Mar 25:16

RIVERS

BANNER March 25, 2016

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 36

89¢ + tax

Derby pays out $3,200

By Hall Sveistrup Press Reporter

Deteriorating ice conditions did not prevent 162 adults and 28 youth (12 years and under) from congregating on Lake Wahtopanah for the ninth annual ice fishing derby. It was hosted by Rivers & Area Game & FIsh Association on Saturday, March 12. Some changes for this event consisted of elimination of the $10,000 cash prize for a tagged northern pike and the exclusion of prizes for walleye and perch. Instead, cash prizes totalling $3,200 were awarded to the captors of the 10 longest of the 70 northern pike caught, measured and released. Consequently, the derby was dubbed the 2016 Northern Pike Classic.

The following is a list of the prize winners, the prize amounts and the length of each fish caught: Jeff Hall, Brandon, $1,000, 84.8 centimetres; Eric McArthur, Brandon, $750, 82.8 centimetres; Michael Jay, Rivers, $500, 82.4 centimetres; Jerry Drul, Brandon, $250, 81.4 centimetres; Cody Sedgwick, Rivers, $200, 81.2 centimetres; Cory Sedgwick, Rivers, $100, 80.6 centimetres; Robin Jay, Rivers, $100, 77.4 centimetres; Jordan Froese, Rivers, $100, 74.4 centimetres; Tyler Spring, Oak River, $100, 74.2 centimetres; Paige Allen, Wheatland, $100, 67.8 centimetres.

Upon registration, each youth participant received an embossed goodie bag which later could be used as a lunch container. Inside the bad he/she discovered an ice-fishing rod and reel combo, a coloured jig with a rubber body, a fishing colouring book, and a peel-and-stick measuring tape. In addition, trophies were awarded for the three longest pike snagged by the youngsters. The winners were Carter Lelond, Rivers, 62.2 centimetres and Nolan Perreault of Rivers, who won both second and third with measurements of 60.2 and 57.6 centimetres.

The winners of $20 gift certificates redeemable at any Rivers area merchant were Cory Sedgwick, Paige Allen, Michael Jay, Garth Hodgson (Brandon) and Jerry Drul. The certificates were donated by Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce and were awarded to those who caught a fish nearest to a predetermined hidden time.

Fred Bialas of Brandon returned home $217 richer, courtesy of a 50/50 draw. Al Pitzel of Winnipeg won a beautiful walleye print in a special raffle. Lucky competitors also won several raffle prizes which were donated by area businesses.

The association’s travel trailer served as a canteen where Richard English and his staff of association members served a delicious menu of cheeseburgers, hamburgers, smoky dogs, coffee, hot chocolate and canned drinks. The canteen staff even delivered menu orders to the sites of competing fishers.

Got food?

Photos by Terra Wolski

President Shawn Williams (L) and vice-president Ross Taylor (R) present Jeff Hall $1,000 for catching the longest fish at the annual derby hosted by their organization.

Shawn also presented Carter Lelond a trophy for the longest fish caught by a youth.

A LOCAVORE, by definition, is someone who eats locally-grown food whenever possible.

At The Dock on Princess we strive to live by this motto. “Support Local” is not only good for our community, it’s good for us too. It means we get a fresher product to cook with and we get to work with local people to create just the right ingredients for our dishes.

Thank a farmer!

Please drink responsibly.

• • • • • • • •

Brandon-roasted coffee beans from Forbidden Flavours Brandon-baked buns from Kuipers Bakery House Rye is Manitoba-made Crown Royal Two varieties of Manitoba’s own Farmery Beer Manitoba-raised chicken and pork Manitoba-grown Yukon Gold potatoes Canadian-raised duck, turkey and Certified Angus beef Canadian East Coast Cod

Locavore Discount Spend $25 on food at The Dock on Princess receive $5 OFF, when you present this coupon.

Not valid with any other promotion, coupon or offer. One coupon per person per day.

Offer expires April 30, 2016.

1133 PRINCESS AVENUE • 204-726-1234 • WWW.THEDOCKONPRINCESS.COM • WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THEDOCKONPRINCESS

2 RIVERS BANNER March 25, 2016

Community calendar March 24: Rivers 50 Plus Club meeting, Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

March 24: Matthew Walks Through the Shadows, Rivers Baptist Church, 7 p.m.

March 24: Maundy-Thursday service, St. James’ Anglican Church, Rivers, 7:30 p.m.

March 25: Mass, Immaculate Conception Church, Rivers, 9:30 a.m.

March 25: Good Friday service, Cardale United Church, 10 a.m.

March 25: Good Friday service, Rivers United Church, 10:30 a.m.

March 25: Prayer walk, Rivers Baptist Church, 3 p.m.

March 25: Good Friday worship and prayer service, Zion Church, Rivers 7 p.m.

March 25: War Room, Kenton Memorial Hall, 7 p.m.

March 27: Easter breakfast, Rivers Baptist Church, 9:30 a.m.

March 27: Mass, Immaculate Conception Church, Rivers, 3 p.m.

March 29: Rivers Train Station Restoration Project meeting, Riverdale Municipality council chamber, 7 p.m.

April 4: Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary meeting, upper hall, 7:30 p.m.

April 5: Candidates night, Rapid City Legion Hall, 7 p.m.

April 8: Rivers Women’s Institute meeting, Westwood Lodge, Rivers, 1:30 p.m.

April 12: Funeral information seminar, Rivers Legion Hall, 12 p.m.

April 12: Rivers Legion meeting, upper hall, 7:30 p.m.

April 13: Riverdale Harvest meeting, Prairie Crocus Regional Library, Rivers, 7 p.m.

April 13: Riverdale Municipality budget meeting, Riverdale Community Centre, 7 p.m.

April 18-23: Once Upon a Mattress, Bend Theatre, Strathclair, 7:30 p.m.

April 19: Women’s coffee party, Rivers United Church friendship hall, 2 p.m.

April 20: Regional hospital auxiliaries meeting, Rivers Legion Hall, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

April 21: Rivers 50 Plus Club meeting, Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

April 23: Spring tea, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Rivers, 2-3:30 p.m.

April 24: Razzamatazz Dance Club recital, Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Brandon, 1:30 p.m.

April 25: Clothing sale, Rivers Legion Hall, 1-3 p.m.

April 25: Rivers/Rapid City Senior Services annual meeting, Riverdale Municipality council chamber, 7:30 p.m.

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

April 26: Rivers Train Station Restoration Project meeting, Riverdale Municipality council chamber, 7 p.m.

Every Monday Crib (first and third), Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Every Tuesday Coffee/games, Rivers Civic Centre, 8:30 a.m.

Table shuffleboard, Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Rivers Piecemakers, Rivers Collegiate, 7 p.m. (alternate weeks; 204-728-7592) TOPS, (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 529 Second Avenue, Rivers, 7 p.m.

Every Wednesday Pool, Rivers Civic Centre, 1 p.m.

Bingo, Rivers Legion Hall, 7:15 p.m.

Bible Study, Zion Church, Rivers, 7:30 p.m.

Every Thursday Floor curling, Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Crib, Rivers Legion Hall, 7 p.m.

Every Friday Sticks and Strings, St. James’Anglican Church, Rivers, 9:30-11 a.m., alternate weeks (204-328-7546) Pool, Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Bingo or movie (second and fourth), Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Meat draw, Rivers Legion clubroom, 6-7 p.m.

Photo by Corina Lepp

Back row L/R: Coach Gerald Lepp, Cole Lelond, Aaron Roels, Grady McNish, Carson Espenell, Jesse Bourdin, Clay Munz, coach Dana McNish. Front row L/R: Winston Lepp, Kayden Elliott, Samuel Rivas, Rynan Taylor, Duncan McLean. Missing: Assistant coaches Cecil Roulette, Al Munz, Kim Bourdin and manager Amanda Lelond.

Squirts win Parkisssimo League

By Corina Lepp Rivers Minor Hockey League had enough young players register for the 2015-16 season that the youngest of them (squirts) were split into two teams. Most of yellow team’s top age players (six-year-olds) participated in the Parkissimo League tournament in Virden March 18-20. There were 12 teams at the tournament; Rivers squirts yellow played five games and won four

of them! Their final game was against Rossburn with a deciding victory of 14-8 and the championship banner/ medals! Congratulations, kids and coaches!

Team yellow has 17 players, 11 of whom were in the tourmanet and this photo. The other players are Stella Roulette, Beau Jubinville, Nova Bourdin, Jilian Schoonbaert, Corbin Munz and Sawyer Lepp.

From our files

RIVERS BANNER March 25, 2016 3

65 years ago, March 22, 1951 A March 15 afternoon fire gutted the Fifth Avenue home of Jack and Kay Gilchrist and family; no one was home. Cause is yet unknown but confirmed to have started in the basement. Rivers fire brigade required assistance from the airport fire department.

55 years ago, March 23, 1961 Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Tobey had a girl March 3; Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Eidsness had a girl March 6; Mr. and Mrs. J. Boutet had a boy March 7; Mr. and Mrs. David Gourlay had a boy March 15; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Denboer had a girl March 16; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Greenwood had a boy March 17; Mr. and Mrs. Len Green had

a boy March 18; Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Knight had a girl March 19. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Strachan celebrated their 50th anniversary on March 15.

45 years ago, March 25, 1971 A 14-month-old baby left in a running vehicle pushed the gearshift into reverse on Friday. The car careened across the intersection and crashed into the Stratford-McConnell Insurance office, surprising staff and the toddler; the siding has a hole from the back bumper crash.

Town employee John Ratz saw the accident and ran after the car, shutting it off and comforting the frightened driver. At its March 18 meeting it was learned Riverdale Hospital had 32 admissions in February, four births, 10 surgeries

and 29 out-patient visits. Friendship Rebekah Lodge celebrated its 60th anniversary on March 19.

Mr. and Mrs. Al Bruhn had a girl March 15. Moline Home Economic 4-H Club member Lorri English won the junior speaking elimination on March 19 (five clubs) and will now represent Minnedosa district at inter-finals in Neepawa on April 2. Oli Rodrigues has completed his one-year training period at Rivers Royal Bank is has returned to his home in Brazil.

35 years ago, March 25, 1981 Murray Gill was killed on Saturday after a single vehicle accident two kilometres west of Jct. 250 and 24; the half-ton truck rolled, pinning him underneath. The 46-yearold Oak River area man

was pronounced dead at the scene. Patti Eilliott of Rivers won the most valuable player award at the provincial B senior women’s volleyball championship in Gimli. Maxine Genung married Cameron Willis on March 10. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Gallinger had a girl March 18; Mr. and Mrs. John Prankie had a boy March 11.

25 years ago, March 27, 1991 Oak River and Area Lions Club held a supper meeting last week in honour of district governor Lion Edgar Breemersch visiting them. He presented life memberships to Bob Ramsey, Allan Reid and Ross Argue. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bridgeman had a boy March 18; Mr. and Mrs. Kent Freeborn

had a girl March 20. John and Madge Campbell of Tarbolton district won $10,000 on an Instant Super Banco and are currently on a trip to Phoenix, Ariz. Mr. and Mrs. Addison Garbutt celebrated their 60th anniversary on March 17.

15 years ago, March 24, 2001 At the Rivers Skating Club annual carnival on March 16 Lindsay Carlisle won the Louise Montague Memorial Trophy for most dedicated skater; Amy-Lyn Nohr won the Canskater of the Year medal; Charley Maxwell and Ryley Weir won Spirit of Skating medals. Lakeside Sno-Riders was re-established on Feb. 7 after a five-year hiatus.

In the six weeks since they have purchased a 1978

Bombardier trail groomer and held a poker derby on March 10 in which 100 riders participated.

5 years ago, March 25, 2011 At its second Leave a Legacy night on March 10, Rivers Recreation Facilities Review Committee received $77,000; the December event brought in $269,000. Buying naming rights two weeks ago were the Venbaas, Taylor and Redfern families. On March 15 Rivers & Area Game & Fish Association released 21 wild turkeys on the Marlin Beever farm southeast of Rivers to “introduce a new species of wildlife in the area for outdoor lovers to enjoy.” It is hoped the birds will survive and maintain a flock.

The business buzz

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff ivers has seen several changes recently and all are significant improvements to town and worthy of reporting.

It began with Shelly Brown ending her lease with Chris Melvin the afternoon of Feb. 29 and moving Shelly Mom’s Kitchen from the former Rivers Ukrainian Hall (or Chris’s Café & Catering) to the old West Avenue Steakhouse and Lounge a half-block west. Former steakhouse owner Cheri Clark sold that building to Shelly 18 months after she bought it from Lloyd and Jackie Fehr, who ran a restaurant there for 25 years. Shelly hired a crew to renovate during the month of February and

R

on Thursday, March 3 she opened her own place with extended hours. She is still open seven days a week but instead of closing at 8 p.m., she is now open until 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Sunday) They still open their doors

at 7:30 a.m. and she is currently working on approval for a liquor licence.

Work began at Westoba Credit Union on Feb. 16 to have an ATM installed in the foyer/lending office. continued on page 10

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Zion Church 879-3rd Avenue, Rivers

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

Wednesday evening Bible study, 7:30-9 p.m.

westoba.com 1-877-WESTOBA

Rivers Banner Perspective

4

Tundra

Riding out of history

by Chad Carpenter

I

Budgeting for better results

A

s municipal budgets fall into place this year, I strongly encourage people to go out to the public budget meetings.

Ask some questions, dig into the figures and see what your town or municipality is really doing. It will be an eye opener.

You will be met with several surprises. You will see many things being done that you had no idea about. You will also see many things being neglected that should be looked after. You will see budgets being delayed, year after year, until long into the budget year. Municipalities operate on a calendar year budgeting but it’s almost April and many budgets haven’t been passed yet.

That doesn’t make sense.

The Town of Neepawa, a couple of years ago, decided to pre-approve a capital budget in the fall so as to be able to tender out projects earlier in the year.

Not sure if that’s still happening, but it was a good theory. You will also find that municipalities have reserves and loans. They try to balance the budget somewhat to keep the tax rate as low as possible. It somehow doesn’t seem to work as, when combined with school taxes, the annual tax bill goes up almost without fail.

The Canadian Federation of Business has called municipalities out on their annual plea to the senior levels of government.

Municipalities say they only get eight per cent of all the taxes collected in Canada. CFIB says that when you factor in federal and provincial grants, it’s actually 15 per cent. I don’t know if either of those figures are true, but I do know that municipalities are into a lot of stuff that maybe they shouldn’t be into.

One small example is that Neepawa almost bowed out of the Dutch Elm Disease control program. It’s not a huge amount of money, but maybe the time has come for somebody to investigate the effectiveness of the program.

How effective have the rules been? No storing of elm firewood, burn the diseased trees. Ok, ok,

MARCH 25, 2016

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken Waddell I get it. But you can’t control the disease when trees are in inaccessible areas. The province also insists that we don’t plant American Elm trees any more. I think that’s just plain silly. We should be taking seed from the oldest, strongest, disease resistant trees and planting lots of elm trees.

Councils spend money on fluoridation of water. It’s plain dumb. There’s fluoride in toothpaste, there’s fluoridation at the dentist office. Fluoride may in fact be harmful. It costs unnecessary money at the treatment plants. You sure don’t need fluoridated water to process pork, to run a car wash or flush the toilet.

Many councils are insular in their approach to knowledge.

Few councillors attend Federation of Canadian Municipalities meetings where some of the best practises are taught. Sometimes it seems that municipal and town councils don’t want information all that badly. While doing things in a traditional manner has some comforting strengths, it may well hamper innovation.

The biggest knock I have against municipalities and towns is they are too cautious.

Many towns, Neepawa included, are sitting on reserves.

That’s a good thing, to a point, but investment in new infrastructure would be better. Towns, Neepawa included, are not utilizing their borrowing capacity. Neepawa has $2-3 million in borrowing capacity that they haven’t tapped into. If they had borrowed $2 million 20 years ago, it would have been paid off ten years ago and they would have had $2 million in improvements at 1996 prices. If it had been re-

borrowed in 2006, they would have had another $2 million in improvements and at 2006 prices. Now they are faced with many millions in infrastructure shortfall with no more money to handle it than they had 20 years ago and they are going to have to make the improvements at 2016 prices. Interest rates are low, they should have made improvements at low interest rates.

One of the strengths of living in rural Manitoba is that change comes slowly. The biggest weakness of living in rural Manitoba is that nothing much changes.

The original entrepreneurial spirit of our forefathers has been largely lost. Some of it died in WWI, some more of it died in the Great Depression of the 1930s, more of it may have died off in WWII. That said, all the people who lived through those events showed more developmental spirit than we have today. Maybe it’s the comfort zone of the 50s-70s that lulled us to sleep.

The sleepy, foot-dragging pace of rural Manitoba, the creeping government off-loading of costs and services, the diminishing of our towns just won’t cut it. We are well on our way to having only three or four major towns in all of Western Manitoba. Late, low key, do nothing budgets simply won’t make our communities thrive.

We need a new government provincially, we need new approaches locally and we have to all understand that unless there is strongly evaluated change, the trend won’t change. All of us can name towns that used to be and are no more. It happened for a reason and many of the reasons rest within local control.

t’s one of the most iconic Canadian images; wearing a tan hat and red jacket, a Mountie sits atop a black horse. This image, known around the world, is one of our greatest cultural icons.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of today bears little resemblance to the force that Sir John A MacDonald named the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) when it was created 1873.

However, each summer, as the RCMP Musical Ride tours the country, Canadians have a chance to get a taste our national police force’s cavalry history.

MY In 1869, the PERSPECTIVE Canadian government purchased what became the North-West ate Territories. The government acKman tKinson wanted to settle this vast territory, but they needed some way to establish and maintain order. The solution was the creation of the NWMP, the precursor to the RCMP. The NWMP began with a strong cavalry history, not only were many of the officers from the British Army or Canadian Militia, it was the only way to police the western frontier in the 1800s– there were no railways and certainly no cars.

Many parts of today’s Musical Ride can be traced to those early days. The lance carried by the riders in the Musical Ride traces its heritage back to the March West, when the 302 policemen, 338 riding horses, 114 Red River Carts, 73 wagons, 142 oxen, 21 drivers, two field guns and 93 head of cattle headed out to construct and man the first NWNP forts from which patrols would be conducted. Twenty of those men carried lances adorned with pennants. Today, these lances are used only by the Musical Ride.

The scarlet tunic too was part of that first uniform. They were originally from Canadian Militia stores.

Stationed across the West, the NWMP performed cavalry drills to display not only their riding skills, but also for entertainment.

While the first official musical ride was performed in 1887, at the Regina Barracks, there are said to have been performances of mounted horsemanship as early as 1876. The first public performance of a musical ride took place in 1901 at the Regina fair.

As the 20th century got underway, the horse became less important to both the Canadian population and its police force. While riding would continue to be part of basic training, the force’s last mounted patrol took place in the mid 1930s.

The first overseas Musical Ride demonstration took place in 1919 in Siberia. The ride continues to take part in some international performances.

In 1966, recruits no longer learned to ride as part of their training. While cavalry training was no longer part of RCMP officers’ training, the government decided that the Musical Ride would continue, as a way to promote the RCMP and highlight Canada.

Today, the RCMP Musical Ride is based out of the RCMP’s Rockcliffe, Ontario facility. While performances of the ride are composed of 32 riders and horses, a number which has stayed relatively constant since the ride’s early days, 36 horses, 35 riders travel with the Musical Ride.

While originally staffed by trainees, now, the officers who join the musical must have completed at least two years of active police work before requesting to join the ride. The majority have no previous experience with horses. The riders come from across the country and stay with the Ride for only three years, meaning that that one third of the riders change each year.

Since 1939, the year after they began using only black horses, the RCMP has operated a breeding program aimed at producing horses of a uniform colour (black) and size (between 16 and 17.2 hands), as well as having the quiet demeanour needed for their job.

The Red Serge, the black horse, the flat brimmed tan Stetson, the intricate maneuvers and the thundering hooves of the charge.

For those wanting to take in this truly Canadian experience, the Musical Ride will be touring Manitoba this year, with performances in Neepawa, Dauphin, Austin and Brandon.

It’s maybe a little bit ironic that a country so associated with peace also be so strongly tied to its police force. But then again, while the US has the Wild West, we have the Mountie.

K J

-a

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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Staff Sheila Runions, Maggie Smallwood

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Opinion I am my father’s son

MARCH 25, 2016

T

he letter came about three months ago.

It came in a plain brown envelope bearing a Government of Canada return address. So I opened it and began to read.

“Dear Mr. Strohschein,” the letter began. “Our records show that you will reach the age of 65 in 2016. As such, you are entitled to begin receiving Old Age Security (OAS) payments. If this information is accurate, you need do nothing. Your first benefit cheque will be sent to you the month you turn 65 and you will receive automatic payments every month thereafter.”

As I went about my duties that day, I thought of how much has changed since I came kicking and screaming into this world 65 years ago.

I used to have thick brown hair. Now it’s gray and getting thinner every year. How thin is something only my hairdresser knows for sure. At one time, I was able to wear size 32 pants—not any

FAITHFULLY YOURS neil stRohschein more. I live in a different province. My views on social, economic and political issues have changed (some more than others) and the rigid doctrinal positions I articulated at my Ordination Council have softened considerably (again, some more than others).

But one thing about me hasn’t changed. I am the son of the late Paul Strohschein. Nothing I can do will ever change that fact. I was born into his family and I will always be part of his family.

The same is true of my relationship with God. I became part of God’s family the same way I became part of my earthly family. I was born into it.

But my second birth wasn’t the same as the first.

Jesus spoke of that birth in

a conversation with a man named Nicodemus. “No one can enter the kingdom of God,” Jesus said, “without being born from above… without being born of water and Spirit.” (John 3:3, 5) In this verse, “water” is a symbol of the Word of God; the Scriptures. As we read and reflect on these sacred writings, we discover who God is, who we are and how far we have strayed from the standards God has set for us. We are told that all have sinned, that the wages of sin is death (spending eternity in a place where God isn’t) but that Christ died for our sins and that all who believe (put their faith) in him can be forgiven and receive the gift of everlasting life.

The Spirit convinces us that what we read is true

and urges us to believe.

Then, in response to our faith, the Spirit comes into our lives and begins to change us from the inside out. The inner urge to do what pleases self is removed and replaced with an inner urge to do what pleases God. And in that moment we are “born from above,” and become part of God’s eternal family.

Does that mean we will always do what is right?

No. We will fail. We will sin. We will make wrong choices. We will do things that harm ourselves and others. We may wander far from God, walk away from all association with other believers and do things that hurt him deeply. But we will never stop being his children. We were born into his family and so we will always be.

Human families aren’t the only one with prodigal children. God has his prodigals too. And just like the father in the story Jesus told, God is waiting for his prodigals to come back home.

Adapting to a ‘new normal’

I

t has become a sort of a catch phrase – new normal. It applies to so many stages of life.

Leaving home, becoming independent, that is one of our first new normals.

We had to learn to budget, manage out time, take even more responsibilities for our actions.

Huge learning curve and major adjustments – learning to live with another person. Giving up some of our independence (I said some), making concessions and learning to budget and manage our time.

For many, the next step or stage is family life. Massive adjustments. This new normal means your house will seldom be clean and tidy at the same time. Your time really isn’t your own, and there is little time to manage, just survive!

School and sports and family and job and vacation – if you are lucky! And

HOMEBODIES Rita FRiesen so much more.

Just acclimatized to the hustle and bustle of a growing family, and a new normal is knocking.

Empty nest. For some, it is a triumph to have the kids out of the house. For some, it is a deep mourning that the day to day life is back to two adults, and too often the partner is a near stranger for lack of nurturing a relationship during the busy times.

Just a step behind the empty nest is retirement.

New meaning for time management! What does a person who has had almost every hour accounted for now do with empty hours?

Observation

By Addy Oberlin

T

his year, our spring school break can be called “Easter holidays.” Families and friends can get together to celebrate this wonderful, most important celebration of the year. And it is not the eggs, bunnies and other chocolates, which I love, and the stores are filled with. It is also not the new life we see springing up in the fields around us. Oh yes, I love those little kittens, puppies and chicks. And it is precious to

The first few weeks of retirement are delicious, drifting days of leisure and pleasure. And then what?

I believe that one can take only so many holidays and spend only so much time with friends and family – though grandchildren can consume almost as much time and energy as children did! I know that one. There has to be a focus, a purpose to give the days meaning.

Volunteering, going back to work, hobbies, are viable options. And then before we have explored the fullness of retirement, old age makes its presence felt. Not just in the hips and the knees and back,

but in losses.

The new normal too often requires learning to live alone. Again, budget becomes an important topic, time management is daunting – all we have is time – and once again, we have to take responsibilities for all of our own actions! Full circle. My new normal includes learning to leave on a light when I leave home. Winter is especially bad, dark before supper.

Coming home to an empty ‘home’ is tough, coming home to a dark, empty ‘home’ is even tougher. My new normal dictates that I find a purpose, the course this winter worked for this winter, but what about next winter, and the one after that? My new normal demands that I pick up the phone and call a friend, or I pick up my courage and go out for coffee.

‘New normal’, as old as Adam and as new as today.

see momma cattle and horses with their young ones.

On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus was crucified. He was sinless, but took the punishment for our sins. He was obedient to His Father in Heaven.

Easter Day is Resurrection day. The angel told the women in Mathew 28: 6, “He is not here for He has risen, just as He said.” That morning the people in the Bible saw Jesus. He arose from the dead and was walking among them. We celebrate a risen Saviour. He is alive today and sitting at the right hand of the Father, mediating on our behalf.

Let us celebrate, love and serve Him with our whole heart, mind and soul.

RIVERS BANNER 5

Letters Cemetery board accountability requested For over a year I have been requesting the Greenwood Cemetery Board to provide me with minutes and financial statements from 2011-15. Because of their apparent reluctance to comply with my request, I asked the Wallace-Woodworth municipal council who were also extremely slow in responding. Maybe they don’t have the information either. They should have. They make an annual grant to the cemetery board, are in charge of the perpetual fund and issue charitable tax receipts on behalf of the board.

I finally have “all” of this information. It shows the cemetery board held two meetings in 2011, none in 2012, one in 2013, none in 2014 and three in 2015.

If the information I was given is complete, no annual general meetings (AGMs) have been held since April 28, 2011.

The May 7, 2015 minutes say the 2015 AGM was to be held on June 11 and Bill and Linda Drake gave notice of their resignation as chair and secretary-treasurer to be effective then. No minutes of the June 11 meeting have been provided to me.

The next minutes were for Nov. 13, 2015 . They read, “Minutes of the May 7, 2015 meeting were read with the following amendments, that Bill and Linda remain as chairperson and secretary-treasurer.” Bill and Linda were present on Nov. 13 and had agreed to “stay on as chairperson and secretary-treasurer until a co-chair can be found.”

What happened to the board holding AGMs open to members of the public to attend and participate in? At the 2011 AGM, seven members of the public attended.

It stands to reason that it is likely that the public would want to continue to attend AGMs to learn about and participate in how the cemetery board functions and elect board members to represent their interests in how the cemetery is operated.

A 2016 AGM must be held. The board needs to explain a new operating practice where two board members have apparently been given the authority to specify who can and will be prevented from visiting the graves of their relatives and be allowed to attend funerals at a publicly-owned cemetery.

On Feb. 5, 2016, I received a letter from Linda Drake which said an AGM will be held “in the future” and that I would be provided “at that time” with “minutes of the previous meeting and the financial statement for the previous year (2015).”

If “the future” is like the last AGM held in 2011, the 2016 AGM should be held this April. It is reasonable to expect the board to let people know where and when this AGM will be held. I expect them to do so.

Keith Campbell, Harding

6 RIVERS BANNER March 25, 2016

RIVERS BANNER March 25, 2016 7

Phinney Stucco & Design

Allen Leigh

Security & Communications Ltd.

www.allenleigh.ca

Toll Free: 1.866.289.8164 Helping Farmers since 1996

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 TF: 7E3 Brandon, MB R7A 7E3 1-866-980-375 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com C: (204) 724-782 www.murraychryslerwestman.com

Clothing • Groceries • Fresh Produce

Are you driving over your money?

RR#2 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 1-866-292-6115 Fax 204-966-3335 sales@tridekon.ca www.tridekon.ca

Bob Phinney Owner 204-573-2627 Neepawa, MB bobphinney@live.ca

We have you covered IURP VWDUW WR ÀQLVK Mike Waddell

For all your aerial application needs!

Specializing in Acrylic Stucco and Parging

• NEW Implement Camera now sees COLOUR in Air-Seeder Tanks • Communicate on your Farm Vertex 2-Way Radios • Farm Yard Security Cameras, Driveway Alerts and More!

545 Assiniboine Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 0G3 Tel: 204.728.8878

Co-op Feeds

Including installations Siding, Shingles, Windows & Doors, New Houses, Garages, Shops & Renovations!

268 Hamilton St. Neepawa 204-476-2333

Livestock Supplies • Feed Delivery Huge Inventory of Electric Fence Supplies Kelln Solar Water Systems Sprayer Equipment and Parts Hydraulics - Parts and Repairs

MINNAGRO AGRI-CARE

Minnedosa 204-867-6010

NEEPAWA-GLADSTONE CO-OP HOME AND FARM CENTRE #300 - Highway #5 North Neepawa 204-476-3456

EAGLE Agro Service

Nelson Almey and Staff Neepawa 204-476-2448

300 Mountain Ave. Neepawa 204-476-5164 www.gianttiger.com

E ver y thing for Your Farm

For competitive rates on all your farm property coverage.

Call us!

Gill & Schmall Agencies Neepawa McCreary 204-476-2345 204-835-2501 Toll Free: 1-877-476-2345 www.gillandschmall.com

T A C Ventures Inc. Waste Management & Contracting Jack Falk (Owner) Box 208 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Bus: 204-476-5125

Servicing your growing needs

Dealers in Scrap Metal Copper Aluminum Stainless Brass Cell: 204-476-0002

Neepawa, MB 204-476-3809 www.ticparts.com

204-476-7580 271 Railway Street, Neepawa, Manitoba R0J 1H0

Custom apply with us!

NEEPAWA-GLADSTONE CO-OP Neepawa Agro 204-476-3431 Gladstone Agro 204-385-2906

Aerial photo provided by Prairie Agri Photo Ltd 1-800-374-8078 www.prairieagri.com Rebuilt Concaves

For all your bulk fuel needs

For all your residential and farm building needs

Rebuilt Combine Table Augers • Rebuild Hydraulic Cylinders Roller Mills Regrooved • MFWD Housings Rebuilt Steel and Aluminum Welding • Machine Shop Service

Line Boring and Welding

Jeff Harder cell 204-476-0631 tel 204-386-2853

Box 127 Plumas, MB R0J 1P0 nueraseeds@hotmail.com

Penno’s

Machining & Mfg. LTD Eden • 204-966-3221 • www.pennosmachining.com pennosmachining@gmail.com

1-866-643-0726 NEEPAWA-GLADSTONE CO-OP BULK FUEL

“Manitoba’s Tire Specialists”

Highway 5 North Neepawa 204-476-5566 www.kkpenner.com

NEW HOMES | RENOS | ICF BASEMENTS CONCRETE PADS | DECKS | FRAMING Mike Ellis 204-841-4244 Dave Leflar 204-841-0025

Visit us on Facebook.com

• Competitive pricing on all grades of canola including heated canola • Legend Seeds dealer for soybeans and corn for easy local pickup • New crop buckwheat contracts • Buying oats, rye and feed grains

Gladstone

385-2292

8 RIVERS BANNER March 25, 2016

Resolutions offer Prairie Chicks don Easter hats food for thought

By Jessie Bell

By Dianne Kowalchuk Publicity “Be it resolved that Manitoba Women’s Institute (MWI) request that the government of Manitoba support the expansion of handi-transit services in rural communities to allow them to become a more useable service for the entire community.”… “Be it resolved that MWI urge the minister of health to review the cost of ambulance service with the aim of making the costs more affordable to all citizens and making the rates consistent across the province.” … “Be it resolved that MWI urge the government of Manitoba to introduce legislation that would make childhood vaccinations mandatory for children attending all schools in Manitoba.”

These are three of the 10 resolutions that will be debated at the MWI provincial convention to be held at Clear Lake on May 6 and 7. At the March meeting of Rivers WI, members discussed all the resolutions.

Many dealt with health care, but other issues were also addressed, such as grain entrapment training, the recycling of beverage bottles and educational funding for First Nations students. Among the group gathered at the home of Dianne Kowalchuk for that meeting, there were varying opinions expressed, but after discussion, all resolutions received broad agreement. (It is important to know how each person would vote, because those who are not attending the convention will be sending their proxy votes with someone else.) It is quite obvious that the members of MWI have the ability and the will to tackle issues of the day with intelligence and perception.

It is also gratifying to know that government respects the opinions expressed by the organization.

The provincial convention is fast approaching. On Friday, May 6 speakers will include Dave McGregor, Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba; DevaMarie Beck, Nightingale Initiative for Global Health; and Jennifer Poulain, BMO. The highlight of the day will be a presentation by the lieutenant governor of Manitoba, Honourable Janice Filmon, at the evening banquet. May 7 will be devoted to MWI business, including the debate of the resolutions. Another feature will be a tribute to Nellie McClung and acknowledgement of her work for the betterment of women. For more information, contact Dianne Kowalchuk, Arenda Vanderdeen or the MWI office (204-726-7135). Rivers WI members are also making plans to attend a regional convention at Erickson on April 13.

The next meeting of Rivers WI will be held at Westwood Lodge on Friday, April 8 at 1:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be from Parkinson Society Manitoba. This should be an informative program, given the fact that the number of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease in Manitoba is Rivers Local expected to double in 16 years. If you are interestd in this topic, please join us.

Sixteen ladies sat around a table in Lee’s Restaurant for a noon luncheon on March of varying sizes in bright colours, adorned with tiny fabric chickens, rabbits, butterflies, shamrocks, ring flowers and ribbon.

The women call themselves Rivers Prairie Chicks, organized as a fun time group after declining to join the Red Hat Society, which meets on a more formal basis with conferences and a membership fee. While Prairie Chicks still wear their red hats, they have no membership fees and meet monthly just for fun. The ladies pair up to plan different entertainment each month, visiting museums, tea houses, art centres, greenhouses, movies, a casino, yard/garden tours, Halloween House and once last year, they visited Bill Turner at CKLQ Radio.

Norma Vandusen and Ann Lines planned the luncheon and Easter bonnet show on Friday, issuing small Easter chocolate treats to the following: Maggie Smallwood (most Easter hat), Doreen Bate (smallest red hat), Ina Hyndman (most colourful), Barb Christiansen and Norman Vandusen (biggest hats) and Jan Brand, daughter of Ina Hyndman, from Owen Sound, Ont. for coming the farthest distance.

On deck for April fun are Sylvia Maloney, Janice and Patty Waterfield. If you are interested in joining these women as your schedule allows, feel free to contact any member who has been listed in this story.

WARNING! When I am old, I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells And run my stick along the public railings And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain And pick the flowers in other people’s gardens And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat And eat three pounds of sausages at a go, Or only bread and pickle for a week,

Photo by Jessie Bell

L/R: Maggie Smallwood accepts her chocolate treat from event co-ordinator Ann Lines.

And hoard pens and pencils, and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry And pay our rent and not swear in the street And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practise a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

By Jennie Joseph

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

M KAY CHAROLAIS C

Trivia Night II Rivers United Church Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.

Teams of 8 recommended, $10/person. Team names, costumes, mascots and slogans encouraged.

Snacks and nacho bar for sale ~ Prizes!

To register call Lorrie Dyer (204-328-7260) ASAP!

We are still testing for the Leptin gene. The TT gene is the best in the leptin gene. TT cows raise 27lbs more calf than CC and have 2 more calves per lifetime than CC. Feed saving on steers is $70-$80 per steer.

Bulls for sale: V E1-> ;80? -:0 E1->85:3? &41?1 .A88? ->1 ;Ŋ TT sires.

Lyle McKay & Family

204-352-4343 204-476-6982

RIVERS BANNER March 25, 2016 9

Around the house With T. Waite

Saturday, March 19 saw eight teams from Kenton, Newdale and Rivers hit the ice for Rivers Legion’s bonspiel. Everyone played two games for total points. President Garry Nielsen was on hand to present the trophy and prizes to the winning teams of Harvey Wood 38 points, Rod Veitch 35 points, and Les Wood 34 points, all of Rivers. The Legion Ladies Auxiliary served a delicious chicken Kiev supper to all the curlers and their guests, feeding approximately 85 people.

This was the last event to be held at Rivers Curling Club; the ice plant has been turned off. That means our junior curling season, a very successful program, has also wrapped up. This year there were 34 kids from Grades 4-8 playing a four-end game every Tuesday evening. The champs were the Zack Veitch rink, second-place winners were the Nathan Krahn rink and third-place winners were the Emma Roulette rink.

L/R: Zach Veitch, third Brooklyn Zemliak, second Ben Roulette.

Middle L/R: Nathan Krahn, third Layton Veitch, second Mackenzie Janz, lead Nicholas Lade.

Bottom L/R: Emma Roulette, third Breanne Zemliak, second Nolan Perreault, lead Gavin Pomeroy.

Photo submitted

Top L/R: Shauna Tait, Briley Wood, Gordon Hammond and Les Wood accept their third event first-place win from President Garry Nielsen.

Middle L/R: Donna and Zach Veitch, Amy Ericson and Rod Veitch accept their second event first-place win from President Garry.

Bottom L/R: Rick, Jennifer, Jarred and Harvey Wood accept their first event first-place win from President Garry.

Strathclair Drama Club proudly presents its 34th annual musical production

Music by Mary Rodgers. Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer. Lyrics by Marshall Barer. 229 W. 28th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001 . Phone: 212-541-6600 Fax: 212-586-6155 www.rnh.com

April 18-23, 2016 public notice regarding the

2016 FINANCIAL PLAN We’re not “Ruff!” on your wallet.

Cat/dog vaccine clinic Saturday, April 2

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

at the old Rivers arena site, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Exams $34; distemper vaccine $13; rabies vaccine $13; heartworm tests $55.

• Now is a great time to purchase your flea and tick medications and get your heartworm test done!

• Please ensure cats are brought in secure kennels; don’t have one? Borrow one from us! (We have a few available).

• Ensure dogs are leashed with properly-fitted collars.

Call 204-573-7266 for an appointment or email mobilevet@outlook.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Subsection 162 (2) of The Municipal Act that the Council of Riverdale Municipality intends to present its financial plan for the fiscal year 2016 at a public hearing in the

Behlen Lounge on the upper floor of Riverdale Community Centre, Rivers, Manitoba on the 13th day of April, 2016 at 7 p.m.

Council will hear any person who wishes to make representation, ask questions or register an objection to the financial plan as provided. Copies of the financial plan are available for review and may be examined by any person during the regular office hours of Riverdale Municipality at 670 - 2nd Avenue, Rivers, on or after March 30, 2016. All interested parties are encouraged to attend this public hearing.

Kat Bridgeman, CMMA, Chief Administrative Officer

Bend Theatre, Strathclair 7:30 p.m. nightly Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 2 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Doors open at 9 a.m.

Phone 204-365-2436 Main floor, $15; balcony, $10.

Box office hours April 4-15: 10 a.m.-12 noon, Monday-Friday.

Please leave a message on our answering machine as a waiting list is available.

Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/Strathclairdramaclub

10 RIVERS BANNER March 25, 2016

The office space was needed for the bulk of the machine, so the former waiting area was converted to an office, which was completed in early March. Westoba was working relatively unimpeded to the public for nearly six weeks with the office and ATM construction work. While there are still cosmetic touches needed around the ATM, it is now fully functional. It has been working since Wednesday afternoon, March 16. At this point, the foyer will remain open 24-7 so access can be made to the machine at all times.

On March 10 a temporary fence became the new border of the water treatment plant lot on Hwy. 25. The $4.9 million tender was awarded to Horizon Builders of Brandon and they are already ahead of schedule.

Work was expected to begin April 1 but because of the mild winter, trees have been felled and land staked to make way for the new reverse osmosis plant, which is expected to be operational by next March or sooner.

The new plant will store nearly one million gallons of water, double what is currently housed in the old plant.

Also on March 10, MW Construction & Electrical

The business buzz Continued from page 3 of Brandon branched into Rivers by setting up shop at 546 Second Avenue. Paul Whittom is leasing the multioffice space from George and Katie Kroeger. His crew is renovating to make storage areas and a lunch room/ kitchenette in the back of the building. The company was incorporated five years ago and its primary focus was industrial/commercial, working for such companies as Koch Fertilizer, Husky Energy and Maple Leaf Foods. With the recent move of his family to Rivers, he is expanding his business into residential/rural work as well. Should you require the services of this CORcertified company which employs 10-25 journeymen electricians and apprentices, you can call 204-328-7939 or email info@mwconstruction.ca.

On Monday, March 21 Gland Slam Plumbing & Heating of Brandon installed its sign underneath the MW Construction & Electrical sign. Owner James Lobreau is also expanding his business to better serve Rivers and the rural communities of the Brandon area. James and Paul have a close working relationship in Brandon so that “partnership” is being maintained with a joint expansion. Grand Slam has many years of experience in residential repairs and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems. If you would like to contact them you can phone 204-571-9444 or email info@grandslamplumbing.com.

After 26 years and two months, Wen and Wendy Chen will no longer own and operate Lee’s Restaurant. Their last day of business will be Saturday, March 26; sale of the eatery is effective April 1. Wen’s cousins, also last-named Chen, will retain the business name and they plan to open April 6. According to Wendy, the sale was unexpected; the family from Toronto came for a visit last November and then made an offer to purchase. The new Chens arrived here Tuesday afternoon, March 22.

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

New construction Renovations Interiors • Exteriors

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

Magnum Woodworks

Lakeside Septic Service

Finishing, custom carpentry and renovations 204-573-2120, Rivers magnumwdwrks@gmail.com STEVE KROEKER

Actively serving Rivers and area on Wednesdays with competitive rates.

To book appointments, call Bryan at

204-867-2416/204-867-7558

KNIGHT

CMA CANADA

Shaping the Future

Certified Management Accountants

Serving Rivers and area since 1906.

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

Hamiota: 71 Maple Ave. 204-764-2544 Brandon: 20-18th St., 204-727-5927 Box 714, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0, info@riversareacommunityfoundation.org

Professional Painting & Decorating

Jeannie Bos

204-573-1150

Place Emporium

Rapid City, MB jeanniesinteriors@hotmail.com

CL

van Veen Carpentry Ltd.

Specializing in residential, commercial, farm building.

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

Stylist Heather Fast Stylist Wendy Harder Stylist/nail tech Melissa Roberds OPEN Tues., Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

Ph. 204-328-7435

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

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

knightcm@mymts.net

Way-Mor Agencies Ltd.

Jeannie’s Interiors Hair Dynamics

Ph. 204-328-7893

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

Dry bulk transportation

ACCOUNTING SERVICE

Mini storage units for rent.

204-764-2744

204-761-2192

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

WWW.RIVERSAREACOMMUNITYFOUNDATION.ORG

For all your electrical needs

Hamiota’s

Brandon - Rivers

This space is available for you!

Only $9.50/wk.

204-328-7494 for more details.

Kris Farquhar Construction Ph. 303-1112, Rivers

ALEXANDER ELECTRIC 204-721-4320

• Residential & Commercial • Farm Wiring & Trenching

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

Insurance, Travel, Investments, Real Estate

Phone 204-328-7540 204-566-2490

RIVERS BANNER

RIVERS

Provincial classifieds

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 Services

Tender

B - 116 Main St S Minnedosa

Tenders for the rental of SE and NW 1/4 of 2212-23 RM of WallaceWoodworth. Tenders will be received up to May 1, 2016 by Keith Campbell, Box 21, Harding, MB R0M 0V0. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

(across from the main entrance to the Co-op Food Store)

RIVERS

BANNER

867-3981

BUSINESS OPPORUNITIES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

NEW EXCITING MINI VLT’S. Produce Buckets of Cash Monthly.

Attracts Customers Like Money Magnets. Locations Provided. Ground Floor Opportunity. Full Details CALL NOW 1-866-668-6629. Website WWW.TCVEND. COM

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!

GREAT CANADIAN Dollar Store franchise opportunities are available in your area. Explore your future with a dollar store leader.

Call today 1-877-3880123 ext. 229; www. dollarstores.com.

VACATION/ TRAVEL

SAVE 30% on our Heart of the Arctic adventure.

Visit Inuit communities in Greenland and Nunavut Aboard the comfortable 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour. CALL FOR DETAILS! 1-800-3637566 or visit: www. adventurecanada.com.

(TICO#04001400) Imagine your dream vacation, in Cuba AND Oceanfront. We’ve gone 10 times. You get full value with our expertise free by acting now. trippvacations.ca or 204-770-7771.

http://www.ajaxlaw.ca

Obituary FRANK HAYHURST With sadness, the family announces the passing of John Franklin “Frank” Hayhurst, at Riverdale Health Centre following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was born to Thomas Hayhurst and Violet (McKenzie) in Oak River on August 10, 1932 where he attended school. Frank worked for his dad as a carpenter’s helper and later with a crew building local elevators. He drove gravel truck and worked on the first pipeline between Moosomin and Firdale. He worked at CFB Rivers before starting with CNR at Cardale in 1963. Through the years he worked the Rapid City and Rossburn subdivisions, the secondary main line at Algar, moving to the main line and covering territory from Portage to St. Lazare. He retired from the railway in 1984.

Retirement was spent camping and fishing in the summer, trapping and curling in the winter. He spent many hours in his shop, building purple martin houses, bird feeders, trapping and skinning accessories. Frank belonged to Manitoba Trappers Association, Oak River Volunteer Fire Department, Prairie Crocus Good Sam Club, Purple Martin Club, Rivers Lions Club, Rivers Game & Fish Association and Rivers Train Station Restoration Committee. More recently Frank took to instructing others how to trap and prepare fur for market. He recorded instructional CDs on skinning raccoons, coyotes and beavers. He collected fur for Fur Harvester Auction at North Bay, Ontario. Frank made a life of harvesting just enough fur to keep the population under control and sustain nature’s balance.

Frank enjoyed going for coffee. With his years of working the railway and later collecting furs, he could walk into any coffee shop in western Manitoba and find somebody he knew. On those rare occasions that he didn’t, he would have a new friend before he left.

Like all fathers and grandfathers, he revelled in the achievements of his family. You’d find him in the front row at dance recitals and band concerts, or in the bleachers at his grandchildren’s baseball, soccer and curling games.

Frank is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlene, daughter Jocelyn (Dale) Beever, grandchildren Scott and Jill Beever, his black lab Misty, his mother-in-law, brothers- and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, four sisters, five brothers and a baby daughter.

Frank will be remembered as a true outdoorsman, an honest, straight-forward, hardworking man with a firm handshake and a big smile. Faced with his own mortality, Frank accepted it was his time, reflected on his life without regret, made peace with God and on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 peacefully passed with his wife at his side.

Funeral service was held Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Rivers United Church with Rev. Glenna Beauchamp officiating. A special song

by Cliff Paul was accompanied by Denis Rondeau. Donations in Frank’s memory can be made to Rivers Train Station Restoration Project, Box 952, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0, Brandon Humane Society or Funds for Furry Friends. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel, Brandon 1-855-727-0330.

LIVE IN HOUSEKEEPER. Driver’s licence required. Dream job for the right person.

For more information call 1-800-665-1992 or after 6:00 p.m. (204) 897-6333.

AUCTION

Meyers Gun Auction.10am, March 26, Arden, MB. Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols, Ammo, Knives, & Much More. Bradley Meyers Auctioneer. 204-4766262. Bid online at icollector.com. www. meyersauctions.com.

CAREER TRAINING

HEALTHCARE DOCUM E N TAT I O N S P E CIALISTS are in huge demand. Employers want CanScribe graduates. A great work-fromhome career! Train with Canada’s best-rated program. Enroll today. www.canscribe.com.

1.800.466.1535. info@ canscribe.com.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Need A Loan? Own Property? Have Bad Credit? We can help!

Call toll free 1 866 405 1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

FOR SALE

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

We also have SOLAR equipment. Contact The Battery Man in Winnipeg at 1.877.775.8271 or www.batteryman.ca PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 400,000 readers weekly. Call 204-3287494 or 1-888-4364242 NOW or email classifieds@mcna.com for details.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397. MAKE MONEY and SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill. Cut lumber to any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE information and DVD at www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT or phone 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT. MARCH FLOOR MODEL SALE! Save 20-50% on SELECT floor models store wide. Save $900 on power reclining leather sofa for $1595 (La-Z-Boy Company).

Save $300 on queen pocket coil set for $595.

7 piece solid wood bedroom suite queen sizes $2395 (was $2995). 5 piece table set for $199 (was $399). Samples only, visit store for other clearance models. MonFri 10-8, Sat 10-6 & Sun 12-5. Call KDL Furniture at 204-571-1971. 660 Highland Ave., South side of #1 Hwy., Brandon.

FOR SALE

R E F O R E S TAT I O N NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce & Pine from $0.99/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-8733846 or www.treetime. ca.

MOBILE HOMES

5 New 16 x 80, 3 Bed, 2 Bath. Starting at $83,000. Altona Mobile Homes, 1-800-5824036, 1-204-324-6776.

Email amhl@mymts. net.

NOTICE

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

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

Thank You HAYHURST: The family of Frank Hayhurst express heartfelt thanks for the hugs, calls, cards, flowers, visits and food. To those who travelled distances to attend the funeral, we were truly overwhelmed. Special thanks to Bud and Trudi for all your help. To the pallbearers, extended family, doctors, nurses and support staff in Brandon and Rivers Health Centres, to Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary, to Rev. Glenna Beauchamp and to Greg Hildebrand, Vern Schneider and staff at Memories Chapel — your kindness and caring was and will continue to be appreciated. Thanks to everyone who made donations to charities in Frank’s name.

MARLENE, JOCELYN AND FAMILY

Real Estate OPEN HOUSE Saturday, March 26, 2-4 p.m.

760 Second Ave., Rivers

MLS No. 1601852

Auction McSherry Auction

FOR INQUIRIES CALL Tracy at Way-Mor Agencies, 204-303-0011 or 204-328-7540

Candidates come to Rapid City

By Bob Christie Rapid City and District Chamber of Commerce would like to extend an invitation to participate in their candidate night scheduled for 7 p.m. at Rapid City Legion Hall on Tuesday, April 5. The chamber is presenting candidate night as a venue for residents in Riding Mountain Constituency to learn about how the different candidates and their party platforms best represent what they believe in for the next provincial government of Manitoba.

Rapid City and District Chamber of Commerce has a history of hosting successful candidate nights to past elections and the community’s location provides an ideal central location for communication to the south-central part of the constituency.

Candidate night will consist of an opportunity for candidates to present their party’s platform as it applies to the region, and answer individual pre-screened and regulated questions derived from the audience. In addition, efforts are being made to have our youth involved too. Schools will be asked to prepare questions, written or video, on what is important to them in this upcoming election.

The chamber has been able to confirm attendance from two candidates for that evening, Liberal Jordan Fleury and PC Greg Nesbitt. NDP Bela Gyarmati has a scheduling conflict but is working to revise that or send an alternative to represent him.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of us through Facebook (Rapid City and District Chamber of Commerce). We look forward to seeing you at our candidate night!

Upcoming Auctions Vintage Car & Tools

Saturday, March 26 @ 10:00 am 75 Firebird * 74 Nova 2Dr * 70 MGB Convert * 52 Austin * Along with Tools & Car Parts

Gun Auction

Saturday, April 2 @ 9:30 am

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Stonewall, MB #12 Patterson Drive A 2,392 sq. ft. home with 3+1 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3pc. ensuite off master bedroom, kitchen w/pantry and separate dining area, flex room in lower level perfect for a playroom or office, cozy family room with wood burning stone fireplace and garden doors to walk out into your large, fenced-in yard with garden and trees.

March 25, 2016 11

Stuart McSherry (204) 467-1858 or (204) 886-7027 www.mcsherryauction.com

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12 RIVERS BANNER March 25, 2016

Pathfinder offers space, value and efficiency

By Ben Castle When you think of SUV manufacturers, what is the first one that springs to mind? Jeep? Land Rover? Possibly Ford, GM or Toyota? Surprisingly, with six distinct ranges currently on offer, Nissan has a more extensive SUV/crossover range than any of them and has actually been manufacturing four-wheel-drive vehicles continuously for more than 60 years. The fourth generation seven-seat crossover Pathfinder has been around since 2013 and with its car-derived platform promises more space, efficiency, value and car-like dynamics than its truck-based predecessors. The three-row crossover market in Canada increased on average more than 10 per cent throughout 2015 and the Nissan Pathfinder is among the top five best-selling vehicles in its sector with nearly 10,000 units sold last year.

All Pathfinders come with a 3.5 litre V6 engine with 260 horsepower and 240 pound feet of torque. Modest figures compared to its rivals (for example the Kia Sorento tested in December has 30 horsepower more) but thanks to Nissan’s excellent Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), you don’t notice this power shortfall most of the time. The transmission is seamless, quiet at a cruise and gives instant power when required for acceleration. Refreshingly, there is no manual override function and just an overdrive button on the shifter to give more power for towing.

Pathfinder has a competitive maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This is the only vehicle in its class with a CVT transmission and this certainly helps to contribute to an impressive and best-in-class claimed highway fuel consumption of nine litres per 100 kilometres. Pathfinder is also unique in having a switchable four-wheel-drive system, which makes it one of the most capable vehicles in its class in treacherous conditions. You can lock it in two-wheel drive to maximize efficiency, lock it in four-wheel-drive for very slippery conditions or leave it in automatic mode where torque can be distributed to all four wheels as and when required. One of my favourite features is that the driver’s information centre has a display which shows you the distribution of torque to all four wheels as you are driving.

Pathfinder has a commanding truck-like driving position and the steering is nicely weighted and precise and, thanks to one of the longest wheelbases in the class, also offers a smooth and comfortable ride.

Pathfinder is available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum, all of which come with a high level of standard equipment. S starts at $31,198 before taxes and is the only trim available with two-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive is $2,800 more. All come with trizone climate control, 18-inch aluminum wheels, heated mirrors, power windows/mirrors/locks, keyless start, cruise control, six-disc CD changer with audio controls on steering wheel and tire pressure monitoring system. For an extra $3,700 SV gains auto lights, fog lights, seven-inch colour touchscreen, rear-view sonar and monitor, Bluetooth, intelligent key, power lift gate and driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, XM radio and roof rails. Add $3,100 for SL spec to get leather seating with power passenger seat and power lumber, heated rear seats, tow hitch receiver, blind spot warning and cross-traffic alert. Finally, for an additional $6,200, the fully-loaded Platinum features navigation, around view monitor, Bose premium audio with 13 speakers, dual panorama moonroof, 20-inch aluminum wheels, tri-zone entertainment system, climate controlled front seats and Bluetooth streaming audio. If you can live without the

Photo by Ben Castle

last four features, the SL premium tech package offers all the other features of the Platinum for about half the upgrade cost. The test model supplied by Birchwood Nissan (formerly House of Nissan) in Brandon was a 2016 Pathfinder SL with premium tech package and a sticker of $46,148. A couple of nice features are the standard tire pressure monitoring system, which will also beep the horn to let you know when you have inflated your tires to the recommended pressure, and the class-exclusive available around view monitor which offers in addition to a rear-view camera, cameras in the front bumper and door mirrors to give you a 360 degree bird’s-eye view when parking or manoeuvering at low speed. Despite lacking the “zero-gravity” seats available on some other Nissan models, Pathfinder’s seats are very comfortable with a good range of adjustment. The dashboard has a premium feel, is solidly put together and in general is ergonomically sound. However, I felt the climate controls were a bit low down to adjust on the move and some of the buttons (power lift gate, for example) were hidden by my left knee and felt a bit flimsy. The steering-wheel mounted buttons for audio and cruise control were also a bit small and fiddly compared to some rivals.

Where this vehicle really excels though is practicality.

All three rows can accommodate adults and all seats recline, all rear passengers have cup holders mounted in the doors/sides, as well as their own climate controls, and the middle row can slide forward up to six inches to ease access to the third row seats. Even at their furthest forward, legroom in the second row is still impressive.

You are even able to still slide the second row seat forward on the passenger’s side with a child seat installed. All simple stuff, but just very well designed and thought out.

With the third row folded flat into the floor, Pathfinder beats its main rivals with an impressive cargo space of 1,354 litres. Even with the seats upright, there is still 453 litres of load space behind them, more than most mid-size sedans!

Warranty is a fairly standard three years or 60,000 kilometres bumper-to-bumper and five years/100,000

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kilometres powertrain; service intervals are every 6,000 kilometres.

Pricing is mid-pack within the class but when you consider the level of standard equipment, the Pathfinder offers excellent value. To spec its main rivals up to the same level as our test model, one would have to add, on average, almost $2,000 worth of options. As with most Nissan models, mid-range SV trim seems to be the sweet spot in terms of value versus features and would be my choice. That being said, if you want the extra features such as leather, navigation and entertainment system offered by the higher SL and Platinum trims, the upgrade prices are reasonable for the extra kit being offered.

Pathfinder may not offer the most dynamic styling, most power or lowest price in its class but in my opinion, it still looks rugged and handsome. What it does offer though is class-leading fuel economy, comfort, space and a very refined drive in a very well-thought out family-friendly package. When you consider all this, it must be one of the strongest contenders in the mid-size three-row SUV category currently out there.

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