Front Page - October 16, 2009

Vol. 127 No.32 Friday, October 16, 2009

Handi Van crisis Driver’s needed!

By AMANDA BOYD

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ue to a lack of volunteer drivers, Minnedosa’s Centennial Handi Van Service is in peril. The service is designed to provide mobility on an equitable basis to all individuals living in Minnedosa, who are unable to use normal methods of transportation. It transports individuals to places such as work/education, medical appointments, business and social outings; appointments are taken on a first come, first servebasis. Hours of service can be arranged to take place any time between 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Monday to Friday, but are subject to change due to the availability of volunteer drivers. The Handi Van has provided service to the community since 1984. This has been possible due to the commitment of Board Members, volunteer drivers and donations from community organizations and individual citizens. The program operates through government grants, donations and user fees. Currently, there is a huge need for Handi Van transportation in Minnedosa, but a disproportionate number of volunteer drivers, and that is putting the service at risk.

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PM# 40049987

Minnedosa, Manitoba Canada R0J 1E0

90 cents + tax

Water ski treasures come home

By DARRYL HOLYK

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he’s a former provincial, national and international water ski champion, a member of the Manitoba and Canadian Water Ski Halls of Fame, and her years of success are rooted here in Minnedosa. Vailla Hoggan is the most well-known and awarded member of the Minnedosa Mallards Water Ski Club, which was popular throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and early 70’s. So popular, that for many years, Minnedosa was known as the Water Ski Capital of Canada. This title was bestowed on Minnedosa following the successful hosting of the Canadian Water Ski Championships in 1962. During that national event, an estimated 10,000 athletes and spectators flocked to Lake Minnedosa. Following her induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and last year’s induction into the Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame, Vailla was asked for some pieces of memorabilia from her career to be on display at the halls of fame. As she was going through her numerous articles, items and awards, she decided to set aside anything related to her time here in Minnedosa with the Mallards, and donate it to the community. Last Friday, Vailla dropped off two boxes full of “Minnedosa water ski memorabilia”. Included in the collection are eight trophies from Provincial, National and World competitions, including an engraved silver tray and gold cosmetic case. Also donated are two wooden shields with a collection of

Photo by Darryl Holyk

Former water ski champion and member of the Minnedosa Mallards Water Ski Club, Vailla Hoggan, is pictured with just some of the career memorabilia she has donated to the community. championship medallions. Framed photographs and certificates including her Town of Minnedosa Honorary Citizenship from 1969 and life membership to the Minnedosa Mallards are included in the generous donation. The

remainder of the donation includes a collection of photographs, newspaper articles, books, brochures, programs, emblems and crests from various water ski events over the course of her amazing career. It is Vailla’s hope that

these items can be used by the local museum and archives as a way to showcase the once popular water ski activity which took place here in Minnedosa. Vailla, originally from Brandon, and currently a resident of Winnipeg, first

attempted water skiing at the age of eight at Clear Lake and soon after joined the Minnedosa Mallards Water Ski Club.

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