Dec 18:15

RIVERS

BANNER December 18, 2015

ersary v i n Celebrating our 107th An

Gazette-Reporter Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 106 years

Volume 108, Issue 24

89¢ + tax

Daycare becoming a reality

By Amie Griffith President Riverdale Community Daycare Board was formed early 2013. Members of this board have worked diligently to pursue the opening of a 32-space daycare within Rivers. Initially we discussed and evaluated the various options and spaces available for a daycare facility. We completed a needs survey to more fully understand the urgency of this facility. Currently, Riverdale Municipality has a population of 2,057 and is only able to offer 24 private daycare spots.

Because of our board’s perseverance and the continued support of our community, we are very happy to announce that Public School Finance Board (PSFB) has approved funding for our project! As many of you know, Rolling River School Division (RRSD) has agreed to the use and renovation of three classrooms in the high school. PSFB will fund $200 per square foot of the renovations required to turn those classrooms into a 32-space licensed (eight infant and 24 preschool) public daycare. Their funding of this project is only in place to cover expenses related to renovation of the classrooms and construction of any built-in storage space.

We are currently in the first of four stages of this project. These steps include: schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction procurement. There are a number of groups involved in each stage of the project: Riverdale Community Daycare Board, RRSD, PSFB, Manitoba Early Learning and Childcare, LM Architecture and Child and Family Services.

We have been very fortunate to have so much support from our community. To date we have received grants and funds from Rivers & Area Community Foundation, Brandon Area Community Foundation, Rivers and Area Lions Club, the Christmas bazaar, and previous ladies nights. Our own fundraising efforts (Ford Drive One, princess/superhero party, ladies night, dunk tank and fish pond at the fair, perogy sales, and 50/50 raffle) have also helped to provide some money. The money the daycare board has received from fundraising and grants will go towards the costs associated with all furnishings, toys and educational supplies, development of the outdoor green space, wages,and operational costs.

We will continue to apply for more grants as the project moves ahead. We would also be very grateful for any donations or interest in the sponsoring of furniture, appliances, etc. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses. The board is extremely excited to see this project become a reality for our deserving community.

Photo by Barb Brown

L/R: Brandon Area Community Foundation general manager Laura Kempthorne presents Riverdale Community Daycare Inc. president Amie Griffith a $10,000 cheque.

Rivers Banner is now on holidays.

The office will remain closed until Jan. 3.

We’ll re-open on Monday, January 4 and will look forward to receiving your ads and stories by Tuesday, January 5 at 5 p.m. for inclusion in the Friday, January 8 edition.

Merry Christmas!

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Community calendar Dec. 20: Kenton 4-H meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 21: Community Christmas carolling, Riverdale Health Centre, 6:40 p.m.

Dec. 22: RM of Oakview meeting, council chamber 5 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service, Cardale United Church, 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service, Kenton United Church, 5 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service, Riverdale Personal Care Home, Rivers, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas eve service, Tarbolton Church, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve concert, Zion Church, Rivers, 7 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service, Rivers United Church, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service, St. James’ Anglican Church, Rivers, 9 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas mass, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Rivers, 11:30 p.m.

Dec. 27: Lessons and carols service, Rivers Baptist Church, 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 1: New Year’s mass, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Rivers, 11 a.m.

Jan. 5: Fire protection levy meeting, Riverdale Municipality council chamber, Rivers, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 6-10: Provincial junior curling championships, Riverdale Community Centre, Rivers Jan. 15: Yellow AAA Chiefs vs. Central Plains (bantam), Riverdale Community Centre, Rivers, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26: Diabetic clinic, Riverdale Health Centre, Rivers, 8 a.m.

Jan. 29: Potluck and games, Rivers Civic Centre, 12 noon Feb. 7: High school hockey all-star game, Riverdale Community Centre, 3 p.m.

March 12: Ice fishing derby, Lake Wahtopanah, Rivers, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

March 14-18: Rolling River Festival of the Arts, Minnedosa April 18-23: Once Upon a Mattress, Bend Theatre, Strathclair, 7:30 p.m.

June 19: Fishing derby, Jake Fast Park, Rivers, Sunday - church service times Anglican, Rivers, 9 a.m.

United, Oak River, 9 a.m.

Evangel Worship Centre, Rapid City, 10 a.m.

United, Cardale, 10 a.m.

Baptist, Rivers, 10:30 a.m.

CrossRoads Community Church, Kenton Memorial Hall, 10:30 a.m.

Pentecostal, Rivers, 10:30 a.m.

United, Rivers, 11 a.m.

United, Kenton, 12 noon United, Rapid City, 1 p.m.

Photo by Sheri McMurachy

Carol Murray was one of four Westoba staff members who made a surprise visit to Rivers Elementary School to deliver treat bags to students. Other staff “elves” were Wendy Denbow, Shawna Sytnyk and Melissa Azure.

Westoba performs 50th “Wonder”

By Brenden Roemich Communications Co-ordinator On Wednesday, Dec. 16, a special assembly was held at Rivers Elementary School at 10 a.m.; volunteers from Westoba Credit Union took goody bags filled with Christmas treats to the children. All 169 students were preparing for their Christmas concert that evening and were very excited and appreciative of this surprise.

This visit is possible through Westoba Wonders, a voluntary program of outreach where Westoba employees plan and execute random acts of wonderfulness

Rivers Baptist Church 447 Edward Street

Phone 204-328-7882

Worship service/Sunday school – 10:30 a.m.

Jr. youth (Gr. 5-8) — 204-328-7854 for details.

Professional counselling *Marriage *Family *Depression *Addictions *Grief *Abuse Phone 204-573-3362 for an appointment.

Pastor Wil Warkentin, MA in counselling

to give back to their community. The Rivers wonder marks 50 of these acts throughout the province.

“It’s marvelous to see what novel ideas our staff have come up with for their communities,” explains Randy Brown, vice-president of member solutions.

“When we launched this initiative over the summer, we hoped it would take on a life of its own. Thanks to our dedicated staff, it has grown and flourished in ways we never imagined.”

CHRISTMAS MASS Thursday, December 24 11:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church Please come! Also feel free to join us for New Year’s Day mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 1.

Zion Church 865-3rd Avenue, Rivers

Pastor Nathan Klassen 204-412-0245 Sunday school/morning service at 10:30 a.m.

December 24: Concert, 7 p.m.

December 27: We’re closed but we encourage you to attend the Lessons and Carols service at Rivers Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays: Bible study, 7:30-9 p.m. will resume Jan. 27.

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From our files RIVERS BANNER

105 years ago, 1910 Rivers’ first council was elected last week with W. R. Head as mayor and J. E. Thompson, C. Wagar, J. A. Grummett and S. A. Mills as councillors.

95 years ago, 1920 RM of Daly electors voted down hail insurance 100 to 63 and a good roads bylaw, 102 to 67.

85 years ago, 1930 Telephone staff Elsie Barker, Ethel Anderson and Miss B. Arnold moved into their new office.

75 years ago, 1940 Rivers’ newest business is now open — Tailspin Inn — in the former Sons of England Hall, opposite the post office.

65 years ago, Dec. 21, 1950 More than 400 people attended the Sunday evening Rivers Kiwanis Carol Concert in which four different choirs were on stage.

Elaine Graham married John Common on Dec. 9.

55 years ago, Dec. 15, and 22, 1960 Rivers Ag Society held its annual meeting on Dec. 6 where it was reported the summer fair was the largest one on record, so the government grant for prize money in June 1961 will be increased from $750 to $1,500. Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor celebrated their 50th anniversary on Dec. 11. Walter Chernos of Rivers won a Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association plaque on Dec. 13. for outstanding service to minor hockey. Violinist Donald Whyte of Rivers will spend Christmas day on the train to Toronto so he can participate in Youth Orchestra Dec. 26-31, on a scholarship presented to him by Regina College of Music; Youth Orchestra was organized to train future symphony players. Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce and Rivers Kiwanis Club co-sponsored Christmas entertainment for the kids on Dec. 10 with two free shows at Rex Theatre and a visit from Santa, who passed out 624 candy bags. James Scott of Rivers received an early Christmas present when he was presented his 50-year jewel from Forresters Lodge. On Dec. 11 Jim Klywak won a perfect attendance award for the third consecutive year from Bradwardine United Church’s Sunday school; other winners (one year each) were Shirley Gerrard, Loretta Green and Judy McKenzie. Mr. and Mrs. William Longstaff had a boy Dec. 7.

Eunice Hopley married Wes Sherris on Dec. 9. Dr. R. Heddle of England has arrived in Rivers and is the new RM of Daly doctor; he works out of Riverdale Hospital.

45 years ago, Dec. 17 and 24, 1970 Rivers hosted a junior high invitational volleyball tournament on Dec.

12 with gymnasiums at both schools in use on Dec. 11; Rivers boys won the A-event while CFB Rivers girls placed second in the B-event. Pat Bond married Owen Beever on Dec. 19. Mr. and Mrs. George Isaak had a girl Nov. 23.

35 years ago, Dec. 17, 1980 Of the 16 tenders opened on Dec. 11 the lowest bid, $718,569, was accepted to build a 20-bed personal care home in Rivers; Kelsey Construction Company of Winnipeg will begin the work early in the new year. Sandra Dyer married Clarence Reimer on Nov. 29. Stan Cochrane of Tarbolton district harvested sunflowers on Dec. 10. Mike Wurtz of Deerboine Colony is in Brandon hospital with chest injuries following an accident on Hwy. 250 one mile south of Oo-Za-We-Kwun Centre on Monday afternoon.

The older model tractor driven by Mike was written off; he was making a left-hand turn as the semi pulled out to pass him, causing the tractor to hit the ditch and the truck to jack-knife. Work at Rivers Post Office is complete so there are now 679 boxes but no longer an inside letter drop, which was removed so the new panel of boxes could be installed. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Ketcheson had a boy Dec. 1.

25 years ago, Dec. 19, 1990 a two-day snowfall (Dec. 10 and 11) left 10 inches of snow in the area. Rivers and Area Lions Club served supper to 179 senior citizens at the 12th annual Christmas party, this year held Dec. 14; they also delivered 38 meals to shut-ins and served 35 meals at the hospital/care home. Rapid City Lions seniors Christmas supper was held Dec. 9; they served 90 and delivered 12 meals. Oak River Lions held their seniors supper on Dec. 11 and served 53 people. At Rapid City Ag Society’s annual meeting on Dec. 5 it was reported their livestock show was the best entry of all Class C fairs in Manitoba. The Rapid City rink of Denis Jackson, Robert Greer, Tim McFaddin and Trevor Maliteare won second in the junior men’s play-offs in Portage la Prairie last weekend. Rivers and Area Lions Club presented a life membership to Scotty McIntosh on Dec. 14. After 13-years of comradery, Harding HipEase have officially disbanded. Ivy Heapy of Oak River was voted all-start skip in Brandon Curlettes. Jack and Jane Hyndman were married on Dec. 8.

15 years ago, Dec. 16 and 23, 2000 Seventy people attended the annual big buck night in Rivers on Dec. 8 in which 30 heads were entered. Rivers Legion had

December 18, 2015 3

record-breaking entries in its annual Remembrance Day poster contest in which winners were announced last week; of the 36 submissions, Samantha King won first and Jon Eros, second. At its recognition evening last month, Marquette Regional Health Authority honoured its retirees and those with loyal service; Maria Ash and Pat Hillier of Rivers were each presented retirement plaques while Eleanor Madden (also of Rivers) was given a long service award for more than 25 years of work in the region. Rivers Collegiate has five Grade 7/8 volleyball teams this year, winning three firsts and one second in four categories during competitions in November and December.

5 years ago, Dec. 17 and 24, 2010 Rivers Curling Club hosted Westman Regional Playdowns Dec. 11 and 12, which saw seven boys’ and eight girls’ rinks compete here to win the chance to place in finals. Britney Phythian’s poem in the annual Remembrance Day contest won first in Rivers, first at zone and is now on its wasyto district competition. Rivers and Area Lions Club fed more than 200 people during its annual seniors supper, whether in person at Rivers Legion Hall, through home deliveries or to Riverdale Health Centre. The annual big buck night in Rivers on Dec. 4 had 150 people attend and 66 heads judged, the largest score at 201 1/8.

Riverdale Recreation Commission would like to offer a mixed drop-in indoor volleyball night for adults at Rivers Collegiate.

If anyone is interested in volunteering to lead the program, please contact the recreation director at 204-328-7753 or email rccmanager@mymts.net.

We have availability for a few hours on Friday evening to run the program. Requirements include set-up and takedown of the volleyball equipment, general promotion amongst community members and having a lot of fun!

March 14-18 in Minnedosa Entry deadline is Wednesday, January 13 NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

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Submit entries to: RRFA, Attn: Kelsey Willis Box 333, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Printable entry form and addendum at discoverminnedosa.com under Community Organizations, Rolling River Festival.

Entry forms and addendum are at regional and school libraries, Minnedosa Pharmacy and Rivers Home Hardware. The new syllabus is at division elementary schools and Minnedosa and Rivers libraries.

Questions? Contact Kelsey Willis 204-801-1403, Louise Uhryniuk 204-867-5532 or Val Dornn 204-867-2432.

Rivers Banner Perspective

4

Rating freedom

Tundra

by Chad Carpenter

F

Mixed emotions but no mixed message T

his Christmas is one of mixed emotions. As a family, we have never been more blessed. We are thankful for so many things. Our family is healthy and growing. We have three single men in our immediate midst and they keep bringing home very nice girl friends.

Our great-grandson is standing strong, leaning on his wrapped Christmas presents at only seven months of age. Our community is growing and our business interests are strong and growing.

However, outside of our family circle, we have many concerns.

Many families we know have members that are suffering from illness. As we get older, it’s inevitable that more of our friends and acquaintances face death and dying. That presents a sadness that counter balances our happiness.

On the larger stage, the world about us, there are many more concerns. I have never been more discouraged about world affairs. I can barely remember the Korean war, but my late brother was in it. It was a sad time. My brothers and parents, uncles and aunts all experienced the effects of WWII. While at university and in my early working career, the horrors of the Viet Nam war became self-evident. Canada has had troops and tragic losses in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Somehow, all these experiences, although they have only barely touched and affected me personally, seem a bit muted in comparison to what we are facing today. Extremism and terrorism have elevated war to levels that are fearsome beyond measure. Certainly the horrors

DECEMBER 18, 2015

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken Waddell There’s a new dimension that takes today’s extremism to new heights, or perhaps new lows. of past wars, past genocides and the holocaust far exceeded our recent events, but there’s a new dimension that takes today’s extremism to new heights or perhaps new lows.

In most parts of most of the wars of the past century, one could make some general assumptions. One assumption was that the enemy was usually identifiable by uniform or insignia.

The second was that the enemy, when they came to the end of their options, wanted to survive as much as you did. Reasonable combatants, assuming that there is such a thing, will surrender when faced with impossible odds or situations.

Those two assumptions don’t exist in today’s war. Not only do they not exist, the terrorists make no effort to be identified and they believe they are happier dead than alive. They also think they are doing us a favour for killing us for not adhering to their beliefs.

So with two highly contrasting scenarios going through my mind, it’s difficult not to despair

amidst all of my surrounding blessings. It’s hard to be happy when there is so much sadness in the world. One must look for a solid footing, not elevated by blessings and not down trodden by tragedies. That perhaps is one of the best reasons for explaining the meaning of Christmas. Yes, Christmas is a time of happiness, celebration and blessing. But it’s much more.

No matter how blessed we have been nor how tragic things become, the baby Jesus was born to be a Saviour. His saving grace is available to those who are happy and blessed and those who we see as utterly and violently depraved. The saving grace isn’t based on how good we are nor is damnation based on how bad we are. It’s based only on our acceptance. Just as the sun shines on everyone, the blue sky is blue to all and “the rain falls on the just and the unjust”, the Saviour can be and is willing to be the Saviour of all.

Peace to all and a prayer for a blessed future.

reedom isn't something the average Manitoban thinks about an awful lot. We live in Canada, a free country, with three levels of democratically elected governments. We have the freedom to live and work wherever we want to. We have rights and freedoms guaranteed by our constitution and protected by our courts. We can assemble wherever and whenever we want. Throughout the world, wars are taking place, but they are far from our MY borders.

PERSPECTIVE Even within our free countries, there are different levels ate of economic freedom. On acKman tKinson Dec. 15, the Fraser Institute released its Economic Freedom of North America report. This is the 11th edition of the report, which measures the extent to which the policies of individual provinces and states in Canada, the United States and Mexico are supportive of economic freedom— the ability to act in the economic sphere free of undue restrictions.

According to the report, the freest economies have minimal government interference, instead, relying upon personal choice and markets to answer basic economic questions, such as what is produced, how it’s produced, how much is produced and for whom production is intended. As governments impose restrictions on these choices, there is less economic freedom. The study primarily looks at three areas: size of government, discriminatory taxation and labor-market freedom.

The report rates individual states and provinces on a 10-point scale at the subnational (provincial) level and the all-government (national) level, to allow for comparisons within a country and between countries.

The report does caution that the findings are based on 2013 data, the most recent year for which all of the required national data is available. A lot has changed in the last two years, especially in Alberta.

Interestingly, according to the all-government rankings, the top three jurisdictions are in western Canadian, with Alberta in first with a ranking of 8.1, British Columbia in second at 7.9 and Saskatchewan in third at 7.8. The lowest ranked Canadian provinces were Prince Edward Island and Quebec, which both had a rating of 7.4. The lowest-ranked state in the United States was Delaware, which was ranked in 60th place, out of all jurisdictions in Canada, the US and Mexico, with 7.3.

Looking at the subnational level, the most economically free province was Alberta with a ranking of 8.4, in second was British Columbia with 6.9, followed by Saskatchewan at 6.5. At the other end of the spectrum was Quebec at 3.6, followed by Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, all tied at 5.8.

So how did Manitoba fare in each of the categories? Area 1 looks at government spending, including consumption, transfers and subsidies. Here, Manitoba earned a rating of 7.0, putting the province in the middle of the pack. Area 2 looks at taxes, including payroll, income and property taxes. In this area, Manitoba was at the lower end of the provinces, with a rating of 5.8. Area 3 looks at regulation, including minimum wage, government employment and union involvement. Here, our ranking was 7.8, tied with three other province for the lowest score. These scores shouldn’t be a big surprise, after all, 2013 saw a PST increase, a cap on the farmland school tax rebate and a $0.20 increase to minimum wage.

So why does this matter? It matters because economic freedom is vitally important in the larger scheme of things.

It has tended to be highly correlated with economic measures that we care deeply about, such as economic growth, income levels and entrepreneurial activity. When economic freedom is high, citizens tend to be better off, and that’s something we all care about.

K J

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PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY 529 Second Avenue, Box 70, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 AD DEADLINE: TUESDAY 5 PM PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE Telephone: 204-328-7494 Fax: 204-328-5212 E-mail: info@riversbanner.com Website: www.riversbanner.com Rivers Banner does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or picYearly Subscription Rates (excluding taxes): $40.00 in Manitoba, $50 elsewhere in Canada

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Opinion

DECEMBER 18, 2015

We cannot use him as a poster boy

I

n last week’s column, I shared my belief that in recent years, the Christian church has put more emphasis on Jesus as the Son of God than we do on Jesus as God the Son. I also shared my belief that one of the reasons we do this is because it makes it easier to humanize and politicize Jesus.

I write these words in response to two posts that are currently making the rounds on Facebook.

Both refer to the birth of Jesus and feature a photo of a Nativity scene. One goes something like this: “Remember—he was born to a homeless family;” and the second: “Remember— he was a refugee.” Now I understand why these posts were written; and I believe that those who posted them are very sincere in their intentions and are looking for churches to join them in urging the government to provide funds for low cost housing and increased settlement of refugees.

The problem with the

FAITHFULLY YOURS neil stRohschein two Facebook posts is that they are partially right.

True, Jesus was born in a cave used for housing cattle and sheep. But that doesn’t mean he was homeless. Mary and Joseph had a home—but it was in Nazareth, not in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. And that was the home in which Jesus spent most of the first 30 years of his life.

As for the refugee claim, that is also partially true.

Jesus did spend a few months living in exile in Egypt. But that doesn’t mean he was a refugee.

As soon as those who wanted to kill him had died, Jesus along with Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth and settled there. They didn’t use the threats against Jesus’ life as an excuse to move to

Egypt and stay there. They stayed until it was safe to go home and then they went home. That was their intention all along.

These are just two examples of a disturbing trend that has developed in recent years. We focus on Jesus’ humanity. We use phrases like: “He was one of us;” or “He walked the dusty roads of ancient Israel;” or “He had to work for a living just like we do.”

All of these are true statements. But let’s not become so overly occupied with the humanity of Christ that we overlook the fact that the Jesus who lived among us was God revealed in human form; and that we cannot use him as a poster boy for those who wish to advance their political agendas at Christmas.

Now don’t get me wrong here. Jesus said a lot about how we help the poor. He had a great deal to say about the hungry, the strangers (refugees) and the children. He spoke at length about the need for justice—being right, living right and doing what is right. He condemned hypocrisy, racism, prejudice, greed and all forms of abuse, especially the spiritual abuse he saw in the religions of his day.

But he consistently pointed out that these issues were all symptoms of one disease—and that if we want to get rid of the symptoms, we have to deal with the conscious choices we have made to rebel against the authority of God and to violate the principles he has taught us in the Bible.

That is not something that can be done by political or social action. It is a personal problem—one that you and I must personally address. We’ll talk about that next week.

Point of frustration or divine intervention?

I

n our home, it was my beloved that embraced this holiday season. Ed loved the decorations, the trees, the music and even the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. It was not uncommon for us to travel to a centre just days before Christmas, not to shop, but to sit and watch. Watch the hurrying of people, take time to see the way the commercial world embraces Christianity for a season, to hear old carols and winter songs fill the public air. To watch family dynamics, to catch lovers exchanging glances and stolen kisses.

I am still being careful what music I listen to.

Driving to class one morning, the music to “Country Roads” filled the car. I was deeply thankful that it was simply the music, if the words had been sung I would have had to pull

HOMEBODIES

Rita FRiesen over and weep. Ed and my youngest daughter loved to sing that song together, sometimes both on their guitar, but always harmonising. One of the last songs they sang together.

(Classmates noted that I was unusually quiet that day – as if I talk a lot!) This week, as I stepped out of my home for the last walk of the day, somewhere around midnight, the sky was so clear and the stars so bright that the words of another of Ed’s favourite songs, this time a Christmas song, rushed into my consciousness. ‘One a cold

Observation

By Addy Oberlin

T

he other day, someone gave me a bulb in a pot of dirt. A long stem sticks out and on the top is this big bud, ready to open. Every morning I look with expectation to see if the bud opened and the beautiful flower is showing.

Many of us are waiting to see what will be under the tree for them. The children have long wish lists and hope they get their favorite gift.

winter’s night, every star shone so bright…’ If my memory is correct, that’s a 50/50 right there, Cindy Church, Colleen Peterson, Sylvia Tyson and Caitlin Hanford formed the group Quartette and this song was on their Christmas album. As it would happen, our copy of the CD had literally been played to death, all I could find was the cover with an errant disc inside. So I did what I often do, searched the world wide web. No, either I have the words all wrong, or these words are hidden way deep in a song,

but I could not/cannot find the lyrics.

I marvel at the power of music. When the mind is tired and wandering, or even temporally absent, the songs of the past are often crystal clear. As I enjoy time with my senior friends, this eternal tie is so evident. Especially in this season when we bring out those songs we sing but once a year – from Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bells and Silver Bells, to Away in the Manger and Silent Night. Music has many faces.

Back to the ‘on a cold winter’s night, every star shone so bright…’ What I do recall is the words are soft and flowing and deeply moving. Therefore, is it a point of frustration or Divine Intervention that I am, at this point, unable to access the music and the memories?

The signs of Christmas show everywhere and everyone is full of expectation. Expectation of what? The presents that they will get? The food that will be served and eaten?

Mary and Joseph were expecting a baby and they had to walk a long way to get to the town of their origin.

When they arrived, the hotels were filled and they had to settle for a barn where the baby Jesus was born. His bed was a manger, nothing fancy, nothing what they had expected.

May our expectation this Christmas be a humbling remembrance of what happened two thousand years ago.

RIVERS BANNER 5

Letter A little change could be big Little thing are important. Sure, the big things grab the headlines: $422 million deficit; $842 million in interest payments; and $35 billion in provincial government debt. But making it a little easier for a Manitoban to pick up a bottle of wine on the way to a dinner party is worth talking about too.

Manitoba Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari announced that if she’s elected she’ll make it more convenient for Manitobans to pick up a six pack of beer and create new opportunities for businesses to sell liquor while also keeping kids from buying booze, protecting government liquor revenues and even ensuring public liquor store employees will have jobs.

Here’s what Ms Bokhari’s proposing: Private businesses such as grocery stores will be able to sell beer and wine while hard liquor will be available in stand-alone stores where kids aren’t allowed to shop. It’s the kind of amazing innovation we’ve all gotten used to seeing every time we cross the border into the U.S. Retailers that get caught breaking the rules and selling alcohol to kids will face higher fines and stiffer penalties.

Public store employees will get the chance take over the stores where they work with the support of government loans and those who don’t will be given other jobs within the government.

Private retailers will still have to buy their supplies from provincial warehouses. The government will apply a wholesale markup on all liquor. In other words, there’s no need to worry that the government won’t be able to collect its able share of cash from liquor.

Greg Selinger’s NDP opposes virtually any real reform of Manitoba’s liquor system. Never mind the fact that private liquor stores in Alberta have worked so well that NDP Premier Rachel Notley hasn’t made any move to nationalize them. Premier Selinger’s intransigence on liquor system reform isn’t surprising given his response to high taxes and spiraling debt has been to not take his foot off the gas.

The Conservative response to liquor reform is more puzzling.

“I get the strategy, politically, of throwing ideas around on things that people care about day-today,” said Conservative Leader Brian Pallister when asked about the Liberal proposal. “You know, cheaper beer tonight, happy guy. But that’s not who I’m going to elect to be the premier of the province of Manitoba.”

It is innovative to suggest that making voters happy by addressing everyday issues won’t translate to votes, but let’s leave that aside. Former Alberta Premier Ralph Klein made that province debt free while overhauling its liquor system at the same time. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has both lowered taxes and announced a dramatic reform of his province’s liquor system. While extremely important to reduce debt and cut taxes, making it more convenient to pick up a six-pack tells the average guy that a politician gets it.

Some will no doubt pat Ms. Bokhari on the head and say that she’s “doesn’t see the big picture.”

But the average Manitoban who would like to buy a six pack while grocery shopping may look at it differently. And a neighbourhood entrepreneur might appreciate the opportunity to hire an extra employee to sell that six pack. These are changes that are working just fine in other provinces and there’s every reason to believe they would work well in Manitoba too.

Todd MacKay Prairie Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation

6 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

RM of Oakview, Dec. 8: The following were appointed to various committees for 2015-16: legislative and finance, Brent Fortune, Kaye Wolstenholme, Neil Wilson; policy and procedure, Wolstenholme, Wilson, Mark Gill; personnel, Ken Hyndman, Walter Froese, Gavin Reynolds; RCMP advisory, Stephen Carter; Rapid City Fire Department, Hyndman, Jay Woloski; Oak River Fire Department, Gill; EMO Hamiota, Fortune; EMO Rivers, Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District (LSRCD), Minnedosa Primary Care, Wolstenholme; roads/bridges/ drainage, Wilson, Hyndman (Ward 1), Wolstenholme, Reynolds (Ward 2), Froese, Fortune (Ward 3); machinery/buildings, Reynolds, Hyndman (Wards 1 and 2), Froese, Gill (Ward 3); waste/recycling, Hyndman, Gill, Reynolds; Rapid City Cemetery, Rapid City Legion Gardens, Ron Burnell; Park Residence, Jean Fortune; Minnedosa Hospital Foundation, Cindy Ruddick, G. Crabbe, Fortune; Hamiota Hospital Foundation, Shoal Lake Vet, community development corporation (CDC), Newdale Hall, Fortune; Riverdale Health Centre, Dick Heapy; Midwest Planning District, Fortune,

Council clips Wolstenholme; Midwest Weed District, Froese, Wolstenholme; Minnedosa Vet, Ewan Common; Brandon & Area Community Foundation, Hyndman; Midwest Recreation, Reynolds or Fortune; Rolling Dale Enterprises, Roy Greer; Rapid City Library, Wilson, Donna Anderson, Daryl Andrew, Vera Kolesar; Clack Museum, Jim Brown; Senior Services, Burnell, Ted Rudniski; Oak River utility, Gill; Rapid City utility, Wilson.

An electrician is working on getting hydro hooked up at Cardale recycling depot. The recycling committee reported on a Nov. 19 meeting; costs for household pickup are to be obtained from two different companies. A variation order by Best Buy Homes to alter the minimum setback from 15 feet to five feet on Lots 1-3 Block 12 Plan 28, Rapid City was approved; a conditional use application by them to provide a modular home in the urban zone at Lots 18-20 Block 11 Plan 28, Rapid City was approved.

A bylaw to join Rapid City

Library passed first and second readings. Rapid City Golf Club’s request for a grant in lieu of taxes was tabled until the next meeting. Grants from the Alice Hamnett Trust were tabled until next meeting.

A policy regarding grants was discussed.Council agreed to donate trophies to the atoms’ Tournament of Champions in Oak River in January 2016.

Prairie View Municipality is withdrawing from Midwest Recreation District; a meeting to be held Dec. 14. A fire agreement with Town of Minnedosa was signed. More information is to be obtained regarding access to land for possible new dwellings. Council authorized the widening of an approach into 22-1421W, at the landowner’s expense with Oakview supplying the culvert.

Brenda Fansher has resigned as administrative assistant as of Dec. 15.

Finances: Levies were paid to Public Schools Finance Board, $5,529.74, Park West, $972.38 and Rolling River, $12,630.11.

Council transferred $5,000

to Oak River utility reserve from the Oak River utility operating;$1,000 to Rapid City utility reserve from Rapid City utility operating; $2,000 was transferred from Oak River utility operating to Oakview general to cover administration costs of the utility; $600 was transferred to Oak River utility and $380 to Rapid City utility for 2015 hydrant rental. The annual interest of $1,230.99 was paid to Basswood Community Club on the Basswood Cenotaph/Centennial Park Trust ($37.51) and J. R. Girling Memorial Trust ($1,193.48). Cemetery grants were paid to: Oak River, $1,795.17; White Bank Lea, $706.19; Marney, $1,218.19; Miller, $218.23; Rivers Mennonite, $1,937; Pettapiece, $1,012.47. Blanshard CDC was paid $2,100 to support the LSRCD office in Oak River. Council forwarded the provincial Rural Library Technological Sustainability grant of $3,055.56 to Rapid City Library. Council will apply to Manitoba Municipal

MANITOBA CANOLA GROWERS JUNIOR MEN’S AND WOMEN’S

PROVINCIAL CURLING

CHAMPIONSHIPS JANUARY 6-10, 2016 RIVERDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE, RIVERS TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: SUPER THRIFTY PHARMACY TEMPO PLACE EMPORIUM WAY-MOR AGENCIES ROLLING SPOKES (BRANDON) WWW.RIVERSRINK.CA

Government for up to $27,000 for costs incurred for amalgamation. Accounts of $2,503,950.82 and unpaid invoices of $79,086.88 were passed for payment. The next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.

Riverdale Municipality, Dec. 1: Glen Newton Engineering discussed the waste water lagoon expansion design, to explain the options and assist council in choosing between facultative or aerated proposals.

Newton’s recommendation is the facultative design; council concurred with the design by WSP (an engineering firm) to construct a facultative lagoon.

Plans to relocate Rivers Police Service to the for-

mer RM of Daly office will continue. Council met with Drew Caldwell, minister of Local Government, to discuss the future of policing in Riverdale. Council has requested the regulations for policing costs be changed to accommodate our unique situation; equal funding per capita was also requested. Rivers Cemetery Committee reports items/shrubs/plants/etc. are posing a problem for mowing; reminders will be sent out to be mindful of the policy for groundskeeping. An emergency backup plan at Riverdale Community Centre (RCC) was discussed. RCC staff will source out access to a generator on standby.

Letters have once again been removed from RCC; a new sign should be up soon. Riverdale Planning District reimbursed Riverdale Municipality $750.63 for costs incurred continued on page 7

Do you want to be a part of the biggest curling event ever to be held in Rivers?

These have already taken advantage of the opportunity to do so.

We would like to thank the following for their generous sponsorship to the Jan. 6-10 Canola Growers Junior Curling Championship: Riverdale Municipality Don Carter Providence Farms Rivers Home Hardware Way-Mor Agencies Woodworth Dodge Paddock Drilling Ltd. J.S. Henry Seeds Rivers Banner Gill Farms Ltd. RBC Royal Bank Tempo Place Emporium Veitch Electric RTM Transport Heritage Co-op Rolling Spokes McCallum Service Behlen Service Al and Donna Morken Hepson Brenda Gerrard Enns Brothers Star FM/CKLQ Bob FM/101.1 the Farm Kelleher Ford Sales Accu-Test Seed Lab Rivers Super Thrifty Pharmacy Westman Communications Group Shoal Lake Farm Equipment Resdper Enterprises Harvey and Wendy Wood and family Rivers and Area Lions Club Carol’s Time Again Treasures

Thank you again, and have a happy and joyous holiday season!

Sponsorship is still available to anyone who may be interested. For more information regarding sponsorship, please contact Brenda Gerrard at 204-720-7250 or icequeenrink@hotmail.com

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 7

Now that winter has finally come, gardeners tend to crave a couple of things — growing something that is useful (and usually edible) and looking for that wonder of growth beginning. Well, do I have a wonderful idea for you!

Let’s grow sprouts!

Home-grown sprouts are a healthy addition to a salad, sandwich or just about anything else. It is also a great way to get that gardening fix that we are beginning to crave. Growing sprouts is inexpensive, nutritious and easy. One could go so far to say that pound for pound, sprouts are perhaps the most nutritious food there is from the dollar value perspective.

Sprouts are the most concentrated and truly natural sources of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids known. Better yet, they can be grown indoors

Council clips continued from page 6 for a planning course and its related expenses. Councillor Dave Falkevitch will talk to Manitoba Conservation District and Rivers & Area Game & Fish Association regarding an informational evening to raise awareness on invasive zebra mussels, the effect it would have on Lake Wahtopanah and precautions we can take; council will provide the venue for such a meeting.

Council approved Peter and Jane Heath’s application for SW 14-12-20W to vary the minimum requirements from 300 feet to 51 feet. A public hearing has been set for Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the council chamber to consider three special service proposals, mainly street lighting in Bradwardine and Wheatland, garbage collection for Chimo/Highway 25/ Wheatland and the fire protection levy. Holiday hours were set for closing at noon on Dec. 24 and remaining closed until Dec. 28; regular hours will be observed Dec. 29-31; closed Jan. 1-3.

Growing sprouts

By Patricia Hanbidge Saskatoon School of Horticulture Principal in any climate and are ready to eat in only a few days. These tiny, easy-todigest plants are at their peak of nutritional value, as the seed releases all its stored nutrients in a burst of vitality in the journey to becoming a full-sized plant.

You could look at sprouts as a powerful battery of nutrients that can rival citrus fruits in vitamin C and beef in protein and actually surpass almost any other known food source in completeness!

Just one more positive is these squiggly little vegetables are delicious, economical and an ideal food for weight watchers, as one fully packed cup of mung, alfalfa or radish shoots contains fewer than 20 calories.

The challenge of growing sprouts is pretty low. It

is easy for almost anyone who wishes to enjoy fresh and natural food year round. If you have a spot where you are living that is comfortable for you and a good source of clean water, then you will be a successful sprout grower.

You just need to attend to your babies twice each day.

There are many sources for the seeds that are suitable for sprouters. For example, “seed quality” beans are better than “ food quality” beans as the seed quality will always show a better germination rate, which is important for those wanting to see sprouts grow. My favourite source for seeds to sprout has and will likely always be Mumm’s, as they are a local business that is totally dedicated to selling a quality product and they have superb selection. However

you may also purchase sprout seeds in health-food stores, specialty shops and many other mail-order houses and shops.

A basic sprouting system is simply any receptacle that is large enough to hold the finished sprouts, but not made of wood or metal. If you happen to be using pottery, then it is important to use a high-fired stoneware that will not contain toxic lead sulfate in the glaze. Containers of plastic, china, enamel and unglazed pottery are excellent choices. Since the sprouting container must be kept covered, anything that comes with its own lid is a good choice, including bean pots, crocks, canisters, coffeepots, fondue pots, cookie jars, chafing dishes, large plastic storage containers (Tupperware, Rubbermaid) and

Riverdale Municipality ~ Public Notice regarding Special Service Proposal No. 01-16 for fire protection PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to subsection 318(1) of The Municipal Act, that the Council of Riverdale Municipality has scheduled a public hearing in the council chamber of the Riverdale Municipality office in Rivers, Manitoba on the 5th day of January, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. to present the following special service proposal: The intent of this special service proposal is to levy a special tax for provision of fire protection services, to all benefiting property owners, including otherwise exempt and railway properties, in Riverdale Municipality.

The total cost of fire protection services for Riverdale Municipality is $ 95,202.04.

The special service area to be levied under this proposal will be all taxable, grant-in-lieu and otherwise exempt properties in Riverdale Municipality, including Classification 52, Railway companies at the following rates: Property classified as 30T, farmland only....................................$11.55 All other classes including 10, 20, 40, 50, 60 (this includes property with dual classifications) ........................ $75.89 The special service tax will raise $95,197.01. In addition, any unforeseen costs or unanticipated expenditures will be funded by the municipality’s operations budget and included in the general municipal levy.

The aforementioned special service tax will be set out in the financial plan for the years 2016 to 2019 inclusive.

A written objection may be filed with the chief administrative officer at the Riverdale municipal office, 670 Second Avenue, prior to the commencement of the hearing. At the hearing, Council will hear any potential taxpayer who wishes to make a presentation, ask questions or register an objection to the special service proposal.

All objections, written or verbal, must be filed prior to the adjournment of the hearing and must include the name, address and property description of the person filing the objection and the grounds of their objection.

Copies of the special service proposal are available for review and may be examined by any person during regular office hours of the Riverdale municipal office at 670 Second Avenue, Rivers, Manitoba.

Dated at Riverdale Municipality this 4th day of December 2015.

Kat Bridgeman, CMMA, Chief Administrative Officer Riverdale Municipality, Box 520, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0

plastic ice-cream pails/ tubs.

The instructions for growing are simple. Simply find a jar or other receptacle, a bit of fine netting, a rubber band, clean fresh water and of course, some seeds to germinate. If you have chosen to sprout in a jar, you can soak the seed in the same jar; if not, any sterile container will do. Use about one cup of water to every tablespoon of seed. Soak the seeds for a short time to get that germination started and then rinse and drain your seeds two to three times daily. I like to invert the jar on an angle in a small bowl to

allow the excess water to drain. Last but not least, enjoy! Swirl the finished sprouts in clean water to separate the hulls and rinse the sprouts gently.

Drain and allow to dry for a few hours and store in the fridge until consumed.

Hanbidge is a horticulturist with Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931GROW(4769) or growyourfuture@gmail.com. Check out saskhort.com, like us on Facebook (Saskatoon School of Horticulture) and/ or follow us on twitter @ horticulturepat.

Enrol now for distance courses leading to a diploma or a certifi cate. Learn from the comfort of your home and gain the skills and education to work in the fi eld of horticulture. Our graduates are recognized by the industry as superb additions to help their horticultural business grow! Please contact us at any method listed above for further information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are in need of volunteers to work shifts in the canteen throughout the Manitoba Canola junior curling provincials at Riverdale Community Centre (RCC) Jan. 6-10, 2015.

We would appreciate as much help as possible to make these provincials a success and to help build positivity in the community.

If anyone is interested please contact the RCC manager at 204-328-7753 or email rccmanager@mymts.net.

KARATE

may return!

Riverdale Recreation Commission is hoping to offer classes Tuesday nights, January-May, 7-8 p.m. at Riverdale Community Centre’s Redfern Hall, instructed by local black belt Adam Thompson.

10-15 registrants are needed to run the class; ALL ages (five-plus) are welcome.

If you are interested in this, phone 204-328-7753 or email rccmanager@mymts.net for details of cost and registration.

A try-it-for-free class will be available if we have enough interest.

8 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

At this special time of year, we’d like to take a moment to wish our special friends and customers a beautiful holiday season and a happy new year.

We’re truly grateful for your support.

FROM ANGIE AND THERESA AT

Angie’s Hair Salon & Gift Shop Phone 204-328-7844, Rivers CLOSED December 25-28 and January 1-7.

OPEN December 29-31.

Regular hours resume Friday, January 8.

Photo by Sheila Runions

Present possibilities Rivers Super Thrifty literally filled a truck full of ideas for gift giving this Christmas. If you have yet to complete your shopping list, you can cross-reference it to the one at the back of their truck or better yet, stop by their store to discover many treasures that will surely suit everyone to whom you wish to express your love.

It’s Christmas On The Town May you enjoy a glad and glorious yuletide season.

We have truly valued your friendship this year.

Gordon and Lois Allen

The town is bright with Christmas lights And sounds of celebration.

The windows are a wonder, With their cheerful decoration, People’s hearts are happy, And joy is in the air.

It’s Christmas on the town tonight; It’s Christmas everywhere!

Happy holidays!

May the wonder of the holiday season fill your heart with delight. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from

LUD of Oak River and LUD of Rapid City

Our heartfelt thanks to all our friends, Whether far or near.

We wish you Merry Christmas, And a wonderful new year!

Zella, MayBelle, Barry Twigge and families

As we celebrate the message of that very first Noel, we wish you and your family exceeding great joy this holiday season.

Froese Bros.

Construction Phone 204-328-7255 WALTER, PENNY AND FAMILY GEORGE, BRENDA AND FAMILY

May the season bring everything you could hope for.

We hope your holidays are filled to overflowing with joy and happiness.

From the staff at

Riverdale Health Centre

Students and Staff at Rivers Elementary School and Rivers Collegiate Institute wish all parents, students and friends a joyous and peaceful holiday season!

9 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Mistletoe’s myths and mystery

By Patricia Hanbidge Saskatoon School of Horticulture Principal From long ago to today, there has always been some fascination with mistletoe. The tradition of hanging mistletoe in the house goes back in time to the ancient Druids.

It was believed it had mystical powers which would bring both good luck to the house and ensure it was free of evil spirits.

That mystical power mistletoe has been awarded is likely due to the fact that when affected, deciduous trees have dropped their leaves so it becomes very noticeable with its evergreen tendencies.

There is much folklore surrounding mistletoe. It has been one of the most magical, mysterious and sacred plants of European folklore. Powers of mistletoe include the ability to bestow life and fertility, a powerful aphrodisiac, and protection against poison.

Mistletoe of the oak was especially sacred to the ancient Celtic Druids. On the sixth night of the moon, white-robed Druid priests would cut the oak mistletoe with a golden sickle. This ritual was later to symbolize the emasculation of the old king by his successor. It was gathered at both mid-summer and winter solstices, and our tradition of using mistletoe during the Christmas season is a leftover of the Druid and other pre-Christmas traditions.

We can blame Norse mythology for the

roots of kissing under the mistletoe. They believed mistletoe was a sign of love and friendship. The original custom in England was that a berry was picked from the sprig of mistletoe before the person could be kissed. When all the berries were gone, there was no more kissing!

The American or oak mistletoe (Phorandendron serotinum) is a parasitic plant that will only grow in deciduous trees like laurel oaks, sycamores, elms and hackberries, from Kansas to New Jersey. This parasitic plant will actually root into the wood of a tree and make a connection with the growing ring of the host. Mistletoe will make its own food but relies on the host for water and nutrients.

Plants really are amazing!

Mistletoe is generally spread from birds eating the seeds and then making deposits that land on suitable host trees. The builtin fertilizer aids in ensuring that mistletoe gets off to a fine start!

On the Prairies and British Coloumbia, a dwarf mistletoe (Arcethobium spp. ) is a more virile member of this family. It has an amazing reproductive technique where coil-shaped cells in the fruit store water and build up pressure over time. Usually around Labour Day the fruit explodes, shooting the seeds up to 20 metres away.

We like to call it a water pump seed ejection system of sorts. These dwarf mistletoe have resulted in the destruction of many stands of commercial timber.

The word mistletoe comes from two Anglo Saxon words, “mistel,” which means dung and “tan,” which means twig or stick. So I guess you could translate mistletoe as turd on a twig. Well, so much for the romantic side of mistletoe!

It is important to take care with mistletoe. Between 1985-92, United States poison control centres reported more than 1,500 cases of accidental poisoning of children and pets. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water after handling mistletoe. If you are pruning mistletoe for holiday decor, ensure you take the necessary safety precautions, including head and eye protection.

From all of us at Saskatoon School of Horticulture, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Hanbidge is a horticulturist with Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769) or growyourfuture@gmail.com. Check

out saskhort.com, like us on Facebook (Saskatoon School of Horticulture) and/ or follow us on twitter @horticulturepat.

Enrol now for distance courses leading to a diploma or a certificate. Learn from the comfort of your home and gain the skills and education to work in the field of horticulture. Our graduates are recognized by the industry as superb additions to help their horticultural business grow!

Please contact us at any method listed above for further information.

Wishing you, your family and your friends a holiday season of happiness, hope, peace and prosperity.

LEANNE ROWAT, MLA Riding Mountain Constituency E-mail leanne.rowat@leg.gov.mb.ca Phone 1-888-548-7499

This Christmas season as we reflect on the past year, we realize how fortunate we are to have so many wonderful customers who have truly become our friends. Your visits brighten our days!

May you and yours enjoy a very special holiday season.

Gary, Shelley, Jackie, Jill, Alice, Tara, Laila, Allison, Amie, Lauren, Joel, Karen, Marian and Marieke at

PHARMACY

Locally-owned

RIVERS, PHONE 204-328-7420

HOLIDAY HOURS: December 24: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

December 25, 26, 27 and January 1: CLOSED December 28-30: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-6 p.m.

December 31: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

We look forward to serving our loyal clients in Rivers area and we hope to see many new faces in the future.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the staff at

KNIGHT

ACCOUNTING SERVICE Certified Management Accountants

CMA CANADA

Shaping the Future

10 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Blessings this holiday season

By Leanne Rowat Riding Mountain MLA Another sitting in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly has come and gone, and with that comes another busy holiday season.

On Nov. 16 our new lieutenant-governor, Janice Filmon, stood in the chamber and read the last NDP throne speech before our 2016 provincial election. This speech was particularly special for me as it was my last one as an MLA, after 13 years representing first the Minnedosa constituency and now Riding Mountain. I was able to stand in the chamber on Nov. 24 and reflect on my time as an MLA and all the people I have been able to help along the way. More than that, I have enjoyed getting to meet many people who have done so much for their own communities and remind me why I decided to

become an MLA. As we head into the busy holiday season here in Riding Mountain, I am reminded of the unrest that is happening in many other parts of the world. In light of the tragedies we have seen in Paris and across the Middle East, I would like to remind each of you to take a moment during this busy time of year to stop and remember how blessed and lucky you are. We live in this beautiful region of Manitoba and have opportunities that millions of people around the world only dream of.

This holiday I am thankful and blessed for all of my constituents, friends and family. I wish each and every one of you a wonderful holiday season filled with happiness, love and family.

Clarification for community funding

By Donna Morken Chairperson Rivers & Area Community Foundation (RACF) applied to The Burns Foundation for a grant to assist in the replacement of the roof of the train station. RACF wishes to have a home in the train station to honour the bequest from Bernard Goekoop, whose donation formed RACF and who loved to sit and watch the trains.

Previous to this, RACF accepted a challenge from The Thomas Sill Foundation for a duration of 18 months.

In that time frame any financial gifts (donations, grants, flow through monies, stocks, etc.) coming to the RACF would be kept as a running total until Sept. 16, 2016.

At the end of that time, all gifts will be tallied up and Thomas Sill will donate $1 for every $2 gift, up to a maximum of $25,000.

With the Burns Foundation $50,000 grant we are now at that maximum number of $25,000 from Thomas Sill; that $25,000 will go to the capital fund of RACF, not roof replacement of the train station as reported in the Dec. 4 Rivers Banner. This extra $25,000 will then continue to grow interest and provide for many years of granting for various projects. Under the rules of Canada

Revenue Agency, foundations are only allowed to spend the interest from their capital fund, not the capital fund itself, as it is a permanent endowment to the community.

“HOME” IS WHERE THE HEART IS

As we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, we recount our many blessings, and your kind friendship is at the top of the list!

Merry Christmas to all and many thanks for helping to make this past year a fruitful one for us.

HOME & AWAY LODGE For reservations, call 204-328-7771 or 204-328-5338.

MARGERY SPEARIN

Prairie Crocus Regional Library, Rivers Board members and staff extend holiday greetings to all.

HOLIDAY HOURS: Closed December 24-January 5.

Regular hours resume Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.

As the season of celebration approaches, we’d like to extend our warmest wishes to all our good neighbours.

We’re proud to be a part of this fine community.

From Bruce McNabb, Irene McFarlin and Kim Pedersen at

Rapid City Insurance Services ~ 204-826-2658

May your “home” be blessed with joy.

We appreciate your patronage over the past year and we look forward to serving you with the friendly, knowledgeable staff you’ve come to expect. From our “home” to yours, Merry Christmas—we wish you love, joy, happiness and peace.

In this Christmas season

To all my Rivers and Rapid City friends: Christmas Greetings and all the best in the New Year.

Phone 2043287570 December 24: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

December 25-27: Closed December 28-30: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

December 31: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

January 1: Closed January 2: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

January 4: Regular hours resume

To all our friends we hold so “deer,” a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you to everyone who supported us this year. Thanks also to those who helped with our annual Senior Citizens Christmas supper.

Rivers and Area Lions Club

Legion Ladies Auxiliary

RIVERS BANNER

Look in the mirror A

By Lisa Smith Publicity The regular monthly meeting of Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary was held Dec. 7 in the upper hall; 24 members and two guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered

by Shelly Mom’s Kitchen.

Madame Katherine Wiebe received her life membership; she has been a member since 1957 and this was a good way to thank her for her service.

A donation was made to Starburst Foundation.

Membership dues are to be paid by Dec. 31 in order to be eligible for the early bird draw, which is a free membership.

Elections were held and the executive is as follows: Madame Marlene Hayhurst, president; Madame Donna Falkevitch, first vice-president; Madame Betty Frazer, second vice-president; Madame Debbie Williams, treasurer; Madame Lisa Smith, sergeant-at-arms; Madame Janice Worth, branch liaison; Madame Eleanor Childerhose, secretary. The next regular meeting will be held Jan. 4 , weather permitting; mesdames Gayle Bullee and Eleanor Childerhose are on lunch.

Lighten up and live!

By Rev. Glenna Beauchamp Rivers and Oak River United Churches “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear” is what’s often written on the side mirrors of vehicles. And that’s true! When I glance from side mirror to my rearview mirror, the car behind me suddenly gets a lot closer!

How close I think that car is depends on which mirror I’m looking at. How close do we think God is to us?

If we’re looking into the mirror of our human lives, if we believe God is like us, only bigger and more powerful, then we probably view God as quite far away, which is where we want Him to stay. Because we want to keep our distance from a god who loses his temper, who holds grudges, who is biased against some people, who needs to keep proving he’s a god. But if we look into the mirror of Jesus, we see a true image of God. We see a God who loves us unconditionally, a God who cherishes us as beloved sons and daughters, a God whose love for us drew Him to get as close to us as He possibly could — by coming to live among us in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

December 18, 2015 11

By Bruce Klassen Chief Rivers Police Service would like to remind people that our days are getting shorter so since we are losing more and more daylight, it is important to wear reflective clothing when walking or cycling. On two separate occasions people have almost been hit because they were wearing dark clothing while on the streets in Rivers and drivers of vehicles have almost struck a pedestrian/ cyclist. Let’s all have a safe Christmas!

Rivers Police Service was made aware of vandalism that occurred in Ancrum Cemetery near Bradwardine; vandals destroyed pots and knocked over headstones.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Rivers Police Service (204-328-7430) or Crime Stoppers (1-800-7828477).

A Saviour is Born

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.”

—Luke 2:7

May you and the ones you care for enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.

Merry Christmas from

Rivers Medical Centre

May you keep the spirit of Christmas in your heart all year round. We are thankful for your continued support and we look forward to serving you in the new year.

Dr. Anita Vermaak, Dr. Mandeep Dhaliwal, Dr. Heather Nowosad, Barb, Donna, Helen and Chrissy.

Best wishes from Heather and Larry,

HOLIDAY HOURS: DECEMBER 24-28: CLOSED DECEMBER 29-30: 8 A.M.-4 P.M. DECEMBER 31: 8 A.M.-12 P.M. JANUARY 1-3: CLOSED

Hair Dynamics

emories of past & present During a lifetime, many of the memories we cherish most will be made during the holiday season.

May your holiday season be bright with joy and happiness!

From all of us at

SPRINGLAND MFG.

Rivers

Phone 204-328-7358

hristmas Brent, Vern, Craig, Greg, Lawana and Leslie of Memories Chapel hope you will take the time to enjoy all this holiday season has to offer.

Time spent with family and friends.

Baby’s first Christmas.

A special meal shared with a house full of loved ones.

Consideration of those less fortunate.

The special joy which accompanies the spirit of giving.

1-855-727-0330 | 204-727-0330 ~ www.memorieschapel.com

12 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Hello-ho-ho-ho As shown on last week’s front page, Santa Claus was in Rivers on Dec. 5 for the annual parade held in his honour. He waved to everyone along the route and bellowed out his jovial greeting — when he wasn’t busy talking to people.

Photo by Sheila Runions

KICK UP YOUR HEELS and

Valdine’s Therapeutic Massage

CELEBRATE!

Here’s hoping your Christmas brings you peace, joy and all good things!

We appreciate your support and we wish you a very merry season.

From Cayla at

Students, staff & board of

Sparky’s Suds ‘N’ Such Dog Grooming, 204-328-7054

Phone 204-328-7590

I’d like to offer you my best wishes for your holiday celebration.

Thanks for your continued support.

I look forward to serving you again in 2016; call 204-328-5293.

Wishing You

®

The Place Emporium

...the Greatest Gifts!

management and staff proudly announce today’s specials: warm wishes and gratitude!

From Jim, Lianne and staff at

We thank you for your patronage this year and we look forward to serving you in 2016.

From executive and members of

Convenience store and fuel bar: 204-328-7893 Restaurant/lounge: 204-328-7730

869 Fifth Avenue, Rivers

Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 75, Rivers

Queen’s Hotel & Kitchen

Our best wishes for a holiday r, filled with good chee happiness, love and K contentment. THAN ur YOU RIVERS, for yo continued support.

RAPID CITY 204-826-2135

Bar open on Sundays, 12-8 pm.

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 13

Bethlehemian Rhapsody

By Lorrie Dyer Rivers United Church was buzzing with excitement on Sunday, Dec. 13 as 22 Sunday school children, several puppets and a real newborn baby presented the Christmas version of the popular Queen song, Bohemian Rhapsody. Of course, there was a “little silhouette-o of a” sheep, an electric guitar interlude duet and angels shining like “lightning — very, very frightening to me!” Producers and Sunday school teachers Shelley Foster and Becky Stewart created the three-tiered backdrop as well as the fabulous costumes and props.

Credit for the YouTube video was given to Fairfax, Virginia Church of Christ, with the clever lyrics written by Mark Brady.

Once stanza was, “It’s a wondrous story, anyone can see. Let’s give God the glory!

It’s a wondrous story to me.”

Before the children left the sanctuary for their Christmas party, they gathered two overflowing wagon loads of “white gifts” from the congregation for Rivers Christmas Cheer. Sunday school is now on a holiday and will reconvene on Jan. 10.

The next event we host will be a Christmas Eve celebration. Congregational carols will be from 7-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 with the official service, complete with a solo or two or three by our famous Hugh Russell, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 is the annual Lessons and Carols service at Rivers Baptist Church; all Christians in the district are encouraged to attend that service as it’s the only church in Rivers to be open that morning. It starts at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by light refreshments.

Baby Jesus (top inset) was worshipped by his parents, Joseph and Mary, and an assortment of animals (props below the manger and costumed children), angels, shepherds, wisemen and even a star.

Photos by Lorrie Dyer

Sutton-Harrison Realty

“Season greetings from my family to yours”

AN INDEPENDENT MEMBER BROKER

Lynne Miller (204) 724-3025 Fax

(204) 571-5905

lmiller@sutton.com www.LynneMiller.ca

Realtor

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May the company of loved ones and treasured memories bring you peace as you celebrate Christmas this year.

May the new year bring continued peace, joy, and happiness.

From all of us at

Campbell Flowers and Gifts AND

We hope you NAIL down a great season!

The holiday spirit is BUILDING and we wish to say, “Have an excellent holiday!”

Special thanks to our customers for your support this past year; it was our pleasure working with you.

CL

van Veen

Carpentry Ltd.

A full-service construction/carpentry company specializing in residential, commercial and farm buildings.

Phone 204-826-2292 clcarpentry@hotmail.ca LEO OR CHERRY VAN VEEN

24 Second Street Southeast, Hamiota 204-764-2744 or 1-866-620-2744 www.campbellfuneralhome.ca www.campbellflowers.ca

14

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Life membership for loyal lady K

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

athy Wiebe (nee Klassen) was born in Georgsthal, Southern Russia on June 23, 1925; a year later her family moved to Canada and in 1942 they moved to a farm near Rivers. Kathy left the district in 1943 but returned nine years later with a husband (Abe, deceased 2008) and two children (Dennis and Shirley). The years 195254 were spent living in Oak River and in August 1954 they moved to Rivers, where Kathy remained until 2011 when failing health necessitated a move to Onanole to live with her third and last child, Janey Brown. In July of this year Kathy was able to move back “home” when a suite was available in Riverdale Personal Care Home in Rivers.

During her years in Rivers, she was an active community supporter and one of those many organizations was Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

She joined that group on June 2, 1958 and on Dec. 7 the auxiliary held its annual Christmas party, which Kathy attended. It was then that her comrades honoured her with a life membership. The official

presentation of a certificate and pin were made by district commander Shirley Kamula while pastpresident Janey Brown had the honour of securing the pin on her mother’s lapel.

Kathy’s other daughter Shirley Lyon, and Kathy’s cousin Judy Pauls, both of Winnipeg, travelled to Rivers to be part of the Monday evening celebration.

Kathy joined in 1958 and six months later she agreed to serve as sick and welfare chairperson, a position she held for 1959; in 1960 and 61 she was in charge of ways and means. Kathy was elected vice-president in 1962 and 10 years later, she was elected for a twoyear second vice-president term. The years 1974-75 were spent as first vicepresident and then two more years as president.

The 1980s and 1990s she volunteered her time to act as auxiliary treasurer but she also served at higher levels — she was deputy zone commander in 1987, zone commander in 1992, deputy district commander in 1993 and district commander from 1997-2001.

As sergeant-at-arms from the late 1990s until early 2000s Kathy had the pleas-

ure of escorting executive members for installation, new members for initiation and participating in many colour parties.

The application form submitted for consideration of her life membership states, “Kathy never shied away from taking an office within the auxiliary and sat on more committees than listed here. She would also perform any duties when she was called upon and attended local meetings regularly. Kathy never failed to attend all zone, district and provincial conventions when she could and within the scope of her duties. Kathy was a willing worker and often found herself helping with fundraisers such as bingos, raffles, teas, canvassing for Red Cross or Salvation Army and just about anything where an extra hand was needed.

“Her youngest daughter was very much influenced by her mother’s dedication to the Legion Auxiliary. Janey’s dedication to Branch No. 75 auxiliary is a testament to the passion Kathy displayed and instilled within her family.

Kathy’s exemplary dedication is evident even now, as she continues to attend

Photos by Donna Morken

Past-president Janey Brown pins her mother, Kathy Wiebe, with her life membership; Kathy is all smiles once the official ceremony is over.

regular meetings even though the state of her health sometimes interferes.

“She was an eager volunteer not only with the Legion Ladies Auxiliary but within her community. Kathy sat on Rivers United Church board as well as singing in the church choir. She was a member of Rebekah Lodge and Seniors for Seniors group. As she continued her working life, and as her children grew up playing

Wishing one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

sports, she could often be seen watching baseball, football, volleyball and basketball games.”

Rivers Legion Ladies

Auxiliary was chartered on May 28, 1946 and now has two life members, Kathy, aged 90 and charter member Zella Twigge, aged 95.

Moo-y Christmas from

RIVERS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY A BIG THANK YOU to the public for attending this year’s fair.

Dr. Craig Fedorowich and the team at Hamiota Dental 204-764-2388

Also thank you to our major sponsors: Riverdale Municipality, Gordon and Lois Allen, Enns Brothers John Deere, Westoba Credit Union, Home Life Realty, Virden Mainline Motor Products, Redfern Farm Services, Way-Mor Agencies, Tempo Place Emporium, Kroeger Backhoe Services Ltd., Springland Mfg., Redsper Enterprises, Gill Farms Ltd., Pendennis Hills Farms, J.S. Henry Seeds, Rocky Mountain Equipment, Lakeside Septic Service, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 75 Rivers, HTA Charolais, and ALL businesses, organizations and volunteers.

2016 dates are Tuesday, July 5: MGRA/4-H

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 15

A perfect parade day Riverdale Municipality went all out for this year’s Santa Claus parade in Rivers on Dec. 5. Mayor Todd Gill passed out candy from his quad, which pulled an oversized bear; urban public works decorated not only a flatdeck, but even covered the tires with snowflakes; rural public works decked out a grader with tinsel, bows, a Santa hat, stockings and a wreath. Rivers Police Service led the parade and because of record-breaking warm temperatures, they asked children (and chaperones) to collect candy from the cruiser, which took a considerable amount of time, but no one minded.

Whether you’re home for the holidays or on the move, we hope you’re surrounded by the cozy warmth and good feelings of a real old-fashioned Christmas.

Have a very happy and prosperous new year.

Riverdale Municipality MAYOR: Todd Gill Photos by Sheila Runions

COUNCILLORS: Darren Bray, Larry Fast, Ian Dyer, Bryan Smith, Ken Tait, Dave Falkevitch ADMINISTRATION: Kat Bridgeman, Marci Quane, Sharon Lamb, Bonnie Noort RIVERS POLICE SERVICE: Chief Bruce Klassen, Sergeant Robert Futrell, Constables Darwin Drader, Jennifer Griffin, Andrea Kroeker, Brett Seib

This issue has the largest number of pages ever produced by Rivers Banner in our 23 years of service here!

This is due only because of the involvement of our advertisers, whose financial support is also responsible for bringing you a free newspaper each week.

We thank them ever so much for their encouragement, which keeps us in business and you informed.

Please remember the office is now closed and will re-open on Monday, Jan. 4. The next paper will be dated Jan. 8 and deadline for information in that issue is Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 5 p.m. We look forward to working with you again in the new year.

MUNICIPAL WORKS: Randy King, Jeff Worth, Craige Madden, Mike Beaule, Richard Allen, Mike Perreault RIVERDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Manager Navi Gill, Brian Mitchell, Rob van Dixhoorn, Cody Sedgwick ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER/WATER METER READER: Dallas Murray WASTE MANAGEMENT OFFICER: Grant Ramsay RIVERS HANDI-TRANSIT: Co-ordinator Betty Nielsen, Driver Garry Nielsen

16 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Rocks are rolling

There’s no place like home, especially at Christmas!

Wherever your travel, wherever you roam, Always remember: “There’s no place like home!”

So to those of you who’ve done business here, Thanks for brightening up our year!

Photos by Sheila Runions

O Night Divine

munity on t m he

mo ve!

Rivers and district

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

RIVERS

May the warm light of our Saviour’s love illuminate your path at the holidays and all year.

Wishing all your families peace and joy in this season and the new year.

From Kelly, Cheryl and all the staff.

We value the gifts of your friendship and patronage, and we wish you a blessed and joyous season.

Merry Christmas from all the staff at

Phone 204-724-6870 or E-mail alepp@redlinetransport.ca

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all who supported our Santa Claus parade in any way. Thank you for your continued support of our business district.

Merry Christmas!

Ac o

Rivers Curling Club entered this two-part float in Rivers and Brandon Santa Claus parades. Brandon awarded the group most original design for turning scooters into curling rocks (inset) and having a game in progress on the flat deck. The curlers hollered loud as they swept the “rock” (moved by pulling a string) into the rings. The giant curling rock now sits on the northwest corner of Main and Hwy. 25 promoting the Jan. 6-10 provincial curling event in Rivers. The hockey ice at Riverdale Community Centre will be converted to curling so 32 junior rinks can play eight sheets in one draw.

Shawn, Tanya, Chase and Blake; Harry and Joan

HOLIDAY HOURS: Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Christmas Day (Dec. 25), closed Boxing Day (Dec. 26), 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.

New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), closed

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 17

A Christmas message

By Robert Sopuck Dauphin-SwanR iver-NeepawaM P As your member of Parliament, I wish everyone in the Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa Constituency, “Best wishes for Christmas and this holiday season!”

Christmas is a time for us to reflect on what is truly important: our families, our friends and our communities. As you celebrate this wonderful time of year, take the opportunity to count your blessings and reflect on Canada’s good fortune, rejoice in the memories of the year past and look forward with hope to the days ahead.

The holiday season reminds us to reach out to those who may be less fortunate and who may be living with hardships. It is important that we all make that extra effort to help our neighbours and those who may be in need.

As we look back on this year we can be thankful for the great prosperity we have as a country, even though the global economy remains fragile. Canada can be proud of being a model for other nations and being considered one of the world’s best countries in which to live!

We can be proud of the key position our nation has filled in supporting the development of values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law in other countries that are facing important challenges. We are extremely

proud of the men and women of our Canadian Armed Forces and other law enforcement personnel, who are instrumental in protecting us from the violence of terrible regimes and everyday crimes. Please keep them in your prayers, not just during this Christmas season, but throughout the year.

On a personal note, I thank you for your support and confidence to represent our constituency’s values in the House of Commons. My goal, as your member of Parliament, is to ensure the government recognizes the values of the towns, rural communities and farms that make up the riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa.

Whether it is by speaking in the House of Commons on your behalf, or putting forth your interests in the many Standing Committees, I have enjoyed working on your behalf. I will continue to defend our resource industries and the rural way of life as the critic for Wildlife, Conservation & Parks Canada.

My wife Caroline and I wish you and your family a truly blessed and peaceful Christmas season, and a healthy, happy 2016!

May peace, joy and happiness be yours this festive season and throughout the year.

From Program Participants, Staff and Board of Directors

Rolling Dale Enterprises Inc.

Here’s a Christmas wish,

DESIGNED especially for you: May you enjoy all the best of the Christmas season with family, friends and neighbours.

Rivers/Rapid City Seniors’ Services Inc. board and co-ordinator Jean Young 204-764-0440 or 204-328-7316 after hours

May your holiday be filled with all the love and colours of the season!

Jeannie’s Interiors Professional Painting & Decorating

Jeannie Bos

204-573-1150 Rapid City, MB jeanniesinteriors@hotmail.com

May you find peace, hope and strength this holiday season.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Best Wishes to all. Thank you for your support over the past year.

Wendy, Wen, Helen, Emily Chen and staff

From all of us at

LEE’S RESTAURANT Rivers 204-328-7502 HOLIDAY HOURS December 21-29 ..............................Closed December 30 and 31 ........... 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

January 1 .....................................12-7 p.m.

Regular hours resume Saturday, Jan. 2.

PLEASE NOTE: We will also be closed Jan. 18-Feb. 18 for a holiday; regular hours will resume on Friday, Feb. 19.

18 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

To the very young, the not-so-young and the young-at-heart, we send our warmest wishes for a delightful holiday season.

From the crew at

A festive float

Redfern Farm Services in Rivers found some giant candy canes to accent the corners of their float, which they entered in Rivers’ Santa Claus parade on Saturday, Dec. 5.

The float also had a balloon tree, a sleigh with two youth riders and some reindeer.

M&M Drilling Photo by Sheila Runions

204-328-7112 or 204-729-7770

Rapid City & District Co-op would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday season.

We would like to thank you for your continued support.

Store hours: Christmas Eve Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day

7 a.m.-6 p.m.

CLOSED 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

7 a.m.-6 p.m.

9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Merry Christmas and many thanks for your patronage in 2015.

Best wishes for 2016.

From management and staff of

Phone 204-328-7728 Cell 204-725-6255

On behalf of the residents, staff and Adult Day Program clients, we wish you and your family the warmest of Christmas greetings!

Thank you for your continued support of all the activities we do throughout the year at Rivers Health Centre and Riverdale Personal Care Home.

All the best in the new year!

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 19

Snowblower safety tips: keep them in mind

By Ami Neiberger-Miller Winter weather is on its way to many areas. It’s important to keep safety in mind when using a snowblower to clear walkways and driveways. Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is offering tips for safe and correct use of snowblowers.

“Your indispensable winter friend, the snowblower, is ready to be powered up and it’s important to keep safety in mind,” says OPEI president and CEO Kris Kiser. “Be sure to prepare and consider the following tips before you use your equipment.”

• Review your owner’s manual and check your equipment. Check your owner’s manual for safe handling procedures from your manufacturer. If you forgot to drain the fuel last winter before storing your snowblower, drain the tank now. Adjust any cables.

Check the auger (the snowblower should always be completely powered off

when you are checking the equipment). Know how to operate the controls; you should be able to shut off your equipment quickly.

• Prepare your fuel and handle it properly. It’s important to have the right fuel on hand for your snowblower – movement and fuel availability may be limited during a snowstorm. Be sure to use the correct fuel, as recommended by your equipment’s manufacturer (for more information on fueling properly see www.

LookBeforeYouPump. com). Fill up the fuel tank outside before you start the engine and while the engine is cold. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.

• Be sure to clean the area you intend to clear with your equipment. Snow can sometimes hide objects that, if run over by a snowblower, may harm the machine or people. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys,

boards, wires and other debris should be removed from the areas you intend to clear.

• Dress appropriately. Wear safety glasses and footwear that can handle slippery surfaces.

• Never put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean-out tool (or stick) to unclog snow or debris from your snowblower.

Make sure the snowblower is in the off position before addressing any clogs, and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs or debris.

• Only use your snowblower in visible conditions. Never operate the snowblower without good visibility or light.

• Aim your snowblower with care. Never throw snow toward people or cars. Do not allow anyone to stand in front of your snowblower chute. Keep children or pets away from your snow blower when it

is operating.

• Use extreme caution on slopes and hills and use caution when changing directions on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.

• Know where your cord is. If you have an electric powered snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Avoid tripping and do not run over the power cord.

More safety tips and

information are available at www.opei.org.

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute is an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry and represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across Canada.

Customers like you are the main ingredients in our success. Thanks for sweetening our year with your patronage; serving you is our treat!

Empire Upholstery and Appliance Repair Rivers, MB

204-574-4966 empire73@mts.net

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you the warmest best wishes for this Christmas season, and peace, good health and happiness throughout the new year.

Norm’s

K

ustom orral leaning

204-710-2109

Merry Everything & Happy Always!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season from Westoba Credit Union.

Norm and Beverley Bridgeman

Good friends make it all worthwhile!

In the spirit of this holy season, we’d like to extend our best wishes to you and your family, along with our thanks for your goodwill all year long.

With sincere appreciation for your valued patronage this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone.

JAKE, LYNN TYSON, and KIM KROEGER of LTD.

Building Community.

One Member at a time. westoba.com | 1-877-WESTOBA

Don Ramsey 204-725-1530

20 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Finding the joy of Christmas

By Linda Rioux

On the last episode of Dancing with the Stars this past November, I heard the haunting song by Faith Hill, Where Are You, Christmas? One line in particular remained in my mind after the show: “My world is changing…” Boy is that true of our world today! No one watching the news now can say that our safe, comfortable Canada is still here.

The opening line of that song, “Where are you, Christmas? Why can’t I find you?” truly expresses our predicament in this changing world. But real Christmas — a joyful Christmas — can still be found. We may need to wade through a lot of stuff, commercial and traditional, to find it, but that stuff isn’t necessarily bad, just distracting. Let’s

look at some of it and see if we can dig deeper into the heart of the holiday.

The Christmas tree: Use of the Christmas tree began in Germany hundreds of years ago. Tribes there worshipped oak trees, decorating them for winter solstice. Christian missionary St. Boniface cut down an enormous oak tree that was beloved by a certain tribe, but a fir tree grew in its place. This evergreen was set up as a symbol of eternal life by St. Boniface and it began to be decorated as a symbol of Christianity. Prince Albert of Germany took the practice to England when he married Queen Victoria, and German troops during the American Revolution probably brought the practice to New England.

Mistletoe: Thousands of

years ago pagan Druids believed mistletoe fell from heaven and grew on a tree, so representing the joining of heaven and earth and God’s reconciliation with mankind. It’s a nice idea, but kissing under it doesn’t help anyone get to heaven!

Holly: This is a very popular method of decoration now. Holly has sharp edges, symbolic of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at His crucifixion.

The red berries represent His blood, shed for our sins.

Yule log: The word yule meant “infant” in ancient Chaldean. In the 1200s northern Europeans celebrated “Yule-day” or “Child’s Day.” The log would be sprinkled with salt, oil and wine, then prayers would be said to protect the house

from lightning and the devil. After stoves replaced giant hearths, the yule log became decorative, developing into the pastry and cake confections we see today.

Candy canes: Some historians believe the candy cane was developed by a confectioner to represent Jesus. The J shape was the first initial of His name and also represented a shepherd’s staff; the white colour symbolized purity and the red stripes His shed blood.

Christmas cards: This custom began in Victorian England as a way to greet many friends, family members and business acquaintances from far away. Writing all those letters had become a daunting task. Sir Henry Cole, a businessman and John

Calcott Horsley, an artist, made and printed some black and white cards. By 1862 cards were being mass produced and the practice widely adopted.

Santa Claus: He was a real person. Saint Nicholas was a fourth century bishop from Asia Minor, famous for giving gifts, in secret, to needy children. His feast day on Dec. 6 became a children’s holiday in Holland. English colonists in New York, having trouble pronouncing the Dutch name, began calling him Santa Claus and started celebrating the children’s day at Christmas time.

The largest problem with the mythical Santa Claus Coca Cola developed for advertising gain in the early 20th century is that some parents continue to perpetuate the fantasy as truth. Children have been shown to feel deceived and betrayed when they find out the truth about the “jolly old elf.” Parents who play the Santa game as a fun, not real, part of the season run less risk of having greed and materialism overtake their holiday celebrations. Using the history of the real Saint Nicholas to encourage continued on page 21

15123SS3

from the members

and executive of Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 75 Ladies Auxiliary

ALL THE BEST IN 2016!

Riverdale Golf and Country Club

WE’RE ALWAYS AT YOUR

would like to thank our members, and everyone, for your support in 2015.

SERVICE AND ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

At this time of reflection, we give thanks to the Lord for the many blessings we enjoy, including the gift of your friendship.

Merry Christmas!

To all our Rivers and Daly friends, from Closed December 24-January 1.

Warren and Maggie Smallwood

A

For those last-minute gift ideas, we have gift certificates available for memberships.

Membership fees: family, $660; single, $390; junior, $75.

Certificates are available by writing to Riverdale Golf and Country Club, Box 117, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 or by calling Janice at 204-328-5281.

“Merry Christmas!” from the board and staff.

Finding Christmas joy Continued from page 20 children to give to others as a representation of the gifts the Wise Men gave to Jesus at His birth will help keep the whole family centred on the real meaning of Christmas.

And so we come to the heart of the season, the real meaning of Christmas — the only source of true joy.

It is the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, sent by God the Father, in His great love for us. So many people know the famous Bible verse John 3:16 because you see people holding cards at all kinds of events with that verse printed on it. But what does it really say?

“For God so loved the world (that’s every single one of us) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” — John 3:16 and 17.

You are not condemned — that is sentenced to death — because you can’t be perfect all the time. God knows that. From before the world began, He had His plan of salvation ready to go because He knew we’d mess up.

Once He gave us free will, the ability to choose what we want to do, He knew all of us would go off the rails

of right or wrong. God, being holy and perfect, cannot be in relationship with a sinner, so Jesus is the bridge to God, the only way back to Him. And it is so simple — take God at His word, simply believe! You can’t earn salvation, you can’t do anything nice to get it, no church practice can lead to it, no lighting of candles or ringing of bells can offer it. Only your choice, to believe God or not, can get you to heaven. So why not believe Him? He is your special Christmas gift, to you, from God. The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. All the rest is stuff you can use or not. Traditions are extras, not the reason for the season.

So to finish with Faith Hill’s song lyrics, as we began: “The joy of Christmas stays here inside us, fills each and every heart with love. Where are you, Christmas? Fill your heart with love.”

And that love is God’s, expressed in His gift to you of His son, Jesus Christ. Open your heart today and invite Him in – there is true joy!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Linda Rioux, Rapid City.

WX For your last-minute gift buying I will be OPEN DEC. 24 UNTIL 4 P.M.!

CTime AROL ’ S Again TREASURES

new, nearly new & collectables h

.

.5

6

Closed December 25-January 4.

Regular hours January 5-9.

Closed January 10-February 1.

Regular hours resume February 2.

At the Birth of our Saviour May your home be filled with His light and love this holiday season and may the spirit of Christmas burn brightly in your heart for a long time to come.

BETH SCHAFER

Thinking of you at Christmas May the spirit of Christmas fill your heart and home with peace, joy and contentment.

RM

Peace on Earth Thank you for your patronage this past year—all the best for 2016!

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 21

OF

OAKVIEW

Reeve, Council and Staff Wishing you an old-fashioned holiday filled with memories you’ll treasure always.

From the board of

Clack Family Heritage Museum

WCG-TV RIVERS CHANNEL 12

REJOICE IN HIS LOVE. “God rest you merry gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay; Remember Christ our Saviour, Was born on Christmas Day.” -Anonymous

We send our best wishes for a joyous holiday with our sincere gratitude for your patronage.

It may be cold outside, but our hearts are warmed by the thoughts of the many good people we’ve had the privilege to meet and serve.

Merry Christmas and sincere thanks to all of you.

From Cam, Denise, Eric and Marnie at

Mr. T’s Services We stock Boss lubricants.

Ph: 204-566-2341, Oak River Emergencies call 204-566-2369 HOLIDAY HOURS Closed Dec. 19-27 and Jan. 1-3.

Open Dec. 28-31: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Regular hrs. (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) resume Jan. 4.

Rivers Banner re-opens January 4

It’s a wonderful time of the year, and we hope everyone experiences the many joys of the season.

Please accept our sincere appreciation for doing business with us.

Hunt, Miller & Co.

See Jack Cram in Rivers on Thursdays from 2-5 p.m.

204-328-7540 or 204-727-8491

22 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Super-sized snowman Inflatible characters were used by many float construction crews for the annual Santa Claus parade in Rivers. Olaf hitched a ride on Sven the reindeer (animations from the Frozen movie) and joined Frosty on the Daly Repair float but only Frosty has remained behind. He sports his grin and waves to all from his prominent spot between the two garage bay doors which face Hwy. 25.

and thank you to everyone for a fantastic 2015.

Remember: Rivers Banner is closed until Monday, Jan. 4

Photo by Sheila Runions

Whether you spend Christmas at home or away, may the true spirit of the season reside in your heart every day. For the privilege of serving you, we offer our thanks. Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful year.

204-328-7474

Rivers Baptist Church prays you have a Christ-filled CHRISTmas.

Kenton/Oak River Consumers Co-operative management, staff and board of directors

Rivers Ministerial Association invites you to join us Sunday, Dec. 27 at 10:30 a.m. for the annual Lessons and Carols community church service.

Light refreshments will follow this service, hosted this year at Rivers Baptist Church.

December 24, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-2 p.m.

Closed December 25-28 December 29-30, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m.

December 31, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m.

Closed January 1 January 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Thank you for your continued support.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From the staff of

from Dr. Stewart and his staff

Phone 204-328-5346 and

We wish you all the best at Christmas... and always!

Thanks for your faith in us.

Even though snow is blanketing the landscape, we’re warmed by having such good friends and neighbours around us this season.

We hope you have a joyful and festive holiday, and a very happy and healthy year ahead.

Happy holidays to you and yours.

Brandon: 204-717-8000 Hamiota: 204-764-2550 Healthy Spine ~ Healthy Body

Way-Mor Agencies Rivers and Oak River

Testing for Tomorrow’s Success $'*" "$$3&%*5&% r $4* 26"-*5: 4:45&.4 "11307&%

Phone 204-328-5313

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 23

Last-minute gardening gifts

By Mark Cullen

Know something about gardeners?

They may be the easiest people on your gift-giving list to find gifts for! For one thing, you do not need to leave home to acquire (notice I am avoiding the use of the word “buy”?) an appropriate and exciting gift. Secondly, gardeners love nature, which is all around us. All you need to do is use some imagination to come up with some wonderful one-of-akind gifts that will be memorable. Once again, I am here to help: Hands. Gardening is a hand-craft. Few of us think of it this way, but here it is.

A pair of gloves (good gloves, with reenforced finger tips and a flexible, breathable knuckle), hand pruners (a pair that will last until the gardener can’t garden any more), hand tools like a stainless steel trowel, cultivator or my favourite, a large volume hand scoop, or a hand-book that identifies local bugs (good and bad) and weeds.

Save my back! When it hurts to bend down to pull a weed or prune a rose, there are alternatives! Here are some back saving devices I have found useful (speaking as one with a chronically-weak lower back).

Speedy weeder. A long handled device for pulling weeds that is easy and immensely effective at the job. Each time

you “pop” a weed, you aerate the soil around the roots of grass plants. Double whammy!

Long handled digging tools. I wear out my long handled garden tools before I get my short D-handled tools dirty. Why? Because they save me from stooping and bending! Look for the stainless steel versions of long handled tools when giving to someone really special.

Long handled loppers. Look for quality tools for cutting thick wood from trees and shrubs. Some provide extended handles that help you reach up to four feet further. Some are ratcheting which means that with a couple or three pulls on the handle, you can cut through thick, green wood one increment at a time — easy!

Learn. Gardeners love to learn. Recently I read a great book called The Founding Gardeners by Andrea Wulf, how gardening helped to “found” the United States. It is a lesson on history, botany, horticulture and perhaps most useful of all, it helps us understand the critically important role of gardening in our recent past and therefore, who we are (or, more accurately, who Americans are).

There are lots of great Canadian books out there too: look for Stephen Biggs’ book on figs and his latest for kids that is co-written with his daughter Emma and

It’s a Winter Wonderland

In the spirit of the season, we’d like to extend our best wishes for a holiday that’s filled with harmony, contentment and joy.

Thank you for your business and we look forward to serving you in 2016!

Grow Gardeners (Kid tested Gardening with Children: a four-step approach).

Experience. Gardeners love to experience plants and nature outside of their own environment. It is one of the most effective ways to learn and to meet likeminded people. Consider a membership in a local (or not so local) botanical garden or conservation society. All of them can be accessed online for membership.

If you think about it (or Google it) you will no doubt come up with some public gardens and green spaces that need your support and are worthy of it within driving distance of where you live.

Consider buying them a tree — or a few — to help populate the Highway of Heroes through the Living Tribute campaign. Go on line to www.hohtribute.ca and donate $25-$500 for assorted trees.

The goal is to plant one tree for each of Canada’s fallen in war since Confederation; I know your generosity would be appreciated.

What are friends for? Gardeners need help (no, not THAT kind of help!). Culti-

vating, planting, nurturing, growing and harvesting is hard work and it takes time.

How about lending a helping hand? Make a gift of yourself by offering a few hours of weeding, bringing empty pots up from the basement or garage this spring and filling them with container mix, pruning an old apple tree or whatever — you get the idea. A gift of yourself. Gee, I hope my kids read this. When you come over to lend a hand, bring a thermos of coffee (or a six pack – I assume that you know the preferences of your friends).

And that is hardly it…. photographs, bird seed and feeders, hand lotion and soap, a hat, gardening knee pads (which are different from the popular heavy-duty knee pads people use for laying carpet) and gardening magazines can all fit the bill.

Merry Christmas!

Cullen appears on Canada AM every Wednesday morning at 8:40. He is the lawn and garden expert for Home Hardware. Sign up for his free monthly newsletter at www. markcullen.com.

Here’s hoping your holiday is filled with excitement from beginning to end. Thanks to all our good friends and customers; you’re the driving force behind our success.

Mark and Shelley send you our very best wishes this season.

Wishing you a holiday that overflows with love, happiness, friendship and good fortune.

Thanks for hanging in there with us this year.

We truly appreciate your business!

From Jim, Donna and staff of

From all of us at:

Jim Hillis Trailer Sales 4 miles west of Brandon on Hwy. 1 then 2.5 miles north on PR 270

Rivers, Phone 204-328-5325

204-728-7207 204-729-7455 (cell)

24 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Local residents change lives

By Kristian Foster Rivers Banner readers might be interested to know just how generous Manitoba is. Spoiler alert, the answer is, “Very!”

Last year Manitobans purchased 2,300 essential items from the World Vision gift catalogue – tangible donations like livestock, clean water, access to education and medical supplies for children and families in developing countries.

This shows the value people have to help others, especially over the holiday season. Charitable gifts, a donation you make in someone’s name and give them as a gift, is an increasingly popular holiday tradition – and a great way to honour the big-hearted person on your gift list.

Provincially, more than 2,400 people from Manitoba gave from the gift catalogue, which included one person in Cardale who donated $100, two people in Rapid City who gave $230 and eight people in Rivers who gave $1,300 worth of life-changing items.

An October 2015 survey by Ipsos Reid shows that of Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents, 80 per cent of them prefer to give a gift that helps someone in need.

Every gift from the catalogue will change a life, so you can choose the present that’s most meaningful for you, and the person you’re giving it to, knowing it will meet a critical need in places where World Vision works.

$2 million committed in November

By Amanda Thorsteinsson Communications Officer More than 58,000 people in seven countries will benefit from projects totaling $2 million committed by Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) in November. The projects are being implemented by CFGB members Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCCC), World Relief Canada, World Renew and United Church of Canada, in collaboration with local partners.

One project, through MCCC and their local partner Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, is responding to the needs of people in South Sudan. For eight months, the project is providing 15,000 students in 45 schools a nutritious meal each school day. These meals encourage school attendance, improve student health and school performance.

In Sierra Leone, World Relief, with financial support from United Church, is working with small-scale farmers in Pujehun District. It is difficult for farmers in this area to access the seeds and tools they need, and there are no extension workers to provide advice. Many farmers have difficulty growing enough food to feed their families year-round.Through World Relief’s local partner ,the project is supporting 200 farmers in learning appropriate farming methods, and providing tools and seeds. Their families are also receiving nutrition education.

Other November projects include food assistance in Palestine and Ethiopia and agriculture/livelihood projects in India, Kenya and Liberia.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY PROS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

* Excavating * Plumbing and heating * Gravel, stone and rip rap * Snow removal * Demolition Jake: 204-761-0900 Tyson: 204-761-8765 * Septic tanks and fields

Way-Mor Agencies Ltd. Insurance, Travel, Investments, Real Estate

Phone 204-328-7540 204-566-2490

Hair Dynamics • Residential & Commercial • Farm Wiring & Trenching

Brandon - Rivers

204-761-2192

204-573-2120, Rivers magnumwdwrks@gmail.com

james@grandslamplumbing.com

STEVEN KROEKER

204-761-8792/204-571-9444

Professional Painting & Decorating

Jeannie Bos

204-573-1150 Rapid City, MB jeanniesinteriors@hotmail.com

Phone 204-727-0694 or 1-800-897-5694 www.brockiedonovan.com

ALEXANDER ELECTRIC 204-721-4320

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

Place Emporium

Jeannie’s Interiors

This space is available for you!

Only $9.50/wk.

204-328-7494 for more details.

204-764-2744

Ph. 204-328-7893

KNIGHT

CL

van Veen Carpentry Ltd.

Specializing in residential, commercial, farm building.

LEO OR CHERRY VAN VEEN 204-826-2292 or clcarpentry@hotmail.ca

CMA CANADA

Shaping the Future

ACCOUNTING SERVICE New home builds; Major renovations; Plumbing HVAC; Geothermal experts. kcandb.ca/204-725-3691

Certified Management Accountants

Hamiota: 71 Maple Ave. 204-764-2544 Brandon: 20-18th St., 204-727-5927 knightcm@mymts.net

1-855-727-0330 | 204-727-0330 www.memorieschapel.com

RIVERS BANNER

For all your electrical needs Serving Rivers and area since 1906.

Ph. 204-328-7435

Finishing, custom carpentry and renovations

204-867-2416/204-867-7558

Phone 204-727-8491 or 204-328-7540 (Thursdays, 2-5 p.m.) for appointments.

OPEN Tues., Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

Mini storage units for rent.

Actively serving Rivers and area on Wednesdays with competitive rates.

To book appointments, call Bryan at

Jack Cram, Lawyer

Stylist Heather Fast Stylist Wendy Harder Stylist/nail tech Melissa Roberds

Magnum Woodworks

Lakeside Septic Service

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Hamiota’s

Ph. 204-724-6870 Fax 204-328-4407 alepp@redlinetransport.ca Dry bulk transportation

Do you have flyers? We distribute for only 8.5¢ each!

We also sell office supplies and rubber or self-inking stamps.

We do an assortment of print jobs, including posters, tickets, envelopes, letterhead, faxing and photocopying.

Call 204-328-7494 or visit 529 Second Ave.

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 25

RIVERS

BANNER CLASSIFIEDS

PLACE YOUR AD BY:

PHONE: 204-328-7494 FAX: 204-328-5212 E-MAIL: info@riversbanner.com

DEADLINE: TUESDAY AT 5 P.M. Minimum charge: $5+GST Extra insertions: 1/2 original price

Classifieds MUST be PREPAID Visa/Mastercard accepted Provincial classifieds EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available.

Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

Winter Road Haul 2016 Class 1 Drivers needed for deliveries in MB & NW Ont. (800) 665-4302 ext. 251 or e-mail: orderdesk@penneroil.ca

Provincial classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

GET FREE VENDING MACHINES Can Earn $100,000/yr. All cashlocations provided.

Protected territories.

Interest-free dinancing.

Full details at 1-866668-6629 or WWW. TCVEND.COM GREAT CANADIAN Dollar Store franchise opportunities available in your area. Explore your future with a dollar store leader. Call 1-877388-0123 ext. 229; www.dollarstores.com.

CAREER TRAINING

HEALTHCARE DOCUM E N TAT I O N S P E CIALISTS in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates.

A great work-fromhome career! Contact us to start training today. canscribe.com; 1.800.466.1535; info@ canscribe.com

COMING EVENTS

Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association 17th ANNUAL SUPER FLEA MARKET, Feb. 6-7, Assiniboia DownsWpg. Vendor spots available, 80 vendors in the show! www.mrda.cc

Services

! " !

FOR SALE

B AT T E R I E S F O R EVERYTHING. Auto, farm, construction, ATV, marine, motorcycle, golf carts, phones, tools, radios, computers etc. Reconditioned, obsolete and hard-to-find batteries. SOLAR equipment.

The Battery Man. Winnipeg. 1.877.775.8271 www.batteryman.ca PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 400,000 reader/ wk. Email classifieds@ mcna.com for details.

BOXING WEEK SALE! Dec. 14-31. Saving 10-60% store-wide off all in-stock products.

SPECIALS INCLUDE: $995 solid birch table set w/4 chairs (46�x46� opens to 65� round). $499 Queen 800 pocket coil mattress set (firm or plush). $695 King pillow-top mattress set. $229 Simmons Beauty Sleep twin mattress. $199 5 piece dinette table set. $499 Queen 4 piece bedroom suite. $1499 Italian 100% Leather sofa (loveseat & chair available). A few floor model fabric and leather furniture specials still available.

See our NEW ARRIVALS of Palliser (Canadian made) Leather and Fabric furniture.

Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6 & Sun 12-5. Call KDL Furniture at 204-5711971. 660 Highland Ave., South side of #1 Hwy., Brandon

NOTICE

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the ad; Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such ads.

For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www. mcna.com.

Hip or Knee Replacement?

Problems Walking or Getting Dressed?

The Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Yearly Tax Credit $20,000 Lump Sum Refund

Claim it before tax time!

204-453-5372

Rivers Banner staff are now enjoying a well-deserved holiday. The office will be closed until Jan. 4; talk to you then!

# $ % % & ' %( )* "

B - 116 Main St S Minnedosa (across from the main entrance to the Co-op Food Store)

867-3981 http://www.ajaxlaw.ca

Help Wanted

" +

" , %( ( -

Obituary JOHN PHILLIPS With sadness we announce the passing of John Harold Phillips on December 11, 2015. John was born on October 21, 1918 on the family farm, SE 22-12-19 RM of Elton ,to Jack and Laura Phillips.

He passed away at Rest Haven Personal Care Home in Steinbach, Manitoba, December 11, 2015 at 97 years of age.

John is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Margaret (nee Burch), children Floyd (Sandra), Velma Perry (Dave), Wanda Waldner (Moses), Rheta White (Reid) and Murray (Pam); grandchildren Kirk, Lori, Robyn, John, Susan, Nathan, Shandee, Ladonna, Wesley, Jaime, Scott, Christine, Michael, Lance, Ryan; 14 greatgrandchildren; sister Rena Cornish and numerous extended family.

John grew up on the family farm, went to school at Mount Vernon, starting at four years of age and quitting after Grade 9. Dad was an excellent reader and won numerous spelling bees. He then worked on the family farm, his father’s threshing gang and neighbouring farms. He volunteered with the Canadian Army in February 1942 (1st Canadian Army, 2nd Canadian Corp, 23rd Field Regiment, 4th Armoured Division, self-propelled). Throughout the war John was sustained by his faith in God and attributed his survival while in combat, to God’s protection. He returned to Canada December 31, 1945 and was married January 16, 1946. He was discharged in February 1946.

John purchased a family farm in Elton municipality and farmed with Margaret until he moved to Brandon in 2010. In 2013 he moved to Steinbach to be in personal care and to be close to his daughter.

Dad drove school bus for Rolling River School Division for 13 years, forming many strong relationships with the students he transported. John was a strong Christian who served as an elder, usher and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone and saw the potential in everyone.

John was predeceased by his parents Jack and Laura (nee Lobb), brothers Robert and Gilbert, sisters Mabel Lang and Pearl Shelvey, and granddaughter Laura Perry.

A ceremony to celebrate John’s life took place at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Pastor Len Smith of Bethel Christian Assembly officiated. Interment followed at Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of John may be made to ERDO, 2450 Milltower Court, Mississauga, ON L5N 5Z6. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel, Brandon 1-855-727-0330.

FOODS Meat Cutter/Production Personnel HyLife Foods a division of the HyLife organization is engaged in the dressing and processing of hogs for both domestic and world markets.

To reach and sustain its position as a premier supplier of quality food products it strives to employ talented and motivated people who are capable of reaching the cutting edge of their discipline.

This position is based at the operations in the vibrant community of Neepawa, Manitoba which has a reputation for its beauty and high quality of life. Due to rapid growth we are looking for Meat Cutters/Production Personnel.

Responsibilities / Duties include but are not limited to: • Slaughter, eviscerate and mark hogs for further processing • Cut pork carcasses into primal cuts for further detailed specifications intended for commercial, industrial, institutional or wholesale use • To de-bone edible part and remove inedible organs or parts

Space heaters are for temporary use Before you use a space heater, be aware that it can cause fires and injuries, if not used with care. Space heaters are not intended to replace a permanent heat source. If you must use a space heater as a temporary heat source in a home or garage, follow these safety tips to avoid potential shock and fire hazards: • Look for a space heater that has the CSA international certification mark, and check to make sure it is suitable for your intended use. • Choose a model with a tip-over switch that automatically turns off if knocked over, and a guard to prevent fingers or flammable objects from touching hot elements. • Keep space heaters away from drapery, bedding and other flammable materials. • Always inspect cords for signs of damage; plug the space heater directly into the power outlet. Never use an extension cord. • Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, which could cause burns or shock. • Never use space heaters in damp or wet areas. • Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Don’t use them to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. • Turn off the space heater when you go to bed or leave the room. Never leave a space heater unattended, and unplug it when not in use.

Remember space heaters are a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. They can have dangerous consequences if left unattended or used incorrectly. Think of your safety first, before plugging in a space heater. If your home is persistently cold, consult a heating professional or your landlord. For more information about electrical safety, visit hydro. mb.ca/safety.

Tender For sale by tender: NE 1/4 33-14-22, 130 cultivated acres, RM of Oakview. Visual inspection and all costs incurred are responsibility of the buyer. For further information contact Larry at 204-764-0339. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders close Feb. 15, 2016. Submit tenders to Box 579, Hamiota, MB R0M 0T0.

Engagement

The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications: • Be able to work in a culturally diverse workplace • Have a good work ethic • Focus on treating people with dignity and respect • Appreciate a stable long term work environment • Experience as an Industrial Butcher or trimmer is required • Completion of secondary school may be required

William “Bill� Grant July 25,1938 to December 30, 2011

The Day God Took You Home

Current starting wage is $13.25/hour plus $1.00 per hour perfect attendance incentive!

We offer a comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation based on experience and knowledge.

HyLife has been recognized as a Platinum Member of Canada’s Best-Managed Companies.

If you have the qualifications and the passion to meet this challenge then we would like to explore your potential.

Please apply online at http://www.hylife.com/current-opportunities/ We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

In Memory

Willie and Wilma Currie of Rapid City, Man. and Craig and Carol Bere of Clearwater, Man. are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Lynn Currie and Scott Bere. A June 2016 wedding is planned.

A million times we’ve needed you, a million times we’ve cried.

If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.

In our hearts you hold a place no on else can ever fill.

It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, Part of us went with you the day God took you home.

Love always and forever, Yvonne, Greg, Brenda, Gord and your grandchildren.

26 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

Volkswagen’s fear and failure

By Neils Mack Three months have passed since we learned the truth of Volkwswagen’s diesel engines creating harmful emissions and destroying the environment. For the past three months, dealerships have been working hard offering gifts of goodwill to keep customers happy.

From the actual manufacturer, however, it has been three months of silence – there have been no recalls or fixes offered to customers.

These customers bought their TDI diesels believing they were driving about using just a sniff of fuel and doing absolutely no harm to any polar bears. However, the truth is that just one clattering diesel does as much harm as two GMC Yukons with 6.2-litre V8s. So how did Volkswagen mess up so badly that their two-litre, four-cylinder is as bad as 16 cylinders and 12.4 litres from GM? The answer may just be fear.

A few months before the scandal hit the press, Volkswagen CEO Ferdinand Piech stepped down in a surprising move. His resignation wasn’t voluntary; more so, he was complying with the wishes of the board.

Piech is a determined man, and his name is — to me — synonymous with the engineering excellence of Volkswagen’s luxury sedan, the Phaeton. Back in 2003 Piech wanted Volkswagen to create one of the greatest and finest cars in the world, something to put even the Mercedes-Benz S Class in its place.

Piech assembled a team of the greatest engineers he could get his hands on, and laid out a set of parameters for the new car to live up to. Not all of these are known to the public, but a sample of his German-ness was told to reporters. He wanted the car to be capable of driving 300 kilometres per hour with an exterior temperature of 50°C, whilst maintaining an interior temperature of 22°C, even though the car’s final top speed was limited to 250 kilometres per hour. Another requirement was that the car have a torsional rigidity so high that with the weight of another car on top of it, the frame would not flex more than one degree. The parameters are so ridiculous and redundant that more than half the engineering team quit, but Piech would not budge.

He was a fierce leader who wouldn’t compromise his beliefs or take “no” for an answer.

The Phaeton was indeed one of the most incredible exercises of automotive attention to detail of our time; however it was a sales disaster. It was incredibly expensive and wore a badge that says “Peoples’ Car”. It was later redesigned into a Bentley and is doing well there, but for Volkswagen, it was a flop.

I believe that Piech’s rigid manner of leading is what brought the company to its current “dieselgate” scandal.

When the current diesel emission standards were being implemented, the first year of complete compliance was 2009 (which is why this scandal only effects cars 2009+) so Volkswagen had to do a complete overhaul of their TDI motor and exhaust system design. Piech inevitably wanted his team to meet the new standards while causing as little disruption and to incur the least amount of cost possible. In fear of failure and loss of employment, it is conceivable how corners would be cut to oblige with Piech’s demands.

Although this isn’t a fable, as it is at the cost of the environment and all of us who live here, the lesson is certainly clear: failure is okay. If Volkswagen would have embraced their failure to meet the emission standards with what they were given to work with back in 2009, they would have been able to go back to a blank slate and create something that wasn’t cheating and scandalous.

I hope this helps Volkswagen turn a new leaf, and out of this mess they can build something better.

New Sorento offers more

By Ben Castle Traditionally, Kia vehicles have offered high levels of standard equipment and an industry-leading five year/100,000 kilometre bumper-to-bumper warranty for the price of a used vehicle from a more established manufacturer. For this reason, it’s easy to see why Kia has seen such a meteoric rise, particularly in the last 10 years. The trade-off has typically been vehicles that are a generation behind their direct rivals in terms of design, quality and engineering. However, the new-for-2016 Kia Sorento has recently been awarded the top spot in the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada’s (AJAC’s) $35,000-$60,000 SUV/crossover category.

As tested, the manufacturer’s suggestion retail price of this SX V6 seven-seat model supplied by Planet Kia in Brandon is $43,395 and it has many features usually associated with luxury brands, such as 19-inch aluminum wheels, pearl effect paint, premium leather, heated and air-cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, Infinity premium audio, smart power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, blind spot and rear cross traffic detection and HID Xenon headlights. It comes

with a 3.3 litre V6 24v direct injection gas engine with 290 horsepower and 252 pound foot of torque that offers class-leading power and, with the standard six-speed Sportmatic torque converter automatic transmission, is towards the top of the class in terms of fuel efficiency too.

Ex Volkswagen/Audi stylist Peter Schreyer, one of the world’s top automotive designers, is Kia’s chief design officer and the latest Sorento features his signature “tiger nose” grill and, in my opinion, with its chunky good looks is one of the most handsome vehicles in its class. This style is continued inside with the use of good-quality plastics, well laid-out controls and a very comfortable, spacious cabin. To reduce wind, road and engine noise inside the cabin, Kia used 200 per cent more rubber cladding underneath the vehicle, foam-insulated body panels and a noise-reducing windshield. A 14 per cent stiffer body shell combined with a two-inch lower roofline contributes to a low-for-class curb weight of around 1,900 kilograms, improved handling and better fuel economy. continued on page 27

B ehold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. — Isaiah 7:14

And the angel said unto her, “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast

found favour with God.” — Luke 1:30

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of

Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. — Luke 2:4

N ow when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.” — Matthew 2:1–2

And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph,

and the babe lying in a manger. —Luke 2:16

As we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, we recount our many blessings. May your heart and home be blessed with the true spirit —Jesus— at this special time of year.

From Ken and Chris Waddell, Sheila Runions and Maggie Smallwood at

RIVERS

BANNER

sary niver Celebrating our 107th An

Gazette-Reporter

RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015 27

Stylish Sorento offers content and value Continued from page 26 Kia claims 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres highway, although I only achieved an average of 11.3 litres on my test, but that isn’t bad for a near two-tonne all wheel drive vehicle (AWD) on mainly offhighway driving. Both the length and wheelbase are up three inches from 2015, which means more space for second and third row passengers. The second row also splits 40/20/40 to give better flexibility when carrying a combination of cargo and passengers. Towing capacity has been uprated to 5,000 pounds on V6 models, which is more inline with the competition.

One unusual feature of the SX model is that it has a power assistance motor for steering on the rack rather than on the column, which means increased steering feel and greater precision. The steering also has a “sport” mode, which adds weight to the steering, giving you more confidence when driving on twisty, bumpy roads. The engine pulled really strongly when required, with the transmission shifting smoothly and sounding pleasingly tuneful under hard acceleration. For a mid-size SUV, the Kia Sorento has genuine driver appeal. On AWD models, the torque split is primarily frontwheel-drive biased for optimum fuel economy but torque can be transferred to the rear wheels as and when required. A manual override allows you to lock the AWD into a 50/50 split up to 36 kilometres per hour in very slippery conditions which will automatically disengage at 36 kilometres per hour to reduce wear on the transmission components. The Sorento comes in four levels of trim: LX, LX+, EX and SX. All come with air conditioning, aluminum wheels, rear parking sonar, auto lights, fog lights, power windows/mirrors/locks, heated front seats and cruise control as standard. AWD is standard

Photo by Ben Castle

on EX and SX models and a $2,000 option on the four-cylinder LX and LX+ models. Entry level price for the five-seat LX with front-wheel-drive is $27,495 and it comes with a 2.4-litre engine with 185 horsepower.

Next up, for an extra $3,200, the LX+ model benefits from a more powerful 240 horsepower two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, leather-trimmed steering wheel, upgraded info-

tainment system, backup camera, pushbutton start and power driver’s seat.

If you want leather seating, dual-zone climate control and heated steering wheel amongst other features, pay an additional $2,900 for the EX model. If you want seven seats, then you get the V6 engine and AWD as standard for an additional $1,100-$1,200 on LX+ models and above.

The SX model is a hefty $6,500 premium over the

EX but comes as standard with the many features of our test model.

All trim levels offer excellent value but, as is often the case, the midrange LX+ and EX specs seem to offer the best combination of value and features. At $33,895, the LX+ V6 AWD with seven seats could be all the family car you ever need and if seven seats are not required, the five seat LX+ and EX models also offer excellent value. Servicing

is set at relatively frequent 6,000 kilometre intervals but costs promise to be low due to the use of low maintenance items such as the engine timing chain, which should be good for 300,000 kilometres before it needs replacing.

In isolation, the prices don’t look like the bargain that Kias used to be but when you consider the level of equipment that you get for your money, the competition spec-forspec are on average 14 per cent (more than $5,000)

“FREE”

more expensive across the range. For instance, a similarly-equipped GMC Acadia Denali AWD to our test model has a suggested price of more than $57,000! So put your prejudices aside — the American-built 2016 Sorento still offers the traditional Kia virtues of good value and a long warranty, but is now more than a match for the domestic, Japanese and even European competition in terms of quality, driver appeal, design and engineering.

Windshield replacement Free courtesy cars Rear & sideglass replacements with $300 deductible or less Free pick-up delivery Long crack repairs

Stone Chip Repairs

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS! REMOTE CAR STARTERS (Recharges, Retrofits, Nitrogen pressure testing)

Have your remote starter professionally installed by a licensed automotive technician.

We solder all connections. Lifetime Warranty. Long range. Two remote Key Fobs.

YOUR COMPLETE FULL SERVICE REPAIR SHOP

SUPERIOR AUTO SERVICE 1919 Brandon Avenue 204-726-1333

(one block west of the KEG) www.superiorautobrandon.com

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant Mike Waddell Sales727-0531 Consultant (204) P: (204) 727-053 1550 Richmond Ave 1550 Richmond Ave F: (204) 726-916 Brandon, MB R7A 7E3 Brandon, MB R7A 7E3 TF: 1-866-980-375 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com C: (204) 724-782 www.murraychryslerwestman.com

“

I WORK FOR YOU” At Planet Kia, I will find the perfect vehicle for you or someone you know.

We have in-house financing and deal with all major banks and credit unions.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT 2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS Factory remote start, power windows/locks, alloy wheels, 119,000 kms

Excellent condition, economical 4 cyl., Remote start, alloys, 100,000 kms.

On Sale! $10,889

Great Value! $7,850

Take advantage of our “Refer a Friend” program and receive $200. Plus....

TERRY COLEMAN Product Advisor

2010 Ford Edge Limited AWD

2011 Fusion SEL

Fully equipped with Heated Leaather seats, power moonroof, full power equipment 122,000 kms

Power Moonroof, rear spoiler, remote start, reverse sensing, 82,000 kms. One owner trade!

Special! $18,880

Reduced! $12,890

Highway 16 West, Neepawa 204-476-2391

More than 10 years experience!

Present this ad at time of purchase and receive your first oil change on me.

Ad must be presented at time of purchase of vehicle from Terry Coleman.

415 18th Street North, Brandon, MB ~ 1-866-357-6190 204-725-2566 ~ 204-761-2747, cell ~ terry@planetkia.ca

28 RIVERS BANNER December 18, 2015

YEAR END CLEARANCE EVENT www.wilsonswheels.ca 204-720-2111 204-867-2699 2012 FORD TAURUS LIMITED

2015 RAM 2500HD SLT CREW 4X4

“ALL WHEEL DRIVE” ONLY 75K $20,995

“ABSOLUTELY MINT” 13K $38,995

2014 RAM 1500 SLT QUAD 4X4

2008 HONDA CIVIC 2DR

“TURN SOME HEADS” 35K $29,995

the top model “Si” 140k $8,995

6th AVE. NW Minnedosa

2011 GMC SIERRA SLE CREW Z-71

2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED

READY TO GO!!! 5.3L 101K $21,995

“DRIVE THE VERY BEST” 18K $45,995

2011 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNRTY

2012 FORD EDGE LIMITED AWD

2012 FORD FUSION SEL

2010 FORD F-150 XTR

“NAV & DVD” PRISTINE! 80K $18,995

WOW!!!! “ALL THE TOYS” 102K $23,995

“MOON & TUNE” PKG ONLY 100K $10,995

“TWO TONE PAINT” 115K $18,995

2010 FORD F-150 XLT SUPERCAB 4X4

2015 HYUNDAI SANTE FE PREMIUM AWD HEATED CLOTH SEATS AND ST. WHEEL 25K $28,995

2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX LT-2

2005 GMC SIERRA 2500HD E/C 4X4

BACK UP CAM, HTD SEATS, REMOTE START 85K $20,995

‘FRESH TRADE, EXCELLENT CONDITION! 185 $11,995

“MUST BE SEEN” CAMERA & TOW PKG 145K $16,995

2012 LINCOLN MK-Z

2005 NISSAN ALTIMA SL

2015 RAM 1500 BIG HORN CREW 4X4

“ALL WHEEL DRIVE” 81K $20,995

“TOP MODEL” A DIAMOND! 140K $5,995

“NOW THAT’S A TRUCK”24K’S $35,995

Season’s Greetings

Arriving soon!

2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO LT 2500HD CREW 6.6L DURAMAX DIESEL 4X4

®

ONLY 33,000KM BACK UP CAM, TOW PKG, POWER SEAT “FIRST COME FIRST SERVE” $53,995 4.9% OAC

MINNEDOSA, MB