204-724-6870
280 Taylor Road Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 www.redlinetransport.ca alepp@redlinetransport.ca
206 Woodworth Avenue Kenton, MB R0M 0Z0 www.woodworthdodge.ca
RiveRs BanneR
Fundraising for the new Rivers Daycare Fundraising for the new Rivers FundraicingDaycare FundraisingDaycare for the new Rivers FundraisingDaycare
Riverdale Early Learning Centre Golf Tournament
L-R Holly Brown, Andrea Gerrard, Kristen Kuculym and Brooklyn Hedley Brown. They took it upon themselves to dress up as a team and were given an extra prize for looking so snazzy.
By
Another fantastic fundraiser was held by the Riverdale Early Learning Centre to help raise money for the new Rivers Daycare. 72 golfers came out to play in this tournament forming eighteen teams.
The Riverdale Early Learning Centre are determined to get the new daycare for Rivers. It is wonderful to see all the great events these volunteers are putting together to help the community get the new daycare. It is really going to help Rivers grow as a family friendly place to be.
Volunteers Dee Woods, Krista Mclaughlin, Marlon Shaw, and Gabriela McFadden set everything up for this event and gathered the prizes and sponsors.
An appetizing Roast Beef Dinner was served for all that attended.
The Riverdale Early Learning Centre would like to thank their sponsors:
Gold Sponsors - G5 Farms, Stewart Endeavours, Shaw Family.
Silver Sponsors - Daly Repair, Nutrien, H25 Construction, RD Brown Farms, Redline Transport, Way-Mor Agencies.
Bronze Sponsors - Westoba, Felicia Mackay, IROBA, Home Hardware, Nora & Keely Stone, Rivers Super Thrifty.
Winners with the best game played was Brady Paddock, Brock Paddock, Riley Lamb, and Josh Burdett.
Serving the Rivers, Rapid City, Forrest, Kenton, Oak River, Hamiota and Oak Lake areas
Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY KRISTA MCLAUGHLIN
Second Annual Lemonade Stand for Hope in Rivers
Submitted
By Marguerite Lapka-Woytowich
The Lemonade Ladies hosted their second annual Lemonade Stand for Hope on Saturday August 17, 2024, in Rivers. This is a fundraiser in support of CancerCare Manitoba, and 100 per cent of all proceeds will be sent to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation to provide resources and care for families affected by cancer in Manitoba. Joining with other Manitobans from across our province to host one of the many Lemonade Stands was a wonderful way to give back to such an important foundation, while connecting with community and spreading a message of hope to all. “Hope is being able to see there is light despite all of the darkness” (Desmond Tutu), and that is what CancerCare Manitoba helps people do, navigate the darkness and keep hope.
Our young Lemonade Ladies, Aria Elliott, Etta Puppe and Éire Brennan
were totally awesome. They enthusiastically participated in planning, crafting, baking, setup and operating the Stand. They were very keen to participate again this year, and we had a lot of fun together. Jenna and I really appreciate the many hours they took out of their busy summer to participate, and their families for their support. At our stand, we served refreshing lemonade and delicious homemade sweet treats. We also had many hand-crafted items available for purchase at our “Made in Manitoba” table. Additionally, we had six awesome prize baskets and beautiful original watercolour art pieces by a Manitoba artist.
Raffle prize basket winners were: Prize 1Robyn Woytowich, prize 2 - Leanne McKay, Prize 3 - Carole Schinke, Prize 4 - Irene Ventnor, Prize 5Lindsay Bouchard-, Prize 6 - Tanya Montebruno. We are grateful for
the tremendous support of the Westoba Credit Union and for lending us their outdoor space to host our event. We say a huge “Thank You” to our families, friends and community for your generous support, and to everyone who was able to come out to support our Stand!
Rivers Seniors Golf Tournament
Submitted
By Dennis Veitch
On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 37 Senior 55+ golfers from Rivers, Miniota, Hamiota, Shoal Lake, and Russell came to the Riverdale Golf Course for a tournament.
Winners were as follows: Men’s champion flight first was Kevin Boucher from Russell, and second Clay Wyburn, Hamiota. First flight winner was Dean McConnel, Hamiota and second Andy Gerrard, Rivers. Second flight winner was Rod Fredrick, Miniota and second Myles Wotton, Rivers. Third flight winner was Earl Spearin, Rivers and second Dennis Veitch, Rivers.
Ladies champion flight winner was Joan Miller, Russell and
second Deanna McConnel, Hamiota. First flight winner was Judy Jago, Rivers and second Dorthy Gerrard, Rivers. Side competitions winners were closet to the pin Ladies Sharon Leckie, Shoal Lake and men’s Lance Anderson.
Closet to the rope was ladies Eileen Silvius, Rivers, and men’s Karl Eisler, Alberta. Longest putt ladies Laurel Boucher, Russell and men’s Brian Tolton, Hamiota. Thanks to all who came and had a great time.
Public Notice BOARD OF REVISION
Public Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Assessment Rolls for Riverdale Municipality have been delivered to the Municipal Office at 670 – 2nd Avenue, Rivers, Manitoba and will be open for public inspection during regular business hours. Applications for Revision may be made in accordance with Sections 42 and 43 of the Municipal Assessment Act.
APPLICATION FOR REVISION
42(1) A person in whose name property has been assessed, a mortgagee in possession of property under Section 114(1) of The Real Property Act, an occupier of premises who is required under the terms of a lease to pay the taxes on the property, or the assessor may make application for the revision of an assessment roll with respect to:
(a) the liability to taxation;
(b) the amount of an assessed value;
(c) the classification of property; or
(d) a refusal by an assessor to amend the assessment roll under subsection 13(2).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
43(1) An application for revision must
(a) be made in writing;
(b) set out the roll number and legal description of the assessable property for which a revision is sought;
(c) state the grounds on which the application is based; and
(d) be filed by
(i) delivering it or causing it to be delivered to the office indicated in the public notice given under subsection 41(2), or
(ii) serving it upon the secretary, at least 15 days before the scheduled sitting date of the board as indicated in the public notice.
The Board of Revision will sit on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1st, 2024 at 6:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Riverdale Municipality located at 670 – 2nd Avenue, Rivers, Manitoba to hear applications. The final date on which applications must be received by the Secretary of the Board is Monday, September 16th, 2024.
Dated this 1st day of August, 2024.
Marci
Left to right are Jenna Desilets, Éire Brennan, Aria Elliott, Etta Puppe and Marguerite Lapka-Woytowich
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
Two weeks to go
As I write these words, the signs of the coming season are all around us. Familiar vehicles have reappeared in local school parking lots; as teachers set up classrooms, review class lists, assign desks and lay out text books for students to pick up when classes begin.
By now, lists of recommended school supplies will have been emailed to parents who, along with their children, will be making their annual visit to department stores, stocking up on pens, binders, notebooks, clothing, shoes and other essentials.
In the School Division’s Maintenance Shop, mechanics are busy changing engine oil, replacing filters, lubricating joints and replacing worn out tires on their fleet of school busses. After a thorough cleaning, exterior wash and final inspection, they will be assigned to their routes and picked up by their drivers. Shortly after Labor Day, the busses will roll, town students will walk to school and teachers will be in their places ready to welcome them all as another school year begins.
From the moment I entered Grade 10, I was encouraged to pick a career and gather the information I’d need to decide which college or university to attend following High School graduation. I was not prepared to make such an important decision so early in life. But I was sure of this-I had no desire to become a public school teacher.
Now don’t get me wrong. Teaching is an honorable profession. Teachers, in my view, are worth every penny of their salary and every week of their summer break. Theirs is far from an easy job. Teachers will accompany students as they transition from child to adolescent to young adult. The adult who walks across the stage to accept a High School diploma will be far different from the child who entered Kindergarten 13 years earlier. And as they watch
their students accept their diplomas, the faces of their teachers will be as radiant as those of their parents. Both can be justly proud of what their children and students have become.
As we all know, high quality public education costs money-lots of it-money that you and I pay each year in municipal and education taxes-taxes that I do not mind paying. I consider municipal taxes to be an investment in my quality of life and education taxes to be an investment in the future of our communities, our province and our country; all of which are, in my opinion, good investments to make.
But I am also aware of weaknesses in the system that cause some families to choose to “home school” their children or send them to private, faith-based schools. Primary school (K-12) teachers know that there is a fine line between education and indoctrination and that they will always be tempted to use their position and influence to so shape a student’s thinking that it aligns with the teacher’s personal political, economic, social or cultural views. All teachers try very hard to resist this temptation. Most succeed very well.
Today’s public schools are filled with students from many different cultures and countries of origin. Dedicated teachers can help students learn to see past the barriers that divide us, accept others as they are, tolerate different religious beliefs and learn how to work together to help build a better school, a better community and a better world for all to enjoy. I am a strong believer in public school education. It has served me and my family well. I pray that it will do the same for you and yours in the coming year.
Locally created crossword
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
Perspectives Random rambling…
Staying on top of things
Keeping everything repaired and up-to-date is a challenge for every town, village and municipality. Mosts towns and villages have really bad roads. There are places in many towns where some of the paved roads are so cracked and pitted, they might as well be gravel.
If people don’t understand the concept and consequences of upkeep, they need only drive down a road and observe the condition of buildings. We have all seen large barns and houses shrink away due to neglect. First the roof leaks, then the rafters and roof decking start to sag, then the walls start to lean and while it may take many years, the house falls down. If only that first missing shingle had been replaced, disaster might have been avoided.
In contrast, if the first leak was fixed, the long road to decay might have been avoided. The roof might have been saved and the building preserved.
The analogy above is based on barns and houses but the management theory applies to roads, bridges, water and sewer lines and halls and arenas in every community. The following is but one example of many found across our readership area of the Neepawa Banner & Press, the Rivers Banner and the Virden Empire Advance.This past week, the arena at Neepawa, the Yellowhead Centre, had a major wakeup call. Here’s some background. The YHC was built in 1971-72. The hall was the warehouse for the former salt well and that part was built in the 1940s. The arena lobby was made in part from the salt well factory and the arena was a new steel structure in 1972. Under the arena floor are planks salvaged from the old CPR train station freight platform embedded into packed sand. The ice plant pipes are set on little tees on the planks and it’s all covered with concrete. Now after over 50 years, a
Right in the Centre
Ken Waddell
“
For want of a nail, the shoe was lost; For want of the shoe, the horse was lost; For want of the horse, the rider was lost; For want of the rider, the battle was lost; For want of the battle, the kingdom was lost; And all from the want of a horseshoe nail.
pipe has sprung a leak and detecting and finding the leak and repairing it is delaying ice making for three weeks or so. It’s a very unfortunate situation.
One problem is that proper checking of the ice plant and the pipes was not always done in a timely fashion over the years. The pipes are only the beginning, as many other aspects of the hall and arena have not been properly attended to as well. The caretakers over the years have done a great job of keeping the old place running but they can only do so much.
The bigger problem with the Yellowhead is there are no reserve funds to pay for upkeep and long term repair.
The YHC is owned by the Neepawa Centennial Project Committee and not owned by the Town of Neepawa. The Town doesn’t have a reserve fund for the arena although it has been suggested many times but always put off by successive councils.
”Rita Friesen Homebodies
Iam in the process of going through boxes and files. I have kept far too many copies of old columns, from the very beginning- first edition July 27, 1992- when I hand wrote my copy. Then I typed it and then I wrote and submitted it my computer. Some columns were clipped and pasted in books, other compiled by the year in folders, and then I simply stopped keeping track of what I had submitted! My family has asked that I not through the hoard away, so up in the attic they go!
Here’s one from 6/6/94
[ “Mommy what ‘s after the war?” My wide eyed child posed this question when only four. I tried to explain that after the war comes peace and a time of rebuilding homes and lives. Not an answer that satisfied, the question was repeated. So I tried to discern what prompted the question so I could formulate a convincing answer. We discussed war zones, front lines, and devastated aftermaths. Still the questions “But Mommy, what’s after the war?”
This child, from very early years shared the grandfather’s interest in the world wars; watching documentaries, movies and purchasing history books as birthday and Christmas gifts. I’m not sure if the question was no longer posed to me because I could not answer the underlying quest, or if, as time progressed, the child, now adolescent, formulated adequate conclusions unaided.
The reply I would now formulate to that query, in all likelihood still would not convince my questioner that I knew of what I spoke. But with years of listening, reading and contemplating I believe that the one all encompassing answer to “Mommy, what’s after the war?” is – memories. For those who have experienced war and are willing to talk about it, it is as if the events occurred just yesterday and today, so vivid are the memories. For those who don’t’ wish to discuss any aspect of war or their involvement in it, it is for the very same reason.
Neepawa has a problem and this latest incident is but one more warning shot that a plan had better be put in place soon before another minidisaster strikes. Communities are full of competing needs, competing interests and unfortunately competing egos. What is needed is for the good of all our communities to be put in front of the parade and the other stuff set aside. It’s a tough job but anyone who steps up will have the full support of this community newspaper.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the newspaper staff.
Now at over 50 years of age, the YHC, while in quite useable shape, has been at a crossroads for a decade or more. Does the community of Neepawa plan for a new facility. Certainly Rivers and Virden can be very proud of their relatively new arenas and community complexes. In contrast to Neepawa I believe Virden and Rivers facilities are town owned compared to Neepawa’s community committee ownership.
The peace came with a price.]
I think I did okay with that bit of writing. (Note the columns were much shorter than they are now!)
My original thought for this week is from this week’s real life. I am fighting with slugs in the garden, and I don’t like it. At all. I don’t like the looks of the creatures, I don’t like what they do to my garden and I don’t like getting rid of them. Sharing this with a grandchild, they reminded me of an early life lesson taught to them. An adult, witnessing the grandchild, years ago, stepping on ant hills, reminded them to be careful, because ants, if hurt, don’t have doctors. Isn’t that a wonderful way to consider our actions with, and toward, other inhabitants of this earth?
The child wasn’t scolded, or embarrassed or belittled, just asked to consider the effects of their actions. So, now to find a humane way to rid the garden of the slimy slugs that are inhabiting the place I use to grow my food….Not quite ready to share my strawberries with them!
MLA attends parades, fairs and festivals in constituency
Submitted By Greg Nesbitt
As the days get shorter, preparations for harvest begin and students prepare to return to school, I want to take a moment to congratulate all the communities in the Riding Mountain constituency for the tremendous job they did in hosting their annual parades, fairs, festivals, music concerts and rodeos.
It was my pleasure to get to as many of these events as possible and participate in seven community parades. Reconnecting with constituents and sharing in their celebrations is one of the rewarding aspects of being your representative in the Manitoba Legislature.
• In early August our Progressive Conservative Caucus called on the NDP government to take a province-wide stand on the use of cell phones in classrooms after the Minister had said school divisions were on their own to develop a policy on the issue.
Spruce Woods MLA Grant Jackson, the PC Critic for Education and Early Childhood Learning, issued the following statement after the NDP made an announcement last week on the use of cellphones in the classroom:
“After months of NDP delay and deflection, I’m glad to see the premier finally listened to parents and teachers and stepped forward with a plan to eliminate cellphone distractions in the classroom,” said Spruce Woods MLA Grant Jackson. “This will refocus students off their screens and onto their studies and improve educational outcomes in our province.”
Jackson said that while Premier Wab Kinew is taking his policy direction from Progressive Conservatives, there are a few more things the Progressive Conservatives would like to add to the list for the NDP to get done:
• Restore and fund the Manitoba Schools Project to build nine new schools in Winnipeg, Brandon, Neepawa, Ste. Anne, and West St. Paul
• Implement $10 per day childcare on non-instructional
school days starting in September
• Restore the $4 million in funding cuts to summer Green Teams to extend youth employment through the fall and winter
“And while we have the ear of the NDP premier, we would also like to remind him of his promises to lower ER wait times, bring down food prices, and control crime, all of which he has failed to deliver and is in fact making worse,” said Jackson.
• Swan River MLA Rick Wowchuk, PC Critic for Natural Resources, has called on the NDP government to immediately rescind directives from the Minister’s office to Manitoba’s Conservation Officer Service to forgo enforcement actions in northern Manitoba:
“The NDP’s failed approach to the conservation of our natural resources continues to divide Manitobans,” said Wowchuk. “Conservation Officers should not be told to selectively enforce the law.”
The avid outdoorsman said First Nation leaders must be consulted, not disregarded, on matters that affect their treaty rights. And all elected representatives in the Legislature must decide on how public lands are managed and shared across the province.
“Our democracy demands respect,” emphasized Wowchuk. “If the NDP government wants to change the law, they should bring forward a bill to do so and consult with all stakeholders rather than issue secret orders behind closed doors that undermine the integrity of the law and create unnecessary conflict in our communities.”
• It is impossible to have a conversation in Portage la
Prairie and surrounding area and not hear of the need for an MRI in the new Portage Regional Health Centre, scheduled to open in 2026.
After a letter sent to the Minister of Health by a group of 35 local doctors highlighting this need, Portage MLA Jeff Bereza said over 3,000 people have taken the time to sign a petition to date asking the NDP government to do the right thing.
Public data shows wait times of up to 47 weeks for an MRI. The number of people waiting on an MRI in Manitoba has climbed to over 24,560. Adding an MRI during the construction phase of the new Portage health centre only makes sense as besides serving residents of central Manitoba, it will take the pressure off other MRIs in the province.
You can sign the petition to support bringing another MRI machine to rural Manitoba online at pcmbcaucus. com/PortageMRI.
• Greg Nesbitt is the Member of Legislative Assembly for the Riding Mountain constituency. He can be reached at 204-759-3313, toll-free 1-844-877-7767 or by email at gregnesbittmla@mymts.net.
Philly Cheesesteak
This Philly cheesesteak is made with sirloin sliced into strips and seasoned with a delicious blend of herbs and spices for a flavorsome sandwich.
Ingredients:
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
3 tbsps vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, julienned
4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
Directions:
1) Gather all ingredients.
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1 pound beef sirloin, cut into thin 2 inch strips
1 onion, sliced
3 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
2) Mix salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram, and basil together in a small bowl.
3) Place steak in a large bowl; sprinkle seasoning mixture over top and stir to coat.
4) Heat 1/2 of the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak; cook and stir to the desired doneness. Transfer cooked steak to a plate.
5) Heat the remaining oil in the skillet. Add onion and green pepper; cook and stir until tender and caramelized.
6) Preheat the oven on the broiler setting. Divide cooked beef between the bottoms of 4 rolls.
7) Layer with onion and green pepper.
8) Top with sliced cheese. Place on a cookie sheet.
9) Broil in the preheated oven until cheese is melted. 10) Ready to serve.
Greg Nesbitt, Riding Mountain MLA
Queens Hotel Golf Tournament
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
The Queens Hotel in Rapid City hosted their annual golf tournament at Valleyview Golf Course on Saturday, August 10. Forty-eight wonderful golfers came out to compete for the day forming twelve teams.
Brent Baker, Teresa Mills and Brendan Nelson worked to setup the event for the day and collect the prizes. Terri Christie and Nicole Cirulsky also worked hard as volunteers to make this day happen.
There was pork on a bun and wings served on the course for the day. At the end, everyone enjoyed a mouthwatering steak supper with spuds and salad on the side.
Winning team was Pete Cronkrite, Corey Cronkrite, Bryce Cronkrite and Rudy Cronkrite. Men’s Longest Drive was Corey Cronkrite. Woman’s Longest Drive was Barb Low. Closest to pin hole #3 was Daylon Smallchild.
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation Begins Legal Proceedings Against Province
Submitted
Manitoba Wildlife Federation
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) has filed an application with the Court of King’s Bench seeking to overturn the provincial government’s decision to arbitrarily reduce moose hunting opportunities for licensed hunters.
On June 17, 2024, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak (MKO) representatives met with the Manitoba Premier and several Ministers, demanding a ban on the moose hunting “draw” seasons for licensed hunters in northern Manitoba, and that the Province order its Conservation Officers to cease enforcement of violations by Indigenous community members. By June 20, licensed hunters were notified that the provincial big game draw was halted and on July 11, the province announced a 75 percent reduction of moose tags available to licensed hunters in 4 Game Hunting Areas.
Chris Heald, MWF Senior Policy Advisor, says the process that led to the announcement was not transparent, inclusive or science-based. “The MWF represents Manitoba’s licensed hunters, and we were not consulted on the decision. All Manitobans should be included in these kinds of discussions,” said Heald.
Carly Deacon, Managing Director of the MWF stated that the decision appears to have been made for political, rather than scientific reasons: “What data was this decision based on? Does the Province have any data on how many moose are being harvested by Indigenous hunters?” We know there is no recent survey data for that region and only licensed hunters are required to report moose harvest data” added Deacon. MWF legal counsel sought answers to these questions and requested that the province provide justification for their decision but received no response.
MWF will always take any steps necessary to defend all Manitobans’ outdoor heritage and right to hunt in this province. As Carly Deacon explained: “The Manitoba hunters we represent are deeply invested in conservation, management, and outdoor traditions, and have always been at the table in discussions on sustainable big game management. We are hopeful that the courts will overturn this unjust decision, and that the provincial government will be forced to take a more collaborative and inclusive approach to managing our province’s precious natural resources.
Owner of the Queens Hotel Brent Baker and his golf team enjoying some time at the clubhouse.
Rivers MX Academy Rivers MX
Most Wednesday nights at the Redline MX Academy track in Rivers since late June you can find this
up after a couple more weeks. They have also had the opportunity to ride on a couple other
had the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new friends.
Getting down and dirty
Euduro style dirt bike training in Rivers
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
Trainer Keeson Smith
visited Rivers on August 17 to offer a training session in Euduro style riding. Ten students signed up to learn from this AA rider.
The basics Smith covered included cornering, braking, rider positioning and form, and building rider confidence. “These are crucial skills for anyone looking to improve their control and safety on the bike,” says Keeson.
Enduro style riding is where a rider races for multiple hours through the bush, navigating trails that are barely wider than their handlebars. They will face hills, rocks, logs, and other obstacles, making it both a mental and physical challenge. It’s about endurance and being able to handle whatever the trail throws at them.
When asked, how did you become a trainer, Keeson Smith answered, “I’ve been riding dirt bikes since I could walk; it’s like my second pair of legs. I’m an AA rider in Manitoba, and I ride a Sherco 300sc, sponsored by C&C Rentals. Dirt biking is more than just a sport to me; it’s an extension of who I am and what keeps me happy. I became a trainer because I’m passionate about dirt bike racing at a competitive level, and I find a real connection in helping others become safer and more confident riders. My older sister, Jaylee, handles my social media and is always there to support me. I’ve trained my younger sister, Dawnjae, in everything I know, and now she assists me with the kids during training sessions though she’s soon to become my competition. I’m proud to say they’re both the top female riders in Manitoba Dirt Rider (MDR).”
This September, Smith is signed up to race his first Corduroy Enduro in Ontario, competing against 700 riders over two days. He is excited and ready for the challenge!
crew of Rivers Night Riders. Their season will soon be winding
MX tracks nearby. It has been a safe and fun year so far, and they have
It has been a great crew to ride with.
Keeson Smith teaching balance and control to one of his students of Euduro style dirt bike racing.
The health benefits of hobbies
Maintaining physical and mental health often requires a multi-faceted approach. Eating well, exercising and reducing stress are part of a healthy regimen, but those are not the only components of a healthy lifestyle.
Hobbies can have a positive effect on overall health. Hobbies can seem like ways to simply pass the time or alleviate boredom. But a deeper exploration could shed light on just how healthy hobbies can be. In fact, it is essential to carve out time for hobbies because they can be so beneficial.
According to a study published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, participation in leisure activities positively influences self-perceived well-being and depressive symptoms. “The blue zone” refers to the areas of the world that have the longest-living people on the planet, which include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Ikaria, Greece, among others. Participation in activities that bring out a creative side leads to an increased sense of well-being that is good for long-term health. They also can reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, and it can negatively affect energy, mood and sleep.
While most leisure activities regularly engaged in can have positive effects on health, those that focus on a combination of physical and mental stimulation are most beneficial. Women looking to change their daily routines may want to focus on these health-boosting hobbies.
· Dancing: Laugh, sweat and learn some footwork in a dance class. It can make exercise fun for those who find traditional exercise does not keep their attention.
· Kayaking: There’s something serene about being on the water away from the hustle of life on land. Kayaking strengthens the body, but the calm of taking in the water and scenery nourishes the mind. Experts agree that outdoor hobbies add another benefit since sunlight helps the body release neuroreceptors that trigger more positive thoughts.
· Gardening: Gardening is physical, requires planning, involves spending time outdoors, and yields tangible
results through thriving plants. These are all factors that promote good health.
· Fostering animals: Fostering animals offers them an opportunity to spend time in domestic settings before being adopted by permanent owners. For the foster person, having a dog involves going out on walks and play sessions in the backyard. A sense of purpose comes from helping out needy animals, and this hobby also taps into physical wellness.
· Volunteering: Being a
Rivers athletes participate in Manitoba Summer Games
By Robin Wark
Rivers Banner
Madi Vandal helped Team West Green win rugby gold at the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games.
The Rivers product was part of the girls rugby squad that defeated Winnipeg Gold, 15-12, at the prestigious multi-sport event. It was held in Dauphin on Aug. 11-17.
Vandal is one of a four Rivers athletes to compete in the Summer Games. Aidan Carter competed in two different mountain biking events. He was sixth in the individual cross country mountain bike event for U15 males.
Carter also placed 10th in the U15 male individ ual short track mountain bike event.
Lauren Neely-Carter served as a manager for the Team West cycling squad. In track and field, Bekah Smith was fifth
ing long jumpmales. She also placed eighth in her age category in the 800-metre run.
Nia Stewart competed for Team West 1 on the soccer pitch. The team finished seventh.
Banner
presence in your community can foster social engagement and boost emotional health. It also can keep you physically active.
Various hobbies can be good for the mind and body, which makes it worth anyone’s effort to make more time for recreation and leisure.
Rolling River School Division invites applications for CLEANERS
Provide custodial services to ensure effective physical operation and a positive physical environment through cleanliness of assigned School Division building. Permanent - 12 months per year Monday to Friday School Hours per Day
Tanners Crossing School, Minnedosa, MB 8 hours per day 2:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Erickson Elementary, Erickson, MB 4 hours per day 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Rate of Pay as per CUPE Collective Agreement Benefits package
For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca, select Employment link, then Support Positions link.
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Festival
Repairs to Highway 24
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure staff are carrying out repair work, including asphalt patch paving, in various areas of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 24 between Rapid City and PTH 21 over the next few weeks. Routine operations such as grading, sign repairs and culvert maintenance will also continue on provincial roadways throughout the region.
A gravel shoulder restoration project is also planned on PTH 24 from the north junction of Provincial Road (PR) 270 to PTH 10. The department anticipates work on this grading project will be completed by this fall. Details regarding the department’s capital projects are available here: https://www.gov.mb.ca/ mti/mipmap/index.html.
In addition, the department is currently reviewing plans for a surface rehabilitation project on PTH 24 from the north junction of PR 270 to PTH 10. Additional projects included in the department’s multi-year capital programming can be found here: https://www. gov.mb.ca/mti/myhis/index.html.
1PM - 5PM
TRUCO TRICK RIDERS
GRAVITY STILL WORKS PERFORMERS BOUNCY CASTLES PETTING ZOO ANTIQUE TRACTORS HAY RIDES FACE PAINTING FARMER’S MARKET/TRADE SHOW
DIRTY WORD CUSTOMZ CAR SHOW TREAT TRUCKS
5PM - 7PM
FUNDRAISER FOR OAK LAKE CARE CENTRE
7PM - 12AM
FUNDRAISER FOR OAK LAKE GOLF CLUB
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Road crews marking the road with pink spray paint on Thursday August 15. Getting ready for the repairs.
Manitoba Government banning cell phones in classrooms
By Banner Staff Rivers Banner
Manitoba is the latest province to institute restrictions on the use of cellphones in the classroom. The Provincial Government has announced that there will be a complete ban on cellphone for students in kindergarten to Grade 8 during school hours, including lunch and breaks.
As well, for students between Grades 9 and 12, cellphone use is banned during class time, though their use will be permitted during breaks and lunch.
Exemptions are to be made for medical or accessibility reasons, as well as for educational purposes in high schools when directed by teachers.
Classrooms are for learning
As part of the press release announcing the decision, Education Minister Nello Altomare said that the bans are designed to reduce distractions.
“We want young people to be able to focus in class so they can learn more and feel confident. We know cellphones can be a real distraction for students – studies show it can take up to 20 minutes for a child to refocus on what they were learning once distracted,” Altomare said. “These provincial guidelines will give teachers the tools they need to keep students focused and ensure class time is spent on learning. Plus, we will take safety and medical concerns into account so all risks are minimized.”
Manitoba’s announcement follows closer upon a similar decision by Saskatchewan to prohibit the use of the devices in all classrooms for the 2024-25 school year. As for the fall, all five western Canadian provinces have now enacted this restriction.
School Divisions across the Province, including Rolling River and Beautiful Plains has spent the last week making some on-the-fly adjustments for the upcoming school year in relation to student cell phones.
Rolling River School Division Superintendent Jason Cline said, “In response to Minister Altomare’s directive last week, Rolling River School Division is updating our administrative procedures for staff and students to align with the direction provided by Manitoba Education and Early Learning related to the limitations on cell phone use in schools during school hours. RRSD will send out communications to staff and parents / students before the first day of school that reflect the direction provided by Manitoba Education.”
Beautiful Plains Superintendent and CEO Jason Young said he expects this decision will generate a variety of local reactions come the first day back to school.
“As the same is with almost any decision, [the restriction of cell phone usage] will generate mixed reviews,” stated Young. “We have tried to provide access to technology for our students, when it is required without a great deal of cell phone use. There are still times and places where cell phone use in grades 9 to 12 may occur, but it will be limited. It is always important to ensure that we do what we can as a school division
to keep our students safe and focused on their learning when they are at school. There also remains an important role for our schools to play when it comes to appropriate and responsible use of technology.”
Ironing out the details Young added that the School Division is in the process of revising its policy around personal electronic devices and cell phones to meet with the new provincial directive. Those changes will be shared with school principals prior to the start of the school year.
In terms of the collection of devices, Young explained that they’re still formulating their plan for phones to be gathered and safely stored on a day-to-day basis.
“We do not anticipate a huge need for massive storage devices at this point. We will work with our students and their families around acceptable practises and how we will handle devices. There will be some initial work that will need to be done at the divisional, school and classroom levels, but as with any change, we will do our best to work with staff, students and families to implement this new directive and work through challenges along the way.”
