MBiz

In t e r l a k e School of Rock:  Opposite page: BOSS band mates (from left) Olivia Little, Hunter Gunderson, Jessica Kirkham-Jeans, Xander Miller, teacher Scott Sampson, Jacob Whettell, Logan Lamoureaux, teacher Kris Hancock, Robbie Human, Joe Rosser, Cayden Leach and Nolan Moffat, show some of their work. Left: Closeup on guitar signed by Gordon Lightfoot. Photos by Darcy Finley Interlake Arborg & District Chamber of Commerce Ashern & District Chamber of Commerce Eriksdale & District Chamber of Commerce Fisher Branch Chamber of Commerce Riverton & District Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce New & Noteworthy Above: Hunter Gunderson makes the cut in shop class. Nolan Moffat (left), Jacob Whettell and Olivia Little sand guitars. appropriate, Davies says, because the museum will shine a light on the same social issues as many artists. "We knew that if we were going to ask anyone for their signature, any band or performer, we'd be getting in line with a lot of other schools and charities," he says. "But when you're asking on behalf of a project that's going to have an impact on not only Winnipeg and Manitoba, but all of Canada — and is going to create a discussion about human rights — then you're starting to tap in to what a lot of performers are also trying to say." Over the years, the core crew of BOSS builders has grown from four students to 25, while other students have joined marketing offshoot the Tweet Fleet or signed up to produce a documentary on the project. Davies figures at least half the school's population will have contributed in some way by the time of the second Signed by Stars auction on May 31, 2013. Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and hometown hero Neil Young. In its first year, the auction sold out, with 500 attendees in the school gym. The kids hope to draw nearly twice that number to the next auction, which will be held at the larger Selkirk Recreation Centre. The program has drawn praise from some pretty impressive fans — including shock-rocker Alice Cooper, who seems to have a mellowed a bit on teachers since his School's Out days. "(He) called us the coolest junior high school in the world," Davies says. "That's pretty high praise, so I'll take that." Most important, students have demonstrated a commitment that goes well beyond the parameters of their timetables. "Yesterday was an inservice day, and out of 25 kids in the group, 21 came in to work on guitars on their own time," Davies says. The wealth of signatures gracing BOSS guitars is made possible by a network of well-placed connections in showbiz, sports and politics. "And the other four had really good excuses! Which to me is pretty inspirational, especially when you realize these kids could be doing literally anything else with their time." Davies' wish list for future signatures includes www.builtbysuns.weebly.com >> The Arborg and District Chamber of Commerce is working in partnership with Fisher River and Peguis First Nations, the town of Arborg, area manufacturers and Red River College to address labour shortages and offer the young aboriginal workforce job options close to home. Career fairs were held at both First Nations earlier this year and RRC courses will be tailored to the needs of students and the local job market. >> Packer's Fashion owner Kelly Lewis took home the woman entrepreneur of the year award at the first annual Selkirk and District Chamber Business Awards in October. The community spirit award went to Steeltown Ford, while Marlin Travel, Selkirk picked up the customer service award and Red Bomber Fireworks was named business of the year. >> Oak Hammock Marsh was a recipient of Travel Manitoba's 14th annual Manitoba Tourism Awards. The marsh was recognized for initiatives to increase awareness about the importance of wetlands. The Leigh Cochrane Memorial Visitors Centre and Fisher River First Nation were also honoured, for fostering a positive environment for business, tourism and investment. MBiz November 2012 41

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