Celebrating the achievements of Madi Vandal and Shayden Manz
By Carolyn Phillips Rivers Banner
The CanSkate program, renowned as Canada’s premier learn-to-skate initiative, has been instrumental in nurturing not just the physical abilities of skaters but also their dreams on the ice. With a curriculum that encompasses a wide range of ages and abilities, CanSkate has propelled millions towards their recreational and competitive aspirations within the world of skating. Among the latest to graduate from ther distinguished program are Madi Vandal and Shayden Manz of Rivers CanSkate, both of whom have showcased remarkable dedication and skill throughout their skating careers.
Madi Vandal: From Skater to Coach Madi Vandal has spent over a decade honing her skating skills. After years of commitment and competitive success, 10 of which were marked by serious competition, Madi has excelled on the ice and taken her passion a step further by pursuing coaching. At the age of 16, she completed the CanSkate coaching course and coached her first season in Rivers. Madi’s profound respect for the sport is evident; she looks up to her coach, Michelle Janz, who has been a source of inspiration and encouragement throughout her journey.
Madi Vandal and Shayden Manz graduated from the CanSkate program this
Rivers CanSkate Graduates
continued from page 1
Now, a s s he e mbarks
o n her p ost-graduation
c hapter, Madi continues
t o b alance h er l ove
f or s kating w ith h er a cademic a spirations
a t B randon University, w here s he i s s tudying
t o become a psychiatric nurse while also playing r ugby f or t he L ady B obcats. D espite her bu sy s chedule, M adi pl ans
t o m aintain h er c onnection t o t he s port b y continuing t o coach a nd c ompete, d emonstrating her c ommitment t o f ostering the same love
f or s kating i n o thers
s he h as c ultivated o ver
t he years.
One notable aspect of M adi’s s kating jo urney h as b een t he c hallenge
o f m astering her j umps. T he i conic A xel j ump w as initially the longest f or her t o l earn, bu t s he p ersevered a nd h as s ince m oved o n t o t ackling double jumps. Her a mbitious spirit encapsulates t he e ssence o f w hat C anSkate in stills in i ts p articipants—dedica -
tion, r esilience, a nd a n u nwavering p assion f or t he sport.
Shayden Manz: Journey Through CanSkate and Beyond Shayden Manz began h er s kating a dventure s tarting a t t he a ge o f e ight. Her early involvement w ith t he s port q uickly grew into a fulfilling j ourney, w hich i ncluded helping out at t he C anSkate p rogram a t the Moosejaw skating c lub. S hayden’s f avourite moves i nclude t he L utz a nd f ield moves, a nd s he h arbours a p articular fo ndness fo r s pirals. L ike M adi, s he h as f aced her o wn t rials, p articularly in l earning d ifficult j umps s uch a s t he A xel a nd d ouble j umps.
Post-graduation, S hayden i s s et t o move t o Vermillion, A lberta, t o s tudy c rop t echnology—a f ield t hat reflects her passion for agriculture. H owever, s kating r emains c lose t o h er heart, a nd s he p lans t o c ontinue p articipating
in the sport and eventually r eturn t o c ompetition. I nspired b y t he l egendary d uo Tessa V irtue a nd S cott M oir, S hayden a ims t o c hannel her admiration into h er o wn s kating jo urney, ex emplifying t he profound influence that r ole models c an h ave o n a spiring at hletes.
Conclusion
Madi V andal an d S hayden M anz e xemplify t he s pirit o f t he C anSkate p rogram— dedicated, p assionate, a nd f orward-thinking i ndividuals ready to take l ife’s c hallenges h eadon, both on and off the i ce. A s t hey t ransition i nto t heir next c hapters, t hey c arry w ith t hem t he in valuable s kills f ostered d uring t heir t ime i n C anSkate a nd t he d reams t hey h ave nurtured along the way. W ith t he s olid f oundation p rovided b y t his e xceptional p rogram, t here’s n o d oubt t hat t he f uture holds exciting op portunities f or b oth M adi a nd S hayden i n s kating and beyond.
Dedication ceremony for Rivers & District Pipe Band bench
Submitted By Mayvis MacLellan
Have you noticed the new bench erected last fall beside t he entry to R iverdale Community C entre? M aybe you h ave even used it.
In July 2 023, a lumni of t he R ivers & D istrict P ipe B and g athered t o c elebrate t he 5 0th anniversary of their trip t o Scotland in 1973. It was a g rand d ay w here p ast members renewed f riendships and recalled great memories.
After t he e vent it w as decided at a meeting o f t he 5 0th A nniversary o f S cotland Trip Reunion, that a permanent memorial should be established and used t o create a legacy, not only to remember t he b and’s p ast, but t o encompass f uture generations. Funding would come from t he c losing of t he R ivers P ipe B and f inancial account. A planning group was formed to carry this idea to completion. Following d iscussion a nd deliberation, i ncluding r esponses f rom p ipe b and a lumni, t he planning g roup s ettled on h aving a bench erected in remembrance of t he P ipe B and. It would s erve a s a n i nviting place t o p ause for a moment, a s a meeting place, or just a spot to rest a nd w ait, or c hat w ith f riends. A s t he b ench project would require a dditional f unding, t he planning g roup appealed t o alumni via its mailing list, specifying
Pizza Balls
Ingredients:
• 1 p ound g round I talian
sa usage
• 1 ( 16 o unce) p ackage s hredded m ozzarella
c heese
• 2 c ups b aking mi x (such a s Bisquick®)
• 1 c hopped g reen b ell pe pper
• 1 y ellow o nion, c hopped
• 1 cup pizza sauce, divided
• 1 t easpoon g arlic p owder
o r to taste
• 1 t easpoon I talian s easoning or to taste
• 1 t easpoon k osher s alt o r
t o taste
• 1/2 t easpoon g round b lack pepper or to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat t he o ven t o 3 75 d egrees F (190 d egrees C ). L ightly g rease a l arge b aking sheet.
2. Mix I talian s ausage, s hredded mozzarella, b aking mi x, g reen b ell p epper, yellow o nion, c up p izza s auce, g arlic p owder, I talian s easoning, s alt, a nd t easpoon p epper together in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Roll s ausage mi xture i nto 1 -inch b alls; a rrange o n t he p repared b aking s heet.
4. Bake p izza b alls i n t he p reheated o ven u ntil l ightly b rowned, a bout 2 3 t o 2 5 mi nutes. Serve hot with remaining pizza sauce for dipping.
R ivers F ire D ept. a nd t he R ivers L egion, t he o rganizations t hat f inancially supported the band’s startup costs. Former pipe b and members r ose t o the occasion and we reached our donation goal within 5 weeks. Once the project w as confirmed, t he g roup s pent m any hours contriving t he l ogistics. T he location, obtaining t he necessary p ermissions, f inding a m anufacturer, selecting the type of construction, and conceiving t he p erfect words for t he i nscription. T he contract w as awarded t o R apid C ity M emorials, w ho d id a f irst-rate job of delivering e verything t hat was requested. All a re i nvited t o help u s officially welcome this commemorative bench into our community. A D edication C eremony i s s cheduled at 2 p .m. on T hursday, June 12 at the site of the Rivers & District Pipe B and’s commemorative b ench, outside R iverdale C ommunity C entre. Following a s hort ceremony, c ake a nd cookies w ill be served downstairs at the Rivers Legion.
MB
www.riversbanner.com
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
Looking around
As I wrote the first draft of this column, I was surrounded by sounds of a rushing, mighty wind. That, along with news of wildfires burning close to where I live reminded me of how b rutal Mother Nature can be at times. It has also given me a new appreciation for the way in which all parts of God’s creation work together to protect those most in danger from the effects of high winds, wildfires and floods.
Growing up on a farm in rural Alberta taught me the consequences of trying to upset the intricate balance of nature. I still remember the year a violent thunder storm made its way toward our farm. As it got closer, we observed a small Cessna airplane flying back and forth under the clouds. We had seen that aircraft before. It was operated by Alberta Weather Modification; a government agency whose mandate was to inject a chemical into potential hail clouds so that the moisture in them would fall as rain, not as hail. This time, the plan worked. No hail fell; but we received two inches of rain in roughly one hour. And when that much rain falls on hard
gumbo soil in that short a time, it does not soak into the ground. It runs off; taking good soil with it. So the attempt to save crops from being destroyed by hail actually did more harm than good to the wheat crop we had planted that year. We learned the hard way not to upset the balance of nature; because Mother Nature doesn’t get back. She gets even.
As I thought about that event from my childhood, and listened to the wind howling outside m y office window, I marvelled at how similar our actions back then were to some of the events happening in today’s world.
When God created the heavens and the earth, he put checks and balances in place so that no one part of his creation (plant, animal or human) could ever exercise dictatorial control over t he rest of it. And when he created humans, and put us here on this earth, he added checks and balances to ensure that no one person would ever try to exercise dictatorial control over the rest of humanity.
He gave us the right to think; and to choose how we would be governed and by whom. And so those we choose won’t develop an overly inflated view of their own significance, God decreed that one day, every person on this earth will die. And when we die, all of the dreams we’ve had for ourselves and others will die with us. Except for memories kept and treasured by those we loved, the world will move on without us.
As I reflect on this truth, I am troubled when I see some world leaders acting as if they are invincible and can do no wrong. I wonder what it will take for them to realize that what they are doing is hurting the very people they thought
Locally created crossword
their measures would help. My hope and prayer is that they will see this and change their ways before it’s too late.
But I am encouraged to know that God is in control of all that happens on this planet; and that the checks and balances he has put in place will limit the damage that can be done by natural or manmade disasters. God will never allow us to destroy ourselves and take the planet with us. Knowing that, I will put my faith in God and not be afraid.
Perspectives
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
Time for a pushback
It didn’t take too long, in fact only a day, for the newly elected federal Liberal government to fall back into the miry clay of days gone bye. In spite of shiny new promises from Prime Minister Mark Carney, several of his cabinet minsters blew off steam on day one with some egregious comments. They basically dismissed changes that were promised during the campaign. One especially notable promise was to build more pipelines but Minister Stephen Guilbeault squashed that idea very quickly, spouting again about how we need less oil, more EVs and how the world would be oil-free within a few years. A National Post report said, “Tuesday’s cabinet shuffle retained Guilbeault in his pre-election post as minister of Canadian Identity and Culture. The position gives him oversight over the CBC, Parks Canada, the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, among others.”
Well, I guess the good news is that Guilbeault is not in charge of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) but if his first news interview is any indication, he likely won’t stop speaking as if he is and by being in charge of all the abovementioned departments, he will be able to control the messaging coming out of CBC and CRTC (TV, Radio and Internet). I am not sure that many people realize that the reason that newspapers (this one included), TV and radio stations aren’t on Facebook is that the federal government dictated that FB had to pay news media outlets for content but rather than obeying the edict, FB just cancelled access to media FB sites across Canada. Sad, but true.
Ken Waddell Right in the Centre
But Guilbeault will have impact closer to home. You may recall that Parks Canada banned boats on Clear Lake, including the cruise ship Martese, in an ill-fated attempt to control Zebra mussels. The wind killed a plastic mussels barrier, surprise, surprise! The ban cost a lot of businesses. So, Parks Canada lifted the ban and people planned and invested accordingly. Late last week, the ban was put back in place. People are not happy Parks Canada’s ill-fated mussel solution is stupid.
Zebra mussels are in Clear Lake, end of story. If past experience indicates future patterns, there will be a lot more Zebra mussels in Clear Lake and other lakes too. The Martese never leaves Clear Lake but Parks
Canada has basically crushed an important business and attraction at Clear Lake with a rule that won’t do a thing to reduce or eliminate Zebra Mussels. Parks Canda should be sued.
As other locations have shown, it’s nigh unto impossible to control these crunchy little critters. The Province of Manitoba says Zebra Mussels, “clog water intake systems increasing costs to communities and industries. This includes power generating stations, water supply facilities and drinking water infrastructure. Re -
duce water-front property values of homes and cottages, block watercraft engine cooling systems possibly causing engine damage.”
On the Great Lakes, “Zebra Mussels had a silver lining; they filtered out pollutants and cleaned sediment out of the water, and brought it all down to the bottom of the lake, helping to reduce the amount of pollution in the water and making it clearer.”
Government regulations rarely work and the Zebra Mussel efforts can be added to the trash heap of failed efforts. Maybe government policies should be filtered through Zebra Mussels so they could become clearer too.
In recent meetings across Southwestern Manitoba, the proposed Conservation Corridors proposed to be administered by Parks Canada have been met with suspicion. Considering how badly Parks Canada has handled controlled burns, the Agassiz Ski Hill fiasco and the Zebra Mussels issue, the suspicions are fully justified.
With Guilbeault in charge, western Manitobans are doomed to more ill-founded environmental nonsense. It is indeed time for pushback.
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.
Rita Friesen Homebodies
Favourite hymns…
There are many hymns that speak to me, often bringing courage, sharing beauty and reaffirming my faith. The list of favourites does change, according to my needs. Right now there is a top three. In first place for praise and worship is a relatively new song, ‘ It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker’, ( words by Ruth Duck and music by Ron Klusmeier – 1994), and a really close second for praise , for me, is ‘O Beautiful Gaia’: Gaia representing Mother Earth, words and music Carolyn McDade, 2006. (details are for those who wish to listen in to these hymns!) The winner speaks of all of nature, each using his or her own gift and talent, praising the Creator. The tune is catchy and upbeat, and the words…. Then I go reflective or contemplative. There is a clear winner for me; ‘In the Quiet Curve of Evening’, music and words by Julie Howard in 1993. In the realm of hymns both choices are newbies. In this hymn the author has captured grieving, acknowledged it, and committed it back to our God. We are assured that we are not alone. The third verse in particular calms my spirit and brings peace. ‘ In the mystery of my hungers, in the silence of my rooms, in the cloud of my unknowing, you are there. In the empty cave of grieving, in the desert of my dreams, in the tunnel of my sorrow, you are there.’ Those words, those phrases, those images speak to and for me. Many of us all too familiar with the empty cave, and tunnel…. It has been said that a good church service includes three hymns and a psalm. So I will digress from my closing hymn and add a psalm. The Twenty Third Psalm is possibly the best known. ‘The Lord is my Shepherd.’ This winter, while thinking frequently and reflectively on these ancient words, I got an insight as to why I cherish it. ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the quiet waters.’ Followed by ‘He restores my soul’. That’s a bingo for me. When I am out in nature, preferably by water and greenery, well, I would choose some tall trees!, that’s when I slow down, relax, listen and learn. Those verses are for me a medical prescription. Down to the closing music. This has dramatically changed in the last few months. My preference used to be an upbeat song, like ‘Go make a Difference’ or ‘Draw the Circle Wide. Now it’s a hymn written by Isaac Watts back in 1719, ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’. To my understanding it was a hymn most often sung at close of meeting during the war years, the First and Second World Wars. Somehow this song feels right for me, for now. A deep reassurance of the provision and care. ‘O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.’ Music has always been a part of my life. Never before have I felt it speak so intimately. I am thankful.
SWBL preview
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
The Rivers Comets are excited to be back at the ballpark.
The team opened its South West Baseball League regular season slate on May 21, after the Banner’s deadline, against the Oak River Dodgers. The Comets will play in Brandon against the GW Vacuum Truck Service Young Guns on May 27. The Young Guns and RFNOW Cardinals joined the SWBL this season from the Andrew Agencies Senior AA Baseball League. On May 30, on the road, the Comets will take on the Souris Cardinals, who rejoined the league after four years.
“We just love getting together with the guys and playing some ball,” the Comets’ Mike McFadden said. “Loading up the van for a road game with
all the fellas and seeing an awesome turnout on a weekend home game makes it all worth it.”
The Comets went 11-5 last season. They finished in a tie for second in the regular season standings and competed in the SWBL semifinals.
“Our strength this year I would say certainly lies in our pitching. Reigning MVP (Scott Beever) will be at the helm of the rotation bolstered by a lot of young depth,” McFadden said.
Along with Beever, most Comets return from last season. There are a couple of injuries, but McFadden said hopefully the team will “still see all the guys floating around the ballpark throughout the year.”
To their core, the Rivers team has added some new faces. One is Rossburn’s Hayden Mackedenski. Earlier this year he committed to play at Lethbridge’s Prairie Baseball Academy. The Comets are
Ref to writer
Gerry Nolan
If officiating hockey was not enough, I began to umpire baseball. I had umpired games at the fastball tournaments in Kenton but really had never done any baseball. Wallace Henderson called me and wondered if I would help with some Hamiota Red Sox baseball games in the Manitoba Senior Baseball League. I said OKAY. I do not know why I did that but if I could help Wallace out I would.
Wallace was a teacher and loved sports. He opened up doors for me in hockey and baseball that no one else did. He must have seen something in me besides, sucker!
So away I go, and it is off to Hamiota to umpire a ball game. I had never been to an umpiring school so this was a crash course in baseball. Positioning, what was that? Rub up the baseballs before the game, really? Never did that before!
I was not behind the plate, I was the third base umpire who would call a ball fair or foul after it went by third
base, rule on a check swing if appealed to. This was the 3-man system we were using.
I guess they forgot to tell me if there was a runner on first base that I would have to come over by second base to call that base if there was a steal or a play at second base. I had to learn which side of the pitcher I was to stand, be it the batter a right- or lefthanded batter. Also, I was responsible for heading out to the outfield if there was a ball hit in the gap or maybe a diving catch or whatever may happen out there.
I felt so way in over my head. I think Wallace and Gordie Lyall enjoyed my, shall we say, uncomfortableness.
I remember a ground ball hit out to Ron Ramsey at shortstop and there would be a play at second base. I cut in front of Ron to get a better look at the play at second not realizing I had cut off his vision of the play for a second. All Ron said was HEY! He probably could have just whacked one for that but thank you Ron I do not remember you saying anything. Ron was a really good ball player!
I did not really think I was cut out for umpiring, yet in some way it made me want to
do more for a while. I helped out Wallace for a few years then took some time away from umpiring.
In 1990 I had moved to Virden, and they were looking for umpires. I had finally quit playing fastball at age 41, but I still wanted to be involved in the game. I went to an umpiring school and got registered as an umpire and learned a great deal from that experience. The instructor that day was Larry Nichol from Killarney. One thing he said that I never forgot was, “what is fair?” Such a profound statement that really changed how I looked at things that would come up in games.
Going back to Hamiota. I really enjoyed working with Wallace Henderson, Gordie Lyall, Garth Sarasas, Ken Smith, Clayton Currah. These guys made it fun to go to the ballpark. They all helped me out during the games. To those guys who have passed on thanks for memories guys, they are special!
This all set up round two that I would begin in 1990. You will meet some old friends and some new ones as well. Also, you will hear of some local names that may bring back a memory of when they played the great game, baseball!
also hoping to add some talented hockey players. McFadden said they hope Briley Wood will play this season. This past winter the Rivers product spent the majority of his rookie pro season with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies. The Comets also plan to add Rowin Richmond. His older brother Ryder played for the team last season. Both of the brothers suited up last winter for the Rivers Jets senior hockey team.
Dodgers & Red Sox
The Oak River Dodgers’ home opener is set for May 23 versus the GW Vacuum Truck Service Young Guns.
The Hamiota Red Sox open their season against the Reston Rockets on May 25. The Hamiota squad plays its first five games of the season on the road. Their home opener is on June 8 versus the Deloraine Royals.
Gerry Nolan Ref to writer
I have already mentioned Randy Kalynuk and Frank Taylor in my top three officials, so this brings me to my favorite referee. This does not mean that there were no other guys who were great officials, it is a matter of preference along my own journey.
Bob Thompson was maybe the best I ever worked with or watched officiate hockey games. He was already a great athlete and an outstanding ball player for the Brandon Cloverleafs and was even a better person! Bob always had time for me and any questions I had pertaining to officiating. He shared his experiences from previous games he had worked and I always came away enriched from our conversations. Possibly he had a big influence on me because I was
young and just starting out officiating but with Bob I think I was just a sponge, soaking up all I could learn from him. He never got rattled. He was always so cool, calm and collected. Just a terrific gentleman, very well respected!
He was a strong skater and skated more upright than other officials I saw. He seemed to tower over players and the contest. I believe the reason so many people appreciated Bob was he was such a humble man. I think that was why we all looked up to him. He had worked higher levels of hockey than us but he was just a down-toearth guy.
Bob and I still talk about hockey, officiating and how the game has changed. When we see controversial calls, I am still asking him,
“what would you call?”
One of the things we see is the general lack of respect that players have for each other. I think we both agree if they took out the instigator rule, the game would change in a hurry, for the better. Agitators would not be hiding behind the skirts of the rule and maybe get a good thumbing!
The other night, Mason Marchment slashed a referee on the leg. The referee did not penalize him and neither did the league. This has just opened up the door because maybe next time the slash may be harder. We do not see how that could be overlooked, unless of course the official was wrong. Lack of respect for an official, you betcha!! Bob told me he officiated over 3500 games. Like that is a record! I think the reason he did all those games was because of the type of official he was and the person he is. Thankyou Bob for all those great memories of when you came out to the barn in Kenton and shared all those experiences. Memories that will never be forgotten. Thank you, my friend!
Sustaining fish, wildlife, and habitat resources since 1997
Area
Submitted
By Donna Falkevitch
Fish
Rivers and Area Game and Fish Association is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of fish, wildlife, and habitat resources in the surrounding area. Through promotion, education, and conservation programs, Rivers Game and Fish works to ensure healthy fish and wildlife populations. Our outdoor heritage and the time-honoured traditions of hunting and angling must be preserved for future generations. This outlines the reason our club was formed 27+ years ago in 1997. The founding members of this club included Abe Wiebe, Mike Maloney, Frank Hayhurst and Ron Taylor. Two of these original members are still active in the club today.
Last year, 2024, our membership hit 72 active family and single members with 59 of them holding range memberships as well. Our club meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month except for July and August. The meetings from November to March take place at Lee’s Restaurant in Rivers with the remainder of the months held at our Education Centre at the Outdoor Range.
Our club owns a dock and maintains a boat launch area on the west side of Lake Wahtopanah (Abe Wiebe Boat Launch) which includes picnic area and washroom. Over the years our club has assisted in “seeding” Lake Wahtopanah with many thousands of walleye fry. A summer fish derby used to be part of our annual events list but since covid we have not been successful in reviving this event.
We offer a $750 scholarship to a deserving RCI graduate entering the field of Natural Resources, Wildlife or Environmental Studies. A donation will be made to STARS Manitoba from profits of a gun draw at our 2025 Buck Night. We also support Manitoba Junior Rifle Club and other local committees throughout the year.
The Outdoor Range and Education Centre, named in memory of former Rivers Police Chief Walter Chernos, was a long-term project that came to fruition with a soft opening in fall of 2022 for rifle season and then the grand opening in July of 2023. The property situated on 19 acres, includes a 1200 sq. foot Education Centre with kitchen, washrooms and overhead screen suitable for workshops or educational courses. The EC also houses several nice examples of bird, fish, deer and bear taxidermy. The shooting ranges currently include a rifle range with 4 stages (of 75 m, 100 m, 150 m, 200 m) 1 pistol bay, 1 site-in bay, and 2 archery
lanes. We are currently working very hard at getting our shotgun range completed and certified for use. The archery trails have been put to good use over the past few years. We purchased 23 life-sized 3D archery targets with the help of a grant, and have held 3 successful non-competitive shoots to date. People from Saskatchewan to Winnipeg have been eager participants over the last 2 years. We encourage more local friends to come out and give archery a try on June 8 for our next 3D shoot. Equipment and instruction is available, no experience necessary.
Every year our club hosts the following events: FebLearn to Fish Free Event; March- Northern Pike Ice Fishing Classic; AprilPAL course, Hunter Education course; June-3D Archery Shoot; July- Old Fashioned Turkey Shoot (.22’s); September- PAL course, Hunter Education course; December- Big Buck Night. Our Buck Night has grown so much over the years that we now rent both Redfern Hall and Behlen Lounge in order to accommodate our event. We were recognized as the 2nd largest in the province last year with 90 heads being scored and 200 attendees.
Now is always the best time to join our club! By becoming a member of Rivers and Area Game & Fish Assoc., you automatically become an affiliated member of Manitoba Wildlife Federation. The benefits of this are Insurance Coverage of $3 Million Primary Personal Liability Insurance, $10,000 Blanket Accident Insurance, Subscription to Outdoor Canada West Magazine,
published bi-monthly, 10% discount on Mark’s Work Warehouse, 50% OFF replacement Hunters Safety cards and most importantly a voice in the progressive management of Manitoba’s natural resources. See our website http://riversgameandfish.ca/ (which is currently being updated) or our Facebook page “Rivers and Area Game & Fish Association” for more information on what’s happening or how to join our club. Or contact Ron Taylor (membership chair) at 204-761-8276.
ExternalJob Posting
Swine Herdsperson – Hock N Ham
Job description
Hypor Inc., the Swine Business Unit for Hendrix Genetics, aw orld class multi-species breeding company, is currently looking to fill the full-time permanent position of Swine Herdsperson at our Hock N HamNucleus farmsite near Reston, Manitoba. Specific responsibilities for this position may include administering vaccinations, assisting with testing and documentation of animals, monitoring animal health and feeding, and working with other barn personnel as required. This position reports to the Farm Manager – Hock N Ham.
Key Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Ensure the cleanliness and organization of designated animal areas on a weekly basis.
Administer vaccinations and treatments as required.
Monitor and assess the overall quality and health of animals in the unit.
Assist with test procedures as required.
Work as part of a team to ensure animal safety, quality, care and feeding.
Required Education, Experience and Skills:
Knowledge of swine production.
Experience administering vaccinations.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure.
Must be able to perform tasks with limited supervision.
Basic knowledge of MS Outlook and MS Office applications.
Valid Class 5 ManitobaDrivers License with clean driving abstract.
What we have to offer:
Competitive pay with employee reward bonus, full-time permanent position, 40 hours per week.
Competitive benefits package including health/dental and pension.
Opportunities for training
Friendly and positive work environment
About us:
Hendrix Genetics isa top global leader inmulti-species breeding operationsin turkey, swine,aquaculture,and traditional poultry breeding, eachwith its ownResearch &Development team. By innovating,fine-tuning,and optimizing each stepof the protein value chain,we are pioneering new waysof feeding theworld.Withthe expansionofour breeding programs and continuous developm ents in our field, we arealways looking to strengthen our teams with people likeyou.
May 30
If youwould liketo joinour team, please forward your resumeby April 23,2025 to careers@hypor.com Only qualified applicants will becontacted. NO phone callsplease. HendrixGenetics isan equal opportunity employer. Werespect diversity and inclusivity in theworkplace.
Rivers and
Game and
Association turkey shoot is always a fun time.
Teaching kids to fish, at the ice fishing event held each winter.
Outside the shooting range main building with bow equipment, and thank you sign.
Kenton Professional – Devon Caldwell
By Gerry Nolan Rivers Banner
Devon Caldwell of Kenton began her education K-9 at Kenton Collegiate. Then it was up the road to Hamiota Collegiate where she graduated with her grade 12 diploma.
Her educational journey continued when she took 4 years Bachelor of Education at Brandon University, 2 years of Master of Education in Inclusive Education {special educator} at Brandon University and a PhD in curriculum and instruction at the University of Victoria, which took six and half years.
Some of the people who influenced Devon on her journey were the professors and colleagues at Brandon University who encouraged her to pursue graduate studies then a PhD. Dr. Lorraine Frost, Dr. Sheri-Lynn Skwarchuk and Dr. Mike Nanatis. There were great teachers in Kenton and Hamiota who helped spark a love for learning and encouraged her to strive for her goals.
Devon also mentioned her principal at the University of Victoria Dr. Jodi Streelasky who is an inspiring scholar and mentor.
Of course, her family were always there for her along with Brenda Masson and Leah Obach.
Away from school she loves to travel, plan trips that she and her husband go on as well as practicing and teaching yoga. She also reads tarot cards and loves to bake and to do sewing.
Devon has been an educator since 1999, mainly in K-grade 2, resource and as a sessional instructor in teaching educational programs.
Future goals include continuing to teach young children, working with pre-service teachers and candidates and practicing teaching. She would like to shift her career to something that allows her to use her skills and knowledge that she has acquired in her doctoral program. She will always be in roles where she can teach and guide others but would enjoy something with more flexibility and time for freedom to travel.
I asked Devon what advice she would give to the youth today as they pursue their goals on their journey? She said she really admires young people who are brave enough to travel, work and study abroad as she feels travel really helps you grow as a person, and you learn more about yourself and what you want to do. Take some time for adventure and explore the world while you are young and have fewer responsibilities. Post secondary education is incredibly important and an amazing experience. Take some time for yourself!
Devon loved going to university. She earned a PhD in educational studies, curriculum and instruction with a focus on early childhood education from the University of Victoria. The journey was long and rigorous but incredibly rewarding. This was also a time when covid was rearing its ugly head.
Devon began a year of doctoral-level coursework while also teaching part-time and working as a research assistant. Once her coursework was completed, and her committee was formed, she moved into the candidate phase. This involved writing several in depth papers on her research methodology and theoretical frameworks, followed by an oral examination. After successfully passing, she officially became a PhD candidate.
Next, she developed a detailed 65-page dissertation proposal, which was approved after several rounds of feedback. She secured ethics approval and spent a year conducting research on how rural and urban K-2 teachers integrated technology in their classrooms. She transcribed and analyzed all data herself and wrote a seven-chapter, 257-page dissertation.
Once her supervisor and committee approved the final draft, she defended her dissertation before a panel that included an external examiner. The oral defense went smoothly, and she was awarded her pass with minimal revisions.
The final step included submitting her dissertation for publication and attending convocation. Walking across the stage with her supervisor in front of family, was one of the proudest moments of her life.
The process was challenging, but deeply meaningful. She learned and grew tremendously and had the privilege of working and learning from inspiring scholars and educators.
Dr. Devon Caldwell from Kenton Manitoba, an inspiration to all!
Devon enjoying a warm beverage in her Devon Caldwell Eduation & Wellness mug. SUBMITTED
Ate too much on May long weekend?
Here’s how to bounce back like a pro!
Published Author, Holistic Wellness Certified Hypnotist (C.H.)
Marie Evelyne Gingras
So, you went a little overboard this long weekend with burgers, chips, desserts, and too many drinks. We have all been there. Time to hit the reset button with good old-fashioned mindful eating. Let us get you feeling like yourself again.
Start with a Smoothie, not a Stack of Pancakes
Forget the greasy breakfast. Your gut is already waving the white flag. Blend up a light, refreshing smoothie with fruit, spinach, and a scoop of protein powder. Or go for Greek yogurt with berries and a drizzle of honey. That is my personal favourite.
Taste it. Instead of slurping it down in seconds, slow your roll. Notice the sweetness, the creamy texture, the fact that your stomach is not groaning in protest. You are already winning.
Chug Water Like It Is Your Job
Feeling puffy and bloated? That is salt, sugar, and alcohol talking. Let us flush it all out. Start with a big glass of water with a lemon squeeze.
If plain water bores you, toss in cucumber slices or mint leaves. I like slices of frozen peaches in my water! Or sip on peppermint tea, your stomach will love you for it. Plus,
it is like sending a spa day straight to your insides. Snack Like a Squirrel
Resist the urge to demolish those leftover chips. Instead, go for crunchy, fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber, or bell pepper slices. Dip them in hummus, sprinkle sea salt, or squeeze a little lime juice over the top. I use fat free sour cream with taco seasoning. It tastes awesome and it is healthy!
Breathe Before You Munch
Before you dive into lunch or dinner, hit pause. Take three deep breaths. Sounds cheesy, but it works. It tells your brain, “Hey, we are eating now so let’s focus.”
Check out your plate. What do you see? What smells good? I have adopted a practice of admiring all the colors on my plate. Your gut will thank you later.
Keep It Light but Not Sad
You do not have to eat a boring salad to bounce back. Just keep things light and simple and think of grilled chicken, quinoa, and roasted veggies with a vinaigrette. Or a big bowl of veggie soup with crunchy croutons and onions.
The idea is to fill up without feeling like a stuffed turkey. Smaller portions, more often. Just savor it.
Wind Down with a Gut Reset
Before bed, sip on warm ginger tea or peppermint tea to calm things down. Your stomach will feel less like a rock and more like, well, a stomach.
Resetting after a long weekend is not about punishment. It is listening to your body, slowing down, and enjoying what you eat. Food is supposed to make you feel good and not like you need a nap for three days straight. Good luck and breathe!
Paper Run – Third stop Hamiota
By Gerry Nolan Rivers Banner
As you enter the village of Hamiota I have always been struck by the beautiful evergreen trees. They are one of my favorite trees, I call them the whispering pines!
Hamiota is the baseball capital of Manitoba. They have won so many titles over the years and have teams inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame.
Hamiota has just a top-notch recreation area for all ages to enjoy. The golf course, the ball diamonds, the arena, the pool and campgrounds make Hamiota one of a kind in recreation activities. The whole area is just grand.
As you roll into Hamiota, they have so much to offer to
those that live there or maybe just visiting. It is one beautiful town!
Some of the business places that are offered in Hamiota are as follows. They first have a tremendous grocery store, a bakery, service station, credit union, 55Plus centre, restaurants, hotel, drug store, hardware store, furniture store, kids club, schools, a hospital, senior homes and apartments etc.
There are many beautiful homes as well as trades people that offer new buildings or home repairs and maintenance. There is a farm centre and there are other places to visit. Other attractive things about Hamiota are the schools, the hospital and senior homes and programs. They also have a couple of churches in the town.
If you are taking a drive or looking for a place to settle, Hamiota would be a great choice. They have so much to offer. Personally for me, one of the things I like the best is to go into Rawlings furniture store. Walk in, pick a chair and listen to the great music he has playing, that good old rock and roll. Thanks Dave! Hamiota also has an art centre in the middle of town. I would be remiss if I did not mention the Hamiota Wellness centre where you can have a massage, a chiropractic adjustment or Physiotherapy. There are not too many towns around Westman that offer such a wide range of business and health needs.
Stop in and take a look around, you will not be disappointed!
We are hiring!
We have a new opportunity to highlight:
Health & Safety Officer
Facilities
Full Time, Regular Brandon, MB
Comp #115-24/25
Salary: $77,699.70 to $99,169.98 annually ($41.22 to $52.61 hourly)
Classification: Excluded
The Health & Safety Officer plays an integral role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment across all Assiniboine College campuses and locations. Reporting to the Director of Facilities, the Health & Safety Officer is responsible for creating, implementing, and managing comprehensive health and safety programs and protocols and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
This role involves close collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, including college leadership, staff, students, and local emergency response teams. The Health & Safety Officer is tasked with developing and maintaining relationships that support a robust safety culture. They provide expert guidance on health and safety matters, coordinate/lead incident investigations, and oversee the management of the departmental budget. The Health & Safety Officer promotes health and safety awareness through training and workshops, manages documentation, and stays current on evolving health and safety regulations and industry practices.
For more information, please visit www.assiniboine.net/careers.
Assiniboine welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada, including Indigenous peoples, persons of all abilities, members of visible minorities, all genders and sexual orientations, and all other groups protected by the Human Rights Code.
Assiniboine College is privileged to provide learning opportunities on the lands of the Dakota Oyate, Nakoda Oyate, Ininiwak, Nehethowak, Nehiyawak, Anishininewuk, Denesuline, Anishinaabeg, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
For accommodations or alternative formats, contact careers@assiniboine.net or 204 725 8729.
If you are interested in this career opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter with reference to Competition #115-24/25 to: careers@assiniboine.net
We thank you for your interest. Those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Letter to the Editor
Last May, I received a call from the Rural Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth. They asked me if I would be in favor or object to the sidewalk in front of my house being removed. I said if the LUD deemed it necessary then so be it, but on the condition, it was to be removed in May of last year. It would have to have black dirt brought in, seeded and watered, as well as being fenced off. I asked why they wanted to remove it? The answer I received was well; nobody walks on it and there are cracks in several places. I said then if you feel no one is walking on it, why remove it? Nothing happened all summer, so I assumed that it was not being done. End of story, right? Nope I was wrong!
In November, the CAO of the RM gave the order to remove the sidewalk. My understanding is that the LUD did not want this work done and neither did 2 of the RM employees that I talked to.
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Kenton beautification, where is the beauty in this
The work to remove the sidewalk began November 16 and 17. On November 18, we had a foot or more of wet heavy snow and then the temperature dropped, and the pile of rock and cement froze up and was not able to be moved away.
The access to my front door was cut off as there was a huge hole from where the sidewalk used to lie. I called the RM and said, “I can not use my front door.” They came and filled the hole in with gravel and spread some on my lawn too.
And there it sits, nothing has been done to clean up their mess.
I have called them and asked when this work is going to be done. I have been assured it will be done soon. I guess, what is the definition of soon? There have been excuses for needing a part for a sweeper too, we want to make sure it is dry, we think it is going to rain this week so we will not be doing it until it clears up.
The last 2 Fridays the RM truck has driven by at 3 PM, I suppose it was to observe what the next step might be. Just a step would be nice! I was told once they got the black dirt in and seeded it, they would water it once a week or I could water it. Right, like I am paying for that. Seems they would gladly let me do that and charge me for the water. Do not think that will be happening! With the situation with the way it stands right now, our street looks absolutely terrible. I am one of 3 homes who have had the front of their homes trashed by the RM decision to rip up the sidewalk and leave such a sight for sore eyes. So much for town beautification! The RM should be embarrassed for the utter mess they have left. This is not acceptable, and we should not have to tolerate such terrible service in our town!
Regards
Gerry Nolan Kenton, MB
Gravel
Policy Matters
By Cam Dahl, General Manager
Manitoba Pork Council
A former Prime Minister once quipped from the campaign trail that “an election is no time to talk about serious issues”. When it comes to providing opportunities for Canadians, however, policy matters far more than partisan politics. We have had a federal election, and a Cabinet has been appointed. We now need the government to have a laser-like focus on the fundamentals of good policy.
I have heard farmers express the view that agriculture is an afterthought around the cabinet table. The sector makes up about seven percent of the Canadian gross domestic product, or $150 billion per year, and employs 2.3 million Canadians, representing one in nine jobs across the country. An acknowledgement, by the whole cabinet, of the critical contribution that agriculture makes to the Canadian economy would be a good way for the new federal government to offset farmers’ frustration about the placement of agriculture in national policy priorities.
Trade must be the priority issue for the new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. In 2024, Canadian agriculture and food exports exceeded $100 billion, yet the policies that will support and expand Canadian agriculture and food exports are not always considered when Canada’s trade positions are set. A positive key first step signaling a shift in focus for agriculture policy would be the explicit inclusion of agriculture in the “Team Canada” missions that are part of our outreach with U.S. customers and policy makers.
While agriculture, like most Canadian industries, has rightfully focused on the threat of U.S. tariffs in the past few months, protectionism is growing around the world. Canadian pork and seafood exports to China face a 25 percent tariff. Canola products have been hit with a 100 percent tariff by the Chinese government. Canadian agriculture and food exports have been sidelined by European non-tariff barriers, despite the Canada–European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Growing protectionism is compounded by rising political uncertainty, with the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle
East just two examples. Canada needs a strategic plan to deal with these threats.
The new federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Hon. Heath MacDonald, could hit the ground running if he were to set up, together with representatives from export agriculture, a task group with the mandate to develop a strategic plan for agriculture and agri-food trade. This joint government and industry task group should set out to answer three basic questions. First, in the short term, how does Canada mitigate the impact of tariffs and potential tariffs on agriculture and food exports? Second, what is the strategic plan to eliminate non-tariff and tariff trade barriers currently blocking Canadian agriculture and food exports? And third, what is the strategic plan to diversify markets for Canadian agriculture and food exports?
The overarching goal of the task group should be to set out a clear plan that will preserve the integrated North American market for agriculture and food products, and to eliminate tariff and non-tariff trade barriers around the world.
The effort to develop a strategic plan for agriculture and food trade cannot only be carried out by governments. There is also work to be done by farm groups and industry stakeholders. There are over 400 farm groups across Canada. This means that governments do not always receive a coherent consensus position from the sector. It is incumbent upon farmers, those who represent farmers, along with food processors and manufacturers, to develop clear policy proposals aimed at the expansion of agriculture and food exports. If the Minister receives 400 different opinions, they face a risky policy position where any action would be subject to opposition by somebody. Lack of consensus within agriculture opens the door for governments to do nothing.
Agriculture and food trade is not just a matter
of economic policy, it is also a national security issue, given the increasingly less stable geopolitical environment. This is especially true for the three countries who are signatories to the Canada –U.S –Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Canadian farmers can help deliver a reliable and safe food supply for consumers. This value from Canadian agriculture must be demonstrated in the strategic plan for agriculture and food trade and emphasized in upcoming trade discussions, including the impending review of CUSMA.
The recent election campaign saw the major parties promising a new approach to trade policy to respond to growing protectionism in both North America and around the world. The new federal government, including the new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has an opportunity to put these promises into action for farmers, processors, and the millions of Canadians who work in the sector. Current disruptions to world trade can be turned into opportunities for Canadian agriculture, but only if we see bold and decisive policy. The alternatives will be bad for farmers, bad for Canadian value-added processing, and undermine the potential for growth in the Canadian economy.
Rivers Community Garage Sale!
• Rivers and Area LIONS CLUB Fundraising BBQ (11am - 1pm) in the Westoba • parking lot • PLUS enter the draw to WIN $200 in Chamber Bucks • Maps available on the Thursday and Friday June 5th & 6th Westoba or Way-mor Agencies and morning of the sale at Way-mor Agencies.
Boot Sale This old-fashioned, English styled flea market that will be running on the Riverdale Community Centre parking lot. Load up your vehicle and sell your junque from your truck. Come join the fun!
Growing Heirlooms – Part II
Submitted By Patricia Hanbidge
Growing heirlooms is something that should always be considered. We need to consciously make the effort to preserve our genetic diversity for future generations. It is also something that honours plants that we have grown over the centuries. One thing that I always notice as a very visible difference between hybrids and heirlooms is that when you plant a field of hybrid plants they will be almost completely identical like a brigade of soldiers. When you plant a field of heirlooms you will see subtle variations in colours and forms that somehow feels more freeing.
In my garden, I usually grow a combination of hybrid and heirloom plants. Often some of the heirloom plants will be better producers than the hybrid plants. I like to use the tomato as an example. Tomatoes are hot crops and like to see warm, sunny days for best production. However, some of the heirloom tomatoes that I always grow thrive when the weather is cooler. I figure that as I do not have the power to dictate the weather, if I grow tomatoes that thrive in hot weather and some that thrive is cooler weather – I am always guaranteed a tomato crop! Growing heirlooms tells stories that we would otherwise never experience. Over the years, I have grown many heirlooms, and many have stood out as leaders in my garden. However, there is one ultimate tomato that wins for fast germination, amazing growth and a flavour that is seriously to die for. This unnamed variety of tomato we call “Nella”. We received some tomatoes from a lovely woman by that name. Nella had traded and saved seeds even after her immigration to Canada with her brother who still lives in the old country. Their family and friends have traded and saved seeds for many generations on both sides of the border between Croatia
and Italy. My experience with Nella (the tomato) is unparalleled as even after saving the seeds in a not ideal environment for more than a year or two, they all germinated and left all the other heirloom tomatoes we are growing behind. The fruit is a pinky red colour and these tomatoes should be picked when they are not fully ripe for the best flavour. In spite of having many favourite heirlooms, I really do think that Nella ranks at the top.
As far as peppers go – I have a few favourites. As we can use peppers in many ways, in my opinion we should grow many different peppers! I hope you enjoy a look into my favourites.
The Doe Hill pepper is extremely rare. It is a family heirloom from Highland County, Virginia. It is a great choice for anywhere the season is short and is also one of the tastiest peppers you will ever sample. It is a smaller, round lobed pepper that will turn gold at maturity. Enjoy the Doe Hill pepper stuffed or simply as a great ingredient in a salad. Only 60 to 65 days to harvest from transplanting.
The Sweet Chocolate Pepper was developed by Elwyn Meader and was introduced in 1965. It is an impressive pepper that ripens from green to a dark chocolate purple that is deep red inside. Producing fruit all summer long
it is a sure fire addition to your garden. It is 65 to 70 days to maturity from transplanting
The last pepper, I would like to share is the Red Ruffled Pimento Pepper. This old fashioned tomato pepper can be eaten raw or used in hot dishes and is especially lovely stuffed. It is one of the most beautiful, highly ruffled tomato peppers I have ever grown.
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.
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