RiveRs BanneR
RAPID
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
Rapid City and District Chamber hosted an Old Fashioned Family Christmas on Sunday, December 1, celebrating the holiday season. They started the day with a craft show with twenty vendors. Even with the snowstorm on Sunday, the vendors made it and were very happy with the turnout. They all are ready to return next year. Attending the craft show was free, but donations were welcome. All donations went towards the Rapid City Christmas Hampers. Lunch was served at the Senior Centre. The perfect snow day meal was hot Potato or Italian Sausage soup, and a side biscuit or bun. For dessert there were tarts and cupcakes and muffins to choose from. In the afternoon the Senior Centre hosted kids from 4 –12 for sugar cookie and ornament decorating. read more about an old fashioned Christmas on page 2...
Serving the Rivers, Rapid City, Forrest, Kenton, Oak River, Hamiota and Oak Lake areas for 116 years
Cookies and face painting for the kids
continued from page 1
Dozens of kids came out to enjoy the fun. For some extra fun, face painters helped the kids look festive for the holiday fun. “We are grateful for all our volunteers including the face painters and cookie decorators that helped the kids,” says Bernice Finlay, Chamber Secretary.
Later in the day, across from the Legion, there was a bonfire and free wiener roast. Two teams of horses were set-up for some wonderful hayrides around town. The teams of horses and sleighs were from Peter Schuler and Steve Brigden. The Memory Tree was lit for all to see. A list of all who donated to the Memory Tree will be up at a later date. All proceeds from the Memory Tree will also go towards the Christmas Hampers.
After all the excitement of the day Christmas Carols were sung at the community hall for everyone to enjoy and join in.
Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients:
1 pound bulk pork sausage
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
Directions:
• Gather the ingredients.
• Cook and stir sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes; drain and discard grease.
• Spread dough from one package crescent rolls out onto a work surface; pinch perforations together to create a single sheet of dough.
• Spread 1/2 of the cream cheese over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch margin on each edge.
• Sprinkle 1/2 of the cooked sausage evenly over cream cheese.
• Starting at a long edge, roll dough around filling into a log; wrap in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Repeat to make and wrap a second roll. Refrigerate rolls until firm, at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Remove rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap. Cut rolls into 1/2-inch-thick slices and place onto a baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
Heather Gray – Drawer liners, tea towels & dish cloths; Apple cutter, body wash and Christmas cards.
Eleanor Childerhose – Tabletop candles, Christmas decoration, earrings and dish cloths’.
Sylvia Maloney – Christmas cards, potholders and earrings, 3 piece fluted bins.
Summer Gillis – Bath & Body products, Candy Cane & Christmas cards, $20 gift certificate, Hand & finger top towels & candies.
Susan Childerhose – Curtains and light up picture, plastic bowl with kitchen stuff.
Lillian Dupuis – Tea towels and tablecloth, dog ornament, place mats and $20 gift certificate from Co-op, gold pillar candles.
Donna Falkevitch – Table runner, napkins, Christmas cards, Christmas bowl and potholders.
Elizabeth Gnitecki – Grey hand towels, and red holiday ornaments.
Laurie Kiesman – Dog toy, cupcakes and picks, Christmas 3 tier dish, can of nuts, bathmat, angel ornament, forever knife and 14-piece food storage set.
Megan Lelond – Bull plush toy and throw blanket.
Roger Dupuis – Scissors, cards and church ornament. Debbie Ostrysnuik – Lindor Chocolates.
Irene Ventnor – White pitcher, towels, and 8” fry pan.
Sherri Dziver - $10 gift certificate for Co-op, Christmas tree and Lindor chocolate, 8” Rock fry pan, tide soap and Christmas cards.
Joanne Brandon – 1000-piece puzzle and can of nuts.
Jean Ryall – 3 wooden stacks and gloves, bowl duster Christmas cards, Mens body and face wash, cologne and socks, polar fleece throw.
Giselle Cudmore – 3 ornaments.
Cody Dziver – Clothes hangers.
Norma Ventnor – Personalized picture frame, Christmas shadow box, blanket, white bow candle, mitts dish cloth and angel, puzzles, mitts and earrings.
Dora Irvine – Runner and Christmas decoration.
Adrienne Beaudin – 4-piece plate set
Bernice Kallet – 2 plastic dishes, doll set and coloured pencils.
Elaine Henderson – Christmas table decorations. Marcy Mason – Watkins.
Linda Seitz – 24-piece cutlery set. Gordon Allen – Bicycle planter and dish cloth. Sheila Runions – Candy canes and Christmas ornaments. Chic Lindberg – Stickers, serviettes, potholders
Congratulations to all winners.
Thank you to all who helped make our St. Nicholas Tea such a successful event. List of winners from penny raffle,
SUBMITTED
Cookie decorating at the Rapid City Old Fashion Family Christmas.
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
Back to where it all began, Part II
When viewed from satellites positioned high above the earth, the Sea of Galilee looks like a calm body of water. But it can also produce some very violent storms. They are most likely to come after a sudden temperature drop on land. The cold, dry air combines with the warm, moist air above the lake’s surface to trigger violent storms.
That is what happened one night as Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake in a small boat. The disciples may have been intrigued by how quickly the storm came up, but they were not surprised by
its severity. Nor were they unaware of the danger that it put them in. The winds were strong. The waves were high. Lightning bolts lit up the sky; and the thunder crashing overhead was loud enough to awaken the heaviest sleeper.
But in this case, it didn’t. To everyone’s amazement, Jesus was sound asleep in the back of the boat. This was unacceptable. So one of the disciples woke Jesus and said: “Look! We are in the middle of this storm. We don’t know precisely where we are. Our boat is still above water; but we also have a lot of water in our boat. We need all hands on deck. Those who can row, grab an oar and row! Those who can’t row, grab a bucket and bail! We have to work together until we can get this boat to shore.”
Jesus showed no sign of panic. He simply got up, looked out at the raging water and said: “Ok! That’s enough!” Well, not really. What he actually said was “Peace; be still.” The historian of the day tells us that the wind stopped immediately, the clouds vanished, the surface of the lake became as
smooth as a sheet of glass and their boat grounded itself on the beach. They were safe. They were alive. They were home.
In the closing verse of Psalm 4, David writes: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.” David knew how it felt to live in a world that was filled with chaos and uncertainty. He governed ancient Israel for 40 years. There was hardly a day in all that time when someone somewhere wasn’t hatching a plot to attack him and overthrow his kingdom. There were days when David felt like the men in the boat with Jesus-but he could still lay down at night and have a good sleep.
Jesus lived in a similar world. His most powerful foe, the Devil (Satan) had a simple strategy. He corrupted the people around Jesus. He got them to argue with Jesus when he was teaching the people, attack Jesus’ character when he wasn’t around to defend himself and ultimately devise, plan and carry out a plot to have him put to death. But Jesus never panicked. Like David, he could sleep in peace in the middle of a violent storm; because his heavenly father was watching over him and keeping him safe.
Thanks to our faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Spirit lives with us. It’s the same Spirit that lived in and worked through Jesus Christ while he was on earth. St. Paul (Colossians 3:15) urges us to let that spirit fill us with Christ’s peace so that, like him, we will be able to face any uncertainties knowing that God is with us and protecting us. I pray that we all will follow Paul’s instructions, especially during this Christmas season.
I made a small error regarding the Bill and Helen Sibbald Legacy Fund. It should have read that the grant for the Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary Veterans Banners Project was funded by both the RACF and the Bill and Helen Sibbald Legacy Fund. The Friends of Rivers Lake project was funded totally by the Rivers and Area Community Foundation.
Donna Morken, member of RACF
Perspectives
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
I think I’m done with Canada Post
On Sunday in a press release, Canada Post said they presented the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) with a new proposal. CUPW covers very few postal workers in rural western Manitoba. Most local post offices are covered by Postmasters who are members of Canadian Association of Postmasters. They are not on strike but either CUPW or Canada Post have basically shut the post offices down. Even non-striking post offices are not allowed to receive local mail. Even if you want to send someone a cheque to pay a bill, Canada Post is forbidding it. Now even local newspapers are being shut out by Canada Post.
Ironically, Canada Post also said, “We understand the impact CUPW’s national strike is having on your business, our employees and so many Canadians. Canada Post remains committed to negotiating new collective agreements that will provide the certainty everyone is looking for.”
Canada Post added, “We know you need certainty at this critical time of year and the union’s national strike continues to impact your business. We are committed to providing you with timely updates and the details you need to make informed decisions.”
Well, I have news for Canada Post. This isn’t our first rodeo. In fact, this is the seventh Canada Post strike we have been through in 35 years of publishing. Over the years, because of strikes and very poor service from the non-local people we have taken more and more of our business away from Canada Post. We have been served very, very well by local post offices but when we realized a few years back that papers take up to a week to get
Right in the Centre
Ken Waddell
“ We have been served very, very well by local post offices
”
Rita Friesen Homebodies
Bathroom reading…
It is with certainty that I can say I am not the only one to have reading material in the bathroom. It used to be the Reader’s Digest- the articles are the perfect length of reading time- or a word puzzle book, or a proper book. My current reading is daily reflections on the life of a saint. Some days I learn about three or four and some days are dedicated to one. Knowing that I have a fascination with saints (perhaps because I would love to be one!) a close friend found a copy of ‘Lives of the Saints’ by Richard P. McBrien. Published in 2001, it contains the life stories of more recent saints, like Mother Teresa 1910-97 and Helder Camara 1909-99.
Poemen, a fifth century Egyptian abbot was known for his pithy sayings. One that is recorded-‘ Silence is no virtue when charity demands speech’: charity meaning love of and for God, and all mankind. That reminded me of a quote that Ed used when required- ‘they say silence is golden; sometimes it’s chicken’. Same message with different wording. In reality there is a time to be silence, there is also a time to speak and may we have the wisdom to know the difference! It’s too easy to sit in silence when the casual conversation turns to gossip and possibly slander. To stand, to take a stand for kindness and honesty often comes at a cost…
from town to town due to delays and backlogs in Brandon, Dauphin or Winnipeg, we started pulling out of Canada Post.
Our family papers used to be one of Canada Post’s largest southwestern Manitoba’s customer. When we pulled out, we didn’t get so much as phone call. Not surprised though. I only phoned Canada Post three to four times a year but they didn’t even return those calls.
I am so done with Canada Post’s rules, delays and their ignoring customers’ needs. This strike, like all the other strikes makes for a huge delay in the cash flow for small business cash flow. CUPW doesn’t care much about their customers and neither does the Corporate level of Canada Post. The local postmasters are not pleased as they are being forced to refuse mail. Now, even local papers, even Christmas cards are being turned back at local post offices due to Canada Post’s new found rules.
Fortunately for our papers we only use Canada Post for three locations
but that is ending. As of this week, none of our three papers, the Neepawa Banner&Press, Rivers Banner nor the Virden Empire Advance will be handled through Canada Post.
I especially want to thank the staff at Rivers Post Office, Alonsa and Silver Ridge for treating us so well but we are done with Canada Post.
I can’t see how Canada Post can keep going and pretend to be serving the public. In last week’s column I wrote about the annual losses and the general incompetence at the corporate level.
In their press release they talk about providing certainty to customers. Canada Post has certainly provided certainty to this newspaper company. We are pretty certain we won’t ever again trust our fate to Canada Post. Yes, this is not our first rodeo but I am not going to risk being bucked off again.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the newspaper staff.
Helder Camara was the archbishop of Olinda and Recife, Brazil. “He insisted that private charity toward the poor, while important in itself, fails to address the systemic causes of poverty. Camara advocated for such fundamental social changes as land redistribution and wider access to education.” For these views he was denounced and received death threats. His response –‘ When I fed the poor, they called me a saint. When I asked, “why are they poor?” They called me a communist.’
The courage to speak the truth, address injustice and work for mercy can be a dangerous journey.
The stories of the saints intrigue me. Some heard the call to join a nunnery or monastery early in their life. Some, as orphans, were cared for by monks or nuns and chose to stay for their lifetime. Some declared saints were married couples and after having several children chose to live a celibate life dedicating their time and energy and resources to doing good for God. Some were prayed into a holy life by a devout mother.
There are patron saints for groups and causes, from anaesthetists and arthritis, to the homeless and the homemakers, to yachtsmen and youth, and everything in between! The average person knows that Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of all creatures, Joseph is the patron saint of carpenters and Andrew and Peter protect the fishermen. Those stories have found a place in history.
Research shows that St. Rita was canonized in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII. She is the patron saint of impossible causes, sterility, abuse victims, loneliness, marriage difficulties, parenthood, widows, the sick, bodily ills and wounds. Huge responsibility!! But I can dream...
Bringing home the bronze
The RCI Varsity girls volleyball team won bronze at A Provincials at the November 30 to December 1 tournament. Karas Munz, Jillian Hamm, Alexa Tousignant Shayden Manz, Nova Bourdin, Annika Schmidt, Serena Lelonde, Stella Roulette, Elle McLean, Jillian Schoonbaert, Meadow Chiborak, Payton McNish.
Morgan Ramsay named recipient of L. Lamont Gordon Spirit Award
Submitted
By Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton
CALGARY—Morgan Ramsay has been named the recipient of this year’s L. Lamont Gordon Spirit Award which was created in 2017 and presented annually to a Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton athlete who embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and the following characteristics the late Mr. Gordon demonstrated himself: commitment, generosity, dedication and teamwork.
“I’m truly honoured to receive this prestigious award for our community. The traits this award represents are qualities that I strive for every day, so it is especially meaningful to be recognized for them,” said Ramsay, a second-year member of the National Bobsleigh Program, who received the award from Monty’s son, James, along with the 2023 recipient and fellow brake woman, Leah Walkeden. “Having Leah there to present this to me was extra special. She is an incredible athlete who has taught me everything I know in the sport.”
Nominated by the national program, Ramsay has been relentless in her pursuit of excellence on and off the track since transitioning from playing varsity hockey at Mt. Royal University in Calgary. The 24-year-old Manitoban has been a driving force behind Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton’s mission to create a more positive culture while living by a strong set of values.
“This award is a reflection of all of my amazing teammates that I work with, and all that we strive to
be on and off the competitive field of play,” said Ramsay. “They make my job easier and more enjoyable. It’s a team effort, and I’m grateful to be part of such a strong and dedicated group. I want to thank the Gordon family for their ongoing generous support of Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton.”
The second-year member of the National Bobsleigh Program, who is pushing Mackenzie Stewart on the North American Cup circuit, has also taken a leading role in welcoming a record number of new team members to the program over the last year, mentoring these rookies in the sport and ensuring all involved in the community honour the team’s values.
“We have learned about Morgan’s fun and positive attitude in our daily training environment, along with her commitment to stepping up to lead by example and support her teammates when things go sideways. This is exactly the great teammate and type of people that we are trying to develop in this program, following the values that Mr. Gordon lived by as well,” said Jesse Lumsden, high-performance director, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton, who added the Gordon family donated $1,000 to Ramsay as the award recipient. “No matter the race, the time of day, or how good or bad things are going, Morgan always makes sure to keep things light, stay calm and pull the team together. We can’t think of a better recipient for this special award.”
An accomplished Bay Street business leader and alumnus of Canada’s bobsleigh program, L. Lamont Gordon, who sadly passed away in 2019, financially
supported the Canadian bobsleigh and skeleton athletes for more than half a century.
Other recipients of the annual award include: Leah Walkeden; Cynthia Appiah; and the inaugural winner, Joey Nemet.
Shamray leads undefeated Jets
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
Simply put, Riley Shamray is a leader for the Rivers Jets.
The Oak River product is the Tiger Hills Hockey League team’s captain. He is a stalwart on the squad’s blue line. As well, Shamray is one of the Jets’ top offensive producers. As of Dec. 2, he led the team in points (12). He was tied with Josh Elmes for the lead in assists (seven). Shamray was one of four players who had a team-best five goals. The others were Kayden Sutherland, Dylan Thiessen, and Joben Smith.
“Shams is everything you want in a captain,” Jets head coach Ryan Lamb said. “He’s the voice in our room that keeps everyone accountable, and then backs it up on the ice.”
Shamray’s strong play has helped the Rivers team start the season 6-0-0-0. As of Dec. 2, the Jets topped the THHL Western Division. Last week Rivers beat the Neepawa Farmers, 7-2. The Jets play in MacGregor on Dec. 6. This is Shamray’s third season with the Jets. Last winter he scored nine goals and posted 26 points in 14 games.
“I enjoy playing for the Jets because we have a good group of guys that all grew up as friends, so it makes everything fun when you’re playing with your buddies,” Shamray said.
When he was younger, Shamray played in the Yellowhead Chiefs AAA program. He went on to play junior
hockey with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, Dauphin Kings, and OCN Blizzard in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. After junior hockey, he suited up for Calgary’s Mount Royal University at the U Sports level. Now he is enjoying his time with the Jets.
“I keep playing hockey because I enjoy it and everything that comes with it,” Shamray said.
Jets 7, Farmers 2
On the road on Dec. 1, the Jets led 2-0 after the first period and 4-1 at the second intermission. Shamray lit the lamp twice. Also scoring for Rivers were Riley Boles, Smith, Luke DeCorby, Ryder Richmond, and Elmes. Richmond’s marker and one of Shamray’s came on the
of the shots Rivers fired at the net. Garrett Remple and Kyle McDonald had Neepawa’s goals. McDonald scored on the powerplay.
powerplay. Elmes finished the night with four points. Richmond had three. In net, Layne Anderson made 22 saves for the Jets.
For the Farmers, Nate Braun stopped 49
Rivers Jets are being lead by captain Riley Shamray.
Morgan Ramsay receives spirt award.
PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER
School
Vivian Hildebrand It is with sadness we wish to announce the passing of our mother Vivian Hildebrand (Richards) on November 26, 2024.
Vivian was born in the RM of Woodworth near Kenton, MB on February 12, 1930. She is survived by her three sons and their families; Carl (wife Alison O’Brien Moran & grandchildren Devon, Ryan, Sam and Maeve), Wayne (wife Leila Paterson & grandson Robin), and Glenn (wife Doris Anne Wuskynyk & grandchildren Jack and Amy), and by her two brothers, Kae Richards (wife Gladys) of Armstrong BC and Barry Richards of Regina SK, and many nieces and nephews.
Vivian was predeceased by her parents Lewis and Amy (Paterson) Richards of Kenton MB in 1996, her husband Neil Hildebrand of Brandon in 1998, sister Lois Kingdon (Richards) of Armstrong BC in 2018 and sister in law Sharon (Barry’s wife) in 2022.
A family graveside service will be held. Interment will be at the Brandon Municipal Cemetery. God Speed.
Find something for the kid in you, in the RiveRs BanneR CLASSIFIEDS!
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Rolling River School Division
Rolling River School Division is in southwestern Manitoba, Canada near Riding Mountain National Park and Brandon.
Educational Assistant position
Rivers Elementary - 2.9 hrs/day
Library Clerk position
Rivers Elementary - 3.0 hrs/day
For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca select Employment then Support Positions.
Thank you to all applicants for their interest in Rolling River School Division. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
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Stamping out boredom, one craft at a time
Nineteen vendors came out for the day at the Oak Lake Community Hall and Ox Cart Station.
On November 30, the Oak Lake Griswold United Pastoral Charge
Church hosted the Oak Lake Craft Show at the Oak Lake Community Hall and the Ox Cart Station. Nineteen vendors came out to show their wares for the day.
The $5 admission fee got you in the door to explore and shop. It also got you entered in a draw for the door prize. The door prize was a bunch of terrific items
donated by the vendors at the show. Ernie Thiessen won the door prize. All proceeds from the door will go towards the Oak Lake Griswold United Pastoral Charge Church.
The kitchen, run by Margaret White, served
up lunch for the attendees and the vendors.
Fantastic Potato Soup and Hamburger Soup with a side biscuit and dessert for anyone that was hungry and not full of all the delicious treats being sold. About 100 people made it out for
the day.
“Thank-you to all the vendors who came out for the day and for all the people who came to shop,” says Alleesha MacDonald, Secretary for the Oak Lake Griswold United Pastoral Charge Church.
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By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner