April 14, 2023

Easter egg hunt winner

We were very happy to have received ballots from so many people who entered the Easter egg draw and want to thank everyone for participating.

The Easter eggs were hidden in the

following ads:

• Heritage Co-op

• Comfort Home Inspections

• Mr. T & Son Services

• Brightside Dental Care

• Gill’s Plumbing and Heating

• Ploughshare Antiques

These ads were randomly picked to have the Easter eggs hidden within.

The Rivers Banner and Heritage Co-op are excited to announce the winner of our newspaper Easter egg hunt, 17 year old Marita Kroeker from Kenton, MB. She has won the basket of treats and a $40 gift card from Heritage Co-op Food store in Rivers. A big congratulations to Marita!

The Rivers Banner is looking forward to hiding Easter eggs again next year.

Tundra

By Chad Carpenter

Homebodies

Rita Friesen

Remembering Stanley…

Journalism needs attention from government and corporations

Toronto Star publisher and owner Jordan Bitove made an impassioned plea recently to Canadian corporations and governments to step up and support journalism. Bitove argued that journalism is essential to democracy and that smaller communities are being starved of essential information.

Bitove, speaking to a packed audience of business and community leaders at a Canadian Club luncheon in Toronto, said big tech companies including Google and Meta have drained crucial advertising revenue from media companies, endangering journalism’s business model and indirectly, democracy itself.

“The advertising revenue that once funded our newsrooms has been moved, ironically, to companies that use our content for their benefit. The result is that we are seeing local news disappear by increments,” said Bitove, who estimated that tech giants control up to 80 per cent of the online advertising market.

Lower revenue means less money for newsrooms to spend on the editors and reporters who keep Canadians well-informed, he said. “The result is we are seeing local news disappear at an alarming rate.”

“Fact-checked, investigated, accountable truths — the stories that inform civil discourse, how we vote, what is happening in schools, hospitals, in the offices of influence, and on our streets — this comes from journalists — real people putting in a ton of effort to keep citizens informed,” said Bitove.

“Without trusted, accountable journalism how are we going to counter the misinformation and

Right in the Centre

Ken Waddell

disinformation that has come to dominate discussion and impact on our safety and public discourse?”

Bitove cited statistics from the News Poverty Map showing that 361 news outlets have closed across Canada since 2008. He also noted the Canadian Media Directors’ Council says that over 3,000 editorial and noneditorial news jobs have been lost since 2020.

That closure scenario has played out in Manitoba in the community newspaper industry. In the past few years, newspapers have shut down in Melita, Reston, Deloraine, Souris, Brandon, Carberry, Altona, Morden-Winkler, Carman, Stonewall, Selkirk and Gimli-Arborg.

Bitove also pointed out that the tech giants are “manipulating” their algorithms so fewer readers see vital news stories. Just about every social media site user has voiced complaints about feeds being manipulated. Everyone knows that if you do a search on a particular product, you will be flooded with ads for that or similar products. The internet is both tracking us and controlling what we see.

News Media Canada (NMC)said it wants to see increased ad spending from the government. NMC CEO Paul Deegan said, “The federal

government needs to put its adver tising dollars where its mouth is. It is unacceptable that they spent just $6 million on print ads out of an advertising budget of $140 million.”

The situation that Deegan is speaking of is especially annoying in that Canadian dollars, be they spent by governments or corporations spent on internet advertising, goes to the U.S, never to be seen again in Canadians’ bank accounts.

Changes are coming in the journalism field. Newspapers are gaining strength, especially locally owned newspapers. Advertisers and readers alike are realizing that reliable and relevant information is more dependable, the closer you are to the sources. In contrast, news and ads on the internet and even on television can be as phoney as a three dollar bill.

It has been said that there are three things you need in real estate; location, location, location. In journalism it’s local, local, local!

It’s nice to see the trend in journalism is trying to head back to local but it won’t last without advertising dollars.

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.

As I was walking today, a name from the past rose, strong and proud. Stanley Kalinowski. There was a memory of him sitting at our kitchen table and, in his heavy Polish accent, proudly declaring ‘I come from old country’. My children, listening from afar, stifled laughter, for that was a prominent line from a fashionable television program. I recall him asking Ed to take the hood ornament off his car and putting it on his truck he needed the orientation on the ornament to his being in the centre of the road. Ed refused. It was often easier to talk about Stanley than to talk to him. His English was rough, not as rough as he would want one to believe, and his manners lacking. Rumours had it that he had unsuccessfully tried the mail order bride route, that he had got his start in Canada by smuggling gold teeth gained through World War Two conflict into Canada by hiding them in his beloved accordion. The very accordion he played at many local talent nights.

So, I did what I do well, researched his history in the Riding Mountain History Book. There is quite a lengthy review of his life, written by Morfydd Smith, and I can see him telling her that she needed to record his history over her asking if she could…And here are some of the facts. Stanley was born in Poland, into a comfortably settled family, his father a judge. With political turmoil came relocation to a farm, then Stanley and his sister sold their share of the farm and purchased a flour mill. In 1938, he was conscripted into the Polish army. In 1939, Poland was crushed between the Russian and German armies and Stanley was sent as a prisoner of war to Siberia. And it was subsistent existence from there on. It was hard work, cutting logs unless the temperature was below -40 F, poor food at a cost and biting, bitter, unending cold. Care packages from his sister, 13 by his count, containing pork, fat, flour, and sometimes a blanket, were the difference between life and death. “The misery, human agony and despair of such conditions was not lessened but the fact, that after working for eight hours they came back to camp and buried those who had died in their absence.”

In 1941, the prisoners were released, travelled until they came under the command of the British, receiving the care and nutrition that they so desperately needed. Recovering health took months and then Stanley served in the Polish Division of the British 8th Army. The service to the British Commonwealth gained him the privilege to come to Canada. He headed to Tony Zagula’s farm, east of Riding Mountain, Tony and Stanley’s father had been farming neighbours in Poland. Through hard work Stanley made a life for himself, raising horses and farming. So proud to be a Canadian.

So what triggered my thoughts of Stanley today? One more negative detail about our political leader. We have seen too many of them in the last years… When people complained Stanley about conditions in Canada, he was quick to encourage them to go see what it was like with true hardship and oppression, “ I pay your ticket. One way. No return.”

Thank you Stanley for putting life into some perspective.

Neil StrohScheiN

lookiNg for loviNg people.

Roman soldiers were tough. They had to be. They were the face of the Roman empire in the countries Rome had conquered and absorbed into its ever expanding empire. And in the Israel of Jesus’ day, Roman soldiers were everywhere.

They patrolled the borders; protecting the empire and its people from invasions by their enemies. They acted as a security force; protecting the emperors and regional governors from possible assassins. And they were a police force, enforcing Roman laws, arresting those suspected of crimes and at times, executing those who were convicted of “capital” crimes (crimes for which the penalty was death).

Most Roman soldiers were thick skinned, heartless and cruel. They knew that they were not loved by those they governed. The “colonists (those who lived in countries Rome conquered)’ wanted the soldiers to pack up their weapons and go home. The soldiers would gladly have obliged. But they had a job to do and until the Emperor told them that they could go home on leave, they had to stay put and do their duties.

That’s what one execution detail was expecting as they reported for duty on a Friday morning 2000 years ago. Three notorious criminals were to be executed that day and these men were going to enjoy every minute they spent putting them to death.

But then they head that there had been a change of plans. Barabbas, the worst of the three, was being released. His place was being taken by a man named Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee. His crime? Well-he hadn’t done anything worthy of death. So why was he there? Because the Jewish religious leaders didn’t like him and used a bit of bribery and a lot of blackmail to get the Roman governor (Pontius Pilate) to let Barabbas go free and crucify Jesus in his place. Knowing this, these Roman soldiers wondered how someone as innocent as Jesus was would face death by crucifixion.

They were in for a huge surprise. Never once did Jesus try to talk them out of putting him to death, threaten them or condemn them for their actions. All he said was: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

These hardened Roman soldiers watched Jesus for six hours that Friday. They knew that, in his public life and ministry, he had shown people how to live. Now he was showing them how to die. The love he showed to the few friends who sat at the foot of his cross, to the crowd that mocked and ridiculed him as he suffered and died and to the religious leaders who had condemned him to death so impacted these soldiers that they said to each other: “Truly this man was the Son of God.”

Health care career expos set for seven PMH communities

Wordsearch

There were some Roman soldiers who genuinely cared for the people they governed. But you would never find then on an execution detail. That job was assigned to the toughest soldiers Rome had. These men loved nothing more than to execute rebels who had tried to lead a rebellion against Rome-and who had failed.

You and I live in a world that is just as confused, conflicted and chaotic as the world of Jesus day. We desperately need the hope, help and healing that Jesus died to give us. He will gladly give us the help that we need. But he is looking for people who will love others as he has loved them. And those for whom he is looking are those who believe in him-ordinary people like you and me.

Words can be found in any direction (including diagonals) and can overlap each other. Use the word bank below.

From last weeks front page

A series of spring health care career sessions are set to take place over the next few weeks to showcase different health care professions and job opportunities available throughout the Prairie Mountain Health region. EXPO 2023, a partnership between Regional Health Authorities and the Manitoba Health Care Providers Network, will provide an opportunity to ‘enter the world of health care’ during the travelling sessions set to run through April and May.

The Expos will be in seven locations from 12:30 until 7 p.m. within the following communities.

• Dauphin – Tuesday, April 18

• Swan River – Thursday, April 20

• Russell – Thursday, April 27

• Virden – Tuesday, May 2

• Killarney – Thursday, May 4

• Brandon – Tuesday, May 9

• Neepawa – Wednesday, May 10

PMH Recruitment Supervisor Larissa Kominko says the information sessions are open to everyone, and several health-care providers will be on hand to answer questions about specific positions and provide additional guidance on potential educational requirements.

“Health care staff shortages are impacting the entire province and country, so PMH continues to try new ways to engage our residents and communities about the many opportunities that exist right now and how people can position themselves to enter the health care field in the future. We are excited to be able to offer these sessions and encourage anyone with questions about where to start, what your education path might entail or how to navigate the application process to attend one of these sessions!” Kominko stated.

Kominko adds, high school or university students can also inquire about summer jobs, or year-round after school employment. Attendees are reminded to bring their resume as staff will be on hand to assist in resume building questions as well.

447 Edward

~ 204-328-7882

PMH five-year plan

Submitted

Blaine Kraushaar,

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has developed a new five-year Strategic Plan. The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan outlines a ‘highlevel vision’ that will help guide the organization going forward. The Strategic ‘roadmap’ identifies the health region’s four priorities aimed at building a healthier population and creating a quality, integrated and sustainable health system.

PMH Board Chair Lon Cullen says the Strategic Plan, which officially took effect on April 1, 2023, is a compilation of many months of consultations, statistical analyses and input both internally and externally.

“We are essentially building upon our extensive community

groups for their input and feedback into this very important health planning document.”

PMH Chief Executive Officer Brian Schoonbaert says the Board is responsible to ensure that an adequate process has been put in place to inform the development of the strategic plan and to provide final approval.

“This is our road map of where we are, where we are going and how we will get there. It defines who we are, lists strategic goals to achieve our priorities and provides a solid foundation for decision-making. Throughout the strategic planning process, we built alignment with Manitoba’s continued provincial Health System Transformation and the implementation of Manitoba’s Clinical and Preventive Services Plan. Routine engagement with our Board, leadership and staff is integral to take action

and evaluate whether we are achieving our goals,” Schoonbaert stated.

The four strategic priorities listed within the new plan are:

• Positive health care experience for Manitobans with a focus on quality health services

• Improved health system capacity, performance and accountability Empowered, adaptable and high-performing workforce

• Strengthen fiscal sustainability and value for money

The Plan identifies several specific goals that are aligned with each strategic priority. Operational strategies will be implemented as resources allow and annual status reports will be produced to describe the health region’s progress regarding each strategic priority.

Summer is coming, summer hours are starting

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

With summer just around the corner, ever municipality adjusts their nuisance grounds hours. Below is a list of the hours in your area to help everyone know when

For Kenton, starting May 1, the hours will be:

• Monday – 9am to noon

• Tuesday – closed

• Wednesday – 1pm to 7pm

• Thursday – closed

• Friday – 1pm to 4pm

• Saturday – 10am to 3pm

• Sunday – closed

For Oak River, starting April 15, the hours will be:

• Monday – closed

• Tuesday – 9am to 12pm

• Wednesday – closed

• Thursday – 3pm to 8pm

• Friday – closed

• Saturday – 10am to 5pm

• Sunday – closed

For Rapid City, starting April 15, the hours will be:

• Monday – 3pm to 6pm

• Tuesday – closed

• Wednesday – 3pm to 6pm

• Thursday – closed

• Friday – closed

• Saturday – 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 5pm

• Sunday – closed

For Riverdale, starting April 15, the hours will be:

• Monday – 9:30am to 12:30pm & 6:30pm to 8pm

• Tuesday – closed

• Wednesday – 9:30am to 12:30pm & 6:30pm to 8pm

• Thursday – closed

• Friday – closed

• Saturday – 9:30am to 12pm & 1pm to 5pm

• Sunday – closed

As always, try to recycle what you can to reduce the amount of waste at the waste sites.

204-728-4777

DR. AFOLABI DR. D’SOUZA DR. COMMON DR. ZUNIGA ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

2940 VICTORIA AVENUE, BRANDON, MB R7B 3Y3

Fruit on the prairies, Cherries

Submitted

Rivers Banner

Prairie Cherries (Dwarf Sour Cherries) are one of my favourite fruits to grow. The shrubs are spectacular in bloom and even more enticing when the fruit is ripening. In order to understand how this fabulous fruit was developed it is necessary to understand a little bit of fruit breeding history. Thousands of years ago, the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) was crossed with the Mongolian cherry (Prunus fruiticosa) which resulted in the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). During the 20th Century, much breeding has occurred to increase the cold hardiness of the sour cherry which results in better survival in colder areas (like ours). For over 60 years there have been many, many people involved in the quest to develop a successful cherry for our region. For those involved with these breeding programs the fabulous dwarf sour cherry is often fondly referred to as the prairie cherry!

The dwarf sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) is truly a dwarf sour cherry and is not grafted but grows on its own rootstock. In 1999, ‘SK Carmine Jewel’ was released after many years of work by people in the Horticulture branch of the University of Saskatchewan as a dwarf sour cherry cultivar. It is a very attractive shrub with glossy leaves and reaches a height of about 2 metres (6.5 feet). Each spring you will be rewarded with a showy bloom. The flowers are white and large and look spectacular against the glossy green foliage. The fruit when ripe has a dark purple skin and flesh and has a small pit in relation to the fruit size. It matures in late July or early August.

From this first cultivar, more have followed. The Romance series of cherries which include: ‘Cupid’, ‘Romeo’, ‘Juliet’, ‘Valentine’, and ‘Crimson Passion’. All of these cherries are slightly different in size of both the plant and the fruit itself. My personal favourite of all the cherries is “Juliet’ as the cherry is very sweet and larger, making it easier to pit. If you can bear to leave the fruit on the tree until that bright red cherry colour deepens to a dark maroon, the cherries will

growth. When conditions are right my cherries will develop a number of common fungal diseases of stone fruits. Brown rot, which affects most of the stone fruits, and occasionally apples when grown in close proximity to stone fruits has been the largest fungal condition I have experienced and unfortunately, this unsightly condition does affect the amount of fruit suitable for harvest.

A secondary concern is to ensure fruit that is picked is appropriately treated to minimize postharvest disease problems. Personally, I like to pick and process in basically the same time frame and usually try to pick when the ambient outside temperature is cool. With any harvesting it is important to reduce the temperature of the produce quickly to maximize the quality of the produce. Also equally important is to minimize the exposure of fruit to twigs, leaves and other debris which could harbor spores or other disease causing factors.

this and a number of other cultivars, a few things have become apparent. They do sucker which makes them less attractive due to increased maintenance. I have found that the Romance series of cherries do sucker more rapidly than the original cultivar ‘SK Carmine Jewel’.

The cherries also have more disease issues than they had originally. This is expected as pests and diseases thrive with many years of successive

Youth in philanthropy

Our harvesting practice is to pick and pit simultaneously to avoid fruit loss. We simply use a home style cherry pitter made by Westmark which is actually very efficient and easy to use. I have used it for many years and it just keeps on pitting. The other alternative is to juice the cherries. For this process we either put the fresh cherries through a fruit press either fresh or frozen. We have found that the best way to do this is to rent a commercial wine press used for making wine rather than a domestic table top juicer. Just for the record, five years ago we had such a bumper crop of cherries that we made a couple of carboys of cherry wine. After five years, it has aged into a lovely flavourful, dry red wine

Submitted

Andrew Hamm

The Youth in Philanthropy is a program made up of students from Rivers Collegiate that care about the community and want to give back and offer support to various local charitable organizations. The program is designed to engage youth in the local community and to be involved in its development.

Every year, the Youth and Philanthropy program has $2400 to distribute to local charities and organizations. The students come together and decide on criteria

for which organizations the group wants to award grants to. After receiving applications from various local charities and groups, the Youth in Philanthropy group will meet and decide on which charities will receive grants and how much each organization will receive.

Youth in Philanthropy is looking for applications from charities and organizations in the Rivers and area to award this year’s grant money to. To apply for the grant, visit the Rivers Collegiate Institute website for more information and application forms. The deadline

for the grant has been extended to Friday, April 21st, 2023. Applications can be picked up at Rivers Collegiate or accessed through the High School website at: https://rci.rrsd.mb.ca/ youth_in_philanthropy.

Applications can be submitted to:

Rivers Collegiate

P.O. Box 619 Rivers, MB R0K 1X0

Email: mklassen@ rrsd.mb.ca

Or:

Rivers and Area Community Foundation

P.O. Box 714 Rivers, MB R0K1X0

Email: info@riversareacommunityfoundation.org

The Rivers Collegiate Institute Youth in Philanthropy group is excited to annouce that we are looking for applications for grants. We are accepting applications until April 21st.

Applications are available:

• at the school

• downloaded from the RCI website - https://rci.rrsd.mb.ca

• contact us at 204-328-5364

SUBMITTED PHOTOS - KENDRA HINSBURG, GRACIE FALCONER, JESSY MILNE-SMITH AND LAURA HORNER

Kendra Hinsburg (Rapid City) was Honourable Mention in the All Breeds Heifer Jackpot with KCH Beauty 214

Rolling River School Division CLEANER POSITIONS

Help Wanted Help Wanted Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province Wide Classifieds

FOODS

Permanent 12-month

Qualifications Required:

• Grade 12 or equivalent

• Ability to take initiative and work unsupervised

• Ability to work effectively with others as a member of a team

• Ability to communicate effectively with people both orally and in writing

• Physically fit and capable of performing physically demanding work

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current WHIMIS training and certification

• Prior work-related cleaning experience

• Valid Class 5 Drivers License

The successful applicant will:

• work effectively under pressure, within defined timeframes and with a variety of people in a team environment

• work well independently, be flexible, adjust to changing work assignments and deal with and maintain confidential information

• complete and maintain WHMIS certification

Training will be provided to the successful applicant.

Salary as C.U.P.E Collective Agreement: Cleaner $18.52 per hour

For further information please contact Mr. Fred Scott, Maintenance Supervisor at 867-2754 Ext. 239 fscott@rrsd.mb.ca

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application will be reviewed on April 26, 2023.

Applicants are requested to submit a covering letter a comprehensive resume, addressing the stated qualifications and naming three work related references to the following:

Sarah Woychyshyn

Administrative Assistant, Human Resources

Rolling River School Division

PO Box 1170

Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0

Phone: 867-2754 Fax: 867-2037

E-Mail: swoychyshyn@rrsd.mb.ca

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

Employment is conditional upon an accectable Criminal Record and Child Abuse Registry Check. Rolling River School Division welcomes applications from people with disabilities, accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.

Production Worker

Why join our team?

HyLife is a global leader in food processing. Our vision is to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we need talented people like you to join our team. HyLife creates limitless opportunities for passionate individuals, and we have an exciting new career opportunity located in Neepawa, MB for you to explore!

The current starting wage is $16.10/hour

PLUS opportunities for pay increases and competitive bonuses.

Our wage bracket extends to $24.05 per hour

We Will Train the Right Candidate

Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

• Fully integrated facility – Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant

• 4000+ employees worldwide

We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment

What we can offer you:

Competitive Wage

• Vacation

• Benefits package – dental coverage, vision care, extended health care, & more!

• Secure, stable, and permanent full-time employment

PM Shift Premium

Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

Employee Referral program - $500!

Multiple Shift Options

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may include:

Slaughtering hogs (eviscerate, hide removal, etc.)

Butcher and package pork primal cuts into value-added specifications for local, national, and international premium markets

• Maintaining our sanitation program

We are looking for people who are:

• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role

• Capable of repetitive manual tasks and standing for long periods of time

Open to working in colder/warmer environments

Experience as an industrial butcher or trimmer is an asset

Ways to apply:

Online at http://hylife.com/current-opportunities/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0.

HyLife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.

We want it to be YOU! Come join our HyLife team.

We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

Help Wanted

Valleyview Ag Services

requires seasonal tender truck driver for the up coming spring season. This position starts late April till early June.

Candidate must have class 1 license with experience. Very competitive wage.

Call or

Announcement

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.

SPRING HIRING??? Need Class 1 Drivers or Construction workers? BOOK YOUR 2023 BLANKET CLASSIFIED ADS NOW in the 32

Auctions

Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers to get your messaging to be seen all over the province! Let people know in the Blanket Classifieds! 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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES / JOBS WANTED

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment TechsJourneyman, Apprentices, CVIP/Truck Techs and RAP Students, Shop and Field positions available. View Open Roles www.rockymtn. com/careers . Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.

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 1-866-4051228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

RTM’s

CLASSIFIEDS

For Sale

Hamiota ~ Brandon ~



Land for sale by tender

SE-17-14-21-W Apply to BOX 32 CARDALE, MB.

Tenders close April 24th 2023

Gravel - Sand - Stone - End Dump/ Belly Dump Services - Excavating stewie13@mts.net 204-365-0086

Announcement Place

Get Noticed

RiveRs BanneR

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

Serving Rivers and area since 1906.

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

Cj’s on Ice first season in the books

shows and have improved every single day. The Rivers Senior Jets team had their inaugural season which we were proud to be part of. Team Manager Aaron Tycoles sourced out some amazing Jets shirts with our Cj’s name on the sleeve which we wore proudly to all Rivers Jets home games to show our support back to the teams. We were honored to be asked to cater the Seniors Curling Supper and a few hockey wind up parties and we look forward to having the opportunity to do more of that in the future. Along with that, we were able to meet many of the CN workers and have had huge support from ‘across the road’ which has helped speed up our plan to offer delivery this spring from Cj’s Snack Shack to make it easier for CN workers on a tight schedule and those in the community that don’t have a way to get to the park, to enjoy our food. Our hours this year were 11am-9pm daily and open to anyone however, we are looking into extending those hours to offer breakfast and coffee to the community as well.

Submitted

Sheri Green

With the snow and ice melting outside, we close the chapter of our first season here in the RCC. It has been a wonderful experience and because of the community support along with the incredible teams that have come through the doors we are all so thankful and excited for next year!!!

Cj’s on Ice opened officially Nov. 15,2022 with owners Lorne & Sue Green passing the Cj’s ‘torch’ to their eldest daughter Sheri-lyn Green (myself), while they packed for their great migration south to La Penita, Mexico. They stuck around for a few weeks to help while I trained new staff and helped returning

staff that came from Cj’s summer location at the Rivers Provincial Park get acquainted with the new kitchen. Our menu and recipes remained the same as our lake location with a few new additions. We had four staff come from the lake which proved to be very helpful as things got off to a quick start with our first ever hockey tournament. The pace of the rink proved to be very different from the lake as most customers only have a short time to get food and get back out to watch their kids play, but the staff rose to the occasion and we got the hang of it. The amount of support, advice and overall appreciation we received from our community that very first weekend was overwhelming and it continued that way throughout the season. We took on bonspiels, hockey tournaments, skating

Stay cool this summer with summer ice

Closing out our first season we have 11 staff which include 9 students from RCI. Hiring students and young adults has been, and will continue to be, very important to the Cj’s legacy as we consider it crucial to help the next generation gain work experience as they prepare for adulthood. We are lucky enough to have many stick around after they graduate and it really has become one big family. Hopefully many of our rink staff will come along with us to our lake location. So keep your eyes out for familiar faces this spring/summer.

We want to thank each and every member of this beautiful tight knit community and all of our customers near and far for all of your support. Whether you or your child was in sports here at RCC or you were just coming for dinner, it has been an amazing experience and we are beyond thankful to have another season to look forward to next year.

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

Riverdale Community Centre is excited to announce that it will be installing hockey ice ready for rental in July of 2023. The ice will continue into the regular 2023-2024 winter season. Bookings for summer ice have already begun.

Summertime and ice skating are on opposite ends of the spectrum, right? You might be asking, is ice skating popular in summer? The answer is yes. Even in the middle of summertime, it has been found that people appreciate skating in summer almost more because it is a great way to cool off on the hot summer days without having to take a swim.

If you are looking to book ice, or for general inquires, please connect with Christine Walker, manager of community services at the Riverdale Community Centre. By phone 204-328-7753 or by email recreation@riverdalemb.ca.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS - LEFT TO RIGHT – PAYTON, MIA, BETHANY, SERENA, DANI, SHERI-LYN, MEADOW, ALEXIS, GABBY, JILLIAN, TAYLOR. MISSING FROM PHOTO - KENSI

SUBMITTED PHOTOS