January 5, 2024 by Rivers Banner

Friday, January 5, 2024 • Vol.116 No. 17 • Rivers, Manitoba

Jessica Coulter

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Kenton 4-H club helping the homeless

RIVERS 4-H CLUB REPORT

Sorting and getting ready to pack the backpacks with essentials.

The Kenton 4-H club are proud to have volunteered.

he Kenton 4-H members By Jessica Coulter packed 56 backpacks full Rivers Banner of needed items for the homeless in Brandon this holiday season. Their communities helped by donating items. This club has been doing a ‘Make a Difference’ project in their club for over 15 years at Christmas time. Other projects the group have done in the past included, adopting a family in need and providing them with Christmas Day groceries and gifts, spending the day volunteering at the Samaritan house, and volunteering at the soup kitchen. The backpacks were graciously accepted and were given as a Christmas gifts to the homeless. “The backpacks, hygiene items, socks, mitts, and toques are such practical items to gift to folks living rough. We start hand-

Ellie Gregory, Levi Tolton and Rowan Stevenson are hard at work.

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ing them out Christmas morning, because everyone needs a gift Christmas morning,” says Heather, Safe and Warm Shelter Manager – Samaritan House Ministries, “this is such a thoughtful way to show the folks who visit us at Safe and Warm that their community truly cares about them and what says Christmas Spirit more than a backpack full of love!” “I believe introducing the youth to volunteering and making a difference in the lives of others at a young age shows them how important it is. And it then becomes a part of their lives as they become adults. I have witnessed members grow and are now adult leaders in our communities and continue to volunteer. It warms my heart every Christmas knowing our little club has helped make someone’s day better,” says Candace Tolton, Kenton 4-H Head Leader.

ALL ABOUT HOCKEY P5

Perspectives

2 Rivers Banner January 5, 2024

Tundra

Homebodies

By Chad Carpenter

Rita Friesen

Looking both ways...

Clear thinking in short supply O

he first column in the New Year is a good time to ask some questions. •If we are to no longer be able to buy gas or diesel powered cars in Canada after 2035, will EV cars and trucks have enough juice in their batteries so people can drive from Swan River to Winnipeg on one charge? •Will the government have enough highway patrol vehicles on the roads in winter time to rescue all the people in their “dead” cars? •How much does a replacement battery cost when the one in your EV battery wears out or becomes damaged? I have seen prices from $12–20,000 but please check for yourself. •We drive a gas powered Chevy Spark that is rated at 40 mpg. In 1989, we had a Chevy Sprint and it would do 50 mpg. With over 30 years of technological advancement, how did GM lose 10 mpg? •How is it that we see regular public announcements that violent sex offenders are being released into the general public with a warning that they are likely to re-offend? What part of a stupid decision are we having trouble understanding? A violent sex offender who is already determined to be likely to re-offend should be permanently placed in an institution. They could have access to on-line education, become authors, or learn to play a musical instrument, but they should never, ever be allowed out in the public again. •The price of food is a big topic for discussion these days, but are the right questions being asked? For example, when people add up their grocery bill, are they including all the nonessentials? In my world, non-essentials include cigarettes, liquor, soft drinks, pre-cooked, ready-to-heat food, pet food supplies and toys and dare I say, disposable baby diapers and paper

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Right in the Centre Ken Waddell

towels? BTW, disposable diapers account for 3.7 million tons of landfill waste per year. In our household, my wife keeps track of our expenses and non-food items and dining out is kept in a separate category. •Why do we not process way more food in Manitoba? I know I sound like a silly old man, but even prior to rural hydro, we processed or stored a lot of food in our farm house. Potatoes for the whole year were stored in a root cellar. Although not as successfully, so were carrots, parsnips and turnips stored in the cellar as well. Beets and beans were canned, as was chicken and beef. When hydro came along with a fridge and freezer available, just about anything except lettuce and radishes were stored away. All kinds of fruit, both wild and tame, was frozen or canned. •On a larger scale, why do we not can or freeze more Manitoba grown fruit and food on a seasonal basis? I say that we could reduce our food imports by a huge amount if we processed more in small, local plants. •Nearly every town had a small slaughterhouse. There are very few facilities of any size left in Manitoba. •If we still had a real Department of Agriculture in Manitoba, maybe we could explore the feasibility of setting up small local regional food processing plants. •Did you know that many small towns had a flour mill, even up to the 1950s?

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Today, there are only three in the province. The point of all these questions, and many more, is to promote clearer thinking. Back in the day, every 4-H Club meeting started with the 4-H Motto and Pledge. The Mottos is “Learn to do by doing” and the Pledge goes like this: “I pledge My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service, My Health to better living, for my club, my community, and my country.” All aspects of that pledge need to be applied today, especially the clearer thinking part. We have become far too dependent on government and big corporations to think and act for us. It wouldn’t be so bad if government and big corporations had our best interests at heart but they don’t. Both governments and big corporations are only interested in growing bigger and making more money. If you don’t believe that then take a look at the salaries of those at the top. The compensation for the top decision makers is nigh unto criminal. If we all adopted the “Learn to do by doing” and the Pledge, we might have a lot more clear thinking. Clear thinking is in pretty short supply right now. 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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n one of my visits to Europe, I learned a life lesson in a moment. My sisters and I were in a major city, and as I prepared to step off the curb I glanced to my left. It could have been a fatal mistake, for the oncoming traffic was approaching from my right. Sister the Older, familiar with the true direction of the traffic flow, apprehended me. Thankfully. Old habits linger, and are not always safe or for the best. Looking both ways is certainly recommended. So, where am I going with this? It is the beginning of a new year, and it is my custom to look back at the year past, and look ahead to the year ahead. In the year past, I planted another apple tree, and another grape vine. I purchased an electric snow blower, which I have not yet tried out. It’s not a heavy-duty unit and I didn’t want to test its mettle with those heavy wet snows we have received. I am ready though. My travel in 2023 wasn’t international, a flight with family, to visit family on Quadra Island was a wonderful get-a-way. I had family and friends come and spend time with us, then me. A family wedding was a time of much fun and rejoicing, and the death of my cherished partner was a time of sadness and much sorrow. Life sometimes balances out. I had not looked forward to the Christmas season and all those feelings of dread and anticipated aloneness were dispelled by the arrival of two of my grandsons on Christmas Eve. They came bearing the best gift– their presence. It didn’t hurt that they had stocked up on all the foods for the holiday. The provisions were not simply delivered, but prepared and served and stored. A family gathering on Christmas morning, and then a feast on the 27th included more family members. There are enough leftovers, labelled as to content and prep instructions, to half fill the deep freeze. I miss the young men for more than their services! We had table games and hearty, healthy laughter. That was looking back. What this coming year will bring is anyone’s guess. There is a quote going around social media that captures my view of the upcoming year– “Aren’t you terrified of what 2024 could be like? Everything is so messed up…” “I think it will bring flowers.” “Yes? Why?” “Because I’m planting flowers.” That may sound a tad simplistic, however I have planted flowers, I am planting flowers and I will plant flowers! Ed had many off beat quotes and quips, he also had a mantra– to live as gently as I can– a quote from a portion of poetry he memorised when he was young. That line is on our headstone, and on an insert in the fireplace in my home. Every day it is my goal to live as gently as I can, keeping in mind that doesn’t mean I need to be a floor mat or a punching bag. This does at times become a fast paced dance! I look forward to the flowers of 2024. May the year ahead be kind to all of us.

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January 5, 2024 Rivers Banner 3 and faithfulness in the past year? Second, recall your disappointments. What goals weren’t met? Why weren’t they met. What unexpected challenges did you face? And most of all, what lessons did you learn from those disappointments and challenges? Remember this-nothing in life ever happens by accident. God’s presence in our lives ensures that something good will come out of every disappointment, every hardship, every challenge and every mistake for which we have to take full responsibility. What good came our of the challenges and hardships you faced this past year? Third, list the special events, appointments, obligations and other commitments you have already made for the coming year. Here are some things to include in your list. Will you have times of celebration-like a child’s graduation from school, a wedding or wedding anniversary celebration, the anticipated birth of a child or a grandchild, etc.? Will you, a family member or a friend, face significant challenges-like major surgery, prolonged treatment for cancer or some other serious illness? Will you be looking for new ways to balance work and continuing education with parenting and other responsibilities? Finally, jot down two or three major goals that you would like to achieve at some time in the future (like two or three years down the road). Your list might include a major purchase (like a new home or a new vehicle), upgrading appliances and technology in your house or going on an extended holiday. How much will you need to save this year to fund these projects? How will you limit current spending to ensure that those funda are available when needed? Now-if we stop here, all we have is four nice lists. How do we bring them all together and use them to help us plan for the coming year? To answer that, we need to follow the advice we find in the words of a man who lived over 2000 years ago. We will talk about his life and share his advice next week.

FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein New year, new horizons

or most of us, January 1st is just like any other day. The sun rises at its appointed time. The weather isn’t all that different and for most of us, life will on at its usual pace. Some things might have been a little different. For example, those who drank too much champagne at the New Year’s Eve social probably experienced some “real pain” when they woke up this morning. If you hosted the party, your house might need some cleaning. And if you had the day off, you could relax for a few hours before returning to your usual daily routine (eat, sleep, work, take your kids to events, etc.). As we all know, January 1st is the first day of a new tax year. Our employment records for 2023 will be compiled, and the required tax statements (also known as T4s) will be issued. Financial records kept by churches and other charities closed on December 31st. Tax receipts for donations made last year will be issued shortly. We’ll keep all such records and use them when preparing our annual tax return, which is due April 30th. January 1st is a good day to reflect on the past year and make carefully considered resolutions for the year ahead. Here are four things to consider. First, record your achievements. What goals did your meet? What successes did you enjoy? What good memories did you create that included your family, friends and others you know? And most of all, How did God reveal his love

Rivers 4H Beef Club

Happy Holidays! By Aklen Abey Club Reporter

The Rivers & District 4H Beef club held their organizational meeting for the new year on Nov. 19, 2023, at the Rivers Curling Club. Our President for the year is Karas Munz, Vice President Austyn Peters, Secretary Shayden Manz & Treasurer Tarron Basaraba. Our club participated in the Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 24. We held our weigh day at HTA Charolais on Sunday Dec. 3 followed by a sock exchange. This year our club gathered nonperishable food items to donate to the food bank and we were able to drop off a box full! On behalf of our club, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From last weeks front page Legion Ladies Y

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3. success 7. change 11. family

Auxiliary

By Lisa Smith Publicity

The Xmas supper was held November 28th,2023. Thank you to Sharon and the staff at Tempo,it was delicious. The regular meeting of the Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary was held December 5th,2023 in the Rivers Legion upper hall. There were no new applications for membership this month. A donation was made to Riverdale Harvest Food Bank. The new cooler has been purchased for the canteen. The next regular meeting of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary will be held January 16,2024.

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4. wood 8. stage 12. trophy

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4 Rivers Banner January 5, 2024

Lon Schwartz (Chief of Police) Rivers Police Service A message from Chief Lon Schwartz: “Sergeant Dan Gaignard and Reserve Constable Clint Calcut will be bidding farewell to the agency at the end of the first week in January to continue their police careers in other agencies. These two outstanding officers have become integral parts of our team and have made significant contributions to the community during their time here. They have both served the community with passion and dedication, and have made many bonds with the citizens, especially the youth. Their commitment to the well-being of our community has left a lasting impact, and they will be greatly missed by all those who have had the pleasure of working with them. Thank you, Sergeant Gaignard and Constable Calcut, for your unwavering service to the Rivers Police Service and the community. You will always be a part of our family, and we wish you nothing but success in your future endeavours” says Chief Lon Schwartz. December 19 – December 26 Police on routine patrol of Highway 25 made a traffic stop. The driver noted to have slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. The driver provided a breath sample into the approved Alcohol Screening Device and failed. They were issued an Immediate Roadside Prohibition, and their vehicle was towed. Citizens have been stopping in to let police know that they appreciate police patrolling town and keeping tabs on the drinking and driving. It has been a record year for impaired driving enforcement. We have been receiving a lot of support from the community in this regard and appreciate the citizens that share our goal of keeping our streets and roads safe from impaired drivers. A Manitoba driver was fined $312 for going 120 in

a 100 zone. A Manitoba driver was fined $113 for failing to produce his drivers’ license. A motorist called into say that a dog ran out onto the road, and they had struck it with their vehicle. The driver was concerned for the wellbeing of the animal. The owner was contacted and dealt with the gravely injured animal. Police commended the driver for doing the right thing and reporting the injured animal. Police received calls requesting advice from an estranged couple as they navigate their separation. Police do not become involved in the legal aspects of a civil matter such as the division of property and assets but will keep the peace in such instances should it be required. A Rivers man was attacked by a dog running at large on 4th avenue. EMS was called and transported the man to Brandon for medical treatment. The matter remains under investigation. Dogs running at large have become problematic in recent months. Police ask that dog owners take measures to ensure that their fences and gates are in good repair. Police attended the Rivers Elementar y School and participated in the breakfast program. This is an outstanding program for our youth. Police were called to assist in locating an 83-year-old female with severe dementia. She had wandered off from a residence. Police

patrolled the area with assistance from a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer that was working in the area. Soon after, The female found her way back to the residence where she was staying. Police received a report from a Rivers resident that their back car window had been smashed by a rock. Police are still investigating the matter. Police wish to thank everyone that has stopped in to wish us well this holiday season; we truly appreciate the support from our citizens. We are pleased and proud to serve this community and work with our citizens and partnering agencies to keep it safe. We wish everyone the best in 2024! December 27 – January 1 Police received a report of a suspicious and possibly abandoned vehicle near a rural property in the RM of Riverdale. Police attended and determined the vehicle was on the property of the owner. A resident of Chimo Beach attended the Rivers Police Service to advise that a young, injured deer had been observed near their property. Police made patrols in the area; however, the animal was not located. Police received a report of a possible break and enter into a garage near the baseball diamond. Police attended and found that the door was damaged and not believed to be the result of an attempted break in.

The ultimate comfort food for the cold month of January. Ingredients: 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2½ tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp thyme 1 3/4 cups chicken broth 2/3 cup milk 2 cups chopped cooked chicken 1 cup peas 1 cup carrots 2 cups cubed potatoes 2 pie crusts Directions: 1) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 2) Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion, flour, salt, and pepper in hot butter until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. 3) Pour in broth and milk; bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chicken, peas and carrots, and potatoes. 4) Press 1 pie pastry into the bottom of a 9-inch, deep-dish pie pan. Pour chicken mixture into pie pastry. Top with remaining pastry and press edges together to seal. Cut several slits in top pastry. Place pie on a baking sheet. 5) Bake in the preheated oven until crust is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let pie cool and filling thicken at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting.

SPORTS By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

inal game day before Christmas, the Jets were on home ice Friday Dec. 22, 2023, with an 8:30pm start against the Virden Oil Kings at

Recreation Community Centre. Joben Smith and Brock Paddock each had two goals and an assist during the game, while Layne Anderson was strong between the pipes making 37 saves. A couple of teams a little hungry for numbers battled it out with Virden Oil Kings coming away with a 5 - 4 win in a hard-fought game over the Jets. The boys took some time to regroup and celebrate the holidays for a few days before getting right back into the swing of things on Saturday, Dec. 30 when the Minnedosa Bombers came to Rivers for a 7:30 pm start. The Jets started off strong with Josh Belcher finding the back of the net in the first period with assistance from Brock Paddock and Riley Shamray. Unfortunately, it seems the holiday turkey got the best of the boys as the Bombers put two goals in in the second and two in the third. The final score was 4 – 1 for the Minnedosa Bombers. First game for the Jets of the new year will be on Jan. 5, 2023, in Hartney. Puck drops at 7:30pm.

January 5, 2024 Rivers Banner 5

n Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, the Huskies won against the Major Pratt Trojans with a score of 5 - 2. The game was played in Russell. The Huskies started the game off strong with the first goal in the first. The Trojans came back with two goals in the second, but Hamiota held their own with three more goals. The game finished with the Huskies final goal in the third. The Hamiota Huskies are currently sixth in the Westman High School Hockey League. Their next game will be played on Sunday, Jan. 7 against the Sandy Bay Badgers in Sandy Bay. By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS BY-ELECTION FOR RAPID CITY LUD RURAL MUNICIPALITY of OAKVIEW

Christmas Cheer would like to thank the following for their donations to the annual campaign: Kirk and Gail Bridgeman Karen Minshull Harrow Community Club Rod and Phyllis Veitch Gary and Allison Pomeroy Abe and Esther Krahn Gord and Michelle McFadden Jean Ryall Stan and Sheila Runions Sharon Herndon Dave and Marguerite Woytowich Jeremy Bray Darren and Tara Bray Judy Jago Kelvin and Heather Lamb Redline Transport Gordon and Lois Allen Sheila DeForest St. James’ Anglican Church Rick and Renee Martin Tempo Place Emporium Dora Irvine Hall and Barb Sveistrup Tim and Heather Gray Marlene Robins Barb Christiansen Harry and Joan Airey Darcy and Lori Heapy Bruce and Giselle Cudmore Glenna Beauchamp Westoba Credit Union, Rivers Larry and Joan Ratz Rivers and Area Lions Club Madilee Gillis Rivers/Daly Firefighters Association Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce Rivers United Church congregation members THANKS ALSO TO: Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 75 for the assembly location; Rivers Home Hardware Building Centre (Ken Tait) for transportation of the groceries; Rivers Heritage Co-op for grocery deals and the Holiday Helper program (donations made by shoppers upon checkout, and a top-up donation by Co-op); anonymous donors; the volunteers who packed hampers.

Through your support, 29 hampers were provided to Riverdale residents.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 17th, 18th, 19th, 22nd and 23rd, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: The R.M. of Oakview municipal office at 435 3rd Avenue, Rapid City, MB NOMINATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING WILL BE RECEIVED: One (1) Committee Member for the Rapid City LUD The nomination deadline is January 23rd, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Nominations cannot be accepted after this time. All nominations shall be made in writing and shall be signed by at least twenty-five voters, or NOT less than 1% of the voters (whichever is the lesser) of the authority or ward (as the case may be) but in all cases by at least two voters. Each nomination shall also be accompanied by the candidate’s declaration of qualification. Nominations may be filed in person at the above locations, on the date and hours specified, by an official agent, or by fax. To obtain a nomination paper, and/or candidate’s declaration or qualification, contact the S.E.O. at 204-5662146. Nomination papers not accompanied by the required documents and not properly filed shall be rejected. Dated at Oak River, MB this 27th day of December, 2023. Marci Quane Senior Election Official R. M. of Oakview Phone 204-566-2146 Fax 204-566-2126 cao@rmofoakview.ca

6 Rivers Banner January 5, 2024

Garden of your dreams 2024

Submitted By Patricia Hanbidge

The beginning of a new year should be a time of reflection. How was the last year and what might the new year bring? Have you taken the time in your life to “stop and smell the roses” and enjoy the really important parts of life? What if we lived as our grandparents or great grandparents and spent our days growing food and living a simpler life. We would be closer to our roots and in fact may likely be living a happier life. If you are a gardener in a colder climate that continues to garden inside, perhaps you are closer to “living the dream” as you are definitely more immersed in horticulture. The wonder of a flower opening, a seed sprouting or dead looking twigs miraculously sprouting green leaves is just a daily occurrence if you surround yourself with growing. But just think, what if everyone had this opportunity to live with the glory of growing plants? Would we cure world hunger? Could we achieve world-wide harmony? There is a growing trend of people wishing to grow their own food and to make our world a more sustainable place to live. The changes we have seen in our climate are foretelling of future distress, destruction and death. If you are reading this article, then this is your call to take action. It doesn’t matter how small your effort is - it will make a difference. Collectively, we can alter the path that is leading the world as we know it to destruction. It is always a good idea to grow food to share with those who are less fortunate. Just prior to Christmas, I harvested large amounts of fancy leaf lettuce and fresh herbs. I know that this valuable harvest brought smiles

PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER

to many faces. I survive the winter season by growing intensively inside. Think about the space around you. If you have an area that is not doing anything but growing weeds, then why not change the landscape and grow food in that area? It is amazing how a very small bit of land can harvest a lot of food. For example, on a boulevard a few years ago, a group of us harvested around 1000 pounds of food off of this small little area. We grew corn, potatoes and onions, enjoyed a corn roast and donated the rest of the produce to The Friendship Inn. They graciously accepted our gift and many people who are less fortunate enjoyed a number of very good and nutritious meals as a result of our selfless labours. While the weather is less hospitable, it allows us more time to pause and reflect about what we wish

to change in the garden as spring approaches. Think about trying to grow at least a little bit of the food that you consume. Think about the things that were not working well so you can now begin planning on a better outcome. Most people want a landscape that is beautiful, requires only a small amount of maintenance and of course does not require endless amounts of money while providing food for your table! If your landscape did not fulfill all your dreams, then right now is the time to start to make changes. All the best to you and yours…and may you have the garden of your dreams in 2024. AV Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com;

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January 5, 2024 Rivers Banner 7

CLASSIFIEDS Obituary

Obituary

BETTE MAE LORRAINE ANDERSON

MERLE IRENE MCCRACKEN (NEE GREY)

FOREVER LOVED, FOREVER REMEMBERED, STILL INSPIRING…

Bette Mae Lorraine Anderson, born October 1st, 1943, to Victor and Valentine Anderson, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023. Bette cherished an early childhood in Dryden before moving to Brandon. After graduating from high school at St. Michael’s Academy, she excelled at her Nursing Training at St. Boniface in Winnipeg. She maintained friendships with many dear friends from both high school and nursing, which speaks to her magnetic personality. Bette enjoyed nursing so much that she used to wonder why everyone wouldn’t choose that as a career. The only thing that topped nursing, in her eyes, was motherhood. She met the love of her life, Barry Forman, at age 15, and they were married after she graduated from Nursing. They moved to Rivers, where they took her two sweet sisters under their wings for care, and where their three children; Kent, Shauna and Jason were raised. From there, she moved to Dauphin, and then to Brentwood Bay, all the while continuing to gather dear friends and create wonderful memories, as was her character. Later in her years, she moved to Calgary, to be near her daughter and grandson. Finally, Bette returned to Brandon to be near her son and sister, their families, and her many friends - truly creating a full circle of life. Although never complaining of the discomfort caused by her 40-year struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, it led to congestive heart failure, and the effect on her body eventually became too much. For those who knew Bette, you’ll recall how she was forever a positive influence in people’s lives. She inspired everyone she met, with her kindness, charm, and genuine interest in others. As much as she will be missed, she has earned her eternal peace… of this we are certain. She is lovingly remembered by her children Kent, Shauna and Jason, daughter-in-law Naomi, her grandchildren Ava, Anne and Josh, her sister Suzan and brother-in-law Don, nieces Brodie, Jena and Lexa and by her partner and friend, Michael. She was predeceased by her love, Barry, and by her sister, Vicki. A Celebration of Bette’s life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. For those who were unable to attend the service, a livestream will be available for viewing on her tribute page at www.brockiedonovan.com. Donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation – Palliative (BRHC Foundation – Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Ave E, Brandon MB, R7A 2B3), where Bette was so appreciative of the exceptional care she was given during her precious final few weeks.

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Announcement

JUNE 19, 1946 – DECEMBER 29, 2023 Merle Irene McCracken (Grey) born June 19, 1946, in Indian Head Saskatchewan, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Souris Health Centre. Merle married Don McCracken in Brandon on June 26, 1965, and went on to have four children, Karen, Wayne, Judy, and Kim. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker and Health Care Aide at the Riverdale Personal Care Home. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She will be missed by her husband Don McCracken and children, Karen Hooper, Wayne McCracken (Denise), Judy Heeney, and Kim McCracken; sister Elaine Resler (Stan) and sisters in law Avis Barnett, Helen Erickson, and Janice McCracken, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Merle was predeceased by her parent Fred and Helen Erlenbeck, Mother and Father-in-law Lorne and Merle McCracken, Kelly Hooper (Son in law), brothers in law Alex James, George Barnett, Gary Erickson, Bill McCracken, and sister-in-law Doris James. The family wishes to honor Merle’s life privately. A Come & Go reception will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Rivers Legion, 633 Second Ave, Rivers, MB. Donations in memory of Merle may be made to the Arthritis Society 393 University Avenue, Suite 1700, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E6.

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Manitobans encouraged to be aware of food and product recalls

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Submitted By Manitoba Government Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are recommending parents and caregivers be aware of current food and product recalls in Canada and the United States after a local child was discovered to have blood-lead levels higher than national guidelines after eating applesauce affected by an American recall. In early November, several brands of cinnamon-apple snack pouches were recalled in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to elevated levels of lead. It noted young children are more likely to consume these

foods and are more sensitive to lead exposure. Blood lead test results are reportable to public health. As a result of this process, the province has been made aware of a Manitoba child who consumed these snack pouches. The child has not experienced any negative symptoms related to lead exposure but their caregivers took them to their healthcare provider for follow-up when they became aware of the recall. Testing found elevated levels of lead in the child’s blood. The province will not be providing further details about the child. The recalled products include: • WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches; • Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack; and • Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. These brands of applesauce are not sold in Canada. By now, they should have been removed from store shelves in the United States. However, some Manitobans may have purchased these products in the United States prior to the FDA recall. If you have these products at home, throw them away. If you have eaten these products, it is recommended you follow up with your primary care provider. Public health officials encourage parents and caregivers to be aware of current food and product recalls in Canada and the United States. Manitobans who routinely shop for food and other products in the United States are encouraged to review current recalls from the FDA or sign up for automatic notifications at https://fda.gov/safety/recalls-marketwithdrawals-safety-alerts.

8 Rivers Banner January 5, 2024

Letter to the Editor

RE: Our community owes a debt It is not a debt that will increase your taxes or add another surcharge to your utility bill, it will not accrue interest and there will be no penalties, at least not of the monetary kind, today anyway. The debt we owe as a community is one of gratitude. You would have to be either a complete newcomer or completely naïve if you are unaware of the significant changes to our community over the past dozen or so years. Waste management and potable water infrastructure, facilities and services, upgrades, repairs, and maintenance of all kinds. General operations of the municipality, and on top of it all, numerous floods and near disaster events. It takes a lot! It takes a lot to keep day-to-day services flowing but when you add in all of the capital projects and the unforeseen events, it is at times, overwhelming. Riverdale Municipality is a busy little municipality that delivers many of the civic services and amenities you would expect to see in larger centres. The Municipal Council is often the driving force behind community initiatives and services. Council with leadership of a Mayor or Reeve are often the ones that keep the ship moving at a steady pace but the true captain of the ship, the municipality, is the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer). Kat Bridgeman joined the Town of Rivers in 2011 following the retirement of Dennis Higginson. She became CAO of Riverdale Municipality following the mandatory amalgamation of Rivers and Daly in 2015. Kat joined us as a certified and professional CAO and was residing in Rivers raising her young family with her husband Marty. Council of the day was thrilled to have Kat join our organization as CAO and she would go on to serve above and beyond in that capacity for the next twelve years while enjoying a respectful workplace and good professional relationships with staff and council members. There is presently an epidemic in the municipal world. It is one of ignorance and in some cases, outright stupidity. In many municipalities within our province there are councils that have been elected or acclaimed with zero experience in Municipal Governance, and that, for the most part, is ok. There is a wide variety of resources available to new council members to teach them everything from what the job actually is to how you must actually conduct yourself while doing it. Your CAO can be your most valuable resource, if you are willing to let them, they will literally take you by the hand and show you the way. It takes time to find your feet as a new member of council and to learn the ropes while developing self-confidence in your role as a council member. The problem lies with members that come in with this preconceived notion that everything is wrong including the CAO and they will be the one to fix it with their zero knowledge of Municipal Affairs. As a new member of council anywhere, your first order of business should be to develop a professional

relationship with your CAO as they are the only member of the municipal staff that you should have any correspondence with. Yes, that’s correct, many think it is on council to oversee staff, but you couldn’t be more wrong. In no organization today would you ever put in place an $800/month council member or mayor/reeve to oversee a certified professional CAO, the very idea of it is ridiculous. It is the CAOs job to oversee staff and to work with council on initiatives and providing civic services. CAOs of today are very knowledgeable in a very complex environment. Municipal accounting is one of the most challenging accounting systems out there and the required knowledge of the Municipal Act is paramount to the success of the municipality. This is why today CAOs can quite easily earn six figure salaries and the CAO we had in Kat Bridgeman was well worth her contract. So, you have to wonder, what would drive a professional with an awesome salary and an excellent benefit package to leave their home, where they have raised their family and have nine short years left to retirement, right. It frustrates me, and others that are in the know, what our CAO has endured here in her profession over the past year, completely uncalled for and unnecessary. Kat will be joining the Municipality of Pembina as their new CAO. I was privileged to have a lengthy discussion with the agent for the Municipality of Pembina, they are beyond thrilled to have successfully acquired the services of Kat in the role of CAO, I guess they are, they just hired one of the top CAOs in the Province of Manitoba and here we are in Riverdale left looking for one or are we. Mayor and some members of council need to take a big step up today. Some of the very credible reports coming out of that council chamber are unprecedented, disturbing and an absolute embarrassment to our community. Some of you, not all of you, need to step up and serve in your respective roles with the diplomacy that the roll calls for rather than that of a junkyard dog or a puppet; your community depends on it. If you find you just don’t have that in you, then step down and vacate the position in hopes somebody else will give it a go. Most people in the community are very aware that if it was not for sad and unforeseen circumstances there would be good experienced leadership in that room today and all of this nonsense would not even be a consideration. If nothing else, remember this, in the absence of a good working relationship with your municipal CAO, you will accomplish nothing. That message can be well received by a couple of our community members as well, whether it be while you’re raising your voice too or shaking your finger in the face of the top professional in Riverdale Municipality. In closing I would like to publicly thank Kat for her years of service, you have earned your way in the municipal world, and I wish you all the best in the rest of your career, you truly made a difference here in Riverdale and you will be sadly missed. Todd Gill -- Rivers, MB