October 27, 2023

Friday, October 27, 2023 • Vol.116 No. 07 • Rivers, Manitoba

HOT TUBS + SAUNAS! SPAS

SAUNAS

GARDEN CENTRE

GIFT SHOP

1610 Byng Ave. Brandon, MB

Indoor and Outdoor models available! Quality Craftmanship and Real Canadian Wood.

Rivers Banner

R.R. #2, Box 58, Brandon, MB R7A 5Y2 Ph.: 204-728-7207 Fax: 204-727-2617 Cell: 204-729-7455 Email: jimhillis65@gmail.com

W

N TransCanada Hwy. Husky

S

18th Street

The most innovative hot tub in the market! Personalized, Powerful, Reliable, Efficient.

CEDAR SAUNAS

Trailer Sales, Repairs & Commission Sales PR #270

204-724-6870 280 Taylor Road Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 www.redlinetransport.ca alepp@redlinetransport.ca

IN STOCK or CUSTOM ORDER

E

4 miles west of Husky on #1 Hwy., 1 1/2 miles north on PR #270

Gazette -R eporter

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City, Forrest, Kenton, Oak River and Oak Lake areas for 116 years

HAPPY HALLOWEEN P6-7

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The amazing Oak River community filled the room for the Fall Supper.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

O

ak River hosted their annual fall supper on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 4:30pm to 7pm. They had the supper at Oak River Memorial Rink. They had just over 200 attend the fall supper.

Everyone enjoyed a feast of roasted turkey, sweet and sour meatballs, mashed potatoes, rutabaga, mixed

So many desserts, so little time. How can you pick just one.

vegetables, coleslaw, fresh baked buns, and every dessert you could imagine.

Such a wonderful event with amazing people. Oak River Community Association would like to thank everyone who came for the fall supper. It was so wonderful to gather as a community and enjoy a meal together. A huge shout out to all of the volunteers. It takes a village to make events like this happen and everyone in Oak River truly belong to an incredible one.

FREE POTATOES P2

2 Rivers Banner October 27, 2023

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

T

he afternoon of October 9, 2023, Spud Plains Farms hosted a U-Pick Potatoes for anyone who wanted free potatoes.

Spud Plains Farms had a great year and maxed out their own capacity. So, they offered to spread the love and potatoes, white f lesh Russet variety.

People were encouraged to bring their half tons, bags, buckets, and whatever they could use to carry away the potatoes. Spud Plains Farms had a digger in the field to dig up the spuds for

everyone to collect them. It was a one day only event.

People were showing up for over a week for more potatoes. There was a huge turn out. Overall, they gave away 250,000 pounds of potatoes this year that is about 5 acres between their two locations.

It happened this year because they had such a high yield, and their contracts were already full.

Thank-you from the community to Spud Plains Farms for the free potatoes.

Spud Plains Farms wants to say thank everyone in Rivers for welcoming them to the community when they bought the farm two years ago.

Laundry baskets, 5 gallon pails, side-by-sides, mini vans, and truck boxes all filled up by the crowds.

250,000 pounds of potatoes for free!

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

T

he Rempel boys f rom K enton had a very good year on the Manitoba Prov incial Motocross Circuit. On Saturday, Oct. 7, there was a Motocross year end banquet where they handed our awards. The banquet was held at the Canad Inn Polo Park in Winnipeg.

Keegan, Sheldon, and Gavin Rempel received a few trophies for their g reat r ides . K eeg a n received a trophy for finishing fifth over all in the 85cc class. Sheldon received a trophy for second in the 85cc class and fourth in the super mini class. Gavin received a trophy for fourth in the 86cc class.

The boys have been riding and training for three years and racing for two years. They started training with Al Lepp at Redline MX Academy in Rivers three years ago and have continued to train with many great racers and trainers over the years.

Is It Easy to Learn How to Ride a Dirt Bike? It’s not a quick process, especially when you’re dedi-

447 Edward Street ~ 204-328-7882

Legion Ladies Auxiliary Publicity report

By Lisa Smith Publicity

cated to safety and learning the proper technique.

When you start to learn how to ride a dirt bike, you should know that it can be complicated and time-consuming to develop good riding habits.

Keegan, Sheldon, and Gavin ride Kawasaki KX85 bikes and have been riding these same bikes since they started. This is hobby for them and will likely not lead to them riding professionally.

The regular monthly meeting of the Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary was held Oct. 4, 2023, in the Rivers Legion upper hall.

There were no applications for membership this month.

A donation was made to the Rivers Chamber of Commerce towards the purchase of candy for the Christmas parade.

A new cooler will be purchased for the canteen.

A new concrete table has been purchased and placed at the cenotaph.

The Remembrance Day Service will be held at Rivers Collegiate. The Ladies Auxiliary will be having a luncheon at the Rivers Legion after the service.

The next meeting of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary will be held Dec. 5, 2023.

October 27, 2023 Rivers Banner 3

Hamiota District Health Centre Foundation Inc. October 20, 2023 - Chairperson’s Report Fou nd at ion B oa rd Members – Brent Fortune (Chair), Murray Lockhart (Vice-Chair), Linda Clark, Holly Draper, Diana McDonald, LeeAnn Haggarty and Ross Argue. We currently have 2 Director positions open (3-year term) for the Hamiota Municipality.

Financial support and commitment to support projects and initiatives include the following; • Birch Lodge resident room bedside table replacement was approved in the amount of $18,480. The tables have been in place since July and are much appreciated.

• The last of our equity funds were utilized for the installation of some new windows for the acute care and lab areas in the approx. amount of $20.000.

• We continue to cover the cost of television programming from Westman Cable for the acute care facility and the Lilac Residence Common Room at a monthly amount of $270.50. Users of this service do appreciate it and do make donations from time to time but such donations are limited.

• We attempted to set up a bursary offering through the Assiniboine Community College for the Rural LPN training program which is ongoing in Virden. Due to limiting restrictions on such bursaries, we were unable to partner with ACC, but we will continue to formalize our own bursary offering for these students.

• We doubled our financial commitment amount for our current bursary programs and this year we approved 5 High School Bursaries in the amount of $1,000 each to; Olivia Mowez (Virden), Mickaela Quenelle (Elton), Kyia Knight (Hamiota), Heidi Clark (Birtle) and Lexy Waddell (Strathclair) We also approved 3 individuals

By Brent Fortune Chairperson

Neil Strohschein The School of Life

O for the 4th and 5th Year Bursary in the amount of $2,000 each to; Kara Kent (Hamiota), Mikaela Young (Birtle) and Rory Laite (Birtle) • We made a commitment to fund the newly formed Hamiota/Kenton and Area Grief Support Group in the amount of $500.

One major agreement that we entered into this year was with Dr. Fedorowich who terminated his dental practice in Hamiota in 2023. The agreement was for the transfer of assets (equipment, furnishings and supplies) from Dr. Fedorowich to the Foundation by way of a Gift-In-Kind in amount of $104,500. Efforts by the community to recruit a new dentist to Hamiota are ongoing.

In conclusion, we continue our mandate to improve, enhance, and promote health education and health care for the patients and residents within the district served by the Hamiota District Health Centre.

From last weeks front page A

D H N A

F

M W D Q B

R R

C R

M T

N A

J

U

I

F

W K

H R

G Y

L

T

L

U

S

N O C

S

T

R

A

T

S

F

Z

A

T

N E

I

N J

W Y

R

K

B

O G R

N G B N I U

B

O S

W C X

Y

X

E

S

T

Z

C

E

Z

E

X

D R

O X

H N D N M H J A

H F

Z

M T

D B A E

V K

O K

O U

D L

R

F

J

I

S

B

E

A K

R P I

Y P

E

T

U

V

B

K

Y

A

N M I

P

Y

Q E

B

A

J

P

D D X

F

M W O D O

T

A

D I

B

A

E

E

R

U

R

D N D

E

2. karate 6. wildlife 10. smoke

L

Y

W

O C

F

N H O Y

T

S

N L

N R

K

W P

G E

T

A

3. fire 7. burning 11. consultant

L

R

J

F

T

I

F

E

K

P

E

Y

G N W H X R

K

R

O O D J

O M S

A

X

Word Bank 1. shop 5. starts 9. department

FAITHFULLY YOURS

4. safety 8. course 12. cooking

M I L

L

ver the years, I have gained a deep appreciation for one of God’s greatest gifts to our world.

That gift is the vast collection of knowledge, insight and wisdom that resides in the minds of those who live in our communities.

This body of information has been accumulated over a lifetime of work and experience in what we call the School of Life. This school is unique. It charges no tuition fees. It does not have a set curriculum. Classes are always in session. In the School of Life, we follow a simple technique-Observation, Interpretation and Application.

In the Observation phase, we mentally record experiences we go through each day. What happened?

To whom did it happen? What effects (good or bad) did it have on us and on those around us?

The Interpretation phase helps us attach meaning to the experiences. Why did they happen? What did we do that helped make them positive ones? What mistakes turned them into experiences we’d like to forget as quickly as possible? And how did our reactions make them better or worse for those around us?

The Application phase identifies the lesson (or lessons) we can learn from the experiences and how to apply those lessons so that we can avoid the mistakes that cause misunderstandings or problems that can take many weeks to resolve.

Lessons learned in public school, college or university are easy to forget. But lessons learned in the School of Life stay with us forever.

Some of those lessons are worth sharing. I fondly recall times when my father would take me out on a crop tour of our farm and would point out areas in one of our fields where the crop was thin, the quality was poor and the yield wwas less than ideal. Then he would say: “Neil, I want you to remember this spot in this field. Next spring, when you clean out the corrals, I want you to cover this area with a good coating of cattle manure.” I did-and the following year we had an excellent crop.

In later years, as I moved from one community to another, I met people who, by their words and example, taught me how to be a better person and ultimately how to be a better minister. I will never forget those lessons and the impact they had on my life.

But there were some lessons that I had to learn them on my own. When I surrendered to a failed marriage, I sought help from friends who, like me, were divorced.

They gave advice based on their experience, offered encouragement, prayer support and checked in on me regularly to see how I was doing. But they could not ease my pain. I had to learn from that experience and recover from that pain on my own.

Now, as I look back over 72 years of life on this planet, I thank God for those who took the time to share insights and lessons they learned in the School of Life. I am glad that I listened and learned from much of what I was told. I regret those times that I didn’t listen when I should have. But I am thankful for God’s forgiveness and the second chances that have come with it. The experiences have made my life rich and rewarding. God’s grace, mercy and strength have kept me alive long enough to enjoy it.

Rapid City Community ChuRCh Sundays 10 a.m.

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

JESUS IS LORD

4 Rivers Banner October 27, 2023

Tundra

Perspectives Homebodies

By Chad Carpenter

Rita Friesen

Little mistakes and big ones too

N

eedless to say, I read a lot of newspapers in hard copy and on-line. I also take in some news on CBC-TV, CNN stations and on-line.

Credibility in news reporting is not increasing and it’s partly due to reporters being in too big a hurry to meet deadlines and partly because many in the news business are just plain sloppy. (And maybe lazy!).

On Sunday, a news guy was reporting about the ongoing strike at MPI or Autopac. He said almost 2,000 workers are on strike. Then he hesitated and said a number considerably less, close to 1700. Now that misinformation doesn’t really affect the issues at hand, but it does make the story less credible. I know math is hard, but simple math should be fairly simple to report.

We make errors in this paper, but we try to correct them as quickly as possible and offer an apology to go with the correction. We also try to report carefully and proof our work.

We still make mistakes. There’s possibly some grammar and spelling mistakes in this very column.

The world is in turmoil today, but the reporting is far from complete. The war in Gaza is getting a lot of media attention and so is the Russian war in Ukraine. There are however many other battles going on right now and they go virtually unreported.

A quick internet search shows up 12 major conflicts going on right now.

Ironically, every war could be stopped quite quickly, if nations would clearly examine the logic and costs in lives, injuries, damages to infrastructure neepawa

Banner & Press Banner STAFF

Owners/Publishers

Est. 1908 Ken and Chris Waddell

STAFF

Right in the Centre Ken Waddell and yes, money.

I might be proven wrong but the US Civil war of the 1860s could have been solved more cheaply with paying off the slave owners rather than the money being spent on war. That’s just the money, not the deaths and injuries.

I also think the Iraq-US war would have been cheaper to solve with money rather than the lives lost.

No country should invade another.

Simple to say, I realize, but why would a country want to invade when what they need and want could more easily be obtained by economic agreements?

Invading nations, in modern times, haven’t fared well, at least in the short term. Germany was nearly destroyed twice in the 1900s as invaded countries fought them to a near death experience. Japan was a long time recovering from their 1940s aggressions.

Russia (or at least Putin) wants to restore the USSR to some earlier mythical glory.

I say mythical, as a quick study of history will show that once a country gets really big, it also becomes ungovernable. Russia has been an unmanageable disaster more times than

not in the past 2-300 years. Countries like the US, Canada and Russia are so big that the elites (remember those elites I wrote about a couple of weeks ago) get the idea that they don’t need the people, all they need is power and tokenism. Keeping power becomes more important than serving the needs of the nation and its people.

So I started out talking about little mistakes such as the ones reporters may make and now I have wandered off into mistakes nations make. They are different but, in many ways, the small mistakes and the big mistakes are similar. They are both situations where the person or nation wander from truth to fiction, intentionally or otherwise. The Bible says in John 8:32, “Then you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

In everything we do or say, as a person or as a nation, we must seek the truth.

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.

So sad…

N

o surprise, I’m overly fond of my little dog.

Arie was a year old in August, part Yorkie, part poodle, black with tiny white socks. I am not her first caregiver. After being separated from her mother she had one young woman as a mom, and when that proved difficult, my daughter-in-law thought of me.

She called and asked if I was ready for another dog. I reminded her that I wanted an older Sheltie. And then she sent me a picture… So, my daughter-in-law took the puppy, trained the puppy and flew her out to me. Arie was in their home for about two months. There was a little dog, Shaker, a Papillion, to play with daily, and two big galoots to gambol with regularily. Loving home with canine companions. And it was good.

Shortly after Arie’s arrival, the family stopped by to visit. It went well. They were all glad to see each other.

And Arie was a little sad when they all left, but this house still had extra folks so it was ok. This week my daughter-in-law and Shaker came for a day. Arie was overjoyed. With mom two in sight, my presence didn’t matter at all. The walk went well, and time in the dog park went well, Arie checking with mom two rather than me for commands and approval. We left the dogs to play together when we went out for a fall supper. And then mom two and Shaker went home.

Sadness is real!

Arie sat at the front door and cried. She could not be comforted. Treats were but a moment’s relief. When the reality of the closed door and no signs of their return set in, she allowed me to pick her up and hold her. Head down, eyes averted, limp and dejected, she lay on my lap. Verbal assurances didn’t help, and there is a limit that even I respect for giving treats. When she first joined our household Arie resisted being picked up, often uttering a low grrrr when I placed my hand under her body. We had overcome that trait, but in her sorrow, she resumed it. She did not want to be picked up, she didn’t really want to be held. She was sad, so sad, and please, just respect that.

Several hours later I was sitting on the couch and she approached me. Slowly she came up and sat beside me, almost close. It took another day or two before she stopped listening so intently for the slam of a car door, before she accepted that it was just us once again.

I did have a memory flash back. When all the grands were young, one set moved out of province. Time together was so anticipated, so enjoyed, and when the silence of their departure descended, there was a pall over those left behind. The sunshine dimmed and the clouds gathered.

My heart hurt for her. Too many of us know the sorrow of good-byes. Too many of us know the sorrow of the absence of one we love and adore. So, I sat with Arie, understanding her sorrow, sharing her sorrow.

PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY

423 Mountain Avenue, Box 699, Neepawa, Manitoba R0J 1H0

AD DEADLINE: TUESDAY NOON PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE Telephone: (204) 476-3401 Fax: (204) 476-5073 PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY 204- 328-7494 info@riversbanner.com The Neepawa Banner & Press does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or pictures.

Toll-free: 1-888-436-4242 (within Manitoba) AD DEADLINE: TUESDAY 12 PM PRIOR ISSUE DATE Such submissions, if printed, will appear at the discretion of the editor or TO publisher and only when time www.riversbanner.com Drop box @www.neepawabanner.com 529 Second Ave•Rivers, MB Subscription Rates in Canada 1 Year: $61.38 (including taxes) Online subscription $36.00

Circulation: Customer1,974 Account 558680-99~Postage paid at Neepawa, Manitoba

editor or publisher and only when time and space permit.

Yearly Subscription Rates (excluding taxes): $52.03 in Manitoba, $59.08 elsewhere in Canada

Editor Ken Waddell Owner/Publisher/Editor Micah Waddell

Sales Accounts & Admin Production Staff Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40012782 Joel Asselstine Kay De’Ath Diane Warner Gloria Kerluke Sandra Unger Rea Apita Sales/Media Jessica Coulter

Members of:

and space permit. We are not responsible for electronic transmissions which are not confirmed either does of any submitted articles or picin person or byRivers phone.Banner All letters to not the guarantee editor mustpublication be fewer than 400 words and include name, adtures.number, Such submissions, if printed, will appear at thethe discretion theormanaging dress and telephone for verification purposes.

We reserve right to of edit condense letters.

Circulation as of November 2022: 8,153

We are not responsible for fax and e-mail transmissions which are not confirmed either in person orStaff by phone.

News Staff News releases and leads: news@neepawabanner.com Distribution Eoin Devereux Bernie Myker Matthew Gagnon sports@neepawabanner.com Casper Wehrhahn Shannon Robertson Betty Pearson Printing and office supplies: print@neepawabanner.com Advertising: ads@neepawabanner.com

October 27, 2023 Rivers Banner 5

• A traffic stop with a local resident led to the seizure of illicit tobacco. A ticket was issued.

• A Rivers man reported receiving veiled threats from another Rivers man. An investigation was initiated, and the Crown Prosecutor will determine if charges will be laid in this instance.

• A complaint was received about construction vehicles driving fast/carelessly near one of the gravel pits. Police spoke with the driver and the company owner; both were very receptive. The matter was resolved without charges.

• A rural resident stopped in to express their appreciation for the police showing a presence in the rural areas. These visits are always welcome and appreciated!

• A Highway Traffic Act ticket was issued to a Rivers resident following a traffic collision.

• During a traffic stop police seized and destroyed small amounts of illicit tobacco and cannabis which were being transported unlawfully. No tickets were issued.

• Police received 2 separate complaints about a man with prevalent mental health issues.

The man did not meet the criteria for arrest under the Mental Health Act and was not willing to deal with police or accept assistance.

• During a traffic stop a Sioux valley man was issued a ticket for driving and unregistered vehicle.

• During a traffic stop a Brandon man was issued a ticket for driving without a valid license.

• Police are investigation a late-night theft from a vehicle wherein some medication was stolen.

• The same night another vehicle had been entered and a laptop computer was stolen.

In both cases the vehicles were left unlocked. Police would like to remind everyone to lock their houses, outbuildings, and vehicles at the end of each day.

• Police were called to a complaint of 2 aggressive looking dogs going after people. Police were able to get the dogs back into their yard and addressed the issue with the animals’ owner. There were fortunately no injuries. Charges were not laid in this instance.

• A Riverdale resident reported being a victim of a fraud. The matter is currently under investigation.

• A local resident was issued a ticker for unlawful transportation of liquor.

• A Rivers man reported that someone had smeared pudding all over his vehicle. Police are investigating.

• Police were called to a complaint of another pit-bull dog running at large. The issue of dogs running at large in Rivers has become quite problematic in recent weeks. Police ask that dog owners inspect their fences and gates. Though the dog owners have been receptive to police and apologetic for their dogs running at large, the fact remains that is it a by-law infraction. Future calls may be handled by animal control and dogs running at large may be taken to the pound.

• A Male from Alexander was issued a speeding ticket for travelling well over the 100 km/h speed limit on Highway 250.

Lon Schwartz (Chief of Police) Rivers Police Service

Manitoba Pork welcomes Minister Kostyshyn to agriculture portfolio

Submitted

By Joey Dearborn

Manitoba Pork wishes to congratulate Minister Ron Kostyshyn on his appointment as the new Minister of Agriculture for the province. Manitoba Pork looks forward to continuing a strong working relationship with the provincial government.

“Manitoba’s hog farmers, and the over 22,000 Manitobans who work in the hog sector welcome Minister Kostyshyn to his portfolio,” said Rick Préjet, chair of Manitoba Pork. “We look forward to working with Minister Kostyshyn and their entire department to build on the collaborative working relationship we have de-

veloped with the department over the last number of years, and to ensure that the conditions for growth in agriculture and the hog sector remain in place for many years to come.”

Manitoba Pork notes that the pork sector impacts all of Manitoba and not just rural areas.

“The sector drives jobs and economic growth in urban communities and rural areas alike, including in places like Brandon, Winnipeg, and Neepawa,” added Préjet. “Communities throughout the province are thriving because Manitoba is a leader in both modern hog production and value-added processing.”

Manitoba Pork also looks forward to grow-

PMH Vaccine Clinics set

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) updated COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine clinics will begin Monday, October 23rd. The free public clinics will run throughout the region until the end of November. Visit prairiemountainhealth.ca for a complete listing of vaccine clinics in the region. Check PMH Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for up-to-date messages as well. Community members are also advised to watch for information in local newspapers, listen to local radio, or check out posters in or around the communities for vaccine clinic dates, times and locations.

Appointments are preferred; walk-ins will be accepted. There are two ways to book an appointment: online at the Protect MB website here or call toll-free at 1-844-6268222 (unless otherwise indicated).

The updated COVID-19 vaccine will provide broader protection against the variants expected to be most common during the upcoming respiratory virus season, and can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine. At least six months should pass from your last COVID vaccine or known infection until your next vaccination. You will only need to book one appointment to receive COVID and flu vaccines the day you attend.

Anyone over 6 months of age can receive the updated COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine. The respiratory virus season last year affected many younger children. Public health strongly recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for children aged six months to under five years old. Vaccination against both COVID-19 and seasonal flu is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe outcomes including: • adults 65 years of age or older; • residents of long-term care homes or other congregate living settings; • individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk; • individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding; • individuals in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities; • members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities; and • people who provide essential community services.

If you are 65 years or older, you can receive the high-dose flu vaccine; the pneumococcal vaccine will also be available.

The COVID vaccine consent form can be found on the Manitoba Government COVID-19 website here.

Please bring your Manitoba Health card and wear short sleeves if possible.

If you are unwell or feeling ill, please do not attend your vaccine appointment. If you need to cancel, please call 1-844-626-8222.

Submitted

By Blaine Kraushaar

23104gm0

ing relationships with all members of Cabinet, including key Ministers like Finance Minister Adrien Sala, Minister Jamie Moses who leads economic development for the Province, Minister Malaya Marcelino who is responsible for immigration and the Provincial Nominee Program, and Minister Tracy Schmidt who is responsible for Environment and Climate Change.

Manitoba Pork will be reaching out to the new Minister of Agriculture, these key cabinet Ministers, and indeed all Members of the legislature, to set up face-to-face meetings, which will help foster an open, ongoing, and transparent dialogue.

6 Rivers Banner October 27, 2023

This is a fun Halloween sweet treat that is easy enough for kids to help make.

Ingredients: ½ cup shortening ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup white sugar 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup white sugar for rolling 24 chocolate candy spheres 48 decorative candy eyeballs ½ cup prepared chocolate frosting

Parents can work together to make Halloween safer Halloween is often just what the doctor ordered. Nestled between the start of a new school year and the arrival of the holiday season, Halloween is an opportunity for children and adults alike to have some fun as they dress up in costumes and indulge in some sweet treats. Even though Halloween is designed to be an entertaining day, it’s not without its risks.

Light it up: Lack of visibility and dim lighting at night increase the risk of pedestrians being struck by cars on Halloween. Improving visibility can go a long way toward cutting down on accidents and related deaths. Homeowners can keep the lights turned on and perhaps illuminate neighborhoods even more by temporarily installing strands of lights. Children can carry batterypowered flashlights, lanterns or even glow sticks. Reflective tape placed on candy bags or somewhere on costumes also can help.

Set up safe trick-or-treat zones: The popularity of trunk-or-treat events that emerged several years ago took some of the risk out of Halloween by containing trick-or-treating to a parking lot at a school or church. Neighbors can establish something similar close to home by petitioning the town for permits to close a specific road or roads to vehicular traffic for a Òblock party of sorts. Residents in the area can trick-or-treat and party in the street without risk of injury from cars.

Check candy: Candy from Halloween should be inspected for hazards.

Unfounded claims of dangerous items being lodged into candy perpetuated the suspicion of all Halloween confections for some time. There is a risk of eating candy without thought, but that risk is now primarily related to food allergies.

Prepare homes: Adults and parents can take additional steps to prepare their homes for Halloween. Keep the porch and front yard clear of tripping hazards. Restrain pets so they do not jump on kiss. Offer a variety of treats for kids of all ages. Halloween fun and safety can go hand-in-hand.

Submitted Metro Creative

Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with baking parchment.

2) Beat shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup white sugar together with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Beat egg into the creamy mixture until fully incorporated. Stir milk and vanilla extract into the mixture until smooth.

3) Mix flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl; add to the wet mixture in the large bowl and stir until completely incorporated into a dough. Divide and shape dough into 48 balls.

4) Spread 1/4 cup white sugar into a wide, shallow bowl. Roll dough balls in sugar to coat and arrange about 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.

5) Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove cookies from oven and quickly press a dimple into the middle of each cookie using the blunt end of a wooden spoon. Cool cookies on sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

6) Cut each chocolate sphere into two hemispheres. Put one piece atop each cookie with the rounded side facing upwards.

7) Spoon frosting into a pastry bag with a small round tip or a plastic freezer bag with one end snipped off. Dab a small amount of frosting onto the back of each candy eyeball and stick two onto each chocolate candy to resemble eyes. Then pipe frosting in four thin lines, starting at the base of the candy, on each side atop the cookie to resemble spider legs.

8) Let frosting harden at room temperature, about 30 minutes. Store cookies in an airtight container.

Meet the team of Haller Haunted Forest.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

A

fter two successful weekends at the beginning of October, Haller Haunted Forest raised $3,442 for Westman Dream for Kids.

Plans are in the works for next years haunted forest. Any ideas anyone would like to suggest, Irene Fidler would welcome them. Everything is packed up for this year. Irene is looking forward to scaring everyone next October. She prefers to run the haunted forest in early October in order to have warmer weather and avoid the snow.

Jessica Coulter Graphic Designer - Manager Serving all from Hamiota to Brandon & Surrounding Areas

Homes

KEN KIRK

Acreages

204-764-2904

Farms

REALTOR®

Cabins

KenKirk@royallepage.ca

Investements

Making your Realty Dreams A Reality...

Commercial

Rivers Banner Office: 204-328-7494 Cell: 431-351-1628 Email: info@riversbanner.com Website: www.riversbanner.com

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant Mike Waddell Mike Waddell

Sales Consultant Sales Consultant (204) 727-0531

P: (204) 727-0531 (204) 727-0531 1550 RichmondP:Ave 1550 Richmond (204) 726-9160 1550 Richmond AveAve F: F: (204) 726-9160 Brandon, MB R7A 7E3 Brandon, R7A 1-866-980-3757 Brandon, MBMB R7A 7E37E3 TF:TF: 1-866-980-3757 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com mikew@murraychryslerwestman.comC: C: (204) 724-7825 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com (204) 724-7825 www.murraychryslerwestman.com www.murraychryslerwestman.com

October 27, 2023 Rivers Banner 7

Popular Halloween costumes for 2023

Costumes and candy are synonymous with Halloween. Individuals may spend weeks or months trying to come up with the perfect costumes for their trick-or-treating excursions or Halloween parties. Many children also enjoy costume themes, in which they dress up to coordinate with others in their group.

There is always a steady selection of classic costumes that appeal to Halloween revelers, including vampires, cats, witches, and pirates. But one only need look to pop culture to come up with costumes unique to a particular year or era. The following are some costume ideas that figure to be wildly popular in 2023.

• Minions Costume: Even without a new Minions movie this year, Minions are always hilarious — and a favorite character. You can buy a Minions costume, but they’re almost easier to DIY. • Barbie: Due to the release of the mid-summer motion picture Barbie starring Margot Robbie as the titular character and Ryan Gosling as Ken there are bound to be many pink-clad trick-or-treaters traveling through neighborhoods this fall. Barbie always has had an impressive wardrobe, so fans of the film can dress up in any of her signature looks.

• Ariel: Disney has reinvented many of its popular animated classics into live-action retellings, and The Little Mermaid took its turn this year. Life is more fun under the sea, so costumes for Ariel the mermaid and her underwater friends and foes figure to be popular.

• Wednesday Addams: Fans took to the inspiring new Addams Family spinoff that explores life through Wednesday’s eyes. With her signature black frocks and pigtails, it doesn’t take much to look like this macabre teen.

• Crayons: DIY crayon outfits are perfect to wear to school because they’re mostly just real clothes. Kids can pick their favorite color be it red (with a matching shirt/pants/sock combo), green (shirt/pants/socks) or blue (shirt/pants/ socks), then DIY the stripes with electrical tape. The hats can also be crafted from construction paper.

• Super Mario Bros., either the film or the game, makes for a great group Halloween costume, because you can get outfits for so many characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Yoshi, and Bowser, among others. But you can also easily DIY your own plumbing, Piranha Plant-fighting brothers with a red shirt or green shirt, storebought hats and mustache sets, blue suspenders, and white gloves. (A Fire Flower is optional!)

Halloween costumes run the gamut of classics and pop culture references. This year people are bound to see some common threads in neighborhoods across the country.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

The image of a menacing yet somewhat alluring man with canines piercing the neck of an unsuspecting victim has been circulating for more than 100 years and is believed to have evolved from ancient Romanian folklore.

Count Dracula, a mythical, blood-sucking undead creature, is based on a very real individual who has a unique place in Romanian history.

Vlad Dracula, nicknamed Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), was the ruler of Wallachia in the mid-1400s. He hailed from Sighisoara in Transylvania but spent most of his adult life in southern Romania. Dracula translates to Son of Dracul meaning Dragon or Devil Vlad the Impaler was the second legitimate son of Dracul and is one of the most important rulers in Wallachian history as well as a national hero in Romania. Vlad plundered Transylvanian Saxon villages who supported his opponents and took captured people back to his home where he had them impaled.

Despite his brutal military strategy, there is no evidence that Vlad the Impaler had any ties to the supernatural. That connection is due in large part to the 1897 novel Dracula penned by Irish author Bram Stoker, which inspired the vampire trope. Dracula helped pave the way for more Dracula adaptations, including the 1922 film Nosferatu which is the Romanian word for vampire. This, combined with the dense, dark ancient forests of Transylvania, and the fact that Romania Tourism says that Transylvania sits on one of the Earth’s strongest magnetic fields, help add to the mystery.

Depending on the account, Dracula can shift his shape to a vampire bat or even mist. Additional accounts say that he will be burned by sunlight, although in Stoker’s version he is able to move about during the day despite typically being nocturnal. Hollywood films helped solidify the persistent myths about Dracula over the years.

Count Dracula is a famed character that often inspires Halloween costumes.

Rivers Police Chief wishing everyone a safe and Happy Halloween!

Lon Schwartz (Chief of Police) Rivers Police Service

Some notes from the Rivers Police Chief for this Halloween.

1. Young children should be accompanied by an adult.

2. Children should wear clothing that can easily be seen at night. Reflective materials are best!

3. All candy should be inspected by an adult to make sure that no one has tampered with it. If it looks suspicious, call the police.

4. Children should wear masks that do not interfere with vision. Better yet, they can avoid masks by wearing makeup.

5. Children should watch for moving vehicles when crossing streets.

6. Costumes should be short enough that the child will not trip.

7. Trick or treaters should dress appropriately for the weather and carry a flashlight.

Have a Happy Halloween!!!

Submitted Metro Creative

23104ge1

8 Rivers Banner October 27, 2023

After COVID-19 waylaid sports participation and other activities, young athletes have returned to competitive athletics in droves.

The most recent data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association says 37 percent of children between the ages of six and 12 played team sports on a regular basis in 2021. At the highest point in 2008, 45 percent were involved in sports. According to various youth sports participation surveys, including those from the Aspen Institute and TeamSnap, children between the ages of six and 18 spend an average of 16.6 hours each week playing sports.

With so much time devoted to sports participation, everyone involved can take steps to ensure that young athletes are safe and healthy during practice and play. * Encourage rest. Pushing the body to the brink without routine rest is a recipe for injury. Rest provides recovery time for muscles and joints as well as the mind.

Athletes can aim for at least one day off from the sport per week. After the season ends, children can take an extended break before beginning a new sport. * Eat balanced meals. Families can plan balanced meals that will provide the nutrition young athletes need to fuel their bodies. With increased physical activity comes a need to eat more. The International Olympic Committee says nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and iron are essential but often lacking in youths with restrictive diets. A young athlete should eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, and vegetables. * Encourage variety. MedlinePlus reports that many

Submitted Metro Creative

young athletes are engaging in Single-sport specialization early on, focusing only on one sport, even during off seasons. Repetitive use of joints, bones and muscles for these sports can cause various injuries. To prevent that, young athletes should participate in a variety of sports and training exercises. * Wear the right gear.

Athletes always should wear the safety gear required for the sport they’re playing. This may include eye protection, helmets and more. * Discourage young athletes from playing through pain. Pressing on through pain or an injury is a recipe for damage that could keep a player out for the season or even permanently. Young athletes shouldn’t try to be heroes and play through pain. * Alleviate mental pressure on athletes. Many young athletes throw themselves entirely into sports, perhaps at the expense of having more well-rounded childhoods. The National Federation of State High School Associations says only around 2 percent of high school athletes are awarded some form of athletic scholarship to compete in college, and fewer than 2 percent of NCAA student athletes go on to play professionally. Putting all of one’s eggs in the sports basket can contribute to anxiety that stems from pressure to succeed. Keep the emphasis on fun so young athletes don’t feel pressured. * Avoid performance-enhancing substances. Caffeine, anabolic steroids, steroid precursors, creatine, and stimulants are substances athletes use to boost performance. They can cause many health issues and even lead to addiction.

Young athletes can take many steps to stay healthy without affecting how much they enjoy the thrill of competition.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Hamiota’s Hamiota ~ Brandon ~ Birtle ~ Pilot Mound ~ Killarney ~ Deloraine

Serving Rivers and area since 1906.

HAMIOTA: 204-764-2544 BRANDON: 888-726-1995 allianceaccounting.ca

Pros at your fingertips

Business Directory

204-764-2744

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

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746 • Residential & Commercial • HVAC Installations • Licensed Gas Fitting • 24 hr Emergency Service • Repair & Maintenance • Septic Truck Services • Duct Cleaning • Backhoe & Skidsteer Services

•

Residential & Commercial

•

Repair & Maintenance

•

HVAC Installations

•

Septic Truck Services

•

Licensed Gas Fitting

•

Duct Cleaning

•

24 hr Emergency Service

•

Backhoe & Skidsteer Services

Gravel - Sand - Stone - End Dump/ Belly Dump Services - Excavating stewartend2015@gmail.com 204-365-0086 Alex Stewart Box 916, Rivers MB, R0K1X0

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

Hamiota, MB 764-2451 Autopac accredited repair shop Aftermarket parts & accessories Glass replacement & Towing hiwaycollision1984@gmail.com

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

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

Stewart Endeavors

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Dry bulk transportation

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

Phone 204-328-7540 204-566-2490

• Residential & Commercial • Farm Wiring & Trenching

Brandon - Rivers

204-761-2192

This space is available To you sTarTing as low as $13.50 per week call 204-328-7494 or email info@riversbanner. com

October 27, 2023 Rivers Banner 9

CLASSIFIEDS Announcement

Announcement

Happy 96th Birthday Mom!

Rolling River School Division Board of Trustees

Happy 98th Birthday Dad! Come and Go Tea

A quiet birthday celebration had been held for Jessie Mae Bell of Rivers - 96 years young!

Included in her celebration are Jessie’s daughter Heather of Kelowna, son and daughter-in-law James & Susan of Port Moody, BC. Many wishes were extended by family and friends on this occasion.

Harold “Timer” Hyndman’s family invite you to a Come and Go tea in honour of Timer’s 98th Birthday.

Birthday cards can be given to Timer at the tea, or birthday greetings can be mailed: Box 12, Rapid City, MB. R0K1W0, or emailed to hyndmank@gmail.com Where: Rapid City Legion Hall When: Saturday, November 4 from 2-5 PM No gifts, please. Donations to the Rapid City Legion, Branch #49 will be gratefully accepted!

For Sale

Help Wanted

HAY/PASTURE LAND FOR SALE

BY TENDER

Rolling River School Division

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has the following land for sale by tender: Package #1: RM of Prairie View NW 27-16-25 WPM 158.50 acres W ½ of SW 27-16-25 WPM 80.00 acres There are approximately 85 acres of tame forage sown/ established in spring 2023, and 35 acres of previously established tame forage. Remaining land consists of native/natural grass and wetland.

Package #2: RM of Elton E 1/2 34-12-19 WPM 320.00 acres There are approximately 205 acres of tame forage sown/ established in spring 2023. Remaining land consists of native/natural grass and wetland. New double strand, high tensile electric fence to be installed.

Package #3: RM of Oakview W 1/2 18-14-21 WPM 317.52 acres There are approximately 225 acres of tame forage sown/ established in spring of 2023. Remaining land consists of native/natural grass and wetland. New double strand, high tensile electric fence installed in 2023.

Package #4: RM of Ellice-Archie NW 32-14-29 WPM 159.39 acres There are approximately 95 acres of tame forage sown/ established in 2023. Remaining land consists of native/ natural grass and wetland.

All properties being sold subject to the registration of a ‘No Break, No Drain’ Conservation Easement Agreement.

Cultivation of tame forage/hay land will be permitted once every 10 years for rejuvenation purposes. No restrictions with respect to haying or grazing.

Written sealed tenders are to be dropped off or mailed to the address below. Please indicate ‘Land Tender’ on envelope, with the package #(s) you are bidding on.

Interested parties should rely on their own inspection of the property. Properties will be sold as listed above.

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Property information packages - including a copy of the Conservation Agreement - are available. Call 204-7410414 to have one emailed or mailed.

Tenders Close November 27, 2023, at 4:00 PM. Ducks Unlimited Canada Land Tender Unit 2-545 Conservation Drive Brandon, MB R7A 7L8

Meetings

invites interested individuals to present their views on educational and budget priorities for the Board of Trustees to consider in setting the 2024-2025 budget.

How to provide input: • Send a written submission for the Board’s review.

• Make a presentation at a Board meeting.

• Visit the school division website, rrsd.mb.ca (click on the Budget Input link) Forward a written submission or a request to make a presentation at a Board meeting to the attention of: Rolling River School Division c/o Kathlyn McNabb, Secretary-Treasurer Box 1170 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 kmcnabb@rrsd.mb.ca

For Sale

Announcement

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.

HIRING FOR CHRISTMAS OR WINTER? POSTING AN EVENT? SOMETHING FOR SALE? Book your Blanket Classified Ads NOW in the 31 Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers to have your messaging seen all over the province! Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW or call MCNA at (204) 947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna. com BUSINESS SERVICES / FINANCIAL SERVICES Private mortgage lender.

All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

IF YOU’RE LOOKING

in southwestern Manitoba, Canada near Riding Mountain National Park and Brandon. invites applications for a Educational Assistant positions Douglas Elementary - 6.0 hrs/day Tanner’s Crossing - 2.0 hrs/day Erickson Elementary - 5.5 hrs/day Rivers Elementary - 6.0 hrs/day Rivers Elementary - 2.9 hrs/day Elton Collegiate - 2.0 hrs/day

AT THIS

Library Clerk position Rivers Elementary - 3.0 hrs/day For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca select Employment then Support Positions.

Thank you to all applicants for their interest in Rolling River School Division. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Meetings

SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS

Buy and Sell

Auction

Don’t miss the deadline!

12 noon Tuesday RiveRs BanneR 529-2nd Avenue,

YOUR AD SHOULD BE HERE

RiveRs BanneR

529-2nd Avenue, Rivers, MB 204-328-7494 info@riversbanner.com

10 Rivers Banner October 27, 2023

SPORTS

Go Jets Go!

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

W

hat an amazing game. On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Rivers Jets took to the ice at home to play their first season game against the Deloraine Royals at the Riverdale Recreation Centre.

In the first period, Rivers players Jaxon Heeney, Brock Paddock, Billy K lymchuk and Riley Shamray put four in the net.

Deloraine’s Brett Morrison scored one goal on Rivers In the second period, Rivers players Riley Shamray, Troy Heywood, Joben Smith x2, Jaxon Heeney put five in the net.

In the third period, Rivers players Jaxon Heeney and Brock Paddock put two more in the net.

The Rivers Jets opened the 2023 by exploding for 11 goals in an 11-1 win over the Deloraine Royals.

Do you have a print job?

Call or email us, we offer special pricing on large volumes of printing

• Business cards • Envelopes • Invoices, purchase orders and statements • Invitations and postcards • Anything you have in mind!

Call or email us, for your printing needs!

We can handle your designs with our Graphic Designer, Jessica Coulter

RIVERS BANNER

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

Hunters Safety at education center

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

O

n Saturday, Oct. 21 Rivers and Area Game and Fish hosted a Hunters Safety Course. The course was from 9am to 4pm located at the Rivers and Area Game and Fish education centre at the Wildlife Range just outside of Rivers.

The course was $85 per person. All participants needed to be at least 10 years of age or older.

Lunch was served for the group provided by volunteers.

There was a great turn out with 23 people signed up for the course.

Keep your eyes open for more courses being taught at the Wildlife Range in the future.

SPORTS

October 27, 2023 Rivers Banner 11

Set or be set. This is certainly the right way to look at things.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner Elton Sabres SV Boys Volleyball On Tuesday, Oct. 17 the Elton boy’s volleyball team travelled to Gladstone to compete in a mini tournament. The boys lost in three sets to MacGregor and then rebounded for a three-set victory over Neepawa.

On Wednesday, Oct. 18 the Elton boy’s volleyball team travelled to Neepawa for a zone mini tournament. The boys beat Carberry in two straight sets to start the evening. That set up a rematch against MacGregor whom they had lost to the night before.

The boys played their best volleyball of the year to win 25-17 and 25-12.

Elton Sabres SV Girls Volleyball The Elton Sabres SV Girls volleyball team played in the Virden Winter Blast Tournament on Oct. 20 and 21. There were 15 teams competing in this tournament. They placed second in the round robin in pool 4. The Sabres won in the quarter finals against the Reston Tigers. They put up a big fight against the Neelin Spartans in the semi finals in three games.

They won one game and lost two. This pushed them in the third-place game. The Elton Girls won their next two games against the Stonewall Rams taking home third place in the tournament.

Elton Sabres SV Girls Volleyball putting up the big fight.

Elton Sabres JV Girls Volleyball The Elton Sabres JV Girls volleyball team competed at the JV Girls Viking classic at Vincent Massey High School on Oct. 20 and 21. Ten teams competed.

Unfortunately, the Sabres lost all eight games in the round robin. They lost against the Virden Bears in the finals. The tournament was won by the Vincent Massey.

Elton Sabres JV Boys Volleyball The Elton Sabres JV Boys volleyball team hosted an invitational tournament in Elton on Oct. 21. Six teams competed. Unfortunately, the Sabres ranked sixth in the round robin and didn’t get to compete in the finals. The tournament was won by the Neelin Spartans.

Rivers Rams SV Girls Volleyball placed second in the round robin in Virden.

Rivers Rams SV Girls Volleyball The Rivers Rams SV Girls volleyball team played in the Virden Winter Blast Tournament on Oct. 20 and 21. There were 15 teams competing in this tournament. They placed second in the round robin in pool 3. The Rivers Rams defeated the Teulon Saints and the Swan Valley Tigers in the finals. Way to go Rivers SV Girls!

Hamiota Huskies SV Boys Volleyball The Hamiota Huskies placed second in round robin play on Friday Oct. 21 at the Souris Sabres Varsity Boys 2023 Volleyball Tournament. They lost to Alonsa/McCreary Co-op in the championship match placing them second in the full tournament.

Hamiota Huskies JV Girls Volleyball The Hamiota Huskies JV Girls volleyball team hosted a JV Tournament in Hamiota on Oct. 20 and 21. Ten teams competed. The Huskies won four games in the round robin and lost four games placing them in third place in pool 1. Unfortunately, they were defeated in the semi-finals against the Major Pratt Trojans.

Hamiota Huskies SV Boys second in the Souris Sabres Tournament.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

12 Rivers Banner October 27, 2023

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

E

PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER

Senior MSR Samantha Perrin and Assistant Branch Manager Virginia Mathison are all ready for the celebration to begin for the Westoba 60th Anniversary.

Hallway renovation at the Legion

23104tw0

Before and after photos of the stairs at the Rivers Legion #75.

I

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

n the past few months, the Rivers Legion #75 has been working on getting a grant to change the flooring in their entranceway. The grant came through from the Rivers & Area Community Foundation to complete the project.

“Thank-you Rivers & Area Community Foundation,” says Barb Plewes.

Professional Flooring did a great job installing the new carpet on the stairs and ramp. Jarett Plewes Painting came in after and brightened up the walls with two coats of white finish. These companies were hardworking and very efficient and had the legion back up and running quickly.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

veryone was invited to help celebrate Westoba’s 60 years being a part of our communities on Thursday, Oct. 19. To join in, all you needed to do was go to the closest Westoba branch. This was a free event for the anyone who wanted to come on down.

There were a couple contests to enter including a punch cup and prize draw. All were welcome to enjoy popcorn, muffins, cookies, which were all gone before the end, and beverages. There was also a fun facts board of everything going on back in 1963 in Canada including the cost of a new house which was only $12,000. Majority of the cups were punched and most everyone walked away with a little something from the Westoba Credit Union.

“We had a great turn out. Lots of members were able to join us for the great day,” says Assistant Branch Manager Virginia Mathison of the Rivers Westoba branch, “it was a such a great day to celebrate with our members!”

Westoba Credit Union first opened in 1963 on Oct 3. They have 13 locations scattered across the province. Westoba is now one of the largest credit unions in the province. They serve more than 37,000 members.