PHOTO COURTESY OF GARNET WARD, PRAIRIE PATHFINDERS Enlarge Image

Prairie Pathfinders on their recent Bois-des-Esprits and Royalwood Hike.

Recently, the Prairie Pathfinders Walking Club explored the Bois-des-Esprits and the Royalwood community on a seven-kilometre hike.

Winding their way through the forest and residential areas, highlights of the hike included meeting Woody, the larger-than-life carving that represents the chief spirit of the forest, and several members of the local wildlife community.

"Our Bois-des-Esprits and Royalwood hike was very successful," says Wendy Wilson, one of the hike organizers and a founding member of Prairie Pathfinders.

"A total of 46 members enjoyed the hike, and we are planning another Bois-des-Esprits hike in the future", Wilson adds.

For the past decade, Prairie Pathfinders have become determined advocates for hiking in Manitoba. The walking club includes more than 400 members and holds guided walks in Winnipeg and other scenic spots throughout the province every year.

Prairie Pathfinders invites non-members to be their guest for a hike or two before deciding to join. A yearly membership costs $25. Visit www.prairiepathfinders.mb.ca for more information.
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 Dry spring conditions have led Royalwood residents living near the Seine River and the Bois-des-Esprits to be more aware of the risks of open fires and arson.

 The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service recommends calling the police at (204) 986-6222 if suspicious activity is observed and to be cautious of people carrying containers or strangers loitering in the area. If they are in cars, note their license plate numbers.

 For more information on reducing your arson risk, visit www.winnipeg.ca/fps or call (204) 986-6380.

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Royalwood resident Rob Meakin has a lot of experience with achieving excellence. A world champion curler, coach, and vice-president of sales and marketing for Chip-Tech Ltd., he understands the importance of discipline, goal-setting, and teamwork in all aspects of his life.

Chip-Tech Ltd., based in New York, is an independent and franchise distributor for electronic components for manufacturers, engineers, and assembly houses. Meakin sources specialized parts that electronics and technology companies around the world use to manufacture products such as circuit boards, cables and harnesses.

Two years ago, Meakin moved the Chip-Tech Ltd. Canadian office from the Vista Place Shopping Centre in St. Vital to his Royalwood home.  "You can’t beat the view, but you have to be motivated and treat it like you are going to the office", he says.

Meakin’s clients are mostly Canadian; many of them continue to follow his curling career. He is now coaching the Cathy Overton-Clapham rink, including his daughter Breanne, with a goal of qualifying for the Olympic trials in Winnipeg.

Meakin acknowledges his careers in technology and pro sports have benefitted each other.

"Everything is a work in progress", he says. "In my job, I need to understand the customer’s needs and expectations. Now, as a curling coach, I need to do the same for the team".

Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood. She can be contacted at tanya.royalwood@gmail.com.