Fundraising for the Riverdale Early Learning Academy
By Carolyn Phillips Rivers Banner
In the heart of Rivers, Manitoba, a strong sense of community is woven through the lives of its residents. Despite its small population, the town pulsates with family togetherness and support, illuminating the need for essential services like daycare facilities. With increasing numbers of families working outside the community, the demand for quality childcare has reached a peak, prompting the Riverdale Early Learning Centre to embark on an ambitious new project: the Riverdale Early Learning Academy.
Recognizing the critical need for additional daycare spaces, the Riverdale Early Learning Centre has initiated a fundraising campaign to establish this second facility. The goal is not just to increase the number of spots available for children but also to enhance the development and learning opportunities for the youngest members of the community. The excitement surrounding this project is palpable, as it promises to strengthen the family-oriented fabric of Rivers even more.
To kick off the fundraising efforts, the WCG Connecting Westman Tour held a popular BBQ on Thursday at the Heritage Coop grocery store parking lot. This event isn’t just about grilling up some delicious food—it’s about fostering community spirit while raising money for vital local causes. The Connecting Westman Tour has become known for its charity barbecues, successfully generating thousands of dollars each summer for various initiatives nominated by its members.
The concept is simple yet effective: throughout the summer, WCG selects different communities to support. They then reach out to their members to identify the causes most deserving of assistance. With their BBQ supplies packed, they set up shop, offering hot dogs, smokies, chips, and drinks, all at a donationbased price. Notably, efforts are made to source all ingredients from local businesses, ensuring that the community’s economy benefits from the initiative just as much as the charities.
The success of such events hinges not only on the delicious food but also on the generosity of those who turn out to support their neighbours. Community members flocked to the BBQ in Rivers, eager to enjoy a hearty meal while contributing to the
future of local childcare through their donations. As the last of the meal was served, WCG tallied up the contributions and matched the total—a wonderful highlight that amplified the collective effort of the community.
Every dollar raised at the BBQ goes directly toward establishing the Riverdale Early Learning Academy, taking meaningful strides toward fulfilling a crucial need in the town. Given the rising number of families looking for accessible childcare options, the campaign represents more than just a building project; it symbolizes hope for many. As the community bands together, the newly proposed facility heralds a brighter future, ensuring that families can secure quality care for their youngest members without having to venture outside the community. Together, the BBQ raised $4095!!
Rivers, MB, may be a small town in terms of population, but its heart beats strong through the commitment of its residents to support one another. Events like the WCG Connecting Westman Tour BBQ not only provide an opportunity for fun and fellowship but also catalyze significant change—a testament to the power of community spirit, showing that by working together, they can create a better environment for all families to thrive.
The community came out to help support the Riverdale Early Learning Academy.
Perspectives
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
A lot to be learned
Ithink there’s a lot could be learned from rural businesses. Just thinking back to some columns I have written recently about bad phone answering systems at some businesses and an over dependence on computer records, I become grateful for local businesses that do customer service correctly. Most rural businesses treat their customers very well. That’s in stark contrast to bigger corporate outfits who make phone-in customers have to press multiple buttons in a desperate search for service or answers.
In our business and travels, we or our staff enter over 200 doors every week delivering one or more of our three family-owned community newspapers. We are well met at every one of the places we go.
When it comes to local business services, when we call an electrician or a plumber, they come promptly.
Our vehicle servicing is done as soon as the overloaded garages can get us in the door.
Our grocery stores, pharmacies and furniture stores are always helpful.
The common thread is local and community. Every town and village should cling to and support their local services. Rural Manitoba is strewn with communities that used to offer services but do so no more, our roads are dotted with sad memories of how things used to be.
Rural Canada in general and rural Manitoba in particular is on the verge of another great shift in services. I speak of Canada Post. Here’s the background as I understand it. Every town and village used to have a Post Office. Instead many now have community lockboxes and I suspect many more will have them in the future. It’s hard to pin blame for the demise
Ken Waddell Right in the Centre
of Canada Post but there’s plenty to go around.
Many of our younger people will have no memory of when mail order shopping was a big deal, lead by Eatons, Sears and many other companies that shipped goods to rural customers.
Today, internet shopping has replaced the mail orders but Canada Post still delivers a lot of those parcels. Unfortunately for Canada Post, the courier companies are beating them to the punch.
Canada Post is into a threatened strike again in less than six months. The problem is that neither the postal workers nor Canada Post are willing to face the reality that change has to come. Canada Post may lose $1billion this year. That’s 1,000 million dollars. That isn’t good and it isn’t sustainable without huge inputs of tax dollars. The union is fighting change as much as the PO itself.
Here’s a few examples. Why is door-to-door delivery fives days a week still a thing? It makes no sense.
Why are there rural routes? Most people can come to a Post Office or a lock box once or twice a week. How about wage demands? I am willing to bet that if Canada Post held a job fair offering prospective mail carrier jobs at even the current rate, there would be many applicants. That may mean that postal workers
Internally, CP and the union insist on some stupid rules. Post Offices are supposed to bag up ALL incoming mail and ship it to a regional sorting centre. That means mail coming into a local post office, destined for a PO box in that same Post Office has to be delivered to a regional centre, sorted and sent back to the post office it was delivered from and then placed in the customer’s PO box. That’s a make work project if ever there was one.
Many people within and outside the system complain that Canada Post has way too many administrators, bureaucrats and vice-presidents. I think I agree.
I am very concerned that the federal government will step in and prop up an out-dated Post Office system with a $billion or more every year and nothing will change. If Canada Post really wants to change and survive, then the powers that be better get in a car and visit a bunch of local post offices to figure out how to survive. The local Postmasters, Postmistresses and staff know what’s needed but I don’t believe they have ever been asked. Based on past Post Office and federal government performance, I doubt that they ever will be asked.
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.
Homebodies
Rita Friesen
And, I’m back (Part two)
From Belfast we travelled by train to Dublin. I was told that if I liked Scotland and Northern England, I should be prepared to be wowed by the greens of Ireland. They are spectacular. I think that anyone coming from a prairie winter will find anything green is spectacular! It is interesting to see that the plants we so carefully nurture in our homes grow wild and free in other countries. I was most impressed by the fuchsia, here we contain it, there it grows like a huge shrub or a small tree, glorious and bold. It was in Dublin that I realised how little I knew of the Potato Famine; caused by an dominating empire that cared more for economic gain than people’s lives and livelihood; (still seeing this happen, sadly) the flight and plight of the average citizen in Ireland, and then a glimpse of humanity at its best. We toured a replica of the Jeanie Johnston, and tall mast ship that made sixteen trans Atlantic voyages with refugees. On the average ship, a cargo ship that after unloading the treasures from America, filled their holds with starving families, the death rate was around thirty-five per cent. There was starvation, disease, despair and fighting. The owner of the Jeanie Johnston was Irish, very unusual for shipowners were British or American. He hired a Christian Captain and employed a doctor. Other ships crammed three hundred people on board, he limited it to two hundred healthy individuals. Every day, every person was allowed on deck, airing their bedding and not only emptying the chamber pots but getting them washed in the ocean. The doctor checked every person every fort-eight hours and anyone unwell was placed in isolation. The captain decreed that everyone wash, comb, and become as presentable as possible to attend services every Sunday. The captain also provided basic food for every person for the crossing. There was never, on any of the crossings, a death. Compassion, caring and generosity saved countless lives.
I’m not a zoo person. However! The Dublin Zoo is so worth the time. It was pointed out to me that a zoo there can be so different because the winter is not at all like ours. The enclosures are spacious and filled with growth that is natural to the animal. I believe I enjoyed watching my travel companions enjoy the zoo as much as I admired the creatures!
No travelogue is complete without a food review! The potatoes were the best I have ever tasted- fried, stewed, scalloped- it didn’t matter. The serving staff, and we found them all welcoming and knowledgeable, explained that it was the local milk, cream and butter that made the difference. Whatever it was, it worked! The lamb stew and fish and chips, something I don’t usually order, were so good. As was a goat’s cheese salad. All I can say it’s a very good thing that we were active!
Time away is wonderful. Time at home is wonderful. I think I’m caught up with me, and with my work!
Members of:
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
Looking up, Part I
As I write these words, the Province of Manitoba has just declared a province-wide state of emergency in response to the wildfires burning across this province. Residents in the affected areas (especially around Flin Flon) are looking around, wondering how close the flames are to where they live. They are also looking up—hoping and praying for rains that will help to extinguish those fires and save homes, buildings and businesses they spent their lives constructing and maintaining.
They aren’t the only ones looking for rain. The recent storm that left two inches of rain in my back yard didn’t extend far enough east or north to do serious damage to the fires. All parts of Manitoba need several days of steady rain. The same is true for much of Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Southern Alberta residents are also dealing with an outbreak of measles. At the time of writing, just over 600 cases had been confirmed, with Alberta health officials saying that, in their view, “this is just the tip of the iceberg.” More cases are expected, putting added pressure on already stressed-out health care workers as they try to control the spread of this highly contagious infectious disease. You and I will never go through life without facing serious challenges. Coping with them will require every ounce of physical, mental and emotional energy we have.
In some cases, we can reduce the threat of potential challenges by looking after ourselves and what we own. Measles, for example, can be easily controlled through regular immunization of children. A report I read last
week stated that those areas hardest hit by the measles outbreak tend to have the lowest vaccination rates; but governments are in no hurry to make these vaccinations mandatory.
The same cannot be said for wildfires. They happen; and in the forested areas of western Canada, they happen a lot. Some are caused by lightning strikes or other natural phenomena. For those where human error or deliberate action can be proven, the responsible persons will be identified and punished appropriately.
As part of this discussion, I must address the impact of climate change. The seeds of this problem date back to the onset of the Industrial Revolution, 250 years ago. As the years passed and industrial production increased, so did the greenhouse gasses that were discharged into the atmosphere. Today’s efforts to reduce these emissions, while laudable and encouraging, will not eliminate climate change overnight. The solutions we need must be supported by the best scientific knowledge available, must recognize the necessity of fossil fuels in Canadian agriculture and must be economically sustainable. Such solutions will take time and political will to discover, but they will be discovered.
A good first step in coping with these challenges is to stop looking for someone to blame for them. Blaming others for our problems won’t make them go away. We have to face them head on, solve them, learn the lessons they can teach us and make appropriate changes in attitude and lifestyle that will keep them from happening again. As we do, it is helpful to remember that there is one person whose advice can always be trusted and who is always ready to help. To all of us, whatever our life’s challenges may be, he says: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
If you are facing serious problems today, don’t panic. Look up. God is here, ready and willing to help you. Ask, and you will receive.
The Rapid City Library has reopened
Submitted By Ken Hyndman of Rapid
The feed line for main floor toilet suffered a water leak break found on May 20. The library was vacant from Saturday, May 17 at 1pm until 9am Tuesday, May 20. It is unknown of how long the water was running but the damage is extensive to both the main floor and the Nursery School lower level of the building.
The evidence of the leak was detected by the Rapid City Nursery School staff, that operate out of the walkout basement in the same building as the library. They discovered the problem on Tuesday morning when the nursery school opened for activities.
The Nursery School year has been cancelled due to the damage until further notice.
The library has been temporarily re-established in the Rapid City Legion Hall. 24,000 books, shelving, and various other library items have been moved, under the watchful eye of Head Librarian Shirley Martin. An amazing group of dedicated volunteers, library staff and the library board helped Shirley in the task of moving all the books. She was able to resume regular library hours on Monday June 2.
City
Created by David Harris of Oak River, MB
Rivers 4th Annual Tractor Trek slated for July 6
Submitted By Joan Airey
The trek starts in Rivers at Redfern Farm Service with registration at 9 a.m. and the trek starts at 10 sharp. Each year the route varies starting with a parade around Rivers then a loop around Rivers Provincial Park campgrounds and then continues on to Clack’s Museum where trekkers visit, tour the museum and are served refreshments provided by Redfern Farm Service and Rivers Heritage Co-op. All entry fees go directly to the Hamiota Hospital Foundation (Chemo Unit). Last year’s donation to the Chemo unit was $4015. Our aim is to make sure local citizens can have treatment locally now and in the future.
This year Joanne Boyd (FOREVER
Senior Ambassador) is donating a 60 by 80 Mink Sherpa Blanket to be auctioned off by silent auction. The blanket will be one of a kind featuring photographs of tractors and trekkers from the previous three treks. Anyone is welcome to bid on the blanket, proceeds of this auction go directly to the Chemo unit. Each year a book is printed featuring the antique and vintage tractors involved in the trek and is available for purchase. If anyone wants to know about the trek, they can contact Tom Ryall at 204-7244639 or Harry Airey at 204-328-7103. Without the support of all the communities involved it would be impossible to support Chemo Units to the extent we have. It’s a community affair to help keep Cancer Treatment available to everyone in our area.
Members with many years of service receive pins
Breathe easy, Manitoba
Holistic hacks for wildfire smoke
Published Author, Holistic Wellness Certified Hypnotist (C.H.)
Marie Evelyne Gingras
The land of breathtaking views, friendly faces and lately, way too much wildfire smoke. This past week, Manitoba has been hit hard by wildfires where homes have been lost, and communities displaced. It is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious this smoke really is. With more wildfires lighting up the landscape, our lungs are taking a hit. Trouble breathing? There are plenty of holistic tricks to help your body cope. Let us get into it.
When smoke is in the air, your throat gets dry, your nose feels stuffy, and your body begs for hydration. So, drink up! Plain old water is great, but warm herbal teas are even better. Try mullein, licorice root, or ginger to help soothe your lungs. Toss in some local honey since it is like a hug for your throat and a bonus for your immune system.
Your bathroom is now your spa! Boil water, pour it into a big bowl, and add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil. Pop a towel over your head, lean in, and breathe deeply. It is not just relaxing but it helps open those airways and clear out the gunk. Got a diffuser? You can have it going all day.
Wildfire smoke is full of tiny particles that create inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. As per the Government of Canada Health Living publication, “Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases, particles and water vapour that contains
ozone, methane, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, fine particulate matter, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.”
Your best defence? Nature’s medicine cabinet. Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers can help your body fight back. Think colourful meals so if it looks like a rainbow on your plate, you are doing it right. Turmeric is a powerhouse spice with anti-inflammatory benefits. You can cook with it, blend it into smoothies, or sip it as a golden milk latte before bed. Garlic, onions, and ginger are other natural allies that support immune and respiratory health. And do not forget the citrus fruits, kiwi, and even Saskatoon berries are loaded with it.
Time to shut those windows tight, crank up an air purifier, and say goodbye to candles and incense. Add a few houseplants like snake plants or spider plants to keep the air fresh and boost your home’s cozy vibes. The snake plant is great for cleaning the air inside your home. It helps get rid of harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, which makes the air healthier to breathe. What makes it stand out from most other plants is that it can also release oxygen at night, so it is a great plant to keep in the bedroom for better sleep.
Smoke inhalation might be part of our lives right now and for the upcoming few weeks, but it does not have to take over your life. With a few natural remedies and some cozy self-care, you can help your body handle it like a champ. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and hang in there, Manitoba! We have weathered worse and always with kindness.
Market, workshops, fleece show and sale, mill tours
Saturday June 7th, 10 am to 4 pm at Carberry Memorial Hall, Carberry
Check us out on Facebook, website and Instagram
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Mink Sherpa Blanket to be auctioned off donated by Joanne Boyd.
In a recent Rivers Ladies Legion Auxiliary meeting Maxine Veitch was presented with her years of service pin for 20 years of service presented by President Donna Falkevitch.
In a recent Rivers Ladies Legion Auxiliary meeting Adrienne Beaudin was presented with her years of service pin for 15 years of service presented by President Donna Falkevitch.
SWBL road trips are team builders
“Road trips are team builders,” Rivers Comets player Scott Beever said. “We get all the guys on the bus, everyone’s together and fired up and ready to go. It’s a good time, going
Umpire Memories
It was not long after I started umpiring that I moved up to doing senior baseball and the MSBL. The Manitoba Senior Baseball League. I began doing bases at the Virden Oilers home games. Virden had a really good team, and they were coached by Morley Hartel. Mo was a really nice guy and helped with developing players and umpires alike. Morley and I had a common love, the Chicago Black Hawks!!!! We had to wait many years between cups, but the cream rose to the top and the Hawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010,2013 and 2015. I told Moe we needed to have a parade through the streets of Virden. Somehow, we just never got around to it. Mo passed away not so long ago. Rest in Peace Mo, until we meet again and tell the big guy the Hawks need HELP!
Another character I worked with was Don Angus. Donnie was a real good umpire and shared his wealth of
on the road and trying to beat a team in their own park.”
The Comets visited Brandon and Souris last week. Brandon is new to the SWBL with Rivers’ foe, the GW Vacuum Truck Service Young Guns, and the RFNow Cardinals joining the league this season from Brandon’s Andrew Agencies Senior AA Baseball League. SWBL teams are back travelling to Souris after the Cardinals took a four-year leave of absence.
The Oak River Dodgers participated in a “double header” setup that is common in the SWBL. On June 1, they played in Deloraine at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m. that day, the Dodgers were in Souris to play the Cardinals.
The Hamiota Red Sox also had a two games in one day road trip. They are the league’s road warriors early on this season. The team plays its first five games away from home. The Red Sox’s Brady Waddell said that is just the way things worked out with the schedule.
Rivers
Comets
After falling in its opening game of the season, 10-9, to the Oak River Dodgers, Mike McFadden said the Comers had “some rust to shake off but that’s just game one of many more. Lots of positives to carry over and we’re only going to be gaining confidence as we push forward.”
In its second contest of the campaign, Rivers came through with a one-run victory. It used a seven-run seventh inning to top the Young Guns, 13-12, on May 27. The Comets had fallen behind early. They had trailed 7-0 after the first inning and were behind 12-6 going into the seventh and final inning. Throwing in relief of Comets starter Owen Wareham, Mike McFadden threw 4.66 innings. He allowed three runs on four hits to earn the win. Fred Hrycak got the save as he pitched a scoreless seventh.
The Rivers team followed up that victory with a 6-0 shutout of the Souris Cardinals on May 30. Hrycak did not allow a run and scattered four hits in a complete game shutout effort. He struck out five. Scott Beever drove in three runs, McFadden two, and Layton Veitch one.
The Comets entered this week with a 2-1 record. They were slated to play in Reston on June 3, after the Banner deadline. The club hosts the Reston Rockets on June 6 and the defending champion Boissevain Centennials on June 8.
knowledge about the game and the task at hand. Don was very professional. He gave his best every night out on the diamond. He also took the time to help me learn the game from a different angle. Thanks Don, your help was very much appreciated.
The man that really influenced me the most was Mr. Bob Senff. Bob was a great umpire, he was so good. Enthusiastic, energetic and would hustle out on the diamond, just give it his all. Because of my refereeing of hockey, his lead was just normal for me. He was always so relaxed out on the diamond and was not one to get excited if he was having a disagreement with a player. His strike zone was so consistent as Bob had been a good ball player when he played. He understood the game and gave his best each and every game.
Bob always was encouraging to me, helping me with my game. We wanted to be proud of how we handled a game and do our best.
Bob always seemed to have a smile on his face because he just loved the game and to participate in the game. Calling balls and strikes or
on the bases Bob was great! I must have caught on quickly because it was not long before Bob was taking me with him to do games out of town, I always appreciated that. Thank You Bob!
I worked a lot of games with Dwayne Barkley. He was so much fun to work with. He was usually laughing about something, so with Bob, Biff and me games were fun to be a part of.
Dwayne, otherwise known as Biff, really helped me, especially when I was calling balls and strikes. One night, I felt I was struggling in being consistent with balls and strikes and in between innings early in a game, Biff came toward me at the plate, and I sort of met him halfway up the line toward first base. Biff says to me, Gerry you have this game and your strike zone in your back pocket, keep it going, you are doing a great job!
I was shocked by what he said. Biff must have known I was struggling, and he just gave me a pat on the back and words of encouragement. I finished the game with confidence. I thanked Biff after the game for the visit. That is what a good teammate does, and he was the best teammate that anyone could ask for. Thanks Biff, I never
Oak River Dodgers
The Dodgers won twice on the road on June 1 to improve their record to 4-0 - which put them on top of the SWBL’s North Division. The squad started its day by beating Deloriane 4-1. Dylan Schroeder allowed one run on three hits over seven innings. Duncan Paddock drove in three runs and Max Paddock one. The Dodgers’ offence was firing on all cylinders when it played in Souris later that day. Oak River scored 22 runs on 25 hits and took advantage of six Cardinal errors in the 22-3 win. Ty Paddock hit three doubles and drove in five runs. Duncan Paddock, Kaden Rozdeba and Max Paddock each had three runs batted in. Max Paddock had a home run. Chase Anderson started for Oak River. He allowed one run, which was unearned, over five innings. Duncan Paddock and Ty McKenzie each pitched an inning in relief. The Dodgers were to host Hamiota on June 4 after the Banner deadline. The Oak River team plays in Virden on June 6. It hosts Boissevain on June 8.
Hamiota Red Sox
The Red Sox went 1-2 on the road last week. They beat Virden, 11-5, on May 30. Due to smoke from wildfires, the game was called after six innings. Colt Brooks and Mike Stevenson each drove in two runs. Waddell earned the win. The pitcher allowed three runs on eight hits and struck out five. Hayden Crampain pitched an inning in relief. In Wawanesa, the Red Sox suffered a one-run loss, 9-8, on June 1. In the top of the seventh, the Hamiota team scored two runs to take an 8-7 lead. The Brewers responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Joel Strachan had three RBIs for Hamiota.
In their second game on June 1, the Red Sox lost 9-2 to Boissevain. Brooks struck out five.
After a June 4 game in Oak River, the Red Sox (2-2, as of Monday) will compete in their first two home contests of the campaign. They are both on the same day. On June 8, Hamiota hosts the Deloraine Royals at 2 p.m. and the Souris Cardinals at 6 p.m.
forgot that moment and how it helped get through that match.
Our team of Bob, Biff and I earned the respect of ball players because of our hustle and dedication to the game. We showed the players respect and that we cared for the game and how it was to be played. I think we brought some professionalism to the field which translated into a lot of games both in Virden and in the surrounding communities.
Next week I will get into some things that happened on the field of play, stay tuned.
The three local South West Baseball League teams hit the road last week.
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
Hamiota Red Sox pitcher #10 Hayden Crampain.
PHOTO BY MARLA WILSON
Best Burger Sauce
This burger sauce has a zippy flavor that goes well in sandwiches or as a fry dip. It’s a tangy sauce that can be made spicy or milder for kids.
Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon white vinegar hot sauce to taste seasoned pepper to taste
Directions:
Gather all ingredients. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion, garlic, and vinegar in a bowl. Season with hot sauce and seasoned pepper. Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Manitoba Community Newspaper Association
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IN LOVING MEMORY GLENN SPEARIN
JULY 11, 1956 - MAY 15, 2025
Glenn was born in Minnedosa, MB and grew up on the family farm in the Pettapiece District. He attended school in Rivers, MB and developed a love for skidooing at an early age. Glenn was very mechanically skilled and loved big machines and operating them. After high school he spent many years in Ft. McMurray, AB., working with large mining equipment there. He later moved back to Manitoba to become a full time farmer along side his brother Howard and his wife Cathy. Glenn farmed for many years and then helped and assisted other farmers in the area, during his “working retirement”.
Glenn’s other big passion in life was 1970 Chevelle cars. It was a hobby that gave him much enjoyment over the years. We all miss Glenn and his quiet presence. He will always remain in our hearts. Glenn will be lovingly remembered by his mother Margery, brothers Howard (Cathy) and Jim (Cornelia). He was predeceased by his father Doug.
We are deeply grateful for the many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy received after the death of Glenn Spearin. Margery, Howard and Cathy, Jim and Cornelia.
How to choose and grow the best perennials
Submitted By Patricia Hanbidge
This is another article in the series on how to choose the best perennials plant in your garden. Perennials are a great choice for any garden and it is not that difficult to plant them appropriately so that your garden has colour throughout the seasons. It is important to ensure whatever you are adding to your garden is not going to be a problem in the future so all perennials should be chosen carefully and will behave in your garden. As an added bonus, these perennials will reduce the work that you have to do and are attractive to butterflies and bees.
Plants are special to gardeners and often what we grow has meaning that goes beyond the plants. One summer on a hot July day, I was visiting a friend who is fortunate enough to live on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. As it was a very hot day, I wandered through the poplar bluff down to the water. As I walked, the understory was filled with native monarda or bee balm and the scent of bergamot was just amazing. Ever since that day I always have some bee balm in my garden as the scent is like being surrounded by a giant cup of Earl Grey tea!
The following Bee Balm unless otherwise stated will
all grow about the same size which is 24 inches (60 cm) in height and spread about the same dimension as their height. They bloom from mid-summer all the way to a killing frost, gracing our gardens with scent and colour attracting butterflies and bees and other gardeners!
Monarda didyma ‘Coral Reef’ has lovely coral to salmon-pink flowers and the foliage is very disease resistant.
Monarda didyma ‘Grand Marshall’ also has good resistance to powdery mildew which is a problem with many perennials. It boasts shaggy fuchsia-purple flowers and is delightfully fragrant.
Monarda didyma ‘Grand Mum’ has a delicate pinkmauve flower and is a slightly smaller perennial at about 18 inches (45 cm) in height and spread.
Monarda didyma ‘Grand Parade’ is an exceptionally hardy, mildew-resistant cultivar that produces an abundance of lavender-purple flowers on mid-size plants that grow to between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
Monarda didyma ‘Jefsnow’ is simply stunning! This monarda has 2-lipped scarlet red flowers that are 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) across. My personal favourite monarda! Monarda didyma ‘Marshall’s Delight’ won an award of garden merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
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PROPERTY FOR SALE / LAND FOR SALE / REAL ESTATE
Nice 20-acre retirement or subdividing opportunity 4 miles west of Brandon on paved road. 1,572 sq.ft. home including appliances, wheelchair accessible, 1-level, attached garage. Also, additional adjoining subdivided 5-acre lot. Immediate possession, private sale. $750,000.00. Call 1-204-723-0083 for appointment to view, anytime.
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Clear pink, beautiful flowers – an all-time favourite! Monarda didyma ‘Petite Delight’ is a tiny bee balm with grey-green foliage and only 10 to 12 inches in height (25 to 30 cm) and spread. The lavender-pink flowers are really quite beautiful – especially against the foliage.
If you have not yet grown monarda in your garden – perhaps this is the year you can begin. They are easy keepers and will give you so much in return!
Monarda didyma are perfect garden perennials.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Spring band concert peppered with specials
Three grads
By Anne Davison Rivers Banner
t was no ordinary band concert at HCI on Thursday evening. For one thing, band students have come a long way in recent years and even over this year of instruction, students went from dismay when faced with a musical score, to following their notes and sounding musical - no small feat.
Two saxophones, a tuba, two trumpets and a flute: (l-r) Hunter Hamilton with graduates Seth Hamilton, Gunnar Tannas, and Caleb Hamilton; band instructor Sheena Blanshard and HCI Principal Beccy Adriel have finished playing Soul Bossa Nova – the audience cheers, a close to a successful year of music instruction.
Hamiota Collegiate Principal Beccy Ardiel welcomed the gymnasium full of spectators and thanked people for participating in the 50/50 draw and other fundraisers, before introducing band instructor Sheena Blanchard.
Ms. Ardiel said,
“Though no stranger to music (applause) this was her first year in stepping into the role of band teacher, and she has gone above and beyond to support and inspire and guide our students in their musical journey. I’m thrilled to share that she will be returning this fall….”
stepped up, promising a program that will leave ‘ear worms’ – favourites that stick.
Ms. Blanshard
She directed four levels (94 students) beginning with Grade 6, making even the sim -
plest music fun with a blues piece where every instrumentalist got to pop up from their seats and play a riff.
Grade 8 student Arianna Zettl is an advanced pianist. She
thrilled the audience with the first movement of Mozart’s Sonata No. 12. Her siblings are accustomed to hearing classical piano at any hour in their house, they say.
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PHOTO BY ANNE DAVISON