Village News

We have known for a long time that health and well-being is more than doctors, hospitals and the formal health care system.

My reasons for watching sports are atypical. It is not about seeing ‘my team’ win but having a chance to release emotion whether glad or sad.

Many of you know that during the Great Wars, Mennonite Conscientious Objectors (C.O.s) helped with the development of several parks. What you might not know is that Mennonite C.O.s also helped with the construction of a bizarre warship prototype in Jasper.

How will you remember the COVID-19 pandemic? For me, the strange world we have been living in since March 2020 is something I will most vividly remember through a photograph from our wedding, held on a day in June 2020 where indoor gathering restrictions eased to 50 people.

Semlins (Sod-houses) were the first homes built for Mennonite pioneers in Manitoba. It took time to root themselves in a new land. The next phase of buildings were log houses.

The Butterfly Effect theory suggests that a small movement like a flutter of a butterfly wing can result in a significant difference in future life events.

It is wonderful to see the support that has been coming in since the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) went public about our disappointment in Manitoba museums and galleries remaining closed despite most other businesses being allowed to reopen June 26th.

With the recent Health Orders in Manitoba similar industries like retail businesses, restaurants and bars, sports and recreation facilities, and community, cultural, and religious gatherings, and even higher-risk indoor venues like gyms and fitness centres, have been permitted to open at 25 per cent capacities, while museums continue to be closed.

Mennonite Heritage Village’s (MHV) exhibit on display for 2021 is entitled “Mennonites at War.” For nearly 500 years, Mennonites have been shaped by violence, war, and military participation in different ways.

As public health restrictions continue in Manitoba, we are pleased that Village Books and Gifts has been able to remain open to shoppers!