Kids bike decorating contest

Tractor Trekkers for 2023---Mark Gill, Les Wood, Lawrence McFarlene, Jim James, Rodney Cairns, Marving Elder, Gerry Shanks, Dan Lovatt, Tom Ryall, Darren Paddock (Back Row) Andy Lovatt, Josh Krahn, Ted Krahn, Andy Corby, Ron Krahn, Harvey Woods, Caleb Paddock, Harry Airey, Alec Gerrard

Congratulations to Wendy Wood who won the Sekine Bicycle and Eileen Harrison who won the Sekine Quilt Wall Hanging and Tom Ryall who won the A&L Cycle Basket.

Submitted

By Dianne Kowalchuk

Thirteen young bikers took part in the Decorated Bike Contest that was part of the Community Parade held on Saturday, July 8. Winners in the 8 to 12 years category were: Emma Johnston (1st), Bridget Stewart (2nd) and Ronan Stewart (3rd). Winners in the 7 years and under category were Kinsley Trusty (1st), Kiera and Jaylyn Johnston (2nd), and Audrey Bayne (3rd). Cash prizes were given to the winners, and all riders received candy bags. The contest was sponsored by Rivers Women’s Institute.

Tractor Trekkers for 2023

In support of Western Manitoba Cancer Care Centre

Submitted

By Joan Airey

On July 9, nineteen men, driving eighteen vintage or antique tractors, left Rivers Sunday morning on the Rivers Annual Tractor Trek to Clack’s Museum in the RM of Oakview. Participants came from Brandon, Souris, Alexander, Oak Lake, Oak River, and Rivers area. The youngest driver was Caleb Paddock driving the oldest tractor, a 1944 John Deere Model B. Senior driver was Gerald Shanks of Brandon driving a John Deere 420. Shanks previously farmed in the Pettapiece area. Several participants and supporters of the trek toured the museum before enjoying a barbecued beef lunch. Terry Radcliffe and his staff plus several board members of the museum were on hand to help set up the day’s event. Without community members supporting the event we would not be able to raise over $2000. Redfern Farm Services, Rivers Heritage Co-op, and Tempo Emporium plus some local families donated towards providing the meal. All entry fees and donations go directly to Western Manitoba Cancer Centre. This is the second annual trek which started in 2022 when over a cup of coffee/tea a couple of antique tractor enthusiasts decided they could enjoy a trek and support a good cause.

Neil StrohScheiN

DreamS worth workiNg (aND prayiNg) for, part V

To mark his 70th birthday, Canadian comedian Dave Broadfoot recorded a one-hour special for CBC television. Its title (quite appropriately, in my view) was “Old Enough to Say What I Want.” He masterfully blended his unique sense of humor with pointed social commentary; creating a program that was a delight to watch.

This weekend, I will celebrate my 72nd birthday (I’m not bragging; just reporting). Like Dave Broadfoot, I think I am old enough to say what I want. But I am also old enough to realize that there is a huge difference between saying what I want to say in a specific situation and saying what I need to say or (in some cases) saying nothing at all.

On some issues and in some situations, my words must be consistent with my calling as a Minister. As St. Paul writes, a Minister is to preach the word-to reprove, rebuke and exhort with patience and sound teaching. In addition, I am to declare “the whole counsel of God.” The principles I teach and the applications of those principles that I make must be based on teachings found in the Old Testament; explained further or affirmed (not negated) by Jesus Christ and taught by the Apostles. I must not refuse to speak about what I see in one part of Scripture just because I don’t agree with or like what it says.

Most Christian ministers will agree with what you’ve just read. So will the teachers and spiritual leaders of other religions. They will base their teachings on their holy books, just as I base mine on the Bible. Those who hold no religious affiliation will present ideas or philosophies that are based on their own thoughts or personal convictions. What we teach isn’t the problem. How we teach it, and how we react to those who do not agree with us has become a huge problem-and it’s getting worse.

In recent years, the tone of debate on all issues (politics, religion, economics, the environment, lifestyle, etc.) has radically changed. Instead of debating issues in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, we have chosen to publicly attack the characters, integrity and reputations of those who hold beliefs with which we may not agree. Comments made are taken out of context, spread through social media and accompanied by accusations of bias, prejudice, racism or attacking another’s basic human rights. Gone are the days when people sought to work out their differences through tolerance, dialogue, understanding and finding ways to overcome differences and work together for the benefit of all people.

I may not agree with the beliefs that others have or the choices they make. I may express my disagreement with their beliefs or choices in a sermon or a column. But I will do my best to show the highest degree of respect for their character and integrity. I can only hope that they will show me the same courtesy and that we can work together to build a world in which all people are valued, respected and given the opportunity to become all that their creator intended for them to become.

Building such a world will not be easy. We must begin by seeking God’s forgiveness for allowing so much bias, prejudice and hate to embed itself in our culture. Then we must work to build bridges of love and friendship with others. It will take time; but it can be done. Will it happen in my lifetime? Maybe not; but it’s certainly a dream worth working (and praying) for.