name of the great grandson, Murray. It will become a heritage farm in 2001.
The Hollywood community had reached a sufficient population by 1904 to enable the building of their first school in the area. Mr. Windsor, a teacher from England was hired with the strong requirement that the children learn to speak English. My father, Arni attended this school for three years. This was the first time he heard anyone speak anything but Icelandic. Mr. Windsor, made a rule that the children were not to speak Icelandic on the playground. To enforce the rule he used to whip the offender with a willow stick. Arni attended this school for three years during which time he learned arithmetic and to read and write and speak English remarkably well.
My grandmother, Sigridur, was trained as a midwife in Iceland. Since
there were no doctors in the community, she was frequently called on to
attend at a birth. After 1897 she delivered 302 babies without losing one.
The families where these births took place were living all the way from
Siglunes to Westbourne, a distance or 45 miles. Her only method of transportation
to these homes was by horse and buggy or sleigh, summer and winter. Under
normal circumstances she stayed with the family for two weeks. She did
not expect to be paid for her services but most of the people wanted to
give her something. Since nobody had any money in those days they often
gave her pieces of crystal or glassware. She accumulated a large collections
of these items.
~ End of Part One ~
The Langruth Serenaders
- by Sigga Moore
Cambridge, Ontario
(Reprinted from "Logberg-Heimskringla")
IN THE THIRTIES THE Langruth Serenaders drew crowds from all the villages
around--Westbourne, Gladstone, Plumas, Amaranth, Alonsa, and even Portage
la Prairie. Fortunately, Langruth had a large dance hall. The Serenaders
drew the crowds.
Most members of the Orchestra were Olsons--a
rare family of eight boys and two girls.
Frank--saxoPhone and clarinet
Bill--an excellent teacher; Alberta
Oli violin; Detroit
Kjartan--piano; a banker outside Canada
Norman--violin
John--Clarinet and saxophone, and his improvising was so inventive
Stanley-a watchmaker, like his grandfather Olafur Thorleifson
Hardy--John taught Hardy to play clarinet, so he too played around
with the melody, even more impressively
Gwen--got her ALCM (England) at nineteen years
Elfreda--a good listener, she is proud of her siblings and effusive
over all the Olson successes.
All have left this earth except the
two girls and Stanley.
Langruth is a village on an old beach
of Lake Agassiz. We call it a ridge and it was like a highway-- always
dry. George W. Langdon and a Mr. Ruth came west from St. Thomas to develop
our wilds, hence "Langruth."
S.B. Olson (Steini Thorsteinn) came to Canada from
Iceland in 1886. He went directly to Pingvalla (north of Churchbridge)
but the soil was shallow (two or three inches) and very stoney. Hence they
gravitated east, finally settling at Big Point (east of Langruth nearer
Lake Manitoba). There S.B. married Gudny Thorleifson, daughter of Margret
and Olafur Thorleifson. They moved ro Langruth where S. B. set up a lumber
business and built a house. Here their ten children were born. They retired
at the Pacific Coast.
Protect children from gas fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters,
urges Safe Kids Canada
.....
Keep children away from the doors of gas fireplaces. Children have been badly burned by touching these doors. The doors heat to more than 200ºC in minutes and remain hot for more than 45 minutes after shut off.
Keep smoke alarms in good working order. Check them monthly, replace the batteries twice a year and be sure there is a smoke alarm installed on every level of your home, particularly next to sleeping areas. Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.
Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home, especially near bedrooms. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced by any appliances that run on fossil fuels such as wood, gas oil or coal. Know the early warning signs of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning: tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and reddening of the skin.
Heating sources are among the leading causes of fire in Canada. There
were 3,857 fires started by heating equipment in 1997 (the most recent
year for which statistics are available for Canada). These fires killed
20 Canadians, including two children and injured a further 147. Another
24 deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from sources other than
motor vehicle exhaust. Home heating equipment is the likely cause of many
of these fatalities. For more information, check the Safe Kids Website:
http://www.safekidscanada.ca
Next month: extension cords.
Langruth Views
March 2001
Distributed by the Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation
Langruth Proves to be a town on the move
BY SHARRON ARKSEY THE HERALD LEADER PRESS, March 6, 2001.
LANGRUTH -An economic development advisor with Manitoba Intergovernmental
Affairs sees good things happening in the small community of Langruth.
"This community is coming alive, I can sense it," Al Peto said
at the annual general meeting of the Lakeview Initiatives community development
corporation in Langruth on Feb. 22.
"There are many things happening in Langruth," he said. "This
is a different community than it was five or six years ago.
" Peto pointed to the large number of community improvement
projects now being considered and initiated by area residents.
Projects range from ecotourism to child care and parent resource
services to main street beautification to an investigation into senior
citizen residences for the community.
A second annual Mudd Bogg competition is being planned for Sept.
2 with an enlarged program and headline entertainment.
The first edition of Monster Madness in September 2000 drew
800 people to the Langruth community and generated $6,000 in profits. Organizer
Kevin Johnson is looking for bigger and better results in 2001.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the development of a
recreation park for Langruth, including improvements to the existing ball
diamonds on the sports grounds, landscaping and tree planting, a golf course,
improved parking facilities, a revitalized curling club and maintenance
of the community's skating rink.
Since 1997, the community has been a member of the Westlake
Tourism Association, focusing on ecotourism in Langruth and neighbouring
areas.
Langruth has recently been designated as an Important Bird Area
of Canada under a program partnered with Canadian Nature Federation, Bird
Studies Canada, Birdlife International and the Natural Legacy 2000 Program.
Three local infermation sites will be set up and the Langruth school will
participate through its web site and bird monitoring activities.
Hollywood Beach, located northeast of Langruth, is home to a
wide variety of birdlife, including at least one endangered species. A
series of improvements to the beach are planned.
The Birdwatching Capital of the World highway sign at the junction
of highways 50 and 16 will be redone and once again erected. The sign had
been removed last year after it was vandalized.
Committee spokesperson Phyllis Thordarson said that a $4,950
grant has been applied for to assist with completion of these projects.
Work is ongoing on the JackFish Lake project in the Big Grass
Marsh. A joint project of the rural municipalities of Westbourne and Lakeview
and the town of Gladstone, Jackfish Lake is being billed as "a miniature
Oak Hammock Marsh" Overly wet conditions during the past year have proven
an obstacle, but committee representative Isaac Wiebe said that work will
continue as soon as possible.
A$13,000 grant under the Manitoba Hydro Main Street Beautification
program has been approved for the planting' of trees along Langruth's Main
Street and at Einarson Park at the southeast end of town. Trees are to
be ordered and planting will be done this spring.
Childcare - Family Access Network (C-FAN) will begin renovations
in mid-March to the Westlake Co-op building purchased last year. When completed,
C-FAN Central will serve as home base for a parent-child resource centre,
a rural child care education program, the Langruth library, well baby clinics,
the Baby First Home Visitor and public health services, a mini business
development/adult education centre, a fetal alcohol syndrome education
program and the Early Start Home Visitor program.
Investigations are also being conducted into the feasibility
of a senior citizens housing project similar to those offered through the
Good Samaritans Society in Alberta and Luther Care projects in Saskatchewan.
Indications are hopeful that the community will also qualify
for funding under Community Connections, a federavprovincial program designed
to put technology into communities.
Although grant funding has already been approved for some projects
such as Main Street Beautification, the development corporation is still
awaiting word on other applications. But members are adamant that the projects
will go ahead, grant money or no grant money.
"We will get things done whether we get the grant money or not,
spokesperson Phyllis Thordarson said, a sentiment that was echoed by others
at the annual meeting.
Johnson will head Lakeview development corporation
BY SHARRON ARKSEY THE HERALD LEADER PRESS, March 6, 2001
LANGRUTH -- Kevin Johnson will chair the Lakeview Initiatives
Community Development Corporation for the coming year, following the corporation's
first ever annual meeting on Feb. 22.
Phyllis Thordarson will serve as vice-chair and Ron Brown will
be secretary- treasurer.
Other board members elected for a three year term were Barry
Arksey, Brent Armstrong, Chris Johnson, Kim Johnson, Leslie Little, Erna
Wiebe and Jane Wilson.
The recently formed Lakeview Initiatives Comniunity Development Corporation
has its roots in the Langruth Business Council established in the fall
of 1993.
Over the past seven and a half years, the business council
has initiated a wide range of community events and projects to promote
the Langruth area.
Accomplishments included the erection of a sign near the junction
of highways 50 and 16, the establishment of a monthly community newsletter,
the construction and placing of the blue heron monument at Langruth's south
end and annual events such as the community yard sale in May and the Christmas
tree lighting ceremony in December.
In partnership with the local B.P.O. Elks organization, the
council set up ,Purple Martin Park playground in the village's centre.
Business council members served as interim board members for
the new community development corporation until the annual meeting was
held. With a community development corporation now in place, the
door is open for participation in such provincial programs as the community
works loans program.
Under this program, a local CDC raises between $10,000 and $25,000
in order to qualify for matched two-to-one funding by the province. Tapping
into this pool of funds, approved clients can receive loans of up to $10,000
at competitive interest rates to help them start or expand a business.
But the loans program is only one of several projects in the
future for the Lakeview initiatives CDC.
In addition to the board itself, several sub-committees exist
to oversee individual projects within the corporation's mandate. Volunteers
are being sought to take positions on the committees of their choice.
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Flood Waters begin to recede
Municipalities still dealing with a lot of water
From the Portage Herald Leader, April 24,2001
BY PATRICK CARON
THE DAILY GRAPHIC
Spring flooding is subsiding in the rural
municipalities of Lakeview and Westbourne, but municipal officials say
they are not out of the woods yet.
Isaac Wiebe, reeve of the RM of Lakeview,
said water levels from overland flooding went down over the weekend but
Highway 265, between Plumas and Langruth, is still not driveable because
of flooding.
It's mostly under control," Wiebe said.
"But water is still flowing over 265. It just cannot get west to Jackfish
Lake ditch. That's the problem there.
Wiebe said the biggest headache for the municipality
now is dealing with the 40 or 50 washed out roads.
"We've been fitting up the east- west roads
so people could at least get to the highway," Wiebe said. "Now we have
to deal with the washed out north-south roads.
Ed Stroeder, reeve of the RM of Westbourne,
said while water levels were going down on the Whitemud River through the
village of Westbourne, problems are mounting at Steel Bridge near Woodside.
"Westbourne is out of immediate danger,"
Stroeder said. "But Steel Bridge and Woodside is still a concern for us."
Stroeder said RM crews were transporting
sandbags from Westbourne homes that were threatened by flooding last week
to homes near Woodside.
He said: he hoped the sandbag would
not have to make the return trip anytime soon.
"The big variable there is the weather
and how fast it melts and gets into the marsh," he said. "But it's supposed
to be warm toward the middle of this week so that will send another rush
of water our way. Hopefully the river can take whatever is to come now."
While Stroeder said he'll be watching river
levels closely, he also has to deal with over land flooding.
"There again we need a little co-operation
from the weather to dry things up a bit," he said "It's going to be a challenge."
Denzil Gamble, who has Lived for 33 years
in Westbourne, said he was breathing a sigh of relief last weekend' as
the water level on the Whitemuud River was returning to normal levels.
Gamble said now he has to start working on
removing sandbags, branches and other debris.
"First I was filling sand bags and worryiing
about my house," Gamble said. "Now I have to start cleaning up.
Lakeview to release budget in May
BY SHARRON ARKSEY
THE HERALD LEADER PRESS
LANGRUTH - Details of the 2001 financial statement for the Rural
Municipality of Lakeview will be released at a public meeting on May 14,
in conjunction with council's regular monthly meeting.
The budget was given first reading at council's
April 9th meeting.
LEASE RENEWED - A lease agreement with Crown Lands for the Laleview
PFRA community pasture was renewed.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE - Six community members were ratified as members
of the Langruth Library Committee.
Members are Henriette Kleemola, Viola Wild, Linda Hackywicz,
DeeDee Armstrong, Elaine Smith and Marie Leclerc.
CONVENTION - Chief administrative officer Ron Brown will attend
the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association Conference in Brandon
from April 22 to 25.
ACCOUNTS PAID - Accounts for the month of March totalling $24,849
and utility accounts in the amount of $1,307 were approved for payment.
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My
mother came from Chester, Nova Scotia and became the first principal in
the new high school in Langruth in 1920. Later
that year she married my Dad. They
lived on the family farm for 46 years and raised three daughters and four
sons.
Mother
taught for over 30 years, mainly in the one room Big Point School, and
during the same time raised seven children. She
was a good teacher because although she had nine grades to teach in the
one room, a disproportionately large number of her students there went
on to graduate from University.
Both
Mother and Father placed strong emphasis on education and always encouraged
us to go on with our studies. The
result of this is seen in the fact that over twenty of their children and
grand children have University degrees and four are in University this
year. ~The End
~
We will
have maps available again this year.
If
you want your sale included on the map please call Ron at 445-2243.
Drop
In or Phone
Erna Wiebe
110 Broadway Avenue West
Langruth, MB R0H
0N0
Phone: 445-2059
autopac
VISA ¨ MASTERCARD ¨ INTERAC
AUTHORIZED
PHOTO and
DRIVER
LICENCE AGENT
Written
& Road test Receipts
GENERAL
INSURANCE
HOURS: Monday
to Friday
9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Extended
hours and Saturdays
By
appointment.
Erna
Wiebe
Rural Langruth
#9717 - $99,500 - This spacious 7 bedroom, 2400 sq ft home features
a large eat-in kitchen and a full basement ready to be developed. The 1
1/2 storey house has lots of room for a large family or it could be divided
into a duplex. Nestled on 320 acres hay/pasture/crop land with a large
cattle shelter and corrals just west of Langruth. Call Denis Burch for
more details at 204-274-2448. MLS.
The ashes of the late Jim Jackson will be interned at the Lakeland Cemetery
on May 19, 2001. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held
in the Langruth Community Hall.
Thura Boivin
Passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2001, at the Seven Regions
Health Centre, Gladstone. Thura Boivin, age 74 years, of Third Crossing
Manor, Gladstone, formerly of Langruth, Manitoba.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 24,
2001, at 2:00pm at the Langruth Cemetery with Pastor Norris Nordin officiating.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations
may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Langruth, Manitoba, R0H 0N0
Clark's Funeral HOme, Gladstone in care of arrangements.
Langruth Views, May, 2001:page1,page2,
page3,page4,
page5,page6,
page7,page8
Langruth fuel station banned from serving old customers
By David Morris
The Herald Leader Press, June 12, 2001
Some farmers near Langruth and Amaranth are fuming over a court
decision that has barred them from doing business with bulk fuel supplier
in Langruth.
"As a consumer, I don't think the ruling the
judge made is fair," said Karen Dick: who along with her husband farms
south of Amaranth. "It infringes on my rights to get the best price."
On June 5, Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench
Justice Brenda Keyser ruled Westshore Fuel and Oil Ltd. in Langruth could
not do business with customers of the Esse bulk fuel station in Amaranth.
The ruling came after a dispute between Imperial
Oil and the former Amaranth Esso dealer.
The large oil company terminated its contract
with Kevin Johnson on March 19.
Johnson said the termination was by
mutual agreement after he became unhappy with Imperial Oil's lack of support
following a rash of break-ins during the past year that left many of Johnson's
business records destroyed or incomplete.
Johnson took the two bulk fuel delivery
trucks he owned and used as the Esso dealer in Amaranth to the gas station
he has owned in Langruth for the past four years.
Johnson continued to sell bulk fuel
to his old Esso customers in Amaranth from his Langruth gas station and
changed the name of his business from Westlake Fuel Ltd. to Westshore Fuel
and Oil Ltd.
However, the court injunction restricts
Johnson from soliciting orders or supplying products to anyone who bought
fuel from him during his last year as the Amaranth Esso dealer.
The injunction expires on March 19,
2002 - one year after Johnson's contract with Esso was terminated.
The injunction means Johnson can no
longer do business with about three-quarters of his bulk fuel customers
and potentially threatens the future of his Langruth operation.
"If this issue isn't able to be rectified,
I'll have to close my doors," said Johnson. "We have some customers here
but not enough to keep it going.
The court injunction said Johnson can no longer
display the Esso brand name on his delivery trucks and he must forfeit
all his ledgers, record books and customer lists he used as an Esso dealer
to Imperial Oil.
According to an Imperial Oil spokesperson,
the company is now operating the bulk fuel site in Amaranth. Johnson said
that's one of the reasons why so many of his customers continued to do
business with him after his contract with Imperial Oil was terminated.
"The customers are all pissed off about this,"
he said. "They want to support a local business."
Dick, and her husband Darcy, said they usually
buy between $5,000 and $6,000 of fuel each year to run their farm machinery.
According to Dick, last week Westshore's price was seven cents a litre
cheaper than Esso.
"When you buy as much fuel as we do it adds
up, said Dick. "That can be a lot of money for us."
The Dick family is angry at Esso's court action
and may take it's business to the Co-op fuel dealer in Gladstone.
"I think we're going to change," she said.
Ron Brown, administrator for the Rural Municipality
of Lakeview, said if Langruth lost it's only gas station, it would be a
huge blow to the community.
"If (Westshore) is forced to close, all we
have left in our town is the grocery store," he said.
"People here want to deal with somebody locally
and they really don't care what Esso says. We have so few local businesses
in this area, why wouldn't we want to support local."
Meanwhile ,a spokesperson with Imperial Oil
defended his campany's court action.
Pius Rolheiser said the court action became
necessary after Johnson failed to honour a contract he signed with imperial
Oil when he became the Amaranth dealer.
"There was a non-competition clause which
essentially said when (Johnson's) contract was terminated he would agree
not to compete with us for a certain period of time," he said.
"We believe that he was in violation
of that clause and the court agreed."
Rolheiser added his company plans to
continue to provide service to its customers.
"From our perspective, it's not our
intent to disadvantage or establish any hardships for our customers. We
want to continue to do business in (Amaranth)," he said.
Province has to stop flood waters
Build diversion from Big Grass Marsh to Lake Mantitoba, farmers,
municipalities say
By Patrick Caron
The Herald Leader Press, June 12, 2001
Farmers and local municipal leaders want the
Manitoba government to look at building a diversion from Big Grass Marsh
to Lake Manitoba to stem future floodwaters from swamping the region.
Farmers and homeowners in the region spent
most of this spring battling flood waters that gushed from the marsh into
the Whitemud River, forcing it to overflow it's banks.
GarY Hill, a cattle farmer who operates on
the edge of the marsh, said excess water has been a problem for the last
three years with this spring being the worst he and his family can remember.
Hill said it's time for a real change.
"I've been told that the (Red River Floodway)
has saved millions of dollars over the years, maybe billions, by avoiding
flooding," said Hill, who lives west of Langruth on the edge of the marsh.
"Why can we not get some money put in to this problem in the marsh if it
saves this kind of money? We have to be worth something.
Hill said a big part of the problem is the
increased drainage in the Whitemud watershed, north and west of the marsh.
"If you get (7.5 centimetres) of rain in Riding
Mountain National Park, four days later there will be a (30-centimetre)
rise in the marsh," Hill said.
However, he's not interested in draining the
marsh and he is not trying to dump the problem of excess water in the marsh
onto farmers along the shores of Lake Manitoba.
"I don't want to see my problems solved on
the backs of someone else, Hill said.
He added if there is a diversion from the
marsh to Lake Manitoba, the dam at Fairford, which controls the outflow
from the lake, must be upgraded to handle the exra volume.
Hill said the only other solution would be
to slow the flow into the marsh. But he suggested that would be difficult
considering there is a lot of illegal drainage contributing to the problem.
Ed Stroeder, reeve of the Rural Municipality
of Westbourne, agrees trying to control the water that flows into the marsh
would be hard because of both legal and illegal drainage.
"We're not going to stop legal drainage and
we're sure as heck not able to stop the illegal drainage, said Stroeder.
"It's just going to just keep coming.
Stroeder's municipality was hit hard by flood
waters from the marsh.
He said 400 cubic metres a second flowed into
the marsh during the height of the spring runoff, but the Whitemud River
could handle only 170 cubic metres of water per second at Steele Bridge
without overflowing.
"It doesn't take a whole lot of understanding
to realize that there's more water than the marsh can take and it has to
go somewhere," Stroeder said. "Another outlet is the best common sense
approach to solving this problem."
Isaac Wiebe, reeve of the Rural Municipality
of Lakeview in which part of the marsh lies, said a diversion coupled with
work to the Fairford Dam might be the only solution.
"You can't control a hold back of water further
up," said Wiebe. "At one time a diversion seemed almost impossible, but
I think it's going to have to come to that to give the Whhitemud River
a break. That little river is tired."
Wayne Motherall, president of the Association
of Manitoba Municipalities, said drainage has beome one of the leading
issues for the organization that represents all Manitoba municipalities.
He said flooding at Big Grass Marsh, and other
areas in the province, is ample proof the province needs to address this
problem.
"There needs to be a review of the whole
drainage issue in Manitoba," Motherall said. "That has not been done yet,
but we are pressing the province.
He argued drainage should be a local issue
with licensing decided at the watershed level.
The provincial government agrees there
needs to be something done about drainage.
It is considering giving watershed authorities
more control over licensing. Manitoba Conservation has already started
a pilot project with the Whitemud Watershed Conservation District.
"We are looking at several possibilities including
new water management plans," said Steve Topping, director of the water
resources branch of Manitoba Conservation.
Topping said part of dealing with overall
water issues will be looking into whether a diversion from the Big Grass
Marsh to Lake Manitolia is in the region's best interest.
Topping said the last time the province conducted
a survey on the diversion was in the early 1970s. That study found the
$20-million price tag for a 90 cubic metre per second ditch was not economically
viable.
"It was determined then that the benefit-to-cost
ratio was very low," he said. "But I don't believe that all the benefits
were calculated into that."
Topping said the government is now looking
to hire an engineering firm to complete another study into a diversion.
He said this will fulfill Premier Gary
Doer's promise to the RM of Westbourne to look into a diversion.
At this point, there is no timeline for completing
the study and the government doesn't know how much it will cost or who
will pay for a diversion.
Topping stressed the government will seek
public input into any recommendations.
Teens object to graduated licensing
The Herald Leader Press, June 12, 2001
Editor's note: The following is a selection of letters
written by students in a Senior 1 English language arts class at William
Morton Collegiate in Gladstone. (Only the Langruth student article is included
in this web site.)
There are many sides to this issue with some
people thinking that it is fair and others thinking it is unfair and too
strict.
Some people may think it is fair because it
is said to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in highway accidents.
Other provinces have started this program and have seen a 37 per cent reduction
in highway accidents. This could ease parental grief for parents who have
lost children to highway accidents.
Same people may think it is unfair because
new drivers should be allowed to prove themselves. Some people believe
that teenagers need the opportunity to practise and develop their skills
for driving. Eighty-six per cent of new drivers are being accused and blamed
for what others are doing. Only 14 per cent of new drivers are in accidents.
I don't agree with this new program.
It has a big effect on teenagers who live on farms and away from their
schools. I live a half an hour from my school and my family owns a farm.
When I have after-school activities my parents don't have time to drive
over to pick me up. The new program also doesn't help us to become new
drivers because if we can't drive then how are we going to develop the
skills that we need to begin driving? We need practice if we are to become
more experienced drivers.
I think this program has some good points,
but some of it could be better suited for students living on farms and
in the country. The law says that we are allowed to drive farm trucks,
but does that also include tractors and other farm machinery? I also think
that the stages could be shorter. If each stage was three months long,
I think that would be more appropriate for everyone. This will help us
to gain more experience, develop skills and become more able to travel
the roads safely.
Kaleigh
Jackson, Langruth
Portage girl's got 'the look'
Actor Neis stars in promising WB sitcom after storybook
rise to Hollywood heaven
Wed, Jul 18, 2001
Brad Oswald in Hollywood-Previewing Fall TV
PASADENA -- So, here's something you don't see every day
in Hollywood: a
TV-star bio sheet for a network series that starts with
"born in Portage la
Prairie, Canada."
Actually, it's a pretty safe bet that this particular
geographic designation
has NEVER appeared in a television show's cast list. But
this week, well,
there it was -- in the production notes for a promising
new WB Network comedy
called Maybe It's Me.
The star of the show (which will air in Canada on CTV)
is
just-about-19-year-old Reagan Dale Neis, who was born
in Portage and spent
her toddling years in Langruth before her family relocated
to Red Deer, Alta.
And hers is a classic tale of small-town-girl-makes-good-in-the-land-of-broken-dreams.
Neis, who says she has known since age four (which, by
the way, is when her
parents sold the family farm and headed west to Alberta)
that she was
destined to be a performer, decided just after graduating
high school that
Hollywood was where she needed to be.
With a head full of dreams and really very little else
to go on, Neis packed
up her car last fall and travelled south to Los Angeles
in search of a
showbiz career. Within weeks of her arrival, she was plucked
from a lineup at
an open-call audition by a talent manager who thought
she had "the look."
"My managers literally found me on the street and gave
me their card," Neis
explained this week at a poolside WB Network party on
the studio lot where
Maybe It's Me will be shot. "I thought, 'This cannot possibly
be legitimate,'
but I phoned them, and they were, and they had all these
great people who are
in (TV) series.
"They've been so good to me. I truly came down here not
knowing anything --
what SAG (the Screen Actors Guild) was, how to become
a member, what the
rules are. I literally knew nothing ... I come from a
city of 60,000 people,
so being down here is pretty overwhelming. My managers
have been unbelievably
helpful in terms of setting up auditions for me."
And only a couple of months and a handful of auditions
later, Neis read for
the producers of Maybe It's Me. And as soon as they saw
her, they concluded
that yes, it WAS her.
"It was one of those absolute dream things where we actually
saw her on the
first day of casting," said series creator Suzanne Martin.
"You know, when I
was pitching the story and what I was looking for to the
WB, I told them,
'She has to be beautiful, and she has to be this, and
she has to be that.'
And I was willing to drop almost any of those qualities
quickly if I found
somebody who had, like, three out of four of them.
"And then she walked in, and she was just everything.
It has been such a
pleasure working with her."
The series, which was originally titled Maybe I'm Adopted
(the name was
changed after the network received e-mail messages claiming
the title was
offensive to families with adopted children), concerns
itself with the
day-to-day struggles of 15-year-old Molly Stage (Neis)
to carve out a normal
teen existence while sharing a home with a large and rather
wacky family.
Fred Willard and Julia Sweeney co-star as Molly's soccer-obsessed
father and
insanely frugal mother, whose off-kilter antics are based
squarely on series
creator Martin's real-life parents.
The show goes into full production next month and will
premiere on the WB and
CTV this fall. In the meantime, Neis will be kept busy
by a frantic schedule
of promotional appearances, interviews and photo sessions
aimed at creating
the same sort of stardom for Maybe It's Me's cast members
that has happened
for the stars of Dawson's Creek, Felicity and Charmed.
"It's surreal and a little bit frightening," she said
as she took in the
sights and sounds of her first major media event. "I mean,
I come to this
party and get out of the car, and there's all these photographers
standing
there wanting to take my picture. It's different, that's
for sure."
Neis credits her family for helping her stay focused and
determined during
her uncharacteristically short journey to TV stardom.
"They've been so supportive," she said. "There were many
nights when I would
call home and I was crying, saying it's too hard and I
didn't think I could
do this and I was so lonely and scared.
"My dad literally packed up his car and drove down to
California to stay with
me for a couple of weeks, because he knew how much this
means to me. And then
my mom flew down and stayed with me for a couple of months.
And then just
after she went home, I got this part."
And in Hollywood, this is usually the point where the
script says, "And the
rest, as they say, is history."