December 22, 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023 • Vol.116 No. 15 • Rivers, Manitoba IN STOCK or CUSTOM ORDER

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CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT THE ART CENTRE P20

Top left to right: Lennon Peters, Jayce Peters, Sienna Reid, Trace Froese, Lawson Froese, Alyssa Oraschuk, Aurelia Hodges, Kennedy Reid, Anna Wood, Jessa Miller, Bridget Stewart, Islamae Froese, Camrynn Shachtay, Liam Wood, Grady Recksiedler, Brooklyn Stewart.

Lef t: Jayce Peters meets Santa on stage.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Submitted

By Marci Shachtay On December 12, Oak River School had their Christmas Concert entitled, Santa’s Successor in the auditorium. There were approximately 80 people in attendance to watch this humorous show that is based on the movie ‘The Santa Clause’.

Between the acting parts the students sang five Christmas carols. The students worked hard learning their lines and made all the back drops themselves. They even had the Grade four

girls telling jokes during intermission times when they needed a little extra time to change up the scenes of the play.

The students and directors, Mrs. Schoonbaert and Ms. Miller, worked on the play tirelessly, and their hard work paid off. Santa even came at the end of the play and gave “Santa’s Successor” some tips on how to ensure he is ready to take over for Santa.

We are already thinking of what play we can put on next year.

Thank you to everyone that attended the play, and everyone that assisted in some way with the running, planning, or performing the play.

RIVERS TROPHY BUCK NIGHT P18

2 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

D

ue to a snowstorm, the Kenton Legion Christmas Party was postponed from the December 8 to December 15. That did not change the mind of so many people in the Kenton area from attending on the new date.

Guests started arriving between 5 and 5:30. Pizza was brought over from the Brierwood Creek Café and Grill for everyone to enjoy while friends started to gather together to enjoy each others company. Ugly Christmas sweaters, Christmas ties and Christmas jewelry was worn by many to show their Christmas spirit.

Chase the Ace took place at its regular Friday time of just after 7pm. Santa arrived to entertain all who came out to see him. If you wanted to participate, you could bring a gag gift for the gag gift exchange.

The gift included alcohol paired with headache medication for the morning after, root beer and beans with a card that read ‘Have a Rootin’ Tootin’ great Christmas, striped elf socks, Santa aprons and so many more.

After the gift exchange, a number of people brought holiday appetizers and snacks for everyone to enjoy for the appetizer potluck. The table was covered in dips, crackers, wraps, rolls, desserts, shrimp rings, and vegetables. A great way to end a great evening with a wonderful community of people.

Christmas elf stockings!

Best gift ever!

Delicious Christmas appetizers for all to enjoy.

Santa is making s ur e he g e t s everyones Christmas list.

All were smiling as they visited with friends.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Happy Holidays From all of us at KENTON, MB 204-838-2213

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December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 3

FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein Be not afraid…

W

e have stepped back in time—almost 2025 years—and we are seated on a quiet hillside a mile or so away from the town of Bethlehem in ancient Israel. We are joining a small group of shepherds who live here, spending their full time looking after their sheep.

We sit around a small fire and share a simple meal. Their conversation usually covers familiar topics—where to find good pasture, any sightings of predators, any unfamiliar people hanging around, any injuries to animals—things shepherds talk about.

But on this night, they are talking about something else.

Their little town has been taken over by representatives of the Roman government. Rome has a new emperor—a man named Octavian, who has been given the title “Augustus.”

He is the most powerful person in the known world; and he has the ego to match his position and power. He wants to know how many people live within the borders of his empire. So, he orders a census.

Now, in Canada at least, residents with a home computer and an internet connection can complete their family’s census forms in less than 10 minutes from the comfort of their own homes. That wasn’t the case in the ancient Roman empire.

The Romans took their census every 14 years. Its purpose was to count the number of residents and collect taxes. But

Rome stipulated that all residents travel to their ancestral homes to be registered. This was a major disruption and caused intense frustration and anger; especially in territories conquered and now governed by Rome.

But tonight, our hosts don’t speak of their frustration and anger. For reasons that none of them can explain, they spend their time repeating passages from the Old Testament. They recite words of hope, comfort, and cheer; words that promise a Messiah, a deliverer, a descendant of David who will live forever and rule over a kingdom that will never end.

We listen quietly for a time. Then we join our voices with theirs, speaking and singing songs of praise to God. We are so engrossed in our worship that we don’t see what is going on around us. Other shepherds do. They point to a brilliant light shining above us and then scream and fall to their knees in fear as the face of a heavenly being appears above them. We, too, are afraid. But then we hear these words: “Be not afraid! Be not afraid!”

Those words assure the shepherds that God has not forgotten them. He has not left them to suffer and die at the hands of the Roman armies. The prophets’ words have been fulfilled. Their Messiah has been born. They can go to Bethlehem and meet him.

Over 2000 years have passed since that day; and not much has changed. People are just as selfish and selfcentered as they have always been. They are just as greedy, just as manipulative, and just as prone to extortion, deception, violence, and war as ever. The average person in our world lives with the constant awareness that he or she might be the next victim of a random act of violence, identity theft, poverty, or a sudden fatal illness.

To us and to all those around our world who live with any kind of fear, God sends the same words he sent to the shepherds many years ago: “Be not afraid! Trust in me.

I will be with you. I will protect you. Be not afraid!” May God’s peace be with you this Christmas.

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By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

M

any special Christmas services will be held Christmas weekend.

Churches are open to all who want to celebrate the birth of Christ our saviour. People at the services are very open and friendly.

If you are not a member of a specific church, that is alright. Everyone is welcome to attend. Here is a partial list of some of the churches in the local area and their service times.

R apid C it y C ommu nit y Church, located at 355 3 Ave. in Rapid City, will be having their Christmas ser v ice on Sunday, December 24, at 10am.

Immacu late C oncept ion Roman Catholic Parish, located at 801 5th Ave. in Rivers, will be having their midnight mass a little earlier at 10:30pm.

The Rivers United Church, located at 339 Main St. in Rivers, will be having their Christmas service on Sunday, December 24, at 11am.

The St James Anglican Church, located at 580 Columbia St. in Rivers, will be having their Christmas service on Sunday, December 24, at 8pm.

The Western Canadian Reformed Church, located at 879 Third Ave. in Rivers, will have their Christmas Eve service at 10am on the 24 of December and a Christmas Day service at 10am on the 25 of December.

The Rivers Community Church, located at 447 Edward St. in Rivers, will have their Christmas service on Sunday, December 24, at 10:30am. Also, they would like everyone to know that they will not be having a service on December 31 as the church will be on a retreat.

The Hamiota Cornerstone Family Worship Centre, located at 81 Birch Ave. in Hamiota, will have their Christmas service on Sunday, December 24, at 11am.

We hope everyone finds time to spend with friends and family this holiday season.

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Local Christmas services, all are welcome

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Rapid City Community ChuRCh Sundays 10 a.m.

Children’s Church during the message Bible Study – Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

JESUS IS LORD Join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Word Bank 1. tree 5. tinsel 9. cookie 13. stocking

2. decorations 6. reindeer 10. santa 14. eggnog

3. wrap 7. mittens 11. frosty 15. mistletoe

4. holly 8. rudolph 12. elf

447 Edward Street ~ 204-328-7882

There will be no church service on Dec. 31.

See you Sunday, January 7, 2024!

4 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

Tundra

Perspectives Homebodies

By Chad Carpenter

Rita Friesen

All I want for Christmas…

A Truth can be elusive

I

am currently reading a book by John Ibbitson titled The Dual, Diefenbaker, Pearson and the making of modern Canada. The book is a great gift from an old friend, Ray Bollman of Moline, Manitoba. We roomed together at the University of Manitoba in the 1960s. We both participated in the U of M debating club and he claims he never won a debate with me. Being the gentleman that I am, I will refrain from that debate.. Ray is a good friend who we value highly.

The book is, as the title suggests about John G. Diefenbaker and Lester Pearson, two men who were of similar age and era and who both became prime minister of Canada. I met Diefenbaker two or three times and Pearson once.

Both men served in WWl which was a defining experience for many of our citizens and leaders of the 1940-1970 era. Both men served in government in one form or another through WWII. They were politicians back in a day when you didn’t have to hate someone when you didn’t agree with them.

On page 108 of the Ibbitson book there is a defining statement about the Canadian mindset of the post WWII era. “If big Government could win the war, maybe Big Government could better manage the peace. The veterans would want homes to live in, a shot at a decent education, jobs that paid a living wage. The new technologies of war had transformed aviation and ground transportation, communications, energy, and medicine, Planners in Washington and London and Ottawa envisioned a government directed economy and state supported services. The Conservatives, while emphasizing neepawa

Banner Rivers & Press Banner STAFF

Right in the Centre Ken Waddell the need to preserve market forces in peacetime, were also ready to launch what would become known as the welfare state.”

Since 1945, Canada has indeed become a welfare state. Nothing seems to happen without tax dollars being added to sweeten the pot. All three levels of government, municipal, provincial and federal tax dollars are being funnelled into everything from roads, water and sewer to community rinks and centres. Housing is being subsidized along with electric cars and solar and heat pump systems.

Health care and education are almost totally government funded.

The problem is two-fold. Funding anything without tax dollars is almost impossible today and because the government is entangled in everything, we spend billions of dollars on administering government programs. I read last week that the administration of the carbon tax costs $80 million. I would be surprised if it was that small an amount, knowing how government works. The carbon tax is reported to amount to about $8 billion per year now.

It’s an insane tax, as it was supposed to reduce gas sales, and maybe it has but the market price increases should have done that on its own. The carbon tax is nothing more than a

government premise, one of many we live under. The premise is that fossil fuels are warming the earth, higher prices will reduce consumption, lower consumption equals a cooler earth.

Well, except for all the jet planes being flown every day.

Here’s an even bigger myth. Cows are causing problems with the environment, more specifically cow burps and farts, There are about 6 million cows in Canada. But, in 1800 there were up to 60 million buffalo in Canada. Oops, there goes the government logic again.

I apologize to the readers for using the word government and logic in the same sentence.

My main message as we approach 2024 is that people need to politely question everything they hear or read. At the end of the day, God is in control even when it’s difficult to see that. Our country, our province and our region is a great place to live but we must examine everything we hear or read to know if we are getting the truth. It is only the truth that will keep us and maintain us. Cling to your locale, and strive every day to find the truth. And remember, it doesn’t always come from government.

Merry Christmas and wishing you and yours a prosperous New Year!!

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of:

h, how the wish list has changed over the decades!

I remember, (and I seem to be doing a great deal of that lately!) when my list included things like books and puzzles. It never did include a doll or any doll accessories. I wanted things that engaged me, that allowed me to do something, and reading has always been doing something. As a teen there was the year all I wanted was a pair of skis. That was for a prairie bound girl with nary a hill in sight and no prospect of heading to slopes. Nope, we used them to ski behind a vehicle, and in times of desperation, tied to a horse’s tail. We didn’t have snowmobiles. That would come later. I got a pair of skis, lovely sturdy wooden ones. They came after Christmas, and were well used by myself and the neighbour kids. It wasn’t often that back then, one truly received what they had requested. Progressing to adulthood, the wish list became much more practical. Usually household items to replace worn out units, or a wild wish for some gadget that rarely lived up to expectations! I still am not a gadget girl. Well, if the gadget is a hand sander, or a stud finder, to a circuit tracker...never can have too many of such useful devices!

It has become even more complex to compose a wish list. I am trying to be a minimalist, preparing for the inevitable next stage. What I do appreciate are phone calls and friendly letters. A tray of dainties or a frozen meal can actually excite me. Gift certificates are always accepted, and welcomed. Somehow that appears cold and distant when one says it out loud, but the reality is that I have enough things. I long for people connection. Having family and friends stop by to check in, or meet for a coffee, is always a wonderful gift. I don’t need crowds of people, that seems to restrict meaningful conversation, and I love to hear stories and ask questions. What does happen when many gather is that I settle back and become the observer. Enjoyable and informative, entertaining and enlightening.

I have taken the pressure of what to give to others off the table. I don’t. That started many years ago when the grands were young. There weren’t presents for holidays, not even birthdays. But in summer! We managed to corral most of the clan for a vacation. That was my gift to all of them and we made some wonderful memories; Banff, Blue Lake, Drumheller, Sand Hills, and Canmore. Back then we took pictures and developed them, so we have albums of memories. We don’t do the holidays, however I try to find ways to gift the grands with memories throughout the year.

My wish list this year includes travel safety for all families, whether flying or driving. My wish is that for those of us who have enough and to spare, that we will share freely. My wish list has highlighted the line ‘that all may be introduced to the real meaning of Christmas’. My wish is that we all have a safe and meaningful holiday.

The Neepawa Banner & Press does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or pictures.

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December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 5

Lon Schwartz (Chief of Police) Rivers Police Service A concerned citizen apprised police of some online postings made by some young people in our community. The postings, though not illegal, concerned the person who felt police should be aware. We appreciate the public informing us of such things and commend anyone who voices a concern for the safety of our citizens. Parents, please take an interest in what your children are accessing and posting online. A little bit of guidance and positive conversation can go a long way.

Police assisted Child and Family services with their efforts to enhance the well being of a family in our community.

Police received a call of a found cat. The matter was referred to animal control/animal protection.

Police were called out to Highway 25 to assist with traffic as 2 panel vans had gone into the ditch due to icy road conditions and inclement weather.

Police received a report of a hit and run to a vehicle parked on 4th Avenue; the vehicle sustained some damage to the rear bumper. Police are asking anyone with information to call or stop by the police station.

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes

Police cont inue to f ac i l it at e t he yout h cadet program. Our regular members, auxi l i a r y memb er s a nd 2 civ ilian volunteers have been working to provide a positive and fun environment where our young people can interact with the police in a safe, structured, positive environment.

A traffic stop on 1st Avenue, R iver s lead to t he arrest of t he vehicle occupants and a subsequent search wherein police located and seized 88.2 grams of methamphetamine.

The street value of the drugs is approximately $8000. Two Brandon females were charged under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act with possession for the purpose of trafficking. One of the subjects received an additional charge for failing

joy

to comply with release order conditions; she was remanded for court in Brandon. The other subject was released with an upcoming Brandon court date, she also received a ticket for possessing illicit tobacco.

to the world

To our customers, neighbours and friends, we would like to extend our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure serving you.

We look forward to your continued patronage.

FROM ALL OF US AT

Thank you for the patronage over the last year. We look forward to serving you in the new year.

Phone 204-365-0086 ~ Rivers, MB

and

Plumbing & Heating A division of Kroeger Backhoe Services Ltd.

TYSON: 204-761-8765 ~ JAKE: 204-761-0900 KEITH 204-724-3213, Kim and Lynn kroegerbackhoe@gmail.com ~ kroegerbackhoe.ca Box 838 ~ RIVERS, MB ~ R0K 1X0

herish the past & present

emories Michelle, Scott, Greg, Lawana and Kayla of Memories Chapel hope you will take the time to enjoy all this holiday season has to offer.

May the spirit of Christmas bring you Peace, the gladness of Christmas give you Hope and the warmth of Christmas grant you Love.

1-855-727-0330

~

204-727-0330

~

www.memorieschapel.com

6 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

Young Manitoba amputee gets special gift in time for the holidays

With the holidays around the corner, Elora Klassen, a thirteenyear-old from Manitoba, was excited to receive a new gift that will help her stay active and enjoy her favorite pastime.

Elora is missing her left foot, and as a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, is eligible for financial assistance for the cost of artificial limbs and recreational devices.

Elora likes horseback riding and was recently fitted with a special prosthesis that allows her to ride comfortably and safely.

“This device lets my leg move more easily when horseback riding. It has a good connection with the horse, puts my foot in the correct position for riding and most importantly it alleviates the discomfort in my hip and knee,” says Elora. “I just want to say thank you to The War Amps for providing me with the means to ride with greater ease and enjoy the experience even more.”

The Association encourages Champs to develop a positive attitude towards their amputation and try any activity they set their minds to. “Elora’s determination and zest for life is an inspiration to all around her,” says Danita Chisholm, Executive Director, CHAMP Program. “Thanks to the public’s support of The War Amps Key Tag Service, we are able to help young amputees reach their goals.”

The War Amps receives no government grants; its programs are made possible through public support of the Key Tag Service.

Submitted Rivers Banner

T h i r t e e n - y e a r- o l d Elora Klassen riding her pony Ranger with her new recreational limb.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP Rivers, MB ~ 204-727-8471

204-764-2451

It’s a Winter Wonderland

Gary, Shelley, Jackie, Lana, Tara, Allison, Landon, Dianne, Marian, Marieke, Amanda, Jackie, Sharon, Jen, and Hailey at

In the spirit of the season, we’d like to extend our best wishes for a holiday that’s filled with harmony, contentment and joy.

Thank you for your business and we look forward to serving you in 2024! www.superthrifty.com

From all of us at:

HOLIDAY HOURS

DECEMBER 24, 25, 26: CLOSED DECEMBER 31: CLOSED JANUARY 1: CLOSED

Rivers, Phone 204-328-5325

December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 7

Happy Anniversary – Celebrating 71 years of marriage

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner G eorge a nd K at ie Kroeger of Rivers, MB. Celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Two more years and they will have been married as long as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

George and Katie both lived on farms in the Rapid City area when they were young. Both of their families were quite musical. The couple met at a musical type concert in the Rapid City area.

To this day Katie and George still play musical instruments when their children and grandchildren come to visit. George can play the steel guitar, electric guitar, banjo and violin. Katie learned to play keyboard, bass guitar, violin, mandolin and so much more. When they sing together it is beautiful, a harmony that was meant to be together for 71 years.

The couple still live in Rivers.

George and K atie’s sons Garry, Dale and Bill, grand daughters Ashley & Kelsey want to offer congratulations and send all their love to them.

George and Katie Kroeger’s wedding photo from 71 years ago.

May the company of loved ones and treasured memories bring you peace as you celebrate Christmas this year.

May the new year bring continued peace, joy, and happiness.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

With friends and family, George and Katie enjoyed some cake for their anniversary.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Let it snow!

(Somewhere else)

Kroeger Bros. Electric Serving the community 204-328-5338

A Saviour is Born

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.”

—Luke 2:7 May you keep the spirit of Christmas in your heart all year round. We are thankful for your continued support and we look forward to serving you in the new year.

From

Best wishes from Heather and Larry, TRUCKING LTD.

LENORE, MB

204-764-0064 ktslimmon@rfnow.com

Hair Dynamics

From all of us at

Campbell Flowers and Gifts AND

24 Second Street Southeast, Hamiota 204-764-2744 or 1-866-620-2744 www.campbellfuneralhome.ca www.campbellflowers.ca

8 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

I hope you have as much fun making this either by yourself or with your children, as I did with my Oma. Separate cookies with waxed paper if you’re putting them in a tin or baggie to prevent sticking.

Ingredients: 2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup unsalted butter 2 tbsps cocoa powder 3 cups oats 1/2 cup peanut butter, or more to taste 1 tsp vanilla extract

By The Honourable Anita R. Neville, P.C., O.M. Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba The festive season is traditionally a time of goodwill, celebration, and thoughtful ref lection on the year gone by, and the promise of the new one to come. There is a prevailing sense of hope and optimism for the days ahead, stirred by the holiday spirit that so often brings out the very best in Manitobans.

How fortunate we are to live in such a welcoming, caring province! These admirable traits truly come to the fore during the holidays, reminding us all of our shared community spirit and the immeasurable value of human kindness. The work of numerous charities and other non-profits shine especially brightly at this time of year, casting a warm glow on the helpfulness and generosity of our citizens, in support of each other.

As the King’s representative in Manitoba, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, along with a heartfelt wish for global peace and harmony.

May the festive spirit fill your hearts and your homes at this time, and all year round, strengthening a sense of gratitude for all of our blessings.

Directions: 1) Combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder in a large saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until butter is melted and mixture is smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.

2) Remove from heat and add oats, peanut butter, and vanilla; mix until thoroughly combined. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto sheets of waxed paper. Let cool until solid, 20 to 30 minutes.

to the young and young-at-heart!

We send you our very warmest wishes for a truly delightful holiday season.

To all our friends we hold so “deer,” a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Rivers/Rapid City

Incorporated

Board and co-ordinator,

Sherry Wiebe

204-412-0484 rrcssi19@gmail.com Find us at Zion Church!

(2nd Ave., Rivers)

Rivers and Area Lions Club

Thinking of you at Christmas May the spirit of Christmas fill your heart and home with peace, joy and contentment.

RM of oakview

December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 9

Time to make a Christmas pudding, so the wonderful flavours and spices mature to perfection before Christmas Day. Ingredients 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsps all-purpose flour 7 tbsps butter, chilled and cubed, plus more for greasing 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp cloves 2/3 cup chopped almonds 2/3 cup golden raisins 2/3 cup raisins 2/3 cup dried currants 1/4 cup chopped candied citrus peel 1 small baking apple, peeled, cored, and shredded 1 cup dried white breadcrumbs.

2 large eggs 1/3 cup Irish stout Zest and juice of 1 orange 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey Softly whipped cream Directions 1) Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and, using your fingertips, rub in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Mix in the sugar, spices, almonds, dried fruit, citrus peel, shredded apple, and breadcrumbs and set aside.

2) In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then beat in the stout, orange zest and juice, and whiskey. Stir the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well.

It is traditional in Ireland that everyone in the house stirs the mixture and makes a wish. Once the wishes have been made, cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.

3) The following day, lightly grease a 1-quart steam bowl. Pour the batter into the bowl. Cut a circle of wax paper 1-1/2 times the diameter of the top of the bowl. Grease, then fold a single pleat in the paper to allow room for the pudding to expand during cooking. Cover the top of the bowl with the paper and secure with string.

4) Place the bowl in a saucepan and fill with water to halfway up the side of the bowl. Cover and steam for 6 hours or longer. The longer the pudding cooks, the richer and darker it becomes. Top the pan up with boiling water as required and don’t let the water boil dry.

5) To store the pudding, remove the wax paper and replace with a fresh piece. Wrap the pudding in a kitchen towel and store in a cool, dry place until required.

6) To reheat the pudding, steam for 2 hours. It is traditional in Ireland to pour the Irish whiskey over the whole pudding once it is on the table.

Then the youngest member of the house sets light to the pudding using a match. Once the flames have gone out, serve with softly whipped cream.

PRAIRIE CROCUS LIBRARY

Happy Holidays

May this Christmas bring you and your loved ones all the joy and magic of the Season

AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR! FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

Melinda McDonald

REALTOR®

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

(204) 724-2540 melindamcdonald.homes@gmail.com REAL Broker

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ROLAND WEIR

Realty & Appraisal Unit 30B 1015 26th St. Brandon, MB. admin@rolandweir.ca • www.rolandweir.ca

204-727-7100

Wishing you a holiday that overflows with love, happiness, friendship and good fortune.

Thanks for hanging in there with us this year. We truly appreciate your business!

From Jim, Richard and staff of

Jim Hillis Trailer Sales 4 miles west of Brandon on Hwy. 1 then 2.5 miles north on PR 270

204-728-7207 204-729-7455 (cell)

10 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

Grant Jackson MLA for Spruce Woods

Heather Lamb Mayor of Rivers As the year comes to a close, we are mindful with gratitude of our community who looks out for one another, our Rivers Police whose policing keeps our community safe, our R ivers Volunteer Fire Department who does an outstanding job in both training and their responses to emergencies in the community they serve.

We are thankful for the doctors, nurses, staff and ambulance attendants in our community who do an amazing job with the care that they provide. We are thankful for all the businesses in our community who offer products and services to serve our needs making a positive difference in our community.

We are thankful for the schools, early learn-

ing centre, daycares, local organizations and churches who play an important role in both the development of our youth and positive relationships within our community.

On behalf of the Riverdale Municipality, we wish to extend a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year from Mayor, Councillors and staff!

As the holiday season approaches, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year. This has been a busy year for many, with

some of our cherished community events finally returning to normal following the challenging past few years. It is such a pleasure to see our commu nit ies comi ng together to celebrate

who we are as rural Manitobans once again.

The holiday season is a time for reflection, renewal, family, faith and friendship. All my best to you, and I look forward to seeing you all in 2024.

All the Best… and then some!

Proudly Serving

Minnedosa, Brandon, Wawanesa, Erickson, Sandy Lake, Strathclair & Rivers

We thank you for your patronage this year and look forward to serving you in 2024!

699 1st Avenue - Rivers, MB 204-328-7730

RAPID CITY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 11

Dan Mazier Member of Parliament

This Christmas season, as you gather with family and friends, let us take a moment to reflect on the spirit of Christmas that unites our communities.

Christmas is a season of giving, and by reaching out to those less fortunate, we embody the spirit of the season.

I know

that rural communities are home to an abundance of generosity and compassion – so let’s extend a helping hand to our neighbours who are facing challenges during these times of increasing financial pressures.

As we give back to those of less fortune, let us also gather to celebrate the

birth of Jesus Christ, for his blessing provides a light of hope around the world.

On behalf of my family, I want to wish you and your loved ones a Christmas f illed with love, peace, and joy. May the spirit of the holiday season remain in our hearts throughout the new year.

Greg Nesbitt MLA for Riding Mountain The holiday season is a time when families get toget her a nd we take a pause from our day-to-day life journey to remember all t he great things we share as citizens of the Riding Mountain constituency, in the Province of Manitoba, in the most wonderful country in the

O Night Divine

May the warm light of our Saviour’s love illuminate your path at the holidays and all year.

23123ww0

We value the gifts of your friendship and patronage, and we wish you a blessed and joyous season.

Merry Christmas from all the staff at

Phone 204-724-6870 or E-mail alepp@redlinetransport.ca

world – Canada.

As we celebrate the hol id ay s ea son w it h family and friends we must take time to consider those who have struggled over the past year – whether it was through the loss of a job, the loss of a loved one, wild fires, droughts, floods, war or other tra-

gedies around the world.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Manitoba Legislature to insure Manitoba remains one of the best places to live in the world.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous 2024.

Holiday Hours Closed dec 23 - Jan 1 RE-OPEN JAN 2

Wishing You Good Health, Good Fortune & Treemendous Happiness From all the staff at Rivers Home Hardware Building Centre Box 430, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 T 204-328-7570 F 204-328-5339

12 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

These Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies are so fun and very easy to make. Festive and just in time for the holidays.

Ingredients: 4 egg whites at room temperature 1 cup white granulated sugar 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Holiday sprinkles to decorate Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 225 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2) Beat egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer until frothy. Add cream of tartar. Beat until soft peaks form. Increase speed to medium-high.

3) Slowly add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, until it is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract.

4) Fill a piping bag with meringue, use a star tip. Pipe trees, starting from the middle, pipe a circle and then two more, finishing in the middle on top. Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.

5) Bake cookies for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Check them often. Mine did get a little brown, which I should have prevented, but I was trying to multitask.

6) Turn the oven off, open its door and let them cool inside.

7) Store meringue cookies in an airtight container away from any heat or moisture

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Professional Painting & Decorating

Jeannie Bos 204-573-1150 Rapid City, MB jeanniesinteriors@hotrnail.com

Whether you’re home for the holidays or on the move, we hope you’re surrounded by the cozy warmth and good feelings of a real oldfashioned Christmas. Have a very happy and prosperous new year.

Riverdale Municipality MAYOR: Heather Lamb COUNCILLORS: David Creighton, Everett Smith, Christa Veitch, Shawn Mason, Tyler Pod, Tyson Peters.

ADMINISTRATION: Kat Bridgeman, Lindsay Smith, Jena Ratz.

RIVERS POLICE SERVICE: Chief Lon Schwartz, Sergeant Dan Gaignard, Constables Travis Lindsay and Josh Pompana.

MUNICIPAL WORKS: Darrel Link, Jeff Worth, Mark Freeman, Derek Kolesar, Ken Flett, Ian Brennan, David Dickenson.

RIVERDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Christine Walker, Steven Hay, Mel Gross and Tyler Bigelow WASTE DISPOSAL SITE ATTENDANT: Lawrence Murray

Happy Holidays to all our friends and customers

Les Moffat Inc.

Minnedosa 204-867-7518

December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 13

Eggnog is a rich and delicious beverage that has become synonymous with the most festive time of year. This milk- and egg-based concoction is tasty on its own, or it can be dressed up with other flavours and spiked with a favourite spirit when celebrating the holiday season with other adult partygoers.

December is National Eggnog Month, and December 24 is National Eggnog Day. There is no more perfect time of year to learn everything you can about eggnog Ñ all the while sipping a cup of this creamy concoction. Indulge in these festive facts about the beverage, courtesy of Mental Floss, The Fact Site and Tastemade.

1) Eggnog likely originated in the medieval period and was known as ‘posset,’ a hot, milkbased drink made of spices and wine. Even though posset could be a cocktail, it also was used as a remedy for colds and flu for its soothing properties.

2) Milk, eggs and sherry used in the early recipes were difficult to come by, so when eggnog first appeared it was a drink only the wealthy could enjoy. That changed when eggnog was popularized in the American colonies, where dairy products and liquor were more readily available.

3) Entomologists believe ‘eggnog’ stems from the word ‘noggin,’ which refers to small wooden mugs often used to serve strong ale, known by the slang word ‘nog.’

4) In the Medieval period, it was risky to drink milk straight because it wasn’t pasteurized.

Eggnog contained alcohol so that it would kill off any harmful bacteria in the milk.

5) A typical homemade version of eggnog has roughly one egg per serving. However, commercial eggnog is regulated by the FDA and can only contain 1 percent of the product’s final weight in egg yolk solids. That stems from fear of raw egg and salmonella.

6) President George Washington apparently enjoyed serving eggnog at Christmas, and even had his own special recipe (see below), according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

7) There is no right or wrong alcohol to use when preparing eggnog. Distilled spirits like rum, sherry, cognac, and whiskey all have produced suitable eggnogs.

8) Puerto Rican coquito is a traditional drink that is very similar to eggnog.

9) Individuals concerned about eggs or milk in eggnog can enjoy a vegan recipe made from nut milk instead. Commercially produced vegan eggnog offerings are now more widely available.

10) One of the more notable flavours in eggnog comes from the use of nutmeg. Nutmeg is a fragrant spice made from grinding the seed of the nutmeg tree.

Submitted

By Metro Creative

PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE

From 204-566-2385

STEVE’S FARM FRESH PORK 100% Fresh Farm Pork

Students and Staff at Rivers Collegiate Institute wish all parents, students and friends a joyous and peaceful holiday season!

Home: 204-234-5653 Cell: 204-365-0285 Email: sy5411@mymts.net Students and Staff at Rivers Elementary School and Rivers Collegiate Institute wish all parents, students and friends a joyous and peaceful holiday season!

REJOICE IN HIS LOVE. And you will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth. Luke 1:14 Sending our warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season, and thank you for all of those who have supported us this year.

Merry Christmas from the whole family at

May your holiday season be bright with joy and happiness!

From all of us at

HOLIDAY HOURS

We will be Closed from Thursday December 21st Until Sunday January 7th.

Regular Hours resume Monday, January 8th, 2024

SPRINGLAND MFG. Box 550, Phone Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 Rivers 204-328-7358 Ph. 566-2279 Fax 566-2303

Thank you to our customers for your support in 2023. We wish you and your family a safe and healthy Holiday Season and looking forward to serving you in 2024.

Rivers and Oak River

14 December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner

The origins of ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ Christmas carols can be heard far and wide from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Day. ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ is one of the most recognizable carols, and for good reason, as the popular song can trace its history back several centuries. Researchers have traced the earliest printed version of the poem on which the song is based all the way back to 1780. That’s three years before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the American Revolutionary War. The song has long been suspected to have been a way for Catholics in Britain to teach their children the catechism, as the 1700s was a controversial period for Catholicism in the country.

However, no documentary evidence exists in support of that theory, and many historians feel it is inaccurate.

Others indicate that, while 1780 is likely the first time the poem was printed, the poem is likely much older than that, with origins potentially in France or Scotland. What is known is that the version many people recognize today, namely in song form, can be traced to the early twentieth century, when English singer and composer Frederic Austin first popularized the melody for the song. Austin performed that version of the song beginning in 1905, and it was first published in 1909.

Submitted

By Metro Creative

PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE

From: Jess, Taryn & sTaFF aT

1866 - 18th Street North, Brandon, MB R7A 1A 5

204-725-1523 www.fountaintire.com

From East to West We wish you the best!

Merry Christmas

and Peace throughout the year.

From the Falkevitch Family Kassia & Derek Clendenning, Heartland, NB Dave & Donna Falkevitch, Rivers, MB Kirstie & Mike Lafollette, Juneau, AK

Ac o

munity on t m he

Wishing You a Frosty and Magical Season Thanks for shaping our year with so many delightful memories and friendships!

Folks like you liven up every day, and we wish you warmth and happiness all season.

Merry Christmas and Many Thanks!

WITT ENTERPRISES

204-720-9843 ~ wittenterpriserepair@gmail.com

From executive and members of From executive and members of

RoyalRoyal Canadian Canadian Legion Branch No. 75, Legion Rivers Branch No. 75, Rivers

mo ve!

R Atthanksthis totimetheofLordreflection,for thewemanygive  

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOX 795 RIVERS, MB R0K 1X0 wishes everyone a

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

prays each one of you has a Christ-filled CHRISTmas.

blessings we enjoy, including the gift of your friendship.

Merry Christmas!

To all our Riverdale friends, from

Warren and Maggie Smallwood

end. Thanks to all our good friends and customers; you’re the driving force behind our success.

Mark and Crew send you our very best wishes this season.

December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 15

Santa Claus wasn’t always ‘chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf’ The English Origins of Father Christmas

Painted version of Thomas Nast’s ‘Merry Old Santa Claus’, for Harper’s Weekly, 1 Jan 1881.

By Tom Moriarty English Heritage Any kid can tell you where Santa Claus is from— the North Pole. But his historical journey is even longer and more fantastic than his annual, onenight circumnavigation of the globe. The jolly old man who sneaks into our houses every 24 December is beloved across the world and known by many

names. But should you call him Father Christmas, St Nicholas, or Santa Claus? What’s the difference?

Where did he come from? Is he a Christian saint or a corporate stooge?

From his earliest days until the 19th century, Father Christmas was a strictly allegorical figure.

He was a symbol of the Christmas season, rather than a mythical being. He was often depicted as a merry old man who presided over festive parties, not a gentle giver of gifts. And that’s largely because Christmas was celebrated differently, with much more emphasis on entertainment for adults.

The earliest evidence for a personified Christmas can be found in a 15th-century carol, in which a character called ‘Sir Christëmas’ shares the news of Christ’s birth. He tells his audience to ‘Make good cheer and be right merry.’

But none of these early personifications of Christmas make him out to be a ‘father’ or an old man.

For that, the world had to wait for the playwright Ben Johnson. Christmas returned after the Restoration of 1660, and Father Christmas went on to appear in stage plays and folk drama over the next 200 years. Father Christmas enjoyed a mini renaissance in the first half of the 19th century.

He also closely resembles the Ghost of Christmas Present from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

But Christmas was changing. With the Victorian focus on family life and children, it would no longer be just a time for drinking, feasting, and making merry. And this new kind of Christmas needed a new kind of old man to represent it.

Ot her w r it er s a nd artists added new layers to the legend, and gradually ‘Santa Claus’ took

Hope your holiday is built to order!

over from ‘St Nicholas’. For several decades of the 19th century, he took a variety of forms – tall and short, fat and thin, his robes a rainbow of colours.

Cartoonist, Thomas Nast did more than any other artist to set the standard for Santa’s classic look.

By 1881 Nast had perfected his vision of Santa, as seen in his ‘Merry Old Santa Claus’. His illustrations for ‘A Visit from St Nicholas’ were hugely popular, and he introduced the world to Santa’s workshop, as well as the notion that his base of operations could be found at the North Pole.

As the 19th century wore on, new traditions were imported, invented, and reinvented to support this tamer, domesticated Christmas. Prince Albert and Queen Victoria popularised the German Christmas tree; gift-giving shifted to Christmas from New Year; Tom Smith invented the Christmas cracker; mass-produced cards were sent across the country and around the world and carol singing enjoyed a renaissance.

The old English Father Christmas loved a good party, but the Victorians needed more from him that that. Generous, jolly, and dedicated to children, Santa Claus was the ideal character for their new version of Christmas – just as he was for the New Yorkers who did so much to shape his legend earlier in the century. To conquer the English imagination, he just needed to assume a more familiar name.

Whatever we call him, he continues to dominate the popular culture of Christmas across the world – and he’s showing no sign of slowing down.

Merry Christmas and many thanks for your patronage in 2023.

Best wishes for 2024.

From management and staff of

It may be cold outside, but our hearts are warmed by the thoughts of the many good people we’ve had the privilege to meet and serve.

Merry Christmas and sincere thanks to all of you.

Rivers: 204-761-5580

From Eric, Marnie and the team at

Phone 204-328-7728 Cell 204-761-7877

16 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

Festive films that make for a perfect family movie night this season A family movie night makes for a great way for families to bond and enjoy some relaxing time together. Such nights are a tradition in households across the globe, and they can even become a fun way for extended families to celebrate the holiday days together. When hosting overnight guests this holiday season, hosts can plan a family movie night and line up any of these family-friendly holiday movies.

“A Christmas Story” (1983): This beloved classic based on the writings of author Jean Shepherd focuses on young Ralphie Parker and his humorous family. That family includes his father, played to much laughs by legendary actor Darren McGavin. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a coveted Red Ryder air rifle, and generations of fans have enjoyed watching this film to see if Ralphie’s dream comes true.

“Home Alone” (1990): Not unlike “A Christmas Story,” this instant classic devotes much of its story to a young boy. Eight-year-old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) awakens to an empty house after his parents forgetfully leave him behind as they depart on a holiday trip to Paris with their extended family. That proves to be bad news for bungling burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), who are outwitted by Kevin at every turn.

Elf (2003): Middle-aged Buddy (Will Ferrell) grew up in the North Pole believing he is an elf, despite being significantly larger than the kind-hearted elves who raised him. Upon learning he is not an actual elf, Buddy is determined to reunite with the father (James Caan) he’s never known. Hilarity ensues as the innocent Buddy ends up in the big city in search of his father.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946): Among the most beloved holiday movies ever made, this classic stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a devoted family man who set aside his own big-city dreams to save the family business and, ultimately, his small hometown of Bedford Falls. Lamenting some bad luck that leaves him on the cusp of financial ruin, George wishes he’d never been born, only to be shown by an especially kind and patient angel-in-training (Henry Travers) how much worse off Bedford Falls and its residents might have been had George Bailey never existed.

“Jingle All the Way” (1996): Featuring a future Governor of California in the lead Submitted

By Metro Creative

PHOTO BY METRO CREATIVE

role, this hijinks-filled holiday classic follows the efforts of Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) as he tries to secure the must-have gift of the season for his son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd). Howard soon finds himself competing against a father (Sinbad) who’s equally devoted to find the coveted Turbo-Man action figure.

A holiday movie night makes for a fun, family-friendly evening when hosting overnight guests during this special time of year.

Hamiota’s Hamiota ~ Brandon ~ Birtle ~ Pilot Mound ~ Killarney ~ Deloraine HAMIOTA: 204-764-2544 BRANDON: 888-726-1995

Pros at your fingertips

Business Directory

allianceaccounting.ca

Serving Rivers and area since 1906.

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

• Residential & Commercial • HVAC Installations • Licensed Gas Fitting • 24 hr Emergency Service • Repair & Maintenance • Septic Truck Services • Duct Cleaning • Backhoe & Skidsteer Services

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Hamiota, MB 764-2451

204-764-2744

Autopac accredited repair shop Aftermarket parts & accessories Glass replacement & Towing hiwaycollision1984@gmail.com

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

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

Serving all from Hamiota to Brandon & Surrounding Areas

Homes

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WWW.KROEGERBACKHOE.CA EXCAVATION-GRAVELACREAGE DEVELOPEMENTSEPTIC SYSTEMS 204-761-8765

Stewart Endeavors Gravel - Sand - Stone - End Dump/ Belly Dump Services - Excavating

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

Way-Mor Agencies Ltd. Insurance, Travel, Investments, Real Estate

Phone 204-328-7540 204-566-2490

• Residential & Commercial • Farm Wiring & Trenching

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stewartend2015@gmail.com 204-365-0086 Alex Stewart Box 916, Rivers MB, R0K1X0

THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE TO YOU STARTING AS LOW AS $14.50 PER WEEK CALL 204-328-7494 OR EMAIL INFO@RIVERSBANNER.COM

December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 17

CLASSIFIEDS Announcement

For Sale

Buy and Sell

Coming Events

Auction Sales

Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province Wide Classifieds 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 conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions 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.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MCNA! The 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+

Holding a community event?

homes, the Publishers, Editors, Journalists, Photographers, Graphic artists and All Staff - Thank You for your support during 2023! We wish you all the blessings of Health, Happiness and Prosperity in the coming year. If you would like to book your ads for January, February or March, please Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW or call MCNA at (204) 947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna. com

Contact us to help spread the news about your community event or fundraiser www.riversbanner.com Rivers Banner 204-328-7494 • info@riversbanner.com

18 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

SPORTS

Jets back on home ice Hamiota Huskies moved The Jets were back on home ice on Saturday, Dec 16 at 7:30pm. when Miniota/Elkhorn came to town.

Miniota Elkhorn blew open a 2-1 game with five third period goals to hand the Jets their second loss of the year. 7-1 was the final score.

Riley Boles scored the lone Rivers goal.

One last game before Santa comes when Virden Oil Kings come to town on Friday night, December 22, at 8:30pm.

up to sixth place

Submitted Rivers Banner

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

O

n Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, the Huskies lost against the Dauphin Clippers with a score of 0 – 3. The game was played at the Credit

Union Place.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, the Huskies won against the Swan Valley Tigers with a score of 4 - 1. The game was played in Swan River.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, the Huskies won against the Boissevain Broncos with a score of 4 - 3. The game was played at the Hamiota Arena.

The Hamiota Huskies moved up to sixth in the Westman High School Hockey League.

Their next game will be played on Friday, Dec. 22 against the Major Pratt Trojans in Russell. The first game in the new year will be Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

They will play Sandy Bay Badgers in Sandy Bay.

Rivers and Area Game and Fish 2023 Trophy Buck Night

Rivers and Area Game and Fish Inc. held their 26th annual Trophy Buck Night Dec 9th at both Redfern Hall and Behlen Lounge in Riverdale Community Centre. It was their most successful event to date, what a night! 81 deer heads were brought in for scoring from local members and visiting hunters from as far away as Elkhorn, McCauley, Souris, Treherne, Winnipeg, McGregor, Dauphin and Arborg. Fifty-four raffle prizes were offered, 13 trophies were handed out, 5 businesses brought appealing displays, 5 gallons of chili were consumed along with a few beverages and more than 200 people had a great, fun evening.

The random draw from all 81 heads entered was won by Kolten Vincent of Rivers, and his prize was a Savage 22 Mag Mark 2 Combo with scope. The winner of the first card draw was Josh Dillabough of Brandon who took home a Savage 30-06 Axis. The runner-up Blair Irvine of Rapid City was awarded $100 cash. The 2nd card draw was for an Intense CD Crossbow and the winner was Carlyn Rheault of Treherne. The runner-up, Tyler Bond of Kenton received $100 cash. The 3rd card draw of the evening was for a full shoulder mount donated by Lone Wolf Taxidermy. The winner was Tim Gompf of Oak Lake. The last card draw was won by Brenda Froese of Rivers and her prize was a Mossberg Patriot BA 6.5 Creedmoor Snow Camo.

The trophy winners were: • Archery Typical non-member- Tim Gompf with a score of 166 • Black Powder Typical Member- Brian Desrochers with a score of 117 • Black Powder Typical non-member- Keenan Gould scored 149 2/8 • Black Powder non-Typical Member- Richie Joynt score of 153 1/8 • Rifle Typical Member- Jason Lamb with a score of 127 3/8 • Rifle Typical non-member- James Wood with a score of 157 3/8 Submitted

By Donna Falkevitch

• Rifle non-typical non-member- William Sikora with the highest score of the evening at 169 6/8 • Youth Member winner was Harlen Bridges with a score of 125 6/8 • Youth non-member Aiden Mulligan with a score of 154 6/8 • Ladies Member winner was Rhonda Lamb with a score of 134 6/8 • Ladies non-Member was Haley Allan who scored 151 1/8 • Ladies Black Powder winner was Elizabeth Smith score of 108 4/8 • Mule Deer Typical nonmember winner was Dawson Brown score 139 6/8 Rivers and Area Game and Fish would like to thank all who attended, all who donated, all who brought head entries and the many, many hard-working volunteer members who made this event a huge success. Hope to see you all same place, same time next year. Reminder that 2024 membership fees are now due and may be paid to Ron Taylor or online.

More than 200 people came out for Trophy Buck Night.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

December 22, 2023 Rivers Banner 15

SPORTS

Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year!

High school basketball season has started

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner Hamiota Huskies SV Girls Basketball The Hamiota Huskies SV Girls basketball team played in the Glenboro Christmas Classic. They placed third in the round robin pool two. They played the Rivers Ram in the finals for 5th place

in the tournament and won with a score of 47-37.

Rivers Rams SV Girls Basketball The Rivers Rams SV Girls basketball team played in the Glenboro Christmas Classic. They placed third in the round robin pool one. They played the Hamiota Huskies in the finals for 5th place in the tournament and lost with a score of 37- 47.

Happy Holidays SPAS

SPAS

SAUNAS

SAUNAS

GARDEN CENTRE

GIFT SHOP

GARDEN CENTRE

GIFT SHOP

1610 Byng Ave. Brandon, MB • (204) 578-5131

Merry Christmas From all of us at

Theresia Blaauwijkel Hairstylist/Owner Rapid City, MB 204-826-2974

from the team at

(204) 483-3986 ~ MWMEnviro.ca ~ Admin@MWMEnviro.ca

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year.

From the crew at

Gre g N e s b itt Member of the Legislative Assembly Riding Mountain Constituency Constituency Office: #7 – 515 – 4th Avenue P.O. Box 100 Shoal Lake, MB R0J 1Z0 Phone (204) 759-3313 Toll Free 1-844-877-7767 E-mail gregnesbittmla@mymts.net P hoto by R obert Lin der on Un sp la sh

204-328-7112 or 204-729-7770

20 Rivers Banner December 22, 2023

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

Crowd gathered to watch the music and listen to Christmas carols.

I

f you were lucky enough to be in Hamiota on December 12 at 7pm, you would have been able to attend the Mid-West Arts Council Christmas Carols at the Heritage Arts Centre. A wonderful evening of holiday music and singing led by the Hamiota Art Centre’s music circle group.

Donations were collected for the Hamiota food bank.

Hamiota Art Centre’s music circle group.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Merry Christmas &

Happy New Year From

1-204-720-0205 ~ boakbuilding@gmail.com