December 1, 2023 by Rivers Banner

Friday, December 1, 2023 • Vol.116 No. 12 • Rivers, Manitoba

Jessica Coulter

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Mrs. Claus is decorating cookies for Santa.

HAMIOTA QUILT SHOW P12

Handmade craf t s for Christmas were available at the vendor market in Redfern Hall.

Free Skate af ternoon at the Riverdale Recreation Centre for all at the Christmas day event. PHOTOS BY DONNA FALKEVITCH

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

kating, kid activities, handmade vendor market, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, hotdog BBQ and Santa Parade were the festivities that took place in Rivers on Friday, Nov. 24 from 1 – 7:30pm. This was all organized by Kendra Walker, Carina Blankenspoor and the Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce. The Riverdale Recreation Centre was crowded with people from the community and surrounding area who

came out to visit the vendor market which had twelve vendors selling their handmade goods. At least three of the vendor tables had students who made the crafts. It was great to see that handmade goods skills are being passed on to the next generation. There was a free hotdog BBQ outside at the Riverdale Recreation Centre which was sponsored by the Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce and Kuipers Family Bakery. continued on page 2

OAK LAKE SANTA BRUNCH P7

2 Rivers Banner December 1, 2023

continued from page 1 Santa was spotted downstairs in the Rec Centre taking pictures and getting Christmas wish lists from all the children waiting their turn to meet him. The kid activities included free nail painting, hair tinsels, and temporary tattoos all from CB Aspire Salon and Spa. There was also arts and crafts tables for making cards for the care home. The parade was great, but the wind was cold. There were twenty floats. Despite the cold, lots of families stood out on the street enjoying the fun and treats that were handed out. Lots of donations were made to the Rivers Foodbank and a lot of 50/50 tickets were sold. Ingrid Blankenspoor from Brandon won the foodbank 50/50 draw. So many volunteers came together from the community to make this a success. “Thank-you to all that helped out in whichever way. Without you, this event would not have taken place. We wish everyone a happy holiday season,” Carina Blankenspoor, president of the Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce said excitingly.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

The handmade market vendors were all set up in the Redfern Hall.

PHOTOS BY DONNA FALKEVITCH

Cookie decorating for all.

n Saturday, Nov. 25, Hamiota Community Centre hosted Mall in the Hall. This is the first year the community has had mall in the hall in a few years

due to covid and scheduling issues. In total 23 tables were spoken for this year by the vendors and there was an amazing turn out from people from the community and surrounding communities. Due to this, it looks like Mall in the Hall will be back again. The Decker 4-H group had a table where they sold baked goods that they made themselves. There was coffee, cookies, and doughnuts available to everyone who came for $5.

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA KRAHN

It’s Santa!! The children in Rivers got all dressed up to meet the big guy.

Using found vintage items to create new Christmas art.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Barb Plewes from Rivers displayed her handmade Christmas decorations in Hamiota.

December 1, 2023 Rivers Banner 3

FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein Gifts that keep on giving, Part I

Submitted Rivers Banner

An old European tradition of hanging mistletoe in a doorway symbolizes peace and goodwill to all who enter. According to legend, mistletoe is believed to have magical powers to grant health, peace and love to those who kiss beneath it.

PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE

From last weeks front page V

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Word Bank 1. support 5. reliable 9. hockey

2. market 6. minor 10. block

3. artisan 7. stock 11. shop

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hose who know me well know that I am not a fan of big box stores. I will patronize them if and when I must. But I want to get into the store, get what I want and then leave as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, these days, that is becoming increasingly difficult. And as Christmas approaches and last minute shoppers try to find gifts for those they love, these stores will turn into human equivalents of a zoo full of occupants roaming at large. Tension levels in these stores are high at the best of times. They are even higher during the holidays. So here are some gifts you can give yourself and other shoppers that will reduce tension levels and make holiday shopping a pleasant experience for yourself, other shoppers and the store’s staff. First-time. Instead of trying to get everything done in an hour, plan on taking two or three hours, depending on how many people you need to shop for. Take time to look around, to consider options and make purchases that won’t empty your bank accounts or max out your credit cards. Give yourself the time you need to make wise gift selections. Second-courtesy. Treat others the way you would like them to treat you. This is especially important when dealing with staff. Most stores will hire additional part-time staff for the holiday season. But they will not be as familiar with the store’s layout as regular staff and may not be able to direct you to the exact spot where you can find the things you want. Give them a break. They are doing as good as they can. Thank them for their help and wish them a good day. Third- -a good attitude. Don’t go around looking like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, even though you think you might be. Let God handle the problems you can’t solve. Focus on the things you need to do today. Make a list (if you think you’ll forget something) and check off items as they are completed. You’ll be tired as you leave for home. But if you choose to do some last minute shopping (as often happens for all of us) and people you meet ask how your day went, you can tell them that it was a productive day; and your positive attitude may unleash the same attitude in them. Finally-extend holiday greetings to others. A generic greeting like “Happy Holidays” is always in order. Personally, because I celebrate Christmas, I wish people a “Merry Christmas.” In cases where I know people choose not to celebrate Christmas, I wish them a restful time away from work and good times with family and friends. In public settings (like stores or offices) where people initiate the greeting, I will respond with the same greeting they share with me. How we word our greetings isn’t as important as letting people know that we wish them a happy holiday season and all the best in the year ahead. There are many other things we can do to help make this holiday season happy for those with whom we come in contact. Which of these items will go on your list? What habits might you add that aren’t on this list? Pick at least two and start practicing them today. You might be amazed at the impact your actions will have on those you meet; and how much happier your holiday season (and theirs) will be.

4 Rivers Banner December 1, 2023

Tundra

Perspectives Homebodies

By Chad Carpenter

Rita Friesen

It’s here!

N If only the bosses would listen!

nfortunately my wife and I have been hospitalized many times in the past five years. With stays in four Manitoba hospitals and three U.S ones, we have a wide range of experience. It has been mostly good experience and we received good care. We have met and interacted with dozens of medical staff and for the most part, the care has been very good. There are hundreds of extremely dedicated staff and quite frankly, I can’t believe how they do all that they do. I dedicate this column to them in the faint hope someone, somewhere will listen to these suggestions to help us all along the road to better, faster health care. There are two big differences between Canadian and U.S. hospitals. In the U.S. there is almost no waiting, almost none. In Canada, you can wait many hours for care even in an Emergency Room (ER). You can wait for months for surgery, even fairly urgent surgery. In Canada, a lot of health care is taxpayer funded but in the US you better have health insurance. I was two hours in a ER in Kentucky, an hour in an ER in Missouri and five days, including an ambulance trip in Kansas City. My insurance company is on the hook for around $60,000 for those three episodes. We have observed a number of things that could be improved in Canada and it could even save money. Did you know that it’s not uncommon to wait three days for an ambulance to do an inter-facility non-emergency transfer? That doesn’t make a lot of sense as hospital staff spend a lot of time during those three days to get their transfer patient into the waiting list and if the transfers were quicker, the

Right in the Centre Ken Waddell patient could be treated days earlier. The system needs more EMTs and more ambulances. The capacity of Catscans and MRIs are always backlogged at Brandon hospital but they’re now getting some done on weekends but those machines don’t get tired, they could run 24-7. More staff are needed. Cleanliness is hospitals is essential. Neepawa is pretty clean, so is Brandon. The US ones I saw seemed pretty good. St. Boniface was not very clean. In the evaluation form I politely pointed out that it wasn’t very clean and although they assure you they will respond to your on-line evaluation, they never did. Across all hospitals, the food wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad. Every hospital we have been in, the convalescent menu was pretty devastating. I learned as a child from my mother that when you are sick you start back onto food intake slowly and carefully. Apparently today’s hospitals either don’t believe in that or feel they know better than my mom. When we were sick, we were served boiled raw milk just to be safe that no bacteria got fed back into us. We were served bread soaked in milk with a little brown sugar. Then we got a soft boiled egg mixed with chopped up white bread. We would move on to mashed potatoes and maybe some vegetables.

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Today’s hospitals offer you water and if that works then clear fluids which usually means tea, coffee, juice and jello. So far so good. But the next meals can be full breakfast, lunch and supper. Our personal experience to this too early full menu feeding has ranged from violent nausea to a bowel condition called Ileus. The early onset heavy food caused me a very scary second week in hospital about four years ago. It was scary. And lastly, all problems in health care could be at least somewhat alleviated if the administration, political parties and Manitoba Health would just listen to the workers. I know prominent doctors who haven’t even been asked how to improve health care. If they won’t take time to listen to doctors, what hope have the nurses, aides, dietary and maintenance people got. Administration, political parties and Manitoba Health are missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime by neglecting to listen to the front line workers. I haven’t decided yet if that neglect is arrogance or stupidity but there aren’t many other choices. 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 Banner & Press staff.

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Jessica Coulter

of:

ot certain how you heard those two opening words. Did you say it with excitement, dread, of fear? We use the phrase for so many occasions; the birth of a child or the arrival of a long awaited event- that’s the excitement-, the event that we have not wanted, though planned for, or Monday morning- dread-, the eerie horror movie music that sends shivers down our spines, and often uttered in a singsongy lilt- fear! As I relax in my very comfortable home, I use the expression with all three intonations. It’s here! The tree is up, some decorations on it ( I may have exaggerated minimalism this year!), the holiday music is playing, and there is a never ending supply of Christmas movies to watch; same plot, few twists, and many of the same characters, easy watching at the best. It’s here! The Christmas baking, and chocolates and gatherings. My sister the younger was wonderfully kind and provided me with a square of Christmas cake. I confess, I really like fruit cake. I also confess that I have begun the nibbling, one small slice at a time, often with a wedge of cheese. And before you judge- that’s supper! She has challenged me to have a portion left to share with family for the festive gatherings. There may be a portion left, I reply defensively! It’s here. For many of us this is another first, a first Christmas after the death of one we loved and who loved us. That in itself is a wonderful gift, and to face this holiday, and all the holiday’s after this, never mind missing them every single day, is often a sense of dread. It’s here. The time some of us feel afresh the pain of estranged family members, the places that are vacant at the table. For some it is an awareness that family gatherings are a time of stress and anguish, interactions that are less than kind. And for some of us, there is a dread associated with finances and the economy. What we would like to give those we love versus what reality dictates we give. It’s a juggling of the demands on out time and our resources. How many places, events, services can any one attend and still enjoy? Here I lean into my philosophy of loving my loved ones every day, trying to be sensitive and responsive to their needs throughout the year, not waiting for an occasion to bless them. And loving every moment they spend with me, trying not to long for, or guilt them into more! And then there is ‘it’s here’ in the spooky way. That is part of my holiday spirit as well. With the wonder of spiritual Christmas, how has the message gotten so very lost? How have the trapping and dressing of Christmas dimmed the Bethlehem story? How many children can sing Frosty the Snowman, Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer, and a dozen other light weight songs, and not know Away in a Manger, or Silent Night. Name all the reindeer and not know Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus? I will focus on the first! The exuberant anticipation of a significant event!

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Po l i c e d e a l t with a client who was dealing with depression and mental health matters. They were not in a state of self-harm and were receptive to treatment through the health care system. Further police involvement was not required. Police were requested to assist the RCMP to locate a Rivers resident who had attended a daycare in a neighbouring town, unclothed. The man was located soon after by the RCMP and arrested for impaired driving and is facing charges. Police were called to an erratic driving complaint on 2nd Avenue in Rivers. The identity of the driver was not clearly established. No charges have been laid yet. A faulty security system caused police to attend a Rivers residence 4 times in 2 days. The homeowner worked with the alarm company to resolve the issues. Police were informed of children attending a local business asking for money for food. In such instances police work to identify the children in need and then involve Child & Family Services to ensure that the Childrens’ basic needs are met. Police were informed of a Rivers resident failing to abide by court-imposed conditions of release. Charges will be laid once the person is located and arrested. A traffic stop with a Manitoba vehicle led to a Lon Schwartz (Chief of Police) Rivers Police Service

ticket being issued for driving while disqualified. The vehicle was not towed as per officers’ discretion. A traffic stop with a Manitoba vehicle led to a ticket being issued for the unlawful transportation of cannabis. A single vehicle accident was reported to police but found to be exempt from investigation. The driver was directed to MPI to make a claim for damages. A tipster informed police that after the last snow there were adult sized footprints around vehicles parked on the 700 block of 2nd; doors appeared to have been checked. Police remind everyone to lock their homes and vehicles at the end of every day. Thefts happen intermittently in Rivers but never from a locked home or vehicle. Police attended a car vs deer accident on Highway 250 near the Assiniboine River valley. Police remind drivers that deer and other big game animals are very active right now and collision numbers are high. Please slow down when traveling through areas frequented by wildlife. A traffic stop in Rivers found the driver to be impaired by alcohol. An Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) was issued, and the vehicle was seized. This marks the 25th incident of impaired driving that Rivers Police have dealt with in 2023.

Rivers & Area ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING December 6, 2023, 6pm LEE’S RESTAURANT All are welcome to attend.

Join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Support local this Holiday Season

Submitted By News Media Canada A community is more than a group living in a particular area. A community is where strangers become friends, local businesses build each other up, and important topics are debated and tackled. Communities help us through tough times and allow us to celebrate as a collective when things go well. By investing in our communities, everyone reaps the benefits. The holidays are a perfect time to honour the power of community by supporting local. Here are three ways you can support local this holiday season and beyond: 1. Shop Local Small businesses are the heart of communities across the country. When you shop locally, you support more than your town’s economy; you support your friends’ and neighbours’ livelihoods. And in turn, this support can help businesses thrive to support the community. Research finds that for every dollar spent at a local small business, $0.66 stays local compared to only $0.11 when spent at a multinational. So, instead of turning to the big box stores this season, take your gift shopping to local small businesses. 2. Support Your Local Newspaper Local news unites communities. Local newspapers are an essential part of communities across Canada that keep them informed and connected. You may not know that they are small businesses, too, and one of the last-standing sources of local credible news that cannot be found anywhere else. Newspapers – and the people behind them – champion and challenge communities to spark meaningful dialogue about what matters to them. Supporting your local newspaper is essential and rewarding, and there are many ways to do so. For example, you can subscribe to your local newspaper, gift a subscription to a loved one, sign up for email newsletters, submit a donation, or buy a print or digital ad if you’re a local business owner. 3. Give Back to Your Community Supporting local charities is a great way to strengthen your community while helping those who most need it. Giving back doesn’t always come with a price tag. You can contribute to your community by volunteering your time to give back in any way that works best for you. Another way to give back and support Canadian news media this holiday season is by purchasing a copy of News Media Canada’s limited-edition book, Champions, featuring inspirational stories of notable Canadians from the news media industry. All book proceeds are being donated to First Book Canada to transform the lives of children in need by making new, quality books and resources available to those who need them most.

Rapid City Community ChuRCh Sundays 10 a.m. Children’s Church during the message Bible Study – Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

447 Edward Street ~ 204-328-7882

JESUS IS LORD

6 Rivers Banner December 1, 2023

Coulter graduates with Honours MB Government By Ken Waddell Rivers Banner

raduat ion day is always a big dea l for st udent s a nd t heir loved ones. On Nov. 24, Jes sica Coulter graduated with honours in Graphic Design from CDI College in Winnipeg. Coulter was part of a class of 121 students. The specia l ceremony was held at Calvary Temple in Winnipeg. CDI college of fers progr a ms i n t he b u s i ne s s , t e c h nol o g y, a nd health care fields. The college has 23 campus locat ions in f ive Canadian provinces. Coulter operates PHOTO BY KYLA COULTER a graphic design Rebecca Guffei, Derek Holowka, Tom Suver, Rainier Mauricio and Jessica Coulter business out of her all graduated from CDI college Graphic Design program. Julius Banares and Robin farm home at KenPare are the proud professors posing with their students. ton, Mb. and manages many aspects of the Rivers Banner community newspaper. The Jessica out and about please offer her congratulaRivers Banner and the Waddell family are very tions and thank her for her hard work on behalf excited to have Jessica as so big a part of The of the many communities in the Rivers Banner Rivers Banner newspaper. The next time you see coverage area.

This deliciously cheesy and flaky Christmas tree is something I make for Christmas parties or just for the middle of the table at dinner. It is so quick and yummy and can be made so quickly, yet it looks so complex you will wow any guest coming over by its delicious power. Ingredients: 2 sheets of puff pastry 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 1/2 cup mix cheddar and mozzarella cheese 1 cup frozen spinach 1/2 cup softened cream cheese 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp onion powder 1 egg Plain flour for rolling pastry Directions: 1) Thaw and squeeze all excess water from spinach. Allow puff pastry to sit out for 5-10 minutes to soften. Cream cheese needs to be at room temperature. Preheat oven to 350*F. 2) First, you are going to make the delicious cheesy spinach filling by adding the spinach, cream cheese, cheeses and spices into a bowl and mix until everything is well combined. 3) Cut each piece of pastry into 2 large triangles. If your pasty can be rolled out to make a longer triangle go ahead, it means more branches on your tree!! Just be sure to not make it too thin, the usual thickness of puff pastry is perfect (about ¼-1/3cm thick). The offcuts can be used to make smaller trees or little puffy decorations so do not throw them out. 4) On your main large triangle spread out a generous amount of your spinach filling, leaving about ½ cm from the edge of your triangle, this is so that we can pinch the edges together, preventing the filling from slipping out. 5) Take the other large triangle and place on top of the filling. Then with your finger pinch the edge of the pastry closed, you may find you create air bubbles in your pastry this is ok. You can get a rolling pin to roll out any excess air and then seal it up. 6) Take your pizza cutter and cut out 1-2cm ‘branches’ on each side of the middle (tree trunk) of the triangle. Then take the ‘branch’ and slowly twist it about 3 times to make a beautiful little spiral on the tree. And repeat on both sides of the triangle. 7) To ensure our tree is golden brown and flaky we are going to brush it with an egg wash (whisk 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of water) and with a pastry brush, paint the egg wash all over the tree and branches. Then bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and flaky.

making lives more affordable for Manitobans by lowering fuel taxes

Changes would introduce a gas tax holiday for six months Submitted Manitoba Government The Manitoba government is introducing amendments to the fuel tax act, which would temporarily pause the collection of the provincial tax on gasoline for at least six months starting next year, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced today. “We know there is an affordability crisis in Manitoba and across Canada,” said Sala. “This legislation would provide much-needed relief to Manitobans during these unprecedented times of high inflation. The bill would help everyone from the family rushing their kids off to different activities, to the small business owner who relies on their car for work.” Bill 3, the fuel tax amendment act (fuel tax holiday) would temporarily reduce the provincial fuel tax rate to zero cents per litre on gasoline, natural gas and diesel fuels for road use. This tax pause would remain in place for six months. During the fuel tax holiday, the 14-cent fuel tax rates on gasoline and diesel used to operate motor vehicles will be eliminated, the minister noted. “This would provide direct relief to Manitoba families struggling with rising costs and is a crucial step in our government’s plan to make life more affordable for all Manitobans,” said Sala. There is no provincial sales tax on the purchase of fuel. Fuel taxes would continue to be collected on aviation, locomotive and propane as these are not included in the fuel tax holiday, the minister added. The average Manitoba family with two cars is expected to save approximately $250 during the six-month fuel tax holiday, the minister noted.

RIVERS

FLU & COVID Vaccine Clinic

Add Another Layer of Protection!

Friday, December 1 | 2 pm - 6 pm

Walk-ins only.

Rivers Legion 633 Second Ave. Eligibility: 6 months of age and up.

Consent Form

Recommended to wait 6 months from last Covid-19 vaccine or Covid-19 infection. Bring your Manitoba Health Card

December 1, 2023 Rivers Banner 7

The kids picking out the perfect presents for their parents at the “Santa Store”.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

The community and surrounding area enjoy a wonderful Christmas brunch at the Oak Lake Hall.

anta was spotted in Oak Lake on Sunday, Nov. 26. The Oak Lake Parent Advisory Council (PAC) was excited to partner with the Oak Lake Museum Board and History Book Committee in hosting the 28th Annual Santa Brunch in Oak Lake at the community hall. They had approximately 30 volunteers working various shifts and stations during the event and many other community members pitched in when needed without being asked. Fluffy scrambled eggs and pancakes, tasty pork sausage, cheesy hash browns, a variety of muffins and delicious Christmas bread was served to over 400 people during the four-hour brunch. There was this amazing idea that the Council started a few years ago called “Santa’s Store”. Before the event, the council puts a shout out to the community inviting people to donated items to “Santa’s Store”. The items donated included kitchenware, books, ties and more. This store is for children 12 and under. Each child could bring a toonie to the store, which was in a separate room from the brunch, and buy a gift from the donations table. They could then wrap it with the donated wrapping paper and save this gift to give to a parent on Christmas day. Students from the school volunteered in the children’s zone and helping wrap gifts in “Santa’s Store”. They had 34 silent raffle prizes that people could bid on and they had 33 rainbow ticket raffle prizes. “Thank you to this hard working and busy group of ladies, and a couple who are missing, representing OLCS PAC,” says Jodie Gompf, “and thank you to the Oak Lake

Museum Board for their partnership, and Wendy Taylor for coordinating the kitchen. Thank you to the community of Oak Lake and surrounding areas for all your support.” There were too many sponsors to list them all. The group was able to get 60 sponsors to donate to this great day. It is a fun way for the community to kick off the Christmas Season. Profits from this event were split between two active groups in the community. The Oak Lake Museum Board will be spending its funds on repairs and maintenance to the museum and churches on its property. The Parent Advisory Council supports many projects at the local school including the music program, educational trips, playground upgrades, classroom purchases, a low-cost swim program and more.

Mathew and Lacy Purvis brought their kids, Weston and Myles, to meet Santa at the Oak Lake Santa Brunch.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

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Neil McCausland DBA: KNM Ag Transport Box 92; 238 Railway Ave Kenton MB R0M 0Z0 NEGOTIABLE

STRAIGHT BILL OF LADING - NOT

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......... Date:................................... At:.................................................................................................................. good order, goods herein described, in apparent

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date from the shipper, the goods as indicated Received at point of origin on this marked, consigned and destined of contents of packages unknown) otherwise to except as noted (contents and conditions deliver to the consignee at the destination if on its own route, carry and below, which the carrier agrees to and as route to the destination. portion of the route to destination, deliver to another carrier on the or any of the goods over all or any shall be subject It is agreed as to each carrier of all service to be performed hereunder himself and in all or any of the goods, that every to by the shipper and accepted for to each party at any time interested or written, which are hereby agreed to all the conditions, whether printed his assigns.

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~ Riverdale is a safe, TRAILER:family-oriented Municipality Net: 15 days upon delivery. accounts. 3% Interest charged on overdue

facilitating opportunities that encourage

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Call or email us, us, for your printing needs! Net: 15 days upon delivery. accounts. 3% Interest charged on overdue

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So many community members put in a great effort with their floats and braved the cold for the Oak Lake Santa Christmas Parade on Nov. 24. Santa made his way to the parade for all of the Oak Lake girls and boys to see.

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We can handle your designs with our Graphic Designer, Jessica Coulter and print jobs at the office in Neepawa.

RiveRs BanneR

204-328-7494 info@riversbanner.com www.riversbanner.com

8 Rivers Banner December 1, 2023

Winter begins on December 21, 2023, and ends on March 19, 2024. Many people lament the arrival of winter, perhaps thinking the colder temperatures and shorter hours of sunlight will compromise their chances to have fun. Even though particularly chilly thermostat readings or stormy conditions can hamper some plans, when people dig deeper they may find that even the coldest days present opportunities for enjoyment. When winter begins, the following activities can make for an entertaining way to celebrate the arrival of the season. ¥ Build a snow creation. Use the first significant snowfall of the season to organize a snowman, snowwoman, or snow-animal-making event or contest. Waterproof gloves are a necessary piece of equipment, as are buckets for moving snow, shovels, carving and shaping tools (which can be plastic cutlery), and accessories to dress up the final product. ¥ Go sledding on the best hills. Sledding is a popular wintertime activity that doesnÕt require too much equipment. Sleds can be purchased at sporting goods stores or toy stores. Sledders of all ages should consider wearing helmets to protect against injury if they will be traversing especially steep hills. ¥ Host a winter block party. Many cities and towns across North America participate in WinterFest events, which run the gamut from food and craft PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE festivals to sporting events. Individuals can take cues from these type of Canadian families enjoy skating for all generations. activities and plan neighborhood festivals right on their streets. Neighbors can wheel out their fire pits or utilize outdoor propane heaters to keep spots cozy. Hot winter, is the shortest day of sunlight on the calendar. It occurs when either of the cocoa and cider stations and warm treats can keep everyone from feeling too cold. EarthÕs poles reaches maximum tilt away from the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, Electric slow cookers can keep everything from soups to chilis to stews warm and par- this occurs on December 21, 2023. Because there will be only roughly seven hours of daylight, take steps to make the fact that the sun will set at its earliest a little easier to ticipants can enjoy a buffet of hearty foods. ¥ Visit an ice rink. Whether a rink is indoors or outside, ice skating is a quintessential swallow. Kids can run around outdoors with glow sticks, while adults can deck their wintertime activity. Skaters of all skill levels can take to the ice and enjoy some exercise homes in twinkle lights if they are not decorated for Christmas. Lanterns, campfires and laughs. Check local rink schedules to take advantage of open skate times when and candles can be lit, and everyone can gather outdoors to chat and socialize. Winter begins on December 21, 2023, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate this hockey games or practices are not dominating the ice. ¥ Mark the winter solstice. The winter solstice, also known as the start of astronomical fun, if sometimes frigid, season. Submitted By Metro Creative

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

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December 1, 2023 Rivers Banner 9

CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted

Coming Events

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NOTICES Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the 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 condi tions, please consult the A s s o c i a t i o n ’s B l a n k e t Advertising Conditions

DEKALB

Riding Mountain Progressive Conservative Association Annual General Meeting Via Zoom & Teleconference Options Monday, December 11, 7:00 pm All Constituency PC Members in good standing wishing to participate are asked to pre-register by Noon, Thursday, December 7, by contacting Judy Snitynsky, 204-773-6347

SuperSpiel Welcomes the World Dec 1 - 4, 2023 Morris Curling Club WWW. dekalbsuperspiel.com Come celebrate 16 "Super" years of DEKALB Curling

Meeting participation information will be provided at the time of registration.

RTM’s Announcement

Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province Wide Classifieds on our website at www. mcna.com. URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www.mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details. MAKE THE MOST OF BUSINESS BEFORE

CHRISTMAS! Advertise your online sales with the weekly newspapers! Wish everyone a Merry Christmas from your business. Book your Blanket Classified Ads NOW in the 31 Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers to have your messaging seen all over the province! Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW or call MCNA at (204) 9471691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com

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GAZETTE REPORTER

10 Rivers Banner December 1, 2023

SPORTS Keaton Moore is heading towards the net. With Adam Robidoux watching his back.

Submitted Rivers Banner It was a two-game weekend starting Nov. 24 in Souris with a divisional matchup at 8pm against the Elks. Then back on home ice on Saturday, Nov. 25 for an 8pm puck drop vs Boissevain. On Friday, Nov. 24, the Jets improved to 5-1 on the season with a 5-2 win in Souris against the Elks. Riley Shamray scored a goal and added a pair of assists, while Josh Belcher and Jaxon Heeney each added a goal and an assist in the win. Kaden Sutherland found the back of the net for his first as a Jet, and Keaton Moore added the other goal. Layne Anderson made 28 saves between the pipes in the win. Game 2: The Jets wrapped up Rivers Minor Hockey Day with an 8pm puck drop with the 4-1 Boissevain Border Kings at RCC. Four second period goals were the difference as the Jets completed a four point weekend with a 5-1 win on home

PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER

ice over the Boissevain Border Kings on Saturday night. Brock Paddock scored twice and added an assist, while Billy Klymchuk added a pair of goals in the win. Riley Shamray had a goal and an assist, while Josh Belcher and Keaton Moore also added a pair of assists each. Riley Lamb was strong between the pipes making 39

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner Elton Sabres JV Boys Volleyball The Elton Sabres JV boys volleyball team played in the provincials in The Pas, Manitoba from Nov. 23-25 hosted by Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute. There were twelve teams competing in this provincial tournament. They placed first in the round robin pool two. The Sabres lost their games against the Morweena Raptors in the quarter finals. Elton Sabres JV Girls Volleyball The Elton Sabres JV girls volleyball team played in the A/AA JV Girls volleyball championship in Flin Flon, MB. There were twelve teams competing in this provincial tournament. They placed second in the round robin in pool three. The Sabres lost their games against the St. Paul’s (Elie) Barons in the quarter finals. Hamiota Huskies JV Boys Volleyball The Hamiota Huskies JV Boys volleyball played in the provincials in The Pas, Manitoba from Nov. 23-25 hosted by Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute. There were twelve teams competing in this provincial tournament. They placed fourth in the round robin pool two. The Huskies lost their games against the Glenboro Panthers in the quarter finals.

saves and was big as the Jets killed off four first period Boissevain powerplays and seven powerplays in all. The win puts the Jets at the top of the Western Division with a 6-1 record heading into a battle with the defending champion Miniota/Elkhorn C Hawks next Saturday, Dec 2 in Elkhorn.

SPORTS

December 1, 2023 Rivers Banner 11

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

n Saturday, Nov 25, all of the Rivers Minor hockey teams played a game at the Riverdale Recreation Centre. U7, U9, U11, U13, and U15 teams play games against other teams in their respective division on Rivers Minor Hockey Day.

Rivers U13 Jets Lepp team playing Dauphin from 2-3:30pm on Minor Hockey Day.

Rivers U13 Jets Lepp team getting motivated before game play starts.

Rivers U15 Jets team played Dauphin from 5:30 to 7:30 on Minor Hockey Day.

Hamiota Huskies High School Hockey By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

O Final game of the day for the Minor Hockey teams in Rivers just before the Sr. Jets took to the ice.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY PARENTS OF PLAYERS

n Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, t he Husk ies lost against the M/E Chancellors with a score of 4 – 2. The Hamiota Huskies are now fifth in the Westman High School Hockey League. Their next game will be played on Tuesday, Dec. 5 against the K/W Raiders being played in Rivers. The Hamiota Huskies is made up of players from Hamiota, Rivers, and Elton high schools.

12 Rivers Banner December 1, 2023

Quilt Til’ You Wilt Quilt Show at Hamiota United Church

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

n Saturday, Nov. 2 5, Ha miot a United Church hosted their annual Quilt Til’ You Wilt Quilt Show. There were dozens upon dozens of quilts on display made by local community members. There were so many quilts, it was hard to get them all in a photo. The quilts were draped over the pews in the church, hanging on the walls and hanging from the balcony. After viewing the many quilts, guests were invited to head downstairs for tea, coffee, and dainties. On display downstairs was also a collection of vintage quilts for everyone to admire.

All the pews were covered in handmade quilts from the community.

A beautiful collection of vintage quilts were brought out for the show.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Many people came out to enjoy the sight of these beautiful quilts on display.

Hung on the wall at the back of the church was this beautiful Christmas quilt made by Elaine Rawlings.